Derek R. Kindle is the vice president for Student Services and Enrollment Management at the University of Oregon, where he leads a multifaceted team of nearly 1,500 professionals across a division that includes Admissions, Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Registrar, Housing and Dining, Orientation, Strategic Communications, and Research and Assessment. In this role, Derek is responsible for shaping and executing the university’s strategic enrollment vision, with a focus on access, student success, and institutional excellence.
With 25 years of experience in higher education, Derek brings a proven track record of innovation, collaboration, and results. Prior to joining the UO, he served as Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. There, he led efforts that resulted in the university’s largest, most diverse, and academically competitive incoming classes. He co-launched the nationally recognized Student Success Through Applied Research (SSTAR) Lab and raised nearly $95 million to support need-based financial aid and strategic enrollment initiatives.
Derek’s leadership is defined by his commitment to increasing access, leveraging talent and data for decision-making, and fostering cross-campus collaboration. He has designed and implemented programs that have expanded scholarship opportunities, streamlined student services, and improved outcomes across the student lifecycle. His work has been recognized for aligning enrollment practices with institutional mission and values, while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion.
He currently serves or has recently served on several national boards and advisory groups, including The College Board, the Higher Education Loan Coalition, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), and the American Talent Initiative. He also co-led the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) CHIEFS program for new and continuing enrollment leaders and serves as faculty member for the Enrollment Management Certificate Program at the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education.
Derek earned both his bachelor of arts in legal communications (summa cum laude) and master of arts in organizational communication from Howard University. He is widely respected for his ability to lead with intention and authenticity, and for his dedication to transforming higher education to better serve all students.