Live from NCCCS Conference: Creating a Culture of Student Readiness at the College of the Albemarle

About the Episode:  

In this special live episode from the North Carolina Community College System Conference, Daniella sits down with Kris Burris, Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Management at College of the Albemarle (COA). Kris shares how COA leverages Element451 to address enrollment challenges, foster student success, and reach underserved communities. From tackling resistance to new technology to promoting wrap-around services for students, this episode is packed with insights on creating meaningful change in higher education.

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Key Takeaways:

• Strategic enrollment recovery: COA used Element451 to combat declining enrollment by targeting underrepresented communities and tailoring outreach.
• Cross-campus collaboration: Chris emphasizes the importance of securing buy-in across all departments, from IT to academic affairs, when adopting new CRM technologies.
• Wrap-around services: COA’s approach to student success includes offering holistic support, such as financial aid guidance, child care assistance, and mental health resources.
• Data-driven storytelling: Presenting data effectively can align leadership and gain support for new initiatives, especially in enrollment management.
• Personalized outreach: Element 451 enables COA to create customized communication strategies, enhancing student engagement throughout their journey.
• Celebrating wins: Kris underscores the importance of celebrating small victories as part of maintaining momentum in creating change.

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Calls to Action:

• Subscribe to *In Your Element* to hear more inspiring stories of change in higher education.
• Explore how Element451 can help your institution reach more students and improve enrollment strategies.
• Follow us for updates on upcoming episodes featuring industry leaders tackling big challenges in higher ed.

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From Declining Enrollment to Strategic Outreach

When Kris Burris joined COA during the height of the pandemic, the institution faced enrollment declines. Knowing this was not due to a lack of quality programs or services, the college sought a way to strategically reach underserved populations and reverse the trend. After vetting several CRMs, Element 451 emerged as the tool of choice, helping COA focus its messaging, personalize outreach, and streamline its processes.

"We knew the enrollment decline wasn’t because we lacked quality. We just needed to reach people more effectively," Kris explained.

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The Role of Buy-In and Collaboration

One of the most critical factors in COA's successful adoption of Element 451 was securing buy-in from leadership and across departments. Kris emphasized the importance of including representatives from IT, student services, academics, and other areas to ensure everyone had a voice and could champion the initiative.

"You need buy-in from the top down, but also representation from across the college," Kris said. "We couldn’t have gotten there without everyone at the table."

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How COA is Using Element 451

Personalized Messaging

Kris and his team use Element 451 to send specific messages tailored to different populations based on demographics, progress in the enrollment funnel, and individual needs. This ensures that every student feels seen and supported.

"Every message needs to be specific to a population’s needs. Element allows us to make it personal," Kris said.

Wraparound Services

COA has developed a comprehensive wraparound services approach to address barriers to student success. The college proactively provides resources for tutoring, childcare assistance, financial aid, and more—highlighted through conversations and a dedicated brochure.

"We’re always asking students what could prevent them from being successful," Kris explained. "Then we make sure they know about the resources available to help them."

Data Insights and Engagement

By using Element 451 to track where students are dropping off in the funnel, COA can intervene earlier and more effectively. The data also helps identify gaps in support, such as increasing awareness of financial aid and scholarships.

A Culture of Student Success

Kris’s role at COA brings together all aspects of the student experience, from recruitment to graduation. This holistic approach ensures that students are supported at every stage of their journey, whether through proactive advising, student life programming, or addressing food and housing insecurity.

"It’s not about the numbers," Kris said. "It’s about being student-ready and showing up as a resource for the community."

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Embracing Celebration

One of the most refreshing insights Kris shared was the importance of celebrating wins—big and small. Taking time to acknowledge progress boosts morale and reminds everyone why their work matters.

"I’m in my element when I get to reflect and celebrate, even if it’s the smallest of wins," Kris said.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:

Daniella Nordin

Brendan Henkel

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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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Element451 is hosting the AI Engage Summit on Oct 29 and 30. Register now for this free, virtual event.The future of higher ed is being redefined by the transformative power of AI. The AI Engage Summit brings together higher ed leaders,  innovators, and many of your favorite Enrollify creators to explore AI’s impact on student engagement, enrollment marketing, and institutional success.

Experience firsthand how AI is improving content personalization at scale, impacting strategic decision-making, and intuitively automating the mundane tasks that consume our time. The schedule is packed with real examples and case studies, so you leave knowing how to harness AI to drive meaningful change at your institution.

Whether you’re looking to enhance student outcomes, optimize enrollment marketing, or simply stay ahead of the curve, the AI Engage Summit is your gateway to the next level of higher education innovation. Registration is free, save your spot today.