ALP: The Admissions Leadership Podcast

Ken Anselment
  • 4.7 (47)
  • 教育
  • 一周一更

Ken Anselment hosts a series of one-on-one conversations with people who have been climbing the leadership mountain in the world of college admissions. Some are nearing the summit. Some are already there. But how did they get there? And what can other climbers learn from their mindsets, habits, and experiences? © Ken Anselment 2024

  1. 5天前

    Candace Boeninger: Holding Power with Purpose

    Candace Boeninger, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Ohio University, joins the ALP to share lessons from her journey into senior leadership, reflecting on her experience working with an executive coach and how it helped her navigate the transition to cabinet-level leadership, as well as her evolving understanding of power—and the responsibility that comes with it. Candace also shares her approach to “being a student of the profession,” including the podcasts and newsletters that keep her sharp. 00:00 — Welcome and Candace’s path to Ohio University.06:00 — From construction software to admissions: “other duties as assigned” and career pivots.13:30 — On career progression: “I want to do work that matters, and I don’t want to work for a bozo.”15:30 — Leadership development and discovering executive coaching.18:50 — The Hogan assessment and learning to find direction without waiting for top-down instruction.24:20 — Lessons from coaching: finding her voice, learning to hold power, and using it responsibly.28:50 — The tension between being a people pleaser and wielding power.29:50 — “If you aren’t willing to become a student of the profession, then you’re probably not going to have very much fun.”31:50 — Her routine for digesting information: Future U, NASFAA’s Off The Cuff, NACAC Admission News, NASFAA newsletter.38:20 — Rapid Descent. The ALP is supported by RHB, a division of SIG. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

    45 分钟

  2. 9月12日

    Rakin "Rock" Hall: From the Standup Stage to the Enrollment Stage

    Rakin “Rock” Hall, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success at Ithaca College, brings a unique mix of reflection, humor, and leadership to The Admissions Leadership Podcast. In this wide-ranging conversation, Rock shares his take on the promise and perils of AI in higher education, why he's been creating short-form video reflections on leadership and life, and how his first-generation journey shaped the way he now guides his own daughter through the college search. We also dive into his surprising background in stand-up comedy—what Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and basement record players taught him about timing, connection, and stage presence—and how those lessons echo in his current leadership and storytelling. It’s a conversation about creativity, courage, and how "leadership is a verb." 00:00 – Introduction: Rock Hall, VP for EM at Ithaca College, joins the show.01:30 – Insights on AI: Insights on artificial intelligence from the CollegeVine Vineyard conference, AGI, and higher education.07:00 – Playing with AI tools: How Rock uses ChatGPT and other platforms for reflection and writing.09:30 – TikTok beginnings: Why his wife nudged him to start short-form video reflections—and how they’ve grown.13:30 – “The path of preference is the psychology of choice”: Rock explains one of his more memorable posts.17:00 – Accompanying his daughter through the college search: Reflections as a first-gen father and enrollment leader parent.26:00 – Comedy roots revealed: Hat-tip to Marie Bigham the heads up to Ken, Rock shares how basement record players, Pryor, and Carlin lit the spark for an early journey in comedy.27:00 – College course in stand-up: From class requirement to 15-minute set, and the thrill of getting the crowd on his side.28:30 – Sliding doors moment: Considering a move to LA for comedy before admissions work pulled him in.31:00 – Stage effect today: How comedy chops translate into speaking, presenting, and leading.32:30 – Bombing, self-reflection, and lessons learned: Rock on humility, feedback, and growth.35:30 – Leadership as a verb: Using writing and reflection to stay grounded in service.39:40 – Rapid DescentThe ALP is supported by RHB, a division of SIG. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

    47 分钟

  3. 8月29日

    Phil Moreno: Finding Stillness in Motion

    Phil Moreno—Associate Director of College Counseling at the Nueva School and Board Chair for the National Association for College Admission Counseling—joins this episode of The ALP to talk about what it means to lead leaders in challenging times, why gratitude and handwritten notes matter, and how he’s learned to “stay on the bike” while also carving out intentional moments of stillness and renewal. He shares the practices—from solo retreats to time outdoors under dark skies—that help him restore his energy and model balance for others in a profession that asks us to give constantly. Come for the insights, stay for the velvety voice of a professionally trained broadcaster (the guest; not the host). Highlights 00:00 – Introduction: Phil introduces himself, his role at Nueva, and his work as NACAC Board Chair.03:36 – The Nueva School: Founded on Nobel laureates’ vision, Nueva emphasizes curiosity, design thinking, and social-emotional learning.06:45 – Switching sides: Why Phil left college admissions after nearly 20 years to counsel students at the secondary level.09:06 – Relationships first: The mentors, associations, and small invitations that shaped his career—and why he now works to extend those same invitations to others.13:36 – Leading in challenging times: Guiding NACAC through political attacks on DEI, and reflecting on past moments of crisis leadership.16:47 – A unifying role: How Phil sees himself as a bridge-builder and “leader of leaders,” making space for every voice at the table while keeping the group focused on action.21:31 – NACAC as family: Why he views conference season as a chance to check in on colleagues and carry their lived challenges into board decision-making.24:15 – Self-care (perhaps Ken's favorite part of the episode): Phil’s philosophy of “staying in motion” and the importance of intentional pauses. He describes finding renewal through stillness, solo getaways, and immersion in art and nature.28:17 – Reset moments: From visiting Michael Heizer’s vast desert installation City to hiking remote trails and camping under dark skies, Phil explains how solitude outdoors restores his perspective.36:55 – College Horizons: Why he commits time each year to this extraordinary program (run by ALP alumna, Carmen Lopez) serving Native students, and how it reinvigorates his sense of purpose.39:16 – Leadership qualities: Gratitude, lifting others up, modeling behavior through action, and the power of living authentically.43:43 – Rapid Descent.The ALP is supported by RHB, a division of SIG. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

    56 分钟

  4. 8月22日

    Thyra Briggs: Baseball, Cover Letters, Grace and Transparency

    From a childhood “baseball club” in Boston to becoming a Dean of Admission at just 27, Thyra Briggs, Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid at Harvey Mudd College, has built a career defined by curiosity, courage, and care. In this episode, Thyra reflects on the role of baseball in her story—including a thoughtful gift from Ray Brown and why she’s known as “Aunt Bob”—and the way cover letters have become her personal test for knowing when an opportunity is truly the right fit. She also talks about the leadership qualities that have shaped her approach over three decades: the grace to assume good intent, and the transparency to build trust with colleagues and counselors alike. Along the way, she shares what it’s like to lead through moments of risk—especially during a tricky moment when she was the board president for the Common Application—the lessons she’s carried from Sarah Lawrence to Harvey Mudd, and why “never say never” has been a guiding theme in her professional life. 00:00 – Introduction: From Boston roots to Harvey Mudd. 01:20 – The “baseball club” and why her brother still calls her “Bob.” 05:00 – A special baseball: one of the most meaningful gifts ever. 07:00 – Growing up a Red Sox fan (and marrying a Yankees fan). 10:24 – From Connecticut College to Sarah Lawrence: first career steps. 13:00 – Four presidents, two institutions, and why she’s stayed. 15:30 – Choosing small colleges, quality of life, and cabinet-level impact. 18:10 – New presidents, new challenges, and the affordability task force. 21:25 – Academic roots in religion and child development, and the “never say never” theme. 23:00 – Public speaking fears, Common App crisis leadership, and surviving “majestic flop sweat.” 26:47 – Moving west: the serendipity of Harvey Mudd. 29:50 – How she decides which opportunities to pursue (and the cover letter test). 32:09 – A big risk: becoming Dean of Admission at 27. 36:00 – Mentors, financial aid partners, and learning with humility. 39:45 – Two leadership cornerstones: grace and transparency. 42:40 – Generational shifts in the profession and evolving work expectations. 45:55 – Rapid Descent The ALP is supported by RHB, a division of SIG. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

    52 分钟

  5. 8月15日

    Jeremy Lowe: The Power of Punk Rock, Long Walks and Under-reacting

    Jeremy Lowe, Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Admission at American University, has built his leadership style on lessons from three seemingly different places: the punk rock stage, long walks through D.C., and intentional pauses in the face of challenges. In this conversation, Jeremy shares how getting heckled and booed by 1,500 fans taught him resilience, how a 10-mile-a-day walking habit (unbroken since 2020) fuels his problem-solving, and why under-reacting has become one of his most valuable tools as a leader. Along the way, he reflects on belonging, fun, and helping students focus on who they are becoming. 00:00 – Jeremy’s intro from the nation’s capital and a callback to Lisa Keegan’s “why isn’t Jeremy on the show?” moment. 02:50 – Six years on the National Merit Scholarship Review committee and why the work (and mission) is often misunderstood. (Plus a shout-out to Tim McGuire.) 08:16 – Origin story: from C-student in St. Petersburg, FL, to punk rock guitarist in a band called Free Sample. 11:18 – On getting heckled and booed by 1,500 fans ... and why it's awesome. 13:40 – Lessons from punk rock that translate to admissions: resilience, self-promotion, logistics, and collaboration. 15:18 – Barton College, wearing many hats, and finding a professional home at American University. 18:46 – Walking 10 miles a day since 2020: solitude, reflection, and a cast of characters 23:06 – Walking as problem-solving and stress relief, including during the national search for his current role. 26:20 – The email-to-self system for capturing ideas mid-stride. 27:48 – Advice to his younger self: know you belong, have fun, and help students focus on becoming. 30:36 – Balancing joy and gravity in higher ed: why underreacting is a leadership superpower. 33:43 – Music-sharing at weekly team meetings as a culture-builder. 35:40 – Touching grass: reconnecting with students to stay grounded. 36:39 – Packing the backpack for a leadership climb: curiosity and networking. 41:33 – “Networking is better than not working.” 42:07 – Rapid Descent. The ALP is supported by RHB, a division of SIG. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

    54 分钟

  6. 8月8日

    Justin Rummel: From Policy to Purpose in Enrollment Leadership

    In this episode of The Admissions Leadership Podcast, Justin Rummel, Vice President for Enrollment at Susquehanna University, shares how his journey to the VP seat followed anything but the traditional path. With no background in admissions, Justin’s career has spanned state politics, federal financial aid policy, compliance and internal audit in both for-profit and non-profit institutions, and leadership in student financial services. It’s a route shaped by systems thinking, sharp financial acumen, and a deep commitment to student success. Together we explore: What it means to lead enrollment without an admissions pedigreeHow financial aid, audit, and bursar roles prepare leaders to think institutionallyThe importance of trust, consistency, and humility when leading former peersHow early exposure to policy and risk management shaped his leadership lensWhy belonging starts long before students apply—and how early tech may be shifting the timelineWe also touch on the joys of commencement, the limits of the “demographic cliff” narrative, and the tools—both high and low tech—that still work to connect with students. 00:00 – Justin’s introduction: A “unicorn” in enrollment, Justin shares his unconventional path from state government to the VP seat. 03:22 – Financial aid roots: From policy work to compliance roles in for-profit higher ed. 06:14 – Audit and operations: What internal audit taught him about systems thinking, risk, and institutional mission. 09:35 – Commencement joy: Why student success moments matter across all sectors. 14:14 – Becoming a bursar: Learning to lead teams and navigate complex operations. 15:50 – Scaling down with purpose: How moves to Salisbury and Susquehanna brought him closer to mission. 20:35 – The unexpected call: Saying yes to the VP opportunity, and being ready when it came. 23:16 – From peer to leader: Building trust, showing up physically, and staying consistent during a leadership transition. 26:07 – Operating at altitude: Navigating cabinet conversations and board dynamics with financial fluency. 31:02 – Audit wisdom: How his mentor’s mantra informs his leadership today. 35:57 – Crossing the ravine: Reframing the demographic cliff as less of a crisis and more of a shared opportunity. 38:15 – Belonging and early tech: How technology shapes identity long before students reach college. 41:25 – Low-tech, high-trust: Why the phone (and other old tools) still matter in a digital world. 43:32 – The Rapid Descent: Pearl Jam, Granny Smith apples, handwritten notes, and a dream of Kilimanjaro. The ALP is supported by RHB, a division of SIG. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

    53 分钟

  7. 8月1日

    Lisa Keegan: Leading with Purpose in a Time of Transition

    Lisa Keegan returns to the mic just as she prepares to step into her new role as the inaugural Vice Provost for Enrollment Strategy at William & Mary. With signature candor, humor, and heart, Lisa reflects on her five-year tenure at Bucknell University, where she helped build and elevate a leadership bench that is now stepping into her shoes. We explore the “liminal moment” of transition, how to onboard with humility, and what it means to lead with both confidence and care in a sector under pressure. From building trust and amplifying student voices to using with the megaphone that comes with public roles, this conversation is packed with insight—and a great roast chicken recipe—for leaders at any stage of the climb. 00:00 – Introduction: Moving from Bucknell to William & Mary and living in a “liminal space.” 02:50 – The succession mindset: Preparing and elevating her team for leadership long before leaving. 07:10 – “Gunning for my job”: Why great leaders want their people to outgrow their roles. 12:40 – The first 60 days: How Lisa mapped her onboarding plan and built trust from day one. 18:30 – Finding the truth: Navigating competing narratives in a new leadership role. 21:40 – Entrepreneurial leadership: Balancing trustees, presidents, and long-term impact. 25:45 – The pendulum will swing back: Holding onto purpose and hope in a turbulent time for higher ed. 30:40 – The bigger megaphone: Using leadership positions to amplify student voices. 34:10 – Grounding in students: The reminder that keeps Lisa motivated every day. 35:20 – The Rapid Descent: Walkout song, favorite reads, comfort food, tough-love advice, and a bucket-list dream. 42:54 – Outtakes: You'll just have to listen The ALP is supported by RHB, a division of SIG. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

    49 分钟

  8. 1月13日

    Peak Perspectives: Assumptions and Decisions

    Have you ever caught yourself making an assumption about someone's capacity for success based on where they come from or the challenges they've faced? At this time of year, when many admissions offices are deep in application review, it seems fitting to pause and reflect on how assumptions can shape decisions. In this Peak Perspective, we hear a vignette from Laura Kaub, director of the Duolingo Partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, who reminds us that there is way more to a student's story than where they came from—and that often the story about where they came from is inaccurate. (Original audio clip from Season 8, Episode 6 of the ALP) It's from Chapter 2, "Empathy and Understanding," one of 20 chapters in my new book, Climbing the Admissions Leadership Peak: Lessons from the ALP, available on Amazon paperback and Kindle. The ALP is supported by RHB, a division of SIG. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

    10 分钟
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Ken Anselment hosts a series of one-on-one conversations with people who have been climbing the leadership mountain in the world of college admissions. Some are nearing the summit. Some are already there. But how did they get there? And what can other climbers learn from their mindsets, habits, and experiences? © Ken Anselment 2024

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