In Your Element

From No CRM to 1st in Class: Johnston Community College’s Story

Episode Summary

In this episode, Carrie Pitts-Densmore, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Johnston Community College shares how JCC significantly increased student enrollment through innovative strategies and technology adoption. Carrie delves into the role of centralized communications, process simplification, and the impact of a new CRM system. Notably, how the introduction of 'Ask Jagger,' a chatbot named after their mascot, underscores the importance of automation in enhancing the student experience and operational efficiency.

Episode Notes

In this episode, Carrie Pitts-Densmore, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Johnston Community College shares how JCC significantly increased student enrollment through innovative strategies and technology adoption. Carrie delves into the role of centralized communications, process simplification, and the impact of a new CRM system. Notably, how the introduction of 'Ask Jagger,' a chatbot named after their mascot, underscores the importance of automation in enhancing the student experience and operational efficiency. 

Key Takeaways:

• Innovative Enrollment Strategies: Carrie outlines the shift to centralized communications and the use of Element451 to streamline student interactions, contributing to double-digit enrollment increases.
• Technology's Role: The introduction of 'Ask Jagger' chatbot and a CRM system has significantly reduced administrative burdens and personalized student communications.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Using Element451 for targeted campaigns and analyzing engagement to refine outreach strategies.
• Future Focus: Carrie highlights the potential of AI in creating dynamic and engaging content, pointing to a future where technology further personalizes the student journey.

Calls to Action

• Subscribe to stay ahead with insights from higher education leaders.
• Explore how your institution can leverage technology to enhance student engagement and enrollment.
• Consider the impact of centralized communication strategies and AI in your outreach efforts.
• Engage with Daniella and Brendan at our annual Engage Summit conference in Raleigh, NC June 25-26. Use the code Enrollify50 for $50 off. 
• Join the Enrollify community for more resources and discussions on innovative higher education marketing strategies.

Guest Name: Carrie Pitts-Densmore, M.S., APR, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing, Johnston Community College 

Guest Bio: Carrie Pitts-Densmore has 25 years of communications experience. She began her career as a television news journalist, where she won a national award for a documentary on domestic violence and covered major news stories in Myrtle Beach, Buffalo, and Raleigh. She spent her post-news days consulting organizations on video production, media relations, and integrated marketing. She also spent a few years as an award-winning real estate agent, where she honed her customer relations and technology skills. She's found herself in higher education at the most exciting time - during the intersection of tech and storytelling. Carrie has an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and a Master of Science in Communications degree from Purdue University. She is mom to Archer and wife to Shawn. In her free time, she likes to do yoga and watch documentaries. 

Guest Social Handles: LinkedIn