Dennis “Denny” Nicholson, an admissions and enrollment management professional with more than 25 years experience in higher education, has been named Director of Undergraduate Recruiting for Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences (A&S). In this role, he is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and activities that elevate recruitment and enrollment goals for prospective and admitted students pursuing a liberal arts degree at Syracuse.

Nicholson reports directly to Karin Ruhlandt, dean of The College of Arts and Sciences, and oversees an associate for college relations, while working closely with The College’s communications and advising staff.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Dennis to our dynamic A&S team,” Dean Ruhlandt says. “We look forward to him collaborating with our dedicated faculty, staff, alumni and students to recruit and enroll the most outstanding and diverse talent to the intellectual heart and soul of Syracuse University - The College of Arts & Sciences.”

Nicholson comes to Syracuse University from Onondaga Community College where he oversaw the college’s student onboarding and admission processing teams as the associate vice president of enrollment management. Prior to that, Nicholson spent more than a decade managing a full team responsible for all aspects of recruitment and enrollment of undergraduate students as dean of admissions at Le Moyne College.

It was during his time at Le Moyne that he was honored with the 2012 New York State Association for College Admissions Counseling (NYSACAC) Distinguished Service Award.

“I am grateful to Dean Ruhlandt for entrusting me with an opportunity to lead the recruitment team along with the platform to speak inspirationally and compellingly about the distinctive characteristics of a liberal arts education at Syracuse University,” Nicholson says.

In addition to his centered approach as a collaborative leader, Nicholson has reinforced his commitment to attracting students from diverse backgrounds, as well as professional aspirations, by engaging these future scholars with our rich tapestry of campus thought leaders.

“Our recruitment team’s work will consist of strategic and deeply personal connections with prospective students and their families throughout the recruitment and discernment processes to ensure the highest degree of student service,” explains Nicholson, an Oswego, NY native. “I’m excited to share my passion for the liberal arts with tomorrow’s leaders.”

Nicholson has also held prominent admissions roles for both the State University of New York at Geneseo and Nazareth College.

He resides in East Syracuse with his family.