James Steen

Dr. James Steen is vice president for enrollment management and marketing at Houston Christian University, where he reports to the president on a wide range of admissions, recruiting, marketing, financial aid, and other enrollment related functions.

Under his leadership, freshman enrollment at Houston Christian University more than doubled, from 268 in fall 2006 to 770 in fall 2021.  Interest and demand for HCU are both on the rise as freshman applications are up 1500% and undergraduate enrollment has increased by 35%. During his tenure, Steen has successfully implemented a comprehensive funnel management approach for enrollment management supported by a strategic enrollment plan for the University.

In addition to enrollment management, Dr. Steen also oversees all marketing functions for HCU to elevate the University’s brand and reputation, driving enrollment growth and stakeholder engagement.  Steen and his team are responsible for external and internal communications, web services, visual and media services, as well as the development of written and creative content.

Dr. Steen is also a senior associate consultant with Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) working with other campuses to improve admissions, recruitment, enrollment marketing, and strategic enrollment planning efforts.  Previously, Steen served as assistant vice president for admission and enrollment services at Baylor University.  In 2006, Steen received the Marketing and Recruitment Excellence Award from RNL in recognition of exemplary programs, services and strategies that impact enrollment.

Dr. Steen has served as president of the National Association of Baptist Enrollment Professionals and on the Chief Enrollment Officers Commission for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.  He is currently serving as a board member for the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals as well as a member of the Enroll360 advisory council for EAB.  Additionally, he has a doctoral certification for strengths-oriented higher education as well as certifications in 7 Habits and DiSC facilitation. In 2007, The Chronicle of Higher Education named Dr. Steen to its list of 10 Admissions Deans Who Are Shaping Their Field.

He holds a PhD in higher education from Azusa Pacific University and an MBA and BA from Baylor University.