About the Episode
About the Episode:
In this episode of In Your Element, Amber Hett from Hesston College shares the strategies and tools that led to an impressive 20% increase in student enrollment. As the Admissions Office Manager, Amber discusses how implementing Element451 streamlined communication and data management, making both staff and students happier. Her insights into personalized communication and cohesive team efforts offer valuable lessons for anyone in higher education admissions and marketing.
Single-Handed Implementation: How Amber Made It Work
Amber’s journey with Element451 began with a daunting task—implementing the system largely on her own. Despite the challenges, Amber found the experience not only manageable but rewarding. She emphasized the importance of staying organized and leveraging tools like Asana to keep track of daily tasks and goals. Her weekly meetings with an implementation specialist were invaluable, providing guidance and support throughout the process.
Amber also stressed the importance of integrating support from IT and web teams when needed. Although the workload was heavy at times, she found that the system’s user-friendly design made it possible to achieve milestones with minimal disruption. The successful rebuilding of Hesston’s application site within Element451 was a particularly proud moment for Amber, serving as a testament to what can be accomplished even with limited resources.
Streamlining Processes: Internal and External Benefits
One of the standout achievements Amber discussed was the streamlining of communication processes both for students and internal staff. By centralizing all student information and communication within Element451, Hesston College was able to create a cohesive and consistent messaging strategy across departments. This approach eliminated the confusion that often arises when students receive mixed messages from different sources.
For example, Amber highlighted how Element451 allowed the college to create highly personalized communication campaigns. Using tokens within the system, Heston could send tailored messages to students, addressing them by name and referencing their specific programs of interest. This level of personalization, coupled with the efficiency of the platform, played a crucial role in improving the overall student experience and boosting enrollment numbers.
Internally, the system’s ease of use quickly won over even the most skeptical staff members. Coaches and program directors, who were initially hesitant to adopt the new system, became its biggest advocates after seeing how it simplified their workflow and enhanced their ability to connect with prospective students.
Direct Admissions: A Game-Changer for Heston College
Another significant topic of discussion was Hesston College’s implementation of direct admissions using Element451. Amber explained how the college set up an import system to handle daily files of prospective students, allowing for near-instantaneous communication and engagement. The efficiency of the system enabled Heston to reach out to thousands of students in a timely manner, significantly reducing the risk of losing potential enrollees due to delays.
Amber underscored the importance of meeting students’ expectations for quick and personalized responses, noting that the immediacy provided by Element451 was crucial in today’s fast-paced, digital world. The ability to automate workflows and communications allowed Hesston to handle the increased volume of applications without overburdening the staff, ultimately contributing to the college’s enrollment success.
Key Takeaways:
- Small-Team Implementation: Amber successfully managed the implementation of Element451 on her own, demonstrating the system's user-friendly design.
- Streamlined Communication: By centralizing communication through Element451, Hesston College achieved consistent messaging across departments.
- Personalized Outreach: Customized messages to prospective students, including their names and intended majors, significantly improved engagement.
- Quick and Efficient Data Management: The speed and efficiency of data handling in Element 451 allowed for timely communication with prospective students, reducing the likelihood of losing interest.
- Increased Staff Morale: Simplified processes and a user-friendly system led to happier, more motivated staff members.
- Enhanced Direct Admissions: Utilizing direct admissions workflows and landing pages streamlined the process, making it easier for students to apply and enroll.
Calls to Action:
- Explore Element451: Discover how Element451 can revolutionize your enrollment process with personalized communication and efficient data management.
- Implement Personalized Outreach: Start using personalized messages in your communication to improve student engagement and enrollment.
- Streamline Your Processes: Evaluate your current admissions processes and see where you can introduce efficiencies similar to those at Hesston College.
- Invest in Staff Training: Empower your admissions team with the tools and training they need to effectively use new technologies.
- Stay Updated: Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest trends and tips in higher education marketing and admissions.
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Daniella Nordin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellanordin/
Brendan Henkel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bkhenkel/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: In Your Element is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook and Higher Ed Pulse.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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