For Carol Wasden, the admission process is one of joy.

“I get to listen to parents’ hopes and dreams for their children and highlight an amazing place to learn. Then, once they enroll, I hear how happy they are and how glad they are that they made this decision,” she said.

Carol’s extensive experience in independent school admission and enrollment reflects her career-long commitment to this work, as well as her deep appreciation for the support she provides families as they make one of their most important decisions: where their children go to school. She’s thrilled to bring that expertise to a community that’s been on her radar.

The opportunities for generative learning at Rowland Hall are unparalleled.—Carol Wasden, director of enrollment management

“I have wanted to work here for a long time,” she said.

As Rowland Hall’s new director of enrollment management, Carol is focused on helping prospective families learn more about the exceptional educational experience that’s long drawn her to our school, which centers academic development alongside meaningful relationships that enhance learning. This is a place that focuses on growth and innovation to ensure it provides the best possible education for students, she explained, and one where a strategic vision is leading to incredible outcomes.

“The opportunities for generative learning at Rowland Hall are unparalleled,” said Carol, pointing to examples such as 4PreK students collaboratively building a model of the state capitol and upper schoolers producing original work through the Advanced Research program. “It’s a dynamic place and you feel that.”

In the coming months, Carol looks forward to connecting with families, both prospective and current, as she learns more about her new community. In the meantime, we asked her to share a bit more about herself and why she chose Rowland Hall so you can get to know her better.

What first drew you to education and what made you want to work in enrollment?

My parents were both teachers, and I’ve always loved school. I have worked in college admission, college counseling, and independent school enrollment, and in each instance I got to help students and parents find a match in an amazing school community. It’s really happy work.

What made Rowland Hall stand out to you during the search process? When did you know it was the right fit for you?

I’ve known about Rowland Hall, and its commitment to excellence, for a long time, and I’ve always been interested in working here.—Carol Wasden

I’ve known about Rowland Hall, and its commitment to excellence, for a long time, and I’ve always been interested in working here. I have been struck by the warmth of the people I’ve met, but also how smart, strong, and talented everyone is. This is clearly a dynamic place, and I’m thrilled to be here.

What excites you about joining Rowland Hall at this moment in our history?

So much! The Richard R. Steiner Campus is going to open up endless possibilities, and that’s exciting, but there’s such energy here in general. The world is changing faster than it ever has, and our students leave Rowland Hall with years of experience in approaching questions and finding solutions. Families won’t find that at every school.

What would you say is uniquely Rowland Hall?

Well, Rowmark, of course! But more than that, the intentional commitment to the generation of knowledge at every grade level is remarkable. Rowland Hall is not a place where students are handed facts for the test and then move on; they are challenged to work collaboratively to solve problems, and the real-world work they do in the city of Salt Lake is unequaled.