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Matthew Alander
Director Of Admission at Princeton University
Professional Background
Matthew Alander is a distinguished higher education professional with extensive experience in admissions and outreach. Currently serving as the Director of Admissions at Princeton University, he has established a reputation for his strategic approach to university admissions, fostering diversity and enhancing the student-selection process. Matthew’s career in higher education has been marked by a commitment to student success and the mission of making education accessible to all qualified candidates. His leadership at Princeton University involves overseeing all aspects of the admissions process, working diligently to maintain the university's reputation for academic excellence while ensuring fair and comprehensive evaluation of applicants.
Before his current role, Matthew held various positions at Tufts University, where he played a pivotal role in the admissions office. His journey at Tufts began as the Assistant Director of Admissions, where he contributed to the outreach and recruitment of prospective students. His dedication to the university community earned him an advancement to Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, where he helped lead initiatives to enhance diversity within incoming classes. There, he also served as the Director of Outreach, Undergraduate Admissions, focusing on broadening access to Tufts for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Matthew's experience is enriched by his time at Harvard Law School, where he served as a J.D. Admissions Graduate Intern. This role allowed him to work closely with the admissions team, gaining invaluable insight into a different sector of higher education and further solidifying his expertise in admissions strategies. He also began his career as a Case Assistant at Foley Hoag LLP, which provided him with a deep understanding of the legal processes involved in higher education.
Education and Achievements
Matthew Alander's academic background is highly impressive. He earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration from the prestigious Harvard University Graduate School of Education. This advanced degree has equipped him with a robust theoretical and practical understanding of the complexities of higher education, making him a knowledgeable leader in the field.
Prior to his graduate studies, Matthew obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science and Government from Tufts University. This strong foundation in political science has not only enhanced his critical thinking and analytical skills but has also provided him insights into the public policy aspects that affect higher education administration today.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Matthew Alander has amassed numerous achievements that reflect his dedication to the field of higher education. His strategic initiatives at Tufts University led to a considerable increase in application diversity, integrating programs focused on outreach and community engagement. Matthew has presented at various national conferences on admissions practices, sharing his innovative strategies and insights with other professionals in the field.
His leadership qualities and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed. At Princeton University, Matthew has significantly influenced the admissions landscape, promoting transparency and inclusivity in the selection process. His collaborative approach has fostered positive relationships not only within the admissions office but also across various departments at the university.
Additionally, Matthew has contributed to research on higher education policies and practices, collaborating with peers to produce tools and resources aimed at improving the admissions process nationwide. His scholarly work and passion for educating others reflect his commitment to shaping the future of higher education in a dynamic and inclusive manner.