CLEMSON — As a kid, he dreamed about attending college. As an adult, he helps high school students achieve that same dream.
David Kuskowski, a veteran higher-education administrator who believes in team empowerment, data-driven decisions and innovative student recruitment techniques will become Clemson University’s new undergraduate admissions director.
The new admissions director said he feels lucky to join the Clemson family.
“I have been impressed by the ease and passion with which Clemson team members share their own commitment to meet new challenges,” said Kuskowski. “It has also been amazing to see how much pride that seems to permeate all levels. Everyone is so proud of the university, of the people that make it and that are its lifeblood. That sense of a university family— and commitment to excellence — is a rare and unique commodity.”
“David’s experience and skills are exactly what we were looking for as the Enrollment Management division moves forward on the undergraduate recruitment objectives of the ClemsonForward and strategic enrollment plans,” said Chuck Knepfle, Clemson’s associate vice president for enrollment management. “I know David is the right person to bring undergraduate recruitment and admissions to the next level at Clemson.”
Succeeding the university’s longtime admissions director, Robert Barkley, who retired in June, Kuskowski comes to Clemson from Penn State where he spent much of his career working his way up through the ranks. He joined Penn State in 1993 as an admissions and academic counselor and held various positions leading up to his role as director of recruitment for undergraduate admissions.
Using a $2 million recruitment budget, Kuskowski guided Penn State’s undergraduate recruitment efforts in Pennsylvania, the surrounding region and nationally. He helped create and manage a scholarship and awarding process exceeding $25 million across 20 campuses. These scholarships targeted campus enrollment growth, increased student diversity among the student population and engaged students who exhibited high academic quality.
Representing Penn State’s undergraduate admissions team, he led the design and implementation of an enterprise customer relationship management tool for recruitment and admissions across Penn State’s 20 campuses, 14 colleges and other administrative units. The tool allowed more integrated and effective communications and business process workflows.
At Clemson, Kuskowski will oversee a $4.5 million budget and lead a staff of 30 full-time professionals as they create and implement a university marketing and recruitment plan targeting top high school graduates. The director will provide leadership and coordination of the university’s admissions activities with the Clemson campus community, high schools, alumni, community colleges, family members, prospective students and community groups; serve in a leadership role in coordinating admissions activities throughout the university; and participate in efforts related to marketing, scholarships, financial aid, academic advising, athletics, registration, billing and collections.
Kuskowski was born in Pasadena, California, but spent his youth in Columbus, Ohio. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education and comprehensive social sciences at Ohio Dominican College and a Master of Science in education and counseling at Youngstown State University.
Outside the workplace, Kuskowski is no stranger to the outdoors. He loves to hike, particularly on long, difficult trails. Additionally, he swims, bikes and runs, and sometimes does all three together.
Kuskowski begins his new role July 24.