Speaking Their Language: Insights From International Graduate Student Applicants

Omar Correa
Senior Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing & Strategic Initiatives, Maryville University

With over 28+ years of leadership in enrollment management across public and private institutions, Omar Correa currently works as the Senior Vice President for Enrollment, Management, Marketing & Strategic Initiatives at Maryville University of St. Louis. Omar previously served as Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management at the University of St. Thomas, where he helped recruit the largest incoming class in the institution's history, with record-breaking growth in international student enrollment. His work prioritizes innovation, data-informed decision-making, and a spirit of collaboration across academic and student life partners to strengthen access, retention, and student success. Outside of his professional role, Correa is a proud husband, father, mentor, and community leader. He is currently completing his doctorate in Educational Leadership. In his downtime, he enjoys restoring muscle cars and curating playlists that blend Latin rhythms with jazz.

Jim C. Harper, II, Ph.D.
Interim Associate Provost and Dean, School of Graduate Studies North Carolina Central University

Jim C. Harper, II, Ph.D., is an accomplished academic leader and historian based in Durham, NC. He has dedicated over two decades to elevating academic excellence, student success, and institutional impact while serving as a dedicated mentor to young men. In his role as Interim Associate Provost & Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at North Carolina Central University he leads with strategic foresight—designing and refining graduate programming that prioritizes student wellness, retention, and professional readiness.

Angela Montgomery, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice President, Graduate Admissions, Drexel University 

Angela has spent her more-than-25-year career working in all levels of education in many different types of public and private institutions. A first-generation college graduate and a passionate student advocate, Angela has served in a wide variety of administrative and academic roles, including professor, program director, enrollment management, academic advising, student services, alumni engagement, and professional development. She holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Millikin University, a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from American University, and a Ph.D. from Penn State University in Educational Leadership, with concentrations in decision making, ethics, and school law. For the last eight years, Angela has served as the Assistant Vice President for Graduate Admissions at Drexel University.

Art Munin, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Vice President, Enrollment  Management Solutions, Liaison

Art has served higher education for more than 25 years in a range of leadership roles. He is currently Senior AVP for Enrollment Management Solutions at Liaison, where he partners with institutions across the full enrollment lifecycle. Previously, he served on the faculty of the USC Race and Equity Center, as Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, as Dean of Students at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and has held leadership positions at Illinois State University, DePaul University, the School of the Art Institute, and Loyola University Chicago. Art has been an active diversity educator and scholar throughout his career. He spent five years as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, led an 18-year DEI consulting practice, and has published books and articles while presenting widely at national conferences. His book Color by Number: Understanding Racism through Facts and Stats on Children highlights his commitment to data-informed equity work. He earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education and an M.Ed. in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago, an M.A. in Multicultural Communication from DePaul University, and a B.A. in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University.