Why Every Institution Needs AI Assistants: Lessons From SEMO

In this AI-focused episode, hosts Daniella and Brendan sit down with Claire Skelton, Assistant Director of Content Marketing at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), to unpack the transformative role AI plays in streamlining student engagement and application processes. Claire shares SEMO’s journey from launching “Sadie,” an AI-powered bot, to creating custom AI teams tailored to unique student populations. The conversation covers everything from optimizing AI responses to designing AI-driven email campaigns, revealing how SEMO is setting a high bar for integrating AI in higher education admissions.

Key Takeaways:

• Efficiency Metrics: SEMO’s AI has saved the admissions team approximately 65,000 human hours in just three months, showcasing the substantial impact of AI on administrative workflows
• Targeted AI Assistants: SEMO launched tailored AI “Bolt” teams, each designed to address the specific needs of different student populations, such as online and international students. This customization helps reduce confusion and improve the relevance of responses.
• Real-Time Insights and Adjustments: By analyzing AI interactions, SEMO identifies frequent student queries, helping them improve website content and refine AI responses for more accuracy and efficiency.
• Human-Enhanced Automation: SEMO’s admissions team leverages AI to monitor queries, but student workers are ready to step in when nuanced support is needed, creating a balanced approach to automation and human interaction.
• Iterative AI Training: AI is treated like an intern that improves over time. SEMO's team provides constant feedback to hone responses, ensuring AI-generated content feels relevant and personal to students.
• Future Possibilities with AI Calls: SEMO is exploring AI-driven voice assistants capable of initiating proactive calls, a potential game-changer for connecting with students who may hesitate to reach out directly.

Calls to Action:

• Tune in and Subscribe: Don’t miss future episodes on game-changing AI strategies in higher education admissions.
• Explore AI in Admissions: For teams considering AI, this episode is a roadmap for launching, customizing, and scaling AI tools in your enrollment workflows.
• Connect with Enrollify: Follow us to stay updated on the latest trends and strategies for leveraging AI in higher ed marketing.
• Try Custom AI Strategies: Consider how tailored AI assistants could serve different student populations at your institution.
• Share Your AI Journey: Connect with us on social media to discuss how your team is integrating AI into admissions.

Guest Name: Claire Skelton, Asst. Director of Content Marketing, Southeast Missouri State University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-skelton-4b6b89169/

Guest Bio: Claire Skelton is the Assistant Director of Content Marketing at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). Her content marketing career began in 2018, and now, at SEMO, she creates content that connects with prospective students and families. As an alum of SEMO, Claire's passion for the brand has only grown stronger. She thrives on networking, crafting engaging email and social media content, and finding new ways to leverage AI in her work.

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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.

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