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About EDU Interactive
A comprehensive approach to capturing leads.
In today's competitive landscape, a single lead generation and capture system just isn't enough. That's what makes EDU Interactive so effective. EDU Interactive implements a cohesive strategy from generating interest to securing enrollment. It happens through a combination of traditional marketing and advertising strategies and EDU Interactive's proprietary enrollment technologies. The result? Filling your classrooms with eager students.
It's always a good idea to know your partners. Here's an EDU Interactive 101 crash course:
 Download EDU Interactive 101 PDF!
Established: April 2006
Founders: Bob Barker, former Executive Vice President for University of Phoenix and current President of Barker EDUcational Services Team, and David Castle, President of Castle Advertising, a full-service advertising agency in San Diego.
Location: Historic Golden Hill District, San Diego, CA
Primary Talent: Generating student inquiries for colleges at a low cost
In-House Capabilities:
• Branding
• Call Center/Enrollment Services
• Lead Generation
• Student Retention Programs
• Lead Conversion Strategies
• Creative Development
• Internet Marketing
• Media Planning/Buying
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• Business Growth Strategies
• CRM Consultation Services
• Program Analysis
• Collateral Production
• Website Design & Management
• Programming/Technical Services
• Market & Location Analysis
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Philosophy: Partner with our clients to closely supervise all aspects of their advertising and marketing efforts and deliver the highest amount of qualified leads at the lowest cost-per-lead and cost-per-start.
Provide excellence in Research, Planning, Implementation, Testing, Analysis and Tracking. It is our belief that with systematic research, collaborative planning and implementation, continuous testing, diligent tracking and complete analysis of results, the optimal advertising mix for each market will be determined and our efforts will ensure mutual success.
How we work: EDU Interactive starts working with educational institutions from the ground up. We start at the beginning to identify and assess what the school's needs are and then follow a proven working process that allows us to meet the key objectives of the institution.
• Establishing Lead/Enrollment Goals
• Budgeting
• Planning
• Lead Generation Activities
• Creative Development
• Lead Process
• Reporting
• Analysis
• Optimization
• Testing
Our Vision
EDU Interactive provides enrollment solutions from a unique point of view. Our extensive experience within the academic world - coupled with objective expertise in the world of marketing and lead generation - means we create innovative strategies nuanced by actual academic experience. These two perspectives converge to provide singular results.
Mission Statement
EDU Interactive is committed to providing educational institutions with innovative strategies so they can achieve their full growth potential; to offering a complete range of services for total marketing and lead generation solutions; to infusing our battle-tested academic experience into our every communication; to fostering creative thinking that takes our clients further; and to providing an environment that is rich in its challenges to conventional wisdom and its receptiveness to new ideas so that we can continue to attract, develop and retain the top-quality team members required to provide unparalleled service to our clients.
Our Green Philosophy: Think global, act local.
At EDU Interactive, we believe that businesses should operate in ways that solve, rather than cause, both environmental and social problems. We have made a commitment to adopt principles, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life for our clients, our employees, community, and the environment. As an example, we've adopted the traditional "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" approach and encourage the greater use of electronic messaging. We feel that being environmentally accountable is not only a social responsibility, but a key component to our success. We welcome you to become an active participant in our company's quest to be an eco-friendly company.
Member of Career College Association
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Team Profiles
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Meet the people who power the EDU Interactive difference.
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 Bob Barker
Owner/Partner
Over the course of nearly two decades in higher education, Bob Barker has spearheaded some of the most progressive enrollment initiatives in the field. He has worked as an admissions advisor, enrollment manager, VP/director, senior vice president, regional vice president and more. Bob has also been appointed to the State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities by two governors.
During his prolific career with University of Phoenix, he grew the campus's enrollment from 46,000 to over 100,000 in a short five-year time span. He facilitated the expansion of the institution into Canada and Mexico, in addition to providing instrumental leadership in the development of University of Phoenix's e-text (now rEsource) initiative – a groundbreaking system for online enrollments. In 2006, Bob founded Barker Educational Services Team (BEST), a leader in enrollment and student acquisition services. Prior to establishing BEST and EDU Interactive, Bob was the Senior Executive VP for UOP and a SR VP for UOPs holding company Apollo Group Inc. He lends not only an unmatched level of higher ed experience to EDU Interactive, but also an unparalleled market insight.
 David Castle
Owner/Partner
David has led the award-winning advertising and marketing agency that bears his name since 1987. Over that time, he has hand-picked a tightly-knit team of professionals who focus on stellar client service and creative work that's a clear expression of sound strategy. This landmark approach happens from the company's offices in a historic Victorian home – a landmark in San Diego's Golden Hill District.
Education clients have been a focus of the agency since its inception. Through groundbreaking work for Indiana Wesleyan University, Iowa Central College Online, Alliant International University, University of Phoenix and more, David and his team have created proven methodologies that not only brand institutions, but leverage the power of those brands into more leads and greater enrollments.
 Tim Browning
Chief Operating Officer
Even though he has spent most of his career on the financial side of things, Tim is much more than a numbers guy. With well over a decade in the education industry - serving in both administrative and finance capacities - he also has a passion for helping institutions of higher education achieve their goals. Tim practices what he preaches, having earned his MBA from University of Phoenix as a working professional himself. As our COO, he ensures EDU Interactive runs flawlessly, seamlessly and efficiently. And seeing as he's the proud father of three children, you can see how managing complex organizations is one of his strong suits.
 Melissa Lopez
Vice President,
Client Services
Melissa has drive, focus and attention to detail – all attributes that keep clients happy and projects on schedule.
Melissa's marketing and advertising acumen is complemented by a wealth of experience in the brass tacks of the business – from marketing plan development to client relations to budget allocations to media strategy and beyond.
What's more, she's extremely adept at tailoring all of these skills to the very specific needs of EDUcational institutions.
Her specific client experience includes work with City University of Seattle Online, Institute for Professional Development, Eastern Nazarene College, Le Toureau University and Vatterott College.
 Chelsea Koehnen
Vice President,
Strategic Planning
Chelsea is smart, intuitive and very personable. But that could describe just about anyone on our staff. What really makes Chelsea different is her extremely hands-on approach. It's her way of making sure every execution stays true to the strategy she's developed – from comprehensive ad campaigns to single-run flyers.
It's a philosophy that dovetails perfectly with her higher education clients. Both advertising and education are people businesses. Both aim to change how one thinks. Both have the power to transform behaviors. Chelsea's put this power to work for clients as diverse as Alliant International University, City University, Indiana Wesleyan University, ICC, University of Phoenix and others.
 Pete Morton
Director of Strategic Initiatives
When you love your work, it doesn't feel so much like work. That's Pete's philosophy – one that's evident by the fact that he almost never seems to take a vacation.
Of course, that may be why his career comprises so many notable accomplishments. He's been in the trenches as an enrollment rep for University of Phoenix, tasked with opening up a new campus in Richmond, VA. During that time, he was the top rep in his region. He has also worked as a Director of Enrollment, developing strategies, training criteria, training programs, enrollment workflow and management interventions.
Pete earned a bachelors degree in the science of foreign service from Georgetown University. If you can get him to stop working for a few minutes, he might tell you about it sometime.
 Dru Kelly
Interactive Designer
Left brain. Right brain. How about the whole brain? Now you're thinking like Dru.
As technically adept as he is artistically proficient, Dru has been at the forefront of the web design and development industry throughout his entire career. He continually evolves his skill in both the art and science of online media, and is always on the cusp of emerging technological and creative trends.
Dru holds a B.S. in interactive media design from The Art Institute of California. When he's not doing breakthrough creative for our clients, you'll find him bridging the left brain/right brain gap by checking out the latest in independent film, cooking in his kitchen, listening to music or honing his photography skills.
 Jill Bruckart
Online Media Specialist
If there's one thing you can say about Jill, it's that she's a fierce competitor. If there's a second thing you can say about her, it's that she focuses this quality on creating media plans that dominate the competitive landscape.
A natural athlete and avid volleyball player, Jill's determination and drive translate directly to her role in the Media Department. With extensive experience servicing accounts such as the Institute for Professional Development (IPD), University of Phoenix (UOP), Albertus Magnus College and several more, she is skilled in online media strategy, and has no problem keeping her eye on the ball, so to speak.
Jill is as giving as she is competitive. She regularly volunteers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and other local causes. She earned her degree from UCSB.
 Jen Lawrence
Traditional & Online Media Specialist
Having worked with a media giant, Jen's got a unique perspective on creating effective plans for reaching the smallest of demographic niches.
Formerly in research and sales at Clear Channel Communications, Jen began her career at one of the foremost media companies in the world. This gives her an unrivaled point of view on the entire media landscape – and great insight into how online advertising can power an entire media mix. Jen successfully purchased broadcast media initiatives for various Indiana Wesleyan University campuses in the mid-west and a number of University of Phoenix campuses throughout the US. In addition, she currently manages online media buys and lead generation campaigns for a number of EDU Interactive clients.
 Kirsten Winter
Account Executive
For someone who grew up moving around the world with a military family, it's no surprise that Kirsten welcomes new places and new challenges.
She brings this enthusiasm to the innovative enrollment methodologies of EDUInteractive, along with extensive advertising and marketing experience. She counts more than a dozen universities among her list of satisfied clients, including Institute for Professional Development (IPD), City University of Seattle Online, Averett University, LA College International and Iowa Central College, just to name a few.
Kirsten earned her degree from San Diego State University. When she's not at work, you'll find her traveling, hiking or running a ½ marathon. Told you she liked to go places.
 Maybritt Haeling
Account Executive
Maybritt's philosophy can be summed up in five simple words: "Perfect is almost good enough." She's meticulous. Hard-working. And exactly the kind of person you want on your team.
Maybritt brings her marketing acumen to EDUInteractive along with a wealth of advertising experience – particularly in education. She has developed new reporting and analytic tools for Albertus Magnus College, University of Phoenix and Vatterott College, just to name a few.
An avid outdoor enthusiast and world traveler, there's one more thing you should know about Maybritt: Her parents own a Danish bakery in San Francisco, which puts us all one degree away from the best pastries in the West.
 Lauren Scobel
Asst. Account Executive
Just because Lauren was born and raised in New Orleans doesn't mean you'll catch her yelling " Laissez Les Bon Temps Roullez!" – but it does mean that this southern belle knows how to work as hard as she plays.
Lauren began her career in advertising and marketing at Peter A Mayer Advertising, the largest full-service ad agency in the Gulf South. From there, she moved to San Diego, where she became the traffic and production manager for Castle Advertising. At EDU Interactive, she brings excellent research and project management skills, along with in-the-trenches production experience for direct mail, print and broadcast projects.
Lauren graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University. In her free time, she enjoys a variety of interests – running, Cajun cooking, reading, traveling, fashion, hitting the beach and catching live music. Laissez Les Bon Temps Roullez!, indeed.
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Bob
Barker
Owner/Partner
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David
Castle
Owner/Partner
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Tim
Browning
Chief Operating Officer
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Melissa
Lopez
Vice President, Client Services
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Chelsea
Koehnen
Vice President, Strategic
Planning
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Pete
Morton
Director of Strategic Initiatives
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Dru
Kelly
Interactive Designer
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Kirsten
Winter
Account
Executive
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Jill
Bruckart
Online Media Specialist
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Jen
Lawrence
Traditional & Online Media Specialist
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Lauren
Scobel
Asst. Account Executive
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Maybritt
Haeling
Account
Executive
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