Driving Digital Transformation in Higher Ed with Element 451's VP of Product, Eric Range

"In Your Element," is the go-to podcast for higher education professionals seeking innovative solutions and insights. In the latest episode, host Daniella Nordin sits down with Eric Range, the VP of Product at Element 451, to dive into Eric's journey from student affairs to CRM strategy and product leadership.

From Student Affairs to Digital Transformation

Eric Range’s career began in the vibrant world of student affairs, specifically in campus life and residence life. His initial role in student conduct, back when it was still referred to as judicial affairs, laid a solid foundation for understanding the multifaceted needs of higher education institutions. After seven years, Eric took a detour into fundraising before returning to higher ed in an enrollment management role. Here, he spearheaded digital transformation initiatives, such as implementing online file reading systems and introducing CRMs to streamline operations.

Eric's pivotal moment came when he introduced a CRM that wasn't initially Element 451 but eventually led him to connect with Artis and the team at Spark 451. This connection brought Eric to Element 451, where he initially joined for a short stint before venturing into consulting and then returning to Element 451 as the VP of Product.

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Embracing Digital Transformation

Eric is in his element when solving problems through digital transformation. He emphasizes that digital transformation isn't just about technology; it's about fundamentally changing how institutions operate to better serve students and staff. At Element 451, Eric collaborates across various teams, including product leadership, customer success, and partnerships, to ensure that the company's solutions address real-world challenges.

One of the critical aspects of digital transformation is understanding and leveraging user feedback. Eric and his team gather feedback from multiple sources, including the Element community, customer success teams, and direct interactions with partners. This feedback is prioritized based on impact and feasibility, ensuring that the most pressing needs are addressed efficiently.

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Innovating with AI and User Feedback

One of the standout examples of how user feedback has driven innovation at Element 451 is the development of the appointments feature. Initially, institutions were using workarounds within the events module to schedule one-on-one appointments. Recognizing the need for a more tailored solution, Eric's team developed a dedicated appointments feature, transforming the user experience.

Beyond addressing current needs, Element 451 is also focused on pioneering features that users might not yet realize they need. This forward-thinking approach has led to the integration of AI features, such as BoltBot and Copilot, which automate routine tasks and enhance user interactions. The latest evolution of these tools, called Vault AI Assistants, promises to deliver even more specialized and personalized support across various domains, from admissions to financial aid.

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What's Next for Element 451?

Eric shares exciting updates about upcoming features, including a revamped student portal designed to unify the student experience and new tools for student success engagement. These innovations aim to support current students more effectively by leveraging data from Student Information Systems (SIS) and Learning Management Systems (LMS).

Looking ahead, Eric believes that AI will continue to play a significant role in transforming higher education. The goal is to provide seamless, first-party solutions that integrate directly with Element 451, ensuring that institutions can maximize their resources and deliver better experiences for students and staff alike.

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Key Takeaways

• Digital Transformation: It's about solving problems and fundamentally changing how institutions operate.
• User Feedback: Essential for prioritizing developments that address real-world challenges efficiently.
• AI Integration: Transformative features like Vault AI Assistants and Bolt Discovery enhance user interactions and streamline operations.
• Future Trends: AI will continue to drive innovation in higher education, focusing on seamless, integrated solutions.

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Listen + Learn More

To dive deeper into the innovations discussed in this episode and explore how Element 451 is transforming higher education, be sure to listen to the full episode of "In Your Element" with Eric Range. Visit the Element 451 website to access recordings from the Engage conference and stay updated on the latest features and developments.