The role of community colleges is vital in bridging the gap and breaking down barriers for learners of all backgrounds. 

In a recent episode of The EdUp Experience, Devin Purgason, executive director of marketing and student care at Forsyth Technical Community College is interviewed by host Joe Sallustio about his unique role and the transformative initiatives being undertaken at Forsyth Tech. 

This bold and engaging conversation sheds light on how a community college can revolutionize student care and redefine the future of education.

646: LIVE From Element451's 2023 ENGAGE Summit⁠ - with Devin Purgason, Executive Director of...

Forsyth Technical Community College, located in Winston Salem, North Carolina, serves a diverse population of 22,000 students. What sets this institution apart is its commitment to providing opportunities for learners at every stage of their lives – from fourteen-year-old dual enrollment students to nontraditional students eager to explore new hobbies or skills.

As Devin discusses, Forsyth Tech prides itself on being a catalyst for change, ensuring that no barrier, whether familial responsibilities or transportation challenges, stands in the way of success.

Devin’s role as the executive director of marketing and student care perfectly captures the essence of Forsyth Tech's innovative approach to education. 

While marketing and student care may seem like an unconventional pairing, this integration holds the key to providing a comprehensive support system for students. He explains that the creation of the Student Care division was a response to the need for a centralized space where students could find accurate information and personalized assistance. 

By breaking down silos and establishing a concierge-like service, Forsyth Tech aims to guide students seamlessly throughout their educational journey.

Gone are the days of vague directions and impersonal hand-offs. At Forsyth Tech, the aim is to provide a warm, customized experience for every student. Devin emphasizes the importance of developing strong student-advisor relationships and offers an anecdote of a student struggling with a particular issue. 

Instead of simply directing them to the right office, Forsyth Tech takes it a step further by personally introducing them to their advisor. This commitment to shepherd students through the various processes showcases the dedication and care that defines Forsyth Tech's student care model.

Devin’s passion for his work shines through as he highlights the unified vision driving Forsyth Tech's success. Drawing inspiration from President John F. Kennedy's encounter with a janitor at the space station, he explains how every individual within the organization is working towards a common goal – student success. 

By aligning marketing initiatives with student care services, Forsyth Tech ensures that students receive not only an excellent education but also the support they need to thrive.

Today's students are not just learners; they are consumers. Education is no longer a one-size-fits-all product. Community colleges like Forsyth Tech recognize the importance of providing exceptional services and a psychological understanding of student needs. 

The power dynamic has shifted, and the leverage lies with the students. 

Forsyth Technical Community College's approach to marketing and student care demonstrates how breaking down barriers and providing personalized support can redefine the student experience. 

Their visionary model serves as an inspiration to institutions grappling with the evolving demands of today's students. 

To see the slides and rewatch all the Engage Summit session recordings, visit our session library.

Students explore and pick where they’ll earn a degree in completely new ways. Welcome to the new world of enrollment, powered by Element451. We've been waiting for you.

🎧 Devin Purgason, Executive Director of Marketing and Student Care at Forsyth Technical Community College

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