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Staff Spotlight: Jim Sheets, Director of GPS Recruiting and Strategic Initiatives
Ever wonder what it takes to recruit the next generation of graduate and seminary leaders? For the Director of GPS Recruiting and Strategic Initiatives, Jim Sheets, it all began unexpectedly. What started as a practical career move quickly blossomed into a profound passion, especially for working with adult learners.
A Day in the Life: Beyond "Typical"
Forget routine! Jim's days are a dynamic blend of:
Strategic oversight
Hands-on recruitment
Collaborative problem-solving
Relationship building
He's constantly tracking trends, meeting with university teams, and refining processes to enhance the student experience and foster growth for everyone involved.
Strategic Initiatives: The Human Touch in a Tech World
With nearly 30 years in higher education, Jim's seen recruitment evolve from direct mail to texting, video messages, virtual tours, and even geofencing. But for him, the secret to success remains constant:
Intentional personal communication
Building genuine relationships
He believes in using every communication tool available to supplement the vital work of connecting with each prospective student individually. Why? Because it helps students feel a sense of belonging, a key to winning recruitment battles.
Tailoring the Approach: Jim knows one size doesn't fit all.
Seminary programs attract a diverse, global, and multi-generational cohort, often studying online.
Teacher Education programs focus on current or aspiring educators needing specific New York State certifications.
It's all about understanding the audience, knowing their needs, and meeting them where they are.
Personal Insights: The Power of Relationships
What truly rewards Jim? Relationships. "It's incredibly satisfying to meet prospective students, understand their hesitations, and then guide them past their doubts to ultimately witness them walk across the stage at graduation," Jim shares. "This journey highlights the profound impact of connection." For him, the biggest accomplishment is seeing students persevere through hardships and achieve their goals.
Challenges That Keep Him Up:
Staying relevant in a rapidly changing higher education landscape.
Meeting enrollment goals in a tuition-dependent institution.
Jim's Top Advice for Prospective Students:
"Don't put it off; investing in yourself is always the right choice."
Research thoroughly.
Look beyond the sticker price for finances.
Know what you want (e.g., small classes, career support).
His guiding principle? Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," a verse that empowers him to lead, support his team, and uplift students.
Behind the Scenes: A Story of Divine Connection
Collaboration is key, with faculty and program directors often involved in everything from personal meetings to calling prospective students. Recruiters also lean on faculty for connections to alumni and industry professionals.
Jim believes persistence and genuine care are essential. He vividly recalls a Master of Social Work recruit who initially chose mission work in Romania. Through consistent, caring outreach, Jim encouraged her to follow her calling, even if it wasn't Roberts. Then, an undeniable sign appeared: while in Sighisoara, she saw a young man wearing a Roberts Wesleyan University Master of Social Work t-shirt.
"It wasn't literal writing on the wall," she told him, "but I could not deny that God was calling me to come to Roberts." She enrolled, completed her degree, and now runs a clinic for women in Sighisoara, Romania—a testament to the profound impact of a personalized and supportive recruitment approach.
If you are interested in graduate, professional, or seminary programs to advance your career, contact Jim at SheetsJ@roberts.edu.
