About the Episode
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About the Episode:
In this episode of In Your Element, Brendan and Daniella sit down with Brittany Meinssen, Director of Admissions and Recruitment at College of the Albemarle (COA), to uncover how her team is reshaping recruitment strategies for community colleges. Brittany shares how implementing Element451 helped COA streamline processes, engage adult learners, and deliver standout results. From targeted messaging to innovative community events, Brittany reveals the secret behind COA hitting its highest recruiting numbers on record. If you're looking for practical, inspiring ways to do more with less, this is an episode you can’t miss.
Key Takeaways
- Tech-Driven Efficiency: COA’s use of Element 451 streamlined internal communications, enhanced asynchronous teamwork, and simplified student outreach.
- Record Enrollment Numbers: COA achieved its highest recruitment numbers since 2010 through targeted messaging and collaborative efforts.
- Community-Centric Approach: By focusing on community needs and positioning COA as a resource, the team fostered stronger connections and increased engagement.
- Personalized Student Outreach: Tailored messaging based on student demographics (e.g., adult learners vs. high school students) boosted interactions and enrollment.
- Leveraging AI for Success: COA’s adoption of AI-driven tools within Element 451 has enhanced the student experience and improved operational efficiency.
How Element 451 Transformed Internal Operations
One of the key themes Brittany shared was the impact of Element 451 on internal communication and teamwork. With its robust CRM features, the platform eliminated redundant tasks and improved asynchronous collaboration. For example, an outreach coordinator working evenings could log notes and student interactions directly into Element, allowing Brittany and her team to pick up seamlessly during regular hours. This ability to work “asynchronously” made it possible to deliver a 24/7 experience for students without exhausting staff resources.
Campus tours also benefited from Element 451. By automating and managing tour schedules, COA was able to promote these opportunities more effectively, leading to increased engagement with prospective students. The result? More meaningful and efficient connections between students and staff.
Tailoring Messaging for Diverse Student Needs
COA’s innovative use of Element 451 extended beyond operations to personalized messaging strategies. The admissions team used targeted campaigns to address the unique needs of student groups, from dual enrollment high schoolers to adult learners. Brittany shared a heartwarming story of an older gentleman using the platform to prepare a surprise Christmas enrollment gift for his wife, exemplifying how Element enables COA to provide tailored, empathetic support for all students.
Additionally, COA’s collaboration with their marketing team was a game-changer. By aligning efforts and leveraging automated campaigns, they could easily identify and communicate with specific student segments. This allowed COA to connect meaningfully with their audience, whether they were promoting next-semester registration or showcasing programs tailored to adult learners.
A Community-Centric Recruitment Philosophy
COA shifted its recruitment strategy to focus on community impact rather than self-promotion. Brittany emphasized the importance of asking, “What does the community need?” instead of “Why should you come to COA?”
This approach was evident in their planning of nontraditional recruitment events, such as community resource fairs. By aligning these events with existing campus activities and providing practical resources like FAFSA assistance, COA positioned itself as a trusted community partner. This strategy not only fostered goodwill but also encouraged organic interest in their programs.
Record-Breaking Enrollment and Future Plans
The results speak for themselves: COA achieved its highest enrollment numbers on record, with a clear upward trend. Brittany attributes this success to grassroots efforts, community engagement, and the innovative use of Element 451’s technology.
Looking ahead, COA is focused on integrating AI tools to further enhance the student experience. From automated chatbots to personalized recommendations, these tools promise to streamline processes and empower both students and staff. As Brittany noted, “If you’re not using AI to help with student success, you’re missing out on opportunities to make a real difference.”
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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