Cognitive Diversity in Enrollment Management

Abstract

The Enrollment Management division of Denison University, a small liberal arts college just outside of Columbus, Ohio, has gone through significant change as it promotes diversity and inclusion initiatives through the "Denison Forward" program. This project examines the division's efforts to adjust to new leadership, bridge generational gaps, and increase operational effectiveness while aligning with Denison Forward's goals. Through examining theories of problem-solving and utilizing Kirton's Adaption-Innovation Inventory (KAI), the project aimed to enhance the division's understanding of various approaches to problem-solving within their office division. A KAI workshop also provided participants with their personal scores, and promoted teamwork and effectiveness in tackling the complex problems typical of modern higher education and highlighted the importance of diversity in problem-solving. After the workshop was completed, participants were able to better understand their own cognitive problem solving style as well as how it fits into a larger group setting.