What if the hardest part of earning a degree isn’t the coursework, but navigating a system that wasn’t built for you?

In this episode of Campus Outcomes Podcast, host James Dressing sits down with Greg Hill, Vice President of Enrollment Management, and Carolyn Todaro, Vice President of Student Success at American Public University System (APUS), to explore how higher education can better serve military members, veterans, and working adults.

Greg and Carolyn share how APUS was originally designed to solve the challenges of frequent relocation, lost transfer credits, and rigid academic structures—and how that mission continues to shape their approach today. Drawing from over 40 years of combined experience, they explain how traditional one-size-fits-all models fall short and why personalization is critical for today’s learners.

The conversation dives into how proactive advising, structured program pathways, and a single point of contact model reduce decision fatigue and improve student retention. They also discuss how affordability, automation, and AI are being leveraged to create a seamless, flexible, and student-first experience.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why traditional higher ed models fail military and adult learners
• How proactive advising improves retention and student confidence
• The power of clear program pathways in reducing decision fatigue
• Why removing administrative burden is key to student success

Golden Nugget:

“Students don’t struggle because they lack ability; they struggle because the system creates too much friction.”

Connect with Greg Hill & Carolyn Todaro:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/greg-hill-815213a
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carolyn-todaro-2843b51a

1. Spotify Link
2. Amazon Music Link
3. ApplePodcast
4. Motimatic
5. LinkedIn

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 hardest part of college isn’t the coursework, but everything that happens before day one?

In this episode of The Outcomes Podcast, host James Dressing sits down with Garrett Spradlin, Assistant Director of Admissions for Graduate Recruitment at the Colorado School of Mines, to explore how students navigate the enrollment journey, and why too many drop off before classes even begin.

Garrett shares insights from nearly 15 years across admissions, marketing, campus visits, and concurrent enrollment, explaining why choice overload hurts student decision-making and how clear, step-by-step pathways increase confidence and follow-through.

The conversation also covers why concurrent enrollment builds readiness, how customer service differentiates institutions, and why simplifying communication is essential in an era of short attention spans.

1. Why enrollment overwhelm stalls student decisions
2. How clear pathways outperform endless flexibility
3. The impact of concurrent enrollment on readiness
4. Why customer experience matters in recruitment

“Students don’t want unlimited options; they want clarity.”

1. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garrett-spradlin-a72982a6
2. Portfolio: gspradlin.wixsite.com/portfolio

1. Spotify Link
2. Amazon Music Link
3. ApplePodcast
4. Motimatic
5. LinkedIn

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 happens when passion meets practicality in higher education? And how do enrollment leaders balance empathy for students with the financial realities of running a university?

In this episode of The Outcomes Podcast, host James Dressing sits down with Christina A. Taylor, MBA, M.Ed., Education Innovator and Graduate Enrollment Leader at George Washington University (GW), to unpack the evolving landscape of student funding, international admissions, and the business behind higher ed.

Christina shares her unconventional path into academia—starting in edtech, leaving for project management, then finding her way back through a dual master’s program in Higher Education and Business Administration at GW. Her journey offers a powerful reflection on how education, when combined with business insight, can transform both careers and institutions.

As the graduate funding environment rapidly shifts, Christina discusses the uncertainty surrounding Grad PLUS loans, how universities are responding with professional certificates and flexible credentials, and why student empathy and clear communication matter more than ever. From helping international students navigate last-minute visa hurdles to supporting learners facing financial challenges, Christina’s stories highlight the heart and hustle that define modern admissions work.

This conversation is a must-listen for higher ed professionals, enrollment strategists, and anyone passionate about expanding access to education while ensuring institutional sustainability.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Christina’s dual-degree background bridges education and business
• The ripple effects of Grad PLUS loan changes on graduate enrollment
• How universities are adapting with certificates and flexible pathways
• Challenges and opportunities for international graduate students
• The difference between undergraduate and graduate admissions operations
• Why empathy, communication, and preparation are key in student success

Golden Nugget:

“Start early. The more time you have, the less stress you’ll feel—and the more opportunity we have to support you.” — Christina A. Taylor

Connect with Christina A. Taylor & GW:

• 🔗 LinkedIn: Christina A. Taylor
• 🌐 George Washington University

• Spotify Link
• Amazon Music Link
• ApplePodcast
• Motimatic
• LinkedIn

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!