Meet John Saparilas and Shawna Lynch-Watkins in Graduate Admissions
- By Rocio Antelis
- Published
缅北禁地 is excited to announce two new staff additions in the Office of Graduate Admissions: the director of graduate admissions and the senior associate director of graduate admissions and lifelong learning.聽
John Saparilas brings over 25 years of experience in admissions and enrollment management, mostly recently as the associate vice president of enrollment services at Wake Technical Community College.
At Wake Tech, Saparilas developed a strategic enrollment management plan as well as led the integration of technology solutions to increase enrollment.聽
As Meredith鈥檚 director of graduate admissions, Saparilas oversees recruitment efforts for 12 graduate and post-baccalaureate certificate programs. He collaborates with staff from each of these programs, as well as several campus offices, including admissions, financial aid, and marketing, to create comprehensive enrollment plans.聽
鈥淭he aim is to implement personalized communication flows with applicants through the entire admissions process and leverage technology to improve our efficiency,鈥 said Saparilas about graduate admissions goals at Meredith.
A lifelong resident of Raleigh, Saparilas has always admired Meredith鈥檚 strong academic reputation and personalized approach to education. 鈥淭he faculty, staff, and administration here are deeply committed to enhancing the overall student experience and ensuring each student鈥檚 success,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 look forward to further developing the graduate programs and expanding their reach.鈥
Joining Meredith from the University of Oklahoma, where she served as the director of strategic initiatives, Shawna Lynch-Watkins brings over a decade of experience in higher education.聽
鈥淚 was drawn to the opportunity of contributing to an institution that blends academic excellence with a deeply personal approach to education and being in a role that supports innovation, collaboration, and community engagement,鈥 said Lynch-Watkins about what attracted her to Meredith.聽
In her role as the senior associate director of graduate admissions and lifelong learning, Lynch-Watkins leads strategic recruitment initiatives and collaborates with graduate and adult learning program staff to support enrollment growth. Her background in enrollment strategy and program development will aid the Office of Graduate Admissions鈥 goal of increasing enrollment for graduate and adult programs.聽聽聽
鈥淗igher education opens doors,鈥 said Lynch-Watkins about what she likes most about working in admissions and enrollment. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about guiding individuals toward transformative experiences. Whether it鈥檚 helping someone find the right program to make a career change or supporting someone returning to school after many years, it鈥檚 incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey.鈥
Learn more about graduate and post-baccalaureate programs at Meredith.
News Director
316 Johnson Hall
(919) 760-8087
Fax: (919) 760-8330