Lindy Williams has been hired to serve as Darlington's director of enrollment management, effective July 1. As such, she will coordinate and lead all elements of the admission process, including recruitment and admissions, retention, data and research, information management, financial aid and net tuition revenue, and admission marketing communications.
“I am excited for the Darlington Community to meet Lindy,” said Head of School Brent Bell. “Her energy, experience and student-first attitude make her a great addition to the Darlington team.”
As director of enrollment management, Williams will be a member of the school’s executive administrative team. Her responsibilities will include streamlining the enrollment process and creating the structure and culture necessary to provide a quality student experience as it relates to the entire matriculation process.
“The admission process has become increasingly competitive for both prospective students and schools,” said Williams. “Technology, social media and other marketing tools are vital, but we know students connect with a responsive, relationship-centered admission process where the individual and their unique experiences are appreciated.”
Williams brings with her more than three decades of experience in independent schools and colleges, most recently serving as head of school at St. Margaret’s School (Va.) She has also served as associate head of school at Collegiate School (Va.); director of admission and financial aid at St. Mary’s Episcopal School (Tenn.); associate director of admission and, later, academic dean at Christian Brothers University (Tenn.); and alumni coordinator at The University of Memphis.
“This opportunity resonated with my desire to return to admissions and to continue sharing the exciting possibilities of an excellent independent school education,” said Williams. “When I visited campus, I was immediately impressed by the warm, welcoming community and felt the spirit of Darlington. I met students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni as I worked my way through Darlington – from attending pre-kindergarten math with lots of hugs, to a great lunch with the admission team, to experiencing the college guidance process with lots of laughs and thoughtful conversation throughout the day.
“I witnessed the pride, passion and dedication that permeate the Darlington Community,” she continued. “The students are definitely at the center of the Darlington experience. It is clear that everyone in the community works hard to see that the students have numerous opportunities to realize their unique potential and discover their interests and passions.”
Williams holds a B.A. in Journalism and Public Relations and an M.S. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services in Higher Education, both from The University of Memphis.
She has been involved with and presented at conferences and workshops through the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education and the National Association of Independent Schools. She has also led accreditation teams for the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and served on the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Heads Advisory Committee, among other professional appointments.
“At Darlington, I felt a culture of continuous improvement and a sense of belonging with a focus on developing the whole child; offering supportive relationships and an environment to instill values for future success and thoughtful leadership in our quickly changing world,” said Williams. “My family and I are excited to soon be members of the Darlington and Greater Rome communities.”
She and her husband, Chris, a member of the athletics staff at Collegiate School, have one daughter, Alister, who is a senior at Auburn University. They also have two rescue dogs, Bodhi and Lily.
