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Toomey started at WIU on October 1, 2025, as the assistant vice president of Admissions and Enrollment Support in the Division of Student Success.
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Toomey Named August COAP EOM

August 5, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - -The August Council of Administrative Personnel (COAP) Employee of the Month is Richard Toomey, assistant vice president for Student Success and Enrollment. Since joining the Western Illinois University community, Toomey has truly gone above and beyond, especially over the past month by creating the new recruitment plan for the university. Often found with a welcoming smile, positive attitude and an overall approach that uplifts and celebrates others, Toomey has worked very hard over the last few weeks seeking insight, collecting feedback and drafting a strategic recruitment plan for the university that will propel us into the future.

Enrollment efforts have been central to our minds, as stabilizing enrollment and increasing our recruitment are vital to our future success. Toomey has welcomed the challenge of creating a new path for our recruitment efforts to take. After seeking insight from throughout the Macomb and Quad Cities communities, hosting various listening sessions and bringing as many people into the conversation as possible, he finalized the first draft of the WIU Recruitment Plan this month. This effort took countless hours, focusing on creating what is best for Western Illinois University rather than a cookie-cutter plan that could fit any institution. Toomey concentrated on identifying the areas where the institution could improve, while also highlighting the successes the university has achieved and how these can be built upon in the future. His efforts over the past few weeks have created a valuable resource for WIU.

Additionally, Toomey has focused on positively developing the institution through staffing efforts. He has embraced new strategies for recruiting international students and has been diligently working to stabilize our international student recruitment and support staff. This includes hiring a new Director of International Student Recruitment, appointing an individual to oversee the institution's visa process and assisting with hiring and planning for a new coordinator focused on supporting current international students. Toomey has done a great job focusing on WIU's future by investing significant time and energy in preparing us to successfully support international students.

There are many reasons Toomey is deserving of being named employee of the month, from his positive approach and outlook to his extreme work ethic. His efforts impact current and future students and help Western Illinois University prepare for a brighter future.
The COAP Employee of the Month award recognizes exceptional performance by WIU employees who go above and beyond their regular duties, based on specific criteria. Nominations can come from supervisors, colleagues, faculty, students, staff, or members of the community. Monthly winners receive a reserved parking space for one month and recognition from the university.

If you know of an employee who deserves acknowledgment, nominations can be submitted at wiu.edu/human_resources/eom/.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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