In a June 2021 article, Forbes reported that the latest numbers show the largest college enrollment decline in a decade, but Tad Wingo, HLGU’s vice president for enrollment management and marketing, knows what sets HLGU apart.

“We were able to improve some of our recruitment and financial aid strategies this year but I believe two things contributed to our success,” Wingo said. “First, we have an amazing admissions team. It is unbelievable the hard work and time they put into ensuring this was a successful year. Second, we have faculty and staff who love this place and are ready to pour into our students, and I think that’s evident to the students here.”

The COVID-19 pandemic played a large role in the challenge to recruit students, preventing admissions counselors and students from meeting face-to-face, but HLGU President Dr. Anthony Allen says there’s more to it than that.

“In general, there are a number of challenges facing education and recruiting students. First, there is increased competition for students that are available. Second, with a push for public education, most students can attend a community college, specifically in Missouri, for free. This places an added burden on private institutions that are seeking the same students.”

Dr. Allen and the HLGU admissions team remain positive though.

“One of the distinctives of Hannibal-Lagrange University is that it offers Christian higher education,” Allen said. “This means we take very seriously the integration of faith and learning and helping students be equipped with a biblical worldview as they prepare for their vocation. Students who receive this type of education not only are trained to serve in their vocation, but have the necessary skills and abilities to be successful in life.”

Wingo added, “Our students will be stronger in their faith when they graduate than when they moved into their dorm as a Freshman.”

Regarding recruiting strategies for the upcoming year, Wingo said his admissions counselors are ready to start traveling to “meet future Trojans in person.”

“We want to continue to develop the relationships needed to ensure that HLGU is successful. One hundred percent of undergrad students that attend HLGU receive financial aid. How awesome is that!” he exclaimed. “We have a great story to tell and we are ready to travel and tell everyone how wonderful this place truly is!”

New students arrived to campus on August 19, and the school year officially kicked off when classes started on August 23. Many faculty and staff members have noticed increased energy and liveliness among the student body this year.

“This group of freshmen is very involved and it is so encouraging seeing them walking across campus and getting to interact with them on a consistent basis,” said Stephen Crain, director of student activities. “I think the future of HLGU is bright and promising.”

�������� University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University prides itself in the traditional and nontraditional educational experience it offers in a distinctively Christian environment.

Tad comes to HLGU with strong experience in admissions and enrollment in Christian higher education.  For the last three and a half years, Tad has served as the Senior Director of Admissions at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and The College at Mid-America in Memphis, TN. Prior to Mid-America, Tad served as the Assistant Director for Admissions at Union University in Jackson, TN. Tad also has past management experience working with large companies such as Verizon Wireless and AT&T.

“Mr. Wingo will make an excellent addition to our executive staff” said Dr. Allen. “He has had extensive experience in admission, recruiting, and marketing. His experience in leading successful teams through his career is evident, and he will no doubt help our admissions team reach new levels of success.”

As a graduate of Union University, Tad has experienced Christian higher education as both a student and key staff leader.  Because of this experience, as well as parenting an upcoming high school senior, Wingo says, “I know just how important a Christian college education can be and how positively it can affect the lives and careers of the students and families who choose to invest in it.  I’m honored to have been invited to join the team at �������� University, and I look forward to working and serving alongside Dr. Allen and the rest of the team at HLGU.  I’m excited about the opportunity to serve at and promote a school that has both academic excellence and a biblical worldview, a combination not found at many colleges and universities today.  I look forward to showing parents and students how HLGU can help prepare future Trojans for both their career and life callings.”

Tad graduated from Union University in 1997 with his bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He is currently pursuing his master’s of business administration degree.

Tad grew up in Bradford, Tennessee. He and his wife, Tara, met in college and have been married for 23 years. The couple has one son, Jack, who will be a high school senior in the fall.  Jack plays soccer, and Tad, Tara, and Jack’s grandparents love cheering him on at games. The family also enjoys watching movies and old TV series together, traveling, eating good food, and spending time with their two dogs, Panda and Moxie.