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About the Episode

The what's what...

This fast-paced show drops listeners into a compelling conversation about higher education. In Your Element asks innovative leaders about the challenges, wins, and future of everything from meeting enrollment numbers to equity in education.

Lenell Hahn, Director Of Admissions at Southeast Missouri State University, sits down with host Eric Stoller to chat about the biggest challenges and innovations happening in the realm of student engagement. Together they discuss:

  • What kind of technologies are necessary for the survival of colleges and universities
  • How SEMO attracts students with personalized digital marketing strategies 
  • What means of communication are working to connect with prospective students?
  • Why data lakes (or data lake houses) are crucial for decision making.

About the Podcast

Daniella Nordin

Host

Daniella Nordin

Daniella Nordin is a marketing and communications leader with over 15 years of experience specializing in higher education marketing and engagement. In her role as Director of Customer Success and Engagement at Element451, she leads a team dedicated to ensuring exceptional customer experiences. With a focus on collaboration and communication, Daniella builds bridges between customers and internal teams, ensuring alignment and driving outcomes that exceed expectations. Her leadership has been instrumental in implementing marketing strategies that drive growth and increase visibility and influence. Daniella holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from The Ohio State University and a Master’s, also in Communications, from the University at Albany, SUNY. She is committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and best practices in higher education marketing and engagement. She thrives on the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and is driven by her passion for helping colleges and universities achieve their goals.

Brendan Henkel

Host

Brendan Henkel

Brendan Henkel is a dynamic force in the tech and education sectors, leading as the Manager of Solutions Engineering at Element451 with a unique flair for merging technology with learning. Not only is he a seasoned expert with 13 years in higher education, but Brendan is also the undisputed Disney nerd in his circles, bringing joy and insights with a touch of magic. In his illustrious career, particularly his 10 years on the institution side, Brendan has mastered the nuances of enrollment management and financial aid, shaping futures with his strategic acumen. His philosophy is simple yet profound: create welcoming spaces and prioritize understanding others. This approach has been the bedrock of his ability to foster lasting, fruitful partnerships. Brendan's superpower lies in his dedication to building personal connections, believing them to be the key to success in any endeavor. Adding another layer to his multifaceted persona is his enthusiasm for AI, positioning him as both an enthusiast and an evangelist in this rapidly evolving field. With a master's degree in New Media Journalism, Brendan seamlessly blends his educational background with his passion for tech, Disney, and AI, offering a captivating narrative that's both informative and entertaining.

Lenell Hahn

Interviewee

Lenell Hahn

Joining Southeast Missouri State University’s Office of Admissions in July 2003, Lenell has served as Director of Admissions since January 2013. Lenell started her college career at Three Rivers Community College where she graduated with an Associate of Arts degree. She transferred to Southeast and graduated in August 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. In May 2004, she completed her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Southeast Missouri State. As Director of Admissions, Lenell provides leadership for the Office of Admissions by leading the development and implementation of effective strategies to attract, enroll and retain new students.

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