About the Episode
About the Episode: In the latest episode of In Your Element, Charity Schneeberger and Gretchen LeVan dive into the dynamic intersection of athletics and admissions at the University of Valley Forge. Through their roles as Director of Admissions and Director of Athletics, respectively, they shed light on how a culture of teamwork, effective communication, and technological advancements can bridge the gap between two critical departments.
The episode kicks off with an honest exploration of the challenges and triumphs in fostering a robust partnership between athletics, admissions, and all departments. The duo underscores the importance of leveraging tools like Element451 to streamline collaboration and enhance efficiency. From discussing the nuances of recruiting platforms to the strategic use of Bolt profiles, Charity and Gretchen share insights into making the recruitment process smoother for coaches and more aligned with institutional objectives.
A Dynamic Duo in Action
In this episode, we meet two exceptional guests from Valley Forge University. Charity Schneeberger, the Director of Admissions, brings a wealth of experience in guiding prospective students through the pivotal transition from high school to college. Her passion lies in witnessing and facilitating the growth and transformation of students as they embark on their higher education journey.
Gretchen LeVan, serving as the Director of Athletics, complements this perspective with her commitment to leveraging sports as a platform for personal and spiritual growth among student-athletes.
Together, Charity and Gretchen form a formidable team, exemplifying the power of collaboration between admissions and athletics in enhancing student recruitment and engagement.
Breaking Down Barriers: A Collaborative Blueprint
The discussion with Charity and Gretchen reveals a robust framework for collaboration that transcends departmental boundaries, addressing common challenges in higher education recruitment. They share insightful examples of initiatives designed to foster a spirit of teamwork, such as joint strategy sessions and shared goals.
This collaborative ethos is underpinned by a shared mission that resonates across Valley Forge University—to prepare individuals for service and leadership in both the church and the world. Through a culture of open communication and mutual support, Charity and Gretchen demonstrate how breaking down silos between departments can lead to innovative recruitment strategies and a cohesive campus environment that benefits both student-athletes and the broader student body.
The Role of Culture and Technology
Central to the conversation on the podcast is the role of technology in facilitating the seamless collaboration between admissions and athletics at Valley Forge University. Charity and Gretchen highlight the significant impact of Element451, an advanced CRM platform tailored for higher education institutions.
Element451 has been instrumental in streamlining communication and recruitment processes, allowing for a more personalized and efficient engagement with prospective students and student-athletes. By leveraging Element451's comprehensive suite of tools, including automated communication flows, custom fields, and detailed student profiles, Valley Forge University has been able to enhance the student experience from initial contact through to enrollment.
The platform's flexibility and adaptability have enabled Charity and Gretchen to implement workflows that are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of their departments, fostering a culture of innovation and progress. Element451 emerges not just as a technological solution but as a catalyst for cultural transformation, embodying the university's commitment to teamwork, progress, and the holistic development of students.
In essence, the synergy between Charity and Gretchen, underpinned by their strategic use of Element451, exemplifies a dynamic and effective approach to uniting athletics and admissions. This collaborative model, highlighted in the podcast, serves as a valuable blueprint for higher education institutions seeking to enhance their recruitment efforts and student engagement strategies through the integration of culture and technology.
Key Takeaways:
- Teamwork & Shared Mission: The foundation of a successful partnership between athletics and admissions lies in shared goals and collaborative effort.
- Communication & Collaboration: Breaking down silos and fostering open dialogue are crucial for achieving mutual success and advancing institutional goals.
- Technological Integration: Tools like Element451 are pivotal in streamlining recruitment processes, facilitating smoother interactions between departments.
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.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit: Exciting news — Daniella and Brendan will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200.
Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
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