Retention Revolution: How GTCC Keeps Students Coming Back

In this episode of "In Your Element," we welcome Orna Shearin, CRM Specialist, from Guilford Tech Community College to discuss innovative strategies for student retention and engagement using Element451. Orna shares how the college is personalizing student communications, utilizing AI, and implementing effective communications to support students' academic and personal needs. Dive into the exciting developments at GTCC and discover practical ways to enhance student experiences at your institution.

Key Takeaways:

• Personalized communications via Element451 have significantly improved student retention and engagement.
• BoltBot handles nearly 1,000 student inquiries per month, enhancing support and accessibility.
• Open and click-through rates for emails and texts have increased, demonstrating the effectiveness of personalized outreach.
• GTCC uses data from applications to tailor support services for students with specific needs, such as first-generation students or those facing food insecurity.
• Effective payment plan communications remind students of due dates and provide options for financial aid or payment arrangements.
• Plans for the future include integrating AI assistants to streamline processes and enhance student support.

Calls to Action:

• Subscribe to "In Your Element" for more insights on innovative higher education strategies.
• Explore how personalized communication tools like Element 451 can benefit your institution.
• Attend the upcoming Engage Summit to learn about the latest developments in AI-assisted student support.
• Connect with GTCC to learn more about their successful retention strategies.
• Implement data-driven approaches to identify and address students' unique needs.
• Enhance your institution's payment plan communications to support student financial management.

Guest Name: Orna Shearin (she/her/hers), Customer Relationship Management Specialist, Office of College Advancement , Guilford Technical Community College

Guest Bio: Orna Shearin is a dynamic Customer Relationship Management Specialist at Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC), known for her strategic prowess and creative approach to enhancing student engagement and communication. Orna expertly manages the Element451 platform, designing and executing communication, application and retention workflows that resonate deeply with both current and prospective students. Her role extends beyond mere technical tasks to include the creation and management of captivating events tailored to enrich the student experience.

Collaborating across various departments, Orna ensures the seamless integration of CRM processes, fostering a supportive and efficient educational environment. Her blend of technical skill and creativity allows her to craft personalized messages and organize engaging events, making every student feel like a VIP from enrollment through graduation. This not only boosts student satisfaction but also streamlines administrative functions.

- - -
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Daniella Nordin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellanordin/
Brendan Henkel
https://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! Some of our favorites include Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook and Higher Ed Pulse.

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