Campus News

OdOm Named Vice PresideNt fOr eNrOllmeNt

David Odom (’93) was named vice president for enrollment at York College at the beginning of the fall semester. Odom, a YC alumnus from the classes of ’93 and ’00, has served as director of admissions since 2012. "David has an intimate knowledge of the enrollment process. He is extremely thoughtful, cares deeply about the prospective student experience, and has a wealth of ideas of how we can broaden the York College brand for high school students. You won't find another person more committed to the mission of York College on our campus than David," President Sam Smith said. "He has a reputation as a hard worker and diligent leader in admissions and I am excited to see David step into this expanded role."

During his time as director of admissions, he has led recruiting efforts in an era of declining numbers of college eligible students, especially those affiliated with churches of Christ. Despite the challenging context, enrollment enjoyed notable recent upturns including last year’s record enrollment of 640.

“I have been blessed by York College for more than 3 decades as a student, a parent and now an employee. I believe these experiences give me a better understanding of what our prospective students and their families desire in higher education. I’m honored to be given this opportunity and desire to meet and exceed the challenges of enrollment management. YC has always been about transforming lives and I love being part of what God can do each year on our campus.”

President Smith added, “We know that student recruitment will present a tremendous challenge for the foreseeable future. I am so grateful that David is willing to take on this role and lead our enrollment efforts in the coming years. His ability to manage the detail that goes with enrollment management combined with his unwavering care for other people will be critical for us as we move forward.”

Odom and his wife Rachel have been married for 25 years and have two grown children, Tyler and Dylan (’19). n

schwarz agrees tO serVe as Yc athletic directOr

Garrett Schwarz (’07) takes over as York College athletic director and inherits a department that involves nearly 70 percent of YC students participating in 18 sports. During the past decade, Panther athletics has enjoyed success on and off the field. York has obtained 17 conference championships and had 25 athletes earn NAIA All-American status during the 10-year time span. Outside of competition, the Panthers have earned the NAIA Champions of Character plaque every single year. And there have been well over 200 NAIA Scholar-Athletes recognized across all programs.

While announcing the decision, President Smith said, "I was impressed with Garrett's deep passion for the ways that our athletic department should be mission driven, competitive, and continuously developing character among our student athletes. As a former YC student-athlete, he understands firsthand the key role coaches play in ensuring an outstanding, transformational experience for every student-athlete.”

This position at YC is the next step in his career as an organization manager and a Christian mentor, according to Schwarz. “As athletic director, I’m excited to share my life experiences and genuinely minister to students,” he explained.

Schwarz is a likable, charismatic leader, but he’s also meticulous and hardworking. He says he knows he is accepting a big challenge stepping into this role with Panther athletics, and he’s eager for it.

“I’m excited to help players be great athletes and also become great people,” he said. “I want them to achieve their academic goals. I want them to be successful in athletics but also make good choices for their life and future, to develop great skills, and to leave with a degree and a stronger relationship with God.”

Garrett and Jenna (Matkins ’03) have made York their home for the past two decades and have been engaged alumni, regularly attending athletics events with their children, Dawson (17), Makai (15), and Lael (14). They also attend East Hill Church of Christ, where Garrett and Jenna are active in leading youth ministry. n