In Your Element

Live at NCCCS Conference: Creating a Culture of Student Readiness at the College of the Albemarle

Episode Summary

In this special live episode from the North Carolina Community College System Conference, Daniella sits down with Kris Burris, Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Management at College of the Albemarle (COA). Kris shares how COA leverages Element451 to address enrollment challenges, foster student success, and reach underserved communities. From tackling resistance to new technology to promoting wrap-around services for students, this episode is packed with insights on creating meaningful change in higher education.

Episode Notes

In this special live episode from the North Carolina Community College System Conference, Daniella sits down with Kris Burris, Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Management at College of the Albemarle (COA). Kris shares how COA leverages Element451 to address enrollment challenges, foster student success, and reach underserved communities. From tackling resistance to new technology to promoting wrap-around services for students, this episode is packed with insights on creating meaningful change in higher education.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic enrollment recovery: COA used Element451 to combat declining enrollment by targeting underrepresented communities and tailoring outreach.
• Cross-campus collaboration: Chris emphasizes the importance of securing buy-in across all departments, from IT to academic affairs, when adopting new CRM technologies.
• Wrap-around services: COA’s approach to student success includes offering holistic support, such as financial aid guidance, child care assistance, and mental health resources.
• Data-driven storytelling: Presenting data effectively can align leadership and gain support for new initiatives, especially in enrollment management.
• Personalized outreach: Element 451 enables COA to create customized communication strategies, enhancing student engagement throughout their journey.
• Celebrating wins: Kris underscores the importance of celebrating small victories as part of maintaining momentum in creating change.

Calls to Action:

• Subscribe to *In Your Element* to hear more inspiring stories of change in higher education.
• Explore how Element451 can help your institution reach more students and improve enrollment strategies.
• Follow us for updates on upcoming episodes featuring industry leaders tackling big challenges in higher ed.

Guest Name: Kris Burris, Ed.S.Vice President, Student Success and Enrollment Management (SSEM)

Guest Bio: Kris Burris joined COA in 2020.  Ms. Burris has a significant background in the South Carolina Technical College System. Previously, she served in a number of positions at Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood, South Carolina including adjunct instructor, Director of Student Support Services programs and Director of Dual Enrollment. In her vice president role at COA, Ms. Burris provides leadership and oversight for admissions and recruitment, financial aid and scholarships, student life and leadership, advising, career services, dual enrollment, student conduct and Title IX.    
In addition, Ms. Burris currently serves as the NC Reconnect Lead, an Adult Learner Research Affiliate for the Belk Center, a member of the NC Career Coach Advisory Board, and the Northeastern Representative for the NC Student Development Administrators Association. 
Ms. Burris earned an educational specialist degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Converse College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Wofford College, and an Associate in Science degree from Spartanburg Methodist College.