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Randolph receives 12 Under 40 award

News | 11.01.2016

Brennan Randolph and President King
at the awards breakfast

By Dianne Frances D. Powell

Two words drive Brennan Randolph in life: “People matter.” 

In his job as vice president of enrollment management at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, three words: “Our students matter,” he said. 

A servant-leader at heart, Randolph was recognized beyond The Woods community when he was selected for this year’s class of 12 Under 40, an award given to a dozen young professionals who are making great contributions to Terre Haute through their work and volunteerism. He received the award today at a gathering in Terre Haute. 

Both humbled and honored, Randolph was quick to turn the spotlight away from him and to the institution he is proud to belong. “This recognition reflects back on what we are doing here,” he said, referring to the College mission of empowering students to effect positive change in their world. 

“I think it reflects back on the values of our institution and what we believe is important,” including critical thinking, lifelong leadership and social responsibility. He said quality leadership is emphasized in the educational programs at The Woods. 

But Randolph’s own leadership at The Woods and the Terre Haute community has not been lost among those who know him. He was nominated for the 12 Under 40 award by SMWC President Dottie King, Ph.D.

In her nomination, King highlighted Randolph’s extensive involvement in the community including his service in the United Way of the Wabash Valley’s board of directors and its education division, the Terre Haute Rotary Club, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce board, and the Rural Health Innovation Collaborative board. He has also led several service projects to benefit the community. 

A local native, Randolph grew up on a family farm in southern Vigo County. He attended Hoosier Prairie Elementary School, Honey Creek Middle School and Terre Haute South Vigo High School. He still lives in the area with his wife, Beth, and two teenage kids, Caleb and Madison. Together, they enjoy camping, traveling, playing tennis and learning from 4-H activities. 

A recipient of a business administration degree from Northwood University and an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University, Randolph’s office at Guerin Hall is decorated with items representing important aspects of his world: his diplomas, pictures of his family and Pomeroy pride, of course. 

Before taking his leadership skills to The Woods, he served for 17 years at Harrison College climbing his way from helping students with financial aid to president of the Terre Haute and Evansville campuses. His past accolades include being named Harrison College Campus President of the Year in both 2013 and 2014 and Junior Achievement’s Male Volunteer of the Year in 2013. 

“As President of Harrison College, he led their campus in community outreach,” King said in the nomination form. “He has continued his community focus as a leader at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.” 

Those who work with Randolph say he uses the collaborative approach to leadership. In other words, he joins his co-workers “in the trenches,” said Marie Elliott, enrollment development manager at SMWC. 

“He’s an inspiring leader,” Elliott said. He gives those who work under him the support they need to be successful and applauds their accomplishments, she added. 

Since joining The Woods in May 2015, Randolph can count several accomplishments by the Office of Admission. Under his tenure, the admission process has gone through a reconstruction and adapted to changes of technology to grow efficiency. A “win” for Randolph’s office in the last year has been the recent growth in enrollment to 10 percent in the campus program, three percent online and eight percent in graduate numbers.  

“I like to get things done,” Randolph said. 

Moving forward, growing enrollment and improving retention remain priorities for Randolph. 

But on a personal level, he is committed to helping students grow, equipping them with the tools they need for their careers, and seeing them move into the next phase of their lives, he said.