The Future of Student Search Pulse Check Series is sponsored by Carnegie. 

In this episode, Trent Gilbert, VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie, and Brian Kennedy, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and Dean of Admission at Samford University, discuss the critical role of data in shaping enrollment search strategies. They delve into:

1. Leveraging data to identify and attract ideal students
2. Balancing urgent tasks with long-term strategic thinking in enrollment management
3. Segmenting communication based on demographic and behavioral data

Key takeaways include:

• The importance of organization
• Staying current with data
• Diversifying recruitment strategies

Guest Name: Brian Kennedy, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management and Dean of Admission, Samford University

Guest Bio: Brian began his career as an admission counselor in 2007 and has had the opportunity to serve in virtually every area of an admission office; from freshman recruitment to transfer and international admissions and from visits and events to marketing and communications.
Brian currently serves as Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management and Dean of Admission at Samford University. Brian has had the privilege of presenting at many conferences over the last decade on a number of topics concerning admissions, recruiting and enrollment in higher education. He currently serves as an active member of NACAC, SACAC, and ALACRAO. Brian has two degrees (B.S. and M.B.A.) from Samford University. He and his wife, Christina live in the Birmingham area with their three wonderful girls, Taylor, Avery and Leighton.

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-kennedy-b47741129/

Pulse Check Host: 
Trent Gilbert - VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentgilbert/
Having served as Vice President for Enrollment at three different institutions, Trent Gilbert understands the challenges and pressures modern-day enrollment managers face at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to serving as a former VPEM, Trent also co-founded and served as an industry leader of Render Experiences, which put him at the table of enrollment strategy conversations at over 250 institutions. As the VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie, Trent is uniquely positioned to work with clients and create tailored solutions that creatively engage students while keeping the experience of human connection at the forefront of the process.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse 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.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register