Anderson University’s retention rate is already in the top six (6) of South Carolina’s 33 public and private universities, but its 23-year president, Dr. Evans P. Whitaker, wants to see retention of the state’s largest private university climb even higher.
President Whitaker’s goal is retention growth from 85% to consistently more than 90%, which would make Anderson University’s retention rate among the top three in South Carolina.
The national retention rate for the fall 2022 cohort of college students in the United States was 68.2%, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
With credentials and experience in student development, Dr. J. Bert Epting, Jr. will add the retention priority to his existing portfolio of athletics and university relations.
“Having served seven years as Anderson University’s Vice President for Athletics as well as his previous three-year role as Associate Vice President for Development, Dr. Epting has proven himself as a gifted and entrepreneurial higher education leader,” President Whitaker said. “Bert is broad and deep in his accomplishments and capabilities.” Along with the new assignment, Dr. Epting’s title will change to Vice President for University Relations, Athletics, and Strategic Academic Performance Programs.
Since coming to Anderson in 2016, Dr. Epting has been one of the University’s chief fund raisers and has led a growing athletic portfolio including recently added NCAA Division II football while significantly expanding athletic facilities to give Anderson some of the best in its class.
In his new role, Dr. Epting will retain oversight of athletics and his involvement as a key agent of excellent community relations, but the retention of students in the general student body will become a new focus of his leadership. To accomplish the University’s retention goals, Epting will collaborate with a cross-functional team of AU’s admission, financial aid, student support and academic support professionals.
Student retention is a significant indication of institutional strength that universities monitor regularly. A high retention rate, such as that of Anderson University, is reflective of selective admissions, quality instruction, effective academic advising, robust student services and a welcoming, respectful and inclusive culture. A high retention rate is a prized competitive advantage for the comprehensive university.
Dr. Epting will rely on established research as well as new models and the latest ideas about retention. Chief among them will be the work of Dr. John Braxton of Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, which is centered on understanding the complexities of student departure and providing evidence-based strategies to improve retention rates. He will also rely on President Whitaker’s research on the relationship between students and their undergraduate institution, particularly long-term mutually beneficial commitment between the two.
As Anderson has successfully increased its academic selectivity, it has procured and retained excellent faculty, and it has also become more academically rigorous.
“For this reason, it is important that we continuously pair our high level of academic challenge with even more extraordinary academic support to maximize the percentage of students who succeed, graduate, become a success and make an impact in the world through their knowledge, talent and problem-solving skills,” President Whitaker said.
Dr. Epting holds a Ph.D. and M.Ed. from Clemson University. From a family of pastors and educators and having grown up on the campus of a Christian university, Dr. Epting is well-suited to Anderson University’s unique culture. He and his wife, Hannah, are the parents of four children.
“Dr. Epting is a perfect choice to lead this new strategic priority,” President Whitaker said. “He is a great role model for our students and has the energy and enthusiasm to keep students emboldened and excited about achieving their best academic results. Our students will be blessed by his leadership.”