By Tricia Pothour, Ed.D., Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management, Graduate and Professional Programs, University of Iowa, Tippie College of Business, AACRAO SEM-EP Graduate
While shopping online for completely unrelated items (dog costumes and candy—the candy was for me, not the dog), an ad popped up for “The Hottest Seat on Campus” by Angel B. Pérez. I immediately added it to my cart—a great find at a great time—but seriously, how much of my phone is listening to me?
“In for 3 or 30” is a phrase I’ve heard countless times in my higher ed career (and yet again in this book). At year three, I celebrated, knowing I was in it for the long haul. Now, just past halfway to 30, I find myself asking: what’s next?
What the Book Offers
This is an easy-to-read book (totally possible to read in small sections with ongoing interruptions) packed with tips and advice from leaders in enrollment management. From how to select the best-fit institution for you as a professional to how to thrive in challenging roles and times, it offers an honest look at the struggles we all face in enrollment management.
Eight Lessons that Hit Home
This book had advice I’ve heard before (with some new angles) and advice I was learning for the first time. For me, some of the lessons that hit home were:
Right fit matters: We know this and talk to prospective students constantly. But do we always remember to apply it in our professional journeys?
Build a team of people smarter than you: We don’t need to know how to do it all, find the experts and rely on them, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Hospitality is key: Create a welcoming environment and update outdated, unhospitable practices.
Practice storytelling: To inspire, gain support, build trust, storytelling (with transparent and open communication) is critical to success.
Be a cheerleader: Be visible and present across campus (events, dining halls, etc), in school colors whenever possible.
Understand the politics: From shared governance to informal alliances, learn the landscape before there is a crisis.
Be the calmest one in the room: Your response sets the tone in challenging times, stay calm (don’t worry, the book offers suggestions of how do that).
Build guardrails: Protect your time. Saying yes to one thing often means saying no to something else. Be comfortable with the trade-offs.
To Wrap It Up
This book didn’t just give me tips and suggestions; it gave me clarity. As I look ahead to the next chapter of my career, I’m reminded that fit matters, passion fuels progress, and leadership is a journey worth mastering.