Why Higher Ed Moves Too Slow (and What Industry Already Knows)

We run our Central Admissions team like a big tech company—fast, innovative, and relentlessly focused on results. In a moment when higher ed can’t afford to move slow, we borrowed proven industry plays to stay ahead: startup teams to test bold ideas, a chief of staff model to drive alignment, decision sprints that cut through red tape, and year-round enablement that fuels performance. This session shares 8 industry-tested moves and a playbook to help your campus break silos, move faster, and build a culture that wins on enrollment and student success.

Committee Group: Group I: Admissions and Enrollment Management

First Learning Outcome: Run Like Industry – Learn 8 proven plays from big tech and startups to drive clarity, speed, and focus in higher ed teams. 

Second Learning Outcome: Build High-Performance Culture – Discover how to align people, processes, and partnerships to create a team that thrives and delivers results.

Third Learning Outcome: Win on Enrollment & Retention – Apply a practical playbook to break silos, accelerate execution, and stay competitive in the enrollment cliff era.

Core Competency: Leadership and Management

Proficiency: Admissions Proficiencies

Presenter(s): 

DeRecco Lynch University of Cincinnati

Brian Harris University of Cincinnati