Underscore is now the Slate Optimization Team at Carnegie.


Carnegie's Slate Optimization services are powered by Underscore, the largest dedicated Slate team in the country and Technolutions’ first Platinum Preferred Partner. We’re transforming the higher education landscape by leveraging the power of Slate—one project at a time. From application status portals to custom implementations, we'll ensure your technology fulfills its potential.

This is Slate expertise you can count on.

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Meet Carnegie

You Can Find Us at Carnegie.

For more than 35 years, Carnegie has been a leader and innovator in higher education marketing and enrollment strategy. Carnegie's commitment to providing industry-leading marketing and enrollment solutions led them to Underscore. We joined the Carnegie family in 2021 to continue to leverage the power of Slate to transform the higher ed landscape—now with even more to offer.

Slate Services

Carnegie's Slate Optimization Team is Your Best-in-Class Development and Implementation Partner.

We’re here to maximize your college or university’s Slate CRM investment. From application status portals and custom implementations to supporting your in-house Slate Student Search, we’re your Slate team. Every member of this team is a Slate specialist including our strategists, creatives, and project managers.

Implementations
From first-time implementations to reimplementations and everything in between, we provide consultation and training with any Enrollment Management, Student Success, or Advancement project.

Communications
We create segmented campaigns based on academic, demographic, psychometric, and custom data points to meet your audiences where they are—without data transfer and with real-time campaign reporting.

Portals
Impress all your critical audiences with a personalized experience—a dedicated portal, built and supported by our Slate experts.

Integrations
Your enterprise systems need to share data—we make sure that process is seamless and secure between any SIS, CRM, or legacy system.

Reporting
Gain real-time access to your marketing and recruitment efforts with custom reports built in your instance—from ROI to goal tracking by territory, the possibilities are endless.

Slate Recruitment Strategy
Leverage our recruitment expertise to unite your enrollment tactics in your instance, including travel research and planning, visit results, and survey execution, to name a few—our team supports you with analysis and thoughtful feature set-up, always in your instance.

Trainings + Workshops
Empower your team to become creative and thoughtful Slate operators with our custom and interactive workshops.

Slate Student Search
Carnegie offers an alternative to the traditional Student Search—one pillar of that strategy is maximizing your Slate investment by executing in your instance for a seamless, optimized, fully supported search.

Expanded capabilities

Higher Ed Marketing and Enrollment Strategy Solutions.

Carnegie connects colleges with students through the power of human connection by measuring and then marketing to a student’s unique behaviors and motivators. This leads to action, enrollment, retention, and lasting affinity. Carnegie offers end-to-end custom solutions.

Carnegie's Slate
Optimization team

Same Great People.


Leadership

Headshot of CEO Scott Novak

Scott Novak

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder

Headshot of CEO Scott Novak

Megan Robinson

Executive Vice President of Strategy

Headshot of CEO Scott Novak

Bruce Cairnduff

Senior Vice President of Finance

Headshot of CEO Scott Novak

Ted Magdzinski

Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Integrations

Headshot of CEO Scott Novak

Jim Rogers

Senior Vice President of Enrollment Strategy

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Jeremiah Tudor

Senior Vice President of New Product Development

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Chris Coons

Associate Vice President of Business Development

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Selma Gomez

Associate Vice President of Accounts

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Morgan Vargas

Director of Operations

Headshot of CEO Scott Novak

Coty Walden

Art Director

Slate Squad

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Amanda Garay-Cedeno

Senior Slate Strategist and Reporting Manager

Amanda Garay-Cedeno

Amanda Garay-Cedeno

Senior Slate Strategist and Reporting Manager

The powerhouse. From emails to text messages to post cards, Amanda is here to help with all your communication needs. With 16 years of admissions experience at a private liberal arts college, she's had the opportunity to learn, implement and develop a Slate CRM instance from the ground up. Whether she's setting up inquiry forms, creating templates for events, managing queries, building a Slate-hosted application or developing drip marketing communications, Amanda is utilizing her skills and experience to assist clients with any and all Slate needs.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Laura Murnen

Senior Slate Strategist and Trainings Manager

Laura Murnen

Laura Murnen

Senior Slate Strategist and Trainings Manager

The problem solver. In her seven years of higher education experience, Laura Murnen has dabbled in a variety of roles including communications, service learning, recruitment, and event planning. But when it comes to choosing favorites, it's helping piece together that perfect communication in Slate. This carries through outside of work, where you will likely find her honing her skills posted up at a local coffee shop with a crossword puzzle.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Allison Steinberg

Senior Slate Strategist and Recruitment Strategy Manager

Allison Steinberg

Allison Steinberg

Senior Slate Strategist and Recruitment Strategy Manager

The passionate one. Allison got her first glimpse of the admissions world when she landed a job as a tour guide in college - and she's never looked back. After graduating from Penn State, Allison worked in various admissions roles at La Salle University, where she oversaw the implementation of Slate and all things CRM-related, among other things. Now, she's using her love of admissions at Underscore, bringing more than eight years of experience managing email communications and admissions data to her role as Slate Strategist.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Jessica Severt

Senior Slate Strategist and Communications Manager

Jessica Severt

Jessica Severt

Senior Slate Strategist and Communications Manager

The creative strategist. After working in Ball State’s admissions office as an undergraduate, Jessica Severt knew she wanted to combine her digital marketing education with her passion for enrollment services. Before joining Underscore’s Communications Division, Jessica served as a key member of the Slate implementation team at Ball State, where she soon became the go-to “Slate person” for her institution. When she’s not busy learning new Slate features or innovative communication tactics, you can find Jessica doing something creative, like photography and digital art.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Laura Bald

Senior Slate Strategist and Enrollment Implementations Manager

Laura Bald

Laura Bald

Senior Slate Strategist and Enrollment Implementations Manager

The solver. With a background in developing admissions strategies under a lens of diversity, equity and inclusion, Laura brings years of information systems experience to her role at Underscore. Prior to joining the team, Laura worked for Portland State University, where she led multiple application and recruiting implementations, as well as maintained the organization and integrity of data.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Matthew Herr

Senior Slate Strategist and Integrations Manager

Matthew Herr

Matthew Herr

Senior Slate Strategist and Integrations Manager

The automater. With more than 14 years of varied experience in enrollment management, it’s safe to say Matt has walked in your shoes. Whether he’s busy automating manual processes, working in Upload Dataset or creating rules, one thing remains – Matt is focused on making sure your Slate instance matches your institution’s goals and objectives.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Chris Carl

Senior Slate Strategist and Portals Manager

Chris Carl

Chris Carl

Senior Slate Strategist and Portals Manager

The change agent. You can say Chris Carl lives and breathes higher education. Starting as an admissions counselor for his alma mater Marywood University, Chris spent his days working directly with students and parents in the recruitment process. He later went on to hold various roles in enrollment management at the University of Mary Washington, with his most recent position as a CRM manager.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Amanda Johnson

Senior Slate Strategist

Amanda Johnson

Amanda Johnson

Senior Slate Strategist

The Communicator. When people describe Amanda Johnson, you’ll hear the words “passionate” and “dedicated” frequently used. She comes to Underscore with years of experience in both higher ed and web development, most recently serving as assistant director of admissions for Charleston Southern University. With an appetite for helping institutions communicate effectively to ensure they are gaining the best fit students, Amanda is here to make sure you meet your enrollment goals. When she isn’t busy falling more in love with Slate, you can find Amanda kickboxing, petting her cat JJ, or collecting yet another coffee mug.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Chris Besse

Senior Slate Implementation Strategist

Chris Besse

Chris Besse

Senior Slate Implementation Strategist

The connector. Chris Besse unintentionally fell into the world of enrollment, like most higher education professionals do, but quickly realized he wanted to make a career out of it. With experience in both recruiting and operations, Chris has viewed enrollment from multiple lenses and perspectives. Before joining Underscore, Chris worked for his alma mater as associate director of admissions, where he became the bridge between operations and admissions when it came to all things Slate. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Sarah, and his Husky puppy, Tucker.      

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Emma Hayek

Senior Slate Implementation Strategist

Emma Hayek

Emma Hayek

Senior Slate Implementation Strategist

The Slate Geek. Emma Hayek’s career in higher ed started immediately after college graduation, at place a place she knew and loved – her alma mater Creighton University. After serving as a counselor for a few years, Emma transitioned to managing digital marking for undergraduate admissions – which is when her love for Slate really grew. Emma’s specialties? Creating efficiencies, improving the student experience, and empowering Slate users. But when she’s not geeking out over configurable joins, liquid markup and portals, you can find her outside hiking, camping, or playing with her dog.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Mikey Barker

Slate Strategist Associate

Mikey Barker

Mikey Barker

Slate Strategist Associate

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Rachael Yates

Slate Communications Strategist

Rachael Yates

Rachael Yates

Slate Communications Strategist

The attentive one. Rachael Yates has spent her entire career living and breathing college admissions. Shortly after graduating, she joined her alma mater, St. Catherine University, as an admissions counselor and later transitioned to Assistant Director of Admission. In this role, she managed their email campaigns within Slate – which is when she realized just how powerful the CRM really was. Now as an Underscore Slate Strategist, she’s helping dozens of higher ed clients communicate more efficiently and effectively with students. And when she’s not geeking out over Slate, you can find Rachael at a hockey rink or playing with her dog.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Tom Muscarello

Slate Portals Strategist and Software Engineer

Tom Muscarello

Tom Muscarello

Slate Portals Strategist and Software Engineer

As a Slate Portals Strategist and Software Engineer, Thomas Muscarello helps build and tailor Slate portals for multiple audiences, including Application Lifecycle, Prospect, Athletics, and Faculty. Prior to joining Underscore, Tom worked at multiple institutions in both Student Engagement and Residence Life departments. During that time, he developed a passion for creating a positive experience for students.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Nick Porcella

Slate Communications Strategist

Nick Porcella

Nick Porcella

Slate Communications Strategist

The philosopher. In life, Nick takes a minimalist approach to things. As your Slate Strategist, however, he dives in with enthusiasm to get you the maximum return on investment. Having spent more than five years in college admissions marketing, Nick knows a thing or two about optimizing Slate for each audience. In his spare time, he is a cherry pie and donut connoisseur (not usually together), and enjoys surrealist art.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Jill Huntsberger

Slate Implementation Strategist

Jill Huntsberger

Jill Huntsberger

Slate Implementation Strategist

As a member of the Implementation & Consultation team, Jill assists clients with building their Slate instance from the ground up. She is here to help you dive into your business practices and translate those into the powerful tools available in Slate. Prior to joining Underscore, Jill worked at Columbia College Chicago for 16 years, first as a recruiter, then as a Slate specialist. Jill loves untangling tricky problems and finding the best path forward using the tools available in Slate. Outside of work, Jill enjoys knitting, quilting, and baking pies.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Sydney Nowak

Slate Communications Strategist

Sydney Nowak

Sydney Nowak

Slate Communications Strategist

Sydney has spent her professional career in higher ed working in Kansas at small private institutions as a counselor, assistant director, and most recently director. She served as a Slate Captain and quickly fell in love with all the Slate capabilities and is always excited to learn something new. When not working, she can be found on the yoga mat teaching or practicing or in the kitchen whipping up a beautiful cake.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Emily Parker

Slate Communications Strategist Associate

Emily Parker

Emily Parker

Slate Communications Strategist Associate

Emily spent eight years working in undergraduate admission offices; most recently she served as the assistant director of admission and event coordinator at Mount Holyoke College. She immediately found her passion for admission and took on any any additional tasks from territory management and communications to virtual engagement and everything in between. As a Slate Strategist Associate, Emily works with our partners to ensure they are communicating with their audiences effectively and efficiently

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Ryan Simpson

Slate Implementation Strategist

Ryan Simpson

Ryan Simpson

Slate Implementation Strategist

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Rocco Porcellio

Slate Implementation Strategist

Rocco Porcellio

Rocco Porcellio

Slate Implementation Strategist

Rocco Porcellio provides Slate support, training, and technical expertise for Underscore's partners. As a former one-man Slate management team for a regional liberal arts university, Rocco is an avid problem solver. He prefers elegant solutions over expedient routes. He is committed to leveraging technology to enhance the admission and enrollment process for both students and enrollment professionals.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Monica Brazil

Slate Portals Strategist

Monica Brazil

Monica Brazil

Slate Portals Strategist

As a Slate Portals Strategist for Carnegie's Underscore division, Monica Brazil started her journey in higher education in Chapman University's Office of Admission. She started leveraging Slate's power to target audiences on social media, and that's when her love of Slate started. She continued on to be the Slate go-to for the communications team building portals, managing email campaigns and much more. Monica also brings expertise in art and design, which translates to building beautiful, functional experiences for students and campus partners. As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, Monica is always learning new Slate features, growing her coding skills, and staying up to date on user experience best practices.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Aroona Madden

Slate Implementation Strategist Associate

Aroona Madden

Aroona Madden

Slate Implementation Strategist Associate

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Carolyn Meyers

Slate Communications Strategist Associate

Carolyn Meyers

Carolyn Meyers

Slate Communications Strategist Associate

As a Slate Strategist Associate, Carolyn Meyers studies data, market trends, and specific benchmarks in order to help colleges utilize Slate efficiently and effectively. Prior to joining Underscore, she worked in hospitality. As a student at the University of North Carolina Asheville, Carolyn studied economics, specifically in terms of development. Since graduating, she has continued research in her field and hopes to someday publish her work.

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Dylan Schechtel

Slate Portals Strategist

Dylan Schechtel

Dylan Schechtel

Slate Portals Strategist

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Sydnie O'Connell

Slate Communications Strategist Associate

Sydnie O'Connell

Sydnie O'Connell

Slate Communications Strategist Associate

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Justin Pierce

Slate Implementation Strategist

Justin Pierce

Justin Pierce

Slate Implementation Strategist

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Nina Lifshey

Slate Communications Strategist

Nina Lifshey

Nina Lifshey

Slate Communications Strategist

Headshot of SVP of Partnerships & Integrations Ted Magdzinski

Melissa Layton

Slate Portals Strategist

Melissa Layton

Melissa Layton

Slate Portals Strategist

client Services

Headshot of Director of Partner Success Brenna Burke

Ryan Ostendorf

Senior Account Executive

Ryan Ostendorf

Ryan Ostendorf

Senior Account Executive

The advocate. If you’re looking to optimize and leverage the power of your Slate instance, look no further than Ryan. Working several years in higher education enrollment and marketing, Ryan has industry experience managing campaigns, planning events and recruiting students from around the country. Always ready to step up to the plate, he brings Slate-specific experience to help you exceed your goals. With anything from enrollment marketing needs to implementation and support, give Ryan a call.

Headshot of Director of Partner Success Brenna Burke

Sabrina Gregrow

Senior Account Manager

Sabrina Gregrow

Sabrina Gregrow

Senior Account Manager

The planner. Sabrina Gregrow’s motto? “Coordination is key.” While earning her bachelor’s degree from the University at Albany, Sabrina spent her undergrad years working as a marketing intern and executive assistant, where she helped manage projects, coordinate events and organize website content. After graduating in 2018, Sabrina honed her skills in client services and project management at places like Ameriprise and the NYS Office of General Services, before joining the Underscore team.  

Headshot of Director of Partner Success Brenna Burke

Ansley Donaldson

Account Manager

Ansley Donaldson

Ansley Donaldson

Account Manager

The Go Getter. If there’s one word we’d never use to describe Ansley Donaldson, it would be unenthusiastic. As a recent communications studies graduate from Appalachian State University, Ansley has been able to dip her toes into many different areas of communication, from organizational to intercultural to her personal favorite, interpersonal. With a passion for relationship building and collaboration, Ansley is ready to serve as her clients’ right-hand woman, keeping them on track, organized and ready for just about anything.

Headshot of Director of Partner Success Brenna Burke

Heather Lockhart-Neff

Project Manager

Heather Lockhart-Neff

Heather Lockhart-Neff

Project Manager

Headshot of Director of Partner Success Brenna Burke

Casey Fountain

Account Manager

Casey Fountain

Casey Fountain

Account Manager

Headshot of Director of Partner Success Brenna Burke

Kendall Bode

Project Manager

Kendall Bode

Kendall Bode

Project Manager

Headshot of Director of Partner Success Brenna Burke

Bri Broomfield

Account Manager

Bri Broomfield

Bri Broomfield

Account Manager

Headshot of Director of Partner Success Brenna Burke

Hannah Krause

Project Manager

Hannah Krause

Hannah Krause

Project Manager

Headshot of Director of Partner Success Brenna Burke

Mary Doyle

Account Manager

Mary Doyle

Mary Doyle

Account Manager

Headshot of Director of Partner Success Brenna Burke

Maureen Owens

Account Manager

Maureen Owens

Maureen Owens

Account Manager

Headshot of Director of Partner Success Brenna Burke

Molly Hovden

Account Manager

Molly Hovden

Molly Hovden

Account Manager

As an Account Manager, Molly Hovden serves as the day-to-day point of contact and main communication liaison between clients and Underscore’s internal teams. She manages print, email, and digital communications plans through the coordination of project information and timelines as well as cross-divisional collaboration. Her educational background and prior student affairs roles have uniquely positioned her to be a passionate storyteller and relationship builder who takes great joy in creating the best possible experience for our clients.

Headshot of Director of Partner Success Brenna Burke

Ashton Hopkins

Carnegie Development Trainee

Ashton Hopkins

Ashton Hopkins

Carnegie Development Trainee

Headshot of Director of Partner Success Brenna Burke

Laura Rosenberg

Account Manager

Laura Rosenberg

Laura Rosenberg

Account Manager

Creative

Headshot of VP of Creative Ashlie Perry

Nina Antekeier

Senior Graphic Designer

Nina Antekeier

Nina Antekeier

Senior Graphic Designer

The #1 fan. From designing for your favorite NCAA sports to helping educational institutions across the nation stand out from the crowd, Nina is every university brand’s biggest fan. Whether she’s working on a big or small project, nothing excites her more than showing the world what an institution has to offer. Her experience in fan-engagement and athletics’promotion has given her the know-how to create engaging, beautiful pieces that best represent each brand in a simple, enticing, and professional way.  

Headshot of VP of Creative Ashlie Perry

Jess Dyer

Senior Copywriter and Content Manager

Jess Dyer

Jess Dyer

Senior Copywriter and Content Manager

Headshot of VP of Creative Ashlie Perry

Lizzie Sall

Copywriter

Lizzie Sall

Lizzie Sall

Copywriter

The wordsmith. Lizzie has always had a passion for writing. What started out as short stories scribbled on construction paper as a child hast urned into a portfolio of stories in various mediums. With a bachelor’s in creative writing and soon-to-be master’s in English from Western Michigan University, Lizzie brings a wealth of writing, editorial, tutoring and teaching experience to Underscore’s creative team. When she’s not busy putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard), you can find Elizabeth taking nature photos with her husband or watching The Office for the hundredth time.

Headshot of VP of Creative Ashlie Perry

Kelsey Berry

Senior Graphic Designer

Kelsey Berry

Kelsey Berry

Senior Graphic Designer

Prior to joining Underscore, Kelsey worked at Georgetown College as the Director of Design and Branding. In her previous role, she managed Georgetown College's visual branding and designed all college materials, including the GC Alumni magazine each semester. Kelsey has over 10 years of experience in graphic design, marketing and branding; and is passionate about using her talents to support higher education.

Headshot of VP of Creative Ashlie Perry

Ellen Seaward

Copywriter

Ellen Seaward

Ellen Seaward

Copywriter

As a copywriter, Ellen plays an essential role in the execution of creative projects, including writing email campaigns, editing and fact checking, reviewing campaign effectiveness, and ensuring brand tone and voice. Ellen is passionate about connecting students and families to education and as a creative at heart, immensely enjoys writing for a variety of audiences and clients.

Headshot of VP of Creative Ashlie Perry

Alison Gillaspie

Copywriter

Alison Gillaspie

Alison Gillaspie

Copywriter

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Let's work together.

If you are ready to get started on your next Slate project or are interested in learning more about Carnegie's Slate Optimization services, please get in touch.