Mary Venezia, M.A.

As Assistant Vice President for Admission at the University of Arizona, Mary brings vision and structure to the dynamic and ever-evolving world of Enrollment Management. She leads a comprehensive portfolio that includes Domestic Recruitment, International Admissions (Graduate and Undergraduate), Admissions Processing, and Early Academic Outreach—ensuring access, equity, and excellence at every stage of the student journey.

Mary is known for launching innovative initiatives, aligning operations with institutional goals, and strengthening the university’s ability to recruit and enroll academically talented and diverse student populations. Since 2013, she has spearheaded more than 50 programs and strategic projects, bringing clarity and momentum to complex challenges. A trusted leader and collaborator, Mary manages critical efforts across departments, nurtures key relationships, and helps shape institutional policy and communications that support student access and success.

Her professional journey spans university housing, academic advising, and pre-college outreach—experience that grounds her work in a deep commitment to student development and public higher education.

Mary’s contributions have been recognized by the Arizona Women in Higher Education (Emerging Leader Award), the University of Arizona (Staff Excellence Award), and the Southern Arizona 40 Under 40 Awards. She has served on the College Board’s Western Regional Council and completed the College Board’s Enrollment Leadership Academy. She is a Flinn-Brown Fellow and an alumna of the Tucson Metro Chamber’s Emerging Leaders Council.

A proud first-generation college graduate, Mary earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication and Public Relations from Northern Arizona University and her master’s degree in Higher Education from the University of Arizona.