When Patrick Myers reaches out to a prospective student, the conversation feels less like a pitch and more like a partnership. He listens first, learning what each student hopes to achieve, what’s holding them back and how WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) can help them move forward.
Dean Sean Armstrong had a chance to see how a focus on connection defines Patrick’s work as Graduate Student Enrollment and Success Guide when he joined Patrick for the quarterly Dean’s Day at Your Desk. The recurring event offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the school’s “In St. Louis, For St. Louis” commitment is carried out through the people who make it possible.
When Dean Armstrong joins him in late October, Patrick’s day follows a steady rhythm—updating the enrollment database with new inquiries, following up on in-progress applications, and reaching out to prospective students.
His first priority is reaching out to individuals who are interested in programs like the Master of Data Analytics & Applications (MDAA) and the Master of Applied Computer Science (MACS), who’ve reached out directly to CAPS. When new leads arrive, Patrick contacts them first by phone and then follows up with an email.
“The first step,” Patrick said, “is checking to see if I’ve had contact before. If not, I add them to the database so I can follow up later.”
Patrick occupies a unique position at CAPS. Unlike the undergraduate programs—where Christopher Thurmond manages enrollment, and a team of Student Success Navigators provides coaching—Patrick fulfills both roles for graduate students. He serves as an enrollment guide and a coach, supporting students from initial inquiry through graduation.
“I think people appreciate talking to the same person they met with at the start,” he said. “There’s already a relationship there, and they know I’ll respond.”
Patrick also helps applicants understand academic requirements and find pathways toward success. When someone’s GPA or transcript falls short of program standards, he works with them to identify the right next step—whether that’s a certificate program or targeted coursework to strengthen their academic record.
“It’s about meeting people where they are and helping them build from there,” he said.
Patrick also extends the CAPS message into the community, frequently representing the school at a variety of events where he meets people face-to-face and helps them see how a WashU education can fit into their lives.
As the day went on, Patrick and Dean Armstrong sat side by side as Patrick contacted prospective students, including one who had started an application for the Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management.
“Hi, this is Patrick Myers with WashU Continuing & Professional Studies,” he said, dialing with his usual calm energy. Minutes later, he smiled as the student confirmed she planned to finish her application that evening.
“That’s the best part of the job,” Patrick said afterward. “When someone’s been on the fence, and you can help them see the path forward—that’s when it all comes together.”
By the end of the visit, Dean Armstrong nodded approvingly.
“That’s exactly what we mean by meeting students where they are,” he said. “Patrick’s work shows how one conversation can change a student’s trajectory.”