Park University Appoints Dr. Paul Orscheln as Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services

March 3, 2025 — Paul Orscheln, Ed.D., has been appointed to the role of vice president of enrollment and student services at Park University, effective today.

As VPESS, Orscheln will provide strategic and operational leadership to a department that includes enrollment and student services, international student admissions and services, student financial services, marketing, campus center operations and athletics. His main responsibilities will be directing recruitment efforts according to the University’s strategic direction and mission; working closely with colleagues on overarching University policies and procedures, including institutional financial strategy and the student educational cycle from enrollment through graduation; and addressing issues of access, affordability, college readiness and the K-16 pipeline, and student success.

Orscheln was selected as VPESS for his proven track record in enrollment strategy, student success and institutional growth. He brings 26 years of experience in student success and enrollment, with the last 13 years at the executive level. Prior to joining Park, Orscheln served as vice president of enrollment services and student affairs at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo., since October 2019. He also held senior leadership roles at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph as associate vice president of enrollment management and student retention (2016-19); Colorado State University – Pueblo as vice president of student services and enrollment management (2013-16); and Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights as associate vice president of enrollment management (2012-13). He has also held various roles in higher education enrollment services and admissions at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.

Orscheln earned a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri – Columbia, as well as a Master of Science degree in exercise and sport science, and a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education/exercise science, both from Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri).

While at CMSU, Orscheln was a two-time NCAA Division II men’s track and field All-American in the 3000-meter steeplechase (1994-95), an event in which he still ranks ninth in school history. Orscheln was also a member of the 1993 CMSU men’s cross country team which was inducted into CMSU’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.That team tied for fifth in the D-2 national championship meet.