Clark appoints Emily E. Roper-Doten as vice president for undergraduate admissions and financial assistance

Clark University President David Fithian ’87 announced today that Emily E. Roper-Doten has been appointed Clark University’s next Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Assistance. She will be joining Clark on July 13, 2023. Roper-Doten emerged as a finalist through a national search that drew strong candidates from around the country.

Roper-Doten brings to Clark a nearly 20-year portfolio of experience in admissions and enrollment management, with a track record of innovation and creativity in recruiting and enrolling academically strong and diverse incoming classes.

“A consummate professional and collaborator, Emily has demonstrated an ability to act resourcefully and resolutely, with patience and a liveliness of intellect and outstanding judgment,” Fithian said in a message to the Clark community. “I am tremendously confident that she will serve our community well and will be instrumental in intensifying Clark’s draw among prospective students, along with our distinction nationally.”

In her new role, Roper-Doten will be a key member of the University’s leadership team, with responsibility for all aspects of undergraduate strategic enrollment, financial assistance awards, and recruitment. This includes a focus on continuing to enroll students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, optimizing financial aid and scholarships, opening new markets, and increasing international representation in our student body. Along with other University leaders, Roper-Doten will be instrumental in enhancing the University’s profile and better establishing Clark’s distinctive approach to education among students, their families, and others who influence student decision-making.

Roper-Doten is a first-generation college student whose background inspired her to help others have similar transformative experiences in higher education, leading to her interest in enrollment management and strong advocacy for access and equity in college admissions.

Since 2015, she has served as Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at Olin College of Engineering in Needham, Massachusetts. There, she has led a highly successful data-informed enrollment program centered around diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. During her tenure, representation of domestic students of color and Pell Grant recipients increased substantially. Roper-Doten implemented innovative enhancements to Olin’s applicant evaluation process, better aligning it with the college’s mission, vision, values, and recruitment goals. Under her leadership, Olin consistently achieved an admit rate below 20% and yield rate of over 50%.

“I am delighted to join President Fithian’s leadership team and be part of this pivotal moment for Clark’s history, when much energy is focused on an ambitious and impactful future,” said Roper-Doten. “I have always been drawn to colleges and universities with distinct identities — places unafraid to be unique. A large part of what has drawn me to Clark is its unusual combination of liberal arts, research, practical and creative practice, and students and graduates who are fierce forces for change in the world. I am excited to build more awareness and appreciation for all that is so special about Clark University.”

Prior to her current role at Olin, Roper-Doten spent nine years in admissions at Tufts University, including as Associate Director of Engineering Recruitment and Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions. Before Tufts, she began her career at Olin as Assistant Director of Admissions. Roper-Doten is actively engaged in professional associations including the STEM PUSH Admissions Advisory Council, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and the New England Association of Admission Counseling. She is currently serving a three-year term on the Common Application’s Committee on Applications.

Roper-Doten is graduate of Colgate University, where she earned her B.A. in Educational Studies and Theater. She earned her M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Boston College.