Justin Rummel: From Policy to Purpose in Enrollment Leadership

In this episode of The Admissions Leadership Podcast, Justin Rummel, Vice President for Enrollment at Susquehanna University, shares how his journey to the VP seat followed anything but the traditional path.

With no background in admissions, Justin’s career has spanned state politics, federal financial aid policy, compliance and internal audit in both for-profit and non-profit institutions, and leadership in student financial services. It’s a route shaped by systems thinking, sharp financial acumen, and a deep commitment to student success.

Together we explore:

• What it means to lead enrollment without an admissions pedigree
• How financial aid, audit, and bursar roles prepare leaders to think institutionally
• The importance of trust, consistency, and humility when leading former peers
• How early exposure to policy and risk management shaped his leadership lens
• Why belonging starts long before students apply—and how early tech may be shifting the timeline

We also touch on the joys of commencement, the limits of the “demographic cliff” narrative, and the tools—both high and low tech—that still work to connect with students.

00:00 – Justin’s introduction: A “unicorn” in enrollment, Justin shares his unconventional path from state government to the VP seat.
03:22 – Financial aid roots: From policy work to compliance roles in for-profit higher ed.
06:14 – Audit and operations: What internal audit taught him about systems thinking, risk, and institutional mission.
09:35 – Commencement joy: Why student success moments matter across all sectors.
14:14 – Becoming a bursar: Learning to lead teams and navigate complex operations.
15:50 – Scaling down with purpose: How moves to Salisbury and Susquehanna brought him closer to mission.
20:35 – The unexpected call: Saying yes to the VP opportunity, and being ready when it came.
23:16 – From peer to leader: Building trust, showing up physically, and staying consistent during a leadership transition.
26:07 – Operating at altitude: Navigating cabinet conversations and board dynamics with financial fluency.
31:02 – Audit wisdom: How his mentor’s mantra informs his leadership today.
35:57 – Crossing the ravine: Reframing the demographic cliff as less of a crisis and more of a shared opportunity.
38:15 – Belonging and early tech: How technology shapes identity long before students reach college.
41:25 – Low-tech, high-trust: Why the phone (and other old tools) still matter in a digital world.
43:32 – The Rapid Descent: Pearl Jam, Granny Smith apples, handwritten notes, and a dream of Kilimanjaro.

The ALP is supported by RHB, a division of SIG. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment