Dr. Mark Butt is the director of admission in the office of undergraduate admission at Emory University. A sought-after presenter, he has shared his expertise at national and international conferences on topics that include ethical practices in admission, student disciplinary actions in selective admission, financial aid for international students and school profile assessments. He is also a part of the National Educational Advisory Board for the Point Foundation, an LGBTQIA+ college access foundation based in Los Angeles.
In an interview with Education Insider, Butt sheds light on the importance of digital engagement in admissions and how data analytics would change the way standardized testing is evaluated.
Can you walk me through your key roles and responsibilities?
I currently serve as the director of admission in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Emory University. Before joining the institution, I was advising high school students through the college search and selection process at an independent day school in South Florida for about two years. My current role involves overseeing the first-year selection process.
At Emory University, we view ourselves as admission counselors, guiding students through the process like lighthouses in the admission profession. There is a team of 30 admission officers, including seven who work with international students aiming to pursue higher education in America.
What are some of the current challenges in the industry?
Rapid evolution of the role of admission officers is a common challenge, especially post-COVID-19. Engaging students digitally has become crucial. Leveraging technology has become important for connecting with students globally in real-time, offering both asynchronous and synchronous interactions to accommodate various needs.
“Leveraging technology has become important for connecting with students globally in real-time, offering both asynchronous and synchronous interactions to accommodate various needs.”
What impact of technology and digital tools do you foresee in the admission profession?
Data analytics have always been part of higher education. We use data for various purposes, from predicting application volume to optimizing recruitment activities. But broadly, initiatives like AI.Humanity at Emory shows promise in fusing AI with humanistic inquiry. The university leverages its technological, analytical, and ethics-based expertise to understand the societal implications of AI and shape the future better to serve humanity.
Can you discuss the key aspects of a recent project or initiative you have been involved in?
Emory is evaluating the role of standardized testing in undergraduate admissions. We have made the SAT and ACT optional since the pandemic and will continue to keep it the same way for at least the next cohort of high school students. We are committed to reviewing applicants in the context of their schools to address inequalities and ensure equitable evaluation for each applicant in our process.
How do you envision the future of higher education?
The future of higher education is bright, with students seeing universities as hubs of research, shaping opinions, and conducting investigations. This thought process will bring in the next generations of scholars across diverse fields like social sciences and natural sciences, as well as pre-professional areas like business and nursing. Universities will also play a major role in creating social and economic mobility and espousing democratic values in students. We will continue to improve them for adding value to the society at large.
