Retention Strategies and Student Financial Literacy Tips for 2025 and Beyond

Jeff Gerkin currently serves as the executive director of enrollment management operations and financial initiatives. In this role, he coordinates the federal, state, and institutional financial aid vision and goals across the university to create financial opportunities and access for students. He has dedicated his professional career to helping students achieve their higher educational goals and career aspirations. Gerkin’s professional experience in higher education spans over 3 decades, including both private and public institutions. After joining UT in 1992, he was named director of financial aid and scholarships in 1999. He earned an M.S. degree in college student personnel from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a B.S. degree from Johnson University. 

Stephanie Sieggreen serves as the inaugural director of international recruitment for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she is currently pursuing a PhD within higher education administration and public policy. Having studied, volunteered, and worked abroad along with 20 plus years within higher education, Sieggreen relates to the unique nuances presented to international students and their families exploring universities outside of their home country. 

Before her career within higher education, Sieggreen served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kazakhstan within the economic development sector. Following her Peace Corps service, she obtained a graduate assistantship completing a master’s in business administration. Sieggreen's contributions to higher education extend well beyond her university role. She currently serves as the government liaison and past chair for Study Tennessee, the state's consortium of educational institutions. Sieggreen is also appointed by the U.S. International Trade Administration as a member of the U.S. Commercial Service District Export Council for Middle and East Tennessee. Recently elected as Board President-Elect for the Association of International Enrollment Management, she is also a founding institutional representative and volunteer for IC3 (International Career and College Counseling), a global initiative that provides training and support worldwide. Additionally, Sieggreen is an active member of East Tennessee's local refugee board.

Dr. Scott Sportsman is the Assistant Vice Provost for Innovation and Enrollment Research in the Enrollment Management (EM) division at the University of Tennessee. Previously, he served as Executive Director of Research and Analytics and Chief Strategy Officer at UTK. In his current role, Dr. Sportsman directs the EM Technology Team and Innovation Team and leads the EM Research and Analytics team. His leadership focuses on advancing research and initiatives aimed at enhancing student enrollment, success, and satisfaction. Through his team's efforts, Dr. Sportsman provides actionable, timely research, comprehensive reports, and predictive analytics to support divisional objectives. This work is essential for recruiting students who will succeed at UT and identifying key activities and processes that foster student achievement throughout their academic journey. Prior to joining UT, Dr. Sportsman was Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Director of Research and Analytics at Miami University for six years and held the position of Director of Institutional Research at the College of Mount St. Joseph for eight years. Before transitioning to administrative roles, he spent 18 years teaching mathematics at the College of Mount St. Joseph, Western Carolina University, and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Dr. Sportsman earned his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois and holds both a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree from Truman State University.

As a 25+ year higher ed veteran, Jim Garrant has held client facing positions in the student accounts/financial services departments at Boston University, Wheaton College, Wellesley College, and Lasell University. Garrant is currently the director of EDU client advocacy and associations at Flywire, focused on identifying and driving new strategic relationships and increasing brand awareness by aligning with education-based associations in global markets to assist in driving sales through the creation of advisory groups, networking opportunities, speaking events, and other direct sales strategies.