Ardeo News
Our Vice President of Campus Partnerships, Dr. Kim Myrick, answered a few Q & A questions below. In her Q & A, she shared insights into the challenges higher ed enrollment leaders are facing today, as well as what she hopes to bring to her clients at Ardeo.
You can read more about Kim’s experiences and background in her bio.
Getting to Know Dr. Kim Myrick
Q: For those just getting to know you, can you share a bit about your background and what led you to Ardeo?
Higher education is my passion, I have invested my entire career working the families, students, and campuses across the country. After about12 years in VP for Enrollment roles on 3 campuses, I joined Ruffalo CODY then continued with RNL for 13 years. When my long-time friend and colleague, Matt Osborne invited me to consider joining him at Ardeo, it was an offer too good to turn down. I’ve been so happy to be at Ardeo for almost two years, connecting campuses and families with the life-changing opportunities higher ed provides.
Q: Looking back on your career, was there a mentor or colleague who has significantly shaped your leadership style or philosophy?
I can’t point to just one person! I’ve been blessed from my first days in enrollment to be led and mentored by giants in our profession. Mary Napier at the University of Tulsa, Dr. Stuart Gulley at LaGrange College, and Jessica Mireles at RNL stand out as exceptional leaders among those still active in the profession.
Industry Insights & Trends
Q: What trends are you seeing in student and family decision-making, particularly around cost, student loans, and perceived ROI?
Families clearly crave more transparency around price, cost, and paying for college. Campuses that can win families over on this issue will win in the long run.
Q: We ask everyone this question – regarding issues in higher ed right now, what keeps you up at night?
Students can ultimately enroll at only one college. This time of year, I wonder which students have multiple deposits in play and where they will enroll.
Experience & Perspective
Q: You’ve served in enrollment management at multiple institutions. How have those experiences shaped the way you approach your work today?
I was fortunate to learn how to run an enrollment operation from exceptional professionals at Tulsa and the University of Denver. Moving to my first director of admission position and then growing into broader enrollment management leadership roles was a meaningful journey. I learned from each campus and each leadership team—each one is different. I found rebuilding operations and building strong teams to be the most rewarding work.
Q: Many enrollment leaders are feeling pressure to increase head-count, boost net tuition revenue, and decrease their discount rate. What are you seeing successful campuses do to manage that significant and sometimes challenging list of priorities?
The priority I would add to this list is increasing quality of the enrolling class. Achieving growth with controlled discount and boosting quality is the triple crown in enrollment management. It is very challenging to achieve in a contracting market. Successful campuses will approach their goals with eyes wide open, acknowledging their challenges and opportunities, and plan strategically with meaningful, achievable goals grounded in reality.
Ardeo Impact & Strategy
Q: From your perspective, what makes LRAPs an effective tool for enrollment leaders trying to support students while also meeting institutional goals?
LRAPs are on of the few tools I have seen work consistently across types of institutions and a variety of goals. The amazing thing to me is how consistently LRAPs work to support campus goals. If campus has a need to understand where they can grow the class, we can show them. Watching students respond to LRAP offers this year has been so rewarding!
Q: What is one conversation you hope to have with all of your clients this year?
I would love to share with every campus CFO how LRAPs can be budget neutral and generate revenue.
Personal & Fun
Q: Outside of your professional work, what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
One of the best things I’ve done was coaching pee wee cheer. I loved working with elementary/middle school girls in our rural community. To see the girls gain confidence as part of a team was incredibly rewarding. As part of this involvement I became a certified stunt instructor.
