YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
Meet Christopher Dorelien:
A Passionate Leader in Higher Education
Christopher Dorelien is a seasoned higher education executive with over 25 years of experience in campus operations, admissions management, and student success. Currently serving as the Director of Admissions at South University, Orlando, Christopher has made a significant impact by driving enrollment, enhancing student retention, and leading multiple cross-campus initiatives to improve student services. His leadership spans various roles in several esteemed institutions, where he has honed his ability to develop and execute strategic plans that foster a culture of excellence.
Before joining South University, Christopher held leadership positions at multiple colleges, including Keiser University and Western Connecticut State University. At Keiser, he served as Senior Admissions Coordinator, where he led recruitment efforts and improved the admissions process, while also mentoring a team of admissions counselors. At Western Connecticut State University, as Associate Director of Admissions, Christopher demonstrated his ability to manage both large-scale recruitment efforts and day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and overseeing student success initiatives.
Christopher's leadership experience goes beyond traditional admissions roles. He has a proven track record of managing campus operations, developing community outreach programs, and creating opportunities for student engagement. He has been instrumental in onboarding and training leadership teams, streamlining campus policies, and implementing CRM systems that align with institutional goals. Christopher’s strategic approach has always emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with students, faculty, and external partners to ensure a holistic, student-centered experience.
In 2024, Christopher led a collaborative team to organize and host the South University Florida graduation ceremony, an event that brought together students and families from all three campuses in Florida. His leadership in overseeing all aspects of the event—coordination, logistics, and ensuring that the ceremony reflected the university’s commitment to excellence—was widely recognized. This achievement highlighted Christopher’s ability to lead complex, multi-campus projects while keeping the focus on celebrating student success.
A recipient of the Admissions Award of Excellence and the Stingray Award of Excellence, Christopher has been recognized for his ability to create seamless student journeys, from application to graduation. These honors reflect his dedication to continuously improving the student experience, streamlining processes, and driving measurable improvements in student outcomes. His collaborative efforts across departments have led to substantial increases in both student satisfaction and retention rates.
Fluent in French and Creole, Christopher excels in connecting with diverse communities, and his passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion informs every aspect of his leadership. He is a staunch advocate for providing equal opportunities for all students, ensuring that underrepresented groups receive the support they need to succeed.
Christopher is not only a leader in admissions but also a mentor to future professionals in higher education. His focus on leadership development, staff training, and fostering a culture of collaboration ensures that his teams are equipped to face the challenges of the ever-evolving higher education landscape.
When he’s not leading admissions strategies or campus initiatives, Christopher enjoys speaking at conferences, writing about trends in higher education, and sharing insights on leadership, student success, and community engagement. He remains deeply committed to the mission of empowering students and helping them achieve their academic and career goals.