A unified approach to enrollment is the way for FPU to succeed in today's competitive atmosphere, according to President D. Merrill Ewert said. "It's not enough to find the right number of students; we must find the right students: those we can help develop professionally, personally and ethically--those who want to make a difference with the lives," he said. "Steve knows FPU and was deeply involved in enrollment as dean. He is the right person for this assignment."
No one does it alone, Varvis noted. "Challenges lie ahead, but so do opportunities. Together, we are up to it," he said.
Varvis has had a variety of positions in his 22 years at the university, including business manager and dean of the undergraduate school. He continues as a history faculty member.
James Collier will take on the role Varvis vacates--now called director of community relations. He will build relationships between FPU and area business and other groups and oversee events such as the annual Business Forum. Collier joined FPU in 2005 as Web writer after serving at development director for the Community Food Bank in Fresno.