Breaking the Mold: Stephen Ostendorff on Enrollment Growth, AI in Admissions, and Reinventing Student Success
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Breaking the Mold: Stephen Ostendorff on Enrollment Growth, AI in Admissions, and Reinventing Student Success
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About this listen
When most universities are struggling to stay afloat, how does one small private institution on Long Island grow enrollment by 57% in just four years?
In this episode of The Outcomes Podcast, host James Dressing sits down with Stephen Ostendorff, Dean of Admissions at Molloy University, to explore how the school is redefining what success looks like in higher education.
With over two decades of experience in higher education, spanning enrollment management, marketing, and student success, Stephen has built a career on connecting data, technology, and human connection. At Molloy, he leads initiatives that merge mission-driven leadership with bold innovation, including AI-enhanced admissions, data-driven decision-making, and direct admissions models tailored for today’s digital-native students.
This episode isn’t just about admissions strategy; it’s about courage, adaptability, and what it really takes to lead transformation in higher education.
🔍 What You’ll Learn- How Molloy University achieved 57% enrollment growth in four years
- Why student retention and success begin with authentic storytelling and culture
- How AI is being used to enhance (not replace) human relationships in admissions
- The rise of AI recruiters and automation in higher education
- Why direct admissions is changing how students find their right-fit schools
- How to meet Gen Z students where they are, on TikTok, text, and beyond
- How alignment between marketing, admissions, and academics drives institutional growth
- Stephen’s leadership philosophy: “Be comfortable being uncomfortable.”
💡 Golden Nugget
“The phrase ‘That’s the way we’ve always done it’ will kill any progress you’re trying to make. Be open to change. Optimize every year. And never stop trying new things.”
Connect with Stephen Ostendorff & Molloy University- 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ostendorff
- 🌐 Molloy University Website: molloy.edu
Connect with The Outcomes Podcast
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If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a higher ed leader, admissions professional, or marketing innovator driving change in education.
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