Pulse Check: Finding Your Why — Part 2

In Part 2 of this Pulse Check series, Kin is joined by W. Kent Barnds, who has 33 years of experience in higher ed and shares his why and the importance of working at a college campus.Key points/takeaways include:The need for leaders to stay at institutions to fight the good fight.The comfort level of employees with a delayed sense of gratification that often is part and parcel of working in higher ed.The importance of giving space to break out of the mundane, repetitive workThe difference between what can be controlled and what cannot as circumstances change around us.Finding opportunities to be surrounded by student stories and the larger purpose of advancing education. Guest Name: W. Kent BarndsGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wkentbarnds/Guest Bio: W. Kent Barnds, Executive Vice President for Strategy & Innovation, Augustana College Kent Barnds is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in higher education, known for his strategic acumen and proficiency in driving organizational success. His strategic vision has played a pivotal role in advancing the objectives at Elizabethtown College and Augustana College, contributing to their sustained growth and impact. Having served in key leadership positions, including Vice President for Enrollment, Communication, and Planning at Augustana College and as the Executive Vice President at Augustana College, Kent has honed his skills in strategic planning, enrollment management, and communication. His experience equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions and non-profits today. 
- - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Element451 is hosting the AI Engage Summit on Oct 29 and 30Register now for this free, virtual event.The future of higher ed is being redefined by the transformative power of AI. The AI Engage Summit brings together higher ed leaders, innovators, and many of your favorite Enrollify creators to explore AI’s impact on student engagement, enrollment marketing, and institutional success. Experience firsthand how AI is improving content personalization at scale, impacting strategic decision-making, and intuitively automating the mundane tasks that consume our time. The schedule is packed with real examples and case studies, so you leave knowing how to harness AI to drive meaningful change at your institution. Whether you’re looking to enhance student outcomes, optimize enrollment marketing, or simply stay ahead of the curve, the AI Engage Summit is your gateway to the next level of higher education innovation. Registration is free, save your spot today.