Opening Session 

(8:30 A.M. to 8:55 A.M.)

Welcome and Mid-Year Workshop 2026 Overview 

Let’s focus on developing the upcoming generation of higher education professionals and ensuring all staff, new and veteran, have the skills to offer top customer service to all stakeholders. GACRAO Executive Committee will share upcoming Professional Development Opportunities offered to members and ways to get involved for the fall conference. 

1st Block

(9:00 A.M.  to 9:40 A.M.) 

Updated Session!

Session Title: Private School Roundtable

Description: We will discuss issues pertinent to private institutions.

Presenter: Karis Fowler

Job Title: Director of Undergraduate Recruitment

Institution: Piedmont University

1st Block 

(9:00 A.M.  to 9:40 A.M.) 

Session Title: Exploring New Campus Visit Opportunities

Description: Explore new campus visit options and discuss how these approaches have enhanced student and family experiences. Participants will learn how to identify areas on their campuses that can be turned into unique visit experiences.

Presenter: Tyler Pennington

Job Title: Director of Recruitment & Campus Engagement

Institution: Young Harris College

1st Block 

(9:00 A.M.  to 9:40 A.M.) 

Session Title: Transfer & Non-Traditional Student Recruitment: Meeting Students Where They Are

Description: This session will highlight student-centered strategies for engaging these audiences—from first inquiry through enrollment. Participants will explore effective outreach methods, including personalized communication, partnerships with two-year institutions, and collaboration with community partners such as workforce organizations and local agencies to strengthen recruitment pipelines. 

Presenter: Bailey Brown

Job Title: Admissions Coordinator - Recruitment

Institution: Columbus State University

2nd Block

(9:45 A.M. to 10:25 A.M.)

Session Title: No Title Required: How to Lead, Influence, & Inspire from any Seat

Description: This dynamic session equips professionals to practice multi-directional leadership: impacting the environment around them—no matter their role. 

Presenters: Mallory Miller

Job Titles: Graduate Admissions Recruiter

Institutions: Middle Georgia State University

2nd Block

(9:45 A.M. to 10:25 A.M.) 

Session Title: Succeeding in Chaos: A Prospective Student Event

Description: This session will share how you prepare for the worst, make it look like the best, and create an amazing experience for prospective students and their families. 

Presenters: Garrett Campbell & Alex Lyon

Job Titles: Director, Enrollment Services Events & Outreach; Executive Director, Strategic Outreach Initiatives & New Student Programs

Institution: Kennesaw State University

2nd Block 

(9:45 A.M. to 10:25 A.M.) 

Updated Session!

Session Title: The Anxious Generation

Description: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness is a 2024 book by Jonathan Haidt that argues that the spread of smartphones, social media, and overprotective parenting has led to a "rewiring" of childhood and a rise in mental illness – yes, these are our next recruits and employees. 

Presenter: Meredith Bruno

Job Title: Executive Director of Strategic Communication and Recruitment

Institution: Georgia Highlands College

3rd Block 

 (10:30 A.M. to 11:10 A.M.)

Session Title: FERPA, PII & Directory Information

Description: This session will focus on the basic tenants of FERPA, PII and Directory Information. All important topics pertaining to the confidentiality of your student's records.

Presenter: David Fulmer

Job Title: Registrar 

Institution: Trinity Medical Sciences University

3rd Block 

 (10:30 A.M. to 11:10 A.M.) 

Session Title: Don't Just Survive - Lead: Building Resilient Teams in Uncertain Times

Description: This session focuses on the human side of our work, offering practical, real-world strategies to help leaders move beyond simply “getting through” and instead build resilient, engaged teams. Participants will explore actionable approaches to building and maintaining morale, leading through ambiguity, and fostering trust and accountability during times of transition.

Presenter: Amy Clines

Job Title: Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Institution: Augusta University

3rd Block 

 (10:30 A.M. to 11:10 A.M.) 

Session Title:  The Power of Campus Visits: Designing Experiences That Drive Decisions

Description: This session explores how institutions can move beyond traditional walking tours to design intentional, student centered campus visit experiences that create meaningful connections and support enrollment goals. Participants will learn practical strategies for designing impactful campus visits, leveraging campus resources, training ambassadors, and creating memorable experiences that resonate with prospective students and families. 

Presenter: Alicia Stewart-Wildgoose

Job Title: Associate Director of Admissions

Institution: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

4th Block 

(11:15 A.M. to 11:55 A.M.)

Session Title: Grow with GACRAO: Professional Development Opportunities

Description: Are you interested in growing professionally? Join GACRAO Past-President to hear about the GACRAO Institute for Strategic Enrollment Management (GISEM) and GACRAO Rising Enrollment Professionals (G-REP) program. In this session, you will hear about the opportunities the program provides, and the pre-conference curriculum. 

Presenter: Luke Ellis

Job Title: Assistant Director of Recruitment & Admissions

Institution: Georgia Southwestern State University

4th Block

(11:15 A.M. to 11:55 A.M.)

Session Title: Stopping the Runaround: Improving the Customer Service Experience

Description: The session will provide guidance on how to improve the customer service experience when fielding questions from prospective students and current students. 

Presenter: Wesley Sewell

Job Title: Acting Director of Admissions

Institution: Middle Georgia State University 

4th Block

(11:15 A.M. to 11:55 A.M.)

Session Title: The Roadshow Effect: Small Territory, Major Enrollment Wins

Description: This session introduces “The Roadshow Effect,” a strategic Dual Enrollment outreach model designed to maximize impact, increase visibility, and drive enrollment growth regardless of territory size. Explore how a targeted Dual Enrollment Roadshow transformed a smaller recruitment territory into a high-performing pipeline. 

Presenter: Taylor Goodwin

Job Title: Admissions Counselor 

Institution: Georgia Highlands College

Closing Session 

(12:00 P.M. to 12:15 P.M.)

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!