We Admit! True Stories from Admission & Enrollment Professionals

That's right! We Admit is back and better than ever. Listen in to hear what's been going on, what we've got coming up, and what you can expect from We Admit going forward!It's time to cut through the noise and give you what you need to make a difference at your organization!Links & Resources: Connect with AISAP at https://www.aisap.org/home. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aisap/ Become a Member - https://www.aisap.org/membership/become-a-member Join the Academy - https://www.pathlms.com/aisap

As she moves into a new era of her personal and professional life, Cierra Rickman shares about the importance of a personal mission statement, balancing work with the responsibilities of motherhood, and the incredible impact that women leaders and mentors have had on her journey through admissions and into her newest role as director of advancement.

Debby Murphy responds to this question from an AISAP member, "How do you communicate with families regarding a withholding of an invitation to return?"

Susan's dedication to her mission, vision, and values has enabled her to forge her own path through the world of admissions, enrollment, and beyond. Listen and learn how she carved out a career that includes a healthy dose of reflection, multiple memorable mentors, and a little bit of Shakira.

Chuck English answers this audience question: A parent of a student is caught up in a media crisis that is causing a great deal of concern among other parents at the school. What should the school say to address these concerns?

Effective enrollment marketing requires mastering the art of conversation between school and parents. Chuck English pulls from decades of experience consulting for independent schools to help clarify the difference between marketing and communications and the impact they make on the enrollment process.

Pam Safford fills us in on the trends she's seeing among families and the challenges facing parents and children. How can our admissions process evolve to best support the post-COVID generation?

After returning home from a stretch of world travel, Pam Safford chats with Janice about the realities of working in admissions, providing insight into the commonalities she's noticing during interviews with parents and students.

Debby Murphy answers the question on everyone's mind: Should I be using A.I. or ChatGPT in my work in admissions and enrollment?

From the use of AI to the timing of application deadlines, Janice and Debby talk industry trends, professional triumphs, and the challenges that admission and enrollment professionals face as we move into a new calendar year.

Krystal Clark answers this audience question: As the second in my office, every project that I work on runs through my supervisor who ends up getting all the credit. How do I talk to my supervisor about sharing credit where credit is due?

Season 4 of We Admit! kicks off with a candid conversation with Krystal Clark, Director of Employee Learning and Engagement at Vanderbilt University. Through her energetic honesty and optimism, Krystal equips employees and leaders to thrive by focusing on their strengths, highlighting what makes them uniquely capable for their roles. 

Eight months into his role as Executive Director of Canadian Accredited Independent Schools, Anand Mahadevan feels like he's still learning the ropes, but leads with humility, authenticity, and vulnerability nonetheless. Learn how his unmitigated hope for the next generation inspires this award-winning educator to continue to grow and evolve. 

Anand Mahadevan responds to audience question, "I'm struggling to integrate my teachers into my admission and enrollment process, and yet I don't want to default to paying them for their work. How do I get their buy-in and understanding?"

Through two decades of experience in independent schools, Ray Diffley recognizes the importance of forming, creating, and improving upon a child's character throughout their K-12 years. Learn how a series of "go to grow" moments led to his meaningful work at RD3 Education & Advising Center.

Scott Schamberger answers this audience question, "I'm at a new school as Director of Financial Aid and my predecessor ran things ineffectively. What should be the structure of my role and how should I best interact with the finance department?"

On his journey from admissions to head of school, Scott has learned that taking “little risks” is pivotal to achieving bigger goals.

Michelle Ulland gives her authentic take on the question, "My head of school was just terminated. What should I say to applicants concerned about future leadership?"

Join us for an honest and authentic conversation with Michelle Ulland where she talks about the rollercoaster ride that is the admissions and enrollment cycle and how openness and transparency, even at low points, can prove beneficial for schools.

Ray Diffley answers this audience question, "What career paths should I consider after a successful decade in admissions work?"

From Division 1 college athlete to Director of Admissions, Davion Fleming has an established career of crafting the future of independent school communities by focusing on WIN (What's Important Now). As a member of AISAP's Board of Directors, Davion offers insight into the tremendous impact of admission and enrollment professionals and how this global association can better support them.

Expert Caryl Frankenberger and legal counsel Janice Gregerson answer several audience questions on how to manage conversations around diverse learning profiles with parents and students before, during, and after the admission process. Want to learn more on this topic? Sign up for AISAP's Understanding Diverse Learning Profiles Certificate Program here: https://bit.ly/3gLCBTUDisclaimer: This podcast is intended to provide educational information of a general nature. It is not intended as, and should not be viewed to be legal advice with respect to any particular situation. Schools are encouraged to seek counsel for specific advice.

With boundless optimism and curiosity, Ted Fish encourages us to drink regularly from the well of our strengths, stresses the importance of prioritizing school culture, and discusses what makes a good leader in the world of admission and enrollment.

Reunited and it feels so good. Janice is back to reflect on the past year of conversations she's had and lessons she's learned as AISAP's Executive Director and CEO. Listen to learn what excites her most about the year ahead! 

Natasha Estey answers this audience question: When a student includes their email address in the application process, should I direct communications to the student or the parent(s)?

Today's guest identifies as a thinker with an artist's soul. That's evident in her ability to translate raw data into engaging stories that compel school boards and prospective families alike. Learn how Natasha Estey tapped into her marketing research background to create and launch a podcast that offers a high-touch, intimate connection with the school even when there is little opportunity for in-person engagement.For more information about how to get your school's podcast up and running, read Natasha's free whitepaper here:  https://bit.ly/3LNfaVL

Erwin Wong answers this audience question: How does an admission professional know when it's the right time to change schools?

Through extensive and varied experience as an admissions professional, Erwin has seen the tools of the trade evolve, but still argues that nothing replaces the importance of relationship building and connecting with students and families on a human level. Learn how Erwin embodies the motto of "Living Aloha" on this episode of WeAdmit!

Bill Diskin answers a tough audience question: What if you enter a new role in an admission and enrollment office following a predecessor who left on bad terms?

Today's guest is the AISAP 2019 Vision and Values Award winner, Bill Diskin. Learn how Bill transitioned from English teacher to poet laureate to athletic director, and finally to Director of Admission and Financial Aid at Cannon School. Through his journey, Bill's greatest lesson learned is treating everyone with dignity, and he remains committed to passing on the wisdom of his career mentors while also conveying a sense of belonging to new students and families at his institutions.

Debby Murphy & Janice Crampton answer audience questions on this first installment of Ask AISAP! Should your school provide military discounts? What's the best way to project enrollment given the uncertainty of the past two years?

Season 3 of WeAdmit! kicks off with state-of-the-industry insights from AISAP's own Debby Murphy. As Director of Learning and Member Engagement, Debby utilizes over 25 years of admission and enrollment experience to develop programming geared toward your professional success. Tune in for her advice on the new school year and adjusting to the post-COVID independent school landscape.

Today's guest is Tricia Roos, a Dallas native who has built a winning career in sports and admissions. Tricia is the author of “When Wishes Change,” the true story about her journey through the devastating loss of a child. Listen to hear how Tricia perseveres with hope and grace to build the life, family, and career she'd always imagined.**Content Warning** Please note that this episode contains discussion of child loss & grief which may be a difficult topic for some listeners. Please take care of yourself, and if you need to, don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help.

At Truth Tree, Trevor Waddington is a megaphone for a great match between schools and students, and the key to his success can be found in a yellow pad of paper. Several, in fact. Join us to learn what empowers Trevor to be a better leader for his team and a better version of himself.

Whether you're new to the profession or a seasoned veteran, leading an admission and enrollment team to success is an ever-evolving challenge. No two years are the same. Listen as Kristen Mariotti & Susan Emery chat about their leadership experiences, how they're continuing to grow and learn, and why it is essential for admission and enrollment directors to carve out their seat at the decision-making table.

The post-pandemic feeling of exhaustion among enrollment managers isn't going away anytime soon, and today's guest is no stranger to the unique pressure of being her institution's “Chief Revenue Officer.” Join us as we talk work-life balance with Ingrid Palmisano, and unpack her secrets for maintaining sanity through the familiar grind of admission season.

Overwhelmed. Stretched too thin. Chaotic environment. Many independent school professionals are familiar with the feeling of investing so much time and energy into the lives of students and families every admission season. This episode of WeAdmit! is your opportunity to pause… breathe… and recalibrate. Yoga studio owner and teacher Petra Haynes shares her approach to achieving balance in life, teaching us that in order to show up fully for others, we must first show up for ourselves. 

Taking on a new role at a new school is an overwhelming but necessary step in the pursuit of professional growth. On this episode of WeAdmit!, Janice chats with three admission and enrollment professionals moving up in the industry. They share their unique perspective and expand on the importance of personal goals, quality mentors, and well-timed pep talks.

Mark Mitchell knows first-hand the transformative power and value of access to high-quality education and the impact that financial aid can have on a student's life. Now as the Vice President of NAIS, Mark has dedicated his career to making more opportunities available to families and students by challenging schools to be intentional and strategic in their affordability efforts. 

'Go find more diverse applicants' seems to be the implied responsibility of every admissions team. But shouldn't we first ask why those kids aren't applying to begin with? In this episode of WeAdmit! we unpack "The Diversity Contradiction" with Shuja Khan, Director of Enrollment Management at Rowland Hall, and learn about his firsthand experience with DEI work.

Caryl Frankenberger has committed her life's work to helping students maximize their learning potential. Caryl has over 30 years experience in assisting families in identifying and understanding their child's cognitive and education profiles. In today's episode we learn some of the challenges faced by parents of students with complex learning profiles and how independent school admission and enrollment professionals might interpret the nuances of psychoeducational evaluations.

On today's episode Janice chats with Debby Murphy, AISAP's Director of Learning and Member Engagement. Debby is a long-time advocate of professional development and taps into a wealth of knowledge of independent schools to educate admission and enrollment professionals on how to become more valuable assets to their organizations.

In this special year-end episode, Janice reflects on the conversations she's had with admission and enrollment professionals in 2021 and how the lessons learned from these experiences are shaping the future of AISAP.

In life, we are either participants or observers, and Inez Odom has chosen to participate. As the Director of Enrollment Management, Outreach and Innovation at Academy of Our Lady of Peace, Inez has found a faith-based environment that fills her cup while propelling her to make a true impact on this world through her humble and engaging admission process.

What's it like being a newcomer at the oldest independent school in continuous existence in North America? In this episode Janice chats with Matthew McDonald, the newly-appointed Director of Admissions at The Roxbury Latin School. Matt dives deep into how he's approached his first year of directorship at an institution with over three centuries of academic history. His advice? "Avoid at all costs being the expert in the room," and remember that when it comes to building a school community, substantial change does not have to happen overnight. 

As the managing partner at Mission Enrollment, Alisa Evans is the premier knowledge source and practitioner in the field of financial aid strategy and implementation. But her journey to now did not come without its hurdles. Learn about how her experience as owner of a failed whoopie pie business helped her find her way to her true calling: to help independent schools provide every child with an equal opportunity to receive an excellent education. Catch Alisa at the AISAP Financial Aid Institute November 3-4, 2021: aisap.org/finaidinstitute 

Season 2 of WeAdmit kicks off with an incredible conversation with Troy Kemp, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at The Ron Clark Academy and an award-winning educator, motivational speaker, and strategist. Troy talks about the instrumental people, inflection points, and acts of fearlessness that have led him to where he is today, and the dreams he has for the future of education.

According to Rebecca Malotke-Meslin, her life runs at two speeds: fast and... asleep. As the tireless Director of Enrollment Management & Financial Aid at The Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, IL, Rebecca cultivates her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion by building strong relationships within her school and local community. Learn how she manages her work-life balance, empowers her team to succeed, and raises two young boys all while prioritizing a full night of rest.

Scaling the ranks as a young professional in this industry takes incredible persistence, confidence, and charm. Today we talk with Nastaran Hakimi, Director of Enrollment Management & Institutional Advancement at Boston University Academy, and learn how her extroverted personality, natural gift for giving school tours, and focused determination to excel in this profession has led to a blossoming career.

As Senior Associate Director of Admissions at Pomfret School in Connecticut, Kelly Sheehan is involved in nearly every aspect of the boarding school lifestyle. Whether she's connecting with prospective students and families or being enthusiastically present within the campus community, Kelly's passionate leadership from the center cultivates an authentic and personable admission and enrollment process for all. 

Every independent school has a mission statement, but how often does our current, lived reality match this ideal vision? Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright is the Director of Enrollment Management at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School in Atlanta, Georgia, and a passionate advocate for building authentic communities through DIGNITY: Diversity, Identity, Growth, Nurture, Integrity, Transparency, and Yield. Learn more about Beth-Sarah and her newest book Dignity: Seven Strategies for Creating Authentic Community at bethsarahwright.com