Baker University, a premier private university rooted in liberal arts education and academic excellence, welcomes Conner Ellinghuysen as Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing. A nationally recognized enrollment strategist with more than a decade of higher education leadership experience, Ellinghuysen will oversee the university’s enrollment, admissions, and marketing strategies while serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet. He begins his role on July 20, 2026.
Ellinghuysen joins Baker from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, where he served as Director of Admissions and helped lead a sustained period of enrollment growth despite nationwide demographic challenges facing higher education. During his tenure and leadership, undergraduate enrollment increased by 14%, the university welcomed its largest incoming class in more than a decade, and strategic recruitment initiatives improved application conversion.
Throughout his career, Ellinghuysen has built a reputation for combining relationship-centered leadership with data-informed decision-making. His experience spans enrollment strategy and marketing, CRM optimization, predictive analytics, and cross-campus collaboration, helping institutions strengthen recruitment while advancing long-term sustainability.
Conner understands that enrollment management today is about much more than attracting students and is more about helping students discover a place where they can thrive, while ensuring the university is positioned for long-term success. He brings a rare combination of strategic vision, analytical expertise, and genuine care for students. He’s a collaborative leader who builds strong teams and embraces innovation while remaining grounded in the mission of higher education. We’re excited to welcome him to Baker and are confident he will help shape our next chapter.
- President Dr. Jody Fournier.
Before joining Buena Vista, Ellinghuysen held progressively responsible admissions leadership positions at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, where he consistently increased enrollment for key recruitment territories, supervised admissions staff and student ambassadors, and helped implement data-driven strategies. Throughout his career, he has become known for developing high-performing teams, mentoring future enrollment professionals, and presenting nationally on enrollment strategy and student recruitment.
Baker University has tremendous momentum, a rich history, and unwavering commitment to student success,” said Ellinghuysen. “I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff, alumni, and students to build on Baker’s strengths, expand opportunities for future Wildcats, and help more students discover everything Baker has to offer.
Beyond his enrollment leadership, Ellinghuysen founded Buena Vista University’s collegiate archery program and serves as a nationally certified USA Archery and 4-H Archery coach. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology, with minors in psychology and political science, from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and went on to earn a master’s in organizational leadership from the same institution.
This appointment continues Baker’s efforts to build a leadership team focused on advancing the university’s priorities under President Fournier’s leadership. In the last year, the university has expanded its leadership team to include Dr. Tina Hartley as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Deanna Wagner as Vice President of Student Affairs, and Jennifer Patterson as Vice President of Advancement.
