In this third and final installment of In Your Element’s Durham Tech series, hosts Daniella and Brendan dive into the measurable impact of Element451 at Durham Technical Community College. This episode explores how strategic CRM implementation is enhancing student success, driving engagement, and reshaping internal processes. Guests Jessica Vaughan and Dr. Abe Dones reveal how data, feedback, and intentional communication are transforming the student experience and building a culture of innovati...
May 29, 2025•33 min•Ep. 30
In this high-energy follow-up episode, Brendan Henkel sits back down with Abe Dones, VP of Student Services, and Jessica Vaughan, Director of Enrollment Management and CRM Strategy at Durham Tech, to unpack how their team is transforming student success from a one-time alert into a continuous, high-touch strategy. The duo shares how they’ve implemented the “Early Success System” using Element451 to blend human connection with smart automation—and the ripple effect it’s having across campus. Spoi...
May 15, 2025•38 min•Ep. 29
In this dynamic episode of In Your Element, co-hosts Daniella Nordin and Brendan Henkel sit down with Jessica Vaughan, Director of Enrollment Management and CRM Strategy, and Dr. Abe Dones, Vice President and Chief Student Officer at Durham Tech. This is the first installment of a three-part series chronicling Durham Tech’s transformational journey with Element451. From disjointed systems and paper processes to seamless automation and policy shifts, discover how this community college is rewriti...
May 01, 2025•38 min•Ep. 28
It’s been a full year since In Your Element launched, and hosts Daniella and Brendan Henkel are celebrating with a special recap episode! They revisit their top three favorite episodes, breaking down the most impactful conversations, game-changing insights, and jaw-dropping results from some of Element 451’s most innovative partners. From application overhauls to strategic change management, this episode is packed with the best lessons from the past year. Check out the Featured Episodes: Texas S...
Mar 20, 2025•41 min•Ep. 27
On this episode of In Your Element , we sit down with Emily Banks, an admissions representative from Faith Baptist Bible College, to discuss the game-changing improvements they made to their online degree application process. Emily shares how her team streamlined course selection, automated key communications, and integrated workflows to enhance the student experience. By leveraging Element’s automation tools, Faith Baptist simplified enrollment for students while reducing administrative burdens...
Mar 06, 2025•24 min•Ep. 26
In this episode of In Your Element , we dive into the transformative work happening at Marshall B. Ketchum University (MBKU) with Tori Brady, CRM Data Manager, and Tom Rainey, Associate VP for Enrollment. They share how their team successfully centralized admissions, implemented automated workflows, and leveraged microsites to create a personalized and seamless student experience. From a 18% increase in PA program applications to dramatically boosting event attendance, they discuss the power of ...
Feb 20, 2025•33 min•Ep. 25
Daniella sits down with Tyler Albright, CRM Content Coordinator at Johnston Community College (JCC), to explore how the institution revolutionized its student check-in process using Element451. Tyler shares how JCC creatively leveraged the platform’s task module to streamline student services, improve data tracking, and enhance student engagement. From trial and error to impactful insights, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for institutions looking to optimize student interaction...
Feb 06, 2025•21 min•Ep. 24
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 recrui...
Jan 22, 2025•28 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of In Your Element , Daniella and Brendan from Element 451 sit down with Daniela Botello-Hernandez of Paul Quinn College to dive into the transformative power of a CRM in higher education admissions. They discuss how Paul Quinn’s decision to bring their application process in-house revolutionized their admissions workflow, improved completion rates, and created more personalized application processes. This dynamic conversation is packed with actionable tips for any institution lo...
Jan 09, 2025•30 min•Ep. 22
Guest Name: Abigail Petrosky, Director of Marketing and Public Relations,Northern Pennsylvania Regional College Kelsey Angove, Assistant Director of Recruitment, Northern Pennsylvania Regional College Guest Bios: Abbi Petrosky is the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Northern Pennsylvania Regional College. She's spent her career in higher education, with the last six years serving a variety of roles at Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC), including assistant to the presiden...
Dec 26, 2024•27 min•Ep. 21
In this AI-focused episode, hosts Daniella and Brendan sit down with Claire Skelton, Assistant Director of Content Marketing at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), to unpack the transformative role AI plays in streamlining student engagement and application processes. Claire shares SEMO’s journey from launching “Sadie,” an AI-powered bot, to creating custom AI teams tailored to unique student populations. The conversation covers everything from optimizing AI responses to designing AI-dri...
Dec 12, 2024•31 min•Ep. 20
In this episode, Brendan and Daniella welcome Matt Bodenschatz, Director of Recruiting and Admissions at Penn Highlands Community College. Matt discusses the impactful journey of implementing Element451 and how its powerful CRM tools have streamlined the college’s admissions process, enabled quicker student responses, and significantly boosted enrollment rates. By leveraging features like task automation, milestones, and insights, Matt’s team has moved away from manual, spreadsheet-heavy workflo...
Nov 28, 2024•27 min•Ep. 19
In this episode of In Your Element , recorded live at AMA in Las Vegas, Brendan reconnects with Michael Bettersworth, CMO at Texas State Technical College (TSTC), to delve into critical trends and challenges impacting higher education. They discuss the concerning decline in student enrollment, the importance of aligning educational offerings with workforce demands, and how institutions can adopt a more student-centered approach. Michael also shares how TSTC’s partnership with Element 451 has tra...
Nov 20, 2024•19 min
In this episode of In Your Element , recorded live at AMA in Las Vegas, Brendan sits down with Mike Margolies, CEO of NextGrad, and Ryan Barbauld, VP of College Partnerships at NextGrad, to explore the innovative ways they’re transforming out-of-home advertising in higher education. They discuss the value of partnerships in higher ed, how NextGrad leverages billboards in high schools to enhance student engagement, and the impact of collaborative efforts among education-focused companies. Listen ...
Nov 15, 2024•20 min
In this episode of In Your Element, hosts Daniella and Brendan are joined by Brandi Hess, Director of University Web and Digital Content at the University of Southern Indiana (USI). Brandi shares USI’s journey as the first-ever "Bolt-only" partner with Element451, implementing the AI-powered chatbot Archie. She discusses how this tool transformed the student experience by answering key questions, addressing gaps in knowledge, and reducing workload for staff. Tune in for insights into how AI chat...
Nov 14, 2024•29 min•Ep. 18
In this episode, Brian Emerson, Executive VP of Enrollment Management at Villa Maria College, shares how the small, Buffalo-based college achieved record-breaking enrollment growth (15% in 2023 and 14% in 2024). From struggling with disappearing students in 2020 to hosting over 1,500 campus visits and increasing applications by over 300 in 2023, Brian breaks down the hands-on tactics and tech-driven strategies that made it all possible. His team’s focus on creating personalized campus experience...
Oct 31, 2024•35 min•Ep. 17
In this episode of In Your Element, recorded live at the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) Conference, Daniella interviews Kelly Sinacola, VP of Solutions Engineering and Integrations at Element451, and Jennifer Mayo, Director of Admissions and Records at Wayne Community College. They discuss the benefits of integrating the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) application with Element451, highlighting how it streamlines admissions processes, reduces data duplication, and sav...
Oct 24, 2024•17 min
In this episode of In Your Element , co-hosts Daniella Nordin and Brendan Henkel sit down with Lenell Hahn, Director of Admissions at Southeast Missouri State University, to explore the transformative power of direct admissions. Lenell shares the journey from the initial concept to implementation, revealing the challenges, successes, and lessons learned along the way. The conversation delves into how direct admissions is simplifying the college application process, increasing accessibility, and ...
Oct 17, 2024•26 min•Ep. 16
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 mean...
Oct 15, 2024•17 min
In this episode of In Your Element , Brendan Henkel talks with Luis Caloca, Dean of Student Access at the College of Western Idaho (CWI) and winner of the 2024 Student Centric Institution Award. Luis shares how CWI has transformed its approach to student access and engagement using Element451. From fostering buy-in for new technology to leveraging AI for improved efficiency, Luis offers actionable insights on how institutions can better serve students. He also shares the impressive results of th...
Oct 03, 2024•36 min•Ep. 15
In this episode of In Your Element, Cherron R. Hoppes, EdD, Chief Experience Officer at Notre Dame de Namur University, shares her extensive experience in higher education leadership, focusing on change management and technology adoption. With a background spanning student affairs, enrollment management, and academic program development, Cherron discusses the importance of empathy, strategic thinking, and clear communication in successfully leading change initiatives, particularly when introduci...
Sep 19, 2024•31 min•Ep. 14
In this episode of In Your Element , we sit down with Ryan Hogan, VP of Enrollment Management, Marketing, and Communication at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), and the 2024 Boltie Award winner for Student Engagement. Ryan shares how ABAC is setting new standards for personalized student engagement using strategic communication and technology. He emphasizes the importance of making every student feel wanted by the institution and highlights how data-driven decisions and collaborative ...
Sep 05, 2024•33 min•Ep. 13
In this episode of "In Your Element," hosts Daniella Nordin and Brendan Henkel sit down with Kathy Taylor, the 2024 Element451 Captain of the Year from Wake Tech. Kathy shares her journey from managing manual processes to leveraging Element451 for streamlined student engagement. She discusses the transformative impact of personalized communication and offers insights into best practices for CRM implementation in higher education. Key Takeaways Streamlined Processes: Wake Tech transitioned from m...
Aug 22, 2024•25 min•Ep. 12
In this episode of In Your Element, Amber Hett from Hesston College shares the strategies and tools that led to an impressive 20% increase in student enrollment. As the Admissions Office Manager, Amber discusses how implementing Element451 streamlined communication and data management, making both staff and students happier. Her insights into personalized communication and cohesive team efforts offer valuable lessons for anyone in higher education admissions and marketing. Key Takeaways: Small-T...
Aug 08, 2024•28 min•Ep. 11
Join Brendan Henkel live from eduWeb 2024 as he chats with Marcie, a communications specialist from Cypress College, about their implementation of Element451. Marcie shares her insights on networking at the conference, the power of automation and data integration, and her initial hesitations and newfound enthusiasm for AI in higher ed. Discover how Element451 has revolutionized their student engagement strategy and hear Marcie's top tips for successful CRM implementation. - - - - Connect With Ou...
Aug 01, 2024•20 min
In this episode of "In Your Element," we welcome Orna Shearin, CRM Specialist, from Guilford Tech Community College to discuss innovative strategies for student retention and engagement using Element451. Orna shares how the college is personalizing student communications, utilizing AI, and implementing effective communications to support students' academic and personal needs. Dive into the exciting developments at GTCC and discover practical ways to enhance student experiences at your institutio...
Jul 25, 2024•26 min•Ep. 10
In this episode of "In Your Element," host Brendan Henkel welcomes Kristina Faller, Director of Marketing and Brand Experience, and Nick Ciccarone, Manager of Data and Systems from RIT Certified. The discussion revolves around their experiences implementing and using the Element451 platform at RIT Certified, a division of Rochester Institute of Technology focused on non-traditional education and workforce development. Kristina and Nick delve into the challenges and successes they've encountered ...
Jul 11, 2024•47 min•Ep. 9
In this episode of "In Your Element," the spotlight is on Element451 and its groundbreaking advancements in digital transformation for higher education. Eric Range, VP of Product, discusses how Element451 is leveraging AI to enhance student engagement and streamline administrative processes. He introduces the latest AI-driven tools, such as specialized assistants for admissions and financial aid, which are designed to provide personalized and efficient solutions. Eric also highlights the company...
Jun 27, 2024•35 min•Ep. 8
In this Bonus announcement, join Mallory, Chief Strategist of Enrollify, as she introduces the newly relaunched Enrollify.org . This episode highlights the fresh features and content now available on the site, emphasizing Enrollify’s commitment to revolutionizing higher education. Learn about the variety of resources—from podcasts to ourses to webinars—that can help professionals make impactful changes in their careers and institutions. - - - - Connect With Our Co-Hosts: Daniella Nordin https://...
Jun 13, 2024•2 min
In this episode of "In Your Element," we sit down with Michael Bettersworth, Chief Marketing Officer at Texas State Technical College, to explore their pioneering Element451 integration. Michael shares how strategic tech implementation has transformed student enrollment processes, notably increasing their application conversion rate to nearly 90%. By focusing on user-friendly systems, TSTC has not only improved the application experience but also significantly lowered their cost per application,...
Jun 13, 2024•42 min•Ep. 7
