Episode #271 - How Augusta University Built an Internal OPM and Scaled Online Enrollment

What if you could get the benefits of an OPM (Online Program Management) model without fully outsourcing control? That’s exactly what Augusta University Online did with its DIY+ approach in partnership with Collegis Education. In this episode, Cristina Raecke, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Enrollment at Augusta University Online, and Dan Antonson, AVP of Analytics and Technology Solutions at Collegis Education, walk us through how Augusta built a scalable, data-driven enrollment strategy—without a traditional OPM.

They discuss how they leveraged existing technology, optimized data access, and created a system that allowed for rapid growth while maintaining a seamless student experience. Plus, they share insights into forecasting, AI’s role in their efforts, and the future of digital education.

If you’re an enrollment leader looking to build a smarter, more sustainable strategy for online programs, this one’s for you.

Guest Names: 
Cristina Raecke - AVP of Strategic Marketing & Enrollment at Augusta University 
Dan Antonson - AVP of Tech. and Analytics Solutions at Collegis Education

Guest Socials: 
Cristina - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-raecke-3a52b8a/
Dan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danantonson/ 

Guest Bios: 
Cristina - Cristina Raecke is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience, excels at bridging marketing and enrollment teams to enhance prospective student engagement and drive increased enrollment. She currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Strategic Marketing and Enrollment Management at Augusta University Online. In this role, she leverages her extensive experience to build and promote online programs. Cristina is instrumental in developing and executing marketing strategies that align with enrollment goals, ensuring a seamless integration of marketing efforts to attract and retain students. Her work has been pivotal in the successful launch of Augusta University Online's programs, which have already enrolled about 900 students in a year and a half. Previously, Cristina consulted for Wiley Education Services, advising institutions like George Mason University and Babson College on strategic marketing initiatives. She has also held executive roles at Miami Herbert Business School and Florida International University, where she significantly grew online enrollment.

Dan - Dan Antonson helps higher education institutions leverage technology and analytics to tackle some of higher education's biggest challenges across the student lifecycle.  Whether it is to grow and optimize enrollment or create a better learning experience, Dan has hands-on experience with higher education data and systems to drive meaningful use-cases that create real tangible impact.   Dan has more than 15 years of experience in digital analytics, marketing attribution and measurement, and he has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. When he is not scribbling data and analytics systems on whiteboards, you’ll find him trying to stay upright on his mountain bike or tinkering with his home automation system (his robot lawn mower is his favorite gadget at the moment). 

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

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