ALP: The Admissions Leadership Podcast

Have you ever caught yourself making an assumption about someone's capacity for success based on where they come from or the challenges they've faced? At this time of year, when many admissions offices are deep in application review, it seems fitting to pause and reflect on how assumptions can shape decisions.In this Peak Perspective, we hear a vignette from Laura Kaub, director of the Duolingo Partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, who reminds us that there is way more to a student's story than where they came from—and that often the story about where they came from is inaccurate. (Original audio clip from Season 8, Episode 6 of the ALP)It's from Chapter 2, "Empathy and Understanding," one of 20 chapters in my new book, Climbing the Admissions Leadership Peak: Lessons from the ALP, available on Amazon paperback and Kindle.The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

Have you ever paused to consider the path you were on? Maybe that reflection led to affirmation, a definitive “Yes, this is the right direction.” Then again, maybe you sensed a quiet voice asking the question, “Are you sure this is the right direction?”In this Peak Perspective, we hear a story from Thom Golden, founder and CEO of Golden Educational Consulting, who found himself on the traditional admissions leadership track but was wrestling with what he calls "purposeful unrest." How did he respond? (Original audio clip from Season 5, Episode 4 of the ALP)It's from Chapter 11, "Saying No," one of 20 chapters in my new book, Climbing the Admissions Leadership Peak: Lessons from the ALP, available on Amazon paperback and Kindle.The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

Have you ever faced an opportunity that made you question your readiness, your abilities—even your worth?In this Peak Perspective, I share a story from Marie Bigham, founder of ACCEPT and IQID, who wrestled with self-doubt when she was invited to make a leap. What gave her the confidence to jump? (Original audio clip from Season 1, Episode 4 of the ALP)It's from Chapter 8, "Living with the Imposter," one of 20 chapters in my new book, Climbing the Admissions Leadership Peak: Lessons from the ALP, available on Amazon paperback and Kindle.The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

Have you ever made a decision so unexpected that it completely changed the course of your life?Welcome to Peak Perspectives, a short-form spinoff of the ALP, where I share insights and stories from my new book, Climbing the Admissions Leadership Peak. Chapter 10, "Embrace the Unexpected," shares the stories of six admissions leaders who did just that. Here I read the intro of that chapter where I describe my own unexpected course change.The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

Season 10 kicks off with exciting news and an audible sneak preview.(And that, dear listener, is what folks in the business call a teaser.)The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

Nathan Ament and Teege Mettille are the creators and co-hosts of the hit podcast, The Admissions Directors Lunchcast. They share different versions of their podcast's origin while somehow enticing Ken to share how the ALP came to be. Also, there's a teaser hidden in the Rapid Descent that you might catch if you listen carefully.Special shout-out to a slew of Nathan's and Teege's former Lawrence colleagues, with extra love for Steve Syverson and Chuck Erickson, two of the finest to grace the halls of the Lawrence admissions office.If you can't get enough of Teege, you can also find him on the Melrose Place Cast, even though he doesn't want you to.Rapid DescentWalkout songs: The Humpty Dance (Nathan) and Superqueen (Teege)Best recent read: Say It Like Obama (Teege) and The Covenant of Water (Nathan)Eager to read next: Lake of Dragons (Teege) and "whatever Jamie recommends next" (Nathan)Favorite podcast:  B*tchslap (Teege) and Capture the Magic Disney World Podcast (Nathan, who is also a licensed Disney World travel agent)Favorite thing to make in the kitchen: Old-fashioned or a Mai Tai (Nathan) and hand-rolled pretzels (Teege)Taking and keeping notes: Uniball Onyx pen (Teege) Pilot G2  with a Moleskine (Nathan)Memorable bit of advice: "When you try to be like the school down the street, you lose. Lean into what's unique about your school." (Steve Syverson to Nathan); "We all revert to email way too much. When possible, use the phone." (Ken Anselment to Teege)Bucket list: Complete the RAGBRAI (bike ride across Iowa for Teege); Be the captain of the water taxi that runs between the Polynesian Resort and Magic Kingdom (Nathan)The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

(No, the other one.)What happens when two avowed GenXers record a podcast episode? From the host you get a bad reference to C+C Music Factory; from the guest you get helpful lessons on "how to vice president." Michael Keaton, VP for Enrollment Management at Ursinus College, sets the record straight on who was Michael Keaton first, how to leave things better than you found them, and why all colleges are not in the same boat in the midst of the FAFSA rollout debacle. Rapid DescentWalkout song: The Boss by James Brown (Michael actually uses walkout music at open house events ... get yourself to Ursinus for one of these!)Best recent read: The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds ReedEager to read next: From Punk to Monk by Ray Rahunath CappoFavorite podcast:  Broad Street Breakdown by Jedi Mind TricksFavorite thing to make in the kitchen: Vegan chopped cheese.Taking and keeping notes: Kindle ScribeMemorable bit of advice: "Don't start none; won't be none."Bucket list: CVisit the last 11 United States he hasn't yet visited. Friends from IA, ID, HI, KS, MI, MS, MT, ND, NE, SD, and WY? Help him out. The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

Carin Smith, domestic recruitment manager and Chicago regional representative for Beloit College (and a former member of Ken's team at Lawrence who helped him learn how to be an admissions director through a creative partnership she arranged), talks about how to lead without title, and the four reasons why this has been a deliberate choice she has made over her four decades in college admissions. She'll also share three essential perspectives on what makes a good leader.This episode is dedicated to Molly Arnold (1962-2010), without whom neither host nor guest would be the people or professionals they are today.Rapid DescentWalkout song: Centerfield by John FogertyBest recent read: The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James BrownEager to read next: Leaders Eat Last by Simon SinekFavorite podcast:  None, "I'm an audiobook fan."Favorite thing to make in the kitchen: Cinnamon scones.Taking and keeping notes: Lined paper by Rifle and a sharp pencil with eraser.Memorable bit of advice: Used delayed send [on emails].Bucket list: Chicago Cubs spring training [to which the host replies, "Go Brewers."]The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

From the time he was a little boy, Jeff Blahnik always wanted to be "an attorney," but a moment of crisis halfway through law school changed his path. He's now the Vice President of Enrollment Management at the University of Oklahoma, and shares the secret of winning the job interview at OU, how "inspired hospitality" makes a flagship feel intimate, and how to establish yourself as a new leader at a new institution. He also answers the question: "Who has the hottest seat on an athletic powerhouse's campus: president, enrollment VP, or football coach?"Special shout-out to Marquette University's Roby Blust, from whose coaching tree both guest and host have sprouted, and Dan Hamrin, yet another branch on that tree.The Miami of Minnesota ... it's a real thing.Rapid DescentWalkout song: Don't Let the Old Man In by Toby KeithBest recent read: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraEager to read next: Belonging by Owen EastwoodFavorite podcast:  Missing in AlaskaFavorite thing to make in the kitchen: "I grind the beans and make an incredible pot of coffee."Taking and keeping notes: Moleskine notebook and Zebra ballpoint pen.Memorable bit of advice: (1) Make gratitude an everyday part of your routine … it prepares you for moments of desolation. Bring light and love into your life."; (2) Competition isn’t hoping that someone else does worse than you. Focus on being your best and ensure your team is the best."Bucket list: Travel to Europe for his 25th wedding anniversary.The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

Angela Frazier, Vice President of Student Services at Waukesha County Technical College (the ALP's first guest two-year college enrollment leader and the first African-American leader in WCTC's 100-year history) shines a light on what people get wrong about two-year colleges; how WCTC has punched above its weight with recruitment and retention; and why she needs help with a walkout song.Special shout-out to Angela's right-hand man, John McGreal, Dean of Enrollment Services. Rapid DescentWalkout song: "I don't have a walkout song. I don't like music." (But she's taking recommendations.)Best recent read: Transcendent Kingdom, by Yaa GyasiEager to read next: The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois, by Honoree Fanone JeffersFavorite podcast:  For Your Institution, by MongooseFavorite thing to make in the kitchen: "Not your momma's banana pudding."Taking and keeping notes: Notes app on iPhone.Memorable bit of advice: "If you don't think you look good, no one will think you look good, and if no one thinks I look good, you better think that I look good."Bucket list: Travel to Australia.The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

Justin Draeger, President and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, joins the ALP to share what colleagues in admissions, enrollment, student success, presidents' offices, etc. can do to support their financial aid colleagues, who are about to do 6 to 9 months of work in about 4 to 6 weeks. A deep thinker, reader, writer and speaker, Justin also shares a bunch of excellent leadership lessons, including how, as Bertrand Russell wrote, "Fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people full of doubts." Special shout-out to the Lawrence University financial aid team, "the finest team in all the land."ReferencesWhy I Choose the Harder Commute, July 2020Finding Motivation in Tough Times, August 2020Off the Cuff, NASFAA's podcastRapid DescentWalkout song: Walk This Way, Run DMC and AerosmithBest recent read: Uncultured: A Memoir, Daniella Mestyanek Young and Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van PeltEager to read next: Man's Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl (the cost of reading a new book is not rereading one of the best books you've already read) Favorite podcast: The Gray AreaFavorite thing to make in the kitchen: simple recipes with a chef's kiss, like fried eggs and bacon with a latte.Taking and keeping notes: a complex system of handwritten notes, Evernote and Roam Research.Memorable bit of advice: "Anyone who says he has finished a canvas is terribly arrogant. 'Finished' means 'complete, perfect.'" (Claude Monet)Bucket list: walk the Camino de Santiago.The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

Richard Harrison Bailey—the RHB behind RHB—joins the ALP to discuss the principle of Coherence; the virtuous cycle of relevance, relationships and revenue for colleges; the difference between market position and brand; and how the values of truth, beauty, love and justice animate the core values and, to this day, guide the work of the firm he and his business partner (and spouse), Tammy Bailey, formed in 1991. Rapid DescentWalkout song: Carmina Burana: I. O FortunaBest recent read: Yale Needs Women by Anne Gardiner PerkinsEager to read next: Who Killed Truth? A History of Evidence by Jill LeporePodcast: IngenioUs with Melissa Morriss-OlsonFavorite thing to make in the kitchen:  A completely improvised birthday meal for his kids. If you’ve let go of passion in the kitchen, you’ve lost the meal.For notes: I’m a pencil person, currently using a Zebra #2 pencil with retractable lead.and Blackwing pencil.Memorable bit of advice: From David C. Baker: “Narrow does not equal small.” The more narrow you become in your position, the deeper you will be able to go in your expertise. And the deeper you are in your expertise, the more you will know, and the more you will bypass or surpass the competition.Bucket list: Open a little bar on the coast of Spain and serve Rioja. I'll have about 3 customers who are always there.The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

Laura Kaub, director of the Duolingo partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees program, talks about keeping refugees and African students out of the "hole" in holistic admission so they can get into the economic, educational and political systems that can bring about change. She provides examples of U.S colleges that "get it right," including Macalester and Northwestern, as well as models around the globe, like Rwanda and Uganda.Contact Laura directly if you're interested in talking with her about the students she serves.ReferencesPresident's Alliance on Higher Education and ImmigrationMasterCard FoundationWorld University Services of CanadaDuolingo English TestRapid DescentWalkout song: Ghostwriter RJD2Best recent read: The Expanse Series by James S.A. CoreyEager to read next: Old World, Young Africa, a New York Times series Favorite thing to make in the kitchen:  Sparkling conversationTaking and keeping notes: 2/3 paper and pen (no ball points, please!); 1/3 open email to herselfMemorable bit of advice: A whole lot of what's going on [in the college search] is not as big a deal as it seems.Bucket list: Ever since watching Ugly Delicious, I've wanted to do a food tour of Japan and South Korea with David Chang.The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

How does someone go from being a lawyer and a photographer to found and lead the company that has reshaped the college fair experience for millions of students and more than 15,000 admission professionals representing more than 2500 institutions around the world?  Dan Saavedra, founder and president of StriveScan, tells us how he built StriveScan (spoiler, with trust and the friendliest client contract ... ever).  Live through what their first college fair was like, as well as those moments when StriveScan created something out of nothing to foster connections for students and colleges in the early days of the pandemic. ReferencesSpecial shout-out to the Illinois ACAC and Carin Smith.Rapid DescentWalkout song: Good Life by One RepublicBest recent read: The Verge and Ars Technica, as well as NYT and WSJEager to read next: Wirecutter's coverage of the best coffee makers ... also bed sheetsFavorite podcast: Elevating Admission Voices with Angie Cooksy and The Admissions Directors Lunchcast with Nathan Ament and Teege MettilleFavorite thing to make in the kitchen:  Bread ... especially baguettes.Taking and keeping notes: It has to work in SlackMemorable bit of advice: Find your sounding board.Bucket list: Go to BotswanaThe ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

What is it like to leave the familiarity of higher ed to join a tech company with a vision to change how the world thinks about language testing? Jen Dewar, Senior Director of Strategic Engagement for the Duolingo English Test, shares how to break through, climb steep learning curves, learn from setbacks ... and why you don't win or lose—you only win or learn.ReferencesLuis von Ahn, co-founder and CEO of Duolingo  on How I Built This with Guy Raz and The Tim Ferriss Show.Shout out to future ALP guest, Laura Kaub,  UNHCR University Access AdvisorLearn more about Duolingo's work with refugees through the UNHCRRapid DescentWalkout song: Groove Is in the Heart by Deee-LiteBest recent read: All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake by Tiya MilesEager to read next: Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune, narrated by Anderson Cooper.Favorite podcast: The Daily, Washington Post and WSJ The Journal ... also, if you're into art fraud and art theft, Last SeenFavorite thing to make in the kitchen:  Anything, because she can only focus on what she is making.Taking and keeping notes: A Duolingo pen and conference giveaway notepads.Memorable bit of advice: "Two tears in a bucket, mother***it" ... and that's the closest we've gotten to an Explicit rating so far.Bucket list: "I don’t have a bucket list, which speaks to how lucky I’ve been. I’ve gotten to do so many great things; more than I ever could have imagined or anybody who raised me could have imagined for me.”The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

Get ready for an episode rife with random references when David Burge, VP for Enrollment Management at George Mason University and winner of the Margaret E. Addis Service to NACAC Award, joins the ALP to discuss ADVANCE, a model transfer partnership between GMU and Northern Virginia Community College. Warning: this episode contains eye-rolling dad jokes. Listener discretion is advised.Rapid DescentWalkout song: Champion by Fall Out BoyBest recent read: "My email."Eager to read next: See aboveFavorite thing to make in the kitchen:  Mail order spice packets have inspired his cuisine, which includes hundreds of NYT recipes, five of which he has made.Taking and keeping notes: emailMemorable bit of advice: "Marketing drives applications; relationships build enrollment."Bucket list: "I would like to live in Europe."Check out RHB Academy at Claremont McKenna. Nov. 17.The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

We have featured a bunch of folks who have gone from inside to "alongside" higher ed (including your host). Carolyn Noll Sorg, VP for Enrollment at John Carroll University has chosen to go in the other direction, and reminds us of the things that call us into this work. Bonus: Carolyn shares wonderful insights into how to think about creating memorable experiences for your students—including how to wrap it into your next staff retreat.ReferencesThe Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by the Heath brothersUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuideraThe Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya ParkerThe Master of Fine Arts in Experience Design at Miami University of OhioRapid DescentWalkout song: Run by One RepublicBest recent read: Unreasonable HospitalityEager to read next: Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service (The Disney Institute Leadership Series)Favorite podcast: Re:Thinking by Adam GrantFavorite thing to make in the kitchen:  Decorating cookiesTaking and keeping notes: Google DocsMemorable bit of advice: "If you are enjoying your work 80% of the time, you're doing pretty great."Bucket list: "I would like to write a book someday."The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

Season Premiere: Ethan Sawyer, founder of College Essay Guy, kicks off Season 8 of the ALP and we quickly learn it's not about the essay ... it's about figuring out who you are and what you care about. We talk about the applicability of Ethan's discovery exercises to everybody (not just college applicants), why Ethan might be the perfect candidate to interview Ken someday, and what roles Jesus and diapers play in the origin story of College Essay Guy.ReferencesCollege admission resources following the SCOTUS decision to end race-conscious admission decisions.Is it “Okay” to Write about Race in Your College Application—And, If So, How?This guide offers practical advice for students and counselors, including examples of essays by students who chose to discuss race and its impact on their character and unique abilities.The “If You Really, Really Knew Me” Exercise (Template) This practical, comprehensive exercise helps you (and your students) generate a list of identities, skills, qualities, and skills they can share with colleges. It’s one of the  favorites at College Essay Guy—if you use it, just give 'em a shout-out. :)The Social Identities Exercise (Template) This exercise is another favorite and is useful for helping students think about diversity and identity in both broader and more nuanced ways. Includes a guide for counselors, facilitators, and parents.Books referenced: Rocket Fuel and Reinventing Organizations: A Guide to Creating Organizations Inspired by the Next Stage in Human Consciousness.Interested in checking out Ethan's voice over work?Rapid DescentWalkout song: U Don't Have to Call by UsherBest recent read: Seven Practices of a Mindful Leader by Marc LesserEager to read next: Ethan's taking recommendations here.Favorite podcast: We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon DoyleFavorite thing to make in the kitchen: BruschetaTaking and keeping notes: Apple NotesMemorable bit of advice: "You can give it all away, and it's still not you." (From Steve Antonoff)Bucket list: Do a long silent meditation retreat "like 10 days."The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

In this special edition, Art Coleman (@ArtColemanDC), managing partner and co-founder of EducationCounsel (and a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights), shares the initial chapters of a playbook admissions officers can follow to move forward with confidence (and care) in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision in SFFA v. Harvard and SFFA v. UNC. We discuss what colleges should (and shouldn't do),  what people are getting wrong in their interpretations of the rulings, and what the future might hold.Art provides helpful advice on thoughtful design around scholarships and financial aid programs as well as broader recruitment initiatives, while calling for colleges to use a lens shaped by "a design associated with the DEI goals ... that drive their mission."Read: EducationCounsel's Preliminary Guidance Regarding the U.S. Supreme Court's Decision in SFFA v. Harvard and SFFA v. UNC. (with ongoing updates)Many thanks to the National Association for College Admission Counseling for supporting this podcast through the NACAC Podcast Network.Theme music arranged by Ryan Anselment.The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

Season Finale: Dr. Joffery Gaymon,  Vice President for Enrollment at Auburn University, shares what it's like (and what it takes) to make the jump to one of the biggest roles at one of the most recognizable institutions in the U.S. She shares the essential and timeless tools to keep in your toolbox, whatever your ambitions may be, as well as how to keep yourself focused and grounded as the work gets tougher. (And there may be a reference to teaching spin classes.)Rapid DescentWalkout sons: Special by LizzoBest recent read: Campus Economics: How Economic Thinking Can Help Improve College and University Decisions by Sandy Baum and Michael McPherson, a gift from Sam Waterson at RHB.Eager to read next: "I have to finish that one."Favorite podcast: Unreformed: the Story of the Alabama Industrial School for Negro ChildrenFavorite thing to make in the kitchen: Anything with brunch ... with a mimosa on the sideWhat she uses to take and keep notes: old fashioned pen and legal pad, and EvernoteMemorable bit of advice: there are actually three (1) We are always called to serve. (2) When you're in a position of leadership, be mindful of what you say, because what you say carries authority. (3) Every time you go to a meeting, it's a like a zoo: everybody brings their own monkey. Your job is to not leave with anybody else's monkeys.Bucket list: Write a book.Theme music arranged by Ryan Anselment.Many thanks to the National Association for College Admission Counseling for supporting this podcast through the NACAC Podcast Network.The ALP is supported by RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment