The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce Saichi Oba as Washington State University’s Vice Provost for Enrollment Management.
Oba was chosen to lead WSU’s systemwide enrollment management team following a nationwide search. He most recently served as associate vice president of academic and student affairs for the University of Alaska system.
“We are thrilled to welcome Saichi Oba, whose experience and skills are perfectly suited to help us develop a system-wide enrollment strategy that best serves our students and our state,” said Elizabeth Chilton, provost and executive vice president. “He is clearly a dynamic, selfless leader, and I look forward to working with him to support our land-grant mission and our systemwide strategic plan.”
Oba will serve as the chief enrollment officer for WSU and is responsible for development of systemwide strategies, policies, and processes for enrollment management across all campuses. He will oversee the Offices of Recruitment, Undergraduate Admissions, Student Financial Services, University Registrar, New Student Programs, and the Enrollment Information Technology unit.
Oba has devoted his career to helping students navigate and succeed in higher education in the Pacific Northwest. Since 1985, he has worked in admissions, student services, and enrollment management, starting at Eastern Oregon University, his alma mater.
At the University of Alaska, Oba oversaw the Student Services Council – the cross-system team of executives dedicated to supporting students in the areas of enrollment management and student affairs. The University of Alaska system includes three separately accredited universities, 13 community campuses and extended learning centers across the state.
Oba will start at WSU on Dec. 14.
Eric Godfrey, who has served as executive director of enrollment management programs for the past four years, is retiring at the end of December. The Office of the Provost is grateful to Godfrey for his outstanding leadership as WSU’s systemwide enrollment increased to record levels, and new-student cohorts increased in both diversity and academic preparedness.
