In Part 2 of this Pulse Check series, Kin is joined by W. Kent Barnds, who has 33 years of experience in higher ed and shares his why and the importance of working at a college campus.

Key points/takeaways include:

• The need for leaders to stay at institutions to fight the good fight.
• The comfort level of employees with a delayed sense of gratification that often is part and parcel of working in higher ed.
• The importance of giving space to break out of the mundane, repetitive work
• The difference between what can be controlled and what cannot as circumstances change around us.
• Finding opportunities to be surrounded by student stories and the larger purpose of advancing education.

Guest Name: W. Kent Barnds

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wkentbarnds/

Guest Bio: W. Kent Barnds, Executive Vice President for Strategy & Innovation, Augustana College
Kent Barnds is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in higher education, known for his strategic acumen and proficiency in driving organizational success. His strategic vision has played a pivotal role in advancing the objectives at Elizabethtown College and Augustana College, contributing to their sustained growth and impact.
Having served in key leadership positions, including Vice President for Enrollment, Communication, and Planning at Augustana College and as the Executive Vice President at Augustana College, Kent has honed his skills in strategic planning, enrollment management, and communication. His experience equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions and non-profits today.

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Join hosts Seth and Mallory as they share invaluable career advice for rising leaders in higher education. From building a strong network to developing financial savvy, this episode is packed with practical tips and personal anecdotes to help you advance in your career. Whether you're aiming for a director title or aspiring to join the C-suite, this conversation will provide you with the tools and inspiration you need to succeed.

• Think of Your Career in Chapters: Focus on creating a clear narrative and move on when you've achieved it.
• Invest in Your Network: Relationships are crucial for career growth; prioritize both mentors and peer connections.
• Solve Your Boss's Problems: Your primary goal should be to help your boss achieve their objectives.
• Develop a Give-A-Shit Scale: Determine which battles are worth fighting to avoid burnout.
• Hire Slow, Fire Fast: Make careful hiring decisions and don't hesitate to make changes if necessary.
• Be Financially Savvy: Understand budgets and financial statements to make informed strategic decisions.

Get your Leadership Handbook

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

In this debut episode of our new Pulse Check on seeking purpose in the world of Higher Ed, guest Carrie Phillips joins guest host Kin Sejpal to discuss her purpose as higher ed leader, and what keeps her - and her team - going.

Insightful takeaways include:

• Personal and professional experiences can shape one’s purpose.
• Making space in the day-to-day grind to soak in the environment can be invigorating.
• Regularly centering conversations around institutional mission can help teams stay focused and motivated.
• Integrating students as student workers, focus group members, and/or ambassadors can keep MarComm close to the student experience.
• MarComm can add value by breaking silos and connecting the whole student experience, thus contributing to student success and institutional mission.

Guest Name: Dr. Carrie Phillips

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriehphillips/

Connect with Guest Host Kin Sejpal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinsejpal/

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.