Dean of Undergraduate Admissions Costas Solomou has been named vice president for enrollment at the State University of New York at Geneseo, the George Washington University announced Friday. He will leave GW on Aug. 2.
“Costas has led our undergraduate admissions team with distinction and integrity, bringing a collaborative spirit, positive attitude and, most importantly, a passion for the success of our students,” said Laurie Koehler, senior vice provost for enrollment and the student experience. “While this is a loss for us, Costas’ new role recognizes his significant contributions to GW.”
The role also presents Dr. Solomou, a Rochester, N.Y., native, an opportunity to be closer to family. Still, he said, he will miss his GW team and colleagues.
“I am proud of all that we have accomplished together, especially strengthening the diversity and academic quality of the first-year class,” he said. “GW is well-positioned to build on this forward momentum.”
After Dr. Solomou’s departure, Ben Toll, director of recruitment and outreach, will become the interim dean of undergraduate admissions, Ms. Koehler said.
Mr. Toll, M.S. ’19, has served GW since 2012 and previously was the university’s senior assistant director of admissions and associate director of the Welcome Center and student engagement.
A veteran admissions professional, Mr. Toll has also held positions in admissions at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and the University of Minnesota, Morris.
“Our admissions team will be in very capable hands with Ben,” Ms. Koehler said, adding that she will work with Provost Forrest Maltzman to determine next steps. “We have complete confidence in Ben's leadership during this time of transition.”
Dr. Solomou joined GW in August 2016, overseeing a large undergraduate admissions operation and increase in applications from across the United States and 150 countries around the world. Under his leadership, GW:
- Experienced a growth in diversity and improved academic quality of the first-year class.
- Implemented new enrollment strategies that resulted in improved numbers of accepted students enrolling at GW.
- Worked collaboratively with the GW community to evaluate the university’s orientation model and move toward a revamped New Student Orientation.
- Expanded international partnerships.
- Restructured the undergraduate admissions office to support a collaborative team and student-centered model.
Dr. Solomou said in addition to family ties in the area, his experience as a first-generation liberal arts student drew him to the opportunity at SUNY Geneseo.
“I've long admired the institution as one of critical thought and depth and breadth due to its liberal arts approach,” he said.
