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.

• 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.”

“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.”

• 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ostendorff
• 🌐 Molloy University Website: molloy.edu

🔗 LinkedIn | Website | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a higher ed leader, admissions professional, or marketing innovator driving change in education.

New episodes drop weekly!

What if the future of higher education isn’t about bigger campuses or larger enrollments, but about personalization, adaptability, and mission-driven leadership?

In this episode of The Outcomes Podcast, host James Dressing sits down with Ben Boivin, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Manhattan University, to explore how one small New York institution is achieving outsized results.

With over 13 years of experience in admissions, enrollment lifecycle marketing, brand messaging, and student engagement, Ben shares how Manhattan University is blending tradition, technology, and mentorship to drive exceptional student outcomes.

Ben opens up about his journey from communications major to admissions leader, the challenges of navigating an enrollment downturn, and how his team turned crisis into clarity by reimagining how they connect with students. He also reveals how Manhattan University is preparing students for the future of work, embedding AI certification into every degree and cultivating critical thinking in the age of automation.

This conversation goes beyond recruitment strategy; it’s about staying true to your mission while adapting to the seismic shifts reshaping higher education, technology, and student expectations.

• How Manhattan University turned an enrollment challenge into a strategic advantage
• Why personalized admissions is the new key to student success
• How alumni networks amplify career outcomes and lifelong engagement
• The role of AI certification and digital literacy in building future-ready graduates
• Why mission alignment and adaptability matter more than ever in higher ed
• The power of critical thinking and the human touch in an AI-driven world
• How to meet Gen Z where they are on TikTok, text, and beyond
• Ben’s advice for higher ed leaders: Know your mission. Stay authentic. Adapt boldly.

“AI may not replace your job, but someone who knows how to use AI better than you will. That’s why adaptability and critical thinking must go hand in hand.”

• 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ben-boivin-04833616
• 🌐 Manhattan University Website: manhattan.edu
• 🎥 TikTok: @ManhattanUAdmissions — A creative peek into campus life and student engagement

🔗 LinkedIn | Website | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with an educator, admissions professional, or higher ed leader passionate about innovation and student success.

New episodes drop weekly!