Carey Thompson

For over 40 years, J. Carey Thompson has been a transformative leader in enrollment strategy, driving growth at four nationally recognized liberal arts colleges: Gettysburg College, Rhodes College, Centre College, and Furman University. His strategic vision has consistently delivered results, including 48–90% application growth, up to 300% increases in international enrollment, and sustained net tuition revenue gains even in challenging markets.

As a Vice President at Gettysburg, Rhodes, and Centre, and Director of Admission at Furman, Carey spearheaded critical initiatives ranging from digital transformations and predictive analytics to athletic recruitment and financial aid restructuring. Notably, he has typically served dual roles with executive leadership for Athletics and Recreation, Communications, Data Services, Institutional Research, and Career Services.

Carey’s influence spans the national landscape. He served on the Common Application Board of Directors (2009–2014), leading the organization through his presidential cycle, and currently serves as a Senior Advisor to the Council of Independent Colleges. A recipient of the Larry West Award—the Southern Association of College Admission Counseling’s highest honor—Carey holds a Master of Education from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Arts from Furman University.