Let us introduce you!
Enrollment specialists, digital marketers, data analysts … just a few of the people who dive into each of our partners’ missions, goals and values in order to create custom student experience, technology and enrollment solutions. Every single person at Collegis is integral to our ability to deliver for our partners. We sat down with Erin Werthman, senior partner director, to learn more about who she is and how she supports our partners.
How would you describe your job to someone outside of the field?
I work as a “consultant” for higher education institutions to help them navigate and develop solutions around enrollment, technology and marketing services.
What are three words that describe your role at Collegis?
- Consultative
- Solutions-oriented
- Collaborative
How does your role help support our partners?
I am fortunate that my role is tied very closely with our partners, as I hold a great responsibility in establishing the relationship and building trust between our organizations. I have to both listen to their initiatives and concerns, while also challenging potential strategies that might be suggested. It’s fun – I have the privilege of becoming part of their team.
What are some common questions you hear from coworkers or partners throughout the day?
From my coworkers:
- What are the priorities for our partner this week?
From my partners:
- What are other institutions doing to address [X] problem?
- Are there any new insights from the broader industry you can share?
- What can we do to stay or get ahead of our competitors?
- What do you think about [X]?
What skills do you need to succeed in your role?
- Strong communication skills
- Strategic planning
- Analytical thinking
- Relationship building
What do you enjoy most about your role at Collegis?
I love working with my partners. I get the amazing opportunity to meet and work with great people from across the country with differing backgrounds and viewpoints. It’s a lot of fun!
What do you enjoy most about Collegis?
The opportunity to create your own path and build upon your ideas. And the people – we have great people!
What drew you to work in the higher education field?
I truly believe in the difference that education can make in someone’s life. There are enough institutions out there to serve students, so it’s really about finding the right match. I have worked on both the school side and for companies that support the higher education industry, and the passion and drive that fuels the industry is amazing. I have been fortunate enough to teach adult learners as adjunct faculty and that was an experience I am so grateful for and will never forget. Everyone deserves the right to a higher education, and I want to be a part of making that happen.
Where did you go to college and what degree did you obtain?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and English-Rhetoric from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and I earned my MBA from Benedictine University.
What do you value most from your own college experience?
I went to a large university with over 60,000 people. It was an amazing opportunity for me to truly become comfortable with my own ideals and beliefs and confirm what I stand for. My college experience taught me how to problem solve and think through situations. It made me fiercely independent.
What qualities do you look for when adding members to your team?
- Strategic
- Personable
- Problem-solving ability
What is one thing you’ve learned about higher ed since you started working at Collegis?
I’ve worked in higher education for over 15 years and it is a continuous learning experience every day. What I have enjoyed about working with Collegis is having the opportunity to work with institutions across the country, of various sizes, with different focus areas. The unique differences and approaches are exciting to learn about and be a part of. But the one thing that is always the same is the laser focus and passion around delivering the best experience for students.
Is there a Collegis project you worked on that is most memorable or you’re particularly proud of?
Not really – that would be like picking your favorite child. I do love onboarding new partners and getting to build new relationships. Every time is memorable and the experience is so enjoyable. But I can’t pick just one.
What’s something you’re hoping to check off your bucket list?
I want to see the Aurora Borealis. I love space and science!
