Leadership at the Edge: How Admissions Leaders Manage Emotional Labor in a Landscape of Crisis and Change

Admissions leaders today face more than enrollment targets. They are navigating the demographic cliff, rapid policy shifts, and changing student expectations while carrying the often invisible burden of emotional labor. Based on the stories of admissions leaders, this session explores how they balance authenticity, optimism, and institutional demands in times of crisis. The discussion provides practical insight into how leaders manage their own well-being and the well-being of their teams, addressing burnout, boundaries, and resilience while considering how institutions can better support sustainable leadership.

Committee Group: Group I: Admissions and Enrollment Management

First Learning Outcome: Recognize the forms of emotional labor admissions leaders experience during the demographic cliff and other higher education crises. 

Second Learning Outcome: Identify practical strategies leaders use to manage their own well being and support the well being of their teams.

Third Learning Outcome: Apply insights from leaders’ experiences to reflect on institutional practices and consider ways to foster resilience and sustainability in enrollment management.

Core Competency: Leadership and Management

Proficiency: Enrollment Management Proficiencies

Presenter(s): 

Cassandra Heath Biola University