Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management & Dean of Undergraduate Admission
Mark Ciolli joined Catholic University in January 2022, bringing more than two decades of experience in higher education recruitment and admissions and a deep commitment to the mission of Catholic higher education. A seasoned leader in recruiting right-fit students and families, Mark has successfully supported enrollment growth at both public and Catholic universities over the course of his career.
Before joining Catholic University, Mark served as the executive director of admission and recruitment at the City University of New York (CUNY), where he supported enrollment efforts across 20 undergraduate colleges of over 500,000 students, playing a pivotal role in shaping one of the largest urban university systems in the country.
Prior to his time at CUNY, Mark dedicated eight years to Fordham University, where he led the school’s transfer recruitment initiatives and made significant strides in recruiting underserved student populations. His leadership at Fordham was marked by a commitment to expanding access to Catholic higher education for first-generation college students and building pathways for students from diverse backgrounds.
Mark holds a BA in English from the University of Houston, where his career in admissions began. He later pursued advanced studies, earning a master's degree in theology from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, followed by an MBA in management and technology from Fordham University. His interdisciplinary education allows him to bridge the gap between strategic decision-making, student outreach, and technological innovation in higher education.
Throughout his career, Mark has been known for his data-driven approach, mentorship of young professionals, and commitment to ethical leadership in admissions. At Catholic University, Mark is excited to continue shaping the university’s enrollment strategies, strengthening relationships with students and families, and helping the institution become the most well-known and well-respected Catholic University in the world.