Welcome to the #DragonFamily: Jason Trainer

As the new vice president of strategic enrollment management, Jason Trainer oversees any effort to attract, retain and graduate students. He leads and coordinates efforts to position the university to attract and have the most successful students.

How do you prefer to start your work day?
I get up and go to the gym, get to work early, and then do an exercise called the time box, which is essentially clearing my mind to prepare myself and state my goals for the day.

What book are you currently reading?
"Greatness" by David L. Cook. It is a book that compiles everything he has learned from working with successful entrepreneurs, athletes, and others into a short, premium-priced book that forces you to commit to reading it if you buy it.

What drew you to MSUM?
I’m originally from Minot, North Dakota, so this is closer to home than where my family and I have been for a time. Also, at MSUM, we have a unique opportunity to really launch students into their career in a way most universities can’t, which excites me.

What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?
I stop and express gratitude for what I have right now; it really grounds you in reality when something negative happens.

What’s something, big or small, that you’re really good at?
I’m good at strategy and vision. I just love it, and can do it all day long, but what I’ve realized over time is that I’m actually good at pattern recognition.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
My wife and I started dating when we were 13 and have been together ever since.

Are you a dog or cat person?
I’ve always been a dog person. I have a golden doodle, and she is with the rest of my family as we are trying to find a permanent place to live in Moorhead. I currently live in the dorms, and I miss her a lot.

Welcome to the #DragonFamily, Jason!