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Eric Fry has been named the new director of International Student Recruitment.
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Fry Named Director of International Student Recruitment

May 27, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University is pleased to welcome Eric Fry as the new director of International Student Recruitment, effective June 1.

Fry brings significant expertise to the position, with experience in leading international enrollment management teams and expanding global engagement for his previous institutions. During his career, Fry has created several successful global and regional marketing and strategic enrollment plans designed to develop and maintain international student pipelines.

"I'm thrilled to be a new team member at WIU," Fry said. "I am most excited to work with program faculty and campus support staff so we can develop a quality global engagement plan to attract top students from around the world. Both the Macomb and the Quad Cities campus have a tremendous amount to offer students including high value academic programs, safe and affordable communities and a welcoming campus."

In his role, Fry will partner with the undergraduate and graduate admissions teams as well as faculty and community stakeholders to develop strategies to attract, enroll and support international students. Supporting the faculty and departments who engage with international students daily is also a top priority.

Fry has worked in international higher education since 2006 when he was director of student affairs for a new U.S. medical school in Qatar. He has also spent time as the managing director for Ole Miss International at the University of Mississippi and the executive director for INTO Marshall and INTO QUB with Marshall University and Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland. He has traveled extensively to recruit students in areas such as Europe, Turkey, Kazakhstan, China, South East Asia, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and South America.

"We are very excited to welcome Eric to WIU," Assistant Vice President for Admissions and Enrollment Richard Toomey said. "His background and experience working with both undergraduate and graduate student populations has been extensive. As we look ahead to reimagine and re-establish our outreach opportunities to expand our international student enrollments, we recognize the positive impact he will bring to these efforts."

For more information on WIU's International Admissions, visit wiu.edu/international.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing