LEVERAGING THE FULL STUDENT LIFECYCLE.

The commitment Sentara College of Health Services has to student success is evident. The faculty and administration maintain a high standard of education to ensure its 300+ students are prepared for challenges they’ll face in healthcare settings. Yet, Sentara leadership recognized the college was missing opportunities for growth, in part due to a technology gap.

THE OPPORTUNITY.

They believed technology upgrades would produce a better student experience. The overhaul could include a new student information system (SIS), new website with a more robust content management system (CMS) and marketing automation platform (MAP), as well as fresh web content and design. Administrative tasks could become automated, allowing staff more time supporting students and building stronger relationships.

We aligned the team on a digital roadmap that would help Sentara effectively use technology to manage the complex student lifecycle—from first inquiry to alumni status. This required deep understanding of how student data move through digital systems, and how those systems interconnect to support administrative operations, marketing, and ultimately, student success.

Here’s how we tackled the project:

FIRST, THE GOALS.

The bottom line was enrollment growth. A more efficient collection and use of student data would help them get there. 

THE APPROACH: BRING THE EXPERTISE AND BE A WORKHORSE. 

Our team worked closely with Sentara College leadership to analyze the current state, define success criteria, and move the pieces toward the desired solution.

• Through in-depth discovery, we gathered critical information from internal stakeholders and competitive market intelligence. 
• Applying a thoughtful and meticulous technology vendor selection process, we managed everything from the RFP to proposal and evaluation, and then guided the decision with data. 
• Our digital marketing strategy mapped how the new technology, processes, and content would achieve the college’s goals. 
• With the SIS vendor selected, and the Sentara team aligned around strategy and process, we turned to an overhaul of their website functionality, content, and design.