The State of Christian Admissions and the Future of Enrollment Leadership
Big News: Bart’s new book “Know What You Don’t Know: What Every Higher Ed Leaders Needs to Understand About Marketing” releases Jan 30th.
On today’s episode we are joined by Keith Ramsdell, the new president of the North American Coalition for Christian Admission Professionals (NACCAP). From mounting pressure and constant change to the growing importance of mission clarity and storytelling, Keith shares what he’s hearing from campuses across the country and what he believes will matter most in the years ahead.
This episode explores how colleges can navigate uncertainty, support their teams well, and stay rooted in purpose while adapting to a rapidly shifting enrollment landscape.
🎧 What We Cover in This Episode
The current state of admissions and why the pressure feels different now
Why mission clarity is outperforming mission dilution at Christian institutions
What admissions teams are carrying emotionally, spiritually and professionally
How graduate and adult enrollment is reshaping admissions structures
The evolving role of NACCAP in supporting enrollment leaders.
🎙️ Episode Highlights
02:24 - A new level of pressure in admissions and why this season feels different
05:18 - Why leaning into mission is outperforming trying to be everything to everyone
09:02 - The emotional and spiritual weight admissions teams are carrying right now
11:45 - Why real student stories matter more than buildings, amenities, and facts
16:29 - How graduate and adult enrollment is reshaping admissions leadership
22:51 - Building trust with faculty and turning silos into partnerships
24:39 - What NACCAP is becoming and how it plans to serve leaders better
32:48 - The skills and mindsets admissions leaders need for what’s next
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