About the Episode
About the Episode:
In this episode of "In Your Element," hosts Daniella Nordin and Brendan Henkel sit down with Kathy Taylor, the 2024 Element451 Captain of the Year from Wake Tech. Kathy shares her journey from managing manual processes to leveraging Element451 for streamlined student engagement. She discusses the transformative impact of personalized communication and offers insights into best practices for CRM implementation in higher education.
Wake Tech’s Journey with Element 451
Wake Tech, North Carolina’s largest community college, embarked on a significant transformation with Element451. Before implementing this CRM, processes were manually driven, with staff juggling multiple tasks and students often feeling lost in the system. Kathy, who has a background in admission records, described how Element451 streamlined these processes, reducing the need for multiple touchpoints and improving communication significantly.
Previously, students received a bulk list of next steps, often leading to confusion and inaction. With Element451, communications are now personalized and timely. Students are guided through each step, such as activating their account or submitting transcripts, with clear, individualized messages. This shift has made a world of difference, not only in efficiency but also in the student experience, helping them stay on track with their application process.
The Power of Community and Collaboration
One of Kathy’s key pieces of advice for other Element451 captains is the importance of networking and collaboration. She emphasized how connecting with peers from other institutions, especially within the North Carolina Community Colleges, has been invaluable. Kathy regularly participates in networking sessions and listens to the Element451 podcasts, gathering insights and sharing experiences with others.
The value of community extends into digital spaces as well. Kathy highlighted the benefits of engaging with the Element451 Circle community, describing it as a crucial resource for problem-solving and innovation. She encourages other captains to make it a weekly habit to check in and contribute, fostering a collective knowledge base that everyone can draw from.
Training and Implementation: Kathy’s Secret to Success
Training emerged as a surprising but pivotal aspect of Kathy’s role as an Element451 Captain. Over time, she discovered a passion for teaching others how to leverage the platform effectively. Setting aside time each week specifically for training has allowed Kathy to help different departments within Wake Tech, such as workforce continuing education, to fully integrate Element451 into their processes.
Her approach to training is methodical yet flexible, ensuring that every team member feels confident in using the system. This commitment to education within her institution not only improves buy-in but also enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of Element451 at Wake Tech.
What’s Next for Wake Tech and Kathy Taylor?
Looking ahead, Kathy and her team are excited about new developments, particularly the student portals and the continued use of AI tools like Co-Pilot, introduced at Engage 2024. These innovations promise to further enhance the student experience and streamline internal processes. Kathy is also working on integrating applications for Wake Tech’s health science programs, moving away from cumbersome paper-based systems to more efficient digital workflows.
For Kathy, the journey with Element451 has been about more than just implementing a CRM—it’s been about transforming how her institution operates, improving the student experience, and continuously finding new ways to innovate.
Key Takeaways
- Streamlined Processes: Wake Tech transitioned from manual application processing to using Element451, reducing student touchpoints and enhancing communication clarity.
- Personalized Communication: Breaking down communication into manageable steps has significantly improved student engagement and reduced confusion.
- Importance of Networking: Kathy emphasizes the value of connecting with other Element451 users for shared learning and support.
- Utilizing Community Resources: Engaging with the Element451 community and utilizing forums for shared knowledge and best practices.
- Training and Adoption: Setting aside dedicated training time helps ensure staff are well-versed in the CRM, leading to better adoption and utilization.
Calls to Action
- Subscribe: Follow "In Your Element" for more insights and stories from higher education professionals.
- Engage: Join the Element451 community to share and learn best practices.
- Explore: Look into how personalized communication can improve student engagement at your institution.
- Implement: Consider setting up dedicated training times for your staff to maximize CRM adoption.
- Feedback: Share your experiences and challenges with the Element451 team to help improve the platform.
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 produced 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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