Creating Transparency for prospects and Efficiency for institutions

At DegreeSight, we understand the challenges institutions face when working with the 70% of students who bring credit with them on day one. Our mission is to streamline the credit evaluation process, thereby allowing universities to focus on what really matters – supporting and educating their students in a personalized way – and less on paperwork.

Leadership Team 

David Cook

Founder, CEO

During the 2008 Financial Crisis, David experienced a significant mix-up with his transferred course credits that almost cost him $75,000 in scholarships from Baylor and a job offer from Hewlett-Packard, very similar to another advising mistake which had caused his brother to leave the university the very year prior. This challenge inspired David to establish DegreeSight, a technological innovation aimed at preventing such costly mistakes for students.

With 15 years of experience as a lead engineer turned product manager focused on digital transformations, David built and now steers DegreeSight with a commitment to enhancing clarity and efficiency in higher education. His mission is simply this – to increase the percentage of students who graduate and finish on time.

David lives in Austin, TX with his wife and 3 sons.

Drew Melendres

Co-Founder / CRO

Drew has served a a board member of DegreeSight since 2017 and joined the company in 2023 as the Chief Revenue Officer. Prior to joining DegreeSight, he has served as a consultant for Ruffalo Noel Levitz, a Senior Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at both private and public institutions, and has also helped lead business development at a number of other higher education companies.

Drew holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Texas Tech University.

Caleb Cook

Caleb Cook

Director of Client Success

With a robust background in leading software implementations and delivering impactful training, Caleb brings a passion for empowering others to master technology. Based in Texas, Caleb enjoys helping clients and teams unlock the full potential of their software solutions, ensuring seamless adoption and success. 

 

Business Development Team

Jay Fedje

Vice President of Partnerships

Jay is a seasoned leader of enrollment management, strategic planning, funnel development, university branding, targeted student outreach, CRM implementation, predictive modeling, financial aid leveraging, communication plan development, retention modeling, organizational structure and market expansion.

 

Over the course of 34 years in higher education, Jay has led strategies that have increased incoming student enrollment 40% while balancing financial aid, net tuition revenue and student profile. Jay’s career has spanned from road warrior to the cabinet and boardroom. He has served as the of Director of Admissions at Bethel University, Dean of Admissions and Vice President for Enrollment Management at Drury University and the Vice President for Enrollment Management at Clarke University. Throughout his three-decade career, the demographics, recruiting landscape and enrollment strategies have changed dramatically. Adaptability has been his trademark for success. “Enrollment leaders that are prepared to adapt to new realities and make course corrections will have the greatest opportunity for sustainable growth!” Jay brings his educational experience to his consulting relationships and his podcasting: the Enrollment Edge and Transfer Talk.

 

Jay has found opportunities to serve several organizations including AACRAO, MNACAC, NACAC, and on NACCAP’s Board of Directors. Coming from a family of many educators, he’s also taught the practice of leadership to aspiring young college leaders. Jay and his wife Laurie enjoy cycling, hiking, antiquing, exploring the beauty of God’s creation and just sitting by the lake watching Loons.

Tim Gilbert

Tim Gilbert

Vice President of Partnerships

Tim is a highly experienced leader in higher education, with a career spanning over 23 years. His journey in higher education began at South Dakota State University, which gave him valuable insights into the inner workings of academic institutions. He then transitioned to working with various EdTech companies, where he held diverse roles ranging from project management, leadership, and sales.

Throughout his career, Tim has been actively engaged with key stakeholders across different departments within higher education institutions. This includes enrollment management, admissions, financial aid, registrar’s office, dining services, security, and academic departments. His ability to connect with and understand the needs of these various departments has been a defining aspect of his career.  This empathy-driven perspective allows him to develop and implement solutions that help institutions operate more efficiently and provide a better overall experience for students.

Tim’s career has been dedicated to improving higher education by facilitating the adoption of technology and best practices that enhance the educational journey for both staff and students. His wealth of experience and his focus on collaboration with key stakeholders, make him a valuable asset in the higher education space.

Tim graduated from South Dakota State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Doug Swartz

Vice President of Partnerships

Doug is a 26-year veteran enrollment management professional who brings with him a wealth of experience in recruitment, marketing, financial aid, and budget management. Doug previously served in a executive leadership position at multiple institutions including Wittenberg University, Westminster College, and Walsh University. He also worked for Ruffalo Noel Levitz for over ten years in enrollment consulting and has a strong background in supporting institutions achieve enrollment goals through technology, personalized communications, and stronger campus visits. 

Doug earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Walsh University and a Bachelor of Arts in CommunicaTions from Malone College. He is currently based in eastern Pennsylvania.

Technology and Data Team

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