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How McLennan Community College Increased Enrollment by 8.7% Using Mongoose Texting

Students collaborating outdoors with a laptop and study materials.

Case Studies

Overview

McLennan Community College (MCC), a public two-year institution in Waco, Texas, has served more than 8,000 college students with a mission of providing accessible, affordable education for over 50 years. Since adopting Mongoose in 2015, MCC has transformed its communication strategies to better support learners through personalized, two-way messaging. The platform has become an essential tool across departments, driving enrollment growth and promoting academic success and well-being.

The Challenge: Low Email Engagement and Communication Gaps

Before implementing Mongoose, MCC struggled to reach students effectively through traditional channels like email. Critical updates from admissions, financial aid, advising, and support services often went unread, creating barriers during key points in the enrollment process.

With a growing need for scalable, timely outreach, MCC sought a collaborative text-based solution that could support real-time engagement and easily integrate with existing systems.

The Solution: Mongoose for Scalable, Personalized Communication

MCC adopted Mongoose to streamline and personalize communication with students. Integration with Slate and Colleague allowed for seamless data flow and easy access to student information.

“Mongoose is an incredibly user-friendly system, which is critical for getting staff to actually use it. The integration with Slate and Colleague was straightforward, and the support we’ve received has been phenomenal.”
Dustie Hamilton, Director of Enrollment Systems, McLennan Community College

Key Outcomes: Engagement, Efficiency, and Enrollment Growth

28 Departments Using Mongoose

MCC rolled out Mongoose across 28 departments, including Admissions, Financial Aid, Advising, Title IX, and Student Success. These teams use the platform to send timely notifications, answer questions, and provide academic support throughout the academic journey.

12% Response Rate on Enrollment Reminders

In 2024, MCC’s One Stop Shop used Mongoose to reach over 8,000 students with reminders about application steps and missing documentation. The campaign achieved a 12% response rate—well above industry metrics.

8.7% Increase in Enrollment

Between fall 2023 and fall 2024, MCC saw an 8.7% increase in enrollment. While the college credits multiple initiatives, Mongoose played a key role in helping students complete the enrollment process efficiently—contributing to stronger student retention and graduation rates.

80% of Inquiries Automated with Chatbot

MCC uses Mongoose’s chatbot to support students and automate up to 80% of routine inquiries, enabling staff to focus on complex student needs and enhancing the student experience.

Creative, Empathetic Messaging

MCC’s Success Coaching and first-year programs use photos and personalized check-ins to foster a sense of belonging. This holistic approach supports personal growth, tracks student progress, and builds meaningful connections that help students manage stress, improve time management, and stay motivated.

“It’s been a fantastic tool for engagement and has allowed us to build stronger connections with our students.”
Dustie Hamilton

The Mongoose Difference

Authentic, Two-Way Conversations

Rather than impersonal broadcasts, Mongoose enables real-time, meaningful conversations. Teams connect with students through personal, human-centered communication that encourages participation and improves academic performance.

Seamless Integration

With built-in support for Slate and Colleague, staff access current data without duplicate work, helping them optimize outreach strategies and enhance the learning environment.

Compliance Peace of Mind

Mongoose ensures compliance with messaging guidelines—protecting student data and supporting effective communication across departments.

Future Plans: Expanding Reach and Retention

WhatsApp for International Students

With international student enrollment doubling in one year, MCC plans to expand use of WhatsApp to improve communication and continue supporting academic achievement.

Faculty Involvement in Retention

MCC is exploring ways to involve instructors as mentors through Mongoose, empowering them to follow up directly with students and reinforce MCC’s student success strategy.

Conclusion

Mongoose has become a cornerstone of MCC’s communication and student success strategy. By promoting real-time outreach, personal connection, and early intervention, the platform has helped improve enrollment, retention rates, and overall student outcomes across the institution.

“Mongoose is a critical part of our communication strategy. It’s flexible, easy to use, and the support we receive is top-notch. We’ve seen real results.”
Dustie Hamilton