Jonathan Kent ’04 Will Lead Enrollment at His Alma Mater
Following a national search that drew a highly competitive pool of candidates, St. Lawrence University is welcoming back one of its own.
Jonathan Kent ’04 returned to his alma mater to begin his new role as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid on July 7.
Kent, a proud alumnus and former student-athlete, returns to the North Country with nearly 20 years of leadership experience spanning enrollment strategy, student success, and institutional advancement. Most recently, he served as Vice President for Enrollment Management at Alfred University, where his tenure was marked by innovation and results—his efforts included launching high-impact scholarship and access programs, expanding regional recruitment efforts, and partnering across departments to improve institutional visibility and student outcomes.
“Jonathan brings a strong record of innovation, collaboration, and outcomes in Admissions, Financial Aid, and Athletics—critical areas he will oversee in this role,” says President Kate Morris. “As a proud Laurentian, Jonathan credits St. Lawrence with instilling in him the values of perseverance, curiosity, and community—values that continue to guide his leadership today.”
In addition to Alfred, Kent’s career has included leadership roles at Colby College, Thomas College, Hartwick College, and SUNY Canton. Across all these institutions, he has stood out for his data-informed decision-making, equity-driven practices, and steadfast commitment to student success.
Now, Kent returns to the place that shaped his own undergraduate experience. “He is passionate about telling the St. Lawrence story in ways that are bold, authentic, and rooted in results that make a difference,” Morris says.
Kent is relocating to Canton with his wife, Sara Rademacher Kent ’04, their three children—Josephine, Charles, and Odin—and their dog, Maple.