Meet the Carnegie team in Los Angeles for the 2024 National Association for College Admission Counseling Conference, the premier conference for college admissions professionals. Below are all the places you can find us at NACAC 2024. Be sure to visit us at booth #917 and our EnGauge Scores booth #1019 to connect with the team!

 

 

Attend Our Presentation: Politics and College Choice—Results from a National Study on the Impact of State-level Political Policies on Student Enrollment Decisions.

Friday, September 27th from 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm PT

Location TBD

Within the past two years, several states have brought forward laws and regulations that create very real safety concerns for specific college-bound audiences. For example, the reversal of Roe V. Wade and its impact on abortion rights that are now up to state legislatures, the state legislation banning institutional funding used for DEI programming, and several regulations surrounding gender-affirming care and access to medications, therapies, and surgeries for transgender individuals. As a result, students are more aware of statewide politics when making decisions about where to apply to and attend college.

This session reviews national research completed in 2024 asking whether these political decisions are making an impact on where students want to go to college, and which of these issues is most salient in making that decision. The results are filtered through a student’s own political ideologies and where they live, raising the question of whether or not more students will go out-of-state if they currently live in a state regulating these issues in a way they don’t agree with.

In this session, we’ll cover the most salient outcomes of the research and explore how this information can be used in understanding future admissions trends, especially in states where these topics are hot-button issues and legislation. By the end of this session, those in attendance will be able to report on the impact of a state’s political decisions on student recruitment, how school-based resources and support systems can help ease the minds of those who are impacted by legislation, and identify where students are getting information about these important topics so that colleges can contribute to the conversation.

 

Your Presenters.Your Presenters.

  • Eric Page EVP, Client Success
    Email LinkedIn
    Persona The Innovative and Confident Captain

    Eric Page brings a bold approach to clients’ enrollment solutions, propelled by his 15+ years of experience leading and executing cutting-edge communications and marketing strategies. He has expertise across the board, including in strategic planning, organizational dynamics, higher education enrollment and marketing, media and public relations, digital marketing, social media, website design, storytelling, and content marketing strategy. Eric previously led the admission recruitment and marketing team at the University of Iowa, where he engineered a 17% growth in enrollment over a two-year period.

    Eric Page

    Eric Page brings a bold approach to clients’ enrollment solutions, propelled by his 15+ years of experience leading and executing cutting-edge communications and marketing strategies. He has expertise across the board, including in strategic planning, organizational dynamics, higher education enrollment and marketing, media and public relations, digital marketing, social media, website design, storytelling, and content marketing strategy. Eric previously led the admission recruitment and marketing team at the University of Iowa, where he engineered a 17% growth in enrollment over a two-year period.

  • Allana Forte Senior Advisor, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion + of Counsel
    Email
    Persona The Forward-thinking and Compassionate Guide

    Allana Forté (she/her) serves as a senior advisor in the Of Counsel role for Carnegie. Allana's prior experience as a higher education enrollment management leader, combined with her legal expertise and passion for diversity and inclusion, allows her to navigate complex issues within the ever-changing landscape of higher education. Allana’s portfolio includes the intersectionality of legal, compliance, and human resources, with a concentrated focus on inclusion and belonging. She is General Counsel at Jacksonville University and manages the Office of Legal and Compliance and the Office of People & Culture.

    Allana Forte

    Allana Forté (she/her) serves as a senior advisor in the Of Counsel role for Carnegie. Allana's prior experience as a higher education enrollment management leader, combined with her legal expertise and passion for diversity and inclusion, allows her to navigate complex issues within the ever-changing landscape of higher education. Allana’s portfolio includes the intersectionality of legal, compliance, and human resources, with a concentrated focus on inclusion and belonging. She is General Counsel at Jacksonville University and manages the Office of Legal and Compliance and the Office of People & Culture.

 

Carnegie EnGauge Scores: Be in the Know Before You Go.

Higher ed is a highly competitive market—the decisions you make regarding where to spend time and resources could mean the difference between just hitting your goal and exceeding expectations. Confidently making those calls without rich data sets and predictive tools can be challenging.

We are thrilled to announce EnGauge Scores—accurate, automated, and actionable—these are engagement scores that actually work. Learn more now, and meet us at the EnGauge booth #1019 for an interactive score simulator and live demo!

 

Carnegie EnGauge Scores Booth: Get a Live Demo at Booth 1019.Carnegie EnGauge Scores Booth: Get a Live Demo at Booth 1019.

  • Megan Robinson EVP, Slate Optimization
    Email LinkedIn
    Persona The Engaging and Confident Champion

    Megan is an expert on the endless possibilities of Slate and is eager to share her enthusiasm about its latest and greatest new features with clients. As a former admissions counselor, she understands the complexities of recruitment and operations in the higher education industry. She joined the Carnegie team in 2021 as part of the company’s merger with Underscore, a dedicated Slate development and optimization company.

    Megan Robinson

    Megan is an expert on the endless possibilities of Slate and is eager to share her enthusiasm about its latest and greatest new features with clients. As a former admissions counselor, she understands the complexities of recruitment and operations in the higher education industry. She joined the Carnegie team in 2021 as part of the company’s merger with Underscore, a dedicated Slate development and optimization company.

  • Mike Keane SVP, Modeling + Client Strategy
    Email
    Persona The Influential and Resilient Energizer

    Mike leads modeling projects for clients, provides financial aid policy and operations expertise, and advises on a range of topics within enrollment management. Previously, Mike served as the Assistant Vice Provost for Financial Aid at Loyola Marymount University, where he led a financial aid team of more than 20 staff members and oversaw an aid portfolio exceeding $240 million. Mike has 12+ years of experience in enrollment data collection, analysis, and reporting. Mike has a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame and a B.A. in History and Latin from Loyola Marymount University.

    Mike Keane

    Mike leads modeling projects for clients, provides financial aid policy and operations expertise, and advises on a range of topics within enrollment management. Previously, Mike served as the Assistant Vice Provost for Financial Aid at Loyola Marymount University, where he led a financial aid team of more than 20 staff members and oversaw an aid portfolio exceeding $240 million. Mike has 12+ years of experience in enrollment data collection, analysis, and reporting. Mike has a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame and a B.A. in History and Latin from Loyola Marymount University.

  • Nick Wagner VP, Research + Data Science
    Email
    Persona The Competitive and Considerate Shepherd

    Nick leads and assists with client data modeling as it relates to student retention, financial aid optimization, and enrollment. He brings over 15 years of experience in the field of higher education with a background in predictive modeling, data science, and survey research. Nick is relentless in trying to uncover patterns in data to help inform institutional effectiveness and decision-making. In his prior roles he has led offices of Institutional Research, Sponsored Programs, Academic Program Assessment, and the Registrar’s Office.

    Nick Wagner

    Nick leads and assists with client data modeling as it relates to student retention, financial aid optimization, and enrollment. He brings over 15 years of experience in the field of higher education with a background in predictive modeling, data science, and survey research. Nick is relentless in trying to uncover patterns in data to help inform institutional effectiveness and decision-making. In his prior roles he has led offices of Institutional Research, Sponsored Programs, Academic Program Assessment, and the Registrar’s Office.

 

Meet the Carnegie Team at NACAC.

Get to know the experts from Carnegie who will be attending NACAC this year! Our team is excited to connect, share insights, and discuss how we can support your institution’s enrollment and marketing goals.

 

Carnegie Booth: Meet the Team at Booth 917.Carnegie Booth: Meet the Team at Booth 917.

  • Kelsey Anderson VP, Client Success
    Email
    Persona The Adventurous and Energetic Dynamo

    Kelsey Anderson’s ability to connect with people and problem-solve has been fostered by her background in psychology and college admission. From working at a Big Ten institution to small private colleges and universities, she brings a range of experiences and strengths to the Carnegie team. Kelsey finds customized solutions for clients using both her people skills and strategic planning. She hails from the Midwest, where she is active in her community and volunteers with a number of nonprofit organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her three dogs and her husband, Reid.

    Kelsey Anderson

    Kelsey Anderson’s ability to connect with people and problem-solve has been fostered by her background in psychology and college admission. From working at a Big Ten institution to small private colleges and universities, she brings a range of experiences and strengths to the Carnegie team. Kelsey finds customized solutions for clients using both her people skills and strategic planning. She hails from the Midwest, where she is active in her community and volunteers with a number of nonprofit organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her three dogs and her husband, Reid.

  • Ben Arendt AVP, Enrollment + Marketing Solutions
    Email LinkedIn
    Persona The Expressive + Philosophical Detective

    With more than 20 years of higher education experience, Ben Arendt knows how to transform clients' unique challenges into opportunities for success. Ben is an imaginative and enthusiastic problem solver, with expertise in everything from student affairs and teaching to visit programs and enrollment programs. He is motivated by understanding the people, goals, and priorities that make up the unique identity of each client community-- connecting them to the Carnegie strategies that drive results.

    Ben Arendt

    With more than 20 years of higher education experience, Ben Arendt knows how to transform clients' unique challenges into opportunities for success. Ben is an imaginative and enthusiastic problem solver, with expertise in everything from student affairs and teaching to visit programs and enrollment programs. He is motivated by understanding the people, goals, and priorities that make up the unique identity of each client community-- connecting them to the Carnegie strategies that drive results.

  • Jeremy Fern AVP, Client Success
    Email LinkedIn
    Persona The Creative and Attentive Shepherd

    Jeremy has lived and breathed higher education recruitment and marketing for the last 20 years, spending more than a decade serving as a director of admissions and assistant vice president for traditional and non-traditional enrollment. His consultative approach led to success in the higher education agency arena, where he’s worked with private and public two- and four-year institutions on lead generation, digital advertising, communications, and enrollment strategy.

    Jeremy Fern

    Jeremy has lived and breathed higher education recruitment and marketing for the last 20 years, spending more than a decade serving as a director of admissions and assistant vice president for traditional and non-traditional enrollment. His consultative approach led to success in the higher education agency arena, where he’s worked with private and public two- and four-year institutions on lead generation, digital advertising, communications, and enrollment strategy.

  • Jason Frost VP, Enrollment Strategy
    Email
    Persona The Scrappy + Exploratory Researcher

    Meet Jason Frost, Vice President of Enrollment Data, Strategy, and Analytics at Carnegie. With over two decades of experience in higher education, Jason leads the charge in developing cutting-edge student search data products and search tactics. Collaborating closely with clients, he crafts comprehensive strategies, offering invaluable insights throughout the recruitment cycle. Jason's expertise has been instrumental in supporting four-year universities and community colleges since joining Fire Engine RED in 2015 and Carnegie in 2023.

    Jason Frost

    Meet Jason Frost, Vice President of Enrollment Data, Strategy, and Analytics at Carnegie. With over two decades of experience in higher education, Jason leads the charge in developing cutting-edge student search data products and search tactics. Collaborating closely with clients, he crafts comprehensive strategies, offering invaluable insights throughout the recruitment cycle. Jason's expertise has been instrumental in supporting four-year universities and community colleges since joining Fire Engine RED in 2015 and Carnegie in 2023.

  • Trent Gilbert VP, Student Search Solutions
    Email LinkedIn
    Persona The Experiential and Confident Visionary

    Having served as Vice President for Enrollment at three different institutions, Trent Gilbert understands the challenges and pressures modern-day enrollment managers face at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to serving as a former VPEM, Trent also co-founded and served as an industry leader of Render Experiences, which put him at the table of enrollment strategy conversations at over 250 institutions. As the VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie, Trent is uniquely positioned to work with clients and create tailored solutions that creatively engage students while keeping the experience of human connection at the forefront of the process.

    Trent Gilbert

    Having served as Vice President for Enrollment at three different institutions, Trent Gilbert understands the challenges and pressures modern-day enrollment managers face at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to serving as a former VPEM, Trent also co-founded and served as an industry leader of Render Experiences, which put him at the table of enrollment strategy conversations at over 250 institutions. As the VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie, Trent is uniquely positioned to work with clients and create tailored solutions that creatively engage students while keeping the experience of human connection at the forefront of the process.

  • Jim Kelly Senior Director, Client Success
    Email
    Persona The Gritty and Amusing Emcee

    Jim is an expert in recruitment services, dedicating the last 13 years to providing game-changing solutions for colleges and universities by leveraging the latest online and digital avenues for recruitment. His work inspires clients to connect with prospective students in new and authentic ways, giving institutions the best position possible for attracting the audiences most important to them.

    Jim Kelly

    Jim is an expert in recruitment services, dedicating the last 13 years to providing game-changing solutions for colleges and universities by leveraging the latest online and digital avenues for recruitment. His work inspires clients to connect with prospective students in new and authentic ways, giving institutions the best position possible for attracting the audiences most important to them.

  • Anne Kremer Senior Director, Client Success
    Email LinkedIn
    Persona The Supportive and Engaging Dynamo
    Anne Kremer
  • Tim Morrow Senior Director, Client Success
    Email LinkedIn
    Persona The Caring and Independent Instigator

    Tim’s cutting-edge marketing strategies and recruitment solutions empower Carnegie’s clients to exceed their target audience and enrollment goals. He previously served as an admission counselor at Anna Maria College, where he and his team recruited the largest class in school history.

    Tim Morrow

    Tim’s cutting-edge marketing strategies and recruitment solutions empower Carnegie’s clients to exceed their target audience and enrollment goals. He previously served as an admission counselor at Anna Maria College, where he and his team recruited the largest class in school history.

  • Scott Ochander Chief Leadership Strategist
    Email Twitter LinkedIn
    Persona The Ingenious and Pioneering Trailblazer

    Scott Ochander is the Chief Client Solutions Officer for Carnegie. As a former Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, Scott Ochander is regarded as an expert in reputation and enrollment strategy in higher education. Scott pioneered a consensus-building reputation and change management research model in higher education that empowered campus communities and enabled enrollment growth and reputation transformation. Scott has worked extensively in marketing and enrollment strategy, completing hundreds of strategy development projects across higher education at some of the largest and most influential institutions in the nation.

    Scott Ochander

    Scott Ochander is the Chief Client Solutions Officer for Carnegie. As a former Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, Scott Ochander is regarded as an expert in reputation and enrollment strategy in higher education. Scott pioneered a consensus-building reputation and change management research model in higher education that empowered campus communities and enabled enrollment growth and reputation transformation. Scott has worked extensively in marketing and enrollment strategy, completing hundreds of strategy development projects across higher education at some of the largest and most influential institutions in the nation.

  • Ryan Ostendorf Director, Client Success
    Email LinkedIn
    Persona The Fun and Confident Producer

    Supporting clients across all of Carnegie's solutions and services, Ryan Ostendorf brings energy, empathy, and innovative ideas as he works with clients to streamline and transform their enrollment and marketing strategies. Ryan carries a wealth of knowledge around Slate optimization and brings a unique skillset to help clients leverage and integrate their overall marketing, communications, and enrollment strategy in creative ways. Prior to Carnegie, Ryan worked within admissions, communications, and marketing at the College of Wooster, helping to enroll some of the largest and most diverse classes in the College’s history.

    Ryan Ostendorf

    Supporting clients across all of Carnegie's solutions and services, Ryan Ostendorf brings energy, empathy, and innovative ideas as he works with clients to streamline and transform their enrollment and marketing strategies. Ryan carries a wealth of knowledge around Slate optimization and brings a unique skillset to help clients leverage and integrate their overall marketing, communications, and enrollment strategy in creative ways. Prior to Carnegie, Ryan worked within admissions, communications, and marketing at the College of Wooster, helping to enroll some of the largest and most diverse classes in the College’s history.

  • Eric Page EVP, Client Success
    Email LinkedIn
    Persona The Innovative and Confident Captain

    Eric Page brings a bold approach to clients’ enrollment solutions, propelled by his 15+ years of experience leading and executing cutting-edge communications and marketing strategies. He has expertise across the board, including in strategic planning, organizational dynamics, higher education enrollment and marketing, media and public relations, digital marketing, social media, website design, storytelling, and content marketing strategy. Eric previously led the admission recruitment and marketing team at the University of Iowa, where he engineered a 17% growth in enrollment over a two-year period.

    Eric Page

    Eric Page brings a bold approach to clients’ enrollment solutions, propelled by his 15+ years of experience leading and executing cutting-edge communications and marketing strategies. He has expertise across the board, including in strategic planning, organizational dynamics, higher education enrollment and marketing, media and public relations, digital marketing, social media, website design, storytelling, and content marketing strategy. Eric previously led the admission recruitment and marketing team at the University of Iowa, where he engineered a 17% growth in enrollment over a two-year period.

  • Adam Parker Director, Client Solutions
    Email LinkedIn
    Persona The Innovative and Curious Globetrotter

    As a Director of Client Solutions for the Sales team, Adam Parker connects institutions with the Carnegie solutions that best meet their needs. Prior to joining Carnegie, Adam worked at University of Iowa Health Care Marketing and Communications in Collegiate and Community Relations where he managed alumni relations marketing and strategy for the Carver College of Medicine. In addition, Adam spent eight years in international admissions. Adam is passionate about higher education and looks forward to helping clients surpass their marketing goals.

    Adam Parker

    As a Director of Client Solutions for the Sales team, Adam Parker connects institutions with the Carnegie solutions that best meet their needs. Prior to joining Carnegie, Adam worked at University of Iowa Health Care Marketing and Communications in Collegiate and Community Relations where he managed alumni relations marketing and strategy for the Carver College of Medicine. In addition, Adam spent eight years in international admissions. Adam is passionate about higher education and looks forward to helping clients surpass their marketing goals.

  • Allegra Schreder Director, Client Success
    Email LinkedIn
    Persona The Confident and Curious Adventurer

    Allegra Schreder is a Director of Client Success in Carnegie’s Business Development division. A strategic thought partner and compassionate leader, Allegra fosters strong partnerships with clients to drive successful outcomes. Before Carnegie, she worked in online program management, where she acquired extensive experience in admissions management, program recruitment, student success, and relationship building, aligning effective recruitment and enrollment strategies with customer success throughout the entire customer lifecycle. In the realm of Admissions and Enrollment Operations, Allegra has demonstrated proficiency in optimizing processes, leveraging technology, and nurturing collaboration. Her proactive approach to analyzing programmatic strategies reflects her commitment to continuous improvement.

    Allegra Schreder

    Allegra Schreder is a Director of Client Success in Carnegie’s Business Development division. A strategic thought partner and compassionate leader, Allegra fosters strong partnerships with clients to drive successful outcomes. Before Carnegie, she worked in online program management, where she acquired extensive experience in admissions management, program recruitment, student success, and relationship building, aligning effective recruitment and enrollment strategies with customer success throughout the entire customer lifecycle. In the realm of Admissions and Enrollment Operations, Allegra has demonstrated proficiency in optimizing processes, leveraging technology, and nurturing collaboration. Her proactive approach to analyzing programmatic strategies reflects her commitment to continuous improvement.

  • Sheridan Thurber Senior Director, Client Success
    Email
    Persona The Adventurous and Compassionate Advisor

    Sheridan’s unique and creative approach to meeting client needs stems from her previous marketing work in Nashville, where she partnered with leading country music artists to develop their authentic brands and platforms. Transferring those skills to the higher education industry has allowed her to enhance the brands of colleges and universities across the country.

    Sheridan Thurber

    Sheridan’s unique and creative approach to meeting client needs stems from her previous marketing work in Nashville, where she partnered with leading country music artists to develop their authentic brands and platforms. Transferring those skills to the higher education industry has allowed her to enhance the brands of colleges and universities across the country.

  • Hollie Tyler Director, Client Success
    Email
    Persona The Creative and Charming Perfectionist

    As Director of Client Success, Hollie Tyler serves as a strategic resource for clients by problem-solving through partnership. Hollie acts as an internal client advocate and the fusion point for cross-portfolio work to ensure client success, satisfaction, retention, and growth. Prior to joining Carnegie, Hollie worked at Samford University's Office of Admission in Birmingham, Alabama. In her role as marketing coordinator, she managed marketing plans, digital advertising, Slate communications, and brand strategy for the University, working regularly with Carnegie as a client. Hollie is passionate about data-driven creativity and enjoys working closely with clients to meet their enrollment goals.

    Hollie Tyler

    As Director of Client Success, Hollie Tyler serves as a strategic resource for clients by problem-solving through partnership. Hollie acts as an internal client advocate and the fusion point for cross-portfolio work to ensure client success, satisfaction, retention, and growth. Prior to joining Carnegie, Hollie worked at Samford University's Office of Admission in Birmingham, Alabama. In her role as marketing coordinator, she managed marketing plans, digital advertising, Slate communications, and brand strategy for the University, working regularly with Carnegie as a client. Hollie is passionate about data-driven creativity and enjoys working closely with clients to meet their enrollment goals.

  • Nicole Vilegi-Sandage Director, Client Success
    Email
    Persona The Enthusiastic + Caring Shepherd

    As a Director of Client Success for Carnegie's Sales division, Nicole Vilegi-Sandage brings creative problem-solving, curiosity, empathy, and enthusiasm to ensure strong partnerships and client success and satisfaction. Nicole advocates for clients, wearing their jersey on and off the field. Before joining Carnegie, she spent over 14 years in enrollment management, leading communications/marketing and Slate implementation and coordinating international and domestic recruitment for undergraduate and graduate admissions.

    Nicole Vilegi-Sandage

    As a Director of Client Success for Carnegie's Sales division, Nicole Vilegi-Sandage brings creative problem-solving, curiosity, empathy, and enthusiasm to ensure strong partnerships and client success and satisfaction. Nicole advocates for clients, wearing their jersey on and off the field. Before joining Carnegie, she spent over 14 years in enrollment management, leading communications/marketing and Slate implementation and coordinating international and domestic recruitment for undergraduate and graduate admissions.

  • Jonathan Wehner AVP, Enrollment Strategy
    Email
    Persona The Idealistic + Considerate Advisor

    Jonathan is a strategy and communications expert with two decades of experience implementing dynamic, technology-enhanced solutions in higher education, non-profit and for-profit sectors. Prior to joining Carnegie's Enrollment Strategy team in 2024, Jonathan was vice president and dean of admissions, enrollment management and student success at Cleveland State University. His work has been profiled in the Chronicle of Higher Education, University Business, the Higher Education Marketing Report, Today's Campus, and Cleveland Magazine.

    Jonathan Wehner

    Jonathan is a strategy and communications expert with two decades of experience implementing dynamic, technology-enhanced solutions in higher education, non-profit and for-profit sectors. Prior to joining Carnegie's Enrollment Strategy team in 2024, Jonathan was vice president and dean of admissions, enrollment management and student success at Cleveland State University. His work has been profiled in the Chronicle of Higher Education, University Business, the Higher Education Marketing Report, Today's Campus, and Cleveland Magazine.