Michael Gratale

Vice President for Enrollment Strategy

Michael Gratale was appointed Fordham University’s vice president for enrollment strategy in August 2025. He serves as the chief enrollment officer of the University, providing strategic leadership, vision, and innovation in student recruitment, enrollment, and retention. He oversees the division of enrollment management, encompassing international enrollment initiatives, student financial services, enrollment support, enrollment systems, admissions, and enrollment data and analytics.

Gratale began his career leading startups, where he honed his skills in innovation, strategy, and operational leadership. He then moved into higher education at Kaplan, overseeing admissions and operations while spearheading major technology transformations that modernized processes and improved student services.

For more than a decade, Gratale served at Columbia University, most recently as senior associate dean of enrollment management and chief technology officer for the School of General Studies. In that role, he led efforts to expand access for nontraditional undergraduates, modernize admissions and financial aid processes, and implement advanced analytics to improve decision-making and student outcomes. He also championed predictive modeling, process automation, and cross-departmental collaboration to enhance both recruitment and retention.

Across his career, Gratale has built a reputation for collaborative strategic planning and a relentless pursuit of operational excellence. His work is driven by a commitment to aligning service, analysis, and technology to support institutional goals while meeting the diverse needs of students and families.

Gratale earned a B.S. from the College of New Jersey, an M.B.A. from Purdue University Global, and an M.S. from Columbia University.