James Orr joins Ohio State as vice provost for strategic enrollment

The Ohio State University has appointed James Orr to serve as vice provost for strategic enrollment management, effective Aug. 1. Orr joins the university from the University of Memphis, where he serves as vice provost for academic affairs and strategic enrollment.

At Ohio State, Orr will provide leadership that strengthens the university’s position to attract and support students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. He will work closely with stakeholders on all campuses to ensure success in student recruitment, enrollment and transition.

“James will provide support for our collective work toward the successful retention and graduation of our entering students,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Melissa L. Gilliam.

Orr will report directly to Gilliam while working closely with Charlene Gilbert, senior vice provost for student academic excellence, and with the Office of Undergraduate Education, the graduate school, and university colleges and campuses.

Orr is a leading academic, enrollment and student success strategist with expertise in bringing innovative technologies, data analytics and institutional collaborations to the entire enrollment cycle. At the University of Memphis, he leads staff in strategic enrollment management, undergraduate curriculum, institutional research, and institutional effectiveness and accreditation.

Under his leadership, UofM has seen improvement in multiple metrics associated with student success. These efforts resulted in one of the largest, most diverse and most talented first-year classes in the university’s history.

Previously, Orr served as assistant vice provost for strategic initiatives and project management for strategic enrollment management at Virginia Commonwealth University and as assistant provost for academic strategy and policy at Virginia Tech. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Tennessee at Martin and a master’s degree and PhD in public policy and administration from Mississippi State.

Orr will lead the university’s new Office of Strategic Enrollment Management, which will include the university registrar, analysis and reporting, undergraduate admissions, graduate and professional admissions, admissions systems and Buckeye Link. These teams guide and support students throughout their entire academic journey, from recruitment through graduation and beyond.

“This team will serve undergraduate and graduate students and support enrollment in online programs and on all Ohio State campuses,” Gilliam said. “I am inspired by the talent and compassion of these colleagues, and I look forward to their continued impact under James’ leadership.”