How Texting Helped Kettering Drive 60% Enrollment Growth

Kettering University, a private institution in Flint, Michigan known for its cooperative education model and STEM-focused programs, faced a decade of declining enrollment. But in just one year, the university achieved a dramatic turnaround—boosting deposits by 60% and improving student engagement across the board.

The catalyst? A strategic, campus-wide texting approach powered by Mongoose.

From Communication Chaos to Coordinated Strategy

Before implementing Mongoose, Kettering’s communication tools left a lot to be desired. The team used Twilio through TargetX, but clunky workflows and hidden responses meant student inquiries were often missed.

While transitioning to Slate, the team realized its texting capabilities lacked the conversational flexibility and one-to-one personalization they needed. That’s when they turned to Mongoose.

“My first instinct was to get iPhones for everyone like we did at my last job. But Mongoose was easier and didn’t require hardware. It just worked.”

Matt Fortescue, Director of Enrollment, Kettering University

High-Impact Campaigns That Drove Results

Kettering quickly made Mongoose the centerpiece of its enrollment communication strategy. The platform’s ease of use, mobile accessibility, shared inboxes, and real-time reporting allowed the team to engage students with clarity and speed.

Here’s how they did it:

Accepted Student Day – 92% Show Rate

Kettering texted students a digital “rule book” for a competitive campus event. All replies were positive, and the university saw a 91.9% show rate, a massive attendance boost.

“Mongoose played a huge part in that. The text created excitement and clarity before students even stepped on campus.”

matt fortescue

Move-In Day – 80% Reply Rate

A simple message offering the day’s agenda helped streamline logistics and reduce confusion, improving the student experience before classes even began.

Financial Aid Night – Immediate Engagement

After underwhelming results from email and Constant Contact, a single, well-timed text campaign significantly boosted event registrations—reaffirming texting as the team’s most powerful outreach tool.

Detroit Auto Show – Personalized Outreach

By segmenting students based on geography, Kettering sent targeted invites to a major local event, boosting attendance and engagement—all managed through Mongoose’s shared inboxes.

By the Numbers

• 92% show rate at Accepted Students Day

• 60% increase in undergraduate deposits year-over-year

• 55%+ reply rates on key event texts

• Up to 80% engagement on high-priority initiatives like Move-In Day

• 41 Honors Program students enrolled—more than double the previous year

“If we want students to do something, we text. Emails are ignored. Mongoose makes everything easier—for us and for them.”

Matt Fortescue

Why Mongoose Worked for Kettering

• Automated Replies: Real-time follow-ups without manual effort
• Shared Inboxes: Seamless team collaboration without message overlap
• Slate Integration: Safer, smarter outreach without Slate’s texting limitations
• Instant Reporting: Live insights shared with leadership and event teams
• Mobile-Friendly: Counselors use the app easily, no training required

“Mike and Mary are like family now. I feel comfortable reaching out to them anytime—even with small questions.”

Matt Fortescue

More Than Just a Tool—A Culture Shift

Mongoose helped unify communication across Kettering’s campus—breaking down silos and building strategic coordination between admissions, financial aid, co-op programs, and academics.

“We’re changing how the university communicates. Mongoose is the spark that’s driving that.”

Matt Fortescue

What’s Next for Kettering

With deposits at a five-year high, Kettering plans to extend texting access across more departments and leverage Mongoose tools like WhatsApp to improve international student outreach.

“I absolutely recommend Mongoose. It’s a game changer. Our results—and our culture—prove it.”

Matt Fortescue

Download the Full Case Study

Kettering University didn’t just boost enrollment—it redefined what effective student communication looks like. With Mongoose, they turned texting into a core part of their culture, strategy, and success.

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