SHU Appoints Executive Director of Graduate Admissions

Keith Hassell will use his career planning experience in his new role

Sacred Heart University has appointed Keith Hassell as executive director of graduate admissions and recruitment. He is responsible for developing and implementing recruitment strategies to meet and exceed graduate student enrollment goals.

“Keith has been an asset to SHU over the past several years, and we know he will thrive in this role,” said Deanna Fiorentino, vice president of enrollment management. “He understands what makes students thrive at SHU and post-graduation, and there is no doubt he will relay that to prospective graduate students.”

Previously, Hassell was SHU’s executive director of career & professional development. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania and his master’s degree in counseling from Long Island University in New York.

In a question-and-answer interview, Hassell shared why he thinks prospective students should choose SHU for their graduate studies.

Why should students pursue their graduate studies at SHU? What does this University offer for graduate students?

Along with our 40-plus competitive academic graduate programs, one of the many things that makes Sacred Heart unique is our community and culture. Staff and faculty are truly invested in our students’ success, which can be seen through our individualized approach from admissions to commencement. In addition, students can continue their education while using state-of-the-art facilities and top-tier faculty talent, all while leveraging a professional network of more than 53,000 alumni.

What do you think is the most important factor for students when it comes to selecting a graduate program? What is important to emphasize to prospective students?

When considering a graduate degree, it is important to select a program aligned with your professional goals and interests. The graduate admissions team, along with the Center for Career & Professional Development, can help students explore options to ensure they select the program that is right for them and their individual endeavors. We recognize that graduate students have varying responsibilities and commitments, and we take this into account when helping identify their next academic step. Just like with any student, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach; we want to be sure they find the program that is right for them.

How will your experience as executive director of career & professional development aid you in this new role?

Working within career & professional development over the past 15 years has enabled me to understand industry trends, as well as the importance of obtaining a graduate degree within certain industries. I look forward to using my background in career planning to work with prospective graduate students to help them reach their goals, starting with professional training. In addition, I hope to leverage the professional connections I have made to expand enrollment numbers, while addressing specific company/industry hiring needs.

Do you have specific goals when it comes to graduate student recruitment as you begin this new role?

I look forward to continuing to grow graduate enrollment numbers while expanding demographics and corporate partnerships, as well as working collaboratively with academic faculty/deans to evaluate and meet industry needs.