2024 Spring Perspectives

Editor’s note: In recognition of the growing prominence of artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily professional lives, the cover image for this issue of Perspectives was created with the help of AI. Editor, Melissa Sersland

Table of Contents

Submissions should be sent to the editor via email. Articles should be provided in Microsoft Word format, with figures and photos provided separately as high-resolution TIF or EPS files. APA style is preferred for documenting sources. Copyright © 2024 NAGAP NAGAP is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in all of its activities. This commitment embraces respect for differences including age, culture, disability,

NAGAP Friends,

Spring has arrived and with it all of the excitement at our institutions. We are admitting new students while preparing to say good-bye to graduates at Commencement. I am preparing to say good-bye as your President as I move into the role of Immediate Past President. I have had the joy of working with an amazing Governing Board who has worked incredibly hard to provide opportunities for networking and education to NAGAP members.

In this issue, we highlight our upcoming annual Summit in Louisville, Kentucky. The Summit Committee has put together an exciting program, and I want to thank Brian DesrosiersTam and his committee for their hard work. Earlier this year we announced publication of “A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate Enrollment Management,” which is also featured in this issue. Summit attendees will receive a copy of the guide, and you can purchase copies online.

Thank you for letting me serve as your President. NAGAP has been a big part of my life for many years, and this opportunity was a dream come true. I look forward to serving with our incoming President, Naronda Wright, and her Governing Board. There will be upcoming opportunities for you to get involved, and I hope that you consider volunteering. As always, please visit our website for upcoming webinars, professional development institutes, research, and our blog, NAGAP Insights.

In appreciation,

Kristen

Get a Sneak Peek of the 2024 GEM Summit Keynote and Closing Speakers

Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence

Dr. Jeremiah Nelson

The 2024 Graduate Enrollment Management Summit will kick off on Wednesday, April 24, in Louisville, Kentucky, and will conclude on Saturday, April 27. The Summit includes three days of dynamic sessions, networking opportunities, and chances to connect with vendors and sponsors. Below we offer a sneak peek into two of the session’s featured speakers: Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence, the keynote speaker, and Dr. Jeremiah Nelson, the closing brunch speaker.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence

Bio: Dr. Lawrence is the founder and CEO of Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence Coaching, LLC, where she is a speaker, coach, consultant, and Software as a Service (SAAS) Agency owner. Her life’s work and heartfelt mission is to challenge broken systems that keep people from reaching their highest potential. Therefore, she has developed the iEngageU platform— an ALL-inclusive set of business systems that aims to

bridge the wealth gap experienced by women and minority business owners.

Dr. Lawrence also delivers engaging and thoughtprovoking speeches and training to thousands of individuals across the United States and globally. She has facilitated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training and consulted within companies such as Arbonne International, Rodan & Fields, Forma Therapeutics, and Novo Nordisk.

CAREER, STAFF, AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Limitless and AWARE session will not only acknowledge the trials we’ve faced but will also celebrate the boundless possibilities that await on the flip side.

SESSION INFORMATION

Session Title: Limitless and AWARE: Flipping the Script on Graduate Enrollment Management Challenges

Session Description: In recent years, Graduate Enrollment Management professionals have navigated a landscape filled with limitations and unprecedented challenges. From confronting burnout to addressing dwindling enrollment numbers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, to learning how to be attentive to issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion, the journey has been anything but smooth. Compounded by a workforce stretched thin against a backdrop of ever-growing tasks, the path forward has seemed daunting. Yet, within every challenge lies an opportunity for innovation and growth when we realize that we are Limitless and AWARE!

“Limitless and AWARE” will inspire and reinvigorate you as Dr. Lawrence draws a compelling parallel between the unexpected success stories of Side B tracks on vinyl records and the potential for breakthrough achievements in the Graduate Enrollment Management field. Just as these overlooked songs have risen to acclaim, defying expectations, we too can harness our underutilized strengths and perspectives to overcome the barriers before us.

Through a blend of motivational insights, practical strategies, and collaborative discussions, we will explore how to cultivate a mindset that thrives on challenges and transforms obstacles into stepping stones. The Limitless and AWARE session will not only acknowledge the trials we’ve faced but will also celebrate the boundless possibilities that await on the flip side. Together, we will redefine what’s possible in Graduate Enrollment Management, moving from a narrative of limitation to one of limitless potential and awareness.

…and yes, we will sing. Yes, we will dance!

Closing Brunch Speaker: Dr. Jeremiah Nelson

Bio: Dr. Nelson is Assistant Professor of Management at Catawba College’s Ketner School of Business where

he serves as program director of the Ketner MBA and Bachelor of Business Administration programs. With more than 25 years of higher education experience, Jeremiah has had the opportunity to work in a wide range of leadership roles in Graduate Enrollment Management, including strategic recruitment, admissions, retention, career and professional development, diversity and inclusion, and student services. He has more than 20 years of experience teaching online, in-person, and hybrid undergraduate and graduate courses in HR, entrepreneurship, and strategic management.

Jeremiah holds a BS and MS from Central Connecticut State University and an MS in Human Resources from Western Carolina University. He earned his PhD in Leadership Studies at North Carolina A&T State University where he researched the intersection of human resources and innovation leadership. Jeremiah has just concluded 10 years of service as a national board member of NAGAP and is co-chair of the USASBE Special Interest Group for Online Entrepreneurship Education. His love language is chocolate chip cookies, he’s running half marathons in all 50 states, and he has an unreasonable obsession with dachshunds.

SESSION INFORMATION

Session Title: The Pursuit of Happiness: Strategies to Improve Personal and Team Happiness

Session Description: There have been numerous headlines about the exodus of higher education professionals for the corporate world. When we begin to feel unhappy at work, we often look at what is wrong with our departments or campuses to figure out the sources of our unhappiness. While we may not be able to change our school or department culture or even our workload, there are some simple practices we can employ to improve our individual and team outlook. The focus of this interactive presentation is on strategies and tactics that GEM professionals can use to improve resilience, manage stress, and help them and their teams feel less overwhelmed. n

CAREER, STAFF, AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Exploring Louisville, Kentucky

By Caitlin Getchell, JD, The University of Tulsa

NAGAP’s 2024 Summit will be in Louisville, Kentucky April 24-27 at The Galt House Hotel. With The Galt House within walking distance of Louisville’s Riverwalk and the 2024 Derby Week kicking off on April 27, this year’s Summit should be exciting!

April is Mint Julep Month in Louisville. Join in the fun with a cocktail at Doc Crow’s, a short walk from The Galt House, or one of the many restaurants participating in Mint Julep Month (https://www.gotolouisville.com/ blog/best-restaurants-to-celebrate-mint-julep-monthin-louisville). If mint juleps aren’t your thing, check out the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with a tour or tasting at Old Forester Distilling Co. (https://www.oldforester.com/book-

a-tour) or the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (https:// evanwilliams.com/visit-us), both within walking distance of The Galt House.

The Galt House is located on Louisville’s waterfront, just down the street from Fourth Street Live, with restaurants, bars, entertainment, and shopping, and a short drive from Waterfront Park (https://ourwaterfront.org). Kroger’s Fest-

NAGAP’s 2024 Summit will be in Louisville, Kentucky April 24-27 at The Galt House Hotel.

Including everything from the Frazier Kentucky History Museum to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory/Field, Museum Row has something for everyone.

a-Ville (https://discover.kdf.org/krogers-fest-a-ville) will be at Waterfront Park from April 25 through May 3 with food and entertainment throughout each day.

Check out Museum Row for a chance to explore some of Louisville’s unique history. Including everything from the Frazier Kentucky History Museum to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory/Field, Museum Row has something for everyone:

1. Frazier Kentucky History Museum (https://www. fraziermuseum.org)

Learn local Kentucky history with stories of the state’s involvement in the Lewis and Clark expedition, bourbon, and artifacts unique to the area.

2. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory/Field (https:// www.sluggermuseum.com)

You can tour the factory, take a selfie with the world’s

largest baseball bat, or see bats that are over 100 years old in the vault.

3. KMAC Museum (https://www.kmacmuseum.org)

KMAC Museum has a unique selection of contemporary art with rotating exhibits.

4. Muhammad Ali Center (https://alicenter.org/visit)

Learn more about Muhammad Ali’s life and career, and the continued impact he has on our culture.

5. Roots 101 African American Museum (https://www. roots-101.org)

A fairly new addition to Louisville, Roots 101 lets visitors explore African-American history and culture.

While not on Museum Row, some other notable stops include Kentucky Derby Museum (https://www. derbymuseum.org), The Speed Art Museum (https:// www.speedmuseum.org), The Portland Museum (https://

portlandky.org), and the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (https://www.conradcaldwell.org), located in Old Louisville north of the University of Louisville.

If you can’t stick around for the Kentucky Derby (https:// www.kentuckyderby.com), but want to get a taste of horse country, you can take a tour of one of the local horse farms. For those without a car, there are a variety of guided tours available (https://visithorsecountry.com).

Join the offsite event at Louisville Palace, a music venue that first opened in 1928. This will be a great opportunity to network with colleagues, as well as the chance to sneak some great pictures of the historic landmark!

Tell us on The Exchange what you’re excited to experience in Louisville! n

Advanced Leadership Forum Recap — December 2023

By Kate McConnell, MBA, Electric Kite

AsGEM professionals, we continually seek opportunities at each stage of our careers for ongoing professional development. Yet, many advanced professionals find there is a critical gap in this process to engage on high-level topics. Given this, the NAGAP Education Committee developed the new GEM Leadership Forum: Issue Processing Seminar — a unique opportunity for seasoned professionals to further their knowledge and skills in collaboration with other professionals seeking to advance and tackle higher-level issues and challenges faced in their current positions.

The GEM Leadership Forum, designed for advanced enrollment management professionals, was held in D.C. this past December. It was hosted by DD Agency in D.C., facilitated by DD Agency CEO Tony Fraga and Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing at Neumann University and NAGAP Education Committee Chair Fran Reed. The forum was sponsored by Electric Kite

This daylong collaborative experience utilized an issue processing exercise, which allowed for live facilitation of

This daylong collaborative experience utilized an issue processing exercise, which allowed for live facilitation of critical challenges raised by attendees.

Many participants found utilizing the process a terrific way to better understand the root of an issue—not seeing it as an individual issue but as a collective issue (as seen through different lenses), yet resolvable through collaborative conversation.

critical challenges raised by attendees. The entire goal of the Forum was for attendees to participate in “Issue Processing,” which is a facilitator-led formal process of identifying a complex issue and working through challenges, goals, options, and potential solutions.

Issue Processing involves a seven-step method of:

7. Action Prediction

In this process, there are important questions for both the participant (person processing their specific issue) and the group, which can result in clarity, succinctness, and intentionality.

Unlike a traditional presentation-based educational event, this forum is more of an open conversation with a live workshop focused on three-to-five advanced issues.

Participant Tanith Fowler Corsi, the director of graduate admission at Hood College, found the format distinctive, providing a unique perspective unlike anything she had encountered in the past. Tanith noted the schedule for the day was perfect, starting late morning and extending into mid-afternoon, offering just the right amount of time to address necessary topics and allowing participants to concentrate on the issues presented throughout the session.

The format was structured in a way that helped participants remain focused and engaged. Utilizing facilitated leadership, the format ensured a smooth progression through a specific process. As participants shared their individual case studies, a strong emphasis on active listening and the inclusion of clarifying questions resulted in suggested solutions from the group, which allowed for thoughtful consideration of recommendations. There were a lot of common themes or variations on

themes that participants described as validating and valuable to hear.

Andrew Goodliffe, assistant dean at the University of Alabama’s Graduate School, welcomed the opportunity to network with colleagues from other schools who, like him, were looking to interact, learn, and problem-solve together. The networking, issue processing exercise, and problem-solving process were extremely valuable and easily transferable to the work he does with his own team and in the future with other university departments.

For Erin Vogt, senior associate director of graduate recruitment and admissions at George Washington University, the Forum presented a unique opportunity for her team, who have worked together for six years, to think through current processes, examine issues, and consider different strategies to find new and effective ways to rethink their approach to specific issues and other organizational challenges.

Many participants found utilizing the process a terrific way to better understand the root of an issue—not seeing it as an individual issue but as a collective issue (as seen through different lenses), yet resolvable through collaborative conversation. Participants agreed the process, as well as exercises, was something they could take back to their school and incorporate into the work they do, with not only their team, but with other institutional partners.

After the live workshop, Electric Kite (formerly eCity Interactive), using data collected from participants prior to the Forum, conducted a session focused on marketing, enrollment, and faculty engagement.

The survey findings indicated that schools’ marketing and enrollment budgets for the academic year 20232024 have either remained unchanged or experienced a slight decrease. Most schools’ marketing resources are aligned to paid media and email marketing, with the highest focus on search advertising, followed by display ads, and LinkedIn. In addition, the data suggested the most impactful creative media was integrated ad

CAREER, STAFF, AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

campaigns, followed by content marketing, with the most successful tactic being personalized pop-ups, followed closely by content personalization.

Prior to the Forum, Electric Kite offered participants the opportunity for a complimentary mini-funnel assessment— one school volunteered to have the analysis performed. A mini-funnel assessment is designed to use a school’s own data and offer insights that enable the school to address pain points in the student journey and amplify successful strategies. The analysis looked at the institution's website traffic and performance trends and provided peer institutional comparisons. Data and synthesized results were reviewed and discussed and short and long-term recommendations were offered.

Participants agree that the inaugural GEM Leadership Forum was a success and something that should be offered each year by NAGAP. Given this success and impact on participants, the Education Committee will be looking to host the event again in 2024 – so stay tuned. n

Participants agree that the inaugural GEM Leadership Forum was a success and something which should be offered each year by NAGAP.

Kate McConnell is a higher education strategist for Electric Kite in Philadelphia and has over 20 years of experience in GEM serving in leadership roles at two major universities.

Learn how to utilize emerging technology to work smarter, not harder.

2022–2024

NAGAP Governing Board

Officers President

Kristen Sterba University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Vice President

Naronda Wright Georgia Southern University

Secretary

Brett DiMarzo Boston College

Immediate Past President and Treasurer

Jeremiah Nelson Catawba College

Executive Director

Haley Brust

NAGAP, The Association for Graduate Enrollment Management

Publications Committee

Sarah Brock University of Chicago

Dave Fletcher

Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine

Caitlin Getchell University of Tulsa

Kate McConnell Electric Kite

Amanda Miller Brandeis University

Katie Olivo Shenandoah University

Kittie Pain Kutztown University

Tania Rachkoskie Goucher College

NAGAP’s Fall Virtual Professional Development Institute provides a weeklong series of presentations for professionals of all kinds that focuses on a theme or hot topic within the graduate enrollment management world.

Nicole Sloan University of Florida

Melissa Sersland Northwestern University

Troy Sterk Seattle University

The

Directors

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Brian Derossiers-Tam University of Toronto

CHAPTERS

Katie-Ann Mason Tufts University

EDUCATION

Fran Reed Neumann University

EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

Keith Ramsdell Ashland University

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Recruitment & Marketing

NAGAP Chapters

Money Matters

Michael Merriam Framingham State University

MEMBERSHIP

Ryan Taughrin University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education

GEM Operations

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Anthony Perez Medical College of Wisconsin

PUBLICATIONS

Student Lifecycle, Engagement, and Support

Melissa Sersland Northwestern University

RESEARCH

Amanda Ostreko University of Kansas

Enrollment Modeling & Strategic Planning

Career, Staff, & Personal Development

Join or Start a Chapter Today!

For those of you looking to get more involved with NAGAP, your local chapter is a great place to start. Chapters provide a wonderful opportunity to network, to participate in regional workshops and conferences, and to assume leadership positions. They are also a great resource for learning more about GEM, especially if you are unable to attend the GEM Summit.

NAGAP has seven regional U.S. chapters, one international chapter, and two special interest chapters. To find out which chapter your state is a member of, visit NAGAP’s Chapters page. Here you will find contact information for each chapter president, and a link to the chapter’s website or social media page. Most chapters have a “join” or “contact us” link on the landing page.

If you find your state is not affiliated with a chapter, you may be interested in beginning a new chapter. For more information, review the How To Get Started overview. Questions? Please contact us at info@nagap.org

Strategic Partnership Council

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) is designed for organizations whose missions are aligned with NAGAP’s and who wish to become more strategically engaged with our association.

Through customized marketing and collaboration platforms we offer bundled packages and unique opportunities for organizations to help build and maintain year-round relationships with our members and GEM professionals across the nation and around the world.

To learn more about the SPC, visit our website: https://nagap.org/strategic-partnership-council

with Brian Desrosiers-Tam

Brian Desrosiers-Tam, Chair, Annual Conference Committee

In a nutshell, what does your committee work on?

The Summit Planning Committee dedicates itself yearround, working closely with our Association Management Company, to meticulously plan, organize, and execute one of NAGAP’s flagship events – the annual Graduate Enrollment Management Summit. Our dedicated team of NAGAP volunteers, though small in number, plays a pivotal role in evaluating future Summit locations, assessing offsite venues, curating an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, and, most notably, coordinating a substantial call for proposals. This process involves a thorough review of hundreds of submissions, ensuring a diverse array of educational topics to cater to the learning needs and objectives of our members.

What led you to your career in Graduate Enrollment Management (for instance, how did you find your first role in GEM? Why have you continued in this field since?)

I initially found my footing in Graduate Enrollment Management right after completing graduate school, much like many of my peers, I believe. It was in 2006 (time flies!) when I returned to my alma mater to help them launch a new graduate program in public and international affairs. Apart from a brief two-year hiatus (working in our provincial public sector), I have remained committed to the field of higher ed, specifically in roles related to GEM.

Working in GEM has been exceptionally fulfilling, as our efforts have a direct impact on the lives and experiences of graduate students and faculty members. I derive great satisfaction from collaborating with an exceptional team of dedicated professionals who share a passion for advancing graduate and higher education.

I currently hold the position of assistant dean at the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto, located in Ontario, Canada. In this role, I lead various teams within what serves as a central service for our institution. Our work involves multiple touchpoints with graduate students throughout their academic journey, spanning from the application and admission stages to registration, financial aid awards, and ultimately, the successful completion of their degrees.

I get immense pleasure from the meaningful relationships and connections I have with my colleagues, all of whom share a deep dedication to our work, driven by a genuine sense of caring and purpose. Recently, at my current institution we’ve been actively working to share a wide range of graduate education data both internally and externally. It’s incredibly satisfying to witness the powerful visualizations we can create and provide. I sincerely hope that our program leaders recognize the value of utilizing this data to make meaningful improvement where necessary and enhance the overall experience for our graduate students.

How long have you been involved in NAGAP, and what led you to becoming involved?

My involvement with NAGAP dates back to around 2017, although I wasn’t entirely new to the world of GEM. It all began when a colleague from another Canadian institution suggested that I attend an annual conference of NAGAP and, from that moment on, I’ve been fully engaged and enthusiastic about my participation.

Working in GEM has been exceptionally fulfilling, as our efforts have a direct impact on the lives and experiences of graduate students and faculty members.

What are you most excited to work on or accomplish in your committee chair position?

We operate with a relatively flat committee structure, where I see myself not just as a chair but as an integral team member. Within our current committee, the same members have taken on various roles over time, including chair, education lead, communications lead, and special projects – it has been really helpful for institutional memory. Our committee meetings are enjoyable, and we have well-defined objectives to accomplish. Each year we aim to introduce new and enjoyable elements while maintaining the familiar and cherished structure that our members have come to appreciate in the annual Summit.

What do you like to do for fun?

In my spare time I enjoy engaging in creative pursuits,

with a current focus on textile and woodworking projects. I find immense satisfaction in crafting various items with my own hands during my free moments.

What is one thing you would want people to know about you and GEM?

I’m deeply passionate about fostering an environment where graduate students can thrive academically and personally – I’m all in when it comes to my work in GEM!

What is one thing about you people would never suspect?

I recently developed an interest in upcycling old thrift shop blankets into hoodies. Another quirky skill! n

We operate with a relatively flat committee structure, where I see myself not just as a chair but as an integral team member.

A Spotlight on NAGAP’s Professional Development Institutes

A Look Back at the 2023 Fall PDI and a Look Ahead to 2024 PDI Programming

By Melissa Sersland, MS, Northwestern University

NAGAP offers a variety of professional development opportunities for GEM professionals to advance in their roles and careers. In addition to NAGAP’s annual Summit, which is a three-day conference, NAGAP also offers Professional Development Institutes on an annual basis that provide robust learning opportunities on topics tailored for early and advanced career professionals in a more intimate setting.

The Professional Development Institutes are offered multiple times a year. In 2024, the first Professional Development Institute event offered will be the PreSummit Institute. Held at the same location as the NAGAP Summit, this event will be offered for three hours on Wednesday, April 24, before the kick-off of the NAGAP Summit later that day.

The Professional Development Committee will then host the standalone Summer Professional Development Institute in Las Vegas July 11-12 and a virtual Professional Development Institute in the fall.

The 2023 Fall Professional Development Institute was fully virtual and held over the course of five consecutive business days in November. Each day, participants

In 2024, the first Professional Development Institute event offered will be the Pre-Summit Institute.

Participants will also gain access to 10 pre-built custom bots built for higher education enrollment and marketing.

attended an hour-long session chosen around the theme “Harnessing Technology.” These sessions included:

• 3.0 Content Marketing: How to develop strategies to leverage creators, build out systems and processes for using AI, and create niche media brands to build owned audiences

• Using AI to refine your graduate enrollment approach, including mastery in formulating ChatGPT prompts optimized for graduate student recruitment and gaining an understanding of how AI integrates into marketing and student engagement strategies

• Delving into Customer Relationship Management (CRM) options, including a discussion on key stakeholders who should be involved in the decision-making process of choosing a CRM; crucial factors to consider a CRM such as functionality, staff resources, and integration capabilities with existing systems; and insights on evaluating your existing CRM and determining if it’s time to switch to a new one

• Developing a plan to create a video for recruitment at your institution regardless of your budget or access to video equipment, with a list of free and low-cost resources to get you started

• Identifying opportunities to turn data into action regardless of your familiarity or use of analytics, from those just starting to review data to those looking for opportunities to enhance individual student engagement metrics

The AI session from the Fall Professional Development Institute was so popular that it is the focus of the 2024 Pre-Summit Institute. With the theme “Elevate Your GEM Recruitment and Marketing Using AI,” the Pre-Summit Institute will cover custom bot creation and data analysis capabilities tailored for higher education. Takeaways will include how to write sophisticated prompts to produce more precise and effective results; understanding how

to process, interpret, and leverage data effectively for insightful marketing strategies and decision-making; and experience creating your own custom bot, or Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT). Participants will also gain access to 10 pre-built custom bots built for higher education enrollment and marketing.

The Pre-Summit Institute is designed to be interactive, with opportunities to connect with other attendees through small group work. The session will be presented by Ardis Kadiu, founder and CEO of Element 451, and Shane Baglini, senior director of marketing and recruitment at Muhlenberg College.

The 2024 Summer Professional Development Institute will offer two tracks: early career and advanced. The early career track will focus on the seven GEM core competencies and is geared toward those within their first three years in the field. The advanced track is designed for GEM professionals with five or more years of experience and those interested in moving into more advanced roles in GEM (e.g. associate director). The sessions for each track will be run concurrently, with all participants having the chance to connect with one another at meals and social gatherings throughout the event.

In the past, NAGAP has offered separate events for early career and advanced Professional Development Institutes, with the early career track being offered in the summer and the advanced track being offered in the winter. However, NAGAP combined the two events in 2022 after needing to cancel PDIs during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the success of the 2022 event, Professional Development Committee Chair Anthony Perez plans to continue with this model going forward.

“We’re building off the success from 2022 and having combined PDIs for early and advanced career track folks for the foreseeable future; for the next three to four years we’ll be having them,” Perez said.

While hundreds of GEM professionals attend Summit and there are multiple concurrent sessions that attendees

The smaller group also makes it easier to connect with the presenters of the Professional Development Institute.

need to choose from, the Professional Development Institutes offer a set menu of sessions that everyone attends. “You can really hone in and focus and know what the lineup is going to be,” Perez said.

The Summer Professional Development Institute is also a smaller event than Summit, with fewer than 100 participants expected. “It’s a really great opportunity for some networking because it’s a more intimate environment,” Perez said. The Professional Development Institute provides advanced track professionals the opportunity and space to connect with one another during the event and after. “We promote continuing conversations and building relationships beyond the event,” Perez said.

The smaller group also makes it easier to connect with the presenters of the Professional Development Institute. “The presenters that give these sessions make themselves available,” Perez said. “You feel their presence and can interact with them a lot more than you may be able to at Summit; they interact with folks

during meals and the social we have planned.”

For sessions of the 2024 Summer Professional Development Institute, the committee has reached out to authors who have contributed to NAGAP’s “A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate Enrollment Management.” Currently two authors are confirmed to present at the PDI.

You can find more information about the summer PDI including registration information at https://www.nagap. org/pdi-summer-2024 n

The Exchange

Check out NAGAP’s The Exchange : a social networking resource library to communicate with colleagues, share ideas, and get the most up-to-date NAGAP and GEMrelated news. Learn more about this members-only platform and its various functions by visiting nagap.org, and join a discussion today!

Melissa Sersland serves as the director of graduate admissions and recruitment at The Graduate School at Northwestern University as well as the publications chair for NAGAP. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s in journalism from Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications and a master’s in higher education and administration from the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern.

A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate Enrollment Management: Advancing Research and Practice

By Katie Olivo, MS, MA, Shenandoah University

Interviewed:

Joseph H. Paris, EdD

Dean, School of Graduate & Professional Studies, Delaware Valley University

Stanley J. Kania III, PhD

Assistant Dean of Admissions and Assistant Professor, Department of Family, Community, & Preventative Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine

Afew years ago, Paris and Kania signed on as the editors of A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate Enrollment Management: Advancing Research and Practice. Both began working in GEM in 2011, and because of their combined experiences across eight institutions as well as their scholarship and research backgrounds, they were excited to undertake a project that would not only fill a gap in the literature and lay the groundwork for future research in GEM, but also hopefully serve as an invaluable resource to a wide variety of practitioners and scholars.

When asked about the goals of the publication, both editors underscored the depth and breadth of the coverage to allow readers to think about complex challenges they encounter in their daily work and apply what they learn to help solve problems. “GEM is practiced in widely different ways across institutions but also there can be differences within institutions, academic schools, and programs. We hope this book helps make these intricacies and obscurities more clear,” Paris elaborated.

“One of the most rewarding parts was working with the very talented authors who contributed to this book. The authors have a wide range of professional and academic backgrounds and they cover topics from both scholarly and practitioner lenses,” Kania explained. The editors issued two calls for proposals and were able to select contributing authors from across the country who represent a wide variety of institutions, including but not limited to regional publics, private institutions, schools of medicine, and even non-profit organizations. Paris and Kania also named Dr. Julie Posselt, associate dean and professor of higher education at the University of

The guide includes analytical literature reviews, original empirical research, and case studies from specific institutions.

Southern California, as an important contributor to the book given her expertise in GEM. Posselt authored the foreword.

The guide includes analytical literature reviews, original empirical research, and case studies from specific institutions. Chapters cover a range of topics including, but not limited to, graduate admissions, marketing, financial aid, student services, legal issues in GEM, and more. The final chapter is titled “Future Directions for Graduate Enrollment Management Research and Practice” and focuses on how readers can continue to champion GEM in the months and years to come.

Interested in receiving a copy of this book? Attendees of the 2024 NAGAP GEM Summit will receive a free copy.

You can also find more details about A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate Enrollment Management: Advancing Research and Practice on Routledge’s website n

Katie Olivo has 10 years of experience in higher education and serves as director of college outreach at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, where she leads efforts to manage recruitment and enrollment for graduate, international, and transfer populations. Before Shenandoah, Olivo worked at Simmons University in Boston. In these positions, Olivo has coordinated and developed recruitment initiatives, communication plans, new program launches, CRM implementations, as well as admissions policies and procedures. Olivo holds an MA in History, an MS in Library and Information Science, and a BA in History.

The NAGAP Experts Bureau

The NAGAP Experts Bureau provides members, as well as outside media, with valuable and reliable resources in the matters of GEM. NAGAP members benefit from having well-respected colleagues within the organization who can confidently and respectfully respond to their best-practice questions or concerns.

Areas of expertise include, but are not limited to:

• Recruitment & Marketing

• Graduate & Adult Student Services

• Ethical Issues in GEM

• International Recruitment & Retention

• Staff Professional Development

• Admissions Policies & Procedures and Operations & Technologies

• Diversity & Inclusion in GEM

• Academic Program Development

• STEM, Biomedical, Medical School Recruitment and Retention

Questions, concerns, or feedback for the Experts Bureau may be directed to nagapmedia @gmail.com

NAGAP Pathways: How Members Have Utilized Professional Development to Shape Their Careers

By Amanda Miller, MA, The Heller School at Brandeis University, and Kittie Pain, MLitt, Kutztown University

AsGEM professionals, the paths we take are often dynamic. We stop along the journey to network, learn from conferences or institutes, assume leadership roles, or veer off and explore different career opportunities. In this feature on NAGAP Pathways, you’ll hear how these GEM professionals recognized the significance of networking and professional development in their career trajectories—how they embraced opportunities, learned from conferences and institutes, and cultivated leadership skills to navigate the complex landscape of graduate enrollment. Although each story is unique, they all have valuable take-aways, whether you’re just starting out in your career, considering moving outside of an institution, or looking to further your career in higher education. Join us in this exploration, and let these stories inspire your own journey within the dynamic world of GEM!

Served on the SEAGAP Committee as Secretary, VP, President, and State Coordinator (Georgia). SEAGAP represents most of the eastern seaboard.*

Naronda Wright, EdD, Associate Dean of Graduate Student Services at Georgia Southern University’s Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies

Attended first Summit in Austin in 2012

Attended first PDI in Las Vegas in 2016

Commitment to remain in higher education through NAGAP connections. Moved up in professional ranks through Georgia Southern, Augusta University and then back at Georgia Southern University.

*SEAGAP includes: NC, SC, GA, FL, TN, AL, LA, MS, and AR

Today: President of NAGAP serving 2024-2026

Joined NAGAP in 2010

Started the NEGAP Chapter (quick note for anyone, NAGAP was founded in New England, but it wasn’t named that, so the NEGAP chapter was officially founded in 2011).*

Hanscom Director of Enrollment Marketing at DD Agency

Attended first Summit in Denver in 2008

Committees include Education Committee, Experts Bureau, and Leadership, Cultivation, and Elections Committee. Chair of Education Committee 2018-2020.

*NEGAP includes: ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI.

Decision to leave higher education: Began leveraging tools to enhance performance at his university and through the relationships, was interested in finding out more about opportunities beyond a campus environment that could still marry the graduate enrollment industry with tools for growth. DD Agency was appealing to him because their values and commitment to GEM aligned.

Marcus Hanscom started the NEGAP Chapter and Served as President (quick note for anyone, NAGAP was founded in New England, but it wasn’t named that, so the NEGAP chapter was officially founded in 2011).

Marcus

Joined NAGAP in 2007

Kittie Pain

Director of Graduate Admissions, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Co-created the Mentor program in 2010

Began presenting in 2011 and has been presenting at most conferences since then.

Attended first annual Summit in Orlando in 2007. Revived the PAGAP chapter in 2009 and served two terms as President.

Appointed to the NAGAP Board as Membership Chair in 2014.

Committees served on: Membership, Marketing, and Publications.

Joined NAGAP in 2006 and attended first PDI in Las Vegas in 2006.

Commitment to remain in higher education affirmed with each new challenge she faces at each institution she serves. She sees it as an opportunity for graduate students to gain more support and have a stronger voice during their educational journey.

Kittie Pain’s commitment to remain in higher education is affirmed with each new challenge she faces at each institution she serves.

Ray Lutzky

2016 –attended Summit in Nashville and presented with one of his greatest mentors (Dr. Paul Marthers from Emory University).

In 2013, attended first NAGAP Summit and joined the Publications Committee. Chaired the International Relations Committee beginning 2015, before being elected to the Board of Directors in 2016.

2019 – joined InStride, a company that helps employers provide tuition benefits to employees.

2022 – become VP at Academic Partnerships, a company that works with regional public universities to put their degrees online.

Today: Joined Element451 in February 2024, as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, helping graduate enrollment management teams reach highly qualified students by harnessing the power of technology and AI.

Ray joined Element451 in February 2024 as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, helping graduate enrollment management teams reach highly qualified students by harnessing the power of technology and AI.

Entered higher education as Associate Director for Enrollment at his alma mater, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Element451

Joined NAGAP in 2021 after attending virtual webinars, information sessions, and other related NAGAP events.

2022–

Award.

Attended GEM Summit in New York in 2023 and presented there.

Louisville Summit 2024

Nicole will be attending the 2024 Summit in Kentucky this April and will be presenting there as well.

Kittie Pain serves as the director of graduate admissions at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. She holds a bachelor’s degree from McDaniel College and a master’s degree from Drew University. She likes good books and a stiff Manhattan.

Amanda Miller is the associate director of admissions at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Agnes Scott College and a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston.

2020–Attended Winter Professional Development Institute in Palm Springs, CA

Nicole Lounsbery Director of the Graduate School at South Dakota State University

Attended GEM Summit in Chicago and received the Visionary