5 Things We Learned at Slate Summit 2025

This year, the Slate Summit wasn’t just a showcase of new tools—it was a powerful affirmation of what’s possible when AI innovation meets human-centered design.

From admissions to advancement, Slate continues to evolve into a platform that truly empowers institutions. But even as it grows, Slate holds firm to its original DNA: independence, smart flexibility, and a focus on real, human connection.

During the Opening Session of Slate Summit 2025, Technolutions Founder Alexander Clark shared impressive insights around Slate’s continued growth and impact. Slate now powers over 2,000 institutions across all 50 states and multiple countries, adding nearly 200 new schools each year. Its Student Success area alone has grown by 535% in the last few years, and its platform activity is staggering: over 41 million applications, 261 million new student records, and more than $1.3 billion in payments processed in the past year.

In short: Slate isn’t just a higher ed CRM. It’s an essential, ever-evolving ecosystem—and we were there to take it all in. Here are five standout takeaways from our Ambio team that we’re bringing back with us:

1. The Future Is AI, and It’s Already in Slate

Jen Lonchar, Co-Founder:

Just back from Slate Summit 2025 and, WOW, Slate is leveling up in a big way!

The new AI-powered tools rolling out this year are true game-changers: from effortlessly building fully branded email templates to generating portals and powering public-facing chatbots…all directly within Slate. No need for outside tools or platforms. And with full calendar integration and AI based HTML troubleshooting support, Slate is making complex tasks easier, faster, and smarter for enrollment teams everywhere.

This isn’t just about automation, it’s about amplification. Tasks that once required days of development or outside help can now be handled in minutes. With tools like Reader AI summaries, AI-assisted data queries, and even AI-generated email replies, enrollment teams can move faster while staying personalized. Slate’s AI approach respects the human at the center, and that’s what makes this evolution so powerful.

2. Direct Admissions Is Here—and It’s Not Going Away

Matt Byerly, Executive Director of Brand Strategy

The conversation around direct admissions continues to pick up speed—and for good reason. In a packed session moderated by Niche, leaders from institutions like Seattle University, University of the Pacific, and Nazareth University discussed the clear benefits of simplifying the admissions journey for students: no application required, automatic scholarship matches, and high-intent engagement right when students are searching.

This Slate Summit session echoed similar themes I heard a few weeks ago at Common App’s Illuminate 2025 Conference. Direct admissions isn’t a fad, it’s an increasingly essential strategy to meet students where they are and remove unnecessary barriers, especially for first-gen and underrepresented students. For institutions looking to expand their market and boost yield, the question is no longer if you’ll adopt direct admissions—but how soon.

3. Schools Are Bringing Search In-House

CJ O’Donnell, M.B.A., Director of Client Success

One of the most practical(and inspiring) sessions from Slate Summit 2025, came from the team at the University of Georgia, who shared how they brought their search marketing strategy fully in-house. Their “To Be a Bulldog” campaign was thoughtful, strategic, and deeply authentic—showcasing how Slate can be used to manage personalized outreach at scale.

From dedicated Slate CRM portals and fun engagement tools like the “Dawg Quiz”, to segmented nurture campaigns for parents and sophomores, the UGA team showed that building your own house isn’t just possible, it’s powerful. Yes, they’re a big brand with a big team, but the session offered actionable tips any school can use: start small, stay flexible, and let your creative lead with authenticity. 

Slate gives teams the tools, but it’s your institution’s voice that brings it all to life. 

4. Student Success Starts With Personalized Systems

Becca Semanski, Senior Director of Client Success

Slate’s commitment to higher education and student success was loud and clear this year, and as someone who’s worked closely with enrollment and marketing teams for years, this session from Slate Summit really hit home.

What stood out most? The reminder that tools alone aren’t enough. You have to train your teams, build intentional workflows, and maintain a mindset that every touchpoint with a student matters. From using Slate forms to engage current students, to personalizing communications across departments, the message was clear: Student success isn’t a phase. It’s a relationship. And Slate is one tool that is built to nurture it, every step of the way.

5. A Wedding, a Reunion, and One Unforgettable First Slate Summit

Kelsey Kerkhof, Assistant Director of Client Solutions

Yes, I got married at Slate Summit 2025, well… sort of. It was my very first Summit, and I wasn’t expecting to leave with a wedding album. But when Alexander Clark himself steps in to officiate a ceremony in the middle of the Slate after party, you just roll with it. Was it legally binding? Spiritually significant? AI-generated? The world may never know. But that unexpected moment sums up the magic of this community: full of surprises, humor, and heart. 

Even more surreal than the ceremony? Running into someone who remembered me as their middle school camp counselor(a total full-circle moment). “I haven’t seen her since I was about 8 years old!” they posted. Neither of us could believe it.

So, more than the sessions (which were excellent), what stuck with me was the spirit of connection, people genuinely rooting for each other, learning together, and staying curious.

What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas… but I’m taking home new ideas, a deeper appreciation for the Slate community, and yes, possibly a spouse.

Looking Ahead After Slate Summit 2025

This year’s Slate Summit reminded us why we do this work, and who we do it for. 

At AmbioEdu, it’s always been about the students.

As a Slate Preferred Partner, we’re proud to support institutions that are making the most of the Slate platform. But more than that, we see our role as helping schools tell their story in a way that truly resonates. Through thoughtful strategy and creative that puts students first, we aim to spark the kinds of connections that lead not just to enrollment, but to belonging, persistence, and success.

From AI to authenticity, the conversations at Slate Summit 2025 showed just how fast our field is evolving, and how critical it is to meet students where they are. We’re here to help our higher ed partners do exactly that.

See you next year in Nashville, for Slate Summit 2026. 🎸