Lopez Returns from Presenting at TxGAP Summer Institute 2024 With Powerful Insights

June 18, 2024

Victor Lopez, GPE’s Assistant Director for Professional Education and Extended Learning Initiatives, recently returned from the Annual TxGAP Summer Institute, held in Arlington, Texas from June 5-7. Not only does Victor hold this key position within GPE, but he also serves as the president of TxGAP, the Texas chapter of NAGAP. His term, which began in 2023, will extend through the 2026 Summer Institute.

During the conference, Victor delivered two impactful presentations:

  1. Essential Labor Market Strategies for Student Enrollment (with Kevin Love from Lightcast):
    • This session explored how Baylor University leverages Lightcast’s powerful Analyst tool for comprehensive market research. By analyzing labor market data, Baylor makes informed decisions that directly impact program offerings, student enrollment and student ROI.
    • Attendees witnessed a live demonstration of the Analyst tool, answering critical market-centric questions in real time. The ability to align programs with current and future workforce demands ensures that Baylor remains at the forefront of the industry.
    • Victor emphasized the importance of using data to influence strategic decisions across the entire enrollment funnel.
  2. If You Build It, They Will Come…But Really? (solo presentation):
    • In today’s competitive landscape, merely creating a program isn’t enough. Victor’s engaging session delved into managing a program’s full funnel, from marketing to recruitment and beyond.
    • Leveraging market data, Victor highlighted strategies to elevate program visibility and attract the right candidates. The goal? Not just attracting students but ensuring their success.
    • Market differentiation emerged as a critical factor. Positioning your degree program effectively is essential in a saturated market.

Victor’s key takeaways from the conference:

  • Data-Driven Decision-Making: Baylor’s success lies in its data-driven approach. By harnessing labor market data, we stay ahead of the curve.
  • Texas: A Growing and Competitive Landscape: Texas isn’t just competing for its own students; it’s drawing out-of-state students seeking quality education.
  • Collaboration: The ability to bring together the right people at the right time will set programs apart. Collaboration is the key to success in the graduate education industry.

In summary, Victor’s insights underscore the importance of data, strategic positioning, and collaboration in shaping successful graduate programs. These takeaways resonate not only with Baylor but with institutions nationwide.