About the Episode
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About the Episode:
What makes a tech stack work for people, not just processes? In this energizing episode, Dustin chats with Sarah Kotlinski, Director of Enrollment Systems and Analytics at Gettysburg College, about the real art behind edtech integration. Sarah shares her “three gates” framework for evaluating tools, how she turns everyday tech into superpowered solutions, and why she’s a firm believer in departmental independence with intentional collaboration. You’ll leave with practical ideas for managing your systems better—and maybe even rethinking how you define success in digital transformation.
Key Takeaways
- A modern higher ed tech stack should prioritize integration, user empowerment, and flexibility.
- Tools must serve a clear purpose—Sarah uses the framework: Does it engage? Does it inform? Does it simplify?
- Integration isn’t just about connecting platforms—it’s about designing for action, especially when managing large teams and data sets.
- Deep linking between platforms like CampusESP and Slate can eliminate friction and boost productivity.
- Institutions should lean into departmental independence when managing tech stacks, as long as data governance remains a priority.
Managing a Tech Stack with Purpose: Engage, Inform, Simplify
What should guide your enrollment systems strategy? For Sarah Kotlinski, it’s not about chasing trends or buying into flashy demos—it’s about alignment with core values. Early in her tenure as Director of Enrollment Systems and Analytics at Gettysburg College, Sarah developed a simple but powerful framework: Does the tool engage, inform, and simplify? If it doesn’t meet all three criteria, it doesn’t make the cut.
Sarah shares how this framework serves not only as a decision-making rubric but also as a communication tool with colleagues across campus. When teams are aligned around a shared philosophy, conversations about adopting or sunsetting tools become less contentious and more focused. And when you apply this lens to every new vendor pitch or internal system request, you quickly separate the must-haves from the nice-to-haves.
This grounded, values-first approach is essential in an environment where tools are constantly being added, but rarely taken away. Sarah’s candid insight? Avoid "Ooo, shiny!" syndrome and stay laser-focused on whether your tech is truly moving the needle on student experience and operational efficiency.
Integrations Done Right: Why Deep Linking and Strategy Matter
In the episode, Sarah digs into the nuts and bolts of integrating tools like CampusESP and Slate—two platforms that are central to Gettysburg’s parent communication and CRM strategy. But she doesn’t stop at technical specs. Instead, she shows us how integrations can—and should—serve people first. For her, integrations aren’t just pipelines for data. They’re engines of empowerment.
A perfect example? Sarah created a deep link between CampusESP and Slate by creatively manipulating user IDs to allow counselors to access parent records instantly. This removed countless steps for users, making their work faster and more accurate. It also reinforced Sarah’s belief that systems should serve up meaningful moments, not just dashboards.
This kind of user-focused integration is what sets apart institutions with thoughtful data analytics in higher education. Sarah’s approach proves that integrating your tech stack doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it just requires creativity, strategy, and a deep understanding of the people behind the processes.
Tech Stack Strategy: When to Centralize, When to Empower Departments
Is it better to enforce institution-wide standardization of tools or allow departments to pick their own platforms? According to Sarah, the magic lies in empowered independence. She firmly believes in allowing departments to choose specialized tools that fit their unique needs—as long as shared definitions, data governance, and communication channels are clearly established.
This perspective is a refreshing take in a sector that often leans too heavily on either rigid uniformity or disorganized autonomy. By advocating for a culture of collaboration (rather than control), Sarah helps Gettysburg avoid the trap of bloated, disjointed systems while still reaping the benefits of best-in-class, niche technologies.
She encourages tech leaders to embrace their “unicorn” users—the power users and creative thinkers who often push platforms to their fullest potential. Not only do these individuals help improve internal outcomes, but they often become external champions, influencing broader adoption and vendor innovation.
Episode Summary — Key Questions Answered
How should higher ed institutions evaluate new ed tech tools?
Use a strategic framework. At Gettysburg, Sarah applies three guiding questions: Does it engage, inform, and simplify? If not, it’s not a good fit—no matter how flashy the tool is.
What makes integrations between platforms like Slate and CampusESP truly effective?
It’s not just about passing data. Smart integrations make work easier, faster, and more accurate—like Sarah’s custom-built deep link to seamlessly access parent profiles.
What are the benefits of departmental independence in tech stack management?
Specialized tools can better meet unique needs, foster innovation, and enhance user satisfaction. But strong data governance and regular collaboration are key to avoiding silos.
Why is flexibility crucial in building an enrollment tech stack?
Because the landscape is always shifting. Tools must be adaptable, and tech leaders need to remain open to creative, off-label uses that can drive new results.
What’s the risk of not having a clear tech strategy?
Without a unifying vision, teams waste time and money on tools that don’t deliver. Worse, they can miss out on opportunities to streamline work and improve student outcomes.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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