Campus Outcomes

James Dressing

Conversations with higher education leaders on enrollment, student success, and the innovations shaping learning outcomes today.

Episodes

  1. MAY 4

    Designing Human-Centered Admissions Experiences: Aaron Sims on Driving Enrollment Through Personalization and Connection.

    What makes a campus visit truly unforgettable, and what actually drives a student to say yes? In this episode of Campus Outcomes Podcast, host Teri Markle sits down with Aaron Sims, Associate Director of Admissions Engagement at Longwood University, to explore how personalized, human-centered experiences are reshaping student recruitment. Aaron shares how his team goes beyond traditional campus tours to create intentional, high-impact touchpoints across the entire enrollment journey, from early middle school exposure to admitted student experiences. He breaks down the strategy behind Academic Immersion Days, the importance of real human connection, and why moving away from presentation-heavy formats leads to stronger engagement. The conversation also highlights a powerful real-world story of a student who initially questioned her sense of belonging but ultimately committed after experiencing the community firsthand, showing just how critical meaningful interactions are in the decision-making process. What You’ll Learn: Why personalization is critical in modern admissions strategiesHow to design campus visits that increase enrollment conversionThe impact of Academic Immersion Days and faculty engagementWhy early pipeline development (middle school) creates long-term enrollment successHow to use data and feedback to continuously improve recruitment efforts Golden Nugget: “You never know what moment will make a student say yes—so create experiences that connect, inspire, and feel personal.” Connect with Aaron Sims: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aaron-sims-1009a7136 Connect with The Outcomes Podcast:Spotify LinkAmazon Music LinkApplePodcastMotimaticLinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a higher ed leader, admissions professional, or marketing innovator driving change in education. New episodes drop weekly!

    26 min

  2. MAR 30

    Designing Higher Education for Military and Adult Learners: Greg Hill & Carolyn Todaro on Removing Barriers to Student Success

    What if the hardest part of earning a degree isn’t the coursework, but navigating a system that wasn’t built for you? In this episode of Campus Outcomes Podcast, host James Dressing sits down with Greg Hill, Vice President of Enrollment Management, and Carolyn Todaro, Vice President of Student Success at American Public University System (APUS), to explore how higher education can better serve military members, veterans, and working adults. Greg and Carolyn share how APUS was originally designed to solve the challenges of frequent relocation, lost transfer credits, and rigid academic structures—and how that mission continues to shape their approach today. Drawing from over 40 years of combined experience, they explain how traditional one-size-fits-all models fall short and why personalization is critical for today’s learners. The conversation dives into how proactive advising, structured program pathways, and a single point of contact model reduce decision fatigue and improve student retention. They also discuss how affordability, automation, and AI are being leveraged to create a seamless, flexible, and student-first experience. What You’ll Learn: Why traditional higher ed models fail military and adult learnersHow proactive advising improves retention and student confidenceThe power of clear program pathways in reducing decision fatigueWhy removing administrative burden is key to student success Golden Nugget: “Students don’t struggle because they lack ability; they struggle because the system creates too much friction.” Connect with Greg Hill & Carolyn Todaro: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/greg-hill-815213aLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carolyn-todaro-2843b51a Connect with The Outcomes Podcast:Spotify LinkAmazon Music LinkApplePodcastMotimaticLinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a higher ed leader, admissions professional, or marketing innovator driving change in education. New episodes drop weekly!

    26 min

  3. JAN 12

    Simplifying College Admissions and Reducing Student Overwhelm: Garrett Spradlin on Clear Enrollment Pathways

    What if the hardest part of college isn’t the coursework, but everything that happens before day one? In this episode of The Outcomes Podcast, host James Dressing sits down with Garrett Spradlin, Assistant Director of Admissions for Graduate Recruitment at the Colorado School of Mines, to explore how students navigate the enrollment journey, and why too many drop off before classes even begin. Garrett shares insights from nearly 15 years across admissions, marketing, campus visits, and concurrent enrollment, explaining why choice overload hurts student decision-making and how clear, step-by-step pathways increase confidence and follow-through. The conversation also covers why concurrent enrollment builds readiness, how customer service differentiates institutions, and why simplifying communication is essential in an era of short attention spans. What You’ll Learn:Why enrollment overwhelm stalls student decisionsHow clear pathways outperform endless flexibilityThe impact of concurrent enrollment on readinessWhy customer experience matters in recruitment Golden Nugget:“Students don’t want unlimited options; they want clarity.” Connect with Garrett Spradlin:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garrett-spradlin-a72982a6Portfolio: gspradlin.wixsite.com/portfolio Connect with The Outcomes Podcast:Spotify LinkAmazon Music LinkApplePodcastMotimaticLinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a higher ed leader, admissions professional, or marketing innovator driving change in education. New episodes drop weekly!

    20 min

  4. 11/14/2025

    Navigating Change, Student Support, and the Business of Education: Christina A. Taylor on Graduate Enrollment at George Washington University

    What happens when passion meets practicality in higher education? And how do enrollment leaders balance empathy for students with the financial realities of running a university? In this episode of The Outcomes Podcast, host James Dressing sits down with Christina A. Taylor, MBA, M.Ed., Education Innovator and Graduate Enrollment Leader at George Washington University (GW), to unpack the evolving landscape of student funding, international admissions, and the business behind higher ed. Christina shares her unconventional path into academia—starting in edtech, leaving for project management, then finding her way back through a dual master’s program in Higher Education and Business Administration at GW. Her journey offers a powerful reflection on how education, when combined with business insight, can transform both careers and institutions. As the graduate funding environment rapidly shifts, Christina discusses the uncertainty surrounding Grad PLUS loans, how universities are responding with professional certificates and flexible credentials, and why student empathy and clear communication matter more than ever. From helping international students navigate last-minute visa hurdles to supporting learners facing financial challenges, Christina’s stories highlight the heart and hustle that define modern admissions work. This conversation is a must-listen for higher ed professionals, enrollment strategists, and anyone passionate about expanding access to education while ensuring institutional sustainability. What You’ll Learn: How Christina’s dual-degree background bridges education and businessThe ripple effects of Grad PLUS loan changes on graduate enrollmentHow universities are adapting with certificates and flexible pathwaysChallenges and opportunities for international graduate studentsThe difference between undergraduate and graduate admissions operationsWhy empathy, communication, and preparation are key in student success Golden Nugget: “Start early. The more time you have, the less stress you’ll feel—and the more opportunity we have to support you.” — Christina A. Taylor Connect with Christina A. Taylor & GW: 🔗 LinkedIn: Christina A. Taylor 🌐 George Washington University Connect with The Outcomes Podcast:Spotify LinkAmazon Music LinkApplePodcastMotimaticLinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a higher ed leader, admissions professional, or marketing innovator driving change in education. New episodes drop weekly!

    20 min

  5. 11/13/2025

    Flexibility, Stackable Credentials, and the Human Side of Graduate Education: Kittie Pain on Innovation at Kutztown University

    How are universities reimagining graduate education to serve today’s diverse and career-driven learners? And what does it take to design programs that are not only flexible but deeply human-centered? In this episode of The Outcomes Podcast, host James Dressing sits down with Kittie Pain, Director of Graduate Enrollment at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, to explore how higher education is evolving through innovation, empathy, and adaptability. With extensive experience across multiple institutions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Kittie offers a front-line perspective on the transformation of graduate and adult learning, from the post-recession boom in master’s programs to the digital acceleration brought by COVID-19. She shares how Kutztown’s stackable MBA model has empowered students to earn meaningful credentials en route to a degree, meeting both market demands and individual career goals. This episode dives into how universities can embrace agility without losing their human touch. Kittie explains how her team uses market research and employer collaboration to develop sustainable programs and why authentic, one-on-one communication is still the most powerful recruitment tool. Her message to higher ed leaders is clear: flexibility and empathy are no longer optional, they’re essential. This conversation is for anyone navigating the changing landscape of higher education, including leaders, enrollment professionals, and faculty, who seek to create programs that truly meet students where they are. What You’ll Learn: How graduate education is shifting toward flexible, student-centered modelsWhy stackable credentials are redefining the path to a master’s degreeHow to communicate program value through a human touchThe importance of rapid adaptation and short-term planning in higher edHow market research drives program development and sustainabilityWhy empathy and authenticity are higher ed’s strongest differentiators Golden Nugget: “Be human. You are in a human industry, support students, listen to them, and give them grace.” — Kittie Pain" Connect with Kittie Pain & Kutztown University: 🔗 Kittie Pain on LinkedIn 🌐 Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Connect with The Outcomes Podcast:Spotify LinkAmazon Music LinkApplePodcastMotimaticLinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a higher ed leader, admissions professional, or marketing innovator driving change in education. New episodes drop weekly!

    15 min

  6. 11/10/2025

    AI, Accessibility, and the Future of Graduate Education: Lindsey O’Reilly on Innovation at NYU

    What does it take to keep higher education relevant in the age of AI? And how are universities like NYU adapting to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners? In this episode of The Outcomes Podcast, host James Dressing sits down with Lindsey O’Reilly, Assistant Director of Admissions Operations at New York University, to explore how technology, accessibility, and student expectations are reshaping the graduate experience. From her early days as a student tour guide to leading admissions operations and pursuing her own master’s in Learning Technology, Lindsey has witnessed firsthand how innovation can enhance—not replace—the human side of education. She shares how AI tools like Slate’s knowledge base, Boodle Box, and Interview Buddy are transforming administrative efficiency, classroom engagement, and student career readiness. This conversation dives into what students want most today: speed, ROI, and flexibility, and how NYU is responding with job-ready programs, global accessibility, and human-centered design in both admissions and academics. 🎓 This episode isn’t just about technology it’s about people, progress, and the power of learning in a digital world. What You’ll Learn: How NYU is integrating AI in admissions and learning without losing the human touchWhy modern graduate students are prioritizing ROI and career readinessHow one-year master’s programs are redefining speed and value in higher edHow NYU is expanding accessibility for international studentsThe evolving role of lifelong learning in a fast-changing job marketThe impact of AI-assisted tools like Boodle Box and Interview Buddy in classrooms Golden Nugget: “AI should be like a calculator—a tool that helps, not something that overtakes everything.” — Lindsey O’Reilly Connect with Lindsey O’Reilly & NYU School of Professional Studies: 🔗 LinkedIn: Lindsey O’Reilly 🌐 NYU School of Professional Studies Connect with The Outcomes Podcast:Spotify LinkAmazon Music LinkApplePodcastMotimaticLinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a higher ed leader, admissions professional, or marketing innovator driving change in education. New episodes drop weekly!

    13 min

  7. 10/07/2025

    Breaking the Mold: Stephen Ostendorff on Enrollment Growth, AI in Admissions, and Reinventing Student Success

    When most universities are struggling to stay afloat, how does one small private institution on Long Island grow enrollment by 57% in just four years? In this episode of The Outcomes Podcast, host James Dressing sits down with Stephen Ostendorff, Dean of Admissions at Molloy University, to explore how the school is redefining what success looks like in higher education. With over two decades of experience in higher education, spanning enrollment management, marketing, and student success, Stephen has built a career on connecting data, technology, and human connection. At Molloy, he leads initiatives that merge mission-driven leadership with bold innovation, including AI-enhanced admissions, data-driven decision-making, and direct admissions models tailored for today’s digital-native students. This episode isn’t just about admissions strategy; it’s about courage, adaptability, and what it really takes to lead transformation in higher education. 🔍 What You’ll LearnHow Molloy University achieved 57% enrollment growth in four yearsWhy student retention and success begin with authentic storytelling and cultureHow AI is being used to enhance (not replace) human relationships in admissionsThe rise of AI recruiters and automation in higher educationWhy direct admissions is changing how students find their right-fit schoolsHow to meet Gen Z students where they are, on TikTok, text, and beyondHow alignment between marketing, admissions, and academics drives institutional growthStephen’s leadership philosophy: “Be comfortable being uncomfortable.” 💡 Golden Nugget“The phrase ‘That’s the way we’ve always done it’ will kill any progress you’re trying to make. Be open to change. Optimize every year. And never stop trying new things.” Connect with Stephen Ostendorff & Molloy University 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ostendorff 🌐 Molloy University Website: molloy.edu Connect with The Outcomes Podcast:Spotify LinkAmazon Music LinkApplePodcastMotimaticLinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a higher ed leader, admissions professional, or marketing innovator driving change in education. New episodes drop weekly!

    18 min

  8. 10/07/2025

    From Mission to Momentum: Ben Boivin on Student Success, AI Readiness, and the Future of Higher Education

    What if the future of higher education isn’t about bigger campuses or larger enrollments, but about personalization, adaptability, and mission-driven leadership? In this episode of The Outcomes Podcast, host James Dressing sits down with Ben Boivin, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Manhattan University, to explore how one small New York institution is achieving outsized results. With over 13 years of experience in admissions, enrollment lifecycle marketing, brand messaging, and student engagement, Ben shares how Manhattan University is blending tradition, technology, and mentorship to drive exceptional student outcomes. Ben opens up about his journey from communications major to admissions leader, the challenges of navigating an enrollment downturn, and how his team turned crisis into clarity by reimagining how they connect with students. He also reveals how Manhattan University is preparing students for the future of work, embedding AI certification into every degree and cultivating critical thinking in the age of automation. This conversation goes beyond recruitment strategy; it’s about staying true to your mission while adapting to the seismic shifts reshaping higher education, technology, and student expectations. 🔍 What You’ll LearnHow Manhattan University turned an enrollment challenge into a strategic advantageWhy personalized admissions is the new key to student successHow alumni networks amplify career outcomes and lifelong engagementThe role of AI certification and digital literacy in building future-ready graduatesWhy mission alignment and adaptability matter more than ever in higher edThe power of critical thinking and the human touch in an AI-driven worldHow to meet Gen Z where they are on TikTok, text, and beyondBen’s advice for higher ed leaders: Know your mission. Stay authentic. Adapt boldly. 💡 Golden Nugget“AI may not replace your job, but someone who knows how to use AI better than you will. That’s why adaptability and critical thinking must go hand in hand.” Connect with Ben Boivin & Manhattan University 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ben-boivin-04833616 🌐 Manhattan University Website: manhattan.edu 🎥 TikTok: @ManhattanUAdmissions — A creative peek into campus life and student engagement Connect with The Outcomes PodcastSpotify LinkAmazon Music LinkApplePodcastMotimaticLinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, share it with an educator, admissions professional, or higher ed leader passionate about innovation and student success. New episodes drop weekly!

    15 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Conversations with higher education leaders on enrollment, student success, and the innovations shaping learning outcomes today.

Information

  • Creator
    James Dressing
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 James Dressing
  • Show Website
    Campus Outcomes