About the Episode
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About the Episode:
In this episode of In Your Element, recorded live at AMA, Brendan dives into an inspiring conversation with Abbi Petrosky, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, and Kelsey Angove, Assistant Director of Recruitment, from Northern Pennsylvania Regional College. They share their remarkable journey of implementing Element 451, a powerful CRM, to transform their enrollment processes, boost efficiency, and drive results. From overcoming the challenges of buy-in to leveraging cutting-edge tools for automation and alumni engagement, this episode is packed with actionable insights for higher education professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Persistence Pays Off: Achieving buy-in for new tools requires persistence, clear use cases, and demonstrating efficiency improvements.
- Data-Driven Recruitment: Implementing Element 451 enabled tracking of key enrollment metrics, doubling leads and improving application processing times.
- Streamlined Communication: Automation of emails and tasks significantly increased efficiency, allowing personalized follow-ups and better student engagement.
- Alumni and Donor Engagement: Expanding the use of CRM for alumni and donor management shows the versatility of Element 451 beyond admissions.
- Future-Proofing with AI: Plans to incorporate AI tools like BoltBot highlight the potential for further enhancing student support and accessibility.
Episode Summary
How It All Began: A Journey Toward Digital Transformation
Abbi and Kelsey’s journey with Element 451 started with a clear need for efficiency in admissions and recruitment. The college initially relied on spreadsheets and outdated tools to manage leads and applications, resulting in inefficiencies. After years of persistence and aligning their CRM implementation with other system upgrades, they secured buy-in from administration. The lesson here is clear: persistence, coupled with specific use cases showing how tools save time and improve workflows, can turn skeptics into advocates.
Achieving Buy-In: Strategies That Work
For institutions struggling to get buy-in, Abbi shared two crucial strategies: persistence and tailored use cases. Their team demonstrated how Element could reduce manual work and improve data tracking, showcasing immediate benefits for their small, resource-constrained institution. These efforts were supported by parallel initiatives like a website revamp, aligning broader organizational goals with CRM implementation.
From Implementation to Results: The Numbers Speak
Kelsey highlighted the staggering results achieved within a year of implementing Element. By creating user-friendly forms and automating workflows, the college more than doubled its leads—jumping from 434 to over 1,400 in a single cycle. Application processing times dropped dramatically, with 77% of students advancing to the admitted stage. Their ability to monitor the student funnel and reduce drop-offs has been a game-changer.
Beyond Recruitment: Expansion into Advancement
The conversation also touched on the versatility of Element. Abby detailed plans to use the CRM for donor management and alumni engagement. From online donation forms to sponsorship tracking and event ticketing, the CRM is enabling the college to centralize and streamline advancement efforts. This holistic use of CRM tools demonstrates its potential to enhance all stages of the student lifecycle.
What’s Next: AI and Automation
Looking ahead, Abbi and Kelsey are exploring AI-powered tools like BoltBot to further improve communication and engagement. By automating routine interactions, they aim to free up staff for higher-value tasks. This focus on accessibility and efficiency positions the college to remain at the forefront of student support.
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
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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