Peter Van Buskirk

A 25-year veteran of college admission, Peter Van Buskirk is a student of the enrollment process who brings a global perspective to program management and strategic planning.

During his tenure at F&M, Peter developed a reputation for innovation and prudent management. His outreach initiatives increased the enrollment of domestic multicultural and international students from 5% to nearly 20%. He instituted a model for systematic yield analysis and strategic deployment of financial aid that maximized revenue potential and reduced the discount rate while increasing quality and selectivity. He successfully instituted a new test-optional program for the College, took the lead in brand development, and played an integral role in the use of evolving technologies.

In 1998-99, Peter served as interim director of athletics—a role that involved analysis of programming, budget and personnel for a department that had become dysfunctional. He was subsequently named associate vice president for enrollment management where he also had responsibility for developing retention strategies. As executive officer in the Office of the Provost, he developed and implemented systems for managing budget, personnel, and strategic planning related to both academic and student affairs.

Peter left Franklin & Marshall to become Executive Director for High School Outreach at Peterson’s Guides. He was immediately promoted to vice president of the high school market group and then vice president for college planning solutions with Peterson’s.

Peter currently consults with institutions on enrollment management, marketing, multicultural outreach and personnel assessment. He created professional development programming for GEAR UP and has done contract work for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Peter is an active member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling and runs his own year-end, think-tank conference for senior admission officers and college advisors. He is a graduate of Bucknell University and the Management Development Program at Harvard University.