We’re excited to introduce our newly expanded enrollment services team in the academic year ahead, led by Bob Stewart. Bob has worked in higher ed enrollment for more than two decades. We asked Bob to share a little bit about his experience and why he decided to join Rize.
As VP of Enrollment, I vividly recall walking out of a cabinet meeting visibly frustrated. It was yet another discussion about budget cuts—trimming operational expenses, reducing benefits, and cutting staff members in an already lean environment. It felt like being trapped in an endless cycle of small enrollment wins and big human resource losses. Despite the enrollment team consistently meeting or exceeding goals, it never seemed enough to sustain operations.
Something had to change. During strategic planning sessions, I proposed exploring partnerships with local institutions and sister schools. Could we share technology expenses? What about converting some shared courses to online formats to scale our efforts? But there was more willingness to rearrange deck chairs on the proverbial Titanic than to embrace innovative ideas.
For the past four years I've partnered with schools at a major consulting firm in higher education to help enact change. While proud of the work and partnerships formed, much of it felt like maintaining the status quo or making incremental change to the same things higher education has always done.
And so this opportunity at Rize isn't merely a career move for me—it's a profound alignment with a philosophy I passionately uphold. Having navigated the rigid structures of institutions where innovation is often sidelined by tradition and budgetary constraints, Rize stands out as a beacon of change and progress in higher education while preserving the value of the residential campus experience.
Why I Joined Rize
Rize Education powers over 500 academic programs for about 90 colleges, who are seeking innovative ways to grow enrollment and improve student outcomes. The goal is clear: to transform the college experience to deliver pathways to fulfilling employment for students by increasing transparency and ROI for both students and institutions through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge solutions.
As the Head of Enrollment, my role extends beyond conventional consulting. It's about catalyzing transformation within institutions. Rize embodies thinking differently. It's about more than adding programs or modest enrollment boosts—it's reshaping higher education for a rapidly evolving world. The future lies in adaptation and innovation, not maintaining outdated practices that no longer serve students. This forward-thinking mentality drives me—to empower partners to embrace change, explore new possibilities, and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
How Rize Helps Partner with Enrollment Today
At Rize, we take a hands-on approach to enrollment strategies. My team and I work closely with partners to analyze enrollment funnels, identify improvement areas, and execute growth strategies. Each partnership is unique, requiring a personalized approach to drive repeatable results. We're not just about increasing enrollments; we're maximizing enrollment value and margins through meticulous data analysis and strategic execution.
In addition to individualized consulting, we develop scalable solutions that benefit all partners. Collaborating with our enrollment marketing and strategic content leads, we refine and iterate on strategies that enhance partner ROI and ensure sustainable growth. This holistic approach resonates deeply with me—it's about creating meaningful, long-term impact in higher education.
The Future Opportunity
Looking ahead, I believe Rize is poised to redefine higher education by helping institutions adapt their program portfolio to meet the needs of today’s students in a financially sustainable way. It’s a win-win. Our impact extends beyond enrollment. By leveraging technology and shared resources, we're breaking down barriers and paving the way for accessible, quality education.
In conclusion, joining Rize Education isn't just about a career for me—it's about making a difference. It's about challenging the norms, fostering innovation, and empowering institutions to thrive. I'm excited about the future possibilities and eager to contribute to Rize's mission.
