Colby McCarthy Takes Charge at Hood College as New Vice President for Enrollment Management

Hood College Welcomes Colby McCarthy as Vice President for Enrollment Management

Hood College is excited to announce the appointment of Colby McCarthy as its new Vice President for Enrollment Management, effective July 7, 2025. With an impressive 20-year career in higher education, McCarthy brings a wealth of experience in admissions, financial aid, and student advising to the role.

Having previously served as the Dean of Enrollment Management at Drew University, McCarthy demonstrated exceptional results that included a 50% increase in applications over just four admission cycles. This significant growth marked the enrollment of two of the largest first-year classes since 2014 and the largest transfer cohort in Drew's history. Her leadership not only speaks to her skills but her commitment to student success.

Before her time at Drew University, she held pivotal roles at Moravian College and DeSales University, where her efforts focused on financial aid strategies as well as academic advising. Her diverse background enables her to understand and address enrollment challenges comprehensively.

McCarthy holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Moravian University and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Management from DeSales University. This robust educational foundation, coupled with her experience, positions her to make a significant impact at Hood College.

In a statement regarding her new role, McCarthy expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "I am extremely excited to join the leadership team at Hood College. The institution's focus on providing a student-centered academic program that integrates liberal arts with professional studies, along with offering exceptional extracurricular experiences, uniquely positions the College to tackle today’s enrollment challenges."

Dr. Debbie Ricker, President of Hood College, also commented on the appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Colby to our team. Her significant expertise in enrollment management and a real passion for student service will greatly contribute to advancing our initiatives and expanding our reach.”

Choosing the right leader for enrollment management is vital for any educational institution, especially in today’s competitive landscape for higher education. McCarthy's strategic mindset makes her an ideal fit for Hood College as they continue to enhance their student recruitment efforts.

Hood College, located in historic Frederick, Maryland, is known for its commitment to liberal arts education. The college offers 30 bachelor’s degrees, four pre-professional programs, 20 master’s degree programs, and three doctorates, with a dedicated focus on holistic student development. Due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and the I-270 technology corridor, Hood also provides a plethora of internships and research opportunities for its students.

With McCarthy now at the helm of enrollment management, Hood College looks forward to leveraging her expertise to foster a vibrant student community and cultivate a dynamic, diverse student body in the coming years.