From Rodeos to ROI: ABAC's Unique Approach to Student Engagement

In this episode of In Your Element, we sit down with Ryan Hogan, VP of Enrollment Management, Marketing, and Communication at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), and the 2024 Boltie Award winner for Student Engagement. Ryan shares how ABAC is setting new standards for personalized student engagement using strategic communication and technology. He emphasizes the importance of making every student feel wanted by the institution and highlights how data-driven decisions and collaborative efforts are key to transforming higher ed.Key TakeawaysPersonalization is Key: ABAC prioritizes personalized communication to make students feel valued and understood, which is essential for effective engagement.Two-Way Communication: Utilizing technology like Element 451, ABAC fosters conversations with students, turning one-way messages into meaningful interactions.Strategic Shifts: Ryan emphasizes the importance of being open to strategic changes, especially when traditional methods are no longer effective.Data-Driven Decisions: ABAC relies on data from current and prospective students to guide their communication and engagement strategies.Full Student Lifecycle Engagement: ABAC integrates its CRM across all departments, ensuring consistent communication from enrollment through to graduation, which boosts retention.Innovative Programs: The introduction of initiatives like the "Nursing at Night" program showcases ABAC's commitment to meeting the needs of its community through targeted campaigns and digital engagement.Calls to ActionStay Updated: Subscribe to In Your Element for more insights on how higher ed institutions are transforming enrollment and engagement.Engage with Us: Share your thoughts on student engagement tactics—how is your institution making students feel wanted?Guest Name: Ryan M. Hogan, Vice President, Enrollment Management, Marketing, & Communication, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural CollegeGuest Bio: Ryan Hogan is the Vice President for Enrollment Management, Marketing, and Communication for Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC). Hogan began his career in 2000 as a student assistant at Valdosta State University (VSU). Upon earning his degree in 2004, he started a career in the Office of Admissions where he held the roles of Admissions Counselor (2004-2011), Associate Director of Admissions (2011-2015), and Director of Admissions (2015-2022). Mr. Hogan has a wide range of experience which includes automation of communication and document processing through customer relationship management systems (CRM). He also is well-versed in marketing campaigns to drive enrollment initiatives. When not at work, Mr. Hogan is a proud husband to Micha and father to Abram (13) and Archer (9). The Hogans are avid travelers and aspire to visit all the national parks in the country, having visited 10 out of 63 sites so far. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Daniella Nordinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellanordin/Brendan Henkelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bkhenkel/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:In Your Element 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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.