James Volkmer has been named interim assistant vice chancellor for academic services and enrollment management. The appointment was announced Nov. 18 by Richard Moberly, interim executive vice chancellor, and is effective Jan. 2.

This role is critical to the university’s admissions and retention strategy. In the coming weeks, a committee will be created to lead a national search to fill the position.

As interim, Volkmer will oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the university’s comprehensive and strategic enrollment management plan with a continued focus on growth, diversification and academic profile. He will also continue to serve as assistant vice chancellor of budget, planning and analytics in the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and provide strategic leadership in the area of institutional effectiveness and analytics.

“James’s direct experience in the unit, broad experience on campus, and industry experience will ensure continued momentum in these important efforts. He’s helped develop these strategies and deeply understands the in-depth business models that are impacted by enrollment. He is passionate about students and Nebraska, and I am grateful for his leadership,” Moberly said.

Previously director of enrollment strategy and analytics for the division of academic services and enrollment management, Volkmer also served as interim director of scholarships and financial aid. Prior to joining the university in 2012, he spent 15 years in corporate finance for Payless Shoesource, Home Depot and Nike.

“I am pleased to contribute to the university by serving as the lead for ASEM. I’m looking forward to guiding, helping and promoting the great work of its dedicated staff, as well as for the campus and its partners. There’s great momentum to leverage and capitalize on,” said Volkmer.

Amber Williams

The move is prompted by the departure of Amber Williams, who has been selected to serve as vice provost for student success at the University of Tennessee.

Under Williams’s leadership, this year’s incoming class was the most racially diverse and academically talented in the university’s history. She began many initiatives that will continue on to make an impact at Nebraska. Her role as founding director of the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy, a program for first-generation, low-income high school and college students that boasts exceptional college attendance, retention, and graduation rates, is nationally recognized. She also launched Husker Hub, a one-stop center for student business services including financial aid, student accounts and course registration, and established the Strategic Enrollment Management Council, which sets data-driven enrollment, retention and net tuition revenue goals.