Driving Growth with Strategy (and Heart)

 Before I stepped into the world of SaaS and enterprise CX, I was in higher ed and it was at The University of Tampa where I really learned how to blend data-driven strategy with people-first impact.

As Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions, I wasn’t just helping students get into grad school. I was helping programs grow, teams succeed, and students find their path. It was fast-paced, high-stakes, and deeply rewarding.

One of the biggest parts of my role was enrollment growth. Each semester, I set out to exceed recruitment goals, and did, consistently. We’re talking up to 20% over target, thanks to a mix of targeted outreach, smarter pipeline processes, and good old-fashioned relationship-building.

But it wasn’t just about volume; it was about value. For example, I worked closely with a digital marketing vendor to spotlight key graduate programs, using optimized multi-channel campaigns that brought in more qualified inquiries and helped niche programs stand out.

I also had the privilege of managing and mentoring an amazing graduate admissions team. To help them thrive, I introduced standardized tools and training that made the job easier and our outcomes stronger. We created a culture of clarity, support, and results, and it showed in every interaction with prospective students.

Of course, we didn’t just wait for applicants to come to us—we met them where they were. I planned and executed recruitment events and travel initiatives that gave students a real sense of what UT had to offer. From one-on-one conversations to larger info sessions, we focused on removing barriers and making the path to grad school feel both accessible and exciting.

This role taught me how to connect vision to execution. It showed me how process and personalization can work hand-in-hand. It showed me that when you empower a team and center your strategy around people, growth follows.

It’s a chapter I’m incredibly proud of and one that still shapes how I approach client success and strategic leadership today.