Thomas E. Bear, formerly vice president for enrollment services at the University of Evansville, has been appointed executive director of student financial strategies at the University of Notre Dame, effective July 30.
In his new role, Bear will oversee financial aid and student accounts in the Office of Student Financial Services.
“We are pleased to have found a talented leader to advance the research and development of strategies and practices aligning Notre Dame’s considerable financial aid and merit scholarship resources to improve our ability to attract the most robust profile of gifted students,” said Don Bishop, associate vice president for undergraduate enrollment. “Tom’s 25 years of senior leadership in higher education have prepared him well for the challenges and opportunities that he will address for the University.”
Bear has 25 years of experience in financial aid, admissions and enrollment management. In his 11 years at the University of Evansville, enrollment increased by 15 percent with greater diversity, higher retention, a stronger academic profile and more support in financial aid.
Bear earned his doctorate in higher education administration from Indiana University. He serves on the American College Testing Educational Advisory Board and has 17 published papers or professional presentations on topics including financial aid, recruitment, marketing, retention, institutional research and other enrollment areas of interest.
Originally published by at news.nd.edu on July 27, 2012.