Oklahoma State University Breaks Enrollment Records With Liaison Othot

With the help of Othot, Liaison’s advanced analytics platform, Oklahoma State University (OSU) achieved record-breaking enrollment results, hitting its goal two years early. Othot enabled OSU to model various financial aid scenarios quickly, adapt its strategies mid-cycle, and optimize enrollment in the face of rapidly evolving circumstances.

These successes were underpinned by a strong partnership between the university and Liaison, characterized by proactive support and seamless collaboration. This close working relationship allowed OSU to make informed, data-driven decisions that revitalized its enrollment strategy.

Navigating Enrollment Roadblocks

Prior to adopting Othot, OSU struggled with maximizing financial aid distribution without increasing overall spending. The university’s leadership, particularly within enrollment management and institutional research, knew they needed a more data-driven approach to implement the required strategic changes and get executive management on board. The key challenge was to effectively leverage data in a way that aligned with financial goals, while also supporting student enrollment growth.

During this period, OSU’s enrollment management team sought to model different financial aid scenarios, but due to the lack of dynamic tools, it was difficult to make timely, informed decisions.

Embracing Data-Driven Decisions

OSU began exploring Othot about two years before implementing the solution. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic shortly thereafter, Othot allowed OSU to pivot quickly, introducing a GPA-only scholarship system as test scores became unavailable. Years later, Othot’s impact remains steady as it made major changes to out-of-state tuition waivers, helping the university meet its enrollment goals.

OSU Vice President of Enrollment Management Karen Chen emphasized the partnership approach throughout the implementation process, saying, “The client success director from Liaison became an extension of our team when it came to strategies and execution. We’ve been really pleased with the ongoing support and collaboration.”

Othot’s flexibility allowed OSU to stay agile during unprecedented times, which proved invaluable as the university navigated the pandemic and its impact on enrollment. Othot’s ability to provide rapid scenario modeling was one of the most critical elements for OSU’s success. The platform incorporated over 200 data points, allowing for nuanced analysis and mid-cycle adjustments that helped OSU make more strategic financial aid decisions. As Chen described, “When we were having conversations, we could ask, ‘What does this potentially look like?’ and the team would help us model different scenarios to maximize outcomes for students.”

OSU was also able to integrate Othot with its CRM, enabling more targeted outreach based on data insights. This integration was especially helpful in tracking students from prospect to enrolled, ensuring a more personalized communication strategy.

Shaping Success With Othot

With the support of Othot, OSU achieved record-breaking results in its enrollment efforts.

• The university surpassed its goal two years ahead of schedule with 5,030 new enrolled students.
• OSU also saw significant growth in honors college enrollment and an increase in out-of-state, first-generation, and Native American students.

Beyond these quantifiable results, OSU credits Liaison’s continued partnership and adaptability for the university’s success. David Mariott, director of CRM systems, explained, “It really defines what it means to have a good partnership. The team at Liaison is vested in our goals and works with us to make sure that we’re getting the most out of the platform.”

Adding to these immediate wins, OSU is now expanding its use of Othot to support retention efforts by incorporating transfer student data and recruitment strategies. The school is also exploring the use of event and interaction data to drive even more targeted outreach efforts and elevate student success.

Planning Future Wins With Liaison

Reflecting on OSU’s experience with Othot, Chen highlighted the value of being able to respond quickly to changing circumstances. “The pitch is always going to be good, but what sets Liaison apart is how well the product delivers on that promise,” she said. “The support we’ve received has exceeded expectations.”

Looking ahead, Oklahoma State University plans to continue refining its strategies, incorporating Othot’s insights into advisor workflows, and collaborating with Liaison to extend the platform’s capabilities. With Othot’s robust capabilities and Liaison’s unwavering support, OSU is well-positioned to continue achieving impressive outcomes for years to come.

Founded in 1890, Oklahoma State University is a vibrant, forward-thinking institution with a rich history and a commitment to affordability and access. With over 35,000 students from 100+ countries and all 50 states, OSU is dedicated to providing a diverse, high-quality, and empowering education with:

• Over 300+ undergraduate majors, 79 master’s programs, and 45 doctoral programs.
• A 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, fostering personalized learning and student success.
• 400+ student organizations and a strong athletics program, creating a lively campus community.