The Application with Allison Turcio

In this episode of The Application, host Allison Turcio sits down with W. Kent Barnds, a veteran enrollment leader with over 30 years of experience, to tackle one of the hottest topics in enrollment marketing today: the shifting dynamics of campus visits. With students increasingly waiting to visit until after they’ve applied, how should colleges rethink their visit strategies? Kent unpacks the trends reshaping campus visit behavior, including the impact of social media and the rise of digital-first interactions. Enrollment marketers and admissions teams will walk away with actionable strategies for creating visits that drive yield and adapting their approach to meet today’s students where they are.

Key “How Tos” You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Design visits that drive yield: Learn how to roll out the red carpet and make every visit count, even with fewer opportunities to connect in person.
• Use digital behaviors as new signals of interest: Move beyond traditional demonstrated interest metrics like campus visits and focus on social media engagement, email interactions, and off-campus touchpoints.
• Shift your messaging timeline: Rethink your communication flow to account for students who may skip the traditional pre-application visit.
• Maximize the power of student-generated content: Develop a strategy for leveraging authentic student voices on platforms like TikTok and YouTube to influence prospective students.

Incentivize visits strategically: Explore creative ways to make campus visits more attractive, from scholarships to priority housing.

Guest Name: W. Kent Barnds, Executive Vice President for Strategy & Innovation + Vice President of Enrollment & Communication, Augustana College

Guest Bio: W. Kent Barnds is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in higher education, known for his strategic acumen and proficiency in driving organizational success. With a career marked by a variety of leadership roles, Kent has become a trusted advisor and strategist, particularly within the non-profit sector. Kent's expertise lies in crafting and implementing effective strategies that align with the mission and goals of non-profit organizations. His strategic vision has played a pivotal role in advancing the objectives at Elizabethtown College and Augustana College, contributing to their sustained growth and impact. Through his strategic leadership, Kent has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of education and the overall experience for students. Having served in key leadership positions, including Vice President for Enrollment, Communication, and Planning at Augustana College and as the Executive Vice President at Augustana College, Kent has honed his skills in strategic planning, enrollment management, and communication. His experience equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions and non-profits today. Kent Barnds is recognized for his ability to foster collaboration and engage diverse stakeholders in the planning process. His approach involves a keen understanding of market trends, data analysis, and a forward-looking mindset that positions organizations for long-term success. His track record of successful strategic initiatives underscores his capacity to navigate complex landscapes and drive positive change. In planning sessions, Kent brings a unique blend of analytical rigor, creative thinking, and effective communication. His skills in synthesizing diverse perspectives and facilitating consensus make him an invaluable asset in strategic discussions. Kent's strategic foresight and ability to translate vision into actionable plans have consistently delivered results, elevating the organizations he has served. As a thought leader in higher education strategy, Kent Barnds continues to make significant contributions to the field. His commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence positions him as a sought-after partner for organizations looking to chart a course for success in an ever-evolving national and international landscape.

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Connect With Our Host:
Allison Turcio
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/
https://twitter.com/allisonturcio

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible 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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