Meet Chad Spencer
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Chad Spencer joined Centre College this summer as vice president for enrollment management. He has served 25 years in admission and financial aid, including 17 years at Davidson College.
Spencer hit the ground running. He has already made himself an integral part of the Centre community and is hard at work creating a program that ensures enrollment grows in alignment with Centre’s strategic plan and broader institutional goals. The following Q&A highlights Spencer’s commitment to Centre’s mission and his belief in the importance of a liberal arts and sciences education.
What is your favorite part about working in higher education?
“The sense of purpose that comes with working in higher education, and at a premier liberal arts and sciences college like Centre, brings me great satisfaction, fulfillment and joy. Knowing that I have a part to play in providing young people the opportunity to join a community of students, faculty and staff who are dedicated to helping them work toward realizing their tremendous potential is a privilege I embrace. I believe in the power of the liberal arts and look forward to coming to work every day.”
What drew you to Centre?
“As cliché as it sounds, I was drawn to Centre by its people. From my earliest interactions, I was struck by the enthusiasm of those I spent time with and their commitment to the mission of the College. As a person who needed substantial financial aid assistance to attend college, Centre’s commitment to providing access to a world-class education really resonates for me. I want to be at a place that is serious about lowering barriers to entry and promotes the ideal of college access.”
What does Centre's motto, "Learning Is the Light of the Mind," mean to you?
“As I consider the College motto I can’t help but think of the Thomas Jefferson quote, ‘To penetrate and dissipate these clouds of darkness, the general mind must be strengthened by education.’ Learning in the liberal arts setting unlocks the mind to endless opportunity by exposing us to a great variety of ideas and disciplines, challenging us to examine our values and beliefs in critical ways. Knowledge is power, and a Centre education prepares its students to do powerful things with the knowledge they gain while here.”
What is the one aspect of Centre that you wish applicants knew more about?
“I wish applicants could understand how deeply this community cares about student success and well-being. In my short time here, it has been abundantly clear that this is a student-focused community that places the success of its students as its highest priority.”
What do you hope to highlight about Centre or its admission process?
“The admission process at Centre is personal. We conduct a highly personalized, holistic review for each applicant that considers students for much more than their academic record; it recognizes them for their community engagement, personal accomplishments, and dedication toward their individual co-curricular pursuits. Our admission team is working to intentionally build a community where every individual member complements the whole by bringing with them their very own strengths and talents.”