Northwestern names new admissions leaders

Two members of Northwestern College’s advancement office have been appointed to lead the efforts of the admissions office. Mark Bloemendaal, director of alumni and parent relations, has been named dean of enrollment and marketing. Jackie Davis, director of advancement, is the new director of admissions.

“I believe we need to change the leadership model in the admissions office to realize our full potential,” says President Greg Christy. “Mark and Jackie have developed a synergistic, highly effective working relationship and had a big impact on the cohesiveness and fundraising successes of our advancement team. Together, they have what it takes to lead us to new levels of achievement in enrollment. We are blessed to have Mark and Jackie assume these important leadership roles and excited about the passion and experience they bring to our enrollment program.”

Bloemendaal, a 1981 Northwestern College graduate, recruited students as a counselor and eventually director of admissions for nearly 29 years. He had been in the advancement office since 2010. In his new role, he replaces Kenton Pauls, who left after four years to work in client relations with ACT Inc.

Davis joined Northwestern’s advancement team in 2010 as director of capital giving and was promoted to director of advancement two years later. She is an alumna of Dakota Wesleyan University, where she worked for 17 years in the development office. She earned a master’s degree from the University of South Dakota.