2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Utilizing Project Management Principles to Administer a Graduate Engineering Recruitment Initiative

Presented at GSD 1: From Recruitment to Retention

Project management principles may be utilized to facilitate and guide the administration of graduate engineering recruitment programs. By adopting a hybrid approach that combines traditional and agile methodologies, administrators can create both a structured and flexible process that adapts to the dynamic needs and circumstances of the higher education environment. This particular project is centered on a targeted graduate recruitment initiative used at a large-scale, Research One (R1), public university in the Midwest to diversify internationalization and broaden participation in graduate engineering studies from specific regions of the world. The hybrid project management principles are analyzed for their applicability in the higher education setting and their process efficiency in guiding a select cohort of graduate students, as they assist prospective graduate engineering students with the application and enrollment decision making process. The project emphasizes the importance of clear goal setting, evidence-based decision making, comprehensive planning, and effective risk management. Stakeholder engagement, particularly involving graduate students in the recruitment process, can provide valuable insights, increased access to pivotal networks, and the potential to improve recruitment outcomes. It is expected that implementing these principles promotes efficient time management and resource allocation, precise, personalized candidate engagement, and ultimately, a more successful recruitment program that attracts top engineering talent.

Authors

Dr. Colleen L. Coulter Purdue University College of Engineering [biography]

Dr. Colleen Coulter serves as the Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment for Purdue University’s College of Engineering. She previously spent nearly 15 years at Purdue University West Lafayette leading innovations in recruitment, admissions, retention, and curricular design for interdisciplinary graduate programs. As a national expert in graduate recruitment, Dr. Coulter served as the inaugural president and founder of the Midwestern Association of Graduate Enrollment Management and served on the board of directors for NAGAP, the Association for Graduate Enrollment Management. She has shared strategies in recruitment, retention, and mentoring nationally and internationally. In her current role, Dr. Coulter showcases Purdue’s premier engineering opportunities in graduate education and develops partnerships with leading problem solvers throughout the world. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English from State University of New York at Geneseo and Seton Hall University, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Rochester.
Mr. Roshan Mani Rao Ram Purdue University at West Lafayette (COE)
Dr. Janet M Beagle Purdue University [biography]

Dr. Janet Beagle is the Managing Director of Graduate Programs for Purdue University's College of Engineering working across 14 schools/divisions to lead graduate initiatives. She has more than 20 years of experience in graduate recruitment, admissions, and student success.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025

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Broadening Participation in Engineering and Engineering Technology
engineering
Graduate