Jim Rawlins, a nationally recognized leader in admissions, has been hired as the new director of Admissions at the University of Oregon.

Rawlins, who has served for the past five years as director of admissions at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., was hired for the UO position following a nationwide search.

“In bringing Jim to the University of Oregon, we have selected one of the best Admission Directors in the country and someone who is currently serving as the president of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), which is the leading national organization for high school guidance counselors as well as university admission professionals,” said Roger Thompson, the UO’s vice president for enrollment management. “All of us in enrollment management look forward to welcoming Jim and his family to the University of Oregon, and their new home in Eugene.”  

Rawlins began his career as a coordinator of teacher education at Western Washington University before shifting his focus to the student recruitment area of admissions. He progressed from senior admissions counselor to associate director for outreach and recruitment at the University of Washington prior to his assignment at Colorado State University as director of admissions. He has also served as president of the Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling (PNACAC) as well as other regional and national organizations.

“During Jim’s career, he has made a difference everyplace he has worked and has demonstrated his commitment to helping students and families with the college selection process – I am just thrilled he is joining us at the UO,” Thompson said.

Rawlins said he is also excited about the possibilities in his new position at the UO.

“I believe the University of Oregon is positioned to build upon the significant achievements of the past at even greater levels in the future," he said. "Visiting campus confirmed for me how special this institution is and I wanted to be part of the enrollment management team helping the UO reach higher. The staff in the Office of Admissions is a great group of professionals, and I look forward to working with them to serve the students of the University of Oregon.”

Rawlins holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Florida State University, and a master’s degree in music performance earned at Southern Methodist University. He will begin his new duties at the UO on Aug. 5.
Jim Brooks, the UO's director of financial aid and scholarships, served as chair of the search committee.

“We had an outstanding pool of candidates, and a terrific search committee and process that has resulted in the hiring of someone we believe will be an excellent director of admissions, committed to serving our students and families in the college selection process,” Brooks said.