After 19 years of serving Otterbein and increasing its enrollment numbers, April marks the last month of tenure for Vice President for Enrollment Thomas Stein.

     Stein sat down with the T&C; to share some of his experiences and memories at Otterbein.

What do you feel have been your biggest accomplishments at Otterbein?

When I started at Otterbein, the enrollment was 1,500 students. And now it's over 3,000, so I think without a doubt that's the biggest accomplishment, being a part of that enrollment growth and leading that enrollment growth.

Have you dealt with any struggles in your time here?

Well, there's the usual struggles of trying to convince enough students that this is where they can afford to be because of being a private school, a higher price — it really presents its own challenges. But it's really rewarding in seeing folks like yourself who want to be here and helping them find a way to finance their education. I think that's really been the biggest challenge, but also something that's been very rewarding.

     One thing that I really wanted to make sure I said to you was that I really have a very soft spot in my heart for this institution. I've had actually … 15 family members attend here while I've been here, so I think that speaks to what I feel for the institution.

So, you're not retiring?

Not retiring. I'm moving to Tennessee to work as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Tusculum College.

When are you leaving?

I will be leaving the middle of next month … to assume my responsibilities.

What made you decide to leave in the middle of April as opposed to finishing out the school year?

I really feel an obligation to help my next employer finish out this school year and try to enhance what may come in their enrollment numbers for … this year. And it just was a good time for me to start down there. I want to get down there as soon as possible.

How have faculty, students and staff responded to your decision?

People have been very open in supporting of me. A number of folks have talked about (how) they hate to see me leave, their desire to have me stay. But this is a good opportunity for myself to assume additional responsibilities, really start helping another institution. I really feel I've done … quite a significant amount of work here that I would like to broaden my experiences, take on new responsibilities. The faculty and staff have been supportive and yet kind of sad to see me leave, I would say.

Has your replacement been found yet?

No, there's an interim team of a group of folks that report to me that are acting as an enrollment team. It's five people headed up by Cass Johnson, two associate directors of admission, the director of financial aid and the director of institutional research.

What will you remember the most about Otterbein?

What I will remember the most about Otterbein easily will be the interaction with students and faculty. I've built some very close relationships, former graduates that I'm still in contact with, alumni, faculty that I call personal friends and just the camaraderie here is unique.

What advice would you give to someone who takes over your position?

Be ready to hit the ground running and make the most of it. I really think Otterbein has a lot to offer, yet it still does have its own challenges as well.

Will you be checking in from time to time?

Oh, sure. I'll stay connected with Otterbein. I know that the trustees want to have a reception for (former Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs) G.P. and me … But yeah, I'll be checking in. I find that I have enough friends and contacts here that I want to really check back in, keep track of how the institution's doing.

Do you have any regrets?

Oh, no. It's been a very positive experience for me. I truly enjoyed my time, the people here, the challenges … It's really been a nice experience. t&c;