Developing an enrollment management plan, assessing the effectiveness of campus operations, or analyzing the utilization of campus space can be a daunting task. Regional universities and small colleges often lack staff resources with the necessary expertise to guide these planning processes.
The Blakes — Dr. Peg Blake and Laurence Blake — have served as the senior student affairs, enrollment management, and facilities management officers of flagship universities, regional universities, and community colleges. Their passion is planning to meet the needs of today's students and the effective utilization of campus resources.
The Blakes performed their first joint consulting project, a space utilization study for Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2011. Recent consulting projects include the development of a Facilities Master Plan for Tompkins Cortland Community College in Dryden, New York; and comprehensive reviews and assessments of the Divisions of Student Affairs and Advancement at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado.
Interactive Learning Center - Boise State University
Credits: Opsis Architecture and LCA Architects - Architecture
Discover BlakePlanning
BlakePlanning Services
Enrollment Management
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Review of current enrollment management practices and policies
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Development of realistic enrollment goals
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Advising how to organize a strategic enrollment management structure within the institution to maintain and strengthen enrollment efforts
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Coaching enrollment services leaders in best practices
Program Review and Assessment
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Review organizational structure and staffing levels to ensure alignment with institutional goals and priorities
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Review of best practices to meet student and institutional needs
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Involve stakeholders in assessment and goal setting processes
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Lead evaluation team, if appropriate, that may include staff, faculty, students, and external constituents
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Identify opportunities for increased effectiveness
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Offer recommendations for future direction or focus
Planning & Design of Student Services Facilities
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Preparation of the building program for a Student Services facility — student union, residence hall, recreation center, health center, child care, or "one stop shop" student services center
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Preparation of Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to solicit architectural and other professional services
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Coordination of the Architect/Engineer Selection process
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Review of architectural agreements
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Project Management of the planning and design process through Design Development
Facilities Management & Planning
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Development of a space inventory of campus buildings
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Identification of opportunities to repurpose under-utilized space or buildings
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Preparation of a Facilities Master Plan
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Review of custodial, maintenance and grounds staffing levels based on the APPA Staffing Guidelines for Educational Facilities
Who We Are
Dr. Peg Blake & Laurence Blake
With over six decades of combined service in higher education, Peg and Laurence Blake have a wealth of experience in the planning of student programs and services and facilities operations. Peg has served as a senior student affairs officer at multiple universities, while Larry has led college facilities management and planning operations at multiple universities. Most recently, both Blakes have applied their expertise to interim appointments and consulting projects.
Peg Blake is a Past President of NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education) and has been recognized by NASPA as a 'Pillar of the Profession'.
Laurence Blake is a Certified Planner; a Registered Architect in Nebraska and a Licensed Architect in California and Wyoming; and a LEED Accredited Professional (AP). In addition to his work in higher education, Laurence worked in and managed private architectural firms for 20 years.
For more information on Dr. Peg Blake, click here. For more information on Laurence Blake, click here.
Enrollment Management
Leadership by Dr. Peg Blake
Southern Oregon University
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Led the development of 5-Year
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Strategic Enrollment Plan.
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Worked with academic deans to develop college-specific enrollment goals and plans.
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Modified scholarship awarding practices in support of enrollment goals.
Humboldt State University
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Led the development of 5-Year Strategic Enrollment Plan.
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Created a strategic enrollment management committee structure.
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Streamlined academic scholarship application, review and awarding processes.
North Idaho College
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Guided the college through development of its Strategic Enrollment Plan.
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Led the review of scholarship and institutional grant awarding processes, and implemented new processes in support of enrollment goals.
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Led the creation of a communication plan for students from prospect to graduation.
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Led changes in advising services to accommodate mandatory advising of all first-year students.
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Led implementation of an 'early start' program to better support student success and completion.
Adams State University
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Led the creation of a university-wide strategic enrollment management structure.
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Guided revisions to the prospective student communication plan.
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Initiated work on the development of a parent/support network program.
Central Washington University
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Assessed the operations and staffing of the Admissions and Financial Aid & Scholarships Offices and made recommendations for improved effectiveness and efficiency.
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Led the development of a strategic recruitment and communication plan.
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Guided the merging of four separate operations into a seamless and high functioning enrollment management division.
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Advised on the development of a strategic enrollment management structure to improve practice by engaging campus partners.
Planning, Design and Construction
Leadership by Laurence Blake
Boise State University
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Interactive Learning Center (59,000 SF)
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West Campus Academic Building (65,600 SF)
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Student Recreation Center (90,000 SF)
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Taylor and Keiser Residence Halls (115,000 SF / 368 beds)
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University Square Apartments (215,000 SF / 504 beds)
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Caven-Williams Indoor Practice Facility (102,000 SF)
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Parking Structure #1 (1,240 total parking spaces)
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2005 Campus Master Plan Update
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Master Plan for Student Housing
Student Recreation Center
Credits: Opsis Architecture and Design West
Southern Oregon University
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Rogue Community College / Southern Oregon University Higher Education Center (58,700 SF) - LEED Platinum Certified
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Development of the RFQ and RFP for a successful Public-Private Partnership to develop 700 beds of new student housing (200,000 SF) and new main dining facility (23,300 SF)
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Integrated Enrollment Services Center / One-Stop Shop
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Facility Condition Assessments of 4 campus buildings
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SOU Campus Master Plan Update 2010-2020
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SOU Climate Action Plan
RCC / SOU Higher Education Center
Credits: Michael Dean - Photography | SERA Architects and KSW Architects - Architecture
University of Wyoming
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High Bay Research Facility (79,744 SF)
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Engineering Education and Research Building (116,000 SF)
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Science Initiative Facility (110,000 SF)
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Arena-Auditorium Renovation (15,250 SF new construction / 100,000 SF renovation)
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High Altitude Performance Center (67,218 SF new construction / 49,193 SF renovation)
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Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center (67,000 SF)
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Historic Preservation Plan
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Master Plan for Student Housing
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Athletic Facilities Master Plan
Engineering Education & Research Building
Credits: ZGF Architects, Malone Belton Abel, and GSG Architecture
University of Nebraska
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College of Business Administration Addition & Renovation (44,000 SF new construction | 69,000 SF renovation)
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George M. Beadle Center for Genetics & Biomaterials Research (140,000 SF) and Biological Sciences Greenhouses (23,165 SF)
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Nebraska Union Expansion and Renovation (55,000 SF new construction | 60,000 SF renovation)
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Stadium Drive Parking Garage (597 parking spaces | 15,000 SF of occupied space)
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Memorial Stadium Improvement Project (157,578 SF new construction)
Memorial Stadium Improvement Project
Credits: Sinclair Hille Architects and HDR Architecture
