Media release from Georgia Highlands College:
Georgia Highlands College (GHC) Executive Director of Enrollment Management Jennifer Hicks was recognized with the prestigious Captain of the Year Award at the 2026 Element451 Engage Summit, a national conference that brings together higher education leaders using technology to improve the student experience.
The award recognizes higher education professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation and strategic vision while advancing student engagement and enrollment success.
During the presentation, Daniella Nordin of Element451 described the award recipients as “Captains making strategy real on campus.”
“They bring the feedback, the ideas, the momentum, and occasionally a beautifully chaotic spreadsheet that somehow keeps the whole operation running,” Nordin said. “This year’s winner represents exactly what this award is all about. They are a champion, a builder, a driver of progress.”
She continued, “They have continued to help their institution do more with Element451, bring more teams into the work, and expand how the platform supports enrollment and student engagement. Their leadership has helped their institution keep building month after month with strong momentum and a clear vision. They lead with ownership, curiosity and follow-through. In other words, the kind of captain every institution wants steering their ship.”
GHC implemented Element451, its first customer relationship management (CRM) platform, in February 2025. Under Hicks’ leadership, the college has expanded the platform across enrollment and marketing operations to improve communication, streamline processes, and better support students throughout their college journey.
“Jennifer’s recognition as Element451’s 2026 Captain of the Year is incredibly well deserved,” said Dr. Sarah Coakley, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Georgia Highlands College. “She leads with vision, energy, and a deep commitment to our students, and it shows in everything she does. Jennifer has a unique ability to take ideas and turn them into action in ways that truly strengthen how we support and engage our students. I am incredibly proud of her and grateful for the impact she makes at GHC.”
Since implementation, Element451 has transformed how GHC processes applications, communicates with prospective and admitted students, manages events and orientation registration, and tracks student engagement across the enrollment funnel. The platform has also enabled the college to create personalized communication plans and automated workflows that help students navigate the admissions and onboarding process.
“Jennifer’s recognition as Element451’s 2026 Captain of the Year comes as no surprise to those of us who have had the privilege of working alongside her,” said Lynn Miller, Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs for the University System of Georgia. “She has an exceptional ability to turn vision into action while always keeping students at the center of the work. What I admire most is that even as she leads transformational change, her first instinct is to elevate and support those around her. Jennifer’s impact extends far beyond Georgia Highlands College, and this honor is a well-deserved reflection of her leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success.”
This recognition highlights GHC’s commitment to innovation, student engagement and meeting students where they are. By creating meaningful connections that support student success close to home, GHC continues to serve communities across Northwest Georgia and beyond.
Also attending the 2026 Element451 Summit with Hicks were Meredith Bruno, Executive Director of Strategic Communication; Jillian Petro, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications; and Charles Johnson, CRM Administrator. Representatives from the University System of Georgia system office and institutions, including Sara Wenham, Director of Student Enrollment Services, were also present during the award presentation.
The annual Element451 Engage Summit brings together higher education professionals from across the country to share best practices, collaborate with peers, explore emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and develop innovative strategies that enhance student engagement, enrollment, and student success.
Comments