In Your Element

From RFI to AI: How Salem Community College Implemented a Modern CRM

Episode Summary

In this episode of "In Your Element," we welcomed Kelly Schimpf, the Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services at Salem Community College, to discuss the transformative journey of implementing a new CRM system at her institution. Kelly highlighted Salem's proactive approach to embracing technology to enhance student services and improve operational efficiency and shared her experiences and insights on selecting and deploying a CRM that can be tailored to the unique needs of a community college. The discussion revolved around the importance of involving a diverse range of campus voices in the CRM selection process and ensuring the technology supports the entire student lifecycle, from admission to alumni relations.

Episode Notes

In this episode of "In Your Element," we welcomed Kelly Schimpf, the Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services at Salem Community College, to discuss the transformative journey of implementing a new CRM system at her institution. Kelly highlighted Salem's proactive approach to embracing technology to enhance student services and improve operational efficiency and shared her experiences and insights on selecting and deploying a CRM that can be tailored to the unique needs of a community college. The discussion revolved around the importance of involving a diverse range of campus voices in the CRM selection process and ensuring the technology supports the entire student lifecycle, from admission to alumni relations.

Key Takeaways:

• Collaborative CRM Selection: Engaging stakeholders from across the campus during the CRM demo phase to gather diverse insights and ensure the system meets various departmental needs.
• Strategic Implementation: Adopting a phased approach to CRM implementation, focusing on high-impact features and ensuring the system is adaptable to the college's evolving needs. The success of technology adoption in higher education hinges on having a dedicated, cross-functional team that can drive the project forward.
• Enhancing Student Services: Utilizing the CRM to streamline admissions, improve communication, and support student retention by providing a cohesive experience across all touchpoints.
• Leveraging Technology: The critical role of technology in compensating for staffing shortages and enhancing operational efficiencies in higher education institutions.

Calls to Action:

• Subscribe to "In Your Element" for more insights into higher education technology and management.
• Share this episode with fellow educators and administrative professionals.
• Engage with us on social media to discuss your experiences with CRM implementations and how it has transformed student services at your institution.

Guest Name: Kelly Schimpf, MBA, Dean of Enrollment Management & Student Services, Title IX Coordinator, Salem Community College (NJ)

Guest Social Handles: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Kelly Schimpf is an established student-centered higher education professional with experience in areas including recruitment, enrollment management, student services, compliance, Title IX, student conduct, strategic communications and college teaching. She currently serves as Dean of Enrollment Management & Student Services and Title IX Coordinator at Salem Community College in New Jersey. She is also a Senior Adjunct Professor in Business/Economics at Rowan College of Burlington County. A passionate community college advocate, Schimpf was recognized by the Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) as one of their “Women Under 40” recipients in 2022.
Prior to her current role, Schimpf served in various leadership roles in admissions, recruitment and retention at Salem Community College, Wilmington University and Drexel University. She earned her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from Wilmington University, and her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Stockton University.