Accountability, Innovation, & Realworld Outcomes: Engage Summit Highlights

Higher education is evolving rapidly, and institutions must adapt to meet new demands. The need for accountability, innovative funding models, and alignment with employment outcomes is becoming increasingly important. At the recent Engage Summit, a session titled "Fireside Chat: Accountability, Innovation, & Real-World Outcomes" brought together industry leaders Michael Bettersworth, Bart Caylor, and Dr. Bryan Gross to discuss these crucial topics. Their insights offer valuable perspectives on how higher education can navigate these changes effectively. Here are four main highlights from their conversation:

1. The Importance of Accountability in Higher Education

Bart Caylor, President of Caylor Solutions and Founder of The Higher Ed Marketer, emphasized the critical role of accountability, especially in building relationships with students. Caylor highlighted that the accountability process starts with listening to and understanding student needs, ensuring clear communication and trust. He stressed that during challenging times, like the recent FAFSA issues, the lack of communication led to a breakdown in accountability.

Michael Bettersworth, Chief Marketing Officer at Texas State Technical College (TSTC), added that accountability extends to job outcomes. He explained that TSTC is financially incentivized based on student earnings post-graduation, making job placement a crucial metric. Bettersworth suggested that from the recruitment stage, institutions should advise students realistically about their career prospects to ensure better outcomes.

Listen to Michael Bettersworth share how strategic tech implementation with Element451 has transformed student enrollment processes, notably increasing their application conversion rate to nearly 90% in episode 7 of In Your Element.

2. Innovative Approaches in Higher Education

Innovation was a key topic, with both speakers sharing how their institutions are leveraging technology to improve processes. Bettersworth mentioned TSTC's use of Element451's Bolt AI Assistants, which has significantly increased their application conversion rate. He also discussed their use of AI-powered tools to keep the curriculum aligned with industry needs through constant feedback from industry advisors.

Caylor highlighted the agility of smaller institutions in adopting generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude. He pointed out that these schools can quickly implement new technologies to enhance student engagement and operational efficiency without the bureaucratic delays larger institutions might face. For higher ed marketers, leveraging AI tools can streamline processes, enhance student engagement, and improve marketing efficiency, offering a competitive edge.

3. Aligning Education with Career Outcomes

Both speakers underscored the necessity of aligning educational programs with career outcomes. Bettersworth shared TSTC's unique approach of offering a money-back guarantee for programs where students fail to secure a job within six months post-graduation, provided they meet certain criteria. This approach not only sets TSTC apart from other institutions, but also ensures accountability towards student success.

Caylor pointed out that private institutions must also focus on job outcomes, as prospective students and their families increasingly prioritize return on investment. He suggested leveraging alumni success stories and testimonials to illustrate the real-world impact of the education provided.

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4. Future Trends and Challenges in Higher Education

Looking ahead, both speakers agreed that demographic changes pose a significant challenge, with fewer high school graduates expected in the coming years. Bettersworth predicted more consolidation and closures among institutions unable to adapt. He also highlighted the need for a revolution in the student experience, advocating for a more cohesive and empathetic approach to student services.

Caylor remained optimistic, arguing that even the smallest institutions can thrive by clearly articulating their unique value propositions and targeting their marketing efforts effectively. He emphasized the importance of retention as part of enrollment strategy, noting that improving retention rates can be the single greatest opportunity for institutions to enhance their financial stability.

More From the Engage Summit

Don't miss out on the full insights from the Engage Summit! Download the Engage Summit Sessions now and unlock the full potential of AI and data in your marketing strategies. These sessions are packed with practical examples, innovative ideas, and actionable takeaways specifically designed for higher education marketers and professionals.