Leaders Go First: Driving Culture Change for a Healthy Enrollment Ecosystem

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About the Episode: 

In this episode of The Hidden Gem, host Maya Demishkevich sits down with Dr. Melissa Curtis to explore the concept of a "healthy enrollment ecosystem." Dr. Curtis shares how institutions can transform enrollment processes by addressing interconnected areas like admissions, student support, academic affairs, and more. They discuss actionable steps for building trust across departments, creating a unified strategy, and fostering an environment where "enrollment is everyone’s responsibility. 

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• Learn what a "healthy enrollment ecosystem" means and why it requires a holistic, interconnected approach to student recruitment, retention, and support.
• Discover how college leaders can self-assess to identify areas of improvement and gaps in their current enrollment approach.
• Hear practical steps for transforming enrollment systems by fostering cross-departmental collaboration and breaking down silos without sacrificing departmental autonomy.
• Find out why consistency, clear communication, and shared goals are essential in managing a successful enrollment transformation.‍
• Understand when to consider external support, like consultants or coaches, to help guide and sustain cultural and enrollment changes.

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Episode Summary

What is an Enrollment Ecosystem, and Why Does It Matter?

Dr. Curtis introduced the concept of an enrollment ecosystem by drawing inspiration from systems thinking. She explained that enrollment cannot succeed in isolation; it requires a comprehensive approach that considers recruitment, retention, and graduation as interconnected elements. Similar to maintaining a balanced solar system or a healthy body, each component—from marketing and facilities to advising and financial aid—must function cohesively to support students.

She emphasized that the traditional focus on enrollment offices overlooks the broader institutional systems that impact student success. For example, inconsistent messaging, inadequate resources, or poor communication between departments can disrupt the entire process. Recognizing enrollment as an institutional responsibility helps break down silos and foster collaboration.

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How Can Institutions Assess the Health of Their Enrollment Ecosystem?

To determine if an enrollment ecosystem is healthy, Dr. Curtis suggested starting with a self-assessment at the leadership level. Leaders should evaluate each area within their system, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in communication or support. Key questions to consider include:

• What are the pain points for each department?
• Are all areas aligned with the institution's core values?
• What areas are thriving, and where is improvement needed?

By mapping out these answers, institutions can identify the root causes of challenges and create a roadmap for transformation.

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What Steps Are Necessary to Build a Healthy Enrollment Ecosystem?

Transforming a fragmented enrollment system into a healthy, sustainable ecosystem requires intentionality and patience. Dr. Curtis outlined several steps:

1. Leadership Commitment: Change begins with leaders modeling the desired behaviors and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.
2. Shared Vision: Establish clear, measurable goals that unite all departments under a single strategic plan.
3. Celebrate Excellence While Tackling Challenges: Recognize the value each department brings, while also addressing areas where silos or negative feedback loops hinder progress.
4. Communication: Over-communicate priorities, progress, and successes to ensure transparency and build trust across the organization.
5. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Use data dashboards and regular reporting to highlight progress and identify areas for improvement. When data reveals shortcomings, encourage a problem-solving mindset rather than fear of failure.

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Examples of Enrollment Ecosystem Success

While bound by confidentiality agreements, Dr. Curtis shared that institutions she has worked with have successfully implemented systemic changes by fostering collaboration between academic and administrative departments. Using approaches like tri-chair leadership (enrollment, academics, and marketing leads), these colleges established unified goals and leveraged their strengths to create lasting cultural shifts.

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Connect With Our Host:

Maya Demishkevich

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network:

The Hidden Gem: Marketing Community Colleges 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 Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO.

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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