Paul Marthers
Paul Marthers is Emory’s Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, leading one of the country's most accomplished enrollment management teams. His portfolio encompasses oversight of the Emory College Office of Admission, Oxford College Office of Enrollment Services, University Financial Aid, University Registrar, Student Accounts and Billing, Enrollment Projects and Systems, and Enrollment Communications and Training. Under his leadership, Emory has advanced key enrollment initiatives, including implementing the no-loan program for undergraduates, the introduction of innovative degree planning, advising, course registration tools, and numerous efforts to enhance access and equity for underrepresented student populations.
Marthers is deeply engaged in student success and academic transition. He regularly leads a section of ECS 101, the transition-to-college course designed to support first-year students at Emory College. From 2017 to 2022, he co-led the Emory Undergraduate Project in collaboration with faculty—a comprehensive five-year change-management initiative aimed at enhancing retention, graduation rates, and overall student satisfaction.
"I cherish our willingness to improve, to investigate and discover what we can do better. One of the great things about Emory is the recognition that what is already very strong can be made stronger still. As One Emory, we are committed to moving together from excellence to eminence."
His leadership extended beyond enrollment management when he served as interim vice president of campus life in 2018 and 2019, guiding the division through a pivotal transition. During this period, he was critical in restructuring leadership and fostering greater alignment between student affairs and academic initiatives, reinforcing Emory’s commitment to holistic student development.
Marthers’ distinguished career in higher education spans multiple prestigious institutions. Before joining Emory, he held leadership roles at the State University of New York system, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Reed College, Oberlin College, Phillips Academy, Boston College, Duke University, and Vassar College. His expertise in enrollment strategy, student affairs, and institutional effectiveness continues to shape Emory’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Select Career Milestones
- Leading a division spanning two campuses that is setting records for student quality, diversity, and selectivity.
- His nearly 30 articles and book chapters have appeared in publications such as American Educational History Journal, College and University, History of Education Quarterly, The Journal of College Admission, The Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, Inside Higher Ed, University Business, College Unranked, and Leadership Lessons: Vision and Values for a New Generation.
- Named to the list of “10 Admission Deans Who Are Shaping Their Field" (Chronicle of Higher Education, 2007).
Publications
Managing the Whole Student Life Cycle:
To Increase Student Success and Institutional Effectiveness
Paul Marthers
Managing the Whole Student Life Cycle
Eighth Sister No More:
The Origins and Evolution of Connecticut College
Paul Marthers
Follow Your Interests to Find the Right College
Co-author with Janet Marthers
Follow Your Interests to Find the Right College
Education
BA (English), Oberlin College MEd (Counseling), Boston University MA (Liberal Arts/Economics), Reed College EdD (Higher Education Management), University of Pennsylvania