In this episode, we explore the transformative journey of the College of Western Idaho’s Enrollment & Student Services division as it embraced a unifying mantra: One Student at a Time. When rapid growth left staff searching for clarity, direction, and a deeper connection to their work, new leadership introduced a philosophy that centered on individualized student care, equity, and the belief that every student’s identity and life experience shapes their educational path. We unpack how this mindset reshaped professional development, strengthened staff morale, elevated collaboration, and drove measurable improvements. Through strengths-based training, identity-centered workshops, redesigned service experiences, and a culture that celebrated everyday wins, CWI created a division where staff felt valued and students felt seen. This episode offers a compelling look at why culture and clarity matter, and how an institution can transform itself by focusing on one student, one interaction, one moment at a time.

This episode features Dr. Amber Williams, Vice Provost for Student Success at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who shares how the university’s Vol Success Teams have transformed support for first-year and transfer scholars. Launched in 2020, this holistic model unites advisors, One Stop counselors, Academic Coaches, peer mentors, and faculty to provide personalized, wraparound guidance. The impact has been remarkable: coaching connections have increased 277%, advising appointments are up 53%, and the percentage of students in good academic standing has climbed to 96.9%. Dr. Williams highlights how this collaborative approach reduces student stress, strengthens belonging, boosts confidence, and drives stronger academic outcomes, all positioning UT as a national leader in student success.

For episode 2, Jared talks with Joel Spiess of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee about his powerful contribution to Volume 3, “Scholarships as Strategy.” Joel shares how UWM transformed scholarships from scattered, last-minute awards into a unified, institution-wide strategy that boosts recruitment, retention, and student success. From reshaping timelines and centralizing processes to driving huge jumps in applications and early commitments, this conversation reveals how scholarships, if done right, can become one of the most strategic tools in enrollment management.

It's great to be back for season 3 of the ASCEND Podcast! Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we talk about the remaining ideas and strategies in the DATA chapter of the book. Tune in to learn about a number of strategies for capturing data and using it to help students on your campus and increase retention rates!

In this episode, we talk about the remaining ideas and strategies in the NUDGES chapter of the book. Tune in to learn about a number of strategies for nudging students on your campus and increasing retention rates!

In this episode, we talk about the remaining ideas and strategies in the ENGAGEMENT chapter of the book. Tune in to learn about a number of strategies for engaging students on your campus and increasing retention rates!

In this episode, we talk about the remaining ideas and strategies in the Culture chapter of the book. Tune in to learn about a number of strategies for impacting the culture on your campus and increasing retention rates of your students!