Lesley Regalado on Hiring Right [I Wanna Work There]

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Eddie Francis speaks with Dr. Lesley Regalado, a talent acquisition consultant and faculty member at the University of Texas Arlington. Together, they explore how making the right hire can significantly enhance an institution's reputation by aligning with its values, culture, and brand. Dr. Regalado shares how authentic alignment with an institution's mission can turn faculty and staff into natural brand ambassadors while improving both the internal culture and the student experience.

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Key Takeaways

• Alignment with Institutional Values is Critical
  The best hires align with the organization’s culture and values, which reinforces authenticity and consistency in both internal and external interactions.
• The Right Hires Become Natural Brand Ambassadors
  Faculty and staff who truly fit an institution’s mission will organically represent the brand positively, both on campus and in the community.
• Faculty Responsiveness Drives Student Success
  Faculty who are attentive to students’ needs and challenges have a profound impact on the student experience, building trust and fostering loyalty.
• Cultural Fit Supports Long-Term Success
  Institutions should prioritize candidates who not only have credentials but also understand and support the unique needs of their students and community.
• Authenticity is a Magnet for Talent and Students
  Employees who bring their authentic selves to work create a ripple effect that attracts great talent and engages students in meaningful ways.

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The Role of Values and Culture in Making the Right Hire

Dr. Lesley Regalado opens the conversation by emphasizing the importance of hiring employees who align with an institution’s values and culture. This alignment ensures consistency in how the organization is perceived both internally by employees and externally by students and the community. Faculty and staff who understand the institution’s mission and culture are better equipped to make meaningful contributions, act as brand ambassadors, and build strong relationships.

She points out that hiring is more than finding someone with the right credentials—it’s about hiring people who are authentic, dependable, and capable of building good relationships. Dr. Regalado notes that faculty and staff who embody these traits not only help students navigate academic and personal challenges but also attract positive attention to the institution within the community.

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The Impact of Faculty on the Student Experience

Dr. Regalado draws on her experience at the University of Texas at Arlington, a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), where she aligns deeply with the mission to support minority and first-generation students. She explains how understanding the unique challenges faced by these students—such as balancing full-time work and school—has helped her create a positive, impactful learning environment.

Her ability to connect authentically with students has resulted in emails, letters, and referrals from students who feel supported and understood. This, she says, demonstrates how faculty responsiveness and empathy are essential for improving the overall student experience. Faculty members who align with the institution’s culture can inspire students, build trust, and foster long-term loyalty to the institution.

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Faculty and Staff as Brand Ambassadors

One of the most compelling points Dr. Regalado makes is that the right hires naturally convert into brand ambassadors. Faculty and staff who embody the institution’s mission and values bring their authentic selves to work, which resonates with both students and the broader community. She explains that when faculty and staff are engaged and aligned, they attract positive attention, whether it’s through their teaching, advising, or participation in community events.

Eddie underscores this point by highlighting how faculty responsiveness to frontline customers—students—is a crucial component of the institution’s reputation. When students feel valued and supported by faculty and staff, it not only improves retention and student success but also strengthens the institution's brand as a great place to learn and work.

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Make sure to check out the full I Wanna Work There playlist today.

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‍About The Enrollify Podcast Network: I Wanna Work There 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 and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

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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