Emerson Named NACCAP Admissions Officer of the Year

For more than fourteen years, Dave Emerson (M.B.A. ’08) has worked on the frontlines of admitting, enrolling and welcoming Cornerstone University’s newest traditional undergraduate students. Last week, Chant Thompson, executive director for the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP), named Emerson as Admissions Officer of the Year at the organization’s annual conference.

“We are thrilled to recognize Dave’s exceptional service to students and his co-workers at Cornerstone,” Thompson said during the award presentation. “As testified to by his staff, he is committed to Christ-centered servant leadership in all that he does. NACCAP seeks to acknowledge outstanding efforts to advance the kingdom and enhance the students recruited to Cornerstone. Dave exemplifies a humble spirit, a commitment to hard work, a Christ-like attitude and a faithful walk with Jesus as he encourages and empowers others.”

Each year, NACCAP honors one of its members with the Admissions Officer of the Year award. The competitive award involves a nomination process and requires an honoree to have five or more years of experience in enrollment at his or her higher education institution.

In his current role as director of admissions and international recruiter, Emerson oversees six admissions counselors and, as a testament to his aptitude for creating a healthy organizational culture, has served on a variety of hiring committees across the university. Nominations from his staff also noted his contributions as a personable, faith-motivated leader; strategic thinker; and instigator of good-natured, memorable office pranks.

“I am extremely grateful for Dave’s expertise in the Admissions Office,” Lisa Link, executive director of enrollment, wrote. “Working in college admissions can be stressful and discouraging, but Dave works hard to keep an uplifting and encouraging environment in the office.”