Ardeo News
Ardeo is excited to welcome our new Associate Vice President of Client Service, Stephanie Moser! In her Q & A below, Stephanie shared insights into challenges facing enrollment professionals today, what she plans to bring to her clients at Ardeo, and a few fun facts about herself!
You can read more about Stephanie’s experiences and background in her bio here.
Q: For those just getting to know you, can you share a bit about your background and what led you to Ardeo?
I’ve spent the majority of my career in higher education, starting on campus in admissions and eventually serving as a Dean of Enrollment. From there, I moved into national client partnership roles where I worked with institutions across the country on enrollment strategy. What led me to Ardeo was the opportunity to combine both sides of that experience in a way that directly impacts students. Affordability is at the center of nearly every enrollment conversation today, and Ardeo’s work to reduce the fear of student loans felt like a meaningful and practical way to support both institutions and the students they serve.
Q: Is there an influential leader or mentor who has made a difference in your life or career?
I’ve been fortunate to work alongside a number of strong leaders throughout my career, particularly those who led with both clarity and care. One of the most influential lessons I’ve taken with me is the importance of listening first — understanding the “why” behind decisions before jumping to solutions. That approach has shaped how I lead, how I partner with institutions, and how I build trust with teams.
Q: What do you think institutions value most in a partner like Ardeo?
Institutions value partners who truly understand their reality and can translate that into actionable strategy. It’s not just about having a strong product — it’s about having someone who can listen, ask the right questions, and help connect the dots between institutional goals and student impact. Trust and follow-through matter just as much as expertise.
Q: What is something you think vendors often misunderstand or overlook about the realities enrollment leaders face?
I think what’s often overlooked is how many competing priorities enrollment leaders are balancing at once — from revenue goals to access and student success. Decisions are rarely made in isolation. The most effective partners understand that complexity and bring solutions that are realistic, flexible, and aligned with the broader institutional mission.
Q: We ask everyone this question – regarding issues in higher ed right now, what keeps you up at night?
What keeps me up at night is the growing gap between students who aspire to attend college and those who feel it’s financially out of reach. The perception of cost — and especially fear around student loans — is causing some students to opt out before they even explore their options. That’s a real challenge for both institutions and the future workforce.
Q: Many enrollment teams are trying to balance access, affordability, and institutional sustainability. Where do you see institutions making the most progress right now?
I see institutions making the most progress when they approach enrollment strategy more holistically — aligning financial aid, communications, and student support in a coordinated way. There’s also a growing focus on transparency, helping students and families better understand cost and outcomes, which is an important step forward.
Q: How can institutions better support students who are hesitant due to concerns about student loan debt?
It starts with clarity and confidence. Students need to understand not just the cost of college, but the value and the support available to them. Institutions that are able to communicate clearly, provide personalized guidance, and reduce uncertainty — especially around debt — are in a much stronger position to support those students.
Q: Ardeo focuses on removing the fear of student loan debt. Why do you think financial confidence plays such a powerful role in enrollment decisions?
Financial confidence is foundational to decision-making. When students and families feel uncertain or fearful about how they will manage student loans, it can overshadow everything else — even strong academic or campus fit. When that fear is reduced, it opens the door for students to make decisions based on opportunity rather than limitation.
Q: What are you most focused on when it comes to ensuring Ardeo clients see real enrollment and student success outcomes?
I’m focused on ensuring that institutions not only implement LRAPs effectively, but fully integrate them into their broader enrollment strategy. That means aligning messaging, timing, and internal understanding so the program is positioned in a way that resonates with students and supports institutional goals. Strong outcomes come from both strategy and execution.
Q: You mentioned you served as Mayor of Yankton, South Dakota – what impact has that experience had on your life?
Serving as Mayor was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It reinforced the importance of listening, collaboration, and making decisions that serve the broader community. It also deepened my appreciation for how leadership, when done well, can create real and lasting impact — something I carry with me in my professional work as well
Q: When you’re not working with institutions or serving your community, how do you like to spend your time?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially as a mom of two college students (one playing college volleyball), and staying involved in my community. I’ve always valued service and connection, whether that’s through local initiatives or simply supporting the people around me. I also enjoy a good cup of coffee and time to read when I can.
