THIBODAUX, La. – EdSights honored Nicholls State University and four other institutions with the PERSIST 2023 Awards at the close of its PERSIST Summit in New York City. Nicholls was recognized with the Rising Star award for showcasing a profound understanding of EdSights’ software, utilizing it for outreach, student engagement and to complement data from their case management tool.
The Rising Star Award recognizes newer partners who have been with EdSights for less than a year and are already demonstrating promising workflow approaches, a deep understanding of the product, phenomenal outcomes and a true dedication to student success. Nicholls launched Tillou, an AI chatbot, in January 2023. EdSights built Tillou based on research of student success and retention. Since Nicholls already had a strong culture focused on student support and retention, Tillou and EdSights were a great fit.
“Nicholls has been focused on improving student success and retention. EdSights provided the perfect software to our toolkit to improve communication and relationships with students. Tillou helps students to engage with campus resources to ensure their success,” said Renee Hicks, Nicholls assistant vice president of Institutional Effectiveness, Access and Success.
Tillou is a behaviorally smart SMS chatbot that checks in with students about their experiences at Nicholls in order to support and engage them, reaching out at key points in the semester to help students be successful and make the most of their college experience. Tillou is available to students 24/7 through text or the Nicholls website to answer any questions about Nicholls.
Tillou is a way to open communication with students so Nicholls’ faculty, staff and administration can better serve them. Nicholls utilizes its Tillou chatbot intentionally for current undergraduate and prospective student populations, allowing its faculty, staff and administration to support students efficiently and effectively, strengthening the university’s persistence and retention efforts. The program has helped the university support students, answer their questions and communicate important information throughout the school year, creating an avenue for student feedback and a virtual community.
To learn more, visit www.nicholls.edu/irep/.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 14, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Suire
Media Relations & Publications Coordinator,
985.448.4141 or payton.suire@nicholls.edu
