Three weeks ago Randy Doss ‘82, vice president for enrollment services, sat across from Kent Chabotar, president and professor of political science, and said that there was a personal matter he wanted to discuss: Doss is resigning from his post.

The ability to walk to work, recruit without traveling and watch his child grow up  are a few reasons that compelled Doss to resign after working nearly 30 years in higher education and 13 years at Guilford.

Doss will become the new director of admission and enrollment at Greensboro Day School, where tuition can reach a staggering $13,000 a year.

Some have speculated that Doss’ resignation signals something sinister afoot in admissions. However, Aaron Fetrow, vice president and dean of student affairs, said that could not be further from the truth.

“Greensboro Day School made Randy a tremendous offer,” said Fetrow. “There is no substance to the idea he is ‘jumping ship.’”

According to Fetrow, Doss’ wife already works at Greensboro Day School, and his young daughter also attends the institution.

While most of Doss’ colleagues have fond memories of Doss, some, like Max Carter, director of Friends Center and campus ministry coordinator, believe that Doss’ effect on the College is a complicated subject.

“He knew the business,” said Carter.” Diversity — in terms of race and ethnicity — improved during his tenure — but he did have particular ideas about other diversity, and students who didn’t conform to his idea of ‘normal’ were not, shall we say, encouraged to pursue their interest in Guilford.”

Others like Walter Blass, who has served of the Board of Trustees for some 30 years, said that Doss improved Guilford’s academic landscape.

“I think he made a huge improvement in going after a higher number of applicants,” said Blass.

Those like Hope Williams, president of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, told The Guilfordian that Doss is highly respected in North Carolina and across the country for his knowledge and experience in admissions and enrollment management.

“He led the doubling of enrollment at Guilford College during his tenure, and the tripling of enrollment of North Carolina students,” said Williams.

Rita Serotkin, vice president and dean of CCE, said that Doss always found a way to talk about the most complicated subjects in layman’s terms.

“Randy has the unique ability of being able to clearly explain the complicated formulas and procedures of admissions and financial aid to many different audiences,” said Serotkin.“And he always does this with good humor and patience.”

Regardless of Doss’ reasoning, not even those working closest with Doss could have guessed he would make the move.

Even Andy Strickler, who will fill Doss’ position, said that Doss’ departure came as a shock to the admissions office.

“Whether or not a person agrees with his position or stance on a particular issue, one can never argue about his passion and love for Guilford,” said Strickler. “He truly loves the college and wishes the best for (its) evolution.”