Like many institutions in higher education, Ohio University saw enrollment plummet during the Covid pandemic. Rather than take small, incremental steps to turn things around, Ohio U – led by Candace Boeninger, VP for Enrollment Management – "stepped up to the plate" and took a "big swing" at reversing the course of enrollment declines and, in fact, producing record enrollment numbers in the past few years. It was this baseball metaphor that resonated with Boeninger, the mother of four boys who play the sport. It prompted her to think big: the school overhauled its student visit structure and space; reimagined its financial aid approach; revamped its student outreach strategy; and took other bold steps to re-energize enrollment efforts. In this discussion with WittKieffer Senior Partner Amy Crutchfield, Boeninger reflects upon the challenges she and colleagues at Ohio U have faced, and how their bold vision of the future has benefited the institution. They also discuss current challenges in enrollment management (including FAFSA uncertainty) and how enrollment leaders can shape their strategies for the future – with the support of peers and their presidents.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related