Stephen F. Austin State University named Dr. Kent L. Willis the inaugural senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement. A 2008 graduate of SFA, Willis brings a wealth of experience in student affairs and enrollment management, most recently serving as vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at California State University, Fresno.
“Dr. Willis’s innovative approach to enrollment management and his dedication to student engagement make him an exceptional addition to our leadership team,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “We are confident his vision and experience will significantly enhance our efforts to recruit, retain and support SFA students.”
A fellow with the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for Studies in Higher Education, Willis remains a part of the national conversation regarding improvement and effectiveness in higher education. He earned a doctoral degree in higher education from Hampton University, a Master of Education from East Central University, and a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from SFA.
He is set to begin his role at SFA on Jan. 13, where he will oversee the university’s enrollment strategies and student engagement initiatives.
“Returning to SFA represents a chance to give back to my alma mater and the East Texas region. As the anchor institution of our community, SFA has always been integral to the region’s economic, cultural and civic vitality,” Willis said. “It is an honor to be selected as the inaugural senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement. Joining President Weaver, the leadership team, faculty, staff, students and alumni to build upon SFA’s legacy of impact presents a truly transformative opportunity for our university’s future.”
The newly created senior vice president role oversees both enrollment management and student affairs. This combined role allows for the cultivation of an integrated and comprehensive student experience from first contact to graduation.
Willis said he felt particularly well-positioned to serve in this role because his experience mirrors that of many current and future students.
“I understand firsthand the transformative power of an SFA education,” he said. “Promoting the SFA experience as a brand promise means honoring the traditions that make our university unique while implementing innovative approaches to student success in partnership with institutions across The University of Texas System. This dual focus will help us enhance crucial outcomes in career preparation, community engagement and overall student well-being.”
During his tenure at Fresno State, Willis was instrumental in advancing student success outcomes and enhancing college readiness through various approaches. He spearheaded innovative initiatives, such as the AI-driven student success pilot in partnership with Grammarly and the development of the Fresno State Tuition Advantage program to assist students facing financial challenges. Under his leadership, the university achieved a 2% increase in graduation rates and welcomed the second largest first-year class in its history.
Willis also launched “Bulldog Bound,” a guaranteed admission program and college readiness initiative that, in its inaugural year, partnered with over 50 school districts and contributed to a 7% increase in student recruitment. This program successfully facilitated the enrollment of 1,800 students through its streamlined admission process.
Before his role at Fresno State, Willis held various leadership positions at The University of Texas at Tyler and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. Having also served as a public school teacher and athletic coach, his career reflects a consistent commitment to building high-performing teams and driving student success.
Willis holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership and has been recognized nationally for his contributions to student affairs. He was part of the team that earned the 2024 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs award from the American College Personnel Association.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the incredible work taking place at SFA and the UT System,” Willis stated. “I believe in the transformative power of education to enhance lives, and SFA provides one of the best value propositions in higher education through its blend of academic excellence, student support and community involvement. Ashley and I are excited about bringing our family back to East Texas and the Lumberjack Nation.”
ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY
Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, nine residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering more than 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.
By University Marketing Communications
