Jennie Bayless
CRM Strategist
AKA “Bubbly Bayless“
Jennie puts her considerable skills to use auditing, reviewing, and ultimately improving how our clients are using their admissions technology stack. By optimizing the tools being utilized, she helps our partner schools get the most out of their CRM by deploying automated and innovative solutions. Holding a BA from Missouri University of Science and Technology and both an MS and MBA from University of Maryland Global Campus, Jennie brings extensive higher education experience to her role at Spark451. She’s served as an admissions counselor (AKA road warrior), transfer advisor, functional lead for admissions for the ERP system, Slate captain, and head of admissions operations.
In her free time, Jennie enjoys traveling around the globe. Her destinations have included Belize, where she swam with the dolphins, and Turkey, where she luxuriated in a Turkish bath.
What do you love most about working in higher education and why?
I love working in higher education because what you do is going to help students shape their lives forever. It was so rewarding to see a shy freshman come to campus, then graduate four years later with an awesome job.
How did you choose your profession/why?
I chose my profession because I was a student ambassador in college, calling students and giving tours, and I just loved it. I thought, I could do this forever!
Which decade do you love the most and why?
I’m totally an 80’s person. Why? Big hair bands, Miami Vice, Indiana Jones, and the birth of video games.
Beach vacation or city vacation and why?
Beach vacation. There is something very calming about the sea. I hope to live near the ocean one day.