La Sierra University hires new Enrollment Services VP, expands team

Brown arrives after serving for 11 years as executive director of enrollment management for the Loma Linda University School of Public Health. In this position he was responsible for assisting with recruitment, marketing and admissions executive functions, strategic leadership in the analysis, planning and implementation of admission programs, development of new enrollment growth strategies in collaboration with stakeholders, among many other responsibilities aimed at supporting and growing enrollment for the school.

Brown held the enrollment services associate vice president’s position at La Sierra between August 2007 and December 2013. In this role he oversaw budgets and staffing, developed systems enhancing department functions, formulated short and long-range enrollment plans, aided in designing new initiatives to improve recruitment and retention, conducted outreach activities, and was instrumental in the university’s 50% enrollment surge between 2008 and 2013. 

Before that, he served as La Sierra’s admissions director for two years. 

“We are thrilled that Bobby has chosen to join our campus community. He is not just starting a new job --- he is returning to a community that believes deeply in people, in purpose, and in God’s calling for our work together. He is adding value to this community,” said La Sierra University President Christon Arthur. “Bobby is engaging in the important work of providing access and educational opportunities to students across the region, nation and world. His broad expertise combined with his solid understanding of La Sierra’s values as a former student and employee make for an exceptional foundation from which he will serve as our enrollment services vice president. Welcome home, Bobby.”

“I’m humbled, grateful and excited for this incredible opportunity to return home to La Sierra University to serve as VP,” Brown said. “My main aim is to establish a strategic framework that is in alignment with La Sierra University’s mission, vision and values, thus ultimately increasing enrollment, net tuition revenue, retention and overall student experience.”

Brown holds an M.Ed. in enrollment management and education from the University of Southern California and an MBA from La Sierra University. He earned a B.Sc. in business administration from Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica.

He arrives as La Sierra’s enrollment services department is expanding with new staff -- four individuals are expected to join the team in the coming weeks. 

Campus Chaplain Jason Decena will transition from his role on the Spiritual Life team to join enrollment services where he will serve as a recruiter and ministerial liaison.Throughout the past recruitment cycle, Decena worked closely with enrollment services in a part-time capacity, offering his unique ability to connect with prospective students and families in meaningful and mission-driven ways. In his new role, he will help strengthen connections between local Seventh-day Adventist communities, other faith-based institutions and La Sierra.

Arthur noted that “for the past five years, Jason was instrumental in nurturing spirituality in an inward facing way. And now he will make our spirituality known to our publics.”

Kathryn Borrowman, Audrey Fankhanel, and Ashley Vallin are also arriving to serve as enrollment counselors. 

Borrowman has served as an AVID Tutor in the Ontario-Montclair School District and worked in customer service and training roles at Costco Wholesale and Raising Cane’s. She recently earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in education, society, and human development and liberal studies from UC Riverside. She holds experience in academic advising, mentoring, and outreach. 

Fankhanel, a La Sierra alumnus, arrives from Loma Linda University where she played a central role in strategic recruitment planning, student advising, and event coordination. Her background includes journalism, program development, and food justice advocacy, as well as leadership in organizing events like the SoCal Adventist Academies volleyball tournament.

Vallin brings over a decade of experience in admissions, outreach, and advancement and has held leadership roles at Notre Dame High School, St. Lucy’s Priory High School, and St. Junipero Serra Catholic School. She holds a Master of Education in enrollment management and policy from USC.

“La Sierra University is excited by the arrival of our new vice president of enrollment services and additional team members as we work together in moving the university forward, welcoming all to the table, and building upon our longstanding foundation of service, academic excellence, and faith in God," Arthur said. "La Sierra University is honored to welcome our new employees in the enrollment office. Welcome home.”