Office of Public Relations:                                           For more information, contact: Stephen E. Snyder

(229) 931-2028                                                                         (229) 931-2037 ssnyder@canes.gsw.edu

(229) 931-2072 fax

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Mar. 2, 2009

Hayes appointed new GSW VP Enrollment Management                

               AMERICUS—Gaye S. Hayes, Ph.D., Georgia Southwestern State University Dean of Students, has been named the new vice president of Enrollment Management. President Kendall A. Blanchard made the announcement today. Hayes’ appointment goes into effect March 9, 2009.

            “Dr. Gaye Hayes is one of the most talented, creative, and energetic recruiters and deans of students I have ever had the privilege of working with,” said Blanchard. “Because enrollment growth is a priority at Georgia Southwestern these days, her position has become one of the most important positions on campus. It is for this reason that we are promoting her to the newly created position.  It is not only a way of recognizing and rewarding her for her good work, it is also a way to elevate recruitment and enrollment management in a way that makes it clear that Georgia Southwestern is serious about growing.”

            As dean of students, Hayes supervised all aspects of the university Admissions process. In her new role, Hayes will manage Admissions as well as the Registrar’s office.

            "It is very rewarding to give back to an institution that gave so much to me as a wide-eyed freshman,” said Hayes. “When I arrived on campus over 20 years ago, I found the faculty and staff at Southwestern to be welcoming and caring. Southwestern prepared me for competition in graduate programs at much larger universities. I now help families from all over the world discover those same attributes today as they begin their college selection process by exploring Southwestern."

            Hayes’ career at Georgia Southwestern began nearly 18 years ago in the Division of Student Affairs. After serving in a variety of positions in that division, Hayes was appointed to the lead role in Admissions in 2003. Since that time, Southwestern’s total enrollment has increased by more than 17%, with new undergraduate enrollment growing by 25%. In Fall 2008, the University claimed a new record enrollment with 2,717 students.

            Hayes earned a Bachelor of Science in political science from GSW, a master’s degree in college student personnel from the University of Georgia and a newly earned Ph.D. from Georgia State University in educational policy studies. Sharing her expertise, Hayes has presented professionally throughout the southeast.

            A native of Rochelle, Hayes met her husband, John, while they were students at GSW. They reside in Americus and have three children, Jackson, Sydney and Emma Kate. 

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