Date

Spring 4-27-2026

ESRP 9000 Professor

Sandy Underhill, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

Professional Development for Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) to Address Funding Concentration Risk: A Strategic Research Project. Zoraida Villanueva, 2026: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: strategic enrollment management, professional development, funding concentration risk, private school sustainability, enrollment stability, data-driven decision making

This mixed methods research utilized strategic analytical tools, including SWOT, Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE), and External Factor Evaluation (EFE) matrices, to identify organizational gaps through quantitative measures that support subjective decision-making supported by qualitative literature evidence. By systematically assigning weights and ratings to internal and external factors, these tools enabled the prioritization of key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats impacting the organization. The analysis revealed that the primary problem emerged from internal weaknesses and external threats, specifically the school’s heavy reliance on a single state-funded scholarship program, which created significant funding concentration risk and long-term financial vulnerability. To address this gap, multiple alternative strategies were assessed to determine the most effective and sustainable solution. The Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) was then utilized to objectively evaluate these alternatives by assigning attractiveness scores based on their alignment with identified factors, resulting in the selection of Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) aligned with targeted professional development (PD) as the most suitable strategy.

The resulting action plan focused on enhancing staff capacity through professional development, strengthening family engagement, improving data-informed instructional practices, and increasing student recruitment and retention to promote long-term financial sustainability. Findings revealed that funding concentration risk is closely tied to inconsistent enrollment patterns, limited diversification strategies, and a lack of alignment between instructional practices and enrollment goals. Additionally, results indicated that while staff demonstrated strong commitment to student success, there was a gap in understanding how daily instructional and communication practices influence recruitment and retention. The data further highlighted the importance of structured, ongoing professional development focused on family engagement, data-informed instruction, and program alignment with community needs.

Based on these findings, the study recommends the implementation of a structured SEM-focused professional development plan designed to build staff capacity in enrollment-conscious practices, strengthen family relationships, and support data-driven decision making. Additional recommendations include the formation of an Enrollment Leadership Team, the use of continuous improvement cycles, and the alignment of academic programming with stakeholder expectations. Collectively, these strategies aim to improve enrollment stability, reduce financial vulnerability, and enhance long-term organizational sustainability.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Concentration

Curriculum and Teaching

Language

English

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