Big Plans for Admissions and Strategic Planning for Equity and Inclusion
Jamiere Abney Director of Admissions at Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University Vice President of Student Affairs, Tina Fuchs, recently named Jamiere Abney as the university’s Director of Admissions, effective June 30.
“Jamiere is a high-level strategic thinker with a strong enrollment management background. Jamiere’s depth of knowledge and experience in Admissions will contribute greatly to the work already being accomplished by our Admissions team,” said Fuchs. “We are excited to have Jamiere join the WOU community, and lead the office of Admissions.”
Jamiere Abney is currently serving in the role of Associate Dean of Admissions and Coordinator of Outreach for Opportunity and Inclusion at Colgate University. He leads Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies for the admissions process. Through his leadership, Colgate enrolled its most diverse first-year class in its 200-year history in the fall of 2021. Abney is a Willamette University alumni, graduating with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Economics. He began his higher education career at his alma mater with the Undergraduate Office of Admissions as Assistant Director of Admissions.
“I am very excited to join the Western Oregon Community. For my family and I, the return to the Willamette Valley comes at the perfect time. The energy I felt on campus during my interview with students, staff, and faculty was wonderful. It was great to learn about the interest in educating more people to see Western Oregon as an option for their postsecondary education experience,” said Abney. “Further, as a place emphasizing its diverse community as it works to be recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), I feel my successes in application growth, strategic planning for Equity and Inclusion, and developing new communication strategies, will be a great fit for my new role.”
A first-generation and Pell-eligible college graduate, Abney has sought opportunities to be a reliable support for young people seeking achievement and access to opportunity. Jamiere built on this goal, earning a Master’s in Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education.
He has been a guest on multiple podcasts, including Black and Highly Dangerous and On the Mic with Ray White, hosted by fellow Willamette alum, Raymond White. Currently, Abney is a candidate for a Doctor of Education (EdD) at the University of Pennsylvania, studying in the Higher Education Management Program.