SEASON 2, Ep. 5 Innovative Leadership & AI: An Interview with Frank Hribar, Vice President, Enrollment & Student Affairs at Adrian College

Frank, a higher education leader at Adrian College, shares insights from his career and the college’s remarkable enrollment growth. Starting in supply chain management, he shifted to higher education to work more closely with students. Over the past 15 years at Adrian College, he has played a key role in doubling enrollment under President Docking’s leadership. This success stems from strategic initiatives like expanding athletics, launching 28-32 new academic programs in three years, and embracing innovation through partnerships like RISE to deliver new academic models.

Frank highlights a “cylinder-like” approach to enrollment, focusing on converting interest into action rather than just filling the pipeline. He stresses the importance of data-driven decision-making, understanding student pain points, and aligning strategies with their aspirations. Looking ahead, he sees AI as a tool to enhance the "art" of enrollment by automating data tasks, allowing leaders to focus on personalizing student interactions. His advice: be transformative, prioritize students, and lead with purpose.

This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education

About Viv Higher Education

Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.

Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction and Welcoming Frank
• 1:45 Frank's Higher Education Journey
• 5:40 Enrollment Strategies and Achievements
• 7:58 Challenges and Innovations in Higher Education
• 20:30 The Role of Data and AI in Enrollment
• 25:22 Advice for Aspiring Higher Education Leaders
• 27:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts