Turner, WashU Get Creative to Recruit During Pandemic
Already a successful administrator prior to being named Vice Provost for Admissions and Financial Aid at Washington University in 2016, Ronné Turner knew unconventional tactics were necessary when a global pandemic altered the recruitment process. Adjusting quickly to a new environment, WashU waived the standardized test requirement, waived application fees for most, and encouraged applicants to submit a video to help the admissions committee get to know them more personally. With on-campus visits suspended, Turner worked closely with staff, faculty, and current students to engage with prospective students and applicants, telling the WashU story in ways previously unheard-of. Meanwhile, Turner worked with the financial aid office to ensure current students and families were well supported and able to continue their studies at WashU. With advocacy from Turner, WashU provided significant start-up funds to support less-well-resourced students as they started in Fall 2020. Despite the hurdles, Turner and WashU yielded a highly talented and robust class of outstanding students from around the country and the world for the Class of 2025.