The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: Enrollment Funnels Are Bloated. Here’s How Wayne State Keeps It Personal, with VP of Enrollment Management Kevin Halle

   What if the secret to enrollment success isn’t about bigger funnels, but about smaller friction? In this episode of the Vine Down, I chat with Kevin Halle, VP of Enrollment Management at Wayne State College: a public institution serving a student body that’s nearly 50% first-gen. Kevin breaks down how Wayne State has not only grown enrollment significantly over the past decade but maintained a uniquely personal touch while doing it. We dive into the common “scary friction” points first-gen students face, like hesitating to speak with professors about grades, feeling intimidated when dropping classes, and navigating unfamiliar college systems. Kevin shares how Wayne State proactively addresses these anxieties by intentionally creating a culture where students feel known, heard, and supported. You’ll hear: How Wayne State balances rapid enrollment growth with highly personal student experiences. Specific ways their staff identifies and eliminates friction that can block student success. Why the concept of “Nebraska Nice” actually powers a cohesive, cross-departmental support network. Kevin’s insights are not only thoughtful, but refreshingly actionable: If students repeatedly struggle, he says, it’s not the students who need to change. It’s us. Listen in for powerful, practical ways your institution can get proactive about student support, and keep enrollment growth both meaningful and sustainable. Available wherever you get your podcasts!

   July 22, 2025·36min
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   Number 2: Why Your AI Strategy Matters More Than Ever – Dan Garcia @ UNM on Staying Ahead in Enrollment

   In this episode, Emily Smith sits down with Dan Garcia, VP of Enrollment Management at the University of New Mexico, to unpack the realities and anxieties around adopting AI in enrollment and retention strategies. Dan gets candid about shifting from if to how to use AI, the outdated tactics to abandon, and the core enrollment fundamentals he’ll never give up. He shares practical strategies for addressing your team’s fears about new tech, increasing cross-campus buy-in, and why human connection remains irreplaceable in admissions. Key Highlights: Which enrollment processes AI truly transforms (and which ones it doesn’t).How Dan increased housing applications by 72% with one simple tweak.Tackling hidden anxieties within your team about AI adoption.Why curiosity and questioning are essential leadership tools at any career stage.If you’re navigating innovation fatigue or wrestling with how to effectively roll out AI at your institution, this episode offers clarity, actionable advice, and reassurance that you’re not alone. Watch now to transform how you think about AI, retention, and leading change in higher ed. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

   July 08, 2025·44min
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   Number 3: The Art and Science of Swag in Enrollment Marketing, with PJ Woolston

   Enrollment marketing may not seem like the most glamorous aspect of higher education, but for PJ Woolston, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at IU Indianapolis, it’s an art form. During our recent conversation on The Vinedown, PJ shared insights into the role of swag (yes, swag!) in creating memorable and lasting connections with prospective students. From thoughtful giveaways to bridging guidance gaps, PJ’s approach goes beyond the surface, delivering practical strategies with a human touch.

   January 20, 2025·32min
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   Number 4: The Art and Science of Swag in Enrollment Marketing

   Enrollment marketing may not seem like the most glamorous aspect of higher education, but for PJ Woolston, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at IU Indianapolis, it’s an art form. During our recent conversation on The Vinedown, PJ shared insights into the role of swag (yes, swag!) in creating memorable and lasting connections with prospective students. From thoughtful giveaways to bridging guidance gaps, PJ’s approach goes beyond the surface, delivering practical strategies with a human touch.

   January 15, 2025·32min
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   Number 5: Higher Ed Leaders Series | People Management with Ashley Hardy

   Wanna know something that all directors, deans, AVPs, and VPs of enrollment do, but very few have been formally trained on how to do it well? People management! We are pumped to have been able to welcome Ashley Hardy of DePauw University to the show this week where we talked tactfully about how to be a great manager, supervisor, and mentor.

   February 12, 2024·38min
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