Over nearly five decades, Jim Day has built a reputation as a respected innovator and thought leader in higher education enrollment management. He started in his 20s, landing cabinet-level positions in colleges and state higher education policy organizations, and then creating a series of highly successful enrollment consulting and ed-tech firms. These companies have strengthened hundreds of colleges, allowing them to understand markets more clearly, and leading them to make more effective decisions for their enrollment and financial aid programs, strategic planning, student retention, and governance.

From his time at Beloit, Jim was intrigued by how colleges do what they do. That interest led him past advanced degrees to a focus on building companies that help colleges flourish and ultimately provide greater student access and success more broadly.

Jim sees his career choices and accomplishments as a sustained professional expression of gratitude for Beloit College, a place where he became a strong writer, was challenged to perform at a high level, and where he found multiple mentors and friends among faculty, staff, and peers. His work with MARKETview, and his previous companies Hardwick Day and Farrell Day, enables many colleges to thrive. Beloit is fortunate to be among them. The College is grateful for Jim’s past service as an alumni trustee, his consistent and generous financial support, and his vital and ongoing insight into and support for Beloit’s enrollment operation.
Jim also serves Beloit well as an outspoken supporter of the liberal arts. His stature in the field of higher education, coupled with his understanding of research on alumni success and satisfaction, makes his views on the value of a liberal arts experience highly persuasive.

Jim is a successful leader in his profession, a loving husband, father of three, grandfather of one (so far), and an asset to the alumni community. The Beloit College Alumni Association is pleased to recognize him with its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Citation.