Episode 05 - Anne Eileen Behnke

Anne has upheld the principle that if you engage people through empathy and kindness, be willing to work on nights and weekends and help change lives…you will have a successful career in admissions. For over 30 years her simple yet profound approach had brought her success at across the country.

Summary: The power of her “secret sauce”... the good part of Covid-19… three competitive tennis teams, and words to live by.

Show Tracks:

3:51 the evolution of changes and challenges in the admissions profession

8:28 my secret sauce

11:02 the importance of networking

13:14 the good part of COVID-19

15:20 how do we attract top people to be admissions professionals

16:52 how do you motivate and train your staff

27:02 how I balanced my life

29:50 a strong work ethic since childhood

32:20 admissions software

37:00 compensation

4:50 society's challenges

42:10 words to live by

Show Notes:

After finishing boarding school at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, IL, she headed to Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL where she graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor's in History.  In 1983 she graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, MO with an MA.Ed in Guidance and Counseling.

 

From there she worked at Sacred Heart Academy in Grand Coteau, LA where she was Director of College Counseling, Dorm Parent for the 8th, 9th and 10th grade girls, coached tennis, taught psychology and assisted in admission when needed.

 

She then spent 12 years as Dean of Admission at the Idyllwild Arts Academy in Idyllwild, CA.  In 2004, Anne joined the Admission office at St. Mark's School in Southborough, MA, where she is completing her 17th year.  Anne is also the Varsity Girls' Tennis Coach, serves on the Senior Administrative team and chairs the External Relations Committee.  She lives on campus with her Cocker Spaniel, Nettie.

 

A little background -

I was born and raised in Decatur, IL.  I have five brothers and sisters and nine nieces and nephews. 

 

Enjoy!

Tom

This episode is sponsored by The Independent Educational Consultants Association.

It is the largest and most respected organization representing independent educational consultants. An IECA member educational consultant is a skilled professional who provides counseling to help students and families choose a school that is a good personal match: one that will foster the student’s academic and social growth.

 

IECA members adhere to the strictest ethical standards in the profession, visit hundreds of campuses each year, and are among the most experienced educational consultants in the profession. They focus on finding the best match between student and school.

 

Many schools have gained students from new communities because of their outreach to IECA members. As a Director of admission for 20 years the IECA consultants were crucial in helping us find the best mission appropriate students…they are fantastic people to work with!

 

National and regional media, as well as government agencies, rely on IECA as the authority of the profession. IECA is consistently cited by the media as the association with ethical, student-centered advising.

 

For more information on how to connect with IECA members, go to 

their website/URL: www.IECAonline.com

This episode is sponsored by The School Connection.

The idea is simple; affordable and meaningful venues for traditional boarding schools, therapeutic schools, and domestic and international Educational Consultants to come together, for informational and networking purposes. This process, ultimately leads to the successful placing of students into the most compatible environment.

The School Connections workshops involve multiple, individual meetings between Educational Consultants and admissions representatives from schools and programs. Their workshops range from 2-3 days and, allow attendees to maximize their time with individual appointments in one workshop, in one location.

Please reach out to them, now!

schoolconnections.org

This episode is brought to you by The Independent School Chairpersons Association

Does your board chair know about ISCA, The Independent School Chairpersons Association?   The mission of ISCA is to support independent school board chairs in becoming effective governance leaders for their Boards.  ISCA accomplishes this by offering peer support and networking, resources and educational opportunities.  Get your Board Chair connected to ISCA today by visiting www.iscachairs.org

 

This episode is brought to you by Wynner Marketing.

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