Transforming Technical Education: Insights from Texas State Technical College

In a recent episode of the "In Your Element" podcast hosts Daniella Nordin and Brendan Henkel interview Michael Bettersworth, the Chief Marketing Officer at Texas State Technical College (TSTC). Michael brings to light the transformative approaches TSTC employs through the strategic use of technology and a deep commitment to its educational mission.

The Evolution of TSTC's Admission Process

Michael kicked off the conversation by highlighting the recent shifts TSTC has undertaken in its technology stack, notably transitioning to new ERP and CRM systems to enhance their operational efficiency and application processes. A significant takeaway from Michael's narrative is the strategic overhaul of the application experience to make it more user-friendly and aligned with TSTC's mission of job placement. This change was driven by a need to streamline the application process while ensuring it remained consultative, reflecting the career-focused nature of TSTC's programs.

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Strategic Decision-Making in Technology Adoption

A key aspect of TSTC’s approach is its methodical decision-making process when choosing technological solutions. Michael shared insights into the rigorous review processes, emphasizing the importance of aligning new systems with institutional missions and the specific needs of their stakeholder groups. The discussion delved into how TSTC uses detailed discovery documents and stakeholder feedback to prioritize features and functionalities that truly enhance their educational and operational objectives.

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The Impact of Technology on Recruitment and Enrollment

Michael detailed how the adoption of a new CRM platform has significantly improved their recruitment and enrollment processes. By making the application process more intuitive, TSTC has not only improved the user experience for prospective students but also increased application conversion rates dramatically. This enhancement directly contributes to more effective marketing spend and better lead qualification, ultimately ensuring that students who are most likely to succeed are those who apply.

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Future Directions and Strategic Initiatives

Looking ahead, Michael discussed TSTC’s ongoing and future initiatives aimed at further integrating technology into their strategic operations. These include refining their CRM to better qualify leads and planning phase two of their implementation, which focuses on student journey mapping and enhanced communication strategies. These efforts are aimed at reducing the rate of change in majors and increasing student persistence by aligning educational offerings more closely with student needs and industry demands.

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Listen + Learn More

For a deeper dive into the innovative strategies employed by Texas State Technical College and to hear more from Michael Bettersworth about the future of technical education, tune in to the full episode of "In Your Element" on the Enrollify podcasting network. Explore how TSTC is shaping the landscape of technical education through thoughtful technology integration and strategic planning.