Universities tell young men, 'You belong here' | Dr. Kelly Nolin

Guest: Kelly Nolin, Ph.D., Director of Admissions at the University of Montana

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gender Dynamics in Higher Education

03:14 Understanding Parental Perspectives on College Enrollment

06:14 Marketing Strategies to Attract Male Students

09:15 The Importance of Equity in Education

12:05 Initiatives for Male Student Engagement

15:18 The Impact of Student Loan Debt on College Decisions

17:59 The Future of Non-Traditional Students

20:55 Programs That Attract Male Students

24:01 Self-Reliance and Independence in Montana's Culture

27:06 Conversations Among Institutions on Male Engagement

30:02 Belonging and Community in Higher Education

33:12 Navigating Political Ideologies on Campus

36:10 Retention and Graduation Rates for Male Students

39:06 The Hopeful Future of Higher Education

Key Stats + Resources

• Young men comprise only 42% of four-year college students (Pew Research, 2023)

• Women earn 59% of college degrees vs. 41% for men—a complete reversal from decades ago (Ed Dept)

• University of Montana has increased male enrollment from 42% to 43%

• By 2032, experts predict a 5 million person gap between jobs requiring college degrees and people with that education

• Volt article by Erica Levi Zelinger

• Higher Education Male Achievement Collaborative (HEMAC)

Why It Matters: The gender gap affects earnings, dating, family formation, and America’s workforce. People with lower educational attainment often earn less over a lifetime and face reduced likelihood of marriage and fatherhood.

Recruitment Strategies:

• “Rugged masculinity” marketing featuring forestry, lumberjack sports, hunting, and outdoor activities

• Focus on practical programs: business, forestry, trades (welding, diesel mechanics, construction)

• Embedded community colleges offering immediate career pathways

• Emphasizing themes that resonate: entrepreneurship, self-reliance, career readiness, purpose

Barriers to Male Enrollment:

• Concerns about political bias on campuses

• Student debt anxiety

• Perception that college isn’t necessary for success

• Feeling academically unprepared

• Lack of sense of belonging

Creating Belonging:

• Hosting diverse political speakers (Charlie Kirk, Bernie Sanders, AOC)

• Welcoming all political and religious viewpoints

• 77.2% retention rate at Univ. of Montana —highest ever

• Active academic advising with student tracking

• Emphasis on respectful dialogue across differences

The Future: Kelly Nolin views higher education’s mission as instilling hope—helping students envision different paths and possibilities that create ripple effects for families and future generations.