Case-Study of a Tenure-Track Faculty’s Recruitment Efforts on Kinesiology Enrollment

Kinesiology is one of the fastest growing academic fields in higher education. Nevertheless, not all institutions enjoy increased enrollment without active recruiting strategies. Faculty may be a resource for engaging in active recruiting of potential majors. The purpose of this article is to discuss the concept of recruiting as a contractual responsibility for a single tenure-track faculty member, and its impact on kinesiology enrollment growth at a single campus. Using a chronological narrative framework to tell the participant’s story, this article, (a) examines the evolution of a tenure-track faculty member’s strategy for recruitment in relationship to teaching and scholarship before and during COVID-19 at one university’s newly-opened satellite campus; (b) examines the enrollment during the observed timeframe; and (c) provides strategies and suggestions for faculty with recruitment responsibilities. In total, the faculty member engaged in 33 recruiting efforts during the academic year to grow the kinesiology program at the new campus. This article outlines their approach to recruitment over the period with commentary on effectiveness, efficiency, and the lessons learned in the process. This article concludes with four recommendations to consider regarding an approach to thoughtful active recruiting as well as four recommendations for administrations for growing kinesiology enrollment. Keywords: recruitment, enrollment, socialization, transfer students, satellite campus