People Who Keep Collegis Running: Crystal Comer

At Collegis, we believe our employees’ talents are unparalleled. We don’t just go to work. Our employees work together to make each other better. Collaboration allows us to find new ways to empower our partners and help them capitalize on strategic higher education growth strategies. From marketers to software engineers, each role is important in helping to meet our partners’ goals. This week, we highlight Crystal Comer, an Associate Partner Director. Check out how she uses her role to positively impact the revenue growth and enrollment of our partners.

If you were to describe your job in one sentence, what would you say?

I work with our college and university partners to diagnose, design and deliver technology-driven enrollment and revenue-growth solutions.

What are the most exciting parts about your job?

I love seeing the expertise and talents of the Collegis team come together to produce great results for our partners. I’ve worked in higher-ed, even while attending college, and I see the challenges and know we’re well positioned to help.

How does your job affect the satisfaction of your partners?

Absolutely! As the main point of contact for our partners, I’m responsible for ensuring success in our partnerships. It’s essential for me to listen carefully to their needs and effectively translate those to our subject matter experts at Collegis. Together, we make changes to align with their goals and help deliver the best possible outcome for our partners.

What types of skills are needed to be successful in your position?

My job requires me to be solutions-focused, organized, analytical and great at problem solving. While attending colleges, I worked in several of their offices. I saw the struggles students and institutions were facing, and I learned how to problem solve while resolving those issues. These experiences gave me the knowledge to excel in my higher ed career and my role at Collegis.

How would you describe your own college experience?

Like many of today’s college students, I was a first-generation student who swirled my way to an undergraduate degree. After transferring twice, I earned my B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing from Bemidji State University in Minnesota. Then, I earned my M.S. in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

What drew you to work at Collegis?

I was drawn to Collegis because of my personal and professional higher education experiences. Collegis hires employees who have a passion for education and will strive to improve our partners’ success. They also aim to make a difference in the lives of students. I want to make a difference at a macro level because I’ve experienced firsthand the impact our partners have had on their students, local communities – and the world.

What have you learned about the higher education field since working here?

I’ve realized although higher education is constantly changing, it still faces some of the same challenges it did when I went to college and in my professional experience. The challenges may be defined differently or magnified in different ways, but they are still very similar. I’m encouraged by the work we do with our partners to meet those challenges head on and provide better experiences for the schools – and their students.

What are some things you look forward to outside of the office?

I like to dream about buying a small cabin on a lake in Northern Minnesota. Until that dream is realized, I take every opportunity to be with my family outdoors.