About the Episode
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About the Episode:
For our kickoff episode of 2025, Dustin sits down with Rob Buelow, General Manager of Education at Vector Solutions, to unpack the seismic shifts in higher education over recent years, including financial aid disruptions and the rollback of affirmative action. Rob dives deep into the challenges—and opportunities—that are reshaping the sector. He also shares some recent research out of Vector measuring the impact of the affirmative action rollback on enrollment and insights into the “COVID Cohort” of students entering into higher education.
Key Takeaways
- Affirmative Action Rollback Effects: Insights into the Supreme Court decision and its ripple effects on student demographics and institutional policies.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: The importance of using consistent methodologies to assess student populations and inform strategies.
- Role of EdTech in Inclusion: How technology can personalize student experiences and enhance a sense of belonging.
- Adaptation to Student Needs: Strategies to meet students where they are, fostering engagement and retention.
- Emerging Student Trends: The "COVID cohort" reflects unique contradictions in values and behaviors, presenting both challenges and opportunities for higher ed.
Episode Summary: Answering Big Questions
How is the rollback of affirmative action affecting higher education?
Rob explains the Supreme Court’s decision to end race-conscious admissions policies and its immediate impact on student demographics. While some data show declines in Black student enrollment at elite institutions, Rob shares findings from Vector Solutions and the National Student Clearinghouse. These reveal a more nuanced picture—national enrollment of students of color has slightly increased, though disparities persist at selective schools.
What unique challenges do today’s first-year students face?
Dubbed the "COVID cohort," these students experienced the entirety of high school under the shadow of a pandemic. They value mental health, diversity, and personal responsibility but often hesitate to take direct action. Institutions must navigate these contradictions while addressing broader enrollment challenges, including fewer high school graduates and declining FAFSA completion rates.
How can EdTech foster belonging and retention?
EdTech tools like Vector Solutions’ programs enable hyper-personalized engagement at scale. For example, students opting into alcohol prevention programs can receive tailored content based on their drinking behaviors, fostering a sense of belonging. Additionally, data-driven insights empower administrators to allocate resources effectively, building communities of care and connection.
What strategies can institutions adopt to address these challenges?
Rob emphasizes the importance of aligning policies, practices, and resources with students’ evolving needs. This includes:
- Investing in scalable prevention and wellbeing technologies.
- Using data to inform recruitment and engagement strategies.
- Showcasing the long-term value of higher education through compelling narratives about career readiness and personal growth.
What’s the role of higher education in driving societal change?
Despite ongoing challenges, Rob remains optimistic about higher ed's transformative potential. He underscores the need for institutions to articulate their value in ways that resonate with socially conscious, activism-oriented students.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek 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 Generation AI and I Wanna Work There.
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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