Dominican University’s Genaro A. Balcazar Named Notable Latino Leader by Crain’s Chicago Business

River Forest, IL— Genaro A. Balcazar, chief operating officer and senior vice president of Dominican University, has been named a Notable Latino Leader by Crain’s Chicago Business for his transformative work in student enrollment.

This special distinction celebrates outstanding Latino leaders across various industries and roles within the greater Chicago area. 

“Selected through a peer nomination and editorial review process, our profiles showcase honorees' commitment to advancing their industries and communities,” Crain’s Chicago Business said. 

"It is a true honor to be recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as one of their Notable Latino Leaders," said Balcazar. "This acknowledgment reflects the collective efforts, tireless work, and unwavering support of my colleagues. I am grateful to be included alongside other distinguished leaders, and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Dominican University and our far-reaching work to advance access to higher education for all."

Balcazar was nominated for recognition as a Notable Latino Leader by Dominican University President Dr. Glena G. Temple. In her nomination, Temple credited Balcazar with “transforming Dominican University’s division of Enrollment Management,” noting that his work has led to enrollment increases at all levels, most notably within the freshman class, which has experienced record growth over the last three years, despite contrary trends seen by other small, private colleges. This fall, Dominican welcomed just under 700 new first-year students.

“Under Genaro’s leadership, we have enhanced our enrollment management systems and technology, have implemented more data-driven processes, and developed more targeted communication,” Temple said in her nomination. “His ability to think strategically, create a vision for prospect management and student recruitment, and build a team of experienced enrollment management professionals has led to our record-breaking enrollment trends.”

"Through its enrollment growth, Dominican University has expanded its core mission of empowering students to transform communities and become agents of change across diverse professions," Balcazar said. "As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, we have opened our doors to more students from populations historically underserved in higher education. We take great pride in seeing Dominican guide these students as they prepare to blaze new paths in both local and global workplaces."

Balcazar joined Dominican University in 2017 as vice president for the Division of Enrollment Management and Marketing. In his current role, he oversees and directs the university’s Enrollment Management and Marketing division, which includes marketing and communications, university admissions and enrollment services, financial aid, athletics, campus experience, and the Stars Connect student services office. He also oversees DU’s new Office of Hispanic-Serving Initiatives, which works to foster a more inclusive environment and meet the needs of the university’s large Latine student body. Additionally, he leads the implementation of the university’s Strategic Plan priorities, ensuring they meet the institution’s goals and mission. 

Balcazar has nearly 30 years of leadership experience in higher education. Prior to joining Dominican, he served as vice president of enrollment management and marketing at North Park University and in various enrollment leadership roles at DePaul University and the Illinois Institute of Technology. 

Balcazar earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Grinnell College and a Master of Science in Information Systems from DePaul University. He is an alumnus and former advisor of the enrollment management leadership program at the USC Rossier School of Education.

Balcazar currently serves on the Board of Directors of the West Cook YMCA and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, both partners of Dominican University. 

Crain’s Notable Latino Leaders feature can be found online at ChicagoBusiness.com and in print issues of Crain’s Chicago Business. 

About Dominican University      

Founded in 1901, Dominican University is a comprehensive, coeducational Catholic, Hispanic-Serving Institution offering an associate of arts in liberal arts and sciences and bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences, the Borra College of Health Sciences, the Brennan School of Business and the College of Applied Social Sciences. The university also offers doctoral degrees in information studies and applied social justice. U.S. News & World Report ranks Dominican University in the top 20 of Midwest regional master’s level universities, #1 in the Midwest for Best Value, #1 in Social Mobility in Illinois, and #1 in Illinois for best undergraduate teaching. Dominican has campuses in River Forest and Chicago's Pilsen community.