PennWest University has appointed Darren Wagner as Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management, effective December 1, 2025.

Wagner joins PennWest from Rowan University, where he served as Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management. In that role, he provided strategic leadership for undergraduate and graduate recruitment, admissions, and enrollment, while also overseeing Rowan’s Global Learning & Partnerships and advancing the institution’s brand and recruitment marketing initiatives.

With more than two decades of experience in higher education and the private sector, Wagner brings a proven record of innovation, collaboration, and growth. His leadership at Rowan led to record enrollment and applications, particularly among international students, through a data-driven and brand-centered approach to student recruitment.

“Darren is an accomplished enrollment and marketing leader with a strong commitment to student success and institutional advancement,” said Jon Anderson, Ph.D., president of PennWest University. “His experience integrating data analytics, brand strategy, and student engagement will be instrumental as PennWest continues to strengthen enrollment and expand access for students across Pennsylvania and beyond.”

Prior to his tenure at Rowan, Wagner served as Chief Marketing Officer for a marketing data analytics software startup, helping lead the company through a successful acquisition. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Penn State, teaching marketing and business management, and is a frequent conference speaker and consultant to colleges and universities on enrollment, branding, and data strategy.

“I’m honored to join PennWest as it continues to chart a bold course forward,” Wagner said. “PennWest’s mission of access, affordability, and real-world readiness deeply resonates with me. I look forward to working with the university community to strengthen the pathways that connect students to opportunity.”

Wagner holds both a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master of Business Administration from Penn State University.