Learning Labs

The admissions profession is evolving rapidly, presenting new challenges and opportunities that are reshaping our approach to the ways we work. To address this pivotal moment, we are reimagining the Summer 2025 Institute to incorporate immersive, solutions-focused experiences. These dynamic events will bring professionals together to tackle the most pressing issues and opportunities in admissions today.

Real-World Challenges, Personalized for You

Learning Labs are research-anchored, process-rich approaches to adult learning that will catalyze small group exploration of the most pressing challenges faced by admission and enrollment professionals today. Whether you represent a day school, boarding school, or another institution; and whether you are new to the profession or have many years of experience, these sessions will provide opportunities for reflection and action to foster the application of learning tailored to your unique context.

Real-World Challenges, Personalized for You

Learning Labs are research-anchored, process-rich approaches to adult learning that will catalyze small group exploration of the most pressing challenges faced by admission and enrollment professionals today. Whether you represent a day school, boarding school, or another institution; and whether you are new to the profession or have many years of experience, these sessions will provide opportunities for reflection and action to foster the application of learning tailored to your unique context.

What is a Learning Lab?

Learning Labs are small, interactive groups, where you’ll explore one of 7 key challenges or opportunities shaping the future of admissions. Guided by expert lab coaches, you will work with your peers over 2 session blocks to drive deep learning that is dedicated to advancing your individual capacity and the profession.

Each lab will focus on one challenge or opportunity, and participants will develop an actionable roadmap of potential strategies and solutions to implement at your school. These sessions are designed to equip you with practical tools and resources to meet challenges and opportunities head-on.

Choose From Eight Key Challenges or Opportunities to Reset

1

Balancing Mission Alignment and Enrollment Goals

Lab Coach: Harper Haynes, Director of Admission,  Divinity School of Vanderbilt University

Lab Assistant: Ingrid Palmisano, Chief Enrollment Officer, Miami Country Day School

2

Demographic Shifts and Enrollment Headwinds

Lab Coach: Krystal Clark, Speaker/ Facilitator, and Brand Ambassador, Equip to Thrive

Lab Assistant: Amada Torres, National Association of Independent Schools, VP of Studies, Insights, and Research

3

Rising Affordability Concerns and Tuition Sensitivity

Lab Coach: Shaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children

Lab Assistant: Drew Cocco, Clarity Financial Aid, VP of Client Experience

4

Technology and Data Fluency in Enrollment Operations

Lab Coach: Gail Williams, Director of Community Engagement, Vanderbilt University

Lab Assistant: Taylor Docking, Director of Advancement & Enrollment Management, Indian Springs School

5

Shifting Parent Expectations and Consumer Mindset

Lab Coach: Shaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow, American Federation for Children

Lab Assistant: Kim Bair, Washington Episcopal School, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

6

Student and Family Retention as a Core Enrollment Strategy

Lab Coach: Harper Haynes, Director Admissions, Divinity School of Vanderbilt University

Lab Assistant: William Diskin, Cannon School, Director of Admission and Financial Aid

7

Optimizing and Aligning Systems and Operations

Lab Coach: Gail Williams, Director of Community Engagement at Vanderbilt University

Lab Assistant: Karla Vargas-Kennedy, Woodberry Forest School, Assistant Headmaster for Enrollment

8

Talent Development, Representation and Role Evolution

Lab Coach: Krystal Clark, Speaker/ Facilitator, and Brand Ambassador, Equip to Thrive

Lab Assistant: Adriana Matzke, The Columbus Academy, Director of Enrollment Management

Why Attend?

This reimagined approach is designed to:

  • Foster meaningful dialogue and peer-to-peer learning in action- and application-oriented settings
  • Equip you with practical tools and strategies to tackle your school’s unique challenges and opportunities
  • Cultivate a sense of community, collaboration, and shared purpose among admissions professionals