The Higher Ed Marketer

Breaking Silos: Aligning Academics, Enrollment, and Innovation

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:34:10 +0000

Silos are one of the biggest barriers to growth in higher education, yet they persist across academics, enrollment, and marketing. Dale Lemke, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Tabor College, brings a refreshing, collaborative perspective shaped by experience in both faculty and leadership roles. He shares how institutions can move from isolation to alignment by fostering intentional relationships, embracing shared ownership, and staying anchored to mission while navigating change.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘 Breaking down silos between academics, enrollment, and marketing

🔘 Why faculty should adopt a learner mindset across departments

🔘 How to evaluate and evolve academic program portfolios

🔘 The human side of making difficult program decisions

🔘 Creating space for innovation while staying mission-aligned

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Episode Highlights

02:50 – From faculty to collaborator, shifting perspective on enrollment and marketing

07:05 – Why silos exist and how leaders can begin bridging the gap

12:09 – What healthy collaboration actually looks like across teams

16:12 – Why market demand must shape academic offerings

22:58 – Navigating AI in the classroom and institutional strategy

26:16 – How marketing and enrollment can influence what gets built next

29:06 – A simple but powerful step to start collaborating today

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Why Higher Ed Leaders Must Think Like CEOs

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:03:00 +0000

Deep Gratitude for Troy Singer: Bart has an important announcement. Our beloved co-host Troy Singer is stepping into a new opportunity after nearly six years and almost 250 episodes of co-hosting The Higher Ed Marketer podcast. Bart and the entire team at The Higher Ed Marketer are beyond grateful for Troy and wish him the very best.

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Special Fan Favorite Episode: In this reply conversation, Eric Hogue, President of Colorado Christian University, offers a bold perspective on leadership that challenges traditional thinking and calls institutions to rethink how they operate, fund their mission, and prepare for what’s ahead as financial pressures continue to rise.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Why adopting a CEO mindset is critical for institutional survival

🔘The role of net tuition revenue in long-term sustainability

🔘How to approach donor relationships as strategic partnerships

🔘Building a multi-year strategy for growth and innovation

🔘Creating a distinct institutional identity that attracts the right students and supporters
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Episode Highlights

--Why higher ed presidents must think like CEOs

--A donor-centric approach that prioritizes input over asking

--A three-part strategy for sustainable growth

--Where transformation starts, aligning with your board chair

--The power of building relationships, not just networks

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Launching a Brand New Website While Being New To Higher Education

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:05:00 +0000

What happens when a university website becomes a cluttered “junk drawer” instead of a clear, welcoming first impression? Paul Garner, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Western Carolina University, shares how his team transformed a confusing, overloaded website into a true digital front door that reflects the student experience and institutional story. This conversation unpacks how thoughtful leadership, trust, and alignment can turn a fragmented digital presence into something purposeful, intuitive, and mission-driven.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘 Why "attention is king" in modern higher ed marketing

🔘 Lessons from transitioning into higher ed from the private sector

🔘 Building trust across campus before launching major iniatives

🔘Navigating website redesigns as change management, not just tech projects

🔘 How to align stakeholders around a student-first digital experience.

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Episode Highlights

02:03 – Transitioning into higher ed and culture shock

07:20 – Building trust through presence and authenticity

10:06 – Why the website redesign was necessary

12:00 – The real challenge, people not technology

13:30 – Creating buy-in across campus stakeholders

15:35 – Moving to a student-first website strategy

22:00 – Leadership growth during major transitions

24:30 – Post-launch challenges and holding the line

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How Journalists Are Transforming Higher Ed Marketing

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:09:00 +0000

Drawing from their shared roots in journalism, Julia Ferrante and Rachel Colquitt reveal how storytelling, authenticity, and human connection are reshaping how institutions communicate, build trust, and inspire action in a rapidly changing landscape. Their conversation highlights how marketers can move beyond surface-level messaging to uncover deeper stories, create meaningful connections, and lead with clarity in an increasingly complex and AI-influenced world.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘 The transition from journalism to higher ed marketing and why it matters

🔘 How storytelling and qualitative research shape authentic brand voices

🔘 Why asking better questions leads to stronger marketing outcomes

🔘 Balancing AI adoption with human-centered communication

🔘 Strategies for gaining buy-in and leading brand change across campus

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Episode Highlights

03:10 – Why journalism naturally leads to purpose-driven higher ed work

07:40 – The most valuable journalism skills marketers should adopt

12:10 – How brand voice is shaped by audience perception and truth

19:50 – Building authentic brands through storytelling and culture shifts

33:20 – Advice for new marketers entering higher education

38:20 – Staying human in an AI-driven world

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Video First. Story Wins. Stop Avoiding Video.

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:11:00 +0000

Vince Slomsky, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Brand at the University of South Florida, brings a journalist’s mindset to university marketing, blending storytelling, data, and video strategy to create content that resonates with modern audiences. From leveraging YouTube as a discovery engine to empowering students as creators, his approach challenges the traditional marketing playbooks and encourages teams to think like media organizations.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘How a background in broadcast journalism shapes Vince's marketign approach

🔘Why video-first storytelling is a nonnegotiable for higher ed marketing teams

🔘The surprising rise of YouTube viewing on TV screens

🔘Practical ways to uncover authentic stories across campus

🔘How student creators can power a university’s content strategy

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Episode Highlights

00:45 – A surprising YouTube insight

02:45 – Vince’s journey from TV news reporter to higher ed marketing leader

09:24 – How universities can uncover powerful stories across campus

15:48 – Why higher ed teams must embrace a video-first mindset

22:30 – Letting students lead the way with YouTube Shorts and vertical video

41:00 – Why every institution can build a strong video strategy with the tools they already have

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How to Align Higher Education Marketing with Enrollment Growth

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:04:00 +0000

Enrollment decline rarely comes from a lack of effort. More often, it stems from misalignment. When marketing operates separately from enrollment strategy, even strong branding and storytelling can fail to move the needle. Live from the CCCU International Forum in Dallas, Stacey Berggren shares the candid journey of moving marketing under enrollment leadership at Northwest Nazarene University and rebuilding strategy after several years of decline.

From costly brand awareness campaigns that produced little measurable impact to restructuring teams, redefining priorities, and focusing on clear calls to action, this conversation unpacks what actually changes when marketing is held accountable to enrollment outcomes.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Why brand awareness alone does not drive enrollment growth

🔘The strategic decision to move marketing under enrollment leadership

🔘How to restructure a marketing team for recruitment impact

🔘When to outsource critical marketing functions

🔘Leading institutional change with vulnerability and clarity

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Episode Highlights

02:15 – Recognizing enrollment decline and calling for an outside assessment

08:05 – The limits of brand awareness without a call to action

14:10 – Moving marketing from advancement to enrollment

21:40 – Restructuring the team and adding digital expertise

33:05 – Navigating cabinet politics and leadership vulnerability

46:30 – Building and prioritizing a two-year tactical enrollment plan

57:50 – Advice for presidents and VPs facing marketing misalignment

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

46:30 – Building and prioritizing a two-year tactical enrollment plan

57:50 – Advice for presidents and VPs facing marketing misalignment

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Identity, AI and the Enrollment Advantages

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:03:00 +0000

A return home, a thriving enrollment team, and a bold vision for serving the Central Valley. Amanda Slaughter joins the podcast live from the CCCU International Forum to share why Fresno Pacific University is leaning into its identity as its greatest enrollment advantage. At a time when many institutions are scrambling to chase new markets, Fresno Pacific is doubling down on mission, community, and innovation. With 74 percent of students identifying as students of color, the university reflects the region it serves and backs that clarity with strategic use of AI to strengthen outcomes, messaging, and momentum.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Leading an enrollment team that is already exceeding goals

🔘Why institutional identity creates competitive advantage

🔘Marketing authentically as a Hispanic Serving Institution

🔘Engaging first-generation families with transparent financial conversations

🔘Using AI to multiply productivity and sharpen enrollment strategy

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Episode Highlights

02:15 – Amanda’s return to California and Fresno Pacific

06:40 – Stepping into a strong enrollment operation

11:05 – What 74 percent diversity means for recruitment strategy

18:30 – Reaching families who never thought college was possible

27:45 – AI as a force multiplier for enrollment leaders

35:20 – The future of personalized, data-informed strategy

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Why US News Rankings Still Matter in an AI-Driven College Search

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:02:00 +0000

As college search behavior shifts under the weight of AI, generative search, and growing skepticism about traditional signals, one question keeps surfacing for higher ed leaders. Do rankings still matter? In this conversation, Nate Mouttet of U.S. News and World Report unpacks the evolution of college rankings, the methodology behind them, and why they continue to function as a powerful trust signal for students, parents, and institutions. From data journalism roots to today’s AI-informed discovery environment, this episode connects rankings, visibility, and strategy in ways enrollment and marketing leaders cannot afford to ignore.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘How U.S. News college rankings were created and why they still shape decision-making

🔘What has changed in ranking methodology, including social mobility, outcomes, and test optional data

🔘Why trusted third-party platforms matter more in an AI and GEO landscape

🔘How institutions can use U.S. News profiles to amplify visibility and credibility

🔘The intersection of rankings, SEO, GEO, and AI-driven college search behavior

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Episode Highlights

02:39 – The origins of U.S. News rankings and the role of data journalism

06:35 – Methodology shifts, graduation rates, social mobility, and outcomes

09:27 – Why rankings remain a trusted signal for families and students

10:49 – How U.S. News helps institutions gain visibility beyond the rankings list

18:45 – U.S. News as a traffic driver and third-party credibility engine

21:37 – What student research behavior reveals about AI and college search

25:37 – The opportunities and risks AI creates for higher ed marketers

30:23 – Practical advice for aligning rankings, visibility, and AI today

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Breaking Down Silos and Telling More Human Stories in Higher Ed

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:04:00 +0000

Higher education is filled with meaningful work, but too often the stories that bring it to life stay hidden behind silos, safe messaging, and internal complexity. Kristen Eaton, Interim Vice President of External Relations at the University of Maine at Augusta, joins the podcast to share what she has learned transitioning from nonprofit fundraising into higher ed leadership. Drawing on her background in development and communications, Kristen explains why belief, trust, and authentic storytelling are essential across enrollment, advancement, and alumni relations. She offers a candid look at how institutions can connect people, teams, and messages across the full student lifecycle and tell stories that truly resonate.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘What higher ed can learn from nonprofit storytelling and relationship building

🔘Why belief and trust matter more than tactics in enrollment marketing

🔘How silos form across marketing, advancement, and alumni relations

🔘Practical ways to start working cross-functionally without overhauling everything

🔘Why authentic, human-centered storytelling resonates more than polished messaging

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Episode Highlights

01:41 – Parallels between nonprofit fundraising and higher ed marketing

03:48 – Key differences, scale, stakeholders, and complex audiences

07:38 – Using impact storytelling across enrollment, alumni, and donors

10:12 – Practical and relational strategies for breaking down silos

14:32 – The risk of disconnected messaging across the student lifecycle

18:45 – Starting small with cross-functional collaboration

22:26 – Marketing with humanity and rejecting safe, generic imagery

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Boldness, Relationships, and the Heart of Fundraising Leadership

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:03:00 +0000

Terry Munday, former vice president for advancement at Indiana Wesleyan University, brings a candid and experience-driven perspective to the realities of fundraising and advancement leadership. Drawing from more than 35 years in higher education, Terry shares what he learned by sitting knee to knee with donors, navigating early career uncertainty, and building systems that sustained generosity over time. This conversation focuses on the discipline of relationship-building, the leadership habits that matter most in advancement, and why patience, consistency, and trust are essential to long-term fundraising success.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘How Terry transitioned into advancement leadership without formal fundraising training

🔘What decades of donor relationships reveal about trust & timing

🔘Why effective fundraising depends more on consistency than charisma

🔘Leadership habits that separate sustainable advancement programs

🔘How to navigate early-career pressure, uncertainty, and credibility gaps

🔘The strategic role of the annual fund in building future major and planned gifts

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Episode Highlights

02:02 Learning fundraising by doing it and why early discomfort matters

07:34 The discipline of relationship-building and why assumptions derail trust

10:17 What donor behavior teaches leaders about patience and stewardship

15:27 Why successful fundraising careers are built over decades, not cycles

27:37 Managing ego, rejection, and momentum in early fundraising years

32:15 How the annual fund supports institutional flexibility and growth

36:53 Turning routine donor outreach into long-term institutional impact

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Bart Caylor’s New Book For All Higher Ed Leaders: Know What You Don’t Know

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Recorded live at the CCCU International Forum 2026

In this special episode, Zach Coffin sits down with Bart Caylor to dive into the heart of Bart’s brand-new book, Know What You Don't Know. They discuss why marketing literacy is no longer optional for the C-suite and how leaders can stop outsourcing judgment and start leading with curiosity. From the cautionary tale of a $1,200 keyword to reframing AI as "institutional electricity," Bart provides a wake-up call for leaders navigating the enrollment cliff and a rapidly shifting landscape.

Order Your Copy: Get the insights you need to lead with confidence. Purchase Know What You Don't Know on Amazon here:http://knowwhatyoudont.com/
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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Closing the literacy gap between leadership and marketing teams.

🔘Strategic AI adoption that accelerates human judgment rather than replacing it.

🔘Courageous decision-making rooted in data rather than tradition or ego.

🔘Optimizing the enrollment funnel to move beyond "static" recruitment tools

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.
To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The State of Christian Admissions and the Future of Enrollment Leadership

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:02:00 +0000

Big News: Bart’s new book “Know What You Don’t Know: What Every Higher Ed Leaders Needs to Understand About Marketing” releases Jan 30th.

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On today’s episode we are joined by Keith Ramsdell, the new president of the North American Coalition for Christian Admission Professionals (NACCAP). From mounting pressure and constant change to the growing importance of mission clarity and storytelling, Keith shares what he’s hearing from campuses across the country and what he believes will matter most in the years ahead. This episode explores how colleges can navigate uncertainty, support their teams well, and stay rooted in purpose while adapting to a rapidly shifting enrollment landscape.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘The current state of admissions and why the pressure feels different now

🔘Why mission clarity is outperforming mission dilution at Christian institutions

🔘What admissions teams are carrying emotionally, spiritually and professionally

🔘How graduate and adult enrollment is reshaping admissions structures

🔘The evolving role of NACCAP in supporting enrollment leaders.

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Episode Highlights

02:24 - A new level of pressure in admissions and why this season feels different

05:18 - Why leaning into mission is outperforming trying to be everything to everyone

09:02 - The emotional and spiritual weight admissions teams are carrying right now

11:45 - Why real student stories matter more than buildings, amenities, and facts

16:29 - How graduate and adult enrollment is reshaping admissions leadership

22:51 - Building trust with faculty and turning silos into partnerships

24:39 - What NACCAP is becoming and how it plans to serve leaders better

32:48 - The skills and mindsets admissions leaders need for what’s next

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Your Digital Front Door, Aligning Website Redesign With Strategy

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:16:00 +0000

Your website is not just a marketing asset, it is the front door to your institution. In this Season 8 premiere, Meaghan Milliorn shares how the University of Arkansas at Little Rock approached a massive website redesign with strategy, accessibility, and governance at the center. From reducing thousands of pages to aligning the site with institutional goals, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for higher ed marketers navigating complex digital ecosystems.

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🎧 What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Why your website is the most important marketing tool in higher education.

🔘How to align website redesigns with institutional strategic plans

🔘Managing content chaos across thousands of pages

🔘Building accessibility and governance into web strategy

🔘Measuring post-launch success beyond aesthetics

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Episode Highlights

02:13 – When the website stops working and the redesign becomes unavoidable

04:01 – The website as the digital front door with prospective students

06:49 – Letting institutional strategy, not trends, shape the redesign

10:04 – Convincing campus that this change actually matters

17:54 – Facing content chaos and deciding what truly belongs

21:12 – Building rules that protect the site after launch

25:29 – Proving the redesign worked through real student behavior

31:45 –Starting small when a full redesign feels out of reach

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Season 8 - Taking the Next Right Step

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:02:00 +0000

Season 8 of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast opens with encouragement for higher ed leaders entering a new year with both opportunity and uncertainty ahead. This season is grounded in the belief that progress does not require a perfect plan, only clarity, trust, and the willingness to move forward one step at a time. Through thoughtful conversations shaped by real leadership experience across higher education, Season 8 helps leaders ask better questions, avoid costly missteps, and stay aligned with mission as they work to reach the students they are called to serve.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Do Not Be Afraid: Merry Christmas from Caylor Solutions and The Higher Ed Marketer

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:03:00 +0000

As the year comes to a close, this short Christmas reflection offers a moment to slow down and take stock. Drawing from a familiar scene in A Charlie Brown Christmas, Zach Coffin reflects on fear, gratitude, and the tendency to hold tightly to control during demanding seasons of work and life. On behalf of Bart, Troy and the entire team at Caylor Solutions and The Higher Ed Marketer, we wish you a very merry Christmas.

The Higher Ed Marketer will be back in January with another fantastic season.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Rethinking Higher Ed Marketing Teams

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:19:00 +0000

A nimble, strategy-driven marketing team is no longer a luxury in higher ed, it is a necessity. Dave Gladson shares how Point Loma Nazarene University transformed from a fragmented, decentralized model into a unified marketing structure that has dramatically increased enrollment impact, strengthened team culture, and empowered staff to work with greater autonomy. From shifting budget structures to adopting hybrid work and embracing generative AI, Dave reveals how institutions can build systems that scale and teams that thrive.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘How Point Loma moved from decentralized chaos to a centralized, strategic marketing model

🔘Why restructuring budgets unlocked a 3.5x increase in enrollment conversion

🔘The realities and rewards of hybrid work in higher ed

🔘Practical ways teams can experiment with AI to accelerate creativity and efficiency

🔘How to build a culture that embraces autonomy, trust, and continuous improvement

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Inside the Episode

01:31 - What pushed Point Loma to centralize marketing

04:18 - How structural and budget changes reshaped the team

10:18 - Navigating misconceptions about centralized marketing

10:48 - Building a hybrid culture that actually works

19:21 - Why AI excites Dave and how it boosts creativity and efficiency

25:42 - Top advice for leaders restructuring marketing teams

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

___

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What’s Coming in 2026: Bart’s Higher Ed Marketing Predictions (It’s not all AI)

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:01:00 +0000

Higher education is heading into one of the most pivotal seasons in decades, and the signals for 2026 are already here. In this special conversation, Bart Caylor steps into the guest seat as Troy Singer and Zach Coffin (VP, The Higher Ed Marketer) guide a candid, energetic deep dive into the headwinds reshaping higher ed. From cultural shifts and AI acceleration to leadership courage and marketing agility, this episode opens the door to the real conversations happening behind the scenes in campus strategy rooms.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘The cultural and enrollment shifts accelerating change on campuses

🔘The Trades Cliff

🔘How AI can serve as a strategic tool rather than a novelty

🔘The rise of curiosity content, peer to peer influence, and authenticity

🔘Why generalists will define the next generation of marketing teams

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Inside the Episode

03:02 - What the strongest and weakest campuses are revealing about 2026

05:02 - Why friction, tradition, and fear create slow change in higher ed

11:23 - Three cultural and marketing trends shaping the 2026 landscape

15:32 - Why peer to peer storytelling and authenticity now outperform polished marketing

17:33 - The rise of the marketing generalist and what teams must look like moving forward

21:27 - Data informed vs. data driven, and why over analysis is costing schools momentum

23:41 - How trust, consistency, and lived brand experience fuel long term enrollment health

26:19 - The biggest underutilized opportunity in AI for 2026

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Stewarding a Legacy Brand in a Modern Higher Ed Landscape

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:05:00 +0000

What does it look like to lead marketing and strategy at an institution that spans education, media, and publishing? Sam Choy of Moody Bible Institute shares how he’s navigating brand evolution, cross-departmental leadership, and institutional clarity in the context of a nearly century-old Christian brand.

With experience in corporate marketing and international business, Sam brings a strategic lens to higher ed communications that resonates far beyond faith-based institutions. Whether you're guiding a team of five or 50, this conversation explores what it takes to align internal culture with external brand trust.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘Leading cross-functional teams across media, publishing, and education

🔘What makes an institution "brand mature"

🔘Tips for structuring clear strategic priorities

🔘How to evolve a legacy brand without losing trust

🔘Applying corporate marketing strategy to faith-based higher ed

🔘Aligning internal teams while building external reputation

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Inside the Episode

06:12 – Aligning legacy with strategy in a 100-year-old brand

10:09 – Why internal clarity precedes external trust

15:48 – How to shift from a reactive to proactive communications culture

20:05 – Cross-functional leadership tips from the corporate world

26:37 – What “brand maturity” really means in a higher ed context

38:15 – Advice for leaders navigating change inside legacy institutions

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Leading Through Systems, Stewardship, and Strategic Alignment

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:03:00 +0000

How do you lead with clarity when your work stretches across departments and expectations? Erick Klein, VP for Enrollment and Marketing at the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, shares the systems and habits that help him coach intentional teams, protect margin, and keep mission at the center. He explains how he builds alignment, develops young leaders, and strengthens trust across campus. If you lead in a fast-paced setting, this episode offers practical help and encouragement.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘How leaders can coach intentionality within their teams

🔘Measuring ROI on time and forming data-informed habits

🔘Building trust across departments through clear expectations

🔘Helping young professionals grow into emerging leaders

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Inside the Episode

06:56 – Finding systems that fit your wiring

16:10 – The role of mission in unifying high-performing teams

23:54 – Developing emerging leaders inside enrollment teams

27:24 – Cross-campus collaboration and its effect on enrollment

30:19 – Showing faculty how they contribute to recruitment

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Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Do More Better by Tim Challies
Who’s Got the Monkey? by William Oncken Jr.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Getting Things Done by David Allen
Books by Michael Hyatt
The AI Driven Leader by Geoff Woods

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

___

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

4 Big Things for 2026

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 05:08:00 +0000

A short update from Zach Coffin sharing four important things happening inside The Higher Ed Marketer.

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4 Big Things

Special Episode Dec 9th - Bart sits down with Troy and Zach to look into 2026 and what trends he sees coming in marketing in 2026. It’s not all AI.

Caylor Solutions GenAI Masterclass for Teams: Bart and Zach have taken almost 2000 higher ed professions through this 6hr AI Masterclass. Find out more at ai.caylor-sololutions.com

Welcome to The Biblical Higher Ed Podcast to The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Check out this fantastic podcast wherever you listen.

Bart’s New Book Drop Feb 2026.

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Know What You Don’t Know: What Every Higher Ed Leader Needs to Understand About Marketing by Bart E. Caylor

Today’s higher education landscape is louder, faster, and more complex than ever before. But you don’t need to become a marketing expert to lead your team with confidence. You just need to know enough to ask the right questions. This guide helps presidents, cabinet members, and advancement leaders build the literacy needed to evaluate marketing strategies, challenge assumptions, and make decisions that move today’s students from interest to enrollment. Based on real-world insight, decades of experience, and tactical clarity, this book is your field guide to leading through change and connecting with today’s students.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

___

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Eventful Branding: How to Turn Campus Events into Living Brand Stories

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:09:00 +0000

Every event tells a story, but only the most intentional ones help people feel your brand. At Biola University, Tracey Harrison, Vice President for Communications and Brand Marketing, is redefining what campus events can be through a framework called Eventful Branding. This philosophy turns events from logistical tasks into meaningful, mission-driven experiences that embody the heart of an institution.

Through storytelling, hospitality, and collaboration, universities can design moments that make guests feel seen, valued, and connected to something greater. Drawing from Biola’s innovative approach, this conversation explores how to transform everything from campus tours to groundbreaking ceremonies into living expressions of your brand identity. You’ll learn how to unite marketing and events under one story, foster emotional connection with Gen Z, and build brand belief through authentic, human-centered design.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘What Eventful Branding means and how to apply it across campus

🔘Creating immersive events that communicate mission through emotion

🔘Why hospitality is a marketing strategy, not just an act of service

🔘Building cross-departmental alignment through shared storytelling

🔘How to surprise and delight students with purpose and creativity

🔘Practical ideas for smaller institutions to elevate their event experience

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Inside the Episode

04:37 – Defining eventful branding and how it came to life at Biola

07:44 – How a film school groundbreaking became a storytelling moment

11:16 – Bringing “unreasonable hospitality” to higher ed

33:59 – How smaller schools can create big emotional impact

37:58 – Transforming campus visits into emotional brand experiences

46:48 – Building brand belief through meaningful human connection

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

___

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Rethinking Global Recruitment: Agility and Authentic AI

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:03:00 +0000

How do you grow international enrollment in a world defined by volatility, technology and shifting global dynamics? Randy Byers, Vice President for International Affairs at Dallas Baptist University, brings over 20 years of global education leadership to unpack what it takes to build sustainable, ethical, and agile international recruitment strategies.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Randy shares how institutions can move beyond short-term recruitment goals to create long-term cultural alignment and student success. From the misconceptions that derail global partnerships to the transformative potential of generative AI in communication and translation, he outlines a new vision for internationalization that balances innovation with integrity.

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Join Us As We Discuss

🔘Why "easy money" thinking has hurt international recruitment, and what to do instead.

🔘How to build authentic cross-cultural relationships that lead to trust and retention

🔘Where generative AI can enhance translation, evaluation and engagement (without losing humanity)

🔘The ethical implications of automation and the need for AI literacy in higher ed leadership

🔘Preparing globally minded graduates who value peace, humility and critical thinking

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Inside the Episode

02:29 - The biggest misconceptions about international recruitment

06:09 - Practical ways to build cross-cultural understanding on campus

08:42 - Global market shifts and why diversity of countries matter

12:51 - The role of AI in translation and personalized communication

17:40 - Ethics, transparency and "human in the loop" leadership

26:00 - Why technology must serve community, not replace it

34:11 - The next five years of global higher education

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

___

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Small Budgets, Big Impact: Marketing Beyond the Constraints

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 04:08:00 +0000

With rising competition and shrinking budgets, small colleges can feel squeezed out of the higher ed conversation. But Tom Kook, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Emmaus University, shares how thinking small can actually be a strategic advantage. From mission-first messaging to building nimble teams that punch above their weight, Tom unpacks how smaller institutions can thrive without trying to be everything to everyone.

Through creativity, collaboration, and clear focus, Tom reveals the high-impact strategies that help Emmaus stand out in a crowded market while staying true to its roots.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘How small colleges can leverage constraints to fuel innovation

🔘Why authenticity is the most powerful marketing tool

🔘Building cross-functional teams that are lean but high performing

🔘The role of brand clarity and internal buy-in

🔘Strategies to compete with large universities on a modest budget

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Inside the Episode

02:15 – Tom’s path from large institutions to a small college mission

06:52 – Why constraints create creative momentum

09:37 – Building a high-trust, cross-functional marketing team

13:21 – Translating mission into a distinct brand story

16:48 – Getting buy-in across campus for a unified brand strategy

19:42 – Practical tips for marketing with limited resources

27:45 – Advice for marketers trying to do more with less

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

___

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Leading in Niche Institutions: How being unique helps you stand out.

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Does your institution have a unique niche like Ringling College of Art and Design? For Dr. John Chopka, standing out in a niche starts with listening, builds on trust, and is fueled by storytelling. With more than 35 years of enrollment experience, Dr. Chopka shares practical strategies for recruiting in niche markets, managing institutional change, and creating momentum without losing mission.

From redefining outcomes through portfolio-based admissions to embracing servant leadership and transparency, this episode offers timely wisdom for leaders guiding campuses through growth, disruption, and transformation. Whether you serve at a faith-based college, an art school, or a liberal arts institution, these insights apply across the board.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘Recruiting and marketing in niche higher ed settings

🔘Why outcomes storytelling is more effective than stats alone

🔘The role of servant leadership in driving lasting change

🔘How to balance innovation with institutional identity

🔘Communicating transparently without losing optimism

🔘The importance of peer networks for professional resilience

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Inside the Episode

07:15 – How recruiting for niche institutions shapes marketing strategy

11:30 – Shattering the starving artist myth with storytelling

14:00 – Using experiences, not just facts, to engage Gen Z

20:10 – Prioritizing change with patience and servant leadership

25:30 – Staying grounded as a leader during uncertainty

27:40 – Communicating truthfully while building trust

32:40 – Why leaders should never go it alone

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

___

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

AI, Integrity, and the Next Generation of Learners

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:03:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education and each generation is approaching it differently. NYU’s Conor Grennan , alongside his Gen Z son, Finn, explores how AI is influencing academic integrity, workforce readiness, and the way students engage with learning.

Rather than approaching AI with fear or hype, Conor calls institutions to engage with it from a place of curiosity, conviction, and intentionality. This episode challenges assumptions and offers a hopeful, practical framework for integrating AI into both academic and personal formation.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘How AI is changing the way we teach, learn, and lead

🔘The role of discipleship in shaping tech ethics

🔘Why Gen Z students expect transparency, not perfection

🔘Creating campus-wide AI literacy with joy and curiosity

🔘Using storytelling to make tech feel less intimidating

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Inside the Episode

06:14 – What it means to disciple students in the age of AI

08:50 – The danger of seeing AI as “just a tool”

13:22 – How higher ed should position itself as a moral compass

16:09 – The three pillars of AI literacy at NYU Stern

30:03 – Faith, imagination, and the opportunity ahead

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

___

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Overcoming a 5 Million Dollar Financial Challenge by Rethinking Strategy

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:03:00 +0000

Higher ed is under pressure, and the clock is ticking for leaders to make bold, strategic moves. In this episode, Dr. Jamie Caridi shares how he helped Bethany College overcome deep financial challenges, rebuild trust, and launch a high-impact strategic plan. From reaching economic equilibrium to forming unexpected partnerships, Caridi unpacks a leadership playbook grounded in clarity, innovation, and courage.

This conversation is a practical roadmap for campus leaders looking to rethink planning cycles, enrollment strategy, and cross-sector collaboration in a rapidly shifting landscape.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘Why three-year strategic plans are the new standard

🔘Redefining economic equilibrium in small colleges

🔘How to stop chasing "more" and start choosing mission

🔘Building innovation cultures in tradition-bound spaces

🔘When partnerships become survival strategies

🔘The courageous leadership higher ed needs now

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Inside the Episode

08:34 – Fixing a $5M deficit and building economic equilibrium

11:00 – Calling out the “enrollment cliff” excuse

14:03 – What innovation really looks like in higher ed

17:47 – Start, Stop, Continue: Creating space for new ideas

21:18 – Why marketers must have a seat at the innovation table

25:21 – Building revenue-positive partnerships with former competitors

36:58 – Rethinking cost models and corporate partnerships

38:25 – Demand excellence, not perfection

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

___

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

A Higher Ed Comeback Story

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:39:00 +0000

When Dr. Dr. Amy Bragg Carey stepped into her role as president of Friends University, the institution was facing financial instability, mission drift, and uncertainty about its identity in Christian higher ed. Nearly a decade later, Friends has achieved record enrollment and reclaimed its Christian mission with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, Dr. Carey shares how small, consistent decisions have built trust, attracted donors, and re-centered the university on its founding values. From building student personas to implementing AI tools in recruitment, her leadership blends faith, data, and vision for the future.

🎧 Join us as we discuss:

Turning around a university in financial and mission crisis

Why small decisions shape institutional culture over time

Defining and articulating Christian identity in a diverse student body

Using student personas to inform recruitment

Leveraging AI for personalized marketing

Building trust as a new leader in times of change

🎙️ Inside the Episode

02:00 - Financial Challenges and Strategies

08:00 - Revitalizing the Christian Mission

15:00 - Building Trust and Transparency

21:00 - Strategic Marketing and Personas

27:00 - Maintaining Institutional Identity

33:00 - Leadership Insights and Future Opportunities

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs. To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Leading Consistent Brand Strategy Across 19 Campuses

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:15:00 +0000

How do you manage and elevate a brand across 19 campuses serving more than 200,000 students? In this episode, Kathie Fleck of Ivy Tech Community College shares how her team is building brand consistency across one of the largest community college systems in the country.

From messaging and segmentation to staff mentorship and innovation, Kathie unpacks what it takes to lead with trust, strategy, and a people-first mindset in a highly decentralized environment.

🎧Join us as we discuss:

Building brand consistency across multiple campuses

Why research and listening come before messaging

Strategies for audience-based segmentation at scale

Embracing calculated risks in higher ed marketing

Using AI and innovation to stretch budget and impact

The power of internal mentoring and cross-campus collaboration

🎙️ Inside the Episode

06:22 – Building Internal Assets for Brand Consistency

14:33 – Leading Change with a People-First Approach

24:17 – Segmenting by Audience, Not Region

27:20 – Innovating on a Budget: Testing New Channels

30:53 – Using AI to Scale Creative Output

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Turning Your Website Into a Recruitment Powerhouse

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:03:00 +0000

When Kesha Boyce Williams joined USC Upstate, she inherited an eight-year dream deferred: a much-needed website redesign. But rather than treat it as a technical update, she led with strategy, relationship-building, and storytelling to turn the university’s website into a true enrollment driver.

In this episode, Kesha shares how strategic leadership, cross-campus collaboration, and clear communication helped USC Upstate reimagine its digital presence. You’ll hear about the planning process, why outside expertise matters, and how to anchor web redesigns in data, user experience, and storytelling that moves prospective students to action.

🎧 Join us as we discuss:

Why websites should serve as your #1 enrollment tool

Lessons in change management and cross-campus collaboration

How storytelling connects prospective students to your brand

The importance of internal buy-in and executive leadership support

Practical advice for kicking off a website redesign the right way

🎙️ Inside the Episode

08:07 – Why Your Website Is Your Front Door

16:20 – Aligning Website Strategy With Enrollment Goals

18:40 – Embedding Storytelling Into Web Strategy

21:39 – Leadership Buy-In at Every Level

24:11 – 10 Practical Steps to Kick Off a Website Overhaul

35:52 – Collaboration Over Competition in Higher Ed

38:20 – Engage Students Early, Learn From Their Journey

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Leading a University Rebrand with Purpose

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 04:04:00 +0000

What does it take to lead a beloved institution through a name change without alienating stakeholders or losing sight of your values? In this episode, Dr. Mark Milioni, President of Mission University (formerly Baptist Bible College), shares the deeply intentional and strategic process behind one of higher ed’s most thoughtful rebrands.

Dr. Milioni walks us through the financial and cultural challenges he faced upon taking leadership, why a name change wasn’t a silver bullet but rather the culmination of a larger transformation, and how he balanced tradition with vision to roll out Mission University. From legal protections to faculty engagement, from strategic partnerships to athletics and student recruitment, you’ll hear how courage, clarity, and collaboration shaped every step.

🎧 Join us as we discuss:

Why rebranding requires courageous leadership, not just clever marketing
How to roll out a new name without losing your base
The role of partnerships in expanding program offerings
How athletics and enrollment align with institutional mission
The importance of external validation and legal groundwork

🎙️ Inside the Episode

02:15 - Mission Universities rebranding journey.

10:30 - Financial challenges and the initial state of the institution.

18:45 - The decision-making process behind the name change.

25:00 - Strategies for managing change and stakeholder engagement.

35:20 - The role of strategic partnerships in the transition.

45:10 - Athletics and its impact on the rebranding strategy.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Big Celebration and a Sneak Peep into Season 7

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:57:00 +0000

Fall is here and that means another great season of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast.

Sneak Peak into Season 7
50,000+ downloads...WHAT?!?!?
Thank you for helping shape this community.

Next week - Season 7 Launched.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Your Students Will Tell You Everything: Power Your Innovation by Listening

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:05:00 +0000

This is the final episode of our Enrollment Rx: Strategies to Fill Your Funnel, a four-part series focused on diagnosing and treating common enrollment pipeline challenges. As fall reveals how well your funnel is performing, we’ll help you optimize lead generation, nurture flows, and student engagement. Tune in for essential tactics and insights to boost enrollment outcomes this cycle.

Episode 217 - Originally aired April 2023

Dr Kim Krull retired from Butler Community College in February of 2024

Community colleges are the front door of higher education for hundreds of thousands of students annually. They may be smaller than their 4-year counterparts, but schools like Butler Community College are leading the charge in innovating classrooms and workforce development programs.

How are they doing it? It’s simple — by listening to students and their future employers and pivoting to their needs.

Butler’s former president, Dr. Kimberly Krull, and Director of College Relations and Marketing, Kelly Snedden, tell us how they’re committing to graduating each student in digital literacy.

Join us as we discuss:

– Powering “high-flex” classrooms with the tech of tomorrow (13:03)

– Getting students job-ready in workforce development programs (21:09)

– How Butler is addressing the demographic enrollment cliff (34:51)

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Putting AI Tools to Work for Your Marketing Team

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 04:05:00 +0000

This episode is number three in our Enrollment Rx: Strategies to Fill Your Funnel, a four-part series focused on diagnosing and treating common enrollment pipeline challenges. As fall reveals how well your funnel is performing, we’ll help you optimize lead generation, nurture flows, and student engagement. Tune in for essential tactics and insights to boost enrollment outcomes this cycle.

Episode 216 - Originally aired March 2024

Dave Hunt is now the Executive Creative Director at Old Dominion.

On November 30th, 2022, ChatGPT changed the world.

Just months before, Dave Hunt, now Executive Creative Director of Old Dominion, had been developing a large-scale email marketing campaign at another university.

Dave discovered that the months of work that went into creating it could all be done in minutes now. It hooked him into looking at how to use generative AI further to keep his new team at ODU doing the creative work instead of grunt work.

This episode will change the way you think about using generative AI with your team and how it can shape the marketing of your college or university.

Join Us As We Discuss

- Focusing on the tasks AI can’t do [8:32]

- Enhancing audience engagement with prospective students [22:38]

- The challenge of authenticity with Gen-Z and Gen Alpha [28:34]

- Achieving brand voice alignment when using AI [33:42]

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How to Leverage Student-Produced, Authentic Content

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 04:05:00 +0000

This episode (2 of 4) is part of Enrollment Rx: Strategies to Fill Your Funnel, a four-part series focused on diagnosing and treating common enrollment pipeline challenges. As fall reveals how well your funnel is performing, we’ll help you optimize lead generation, nurture flows, and student engagement. Tune in for essential tactics and insights to boost enrollment outcomes this cycle.

Episode 215 - Originally aired Feb 2022

Nate Jorgensen is now the Senior Director of Marketing at Miami University.

Sometimes when marketers get all gung-ho about creating work, especially content that looks “professional,” it can blur the authenticity of the message. Members of Gen Z (who have highly sensitive BS filters) can prefer content that’s imperfect.

In this episode, we spoke with Nate Jorgensen, Director of Marketing and Communications at the University of Cincinnati - College of Engineering and Applied Science, about when marketers do too much work and how to let their institutions sell themselves.

Join us as we discuss:

- Growing your institution’s footprint

- Authentic communication strategies

- How to use student-produced content that may not be all positive

- The impact of video: from Nate’s engineering video series to candid iPhone filming

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Speak With One Voice: Getting Students Involved in Enrollment Marketing

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 04:05:00 +0000

This episode (1 of 4) is part of Enrollment Rx: Strategies to Fill Your Funnel, a four-part series focused on diagnosing and treating common enrollment pipeline challenges. As fall reveals how well your funnel is performing, we’ll help you optimize lead generation, nurture flows, and student engagement. Tune in for essential tactics and insights to boost enrollment outcomes this cycle.

Episode 214 - Originally aired March 2023

Enrollment marketing teams face new challenges every day as they work tirelessly to attract prospective students. Despite those obstacles, Teresa MacGregor, Senior Vice President, Strategic Engagement & Enrollment at Jacksonville University, and her colleagues are celebrating increased first-time enrollment at their school. And it’s not just because of the campus’s beachfront view. They did it by actively engaging with their students on campus and encouraging them to share their stories with the community.

Teresa shares how her school’s administration is leading from the front to elevate the student experience.

Join us as we discuss:

Encouraging campus visits through a culture of storytelling (6:54)
An individualized approach to student recruitment (18:42)
The value narrative brewing around higher education (26:25)

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Scaling Connection: How Indiana University Builds Community Before Day One

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:45:00 +0000

Episode 213

ZeeMeeSummer Series - Week 4 of 4

In this episode, we talk with Sacha Thieme, Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Admissions at Indiana University Bloomington. Sacha shares how her team is rethinking student engagement long before day one on campus. From building community at scale to partnering across departments like First Year Experience, Sacha walks us through how IU is creating connection and clarity for thousands of students. She also dives into how data and digital tools are shaping a more intentional admissions experience, and what it takes to lead a team with purpose in an ever-changing enrollment landscape.

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ Great admissions leadership begins with listening and a deep understanding of the student journey.

✅ A clear, authentic institutional identity will help you stand out.
✅ Connection and belonging should begin well before students set foot on campus.

✅ The best strategies come from understanding student needs, not assumptions.

✅ Technology can enhance human touchpoints and community.

Join the Discussion:

03:04 Leading with Purpose in Higher Education

06:03 Empowering Admissions Teams

08:56 Building Community at Scale

11:44 Seamless Transitions for New Students

14:38 Leveraging Data and Technology in Admissions

20:36 Creating Meaningful Engagement

ZeeMee is the #1 student community app, used by millions worldwide. It’s where Gen-Z connects and where colleges drive 2x the apps, 3.6x the yield and half the melt.

ZeeMee analyzes tens of millions of data points on each student in real time, giving colleges access to the largest set of student behavior data and the most accurate predictive model in Higher Ed today.”

Join the movement at ZeeMee.com .

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Why Community is the New Conversion Tool in Higher Ed Marketing

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:22:35 +0000

ZeeMee Summer Series - Week 3 of 4

Building community is your new enrollment strategy. In this episode, Bart Caylor sits down with Vanessa Didyk, CEO of ZeeMee, to explore how student-driven community is transforming the enrollment funnel. Vanessa shares the story behind ZeeMee’s evolution and why today’s students crave authentic peer connections long before they set foot on campus. From real-time behavioral signals to predictive modeling, the conversation reveals how community engagement isn’t just a feel-good initiative, it's a strategic, data-backed tool that boosts yield, reduces melt, and lightens the load for enrollment teams. If you’re looking for smarter ways to connect with Gen Z and convert intent into action, ZeeMee is for you!

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ Build authentic student communities that naturally drive enrollment and engagement
✅ Use real-time behavioral signals to predict which students will apply, commit, or melt

✅ Ease staff workload by shifting early engagement to peer-driven, self-sustaining communities
✅ Treat community as a top-of-funnel strategy that delivers long-term yield results
✅ Start small with predictive data and still see measurable impact on enrollment goals

Join the Discussion:

02:02 The Evolution of ZeeMee as a community building too

05:25 Building Community Among Students

10:09 Understanding Behavioral Signals for Enrollment

14:40 The Impact of Recruitment Intelligence

17:58 Mitigating Melt Risks with Data

22:25 Community as a Top-of-Funnel Investment

ZeeMee is the #1 student community app, used by millions worldwide. It’s where Gen-Z connects and where colleges drive 2x the apps, 3.6x the yield and half the melt.

Join the movement at ZeeMee.com .

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Flipping the Funnel: How Direct Admissions is Redefining Enrollment Strategy

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 04:05:00 +0000

ZeeMeeSummer Series - Week 2

Episode 211

Dr. James Steen, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing at Houston Christian University, shares how his team is flipping the traditional admissions funnel on its head. We discuss the challenges facing enrollment leaders today, and why HCU launched a bold Guaranteed Admission Program to simplify access and better serve Gen Z students.

Dr. Steen unpacks how storytelling, early community-building, and the right use of technology (like ZeeMee) are helping students feel a sense of belonging before they ever set foot on campus. It’s a conversation filled with forward-thinking strategies for anyone looking to grow enrollment with purpose and humanity.

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ Why direct admission initiatives are becoming more prevalent in higher education

✅ How enrollment competition is intensifying, making it harder to maintain student numbers.

✅ Explore how the Guaranteed Admission Program simplifies enrollment for students.

✅ Why technology should enhance, not replace, personal relationships in enrollment.

✅ How incremental innovation can lead to significant improvements in enrollment strategies.

Join the Discussion:

03:04 - The Role of Innovation in Enrollment Management

08:54 - Guaranteed Admission Program: A New Approach

12:00 - Aligning with Gen Z Expectations

14:54 - Building Community Before Enrollment

20:57 - Leveraging Technology for Relationship Building

23:56 - 10,000 Students by 2030

ZeeMee is the #1 student community app, used by millions worldwide. It’s where Gen-Z connects and where colleges drive 2x the apps, 3.6x the yield and half the melt.

Join the movement at ZeeMee.com .

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Stop the Melt: Enrollment Innovation

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:04:00 +0000

Welcome to the ZeeMeeSummer Series!

Episode 210

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Dr. Jay Jacobs, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at the University of Vermont, shares how bold innovation and cross-campus collaboration are transforming the student journey. From launching the Vermont Pitch Challenge to building internal talent through the Emerging Leaders Academy, Dr. Jacobs outlines a vision for enrollment that’s strategic, student-centered, and digitally fluent. He also underscores the critical role of alignment between enrollment and marketing in driving institutional success.

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ Why innovation must be embedded in every aspect of enrollment strategy.

✅ How the Vermont Pitch Challenge supports brand-building.

✅ How redesigned orientation and retention programs improve student connection.

✅ Why developing internal talent matters and how to do it.

✅ Why platforms like ZeeMee enhance student belonging before they step on campus.

Join the Discussion:

02:53 Cultural Shift Towards Innovation

06:01 Change Management in Higher Education

08:44 Redesigning Orientation and Retention Programs

11:56 The Vermont Pitch Challenge

26:07 Aligning Enrollment Leadership and Marketing

31:14 Building Synergy Between Marketing and Enrollment

36:07 Emerging Leaders Academy: Developing Internal Talent

ZeeMee is the student community platform that’s been shaping enrollment for over a decade. After 10 years of creating authentic student engagement, and analyzing student actions, ZeeMee knows exactly what signals lead to enrollment and they’re bringing that data to colleges to help prioritize the right students and drive real results. Students on ZeeMee are 2x more likely to apply, 3.5x more likely to commit, and 50% less likely to melt.

Join the movement at ZeeMee.com.

–

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Hot Topics, Cool Guests: What's Happening this Summer Around The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:12:00 +0000

The Higher Ed Marketer is heating things up this summer with a special series you won’t want to miss. Powered by our friends at ZeeMee!

We’re bringing you four fresh episodes featuring standout voices in higher ed: Jay Jacobs (University of Vermont), James Steen (Houston Christian University), Sacha Thieme (Indiana University Bloomington), and ZeeMee CEO, Vanessa Didyk. Whether you’re lakeside relaxing or road-tripping to recruit, these episodes are your perfect summer companion.

We’ll dive deep into the challenge of summer melt and explore the digital “watering holes” where your mission-fit students are already gathering.

Tune in each week this July to help you boost engagement and drive enrollment. Starting next week!

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Building Spiritual Infrastructure: Minder of the Mission

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 02:52:31 +0000

The Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 209 (4 of 4)
In the last episode of the Higher Ed Marketer podcast's Faith Leaders Series we speak with Dondi Costin, president of Liberty University, about the intersection of Christian faith and higher education. They discuss the importance of leadership in maintaining the mission of the university, the role of spiritual formation in education, and the need for clarity in mission to avoid drift. Costin shares insights from his military background and chaplaincy, emphasizing the significance of balancing mission and people in leadership. The conversation also touches on the infrastructure needed for spiritual growth and the hope for the next generation of leaders in Christian education.

🎧 Listen to Learn:
✅ Great leaders “mind the mission” through people and process

✅ Spiritual formation requires intentionality at all levels

✅ The G.R.A.C.E of a college President.

✅ Why personally engaging students matters for executive leadership

✅ The future of Christian higher ed is bright

Join the Discussion:

02:08 - Minding the Mission: Leadership Insights

08:02 - Why Spiritual Formation should be central to Higher Education

12:24 - Building Spiritual Infrastructure at Liberty

24:26 - The Future of Christian Education is bright

30:00 - Hope for the Next Generation of students and leaders

The Faith Leaders Mini-Series is sponsored by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, an organization serving over 158 faith-based institutions, 72,000 across North America. ABHE seeks to Advance Biblical Higher Education for Kingdom Impact. Learn more at ABHE.org.

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Affordable Faith: Rethinking the Cost and Impact of Christian Higher Ed

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 208 (3 of 4)

In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor and Zach Coffin (VP of The Higher Ed Marketer and Pastor) explore the intersection of faith and higher education. Each week they engage in meaningful conversations with Christian higher ed leaders from across the country.

In this week's episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Dr. David Hoag, President of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), joins us to unpack the real story behind Christian higher education in 2025. From rising enrollment to the power of mission clarity, Dr. Hoag discusses how faith-based institutions are thriving by boldly embracing their identity. He breaks down affordability myths by revealing the average tuition and surprising discount rates, and shares how CCCU is advocating on Capitol Hill for policies that protect religious liberty and financial accessibility. Through strategic collaboration, courageous leadership, and a renewed commitment to the whole student, Christian colleges are proving to be more essential and more accessible than many believe.

🎧 Listen to Learn:
✅ How mission boldness is fueling enrollment growth across Christian colleges.

✅ Why Christian higher education is often more affordable than families realize.

✅ The role CCCU plays in defending religious liberty through advocacy in Washington, D.C.

✅ What makes thriving Christian campuses different from those that are struggling.

✅ How strategic collaboration and bold leadership are shaping the future of faith-based institutions.

Join the Discussion:

03:21 - Current State of Christian Higher Education

07:32 - Defining Factors for Thriving Institutions

14:37 - Misconceptions About Christian Education

17:25 - Affordability of Christian Higher Education

18:08 - CCCU's Priorities and Support for Members

22:53 - Advocacy Work in Washington, D.C.

29:35 - Engaging with Local Representatives

32:03 - Hope for the Future of Christian Education

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player. The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Calling to Recruit: Why Faith Still Matters in Higher Ed Marketing

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 207 (2 of 4)

This week they’re joined by Dr. Phil Cook, President of the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP). With over 30 years of experience in enrollment and leadership, Phil shares how Christian colleges can balance performance with purpose—navigating enrollment pressures while staying rooted in mission and faith.

The conversation explores the role of spiritual authenticity in the recruitment journey, the growing importance of clarity in institutional identity, and how Christian colleges can respond strategically to cultural, technological, and generational shifts in 2025.

🎧 Listen to Learn:
✅ Why mission-fit matters more than ever in a competitive admissions landscape
✅ How “real recognizes real” is the new rule of enrollment marketing
✅ Why direct admissions and digital strategies aren’t enough without authenticity
✅ How Christian colleges can lead in a world shaped by AI and rising skepticism

Join the Discussion:
03:15 What is NACCAP and Who Does It Serve?
05:05 Mission-Driven Enrollment and Data-Driven Metrics
08:22 The Evolving Role of Faith in the Admissions Funnel
12:35 Real Recognizes Real: Why Authenticity Wins
16:25 How to Equip Staff for Faith-Centered, Relational Recruitment
25:15 The Role of Community in a Post-AI Admissions Landscape
31:56 What Keeps Christian Higher Ed Leaders Up at Night
34:32 Final Thoughts: Work While You Wait, Worship as You Lead

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player. The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The State of Christian Higher Ed: Opportunities, Challenges, and a Path Forward

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 04:21:00 +0000

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 206 (1 of 4)

In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor and Zach Coffin (VP of The Higher Ed Marketer) explore the intersection of faith and higher education. Each week of this series they have thoughtful discussions with a Christian Higher Ed leader from across the country.

This week they are joined by Dr. Philip Dearborn, President of The Association for Biblical Higher Ed (ABHE). Philip unpacks the evolving landscape of Christian higher education, emphasizing the importance of community, leadership, and adapting to change. He shares insights on the challenges faced by institutions, the unique value of discipleship, and the opportunities presented by AI and competency-based education. The conversation highlights the need for self-awareness in leadership and the importance of embracing generational differences to foster collaboration and innovation in education.

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ Higher education is not the same that it was 15 years ago.

✅ It’s time we embrace flourishing, not just survival.

✅ We need to learn to listen cross-generationally to thrive in the future.

✅ As more people embrace AI, Christian campuses can be a leader for human connection.

Join the Discussion:

03:00 Understanding ABHE: A New Era in Biblical Higher Education

05:58 Challenges in Christian Higher Education: A Race to the Bottom

09:01 The Unique Value of Community in Christian Higher Ed

11:57 Opportunities for Growth: Navigating Change in Higher Education

18:07 Leadership and Self-Awareness: Understanding Your Role

20:59 Generational Dynamics: Bridging the Gap in Education

23:47 Competency-Based Education: Tailoring Learning to Individual Needs

26:48 Harnessing AI: Transforming Online Education

29:58 The Future of Leadership: Embracing Change and Innovation

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Faith Leaders Mini-Series Next Week

Tue, 27 May 2025 04:38:00 +0000

We’re thrilled to announce the Faith Leaders Mini Series—a special four-week series of episodes focused on the unique opportunities, challenges, and innovations within Christian higher education.

Hosted by Bart Caylor and joined by guest co-host Zach Coffin, VP of The Higher Ed Marketer, this series features conversations with influential leaders from across the country and around the world. Together, they explore how faith and mission shape enrollment, advancement, leadership, and campus culture. Whether you serve in a faith-based institution or simply are curious about this unique perspective, these conversations blend rich insights with practical wisdom for your day-to-day work.

And the summer at The Higher Ed Marketer is just getting started.

We’ve got an incredible summer lineup ahead—packed with the latest marketing trends, real-world strategies, and fresh inspiration to help you gear up for a strong fall. With new voices, bold ideas, and a spirit of optimism, this is the perfect season to stay plugged in.

Sneak Peak at the Summer of The Higher Ed Marketer:

Faith Leader Mini-Series
Zeemee Summer Series
Best of Series
Season 7 drops September

➡️ Subscribe now, leave us a review, and connect with us on LinkedIn so you don’t miss a moment.

The Faith Leaders Mini Series kicks off next week!

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Lessons from a Rookie VP Navigating Higher Education Marketing: Endurance, Storytelling, and Enrollment

Tue, 20 May 2025 04:05:00 +0000

In this conversation, Jeff Salyer, shares insights from his recent transition into Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Lee University. He draws parallels between ultra running and the challenges of enrollment, emphasizing the need for effective communication and listening to stakeholders. Jeff also highlights the significance of engaging with external partners and the power of storytelling in shaping the university's brand and connecting with prospective students.

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅Enrollment is a long game — it takes endurance, not quick wins.

✅Storytelling helps students see themselves in your institution’s journey.

✅Video is one of the most effective ways to connect with prospective students.

✅Authentic communication matters more to students than polished marketing.

✅Listening to your campus and community builds better strategy.

Join the Discussion:

02:47 Leadership Surprises in Higher Education

05:52 The Endurance of Enrollment: An Ultra Runner's Perspective

11:56 Engaging with External Partners

15:05 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing

18:00 Rhetoric and Storytelling: Insights from Pixar

20:57 Innovative Use of Video in Higher Education

26:05 Building Community Through Digital Platforms

32:25 Leadership Insights for Enrollment Marketing

Today’s episode is sponsored by ZeeMee—the student community platform that’s been shaping enrollment for over a decade. After 10 years of creating authentic student engagement, and analyzing student actions, ZeeMee knows exactly what signals lead to enrollment—and they’re bringing that data to colleges to help prioritize the right students and drive real results.

Students open ZeeMee an average of 13 times a day, making it the place where Gen-Z finds friends, explores colleges, and builds a sense of belonging—before they ever step on campus. And it works: students on ZeeMee are 2x more likely to apply, 3.5x more likely to commit, and 50% less likely to melt.

Ready to make recruitment smarter and more effective? Join the movement at ZeeMee.com.

–

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Next Week: What Higher Ed Marketing Can Learn from Ultra Running

Tue, 13 May 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Bonus Episode Alert 🚨
We’re closing out Season 6 with something special. In next week’s bonus episode, Dr. Jeff Salyer—VP for Enrollment and Marketing at Lee University—joins us to talk about endurance, storytelling, and the future of student engagement.

This short update from Zach Coffin, VP of The Higher Ed Marketer, includes a sneak peek of what’s ahead.

Shoutout to our friends at ZeeMee for making this bonus episode possible.

Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it!
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Bonus Episode is sponsored by ZeeMee—the student community platform that’s been shaping enrollment for over a decade. After 10 years of creating authentic student engagement, and analyzing student actions, ZeeMee knows exactly what signals lead to enrollment—and they’re bringing that data to colleges to help prioritize the right students and drive real results.

Ready to make recruitment smarter and more effective? Join the movement at ZeeMee.com.

Sneak Peak at the Summer of The Higher Ed Marketer:

Faith Leader Mini-Series
Zeemee Summer Series
Best of Series
Season 7 drops September

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Forged in Crisis: How Higher Ed Leaders Turn Adversity into Strength

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Season 6 - Episode 204

In this episode, Dr. Gayle D. Beebe, President of Westmont College, joins us for a candid conversation about leading through adversity and staying anchored in mission when everything feels uncertain. Drawing from more than 30 years in higher education — and nearly two decades as a college president — Dr. Beebe shares hard-won insights on how character, emotional intelligence, and moral clarity shape resilient leadership. We dive into his early “crucible moments,” the strategies that helped him lead through crisis, and how institutions can remain both mission-driven and future-ready — even as technologies like AI reshape the landscape.

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅What staying true to your mission looks like when budgets are tight and pressure is high.

✅What it means to lead with courage as AI reshapes the higher ed landscape.

✅Why character is foundational to effective leadership — especially in moments of crisis.
✅How emotional intelligence and self-awareness build resilience in high-stakes situations.
✅How moral knowledge helps leaders make tough decisions with clarity and integrity.
✅Why regular reflection isn’t just personal — it’s strategic for institutional leadership.

Join the Discussion:

02:00 - Exploring Leadership Lessons from History

03:06 - A Journey into Higher Education Leadership

06:07 - Navigating BIG Challenges in Leadership

09:50 - How to Stay True to Mission During Crisis

12:57 - Preparing for the Future of Higher Education Leadership

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Scaling AI in Higher Ed – Lessons from ASU’s AI Integration

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Season 6 - Episode 203

In this episode, we sit down with Tina Miller from Arizona State University to explore how ASU is boldly embracing AI—not just as a tool, but as a campus-wide transformation strategy. We also dig into their groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI and the creation of ChatGPT EDU, a major step toward reshaping how students and educators interact with AI. Tina unpacks the difference between AI literacy and fluency, and why both matter for preparing students for the future workforce. From building a “digital twin” of the university to deploying custom GPTs that empower leadership, Tina shares how ASU is weaving AI into the fabric of operations, learning, and faculty engagement.

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ Custom GPTs can enhance communication and efficiency for university leadership

✅ How students can benefit from immersive learning experiences with the help of AI

✅ AI literacy is different from AI fluency

✅ Effective AI adoption thrives in a team culture built on shared learning and practice.

✅ A practical, comprehensive plan for your entire university to embrace AI.

✅ The details behind ASU’s groundbreaking collaboration with OpenAI

Join the Discussion:

03:07 AI's Impact on Learning and Operations

04:58 Engaging Faculty and Staff in AI Integration

08:36 Creating a Digital Twin for Enhanced Learning

13:20 Utilizing Custom GPTs for Leadership Support

14:22 Partnership with OpenAI and ChatGPT EDU

19:34 Strategies for Scaling AI Initiatives Across Departments

35:05 Principled Innovation in AI

36:09 Literacy vs. Fluency in AI Usage

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Crisis Communication Strategies for Universities

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 11:41:30 +0000

Season 6 - Episode 202

Is your university truly prepared for a crisis—and is that plan ready to activate when it matters most? In this conversation, Mike Thomas, Vice President for Integrated Marketing Communications at Pepperdine University, explores the vital role of gratitude, crisis communication, and the Emergency Operations Committee in navigating crises like wildfires. He underscores the power of authentic brand messaging and the university’s deep commitment to caring for its students in times of crisis. The discussion also highlights the importance of a EOC team, active community engagement, and the hopeful role a well-defined crisis communication plan can play in keeping people informed and connected during emergencies.

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ Why crisis communication is essential for community safety and reassurance.

✅ How the Emergency Operations Committee plays a crucial role in crisis preparedness.

✅ Effective communication should address both physical and emotional safety.

✅ Social media can be a powerful tool for community engagement during crises.

✅Transparency in communication fosters trust within the community.

Join the Discussion:

03:02 Crisis Communication and Community Response

06:04 Emergency Operations Committee: Preparedness and Execution

09:05 The Importance of Communication in Crisis

12:04 Building a Culture of Safety and Transparency

14:58 Leveraging Social Media for Community Engagement

23:52 Authenticity in Brand Messaging

26:56 Metrics for Measuring Brand Effectiveness

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Reclaiming Relevance: How Higher Ed Marketing Can Reconnect with a Changing World

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Season 6 - Episode 201

In this episode, Carol Keese, VP and CMP at University of Oregon, challenges traditional higher ed marketing norms and invites institutions to let go of exclusivity and lean into authenticity. Drawing on her extensive experience, she unpacks how colleges and universities can better communicate their value by focusing on accessibility, data-informed strategy, and real-world relevance. Carol also explores the power of student influencers, the role of pop culture in brand storytelling, and the lessons higher ed marketers can borrow from top consumer brands.

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ Why elitism no longer resonates with today’s students

✅ How to redefine the value of higher ed around social mobility
✅ Ways to use data to shape more effective marketing strategies
✅ The benefits of engaging with pop culture and student influencers
✅ How consumer brand tactics can be adapted for higher ed
✅ Why now is the perfect time to rethink your institution’s brand story

Join the Discussion:

03:04 - The Changing Landscape of Higher Ed Marketing

06:13 - Understanding the Value Proposition of Higher Education

08:58 - The Role of Data in Higher Ed Marketing

11:51 - Marketing that Matters: Breaking the Mold

15:10 - Engaging with Popular Culture

18:03 - Leveraging Student Voices and Influencers

20:59 - Lessons from Consumer Brands

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Rebranding a Giant — Ethan Braden’s Bold Vision for Texas A&M

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Season 6 - Episode 200

What happens when one of the most respected voices in higher ed marketing takes on one of the country’s largest and most tradition-rich institutions? In our 200th episode, Ethan Braden shares his bold vision for Texas A&M University—why he said yes to the role, how he’s reimagining its brand on a national scale, and what it takes to lead marketing at a university with 600,000 alumni and 80,000 students.

Ethan reveals how A&M is shifting from an internal story to a national narrative, how they turned a failed campaign into a 16-million-view success, and why the university’s core strength might just be its sense of belonging in an age of loneliness. From storytelling to strategy, this episode is packed with insights for any marketer looking to make a lasting impact.

Texan A&M Marketing and Engagement Impact Report

Impact Report: https://marcomm.tamu.edu/2024-impact-report/

New Stories Website https://stories.tamu.edu/

🎧 Listen to Learn

✅Why Texas A&M.

✅How to shift a university brand from regional pride to national relevance

✅The secret behind a marketing video that jumped from 29K to 16M views

✅Why traditions aren’t barriers to innovation—they're assets for belonging
✅The role higher ed marketers must play in solving generational loneliness

Join the Discussion

00:00 – Welcome + Reflecting on Episode 1 with Ethan
03:10 – Why Ethan took the Texas A&M role and what drew him in
06:45 – From internal storytelling to a national brand strategy
11:30 – What a failed $700K commercial taught the A&M marketing team
15:40 – Turning traditions into tools for connection and belonging
20:15 – How General Mark Welsh is shaping leadership and communication at A&M
25:50 – Why “great citizens” matter more than great branding
30:20 – Ethan’s take on higher ed marketing in a time of societal detachment
35:40 – One bold prediction for the future of university branding

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player. The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Heart Over Hype: How Empathy-Driven Marketing Transforms Higher Ed

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 04:27:00 +0000

Season 6 - Episode 199

Is higher ed marketing building real connections, or just making a lot of noise? We sit down with Jaime Hunt, Founder & President of Solve Higher Ed Marketing and author of the newly released Heart Over Hype, to explore how empathy-driven marketing can revolutionize the way universities engage with their audiences.

Jaime unpacks how schools can move beyond transactional messaging to create authentic, student-first marketing that truly resonates. We dive into the power of storytelling, the role of AI in personalization, and how to spot the disconnects in your marketing efforts. Plus, Jaime shares practical steps for building an audience-centered strategy that puts heart over hype.

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ Empathy-driven marketing focuses on student needs and feelings first.

✅ Storytelling creates stronger connections than facts and data.

✅ Marketing should be clear, accessible, and student-friendly.

✅ AI can enhance, not replace, human-centered marketing.

✅ Fix disconnects to create stronger, student-first strategies.

Join us as we discuss:

02:53 - Empathy Driven Marketing: The Missing Element

05:52 - Transforming Transactional Communications

09:10 - The Importance of Timing and Context

11:49 - Recognizing Disconnects in Marketing

14:57 - From Features to Feelings: The Empathy Shift

21:07 - Storytelling: The Heart of Marketing

27:03 - AI and Empathy in Marketing

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Stop Sending Bad Emails! Higher Ed Marketing Insights from "Mailed It!"

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 04:15:00 +0000

Season 6 - Episode 198

Why does no one read your university emails? Ashley Budd and Dayana Kibilds, co-authors of Mailed It!, join us to break down the biggest mistakes higher ed marketers make—and how to fix them.

In this episode, we get tactical about what actually works in email marketing for enrollment, advancement, and alumni engagement. From crafting subject lines that get clicks to making emails feel more personal (without being creepy), Ashley and Dayana share practical, real-world strategies to improve open rates, engagement, and conversions.

We also explore the evolving role of AI in email marketing, how to balance transactional emails with meaningful content, and what the future of email looks like for universities.

📩 If you're sending emails in higher ed, you don’t want to miss this one!

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ The biggest mistake: universities sending overly transactional emails.

✅ How email marketing is shifting back to relationship building.

✅ How to make email personalization feel like a one-on-one conversation.

✅ Why AI should support—not replace—human touch in email marketing.

✅ Why segmentation is essential for higher ed email success.

Join us as we discuss:

02:33 - Personalization Matters

06:01 - Email Segmentation Strategies

09:57 - Leveraging AI for Email Personalization

14:57 - Revamping Email so They Get Read

20:45 - Mastering Subject Lines (2 Second Rule)

26:09 - The Importance of Conciseness in Email Communication

37:33 - Practical Tips for Immediate Email Marketing Improvement

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Evolution of the Chief Revenue Officer and Enrollment

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:11:00 +0000

Season 6, Episode 197

Too often in higher ed, finance, marketing, and enrollment teams operate in silos, creating roadblocks to sustainable growth. Steven Rutt, Chief Revenue Officer at Abilene Christian University, joins us to break down why alignment between these teams is crucial—and how to make it happen.

In this conversation, Steven shares why more universities should rethink the CRO role, how to bridge the gap between finance and marketing, and what it takes to build a true growth culture in higher ed. He unpacks the myths around marketing ROI, the power of data-driven decision-making, and why universities need to stop viewing marketing as a cost center—and start treating it as a revenue driver. Plus, we explore the impact of AI and emerging technologies on enrollment strategy and how higher ed leaders can future-proof their investments in an evolving landscape.

🎧 Listen Now to Learn:

✅ Why a growth mindset is essential for overcoming scarcity.

✅ Why collaboration between finance, marketing, and enrollment is crucial.

✅ How data-driven decisions can reveal unexpected insights.

✅ Rethinking ROI for strategic growth.

✅ Explore how holistic view of marketing spend is necessary for success.

Join us as we discuss:

03:10 - Rethink the Role of the Chief Revenue Officer

06:07 - Balancing Enrollment Growth and Financial Sustainability

08:57 - Data-Driven Decision Making in Higher Education

11:54 - Explore a New Way to Understand Marketing ROI

15:04 - Navigating Marketing Investments

18:03 - Emerging Technologies and Their Impact on Your Team.

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Your First 90 Days as CMO

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Session 6 - Episode 196

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Bryce Hoffman, VP and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), shares insights from his transition into the CMO role and the evolving landscape of higher ed marketing. He reflects on generational shifts in communication, the challenges of leadership, and the role of trust and creativity in making a real impact.

Let’s dive into the importance of building relationships with campus leadership, taking calculated creative risks, and navigating pushback while staying true to institutional culture. We will explore how courageous leadership is essential to break free from the status quo, implement bold marketing strategies, and create messaging that genuinely connects with audiences.

🎧 Listen Now to Learn:

✅ How to navigate the first 90 days as a new CMO

✅ Why higher ed marketing struggles with risk-taking

✅ How to balance bold innovation with respect for institutional culture and history.

✅ Strategies for handling pushback while driving meaningful marketing change.

✅ Why pilot testing is the secret weapon for introducing bold new marketing ideas.

✅ How transparency, humility, and strategic creativity build long-term trust.

Join us as we discuss:
2:22 – Navigating the First Days as a CMO
8:43 – Building Trust and Assessing Change
18:10 – Courageous Leadership in Higher Education Marketing
29:34 – Navigating Pushback and Gaining Trust
32:13 – Driving Change While Respecting Culture

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Inside the Enrollment Playbook: Data, Strategy, and Bold Moves

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:15:00 +0000

Season 6 - 195

How can colleges adapt to shifting demographics and enrollment challenges? In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Taylor, Vice President of Enrollment Management at Defiance College, to explore innovative strategies for attracting and retaining students. Jeremy shares how understanding market dynamics, leveraging data, and aligning recruitment efforts with institutional mission can drive enrollment success. He also highlights key initiatives like tuition reduction and community engagement, while offering insights on balancing traditional and modern approaches to recruitment. Plus, we dive into the importance of team cohesion, self-evaluation, and strategies to prevent staff burnout in the ever-evolving world of higher ed enrollment.

Listen now to learn:

✅ Demographic trends present opportunities for growth.

✅ Community engagement is crucial for sustainable enrollment.

✅ Data-driven decisions are essential in enrollment management.

✅ Using technology like ChatGPT can simplify data analysis.

✅ Aligning recruitment strategies with institutional mission is crucial.

✅ Building a supportive team culture is essential for success.

✅ Preventing burnout involves celebrating successes and having fun.

Join us as we discuss:

01:30 - Challenges in Enrollment Management

04:01 - Strategies for Enrollment Growth

16:06 - Demographic Trends and Opportunities

22:11 - Innovative Recruitment Strategies

28:14 - Building a Unified Team

31:30 - Preventing Burnout in High-Pressure Environments

36:23 - Self-Evaluation for Institutional Success

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Building a Marketing Culture That Embraces Change

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 05:15:00 +0000

Season 6 - Episode 194

How do you foster a culture of innovation in higher ed marketing? In this episode, we sit down with Matt Metzger, Chief Marketing Officer at Grace College, to explore the institution’s rebranding journey and the launch of Grace Solutions. Matt shares how his team is embracing fresh marketing strategies, overcoming challenges, and driving engagement through bold, community-focused initiatives. From creative storytelling to student-centered branding, this conversation is packed with ideas and strategies to help higher ed marketers make a lasting impact.

Listen now to learn:
✅ How embedding a view book inside a journal became a game-changing marketing move
✅ How to foster a culture of innovation by encouraging experimentation without fear of failure
✅ The research and community engagement that shaped a successful rebranding process
✅ Leveraging the athletics logo strengthens institutional branding
✅ The hidden challenges of rebranding, from costs to logistical hurdles

Join us as we discuss:

02:19 - Innovative Marketing Strategies at Grace College

06:21 - Fostering a Culture of Innovation

11:19 - The Rebranding Journey of Grace College

19:58 - Introducing Grace Solutions

25:28 - Future Vision and Final Thoughts

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Mastering Organic Social Media: Secrets to Engagement & Growth

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:15:00 +0000

Season 6 - 193 with Jenny Li Fowler

What does it take to build a thriving, engaged social media presence—without relying on paid promotions? In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, we sit down with Jenny Li Fowler, Director of Social Media Strategy at MIT and author of Organic Social Media, to uncover the secrets behind organic social media success. Jenny shares her 6M Framework for social media strategy, how to create content that truly resonates, and practical steps institutions can take to grow flourishing digital communities.

From understanding why people follow your accounts to crafting shareable content and handling social media crises with confidence, this episode is packed with actionable insights for higher ed marketers looking to elevate their social game. Whether you're managing a large institution’s brand or running a social media team of one, Jenny’s expertise will help you create a strategy that attracts and engages your ideal audience.

Listen now to learn:
✅ Why people follow and engage with your institution’s social media
✅ The fundamentals of great content—and what makes people share it
✅ How MIT grew its online presence while staying true to its brand
✅ Practical ways to build authentic communities and increase engagement
✅ How to handle negative feedback and social media crises effectively

Join us as we discuss:

05:49 - The Six M's of Social Media

09:02 - Building Trust and Credibility

12:03 - Tailoring Content for Diverse Audiences

15:01 - Fundamentals of Great Content

21:08 - Embracing Community Engagement

23:12 - Navigating Negative Feedback

33:37 - Metrics for Success

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. Seeausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Dueling Perspectives: Enrollment VP and Parent

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 05:01:00 +0000

~33 minutes (at 1.5x speed)

Ed Wright, VP of Enrollment at Lebanon Valley College, explores the evolving landscape of higher education and the challenges of enrollment management. He shares insights on innovation in a copycat industry and the importance of communication and relationships. As a parent, Ed reflects on guiding his son through college choices, from selecting a major to navigating campus visits. He highlights LVC’s 'build your own visit' model and the impact of personalized, interactive experiences. Ed also draws lessons on work ethic and growth from Kobe Bryant’s Mamba mentality.

Join us as we discuss:

[01:52] Ed Wright's Journey in Higher Education

[12:03] Navigating Challenges in Enrollment Management

[17:51] The Importance of Blocking and Tackling in Enrollment

[23:00] Parenting in Higher Education: A Personal Perspective

[29:12] Navigating College Tours: Insights from Experience

[34:00] The Importance of Clear Communication

[38:05] Building Your Own Visit: A New Approach to Campus Tours

This episode is sponsored by NextGrad. North America’s largest higher-education advertising network. The NextGrad network generates millions of impressions every month in over eleven-hundred high schools in eighty-two media markets across the United States and Canada. If you’re interested in reaching high school students on their own turf, visit nextgrad.com or email info@nextgrad.com.

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Creative Solutions for Community College Marketing

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 05:01:00 +0000

In this episode, we’re joined by Jeff Ebbing, former NCMPR president and the current Director of Marketing and Communications at Southeastern Community College. Jeff brings a wealth of experience and a passion for showcasing the unique strengths of community colleges. He shares how authentic connections with students can transform lives and dives into marketing strategies that not only engage diverse populations but also empower non-traditional students to feel confident in their educational journey.

Jeff also tackles common misconceptions about community colleges, revealing the power of storytelling to shift perspectives. From creative solutions for tight budgets to leading with adaptability in a rapidly changing world, this conversation is packed with practical tips and inspiring ideas for anyone involved in higher education marketing.

Join us as we discuss:

[03:20] Unique Strengths of Community Colleges

[06:20] Marketing Strategies for Diverse Populations

[10:31] Building Confidence in Non-Traditional Students

[11:03] Addressing Misconceptions about Community Colleges

[18:57] Leveraging Storytelling in Marketing

[22:11] Creative Solutions for Budget Constraints

[25:30] Leadership and Adaptability in Marketing

[34:46] Final Insights and Advice

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Kingswood Learn: Mission-Driven Innovation in Online Education with Dr. Steve Lennox, Kingswood University

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 05:01:00 +0000

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, we welcome Dr. Steve Lennox, President of Kingswood University, to explore the bold vision and mission that led to the launch of Kingswood Learn. Designed to provide high-quality, free micro-courses in discipleship and leadership development, Kingswood Learn is a groundbreaking platform that strengthens the church while creating new opportunities for Kingswood University.

Dr. Lennox shares the inspiration, the challenges faced during its development, and how partnerships rooted in trust brought the platform to life. We dive into how this initiative aligns with Kingswood’s mission, opens doors for innovative donor and enrollment conversations, and repositions the university in the eyes of the church and broader educational community. If you’re navigating the intersection of digital transformation and mission fulfillment in higher education, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Join us as we discuss:

[03:07] Introduction to Kingswood University

[05:55] Innovative Learning: Kingswood Learn

[09:11] Challenges and Opportunities in Higher Education

[12:02] Mission-Driven Education

[15:05] Building Partnerships and Community Engagement

[17:58] The Future of Education and Digital Solutions

[21:00] Advice for Leaders in Higher Education

Resource List:

Kingswoodlearn.com

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Life Skills, AI, and Innovation with Dr. Nido Qubein from High Point University

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 05:01:00 +0000

This week on The Higher Ed Marketer, we’re honored to host Dr. Nido Qubein, President of High Point University, a visionary leader whose transformative work continues to draw attention across higher ed. In this inspiring and insightful episode, Dr. Qubein shares why educational institutions must prioritize life skills alongside technical expertise, offering a holistic approach that prepares students to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Dr. Qubein delves into the importance of fostering appreciated value over mere value, the critical role of industry partnerships in aligning curriculum with real-world demands, and the power of distinction over uniqueness in education. Along the way, he offers compelling leadership truths—highlighting the significance of confidence, commitment, and risk management in driving innovation and growth.

Whether you’re an educator, marketer, or leader, this episode is packed with practical and timeless wisdom that will inspire you to think differently about the future of higher education.

Join us as we discuss:

[00:00] The Importance of Appreciated Value

[02:59] Curriculum Innovation and Life Skills Development

[05:53] Engaging Generation Z in Learning

[12:04] Integrating AI in Higher Education

[22:27] The Power of Distinction

[23:35] Building Industry Partnerships for Real-World Skills

[36:40] The Importance of Confidence and Commitment

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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FAFSA, Athletics and Tuition Reset with Dr. Bryan Gross from Hartwick College

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 05:01:00 +0000

This week on The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Bryan Gross, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Athletics at Hartwick College, for a thought-provoking conversation on marketing and enrollment through the lens of athletics and tuition.

Dr. Gross dives into Hartwick’s bold tuition reset, sharing the data-driven insights and collaborative efforts behind this game-changing move. Discover how Hartwick is addressing affordability, transparency, and the evolving expectations of students and families.

We also explore the vital role athletics plays in driving enrollment, retention, and school spirit, particularly at smaller institutions. With practical advice for navigating financial aid changes, including the latest FAFSA updates, Dr. Gross challenges institutions to take data-driven risks to shape their enrollment strategies. Tune in for actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies that will inspire real change in your enrollment marketing

Join us as we discuss:

[02:45] Enrollment Management Initiatives at Hartwick College

[06:04] A bold Tuition Reset and Its Challenges

[09:05] Data-Driven Decisions for Tuition Reset

[12:02] Challenges and Feedback from Current Students

[14:57] The Role of Athletics in Enrollment and Retention

[17:57] Final Tips for Enrollment Management Success

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

GenAI for Teams with Bart Caylor and Zach Coffin

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast, we’re taking a look under the hood at Caylor Solutions and into the transformative power of generative AI with Bart Caylor, Founder and President of Caylor Solutions, and Zach Coffin, Director of The Higher Ed Marketer. Together, they reveal how the team at Caylor Solutions uses GenAI to elevate productivity, scale services, and innovate new offerings. From custom tools like the "Ask Bart GPT," fractional CMO services, to enhancing the team's productivity, Bart and Zach share the AI-driven strategies that streamline operations and open new creativity within the team. Tune in to discover which tools are indispensable, how daily practice and shared learning fuel team growth, and why focusing on core capabilities over fleeting trends is key to long-term success.

Join us as we discuss:

[02:51] The Impact of AI on Work and Consulting

[05:48] Leveraging AI as a Collaborative Tool

[11:57] Tools for Enhanced Efficiency

[15:08] Custom GPTs and Their Applications

[17:57] GenAI Masterclasses for Your Team

[24:51] Demystifying AI in Marketing Teams with Mindset Shifts

[34:43] Navigating the AI Tool Landscape with Teams

[43:35] Practical Tips for Immediate Action

Resources mentioned in this episode:

GenAI Masterclass for Team

Caylor Solutions

ChatGPT

HeyGen

Chasing Mission Fit by Bart Caylor

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Millennial President Nick Griffin: Bold Leadership, AI, and Bilingualism

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Griffin from Mid-South Christian College, who shares valuable insights on fostering creativity, collaboration, and community engagement in higher education. As a young college president of age 32, with a big, action-driven vision, Nick talks about embracing new opportunities, the importance of building an agile, forward-thinking team, and how technology—especially AI—plays a role in advancing bilingual education. He also highlights the importance of community service and relationship-building to build trust and cultural relevance on campus. Nick wraps up with practical advice for institutions ready to take risks and try fresh initiatives, even if success isn’t guaranteed on the first attempt.

Join us as we discuss:

[03:03] Embracing Creativity and Experimentation

[05:45] Building a Young and Agile Team

[08:49] Collaboration Among Institutions

[11:59] Marketing on a Tight Budget

[14:55] Leveraging AI for Bilingual Education

[18:02] Engaging with Your Community

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Mid-south Christian College

Opportunity Leadership by Roger Parrott

ChatGPT

HeyGen

Chasing Mission Fit by Bart Caylor

Caylor Solutions GenAI Masterclass for Teams

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Leading Bold Change Through Innovation: David Wright on the Future of Higher Education

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:34:22 +0000

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, we speak with David Wright, President Emeritus of Indiana Wesleyan University and Founder and President of Christian Education Services, about the evolving landscape of education. David shares his pioneering work in online education during the 1990s, offering a unique perspective on how technology facilitates learning and the need for bold leadership in higher education. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of relationships in a technology-driven world and explores how institutions can adapt to modern challenges through innovation and collaboration. This episode is packed with practical advice on navigating change, maintaining clarity of mission, and fostering growth through strategic partnerships.

Join us as we discuss:

[02:51] Pioneering Online Education: A Journey Through the 90s

[08:56] Leadership in Higher Education: Navigating Change

[17:56] Transformational Leadership and Institutional Success

[21:04] – The Future of Higher Education: Adapting to Change

[24:03] – Practical Advice for Leaders

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Chasing Mission Fit by Bart Caylor

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

A Business-Like Approach: Bringing a CEO Mindset to Higher Ed

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Eric Hogue, President at Colorado Christian University, joins Bart to explore the benefits of applying a CEO mindset to higher education leadership.

Eric shares how this business-driven approach can align with the mission of higher ed institutions while promoting financial sustainability. From focusing on net tuition profits to involving donors as partners, Eric demonstrates why universities must embrace financial transparency and innovation to thrive as they approach the enrollment cliff.

Learn how Eric balances profitability with purpose and how his strategies can help institutions grow while staying true to their core values.

Join us as we discuss:

[00:59] Why higher ed presidents need to adopt a CEO mindset
[9:46] Donor-centric strategy that focuses on your donors’ inputs
[21:43] A three-pronged approach to future strategic growth

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Chasing Mission Fit by Bart Caylor

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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How Generative AI Tools Can Help You Survive the Enrollment Cliff

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Gil Rogers, Founder and Principal of GR7 Marketing, talks about overcoming the fear of failure in higher education marketing and enrollment.

Gil unpacks how legacy strategies can hold institutions back and why embracing new tools like generative AI is essential for success. He also highlights practical steps institutions can take to face the impending enrollment cliff, including bold strategies to adapt and remain competitive.

Learn how your institution can empower your teams to try new tools, leverage old data to bring in students, and lean on innovative thinking to thrive in a challenging future.

Join us as we discuss:

[4:20] Finding the courage to adopt an innovation mindset
[10:47] Why higher ed has a chance to get AI tools right
[23:48] Diversification strategies for the upcoming enrollment cliff

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Building an In-House Agency: The Purdue Brand Studio Journey

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Kelly Hiller, VP of Marketing and Communications at Purdue University, shares the story behind Purdue’s exciting rebrand, transforming their marketing department into the in-house agency Purdue Brand Studio.

Kelly discusses the inspiration behind this bold move, the challenges faced in repositioning the department, and how Purdue is pushing creative boundaries to elevate its brand on a national stage.

Tune in to hear insights on navigating internal and external messaging, maintaining a culture of excellence, and how higher ed institutions can benefit from embracing bold changes in marketing.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:26] Why Purdue’s marketing team rebranded as an in-house agency
[9:57] What differentiates Purdue’s transformation from a reorganization
[20:18] Corporate influence and its impact on higher ed marketing
[31:22] The future of Purdue’s enterprise marketing campaign

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Purdue Brand Studio
Email Kelly at khiller@purdue.edu
The Most Important Question of Your Life by Mark Manson
Boilers to Mars Trailer
Brandweek 2024
Ad Age

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Intentional Branding: A Messaging Strategy That Resonates

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Bart and Troy return for a conversation with Janice Supplee, VP for Enrollment and Communications at Cedarville University, around intentional branding in higher ed messaging.

Janice shares how Cedarville’s “One Thousand Days” metaphor has not only defined the institution’s identity but also shaped its approach to student development and marketing strategy. She emphasizes the importance of consistent messaging, intentionality in brand communication, and building a high-capacity team that embodies the university’s mission.

Tune in to discover practical insights on how your institution can stand out in a crowded higher ed space through intentional and consistent branding.

Join us as we discuss:

[1:30] How a university president’s speech became a marketing slogan
[8:34] Keeping messaging on-brand through consistent communication
[15:48] The secret to a fulfilled, high-performing marketing team

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Amplify Student Voices: Let Them Tell Their Stories

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0000

How often do you find yourself wondering what your school’s marketing messaging should be?

What are your prospective students interested in? What do they see that sets your institution apart?

The easiest way to hear your students’ stories is from the students themselves.

We’re chatting with Kathy Howell and Kathy Payne from Delaware Valley University on how they amplified student voices and implemented them into evergreen content.

Join us as we discuss:

[10:20] Leveraging “The College Tour” for enrollment marketing
[19:28] Why students are the key to successful messaging
[23:25] The efficacy of evergreen content

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

This episode originally aired on July 12th, 2022.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How to Include Donor Stories in Your Marketing Campaigns

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In 2021, Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, received a record-breaking $100 million gift from an anonymous donor.

So how did Kenyon’s marketing department creatively share the story of this generous anonymous donor while emphasizing the importance of gifts at every level?

Kenyon’s Vice President for Advancement, Colleen Garland, and Vice President for Communications, Janet Marsden, join us to talk about navigating donor gifts and making donors feel equally celebrated.

Join us as we discuss:

[5:39] Telling the story of an anonymous donor
[10:02] Brand campaigns during a crisis
[14:06] Marketing a residential experience in a rural community
[17:25] The rise of video marketing

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

This episode originally aired on May 11th, 2021.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Messaging Modalities, Personas, and Strategic Actions

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Take another trip back in time with us as we revisit another compelling episode of the Higher Ed Marketer Podcast.

In 2022, Jay Baer, Business Growth and Customer Experience Researcher — and tequila sommelier — shared his three essential keys to marketing with us.

By identifying audience personas and adapting your messaging accordingly, you can strategically align your enrollment and marketing departments.

Not everyone opens their email – it’s time to think outside the inbox.

In this episode, we dive into adapting your school’s messaging to meet your audience where they are.

Join us as we discuss:

[7:01] Using numerous marketing strategies together
[19:26] Communication across marketing departments
[24:49] Research of audience personas

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

This episode originally aired on July 19th, 2022.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Enrollment Cliff: Tim Fuller's Perspective

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In early 2023, Bart’s mentor and a dear friend of the show, Tim Fuller, joined us for an insightful conversation about the demographic enrollment cliff.

Tim unexpectedly passed away a few short months after this episode originally aired. As a lifelong advocate for higher education, Tim’s passion for helping academic institutions and the students they serve was evident to anyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

His observations from our original discussion around the upcoming enrollment cliff are still incredibly relevant, and we encourage all of our listeners to revisit them. From proper data utilization to enrollment metrics that matter, Tim’s enrollment cliff survival tips are a must-listen for every higher ed marketing professional.

Join us as we discuss:

[4:05] A long-term projection for the demographic enrollment cliff
[22:33] The Great Resignation’s impact on college campuses
[34:38] Five enrollment metrics your school needs to watch

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

This episode originally aired on March 7th, 2023.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Advancement as a Revenue Driver: Strategies for Alumni Engagement

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

The Advancement team often wears many different hats across multiple departments, but one common goal is building relationships and raising funds.

By walking through life with alumni via a mentorship program or sending out a QR code to find out generational preferences, you can understand your alumni and donors on a personal level.

It’s time to level up the advancement experience.

Kicking off our conversation is Maria Kuntz, the Communications Director at the University of Colorado Boulder, who joins us to discuss meaningful advancement engagement.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:36] Advancement as a key revenue driver in higher ed
[14:15] How advancement adds to student success and engagement
[21:45] Successful alumni engagement strategies
[31:58] Driving engagement through multimodal communication

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

maria.kuntz@colorado.edu

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Tackling the Enrollment Cliff Through Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

With the field of higher education changing day by day, it’s crucial to implement different strategies and initiatives to stay ahead of the enrollment cliff.

By engaging faculty in yield efforts, geofencing, and keeping web pages up to date, you can set your institution to be ahead of the curve.

That’s why we’re joined by Kristin Nichols, the Founder of Nichols Higher Education, who takes us through innovative strategic initiatives and partnerships to find success in changing times.

Join us as we discuss:

[5:21] Strategies for engaging faculty in yield efforts
[15:07] Geofencing to find your target audience
[20:40] Change management amidst college closures

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Programmatic Advertising Tactics: Success Through Patience and Precision

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Programmatic advertising is more than just finding those “watering holes” — the places your prospective students typically hang out.

It takes locating where your audience is coming from, testing out new marketing, and exercising patience when waiting for the results.

Programmatic advertising doesn’t reinvent the wheel. It still requires intentionality to know who and where your audience is and to be strategic in your marketing efforts.

We’re getting our conversation on programmatic advertising started with Ashley Monk, the CEO at Onya. In this episode, we unpack the nitty gritty of acing the student experience through targeted ads.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:47] Defining programmatic advertising
[12:21] Casting the brand awareness net too wide
[20:53] Having the patience to see ad results
[27:49] Examining your overall strategy and outcomes

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Onyamark.com

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Admitted Student Research: Data Insights and Unexpected Encounters

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

By surveying attending students and students who decided to go elsewhere, your institution can give your admissions team additional data to help streamline their processes.

But the research doesn’t stop there! Considering outside influencers like parents, coaches, and other trusted adults can bring a unique perspective of comparative analysis.

We’re joined by Dave Burke, the President of Legacy Higher Ed, to talk about all things admitted students research, data analysis, and even what to do if you encounter a bear in the wild.

Join us as we discuss:

[4:25] Admitted student research defined
[9:56] The nuts and bolts of student survey research
[17:36] Competitive analysis through cohorts
[24:41] How to survey different audiences

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Generative AI at Vanderbilt

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Vanderbilt University is at the forefront of Generative Artificial Intelligence.

AI is not going away, but it can be understood through intentional time and effort. By destigmatizing generative AI at your institution, you may just broaden your impact to set your students and staff one step ahead of the game.

We’re joined by Jules White, the Senior Advisor to the Chancellor on Generative AI & Professor of Computer Science at Vanderbilt University, to discuss the ever-evolving realm of generative AI.

Join us as we discuss:

[4:23] Generative AI’s impact on the higher ed landscape
[13:31] Misconceptions around generative AI
[21:49] Why generative AI is not an internet search tool
[25:47] How institutions can promote AI education

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Strategic Collaborations: Advancing Higher Ed with Corporate Partners

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Our colleges and universities are educating the workforce of tomorrow, so it’s important that they understand the mechanics of strategic initiatives and corporate partnerships.

We’re getting our conversation started with Bill Spiker, the President of The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC).

OFIC works with independent colleges and universities to bridge the gap of information surrounding scholarship and employment opportunities for students and corporations respectively.

Organizations like OFIC may exist in your state. Tune in to see why your advancement office should be taking full advantage of the resources they provide.

Join us as we discuss:

[6:44] Fundraising and talent development with independent colleges
[10:10] Making corporation connections aware of college happenings
[27:52] Why scholarships are shifting toward more of an investment
[32:45] How organizations like OFIC evolve to meet changing needs

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

spiker@OFIC.org

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Authentic Engagement in Multicultural Marketing

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Multicultural marketing means asking questions and being authentically involved in discovering and providing what different demographics need.

It’s about making admissions information accessible to all despite language barriers or backgrounds.

We’re getting our conversation started with Christian Ponce, the Associate Vice President for Marketing at Old Dominion University (ODU), who shares how multicultural marketing will soon be the norm in higher ed.

Join us as we discuss:

[1:45] Breaking down transcultural barriers
[10:08] Multicultural views in American higher ed
[16:30] The importance of a diverse team
[20:08] The future of AI and translation software

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Leadership at the Forefront: Secure Your Seat in Strategic Planning

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Being assertive about getting involved as a senior marketing leader is essential to the prosperity of your institution's strategic plan.

It takes a courageous leader to have tough conversations about institutional futures. But with the enrollment cliff on the horizon, it’s crucial now more than ever to develop and implement a strategic plan.

We’re joined by Rob Zinkan, the Vice President for Marketing Leadership at RHB to discuss all things strategic planning, courageous leadership, and even Indiana basketball.

If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.

Join us as we discuss:

[4:24] Strategic plans in the competitive higher ed landscape
[9:26] Having a seat at the table for marketing leadership
[17:24] The distinction between planning and strategy
[29:30] Remaining agile among looming higher ed changes

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Hospitality Playbook: Impactful Community Partnerships in Higher Ed

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Is community outreach in higher ed really as simple as wearing your name tag?

Taking a look at community needs through data can present partnerships you may have never anticipated. From Missouri Baptist University, Bryce Chapman and Brittany Sansagraw share their institution’s innovative strategies toward hospitality and partnership.

In this week's episode of the Higher Ed Marketer podcast, we’re breaking down the hospitality playbook.

Join us as we discuss:

[4:59] The hospitality playbook at Missouri Baptist
[19:14] Leveraging partnerships to meet broader goals
[22:29] Why subscription models are critical to success

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Respect Students’ Time: Flexible Higher Ed for Diverse Life Experiences

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Now more than ever, students and families are shifting their focus toward the return on investment in higher education.

With prospective students shifting their focus, higher ed needs to be flexible to keep up with changing times.

Respecting students’ time and crafting strategies to meet different life experiences takes time, but it can be done.

Getting our student-centered conversation started is Anne Khademian, the Executive Director at The Universities at Shady Grove. Anne shares why higher ed needs to tailor educational opportunities to a student- centered approach and meet students where they are.

Join us as we discuss:

[7:26] Marketing different student experiences
[21:58] The need for higher ed flexibility
[33:00] Getting comfortable with uncertainty

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Storythinking: The New Science of Narrative Intelligence (No Limits) by Angus Fletcher
The College Tour on Amazon Prime
The Universities at Shady Grove
akhademi@umd.edu

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Understand Your Audience: Tailoring Content Across Communities

Tue, 28 May 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Prospective students come from all sorts of backgrounds, communities, needs, and wants.

A diverse audience means your content must be flexible to meet the needs of your community. The first step to meeting your audience where they are is to dig deep for their why.

Shaping your content to satisfy the needs of your unique audience is key to leveraging content across generations.

Laura Alloway, Sr. Director of Marketing and Communications at Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), joins us for a conversation on knowing your audience and why you should keep your house clean.

Join us as we discuss:

[5:50] Considering your audiences why
[11:26] Engagement for generational audiences
[17:53] Why targeted messaging starts with your website
[23:40] How OSU is deploying AI tools

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Laura Alloway on LinkedIn

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

E-Commerce Tactics: Chase What Your Audience Is Looking For

Tue, 21 May 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Some old-school higher ed professionals still balk at the idea of incorporating corporate e-commerce tactics into their digital marketing strategies. Yet the reality is that plenty of big box brands have become masters of meeting consumers where they are and delivering on their expectations.

Kathleen Stockham, Chief Marketing Officer at South College, may have only been involved in the higher ed space since 2022. But she’s leveraging her experience with companies like Verizon to supercharge their school’s digital campaigns.

In this episode, we explore how your school’s marketing team can incorporate e-commerce solutions that go beyond brand awareness.

Join us as we discuss:

[5:13] The need to understand touchpoints in the student life cycle
[12:34] Guerilla marketing tactics that actually move the needle
[21:43] Competency-based education that makes students’ lives easier

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Breaking Barriers: Mentorship and Development in Higher Ed Enrollment

Tue, 14 May 2024 05:00:00 +0000

With the enrollment cliff on the horizon, change might be just what your school needs to survive the drop.

But switching up your enrollment strategy doesn’t have to be a big scary beast. Reaching out and finding support for development and mentorship can help you stay afloat in turbulent higher ed waters.

We’re joined by Bridget Kurkowski, the VP of Enrollment Services at Encoura, who emphasizes how even just one LinkedIn message can go a long way in professional development.

Join us as we discuss:

[8:08] How to curb admissions turnover
[20:27] Why you shouldn’t beat around the investment bush
[33:18] Mentorship for engagement and growth

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Chasing Mission Fit by Bart Caylor
bridgetk@encoura.org

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Strategic Communication: Identify Your School’s Why

Tue, 07 May 2024 05:00:00 +0000

It’s all too easy in higher ed marketing to get caught up in chasing the next shiny object. Sometimes, bouncing from tactic to tactic without taking a step back or even reverting back to last year's plan may seem like the only option.

We’ve got two words for you — “strategic communication.”

In this episode, we take a look at starting with your school’s “why,” which starts with auditing all the tools in your kit.

Kicking off our conversation is Eric Henry, the President of Carousel Digital Signage, who shares with us the importance of crafting a plan around generational preferences.

Join us as we discuss:

[4:24] Intentional student engagement in higher ed marcomm
[14:57] Starting with strategy instead of winging it
[24:33] Generational preferences among prospective students

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

If you’re interested in getting your hands on a copy of the Higher Education Booklet Eric talked about in our podcast please reach out to: sales@carouselsignage.com with the subject line “Send me the Higher Ed Booklet”.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Shoestring Budgets: Strategic Approaches to Authentic Engagement

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Authentic engagement means more than just editing a template and calling it a day.

It’s about sitting down with stakeholders and talking through the marketing process. It’s about getting to know your current and prospective students and learning about their journeys and schedules.

It’s about taking risks and trying new projects – not reverting back to the comfort of the same old, same old.

That’s why we’re talking to “Marketing Dude” Patrick Stone, the Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing at Cape Cod Community College. Taking big swings and zigging when everyone else is zagging are just some of the keys Patrick brings to the table in this week's episode.

In this episode, we unpack crucial components of authentic engagement with prospective students.

Join us as we discuss:

[3:28] A deep dive into higher ed budgeting
[13:39] Transforming prospective student connections
[20:57] Tools that will help with student retention

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Social Media for GenZ College Search: ZeeMee's Impact on Recruitment

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Higher ed marketers, a digital watering hole has appeared on the scene that you should be taking advantage of.

The ZeeMee app allows for authentic connections between your university and prospective students on their terms. This app is revolutionizing the college recruitment game by meeting students where they are.

We’re joined by Olivet Nazarene University’s Executive Director of Traditional Enrollment, Luke Franklin, and Asbury University’s Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing, Jennifer McChord, to talk about how ZeeMee has transformed campus culture at their institutions.

In this episode, we break down why you should give ZeeMee a try today.

Join us as we discuss:

[5:22] Fostering relationships through ZeeMee
[7:42] What is ZeeMee?
[13:52] How Zeemee can help marketers glean Gen Z insights
[26:10] Why Zeemee is a critical enrollment funnel asset

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Team Integrations and Mergers in the Evolving Marketing Space

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000

With a marketing world that feels like it's shifting every day, our teams need to be agile.

Having a team with a diverse background is paramount to handling whatever life throws your institution's way.

Being intentional when building or integrating teams and having an understanding of everyone’s background is critical to team cohesiveness.

It’s about finding the right seat on the team bus for the members of your unit.

Kin Sejpal, the VP of Marketing and Communications at University of Redlands, gets our conversation started on the keys to navigating challenging mergers.

In this episode, we dive into the keys to crafting an efficient and effective team.

Join us as we discuss:

[6:41] Changing up perspectives in team building
[10:34] Weighing aptitude versus attitude
[20:07] Being taught to learn
[28:05] Company culture reimagined

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Integrated Approach to Marketing and Communications in Higher Ed

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000

It’s time to switch from transactional to strategic.

In an era where making your institution stand out is a top priority, raising the bar for Marketing and Communications is essential.

By developing and implementing a maturity model, your university can start elevating the student experience.

Knocking down the silos and utilizing an integrated approach to marketing and communications can completely change the game.

2023 AMA Higher Ed Marketer of the Year and Senior Executive VP of RW Jones Agency, Jamie Ceman, sat down with us to dive into the integrated MarComm approach.

In this episode, we break down the essentials of marketing and communications in higher education.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:47] Marketing and communications as one integrated unit
[14:26] How CMOs can stay active in marketing strategies
[18:33] Measuring an institution's brand perception

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Ownable Brand Ideas: Higher Ed Marketing Done Differently

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Generating ownable brand ideas can spark from unique qualities hidden in plain sight — not taking the little things for granted. What may seem like an odd quirk could set your university apart.

Strangers with experience can get the conversation started and completely transform your school's brand.

We’re chatting with Brian MacDonald, the co-founder & CCO at Zillion. After working with big consumer brands, Brian wants to bring higher education institutions to the same level of branding focus.

In this episode, we tackle finding distinctive brand ideas.

Join us as we discuss:

[4:40] Unique selling propositions and brand ownership
[10:32] Building brand credibility
[22:32] Finding strength in your brand’s detractors
[30:48] How to tailor your school’s narrative

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

zillionagency.com
Brian MacDonald on LinkedIn

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Putting AI Tools to Work for Your Marketing Team

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +0000

On November 30th, 2022, ChatGPT changed the world.

Just months before, Dave Hunt, Director of Digital Marketing Communications and Creative Director at Old Dominion University, had been developing a large-scale email marketing campaign at another university.

In an episode that will change the way you think about using generative AI with your team and how it factors into the marketing of your college or university, we’ll discuss:

[8:32] Focusing on the tasks AI can’t do
[22:38] Enhancing audience engagement with prospective students
[28:34] The challenge of authenticity with Gen-Z and Gen Alpha
[33:42] Achieving brand voice alignment when using AI

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Book Club: The Enrollment Cliff Is Real

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +0000

The enrollment cliff is real, and it will be here before you know it.

If small and medium-sized higher ed institutions want to survive this drastic dropoff in traditional-aged college students, marketing teams will need to prove their brands’ value.

For the introductory episode in our weekly review series of Bart Caylor’s book, Chasing Mission Fit, we’re joined by Chris Rapozo, Marketing Specialist at Hannon Hill. Chris helps unpack the book’s first chapter, which focuses on the enrollment cliff and what steps colleges and universities should take to ensure their survival.

Join us as we discuss:

[8:31] Why mission-fit strategies will be critical in enrollment marketing
[19:19] Redefining future traditional student demographics
[27:06] The potential impact of influencers on higher ed marketing

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Chasing Mission Fit on LinkedIn LIVE with Troy Singer - April 3, 2024
Education Marketing Leader With Chris Rapozo
Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)
ZeeMee
Navigating the Demographic Enrollment Cliff
The Demographic Enrollment Cliff: Forecasting the Great Dropoff featuring Tim Fuller
Take Your Voice Back: Being Change Agents in Higher Ed Marketing featuring Carrie Phillips
2024 Cascade User Conference Keynote

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Why Curiosity and Innovation Are Part of the Higher Ed Promise

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Higher education has been known for its slower pace of adoption and for often resisting change. With approaching headwinds, including the enrollment cliff, disruption of generative AI, the negative public perception of higher ed, and competition with outside players (Google, Amazon, etc.), it is more critical than ever to lean into the mission-fit marketing.

That’s why many institutions are turning to partners like Ologie, a higher ed branding agency that helps schools by leveraging their most important asset — curiosity.

Fernando Bergás-Coria, Ologie’s Chief Digital and Media Officer, joins us to share how Ologie is helping schools optimize their marketing efforts through a lens of renewed professional growth and innovative strategies.

Join us as we discuss:

[4:40] How higher ed red tape stunts new ways of thinking
[14:30] A tactical approach to segmentation and personalization
[23:31] 4 buckets for optimizing enrollment marketing outcomes

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

fbc@ology.com
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

AI Chatbot Personalization: Augment the Student Experience

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Personalized AI chatbots used to be a muse for science fiction writers.

But with the rapid rise of these sophisticated AI tools, the possibilities for how these bots can augment the prospective student journey seem endless.

You can certainly hear the enthusiasm in the voice of Ardis Kadiu, the founder and CEO of Element451, as he talks about the capabilities of these futuristic assistants.

Ardis shares how he and his team are incorporating AI chatbots into their product offerings and how schools can use them to give students the personalized attention and responsiveness they deserve.

Join us as we discuss:

[3:23] 3 areas of opportunity for generative AI tools in higher ed
[12:35] Augmenting the student journey with personalized chatbots
[27:12] The future of conversational AI and chatbot personas

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How the University of Kentucky is Trailblazing Financial Literacy

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

It’s time for schools to embrace the big, audacious goals and put together a strategy to accomplish them.

That’s what the University of Kentucky did. They’re implementing programs that will advance student success at their institution.

It’s never too late to go for the challenge.

We’re talking to Kirsten Turner, the Vice President of Student Success at the University of Kentucky. Through partnering with Fidelity, UK is empowering their students to develop early financial literacy.

In this episode, we explore the University of Kentucky’s groundbreaking student initiatives.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:40] The four pillars of meaning and purpose
[17:22] The UK student investment program
[20:51] Why financial literacy is important for college students
[26:22] How UK’s initiatives have positively impacted students

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Kirsten.turner@uky.edu

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Critical Thinking and Media Literacy in the Digital Age

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Teaching critical thinking is the first step to media literacy in the digital age.

With varying perspectives, social channels, media outlets, and technological advancements knocking at our door every day, we have to remember the bigger picture.

Being able to have challenging conversations with people with opposing views and critically analyze information allows us to grow as marketers.

Joining our crucial conversation are Chris Davey and Bart Verhulst. Chris and Bart share findings from their extensive research into the importance of critical thinking and media literacy.

In this episode, we delve into advancing understanding in the digital age.

Join us as we discuss:

[9:37] The new age of information warfare
[15:12] Diversifying our information intake
[23:30] Balancing the “flavor” of AI
[37:35] How Universities can make a difference

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Twin Crisis in Truth and Trust: A New Strategy for Higher Education
The Content Trap by Bharat Anand
Bart Verhulst on LinkedIn
bart@presspage.com
Chrisdavey on X

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Beyond the Price Tag: Dispelling Misconceptions Around Higher Ed’s Value

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

When was the last time you were at a college fair and students immediately walked away after seeing your price tag?

It’s time to be transparent, intentional, and communicative about available resources.

We’re challenging misconceptions and unlocking the value and opportunity of higher ed.

Getting the ball rolling is Ken Sigler, the Director of Enrollment Management at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. Ken claims he’s “never really left college” as he’s seen higher ed from all sides.

In this episode, we unveil the keys to unlocking how to communicate your institution's value.

Join us as we discuss:

[5:05] Higher ed myths and misconceptions
[10:49] The dreaded college application
[15:50] “Only people with good grades get in!”
[28:59] Leaning into higher ed’s value

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Digital Marketing Literacy and Best Practices for PPC

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Higher Ed marketing is not one size fits all.

Each institution is unique and can’t be all things for all people.

Finding what consistently works for your brand and sticking to it is crucial to brand growth.

The first steps towards success are removing personal bias, having a goal, and understanding that it requires investment.

Jay Rathell, Senior Media Buyer for Yamaro83, gets our conversation started on digital literacy and discovering what marketing strategies work for your institution.

In this episode, we delve into the niche of digital media strategies.

Join us as we discuss:

[8:20] Identifying the best social platforms for your target audience
[12:50] Faith-based flagging on social platforms like Facebook
[15:47] Budget allocation for your school’s marketing department
[28:20] How to avoid personal biases

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Chasing Mission Fit: A Pragmatic Guide for Higher Ed Marketing

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

It’s hard to ask for help.

Putting pride aside and leaning on others to enhance your knowledge is nothing to be ashamed of in the realm of higher education.

Collaboration, shaking things up, and attempting different strategies can create waves and allow you to think differently.

With over 35 years of experience in higher ed marketing, Bart Caylor, the Founder of Caylor Solutions, is launching his new book, Chasing Mission Fit. Bart is passionate about helping schools succeed, so he’s eager to share this evergreen advice with your institution.

In this episode, we break down Bart’s tools for higher ed marketing success.

Join us as we discuss:

[4:38] Why asking for help is okay
[13:53] Money does not equal better marketing
[19:45] Creating waves with the upcoming enrollment cliff
[22:46] How to seek out your students

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Radical Hospitality: Transforming Student Recruitment in Higher Education

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

The admissions process can get stuck in an endless loop of application deadlines, essays, and transcripts.

By investing in “radical hospitality” and focusing on relationship-building with students, admissions teams can discover the clearest path possible.

Acting intentionally to show students they matter is key to unlocking their true career path.

Hopping on the podcast today is John McGreal, the Dean of Enrollment at Waukesha County Technical College. John knows the marathon of the admissions process and emphasizes pacing yourself because it’s not a sprint.

In this episode, we explore different ways to enhance your admissions process.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:34] The evolution of admissions
[8:41] Integrity and customer service
[12:04] Strategies for streamlining
[21:11] The tools of technology

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Academic Advocates: Customer Service in Higher Education

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Customer service often takes a back seat in the process of higher ed recruitment.

Every interaction with a prospective student is crucial to how they view your institution.

This means staying up-to-date, trying new tactics, and being intentional about your customer service philosophy.

Above all else, consistency is key to maintaining mindful and constructive interactions.

Getting our conversation started is Brett DiMarzo, the Director of Graduate Enrollment Digital Strategy at Boston College. Brett breaks down the importance of crafting a customer service philosophy and the five key steps to doing so.

In this episode, we delve into the consistency and care of customer service.

Join us as we discuss:

[3:24] Is customer service overlooked in higher education?
[14:36] Technological enhancements
[23:51] The five essential steps of customer service

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Donor Dynamics: Navigating Higher Ed with AI for Swift Engagement

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Are you utilizing all the tools in your toolbox?

Thinking bigger, more interactive, and focusing on fueling engagement is within reach.

By learning with AI, your college or university’s fundraising campaigns can be crafted and completed much faster and even at the click of a button.

We get the AI ball rolling with Josh Kligman, the Co-founder and CEO of Storyraise. Josh is a big proponent of speeding up the processes so things can be more creative and effective for you!

In this episode, we explore donor engagement using AI tools.

Join us as we discuss:

[7:55] Digging deep into compelling stories
[10:16] Means of effective storytelling
[21:17] Utilizing AI for campaign development
[30:42] Insight into future AI trends

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Next-Gen Scholars: Gen Z Preferences in Higher Ed Marketing

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Making higher education accessible to all is big as we approach the enrollment cliff.

Identifying the needs of all prospective students and really asking the ‘why’ makes Gen Z feel seen and heard.

It’s time to tailor your marketing strategy to meet the needs of the next generation.

We’re getting the conversation started with Spenser Smith , the Director of Admissions for Graduate Business Programs at Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

In this episode, we dip into Gen Z’s preferred marketing strategies.

Join us as we discuss:

[10:40] Effective communication strategies to dig deeper
[14:47] Following up with prospective students
[20:45] How to tailor marketing strategies
[30:12] Getting Gen Z at the table

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

spenser@utk.edu

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Emotional Transformation: The Power of Authentic Student Stories

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Telling the authentic transformative stories of students and staff on your campus helps foster real emotional connections.

Without forming a genuine connection with your prospective students, they may see right through you.

Stories are everything – it’s time to show the impact your university has had on those in your community.

Documentary storyteller Ryan Koral">Ryan Koral, the Founder of Enroll Films">Enroll Films, gets our conversation started on the importance of letting your students tell their stories.

In this episode, we explore all the aspects of transformative storytelling.

Join us as we discuss:

- [14:33] Marketing amidst inevitable change

- [16:51] Documentary storytelling and fundraising

- [26:11] Making your interviewees comfortable

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- 10x Is Easier Than 2x">10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan

- Ryan’s Checklist">Ryan’s Checklist

- Ryan Koral on LinkedIn">LinkedIn and Instagram">Instagram

- ryan@enrollfilms.com">ryan@enrollfilms.com

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Getting Your Marketing Ready for Generation Alpha

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Different generations are beginning to have an increase in educational influence.

Having a marketing strategy that can adapt but be intentional when helping non-traditional students is key.

With information expected to be accessible at the click of a button, how can your institution firmly support these prospective learners with potentially limited marketing resources?

Brad Entwistle,">Brad Entwistle, Founding Partner at imageseven">imageseven takes us down under with a unique Australian perspective.

Drawing parallels between the U.S. and Australian educational systems, Brad helps us understand how to deconstruct different generational communication styles and interactions.

Join us as we discuss:

- [11:22] Millennial parent content preferences

- [16:21] Varying financial influences for students

- [21:23] How to present to Gen Alpha

- [36:49] AI in Australia and the U.S.

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Mindstuck">Mindstuck by Michael McQueen

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Breaking the Mold: Higher Ed for Non-Traditional Learners

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The higher education experience is changing.

With attention spans shifting and life getting in the way, institutions need to adapt.

Now more than ever, learning needs to be functional for the nontraditional student.

Getting the conversation started is Troy Brown">Troy Brown, the VP and Director of Recruitment and Enrollment at the University of West Los Angeles">University of West Los Angeles. As the new Dean of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Transformation (DIET), Troy wants to make sure every student's voice is heard.

In this episode, we shed light on the importance of the nontraditional experience

Join us as we discuss:

- [6:06] A different degree pathway

- [11:08] Why higher ed’s biggest competition is life

- [24:43] Bitesize courses and certificates

- [40:57] A relational versus transactional campus

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- troy@uwla.edu">troy@uwla.edu

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Data-Informed Decisions: How AI is Reshaping Marketing Strategies

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Gold Rush era of artificial intelligence.

AI is integrating more and more into the world of higher education and everyone is hoping for their morsel of success.

It’s crucial now more than ever to begin educating yourself on the world of AI.

Push off your studying and you may be left in the dust.

This unique episode brings two guests, Andrew Cassel">Andrew Cassel and Brian Piper">Brian Piper, for an AI roundtable discussion to inform, inspire, and get you thinking about the potential of AI tools at your school.

In this episode, we dissect all things artificial intelligence as we look towards the future of higher ed.

Join us as we discuss:

- [8:08] The advancement of AI technology

- [16:44] How students can utilize AI ethically

- [29:39] The future of AI integrations

- [36:40] How AI regulations could impact higher ed

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Marketing AI Institute">Marketing AI Institute

- Ethan Mollick">Ethan Mollick

- Epic Content Marketing by Brian Piper and Joe Polizzi">Epic Content Marketing by Brian Piper and Joe Polizzi

- Brianwpiper.com ">Brianwpiper.com

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The “Why” Factor: How to Stay True to Your Mission in the Enrollment Ecosystem

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

If someone asked you to define your institution’s “Why,” could you?

When was the last time you really looked through your brand guide to ensure you were sticking to the mission? Are all your ducks really in a row?

DJ Menifee">DJ Menifee, Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing, Communications and Retention at Bradley University">Bradley University, joined us to talk about why schools need to assess their assets. DJ, an avid sneakerhead, knows the importance of grounding the “Why” to progress your institution's mission.

In this episode, we bridge the connection between institutional mission and actions.

Join us as we discuss:

- The enrollment ecosystem (3:44)

- Enrollment funnel challenges (7:12)

- Assessing your assets (15:09)

- Being grounded in the “Why” (27:29)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- dmenifee@bradley.edu">dmenifee@bradley.edu

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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People Interaction Isn’t Dead: Why Every Collaboration Is a Teachable Moment

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

There are always opportunities to learn in the higher ed marketing space. But there are also opportunities to teach.

Higher education tends to move slowly, and with everything around us evolving quickly, we need to approach change as a team.

We’re digging deep into collaborative change with Susan Kassab, Consulting Director at focusEDU. One-on-one conversations and mutual understanding are at the forefront of Susan’s roadmap to administrative success.

In this episode, we explore the importance of giving everyone an informed seat at the table.

Join us as we discuss:

- Influencing influential leadership (2:56)

- How leadership should approach change (10:31)

- When is the right time to use AI (24:45)

- Balancing student needs with AI technology (31:39)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- susan.kassab@gmail.com
- Call or text Susan at 610-731-9765

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Online Learning: Change Management in the Age of AI

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

As the saying goes, “Change is a part of life.” The same can be said for higher ed online classroom resources.

How can schools meet the needs of students in the ever-advancing remote learning space?

It’s time for colleges and universities to work for students.

That’s why we’re talking to Sarah McMaster">Sarah McMaster, Executive Director of Marketing & Enrollment Management at Champlain College Online . With a passion for advancing online education, Sarah transforms the student experience to meet students where they are.

In this episode, we unpack the importance of embracing change in our virtual classrooms.

Join us as we discuss:

-The evolution of online education (6:49)

- Meeting students where they are (15:28)

- AI and change management (22:43)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Champlain College Blog">Champlain College Blog

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Video Storytelling: A Strategy for Building Your Brand’s Content Engine

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Is your college or university's content engine struggling to chug down the track?

Do you often find yourself scrambling to find where your next piece of marketable content will come from?

It’s time to utilize what's right in front of you.

That’s why we’re talking to John Azoni">John Azoni, Owner and Executive Producer at Unveild.tv">Unveild.tv John is big on getting on the ground with students and finding stories to build a content repertoire.

In this episode, we talk about the importance of diversifying and repackaging your content.

Join us as we discuss:

- Kicking off a content strategy for your brand (6:42)

- Why you need to listen to your audience (13:28)

- How to utilize your evergreen content (18:48)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Higher Ed Storytelling University Podcast">Higher Ed Storytelling University Podcast
- Western Sydney University - Deng Adut">Western Sydney University - Deng Adut

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Behind the Numbers: U.S. News And World Report “Best Colleges” Rankings

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Step right up as we unpack the U.S World News College & University Rankings.

There’s methodology, there’s branding, but how does it all work together, and what other factors affect your school’s ranking?

We’re talking to Adam Stoltz">Adam Stoltz, Director of Enrollment Marketing at the University of Idaho">University of Idaho. Adam wrote his dissertation on the U.S News and World Report’s Rankings subject, expanding on its history and relevancy.

In this episode, we break down the mechanics and mysteries of college rankings.

Join us as we discuss:

- The history of the U.S. World News Rankings (4:49)

- How the rankings stay relevant (10:49)

- Ranking methodology changes (19:26)

- Other college ranking entities (34:50)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- U.S. World News & Report">U.S. World News & Report

- InsideHigherEd.com">InsideHigherEd.com

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Cracking the Code: How to Differentiate Yourself and Attract Mission-Fit Personas

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Higher education is not one size fits all. Markers need to wade into the data and demographics and focus on creating an intentional message for their target audience.

That’s why we’re talking to Shane Baglini">Shane Baglini, Senior Director of Marketing Recruitment at Muhlenberg College">Muhlenberg College. A dynamic higher ed marketer, Shane has a passion for authentic storytelling.

In this episode, we delve into the importance of differentiating your marketing strategy to fit your target audience personas.

Join us as we discuss:

- Enrollment marketing from the student’s perspective (11:32)

- Getting marketing a seat at the administrative table (14:15)

- Connecting with students through empathetic brand storytelling (17:40)

- How smaller institutions can differentiate themselves (29:58)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Shane Baglini">Shane Baglini on X
- shanebaglini@muhlenberg.edu">shanebaglini@muhlenberg.edu

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Truth in Advertising: Authenticity in Higher Ed Marketing

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Authenticity has taken a front seat in higher ed marketing.

Branding your institution authentically is a big key to success, and it starts with improving the employee experience.

That’s why we’re talking to Eddie Francis">Eddie Francis, Founder of Edify Ventures">Edify Ventures. With a diverse experience in various industries, Eddie holds firm that being valued matters.

In this episode, we dive into the mechanics of employee value and authentic culture.

Join us as we discuss:

- The importance of employee recognition and retention (4:45)

- Challenges to higher ed employee retention (7:40)

- Generational impacts on higher ed culture (20:35)

- Why improvement is achievable for any size school (28:38)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Maxwell Huppert">Maxwell Huppert

- CUPA-HR Higher Education Employee Retention Survey">CUPA-HR Higher Education Employee Retention Survey
- eddiefrancis.com">eddiefrancis.com
- I Wanna Work There">I Wanna Work There, hosted by Eddie Francis on the Enrollify Network

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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From Generic to Magnetic: Tailored Marketing in Higher Education

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Marketing in Higher Education is evolving more rapidly than ever. If we sit around and watch the innovations fly by, we might be out of the game before we know it.

It’s key to ensure that when the right piece of marketing is available to your university, you seize it.

That’s why we’re talking to Tony Fraga">Tony Fraga, Marketing Strategist & CEO at Direct Development">Direct Development. He’s all about implementing strategic game plans to see your institution thrive against the competition.

In this episode, we delve into the importance of tailoring your marketing strategy.

Join us as we discuss:

- Decades of change in the higher ed landscape (4:32)

- Moving marketing out of advancement and into enrollment (10:54)

- Having a sustainable and long-term strategy (18:40)

- Moving marketing from a catch-all to a tailored approach (29:00)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- The Association for Graduate Enrollment Management">The Association for Graduate Enrollment Management

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Fastball Special: Your Higher Ed Marketing All-Star Team for 2023

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Batter up!

With the 2023 World Series just around the corner, we’re celebrating an all-star roster of The Higher Ed Marketer interviews. From CMOs to school presidents, we’ve had the privilege to talk to some of the most brilliant minds in higher education.

And the best part? Each of this episode’s guests will be at the upcoming 2023 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education">2023 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education in Chicago, Illinois!

You won’t want to miss this special lineup of talented men and women who can help you get your college or university’s marketing into the big leagues:

- Brian Piper">Brian Piper, Director of Content Strategy and Assessment at the University of Rochester">University of Rochester

- Jaime Hunt">Jaime Hunt, Chief Marketing Officer at Old Dominion University">Old Dominion University

- Walter Kimbrough">Walter Kimbrough, Consultant at The Registry">The Registry

- R. Ethan Braden">R. Ethan Braden, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Purdue University">Purdue University

- Jenny Petty">Jenny Petty, VP of Marketing Communications at the University of Montana">University of Montana

- Carrie Phillips">Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at the University of Arkansas - Little Rock">University of Arkansas - Little Rock

- Santhana Naidu">Santhana Naidu, Vice President at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology">Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

- Alex Boylan">Alex Boylan, Founder of The College Tour">The College Tour

- Teresa Flannery">Teresa Flannery, Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer at CASE">CASE
- Kyle Campbell">Kyle Campbell, Founder of Education Marketer">Education Marketer

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- 2023 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education">2023 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education

- Epic Content Marketing">Epic Content Marketing by Joe Pulizzi and Brian Piper

- Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO">Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO Podcast with Jaime Hunt

- Revisionist History">Revisionist History Podcast with Malcolm Gladwell

- How to Market a University">How to Market a University by Teresa Flannery

- How to Market a University Mastercourse">How to Market a University Mastercourse

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Print Is Not Dead: Magazines as a Key Part of Alumni Communications

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0000

When it comes to alumni communications, print isn't dead yet. In fact, many alumni who are express great interest in receiving printed content.

When done the right way, print not only provides a great ROI but also helps higher ed material to stand out in what is becoming an increasingly noisy digital landscape. That's why it's paramount that communications teams try to combine both a print and digital approach to improve the overall experience.

Join us as we talk to Rebekah Tilley">Rebekah Tilley, Director of Strategic Communications at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business">University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business , Steven Henneberry">Steven Henneberry, Director of Strategic and Faculty Communications at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management">University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, and Erin Peterson">Erin Peterson, Owner of Capstone Communications. ">Capstone Communications.

In this episode, we delve into how to successfully navigate the alumni communications experience.

Join us as we discuss:

- Print’s place within the alumni communications ecosystem (05:12)

- How to best integrate print, digital platforms, and other channels for alumni (15:34)

- How to utilize LinkedIn to find story angles and people to interview (31:09)

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Generative AI in Higher Education: Future-Proof Your School’s Marketing Tools

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0000

The market for public-facing generative AI tools has exploded since ChatGPT’s launch in November of 2022. And lots of higher ed institutions are still trying to wrap their heads around AI’s potential, for better or worse.

But the truth is that the rest of the world is going full speed ahead with generative AI, and it’s time for higher ed marketers to catch up.

In this episode, we’re joined by Gil Appel">Gil Appel, Assistant Professor of Marketing at The George Washington University School of Business"> The George Washington University School of Business, and Raffi DerSimonian">Raffi DerSimonian, VP and Chief Strategy Officer at ERI"> ERI. Tune in to hear Gil and Raffi follow up on their presentation with Bart from the HashtagHigherEdUS Conference">HashtagHigherEdUS Conference in June 2023 about AI tools in higher ed marketing.

Join us as we discuss:

- How AI literacy will be a benchmark for the workforce of the future (2:24)

- Why ChatGPT is like an Ironman suit for higher ed marketers (11:09)

- Arguments against AI tools and the intellectual atrophy fallacy (26:27)

- What part AI plays in proving the value of college education (35:57)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- HashtagHigherEdUS Conference 2023 - Using AI in Higher Ed Marketing">HashtagHigherEdUS Conference 2023 - Using AI in Higher Ed Marketing

- Fireflies.ai">Fireflies.ai

- CassidyAI.com">CassidyAI.com

- AI: Your Collaborative Marketing Partner Summit">AI: Your Collaborative Marketing Partner Summit

- ABHE Enrollment Leaders Conference">ABHE Enrollment Leaders Conference

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International Student Marketing: How Your School Can Sell Brand USA

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Like a lot of higher ed departments, international student marketing has been on a rollercoaster since the pandemic. And while other global players like Canada and India are excelling in international recruitment, the US is falling behind.

But Mary Catherine Chase">Mary Catherine Chase, Director of Marketing and Communications at The George Washington University - School of Business"> The George Washington University - School of Business, thinks domestic institutions have a real opportunity to get back in the game. First, they have to get back to some basics.

Tune in to hear Mary’s great insights on how marketers can re-engage the global community and give international students a sense of belonging at American institutions.

Join us as we discuss:

- Covid’s lasting impact on international student recruitment (4:22)

- Marketing to different cultures in your local communities (12:54)

- The 3 pillars of international higher ed marketing (24:30)

- Why language matters in your community interactions (29:53)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- International Student Exchange Programs">International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP)

- Institute of International Education">Institute of International Education (IIE)

- Education USA">Education USA

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website or search for The Higher Edge in your favorite podcast player.

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Five Ways to Build Trust Within Higher Ed Enrollment

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0000

When It comes to building trust by empowering teams to take ownership, higher ed leaders must communicate frequently and not be afraid to push boundaries.

Today, we're joined by the Senior Director of Enrollment Marketing at Baylor University">Baylor University, Jen McCrady">Jen McCrady.

Jen talks about what helps her unique management style to not only establish trust with her team but also empower them.

How you support your colleagues is key to getting the most out of them and building a strong team for today, but it also plays a huge role in creating the work culture of tomorrow at your institution.

Join us as we discuss:

- Why Jen’s team-building philosophy focuses on trust and empowerment (7:16)

- The five ways to build trust within your team (14:15)

- How a tight-knit professional community is created (25:50)

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Brand Framework: Reshaping and Rediscovering Your School’s Promise

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 05:00:00 +0000

For any number of reasons, higher ed institutions can sometimes get caught up in a branding dilemma. And it’s often up to their marketing departments to reshape — or rediscover — the magic behind their school’s messaging.

Such was the case at the University of Louisville">University of Louisville in 2017. It was then that the school’s Executive Director of Brand and Marketing, Kim Butterweck">Kim Butterweck, and Director of Marketing, Erica Walsh">Erica Walsh, and their team set out to rediscover their brand’s promise.

Kim and Erica share how training internal stakeholders in brand awareness and redefining student success became integral to their school’s renewed brand messaging strategy.

Join us as we discuss:

- Working with internal stakeholders on brand messaging (8:25)

- Cross-training departments through group workshops (17:12)

- The 3 pillars of Louisville’s brand messaging strategy (25:57)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- kimberly.butterweck@louisville.edu">kimberly.butterweck@louisville.edu

- erica.walsh@louisville.edu">erica.walsh@louisville.edu

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The Five C’s of Building Great Teams in Higher Ed

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Are you setting the teams at your university or organization up for success? How are you supporting your colleagues to ensure that they are at the top of their game at all times?

It all starts with being intentional, getting everyone aligned, and having a collaborative approach.

In this episode, we are joined by Kathy Kissane">Kathy Kissane, Associate Chief Marketing Officer at Thomas Jefferson University">Thomas Jefferson University.

Kathy shares her perspective on what it takes to build a high-performing team in higher education marketing, taking us through the key elements of creating a better team for your higher ed institution.

Join us as we discuss:

- Why you need to have a clear mission, vision, and values (07:47)

- How you can encourage continuous learning (15:45)

- Why it’s important to celebrate the wins and the tries (27:03)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Kathy Kissane">Kathy Kissane

- Thomas Jefferson University">Thomas Jefferson University

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Enrollment and Marketing Data Silos: Stop Hoarding and Start Talking

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 05:00:00 +0000

“Data silos” have been at the top of the buzzword pile for a few years now. But the truth is that many higher ed enrollment and marketing departments still don’t quite get each others’ roles.

Michael Doran">Michael Doran, CRM Implementation Strategist at XEquals"> XEquals, thinks the biggest problem is they speak different languages. The solution? They need a translator — someone who knows how to unlock marketing solutions for their school’s enrollment strategy.

Michael leans on his admissions experience to unpack what’s keeping enrollment and marketing professionals from communicating and what the folks at XEquals are doing to break down those roadblocks.

Join us as we discuss:

- Why fast-paced demographic shifts necessitate information sharing (3:26)

- The perks and challenges of an enrollment and marketing tag team (11:38)

- How lead scoring can help enrollment counselors prioritize leads (19:50)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- micahel.doran@xequalsenroll.com">micahel.doran@xequalsenroll.com

- XEquals">XEquals

- The Golden Ratio">The Golden Ratio podcast

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Content Marketing: Its Strengths, Weaknesses, And Everything In Between

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by the Director of Content and Strategy Assessment at the University of Rochester">University of Rochester, Brian Piper">Brian Piper.

Not only do we get an inside look at his approach and strategies around content with the University of Rochester, he shares his perspective on this quickly changing landscape, and it was beyond insightful.

Not only has AI seemingly changed things overnight — people have adapted and are thinking quicker and more creatively as well.

So what does that mean for your university or organization? How is your content and the strategies around it going to change?

Well, join us as we discuss:

- Where your content can make the greatest impact [10:24]

- How to identify which metrics truly matter for your objectives [13:38]

- Where customer personas and audience comes into play [18:04]

- The importance of adapting to AI and a rapidly changing landscape [25:57]

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Brian Piper">Brian Piper

- University of Rochester">University of Rochester

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It Takes a Campus: Marketing and Understanding the Entire Student Life Cycle

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Higher ed marketers sometimes forget that they’re not merely engaging with prospective students. They’re selling their brand’s value proposition to future alumni.

That’s why Ellen Johnson">Ellen Johnson, Vice President For Enrollment Management at Allegheny College">Allegheny College, says her school’s enrollment marketing speaks to the entire breadth of the student life cycle. And by making their brand storytelling part of everyone’s mission, they’ve created a winning culture of recruitment and retention campus-wide.

Ellen tells us how Allegheny is successfully promoting a liberal arts education in a digital-first world and how they’re strategizing for the enrollment cliff.

Join us as we discuss:

- Approaching prospective students with a retention mindset (6:08)

- Storyboarding campus tours with tactical on-site branding (14:18)

- A commitment to helping students from low-income families (27:42)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- ejohnson@allegheny.edu">ejohnson@allegheny.edu

- Twitter">Twitter

- Allegheny College">Allegheny College

- Commitment to Access Program">Commitment to Access Program
To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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What Would Ted Lasso Do?: Driving Organizational Change Through Branding

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Jenny Petty">Jenny Petty, Vice President of Marketing Communications at the University of Montana">University of Montana, had a tall order to fill when she arrived at the school in 2021. After nearly a decade of declining enrollment, the university was in desperate need of a branding facelift.

Jenny knew she and her team needed to bring positivity back to the school’s messaging. And she started by taking everyone to “Brand Camp.” Today, Montana has experienced consecutive semesters of growth for the first time in years.

Hear how Jenny and her team helped inject confidence back into a bleeding brand by engaging with students and adopting authentic messaging that reflects Gen Z’s priorities.

Join us as we discuss:

- Marketing management and collaborating with outside partners (9:17)

- Incorporating student feedback into higher ed rebranding efforts (15:41)

- Tangible benefits of rebranding and the Ted Lasso effect (20:10)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Jenny Petty">Jenny Petty

- Twitter">Twitter

- University of Montana">University of Montana

- The Servant Marketer">The Servant Marketer

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Start Early: Serving Freshmen and Sophomores in Your Funnel

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Many college and university admissions offices are so focused on processing applications that they forget that students want to feel a connection with their school.

As Liz Rainwater">Liz Rainwater, Director of Admission Marketing and Communication at TCU">TCU, reminds us, trust is the foundation for every relationship. That’s why the folks at TCU prioritize giving over taking when they start a dialogue with prospective students and their parents.

Liz tells us why building a two-way connection early in the admissions process is so important and how they’re getting parents actively involved in their children’s futures.

Join us as we discuss:

- Laying the foundation for lifelong relationships with students (1:24)

- Why any CRM can handle batch personalized comm flows (15:27)

- Leveraging early connections in the transfer funnel (27:39)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- e.rainwater@tcu.edu">e.rainwater@tcu.edu

- TCU">TCU

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Everybody Wants to Be on a Winning Team: Confrontation and Caretaking in Higher Ed Marketing

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Higher ed creative teams have seen incredible changes since Covid, for better or worse. We saw a shift that included a greater appreciation for work-life balance for employees, but is there a point when leadership’s focus on caretaking hurts more than helps?
WAYNE BARRINGER
Wayne Barringer">Wayne Barringer, Founder of Jaro Group, believes many higher ed marketing leaders have lost sight of their North Star, and their teams know it.

Wayne’s harrowing climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2018 gave him a unique perspective on confronting the fear of the moment. Now, he’s using that insight to help unlock leaders’ superpowers so they can get the most out of their higher ed creative teams. And it starts with pausing to take in the view.

Join us as we discuss:

- Why higher ed leaders need to find the courage to pivot (5:02)

- A strategic view of getting back to your school’s mission (9:45)

- Confrontation and how to deal with elevated stakeholders (17:20)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Jaro.Win

- Wayne Barringer">Wayne Barringer

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Be Curious: Showcasing Your School’s User-Generated Content

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 05:00:00 +0000

As digital marketing channels continue to elevate new ways of promoting user-generated content, higher ed marketers have to continue identifying emotional stories that will speak to their target audience.

That’s because prospective students want to feel a genuine connection with their peers through real stories. Nate Jorgensen">Nate Jorgensen, Senior Director of Strategic Academic Marketing and Communications at Miami University"> Miami University, believes higher ed marketers can bridge that need.

They just need to start thinking less like a big brand and more like Ted Lasso.

Nate sheds light on the need for empathy in enrollment marketing and why showcasing user-generated content is essential to building trust with student leads.

Join us as we discuss:

- Identifying emotional stories prospective students will connect with (7:02)

- Why authentic content is superior to overly-produced marketing (13:46)

- Stretching yesterday’s brand guidelines to solve today’s problems (26:28)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Good Services">Good Services

- jorgennp@miamioh.edu">jorgennp@miamioh.edu

- Nate Jorgensen">Nate Jorgensen

- Miami University">Miami University (Ohio)

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How to Plan Your SEO Roadtrip: Mapping Your SEO Investment

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 05:00:00 +0000

A practical SEO strategy is critical to keeping your school’s enrollment website. But how can you know when to invest in pay-per-click ads versus the long content game?

Guus Goorts">Guus Goorts, Founder of DutchMarketer.com">DutchMarketer.com and author of Successful Student Recruitment With Google Ads">Successful Student Recruitment With Google Ads, believes building an SEO strategy is like planning a road trip. A common issue is that most schools know where they want to go, but they forget to check a few boxes along the way.

Guus brings us his valuable insight into the three essential components of an organic SEO strategy and why neglecting one will diminish the returns in all of your marketing channels.

Join us as we discuss:

- Identifying short-term SEO strategies for your enrollment website (8:16)

- The 3 core components of an organic SEO roadmap (13:40)

- Building on and measuring returns in your marketing channels (19:24)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Guus Goorts">Guus Goorts

- DutchMarketer.com">DutchMarketer.com

- Successful Student Recruitment With Google Ads">Successful Student Recruitment With Google Ads

- SEO Review Tools">SEO Review Tools

- Semrush">Semrush

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I Want to See the Dorm Room: Marketing Insights From Guy Kawasaki

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Guy Kawasaki">Guy Kawasaki has been a marketing icon since his early days with Apple spreading the word of a product that’s now synonymous with personal computing, Macintosh. Today, the best-selling author and host of the Remarkable People">Remarkable People podcast is the Chief Evangelist for Canva">Canva.

Guy talks with us about why his fandom made him a perfect fit with Canva and how their product puts the power of design right into marketers’ and students’ hands.

And you won’t want to miss Guy’s thoughts on campus tours.

Tune in to hear how Canva can democratize your school’s marketing communications!

Join us as we discuss:

- How Canva’s ease of use levels the marketing playing field (5:52)

- Empowering students with accessible digital tools (14:04)

- Why Guy believes ChatGPT and AI will be a force for good (19:59)

- Secret shopping your school’s product, including campus tours (27:16)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Remarkable People">Remarkable People

- Canva">Canva

- Force for Good">Force for Good

- The Art of the Start 2.0">The Art of the Start 2.0

- The Art of Social Media">The Art of Social Media

- guykawasaki@gmail.com">guykawasaki@gmail.com

- Guy Kawasaki">Guy Kawasaki

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The Sky’s the Limit: How Drone Shows Can Pull in Your Higher Ed Community

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Drone shows are much more than pretty lights in the night sky. Through curated storyboarding and other audiosensory elements, these innovative spectacles can bring communities together by painting a larger story.

After Joy Fulkerson">Joy Fulkerson, Director of Leadership and Civic Engagement at East Tennessee State University">East Tennessee State University (ETSU), saw a local theme park show, she knew her school’s community needed that experience. Once she suggested the idea to Leah Adinolfi">Leah Adinolfi, the school’s Dean of Student Engagement, they started looking for experts in the field.

That’s where the folks from Pixis Drones">Pixis Drones come in. Joy and Leah join Pixis’ VP of Operations Martin Codd">Martin Codd, Chief of Staff Maria Booker">Maria Booker, and Sales Coordinator Ethan Delinski">Ethan Delinski to discuss how drone shows can engage higher ed communities.

Join us as we discuss:

- The emotional benefits of drone shows in brand storytelling (5:06)

- How ETSU and Pixis collaborated on their storyboard and keywords (12:57)

- Incorporating creative elements to conduct a multisensory experience (18:23)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Pixis Drones">Pixis Drones

- East Tennessee State University">East Tennessee State University

- fulkersj@etsu.edu">fulkersj@etsu.edu (Joy Fulkers)

- adinolfi@etsu.edu">adinolfi@etsu.edu (Leah Adinolfi)

- mcodd@pixisdrones.com">mcodd@pixisdrones.com (Martin Codd)

This episode is dedicated to the loving memory of Maria Booker. Maria passed away in a car accident on Sunday June 4th, 2023 returning home from giving her time to help others.

Her life, light, and vibrance are sorely missed by the Pixis Drones team and all of us here at The Higher Ed Marketer. In this, her final interview, please take a moment to send a thought or a prayer to her family and the Pixis Drones team in this tough time.

Donations can be made in Maria’s memory to a charity of your choice or one of the many charities important to her.

Capital Area Food Bank">Capital Area Food Bank

Chance for Life Foundation">Chance for Life Foundation

Central Virginia Horse Rescue">Central Virginia Horse Rescue

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website or search for The Higher Edge in your favorite podcast player.

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A Professor in a Box: Boosting Your Mental Bandwidth With ChatGPT

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 05:00:00 +0000

As a veteran of the newspaper business, Jaime Hunt">Jaime Hunt, Vice President for University Communications and CMO at Old Dominion University">Old Dominion University, has seen firsthand how resisting change can destroy industries.

That’s why she believes higher ed institutions and organizations need to hit the pause button on banning ChatGPT and other AI services. Rather than branding it as a threat, higher ed marketers need to treat ChatGPT as a powerful tool that can take their content marketing to higher heights.

Jaime gives us a glimpse into how she’s been harnessing the power of ChatGPT to save her mental bandwidth as we dive into AI in higher ed marketing.

Join us as we discuss:

- How ChatGPT helps streamline mundane work (7:54)

- Tailoring advanced chatbots to your specific marketing needs (16:06)

- Using automation to hyper-personalize comm flows (24:18)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- LinkedIn">LinkedIn

- Twitter">Twitter

- j1hunt@odu.edu">j1hunt@odu.edu

- Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO">Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO

- Old Dominion University">Old Dominion University

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Diversity of Voice: Attracting Mission-Fit Students With CMS Deliverables

Tue, 30 May 2023 05:00:00 +0000

When evaluating a school’s content marketing system (CMS), it’s easy for higher ed marketers to get tunnel vision when defining their target audience. But as Kat Liendgens">Kat Liendgens, CEO of Hannon Hill">Hannon Hill, reminds us, the national pool of traditional college students is shrinking fast.

That means marketing teams need to get with the times and bring a diversity of voice into their CMS strategy.

Kat explains why colleges and universities need to start appealing to a broader array of personas, including the people who influence young students’ choices the most — their parents.

Join us as we discuss:

- Incorporating diversity of voice in school websites and CRMs (5:09)

- Setting content contributors up for success in your CMS (11:53)

- How higher ed content compares to other industry verticals (18:23)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- kat@hannonhill.com">kat@hannonhill.com

- Hannon Hill">Hannon Hill

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The 5 Steps of a Student Intake Optimization Strategy

Tue, 23 May 2023 05:00:00 +0000

So many small and mid-sized colleges and universities are caught up in trying to spread brand awareness that they’ve forgotten their core purpose — meeting the needs of prospective students.

Philip Smith">Philip Smith, Founder and CMO of Education Marketing Agency">Education Marketing Agency, thinks it’s time for higher ed institutions to stop trying to impress their competition and get back to the basics.

Philip joins us from Ireland to give us the inside scoop on how he helps schools in the UK with his Student Intake Optimization Strategy.

Join us as we discuss:

- The 5 steps of the Student Intake Optimization Strategy (4:23)

- Why schools need to start engaging students with video (20:18)

- How fractional CMOs help struggling marketing teams (27:15)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Philip Smith">Philip Smith

- Education Marketing Agency">Education Marketing Agency

- PhilipSmithCMO.com">PhilipSmithCMO.com

- Uni Vid">Uni Vid

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Value + Urgency = Conversions: A Winning Formula for Your Enrollment Funnel

Tue, 16 May 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Since 2017, the Pepperdine University - Graduate School of Education & Psychology">Pepperdine University - Graduate School of Education & Psychology has nearly tripled its enrollment from about 1,500 students to over 4,000. So how did they do it?

According to Luke Phillips">Luke Phillips, the school’s Executive Director of Marketing and Enrollment, they did it by avoiding the weeds and taking a strategic approach to their enrollment funnel. It isn’t enough for marketing teams to just focus on clinching the sale — they need to step outside the box and look at the big picture.

You won’t want to miss the incredible practical insight Luke shares on emphasizing strategic thinking toward growth and their winning formula for converting student leads.

Join us as we discuss:

-Strategic growth and execution of market research (5:19)

- Distilling actionable data through SWOT analysis (15:06)

- How successful enrollment marketing opens up opportunities (23:02)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System">The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

- Survey Monkey">Survey Monkey

- Salary.com">Salary.com

- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

- Pepperdine University - Graduate School of Education & Psychology">Pepperdine University - Graduate School of Education & Psychology

- luke.phillips2@pepperdine.edu

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Seek the Unexpected: Surprising Students With Real Storytelling

Tue, 09 May 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Mission-fit storytelling is an essential piece of higher ed content marketing. That sounds straightforward on paper, but many schools struggle to attract students by meeting them where they are. Neal Foard">Neal Foard, Chief Marketing Officer at Within, Inc.">Within, Inc., thinks too many marketing teams are adrift in a sea of algorithms and analytics and have lost sight of their true purpose.

Neal believes marketers must stop chasing heroic individualism and come together to celebrate their students as a team, and that starts with addressing their students’ self-interests first.

Join us as we discuss:

- The unintended consequences of marketing metrics (6:29)

- Collaboration and the creative spirit in people’s differences (16:08)

- Humanizing stories by putting the audience first (25:52)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- nealfoard@gmail.com">nealfoard@gmail.com

- YouTube">YouTube

- Nealfoard.com">Nealfoard.com

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Targeted Digital Advertising: Captivating a Small Audience Over a Large Footprint

Tue, 02 May 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Despite digital marketing’s evident impact on prospective students, social media managers are still some of the most undersupported members of many higher ed marketing teams. Any school administration should be able to clearly see Gen Z’s appetite for digital content, so why do these disconnects continue to happen?

According to Santhana Naidu">Santhana Naidu, VP of Marketing and Communications at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology">Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, marketers must first educate their school’s internal audiences. Only then can they focus on telling their stories to external niche audiences.

Santhana shares the success of their social media strategy and why more schools should embrace targeted digital advertising on streaming platforms.

Join us as we discuss:

- Using social media to edutain prospective STEM students (7:31)

- The cost-benefit of OTT advertising on streaming platforms (15:57)

- Educating the campus community on social media strategy (23:25)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- naidu1@rose-hulman.edu">naidu1@rose-hulman.edu

- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology">Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

- Rose-Hulman TikTok">Rose-Hulman TikTok

- Rose-Hulman Instagram">Rose-Hulman Instagram

- Rose-Hulman YouTube">Rose-Hulman YouTube

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Your Students Will Tell You Everything: Power Your Innovation by Listening

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Community colleges are the front door of higher education for hundreds of thousands of students annually. They may be smaller than their 4-year counterparts, but schools like Butler Community College">Butler Community College are leading the charge in innovating classrooms and workforce development programs.

How are they doing it? It’s simple — by listening to students and their future employers and pivoting to their needs.

Butler’s president, Dr. Kimberly Krull">Dr. Kimberly Krull, and Director of College Relations and Marketing, Kelly Snedden">Kelly Snedden, tell us how they’re committing to graduating each student in digital literacy.

Join us as we discuss:

- Powering “high-flex” classrooms with the tech of tomorrow (13:03)

- Getting students job-ready in workforce development programs (21:09)

- How Butler is addressing the demographic enrollment cliff (34:51)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

krull@butlercc.edu">krull@butlercc.edu

ksnedden@butlercc.edu">ksnedden@butlercc.edu

Butler Community College">Butler Community College

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Empower Your Ambassadors: Crafting a Peer-To-Peer Marketing Strategy

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Peer-to-peer marketing may be one of the most underutilized strategies for American colleges and universities today.

Several studies show that current students are Gen Z’s most preferred source of information about prospective colleges and universities after school websites. Many students are ready and willing to answer their fellow Gen Z’s questions through peer-to-peer marketing, and the barrier to entry is much lower than you may think.

George Oleson">George Olesen, CEO of The Ambassador Platform">The Ambassador Platform, gives us the nitty-gritty on the present state of peer-to-peer marketing in higher ed and how schools should leverage this underrated strategy.

Join us as we discuss:

- Empowering students to safely represent your school (6:50)

- Measuring your peer-to-peer campaign performance (14:40)

- Engaging different personas and underrepresented groups (24:40)

- Incentivizing students to participate in your ambassador program (31:32)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- george@theambassadorplatform.com">george@theambassadorplatform.com

- The Ambassador Platform">The Ambassador Platform

- Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World - and Why Things Are Better Than You Think">Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World - and Why Things Are Better Than You Think

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Authentic Automation: Leveraging SMS Texting to Engage With Lead

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

As regenerative AI takes the marketing world by storm, enrollment marketing teams continue to look for ways to boost engagement with prospective students.

David Tal">David Tal, Co-founder and CEO of Verse.io">Verse.io, suggests there’s a straightforward solution to getting your school’s message to student leads — and it’s already sitting in their pocket.

David talks to us about the positive results colleges and universities are seeing with automated SMS texting by bringing authentic conversations straight to prospective students’ phones.

Join us as we discuss:

- Automating mundane tasks for in-house teams (6:19)

- Differences between SMS automation and traditional chatbots (14:17)

- Success stories from two universities using automated texting (21:36)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- david@verse.io">david@verse.io

- Verse.io">Verse.io

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Take Your Voice Back: Being Change Agents in Higher Ed Marketing

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Higher ed marketers often get so caught up in promotion that they take a backseat in developing the other core components of their school’s brand. But as Carrie Phillips">Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at the University of Arkansas - Little Rock">University of Arkansas - Little Rock, pointed out, marketers have the power to be change agents for their schools.

As the enrollment cliff approaches, they’re going to need all the leverage they can muster.

By building relationships with other departments and personalizing mission-fit content, marketing teams can take their voices back and elevate their institution’s brand.

Join us as we discuss:

- 3 key marketing tactics to avoid the enrollment cliff (5:46)

- Addressing student needs through intentional listening (13:01)

- How higher ed marketers can be change agents (16:57)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Carrie Phillips">Carrie Phillips

- University of Arkansas - Little Rock">University of Arkansas - Little Rock

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Speak With One Voice: Getting Students Involved in Enrollment Marketing

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Enrollment marketing teams face new challenges every day as they work tirelessly to attract prospective students. Despite those obstacles, Teresa MacGregor">Teresa MacGregor, VP of Enrollment Management at Jacksonville University">Jacksonville University, and her colleagues are celebrating increased first-time enrollment at their school.

And it’s not just because of the campus’s beachfront view. They did it by actively engaging with their students on campus and encouraging them to share their stories with the community.

Teresa shares how her school’s administration is leading from the front to elevate the student experience.

Join us as we discuss:

- Encouraging campus visits through a culture of storytelling (6:54)

- An individualized approach to student recruitment (18:42)

- The value narrative brewing around higher education (26:25)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- tmacgre@ju.edu">tmacgre@ju.edu

- Jacksonville University">Jacksonville University

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Design Planning: Build a Framework Around Your School’s Identity

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0000

The compounding effects of the pandemic and the Great Resignation have left a lot of schools looking for answers. Design planning may be just the solution colleges and universities need to get a broad perspective of their marketing constraints in 2023 and beyond.

That’s because, as Errol Wint">Errol Wint, Founder of Mara Bridge Consulting Solutions">Mara Bridge Consulting Solutions, pointed out, your school is a business, and your marketing team needs to start treating it as such.

Errol tells us how design planning can help you find non-linear solutions that will help solve your prospective students’ problems and empower your staff.

Join us as we discuss:

- How design planning can help prototype marketing solutions (5:13)

- Helping disempowered individuals work to their strengths (17:35)

- The diversity imperative and leaning into changing demographics (25:33)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- errol@wintenterprise.com">errol@wintenterprise.com

- Errol Wint">Errol Wint

- Mara Bridge Consulting Solutions">Mara Bridge Consulting Solutions

- Change by Design by Tim Brown">Change by Design by Tim Brown

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Shaping Community: How Gen Z Students Are Leading the Way in DEI

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0000

DEI — diversity, equity, and inclusion — is top-of-mind across marketing channels, not just higher education. That’s because as Gen Z starts to leave school and filter into the workforce, they’re leading the charge of reshaping our culture through a lens of empathy.

As Gabrielle Gambrell">Gabrielle Gambrell, adjunct professor at NYU">NYU and Columbia University">Columbia University and founder of Gift of Gabrielle">Gift of Gabrielle, suggested, higher ed marketers could learn a thing or two from their school’s students.

Gabrielle believes finding the pulse of your audience’s feelings and pursuing lifelong learning are key to nailing your higher ed marketing strategy.

Join us as we discuss:

- Bringing private sector experience into higher education (2:53)

- DEI and empathy in marketing campaigns (8:39)

- Cross-industry marketing tactics and getting back to basics (18:41)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Gabrielle Gambrell">Gabrielle Gambrell

- Gabrielle’s Twitter">Gabrielle’s Twitter

- Gabrielle’s Instagram">Gabrielle’s Instagram

- Gift of Gabrielle">Gift of Gabrielle

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The Demographic Enrollment Cliff: Forecasting the Great Dropoff

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The proof is in the data pudding: higher education is racing towards a demographic enrollment cliff over the next few decades. Be it due to ethnic, lifestyle, or regional indicators, hundreds of colleges and universities could be facing a long-term enrollment crisis.

Tim Fuller">Tim Fuller, Founder of Fuller Higher Ed Solutions">Fuller Higher Ed Solutions, thinks schools need to get back to the basics and be intentional in their recruiting efforts if they want to survive.

Tim suggests schools can’t go on with business as usual, and that starts with utilizing your data and asking the important question: now what?

Join us as we discuss:

-A long-term projection for the demographic enrollment cliff (5:58)

- The Great Resignation’s impact on college campuses (24:10)

- 5 enrollment metrics your school needs to watch (33:58)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- tim@fullerhes.com">tim@fullerhes.com

- Fuller Higher Ed Solutions">Fuller Higher Ed Solutions

- Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education">Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education

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Audience-First Marketing: Understand How Students Discover Your School

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Higher ed marketing teams often tout content as an asset, but does content that falls on deaf ears still make a sound? Without a consistent pipeline for their content, creators will suffer depreciating value in what is truly their most significant asset: their target audience.

Kyle Campbell">Kyle Campbell, Founder and Managing Director of Education Marketer">Education Marketer, believes audience-first marketing can revolutionize how students discover colleges and universities in a creator economy.

By scaling content with the appropriate communities, higher ed marketers can establish their authority through authentic relationships.

Join us as we discuss:

- Defining audience-first marketing and curating pipelines (4:58)

- The movement from corporatized branding to niche marketing (18:12)

- How AI tools like ChatGPT will revolutionize the creator economy (25:23)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Kyle Campbell">Kyle Campbell

- Education Marketer">Education Marketer

- ChatGPT">ChatGPT

- Full Sail University Twitch">Full Sail University Twitch

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An Audience of One: Make the Prospective Student the Hero of Their Story

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

As higher ed marketing teams look towards an unpredictable future injected with AI technology, one question is now on everyone’s mind: what qualifies as quality written content?

Ann Handley">Ann Handley, Chief Content Officer of MarketingProfs">MarketingProfs and best-selling author of Everybody Writes">Everybody Writes, believes it’s writing that inspires your reader and makes them the hero of the story.

Ann shares insights from the latest edition of her book and tells us why, with practice, anyone is capable of writing content that engages audiences.

Join us as we discuss:

- The importance of content marketing in the age of AI (3:07)

- Making your reader the hero of the story with personal moments (11:00)

- Why everyone has the potential to find their writing voice (22:32)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Annhandley.com">Annhandley.com

- Fortnightly Newsletter">Fortnightly Newsletter

- Everybody Writes: Your New and Improved Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content (2nd Edition)">Everybody Writes: Your New and Improved Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content (2nd Edition)

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Audience-Centric Content: Building Relationships Through Engagement

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Higher ed marketers all know the struggle of reaching target audiences, but real audience-centric content is in the eye of the beholder. With so many digital mediums to choose from, how can schools know that their brand messaging is what their audience is looking for?

Jerra Toms">Jerra Toms, Director of Marketing and Communications at the University of Arkansas - Sam M. Walton College of Business">University of Arkansas - Sam M. Walton College of Business, has a simple suggestion: get out of your office and ask them.

Jerra shares why engaging with your audience is essential to getting real feedback on your higher ed marketing efforts, especially with social media content.

Join us as we discuss:

- Getting every perspective for authentic feedback on content (8:50)

- Implementing new social media tactics and trending technology (17:52)

- How a student advisory board can up your marketing game (23:26)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Jerra Toms">Jerra Toms

- jtoms@walton.uark.edu">jtoms@walton.uark.edu

- University of Arkansas - Sam M. Walton College of Business">University of Arkansas - Sam M. Walton College of Business

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Leveraging Students as Co-Creators for Your Social Media Content

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

We’re all still students of social media content creation, but some schools are bringing their A-game when generating content that speaks to Gen Z.

Owen Knight">Owen Knight, Director of Admission Engagement at Tulane University">Tulane University, shares how he and his team reach their target audience by leaning on their peers - current students within Tulane’s walls.

By building a team filled with bright, young interns who grasp the Gen Z social media landscape, Owen and his Admissions Office can meet prospective students where they are.

Join us as we discuss:

- How Tulane approaches the shifting social media landscape (4:50)

- Finding the balance between informing and entertaining (10:00)

- Organic conversations with students about content and trends (18:18)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- oknight@tulane.edu">oknight@tulane.edu

- Tulane Admission Instagram">Tulane Admission Instagram

- Tulane Admission TikTok">Tulane Admission TikTok

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Building a Story Vault: Empowering Storytellers in Your Marketing Process

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Alumni and students have so many incredible authentic stories to tell about their colleges and universities. But higher ed marketing teams can sometimes get in their own way by curating those stories till they’re just another batch of overly processed advertisements.

People want to hear about real experiences. But if schools want to share those stories, they first have to find them.

Chris Miano">Chris Miano, Founder of MemoryFox">MemoryFox, shares with us why messy, organic stories are what audiences crave in today’s attention-seeking social economy and how higher ed marketers can find them.

Join us as we discuss:

- Delighting audiences with authentic storytelling (5:59)

- Why stories matter in spreading brand awareness (12:36)

- The difference between self-promotion and a conversation (21:23)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- chris@memoryfox.io">chris@memoryfox.io

- MemoryFox">MemoryFox

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Leaning on Legacy: Blending History and Branding in Enrollment Marketing

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

How much should colleges and universities lean on legacy branding? Advancement departments undoubtedly love promoting the “glory days” to their school alums, but should legacy be a major factor in your enrollment marketing strategy?

In the late 1970s, Indiana State University">Indiana State University produced one of the most famous basketball players in NCAA and NBA history - Larry Bird. Jason Trainer">Jason Trainer, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at ISU, shares how their school balances academic and athletic branding while giving students just the right dose of historical perspective.

Join us as we discuss:

Aligning marketing strategy with your institution’s vision (3:54)

Navigating school athletics history in enrollment marketing (13:18)

Finding overlapping themes that excite your school’s stakeholders (23:07)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

jason.trainer@indstate.edu">jason.trainer@indstate.edu

Indiana State University">Indiana State University

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Telling Over Selling: Discoverable Short-Form Video Content

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Short-form video content has exploded on social media platforms over the last few years. Colleges and universities are scrambling to take advantage of these content marketing goldmines, but some are still missing the mark.

But as Rob Clark">Rob Clark, social media influencer and creator of That Tall Family">That Tall Family, told us - it’s not rocket science. You just have to put yourself out there.

Rob shared the work he’s now doing at Greenville University">Greenville University and how higher ed marketers can take advantage of short-form video content.

Join us as we discuss:

- The not-so-secret sauce in a good short-form video strategy (8:26)

- Creating discoverable content for your school (21:43)

- Predicting what social media platform will be trending in 2023 (33:01)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- That Tall Family">That Tall Family

- Rob Clark">Rob Clark

- Greenville University">Greenville University

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Pay It Forward: Higher Ed Advancement and Philanthropy

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 06:07:00 +0000

Working in higher ed advancement can be discouraging when you hear the word “No” from potential donors. But by imprinting philanthropy on your student culture, you can encourage them to pay it forward to their future fellow alums the second they set foot on campus.

In this episode, the University of Findlay">University of Findlay’s Director Of Annual Giving, Amanda Nicol">Amanda Nicol, and Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship Manager, Brittany Beltz">Brittany Beltz, share their exciting advancement initiatives. Through education and volunteer programs, they’re preparing the next generation of philanthropists.

Join us as we discuss:

- Impassioning donors by making your campus a second home (2:15)

- The components of Findlay’s philanthropy cord graduation program (13:30)

- The importance of communicating with your regular donors (23:09)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- The University of Findlay">The University of Findlay

- thefindlayfund@findlay.edu">thefindlayfund@findlay.edu

- amanda.nicol@findlay.edu">amanda.nicol@findlay.edu

- brittany.beltz@findlay.edu">brittany.beltz@findlay.edu

- Together We Will">Together We Will

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Consumable Content for a Human Audience - Search Engine Marketing Part 2

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Search engine marketing is top-of-mind for most higher ed marketers, but it’s still a drastically underutilized marketing mechanism.

In fact, according to our guest, Faton Sopa">Faton Sopa, co-founder and CEO of Manaferra">Manaferra, only three of the top ten websites that commonly show up from higher ed search terms are school websites.

In Part Two of our discussion around search engine marketing, we address some common shortfalls in higher ed marketing SEO strategies.

Join us as we discuss:

- The marriage of technical web design and content (1:46)

- Referral backlinks and the subtle art of link building (19:42)

- Why colleges and universities are shorting their SEO potential (36:44)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Faton Sopa">Faton Sopa

- Manaferra">Manaferra

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Covering All the Angles in Lead Conversions - Search Engine Marketing Part 1

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Search engine marketing is still considered a 21st-century mystery to many higher ed marketers. But the fact is that, with a solid content marketing strategy, any college or university can turn its website into an SEO darling.

In part one of our interview with Faton Sopa">Faton Sopa, Cofounder and CEO of Manaferra">Manaferra, we discuss the sub-disciplines of search engine marketing and how to establish authority through content.

Join us as we discuss:

- The sub-disciplines of search engine marketing (4:50)

- Establishing authority in your website’s content (15:20)

- If gated content is appropriate in the conversion funnel (23:21)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Faton Sopa">Faton Sopa

-Manaferra">Manaferra

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Capturing Reality: Authentic Stories of Disability Students

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 15:59:48 +0000

Despite fifteen percent of the world’s population having a physical disability, the disability community of students is often an afterthought in DEI-focused higher ed marketing. While some schools have made massive strides in telling these students’ stories, many others could do so much more - and it starts with building relationships.

Ryan Wilson">Ryan Wilson, CEO of Team Trust Productions">Team Trust Productions, tells us how colleges and universities can make top grades in authentic storytelling for students with disabilities.

Join us as we discuss:

-Why higher ed is lagging behind in disability inclusion (8:54)

- Approaching storytelling for the disability community (20:00)

- How schools can close the gap with students with disabilities (26:24)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Team Trust Productions">Team Trust Productions

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Automagic Customization: Personalizing the Regional School Website Experience

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 15:55:54 +0000

Imagine a personalized website experience that adapts in real-time to the home region of prospective students who visit your homepage.

We’ve seen the potential of geocaching with popular mobile applications like Pokemon Go. What if you could employ similar technology to customize your school website’s visitor experience?

Kyle Pucko">Kyle Pucko, Owner of Geofli">Geofli, tells us how colleges and universities can harness this exciting tech to enhance personalization on their websites.

Join us as we discuss:

- Why personalization in school websites matters (4:38)

- Use cases for geocaching landing pages by region (15:52

- The future of online customization after third-party cookies (22:06)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Kyle Pucko">Kyle Pucko

- Geofli">Geofli

- kyle@geofli.com

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Easy to Apply, Hard to Ask: Addressing Your School Website’s Focus

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Too often, colleges and universities put themselves on a pedestal on their school website’s homepage. Be it celebratory news stories, sporting events, or faculty profiles, higher ed institutions sometimes neglect the most important patrons of their website: prospective students.

Bob Johnson, Ph. D. , Founder of Bob Johnson Consulting, LLC , tells us why every school should focus their website on enrollment marketing and what things they need to stop obsessing over.

Join us as we discuss:

Missed personalization opportunities in lead conversions (8:34)
Three top information priorities for school website homepages (12:21)
Why everyone needs to follow up on self-reported data (25:24)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Edge in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

More Than a Campus Logo: The Evolutionary Branding Process

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Technology-driven solutions in branding are remarkable tools. But shiny gadgets can make it easy to lose sight of your higher ed marketing team’s ultimate goal: giving prospective students a quality value proposition.

William Faust , Senior Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Ologie , shares his insights on brand management and how smaller schools can raise the stakes in their branding game through differentiation.

Join us as we discuss:

Why branding is a constant evolutionary process (4:33)
Branding for a mission-fit audience (12:03)
Which KPIs actually matter for smaller schools (25:04)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Edge in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Empathic Storytelling: Identifying Appropriate Content for Your Audience

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In higher ed marketing, it can be a struggle to understand who our target audience is and what their needs are.

Sometimes, that means pausing and stepping back to make space so we can meet them where they are through empathic storytelling.

Cutler Andrews , Senior Associate Vice President for Engagement, Communications, and Marketing at Emory University , shares how his team elevates Emory’s brand through impactful content.

Join us as we discuss:

Making digestible marketing content for your target audience (3:37)
Redirecting focus to alumni affinity groups (19:20)
Challenging assumptions and engaging communities through DEI (27:03)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Cutler Andrews
cutler.andrews@emory.edu
Emory University

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Edge in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Multi-Generational Marketing: Customizing Your Value Proposition

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:03:04 +0000

As Generations Z and Alpha transition into the college student ranks, it is multi-generational marketing’s time to shine.

Yet, as Jennifer McChord , Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing at Asbury University , tells us, traditional institutions tend to drag their feet when making big albeit necessary changes.

Jennifer shares how corporate culture is helping speed up decision-making in her university’s administration and giving their multi-generational marketing the tools to succeed.

Join us as we discuss:

Incorporating corporate culture into higher ed operations (6:33)
Multi-generational marketing for traditional students (26:04)
Why the ability to connect is greater than perfection (35:33)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Edge in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The DEI Viewfinder: A Practical Tool for Highlighting Inclusion

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is top-of-mind for many colleges and universities today.

Marketing inclusive content in a respectful manner requires a unique perspective, one that marketers who don’t come from an underrepresented group can fully understand and appreciate.

Katie Jensen , Associate VP of Insights & Analytics at University of St. Thomas , talks to us about the DEI Viewfinder: an incredible tool that helps empower inclusion at every level of higher education.

Join us as we discuss:

The DEI Viewfinder’s function and purpose (2:13)
How the Viewfinder influenced St. Thomas’s marketing approach (12:10)
Advancements in hiring practices and class diversity (19:18)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Katie Jensen
katie.jensen@stthomas.edu
University of St. Thomas
Inclusive Marketing & Communications: A Practical Approach

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Edge in your favorite podcast player.

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How to Articulate Distinctiveness: Making Your Small School Stand Out

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Marketing can be a difficult proposition for small institutions in higher ed, but intentional collaboration with vendors and other schools can add incredible value to their brand.

Dr. Nathan Long , President of Saybrook University , gave us the secret sauce on how they found partners who helped double their enrollment in less than a decade.

By coming together as collaborators rather than competitors, small schools can serve all their students better.

Join us as we discuss:

- Challenges facing smaller institutions and higher ed (6:30)

- How intentional collaboration helped Saybrook boost enrollment (13:00)

- Advice on social media opportunities for engagement (25:44)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Dr. Nathan Long

- Twitter

- Saybrook Insights Podcast

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Edge in your favorite podcast player.

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Tugging the Heartstrings with Emotive Storytelling

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Whether you’re a small faith-based college or one of the largest schools in the country, immersive storytelling is a powerful marketing tool.

First-hand authentic accounts of student culture, the classroom, and your faculty give recruits exclusive insight into your school’s vision.

Terri Hughes, Director Of Communications at Michigan State University - College of Osteopathic Medicine shared with us how their students are crafting remarkable stories through their unique offerings.

Join us as we discuss examine some of the challenges one of the nation’s largest med schools is facing and how they’re tackling them:

- Mission-fit opportunities at MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (7:57)

- The impact of the school’s Street Medicine community outreach (12:47)

- Why first-hand stories are critical to higher ed marketing (18:34)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Michigan State University - College of Osteopathic Medicine

- Spartan Street Medicine

- hughes260@msu.edu

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Edge in your favorite podcast player.

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The Million Dollar Question: Our Aspirational Branding Follow-Up

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0000

A few months ago, we spoke with Shauna Davis and Mary Laphen Pope from the Lumina Foundation. They provided an overview of their Million Dollar Community College Challenge and explained why assisting community colleges with branding and marketing is so important.

Shauna and Mary return for this follow-up episode along with Dr. Angel Reyna, President of Madera Community College - the proud winners of Lumina’s Million Dollar Community College Challenge.

Join us as we discuss:

- Madera Community College’s reaction to winning the challenge

- Lumina’s top-10 candidate selection process

- Madera’s immediate branding and marketing goals post-challenge

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Lumina Foundation Community College Challenge

- Lumina Foundation Grand Prize announcement

- Madera Community College watch party

- Madera Community College submission

- Contact Dr. Angel Reyna

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Edge in your favorite podcast player.

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Video QR Codes: Sticky Notes for the TikTok Generation

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0000

QR codes have made a furious comeback in business circuits over the last couple of years.

The folks at spokenote saw a unique opportunity for marketers: embed QR codes with personalized videos for a targeted audience.

We spoke with spokenote’s CEO, John Weschler, and CMO, Mike Harmon, about the potential for personalized QR code videos in the higher ed space.

In an age of short form content, can the humble QR code maintain its renewed momentum?

Join us as we discuss:

- How the pandemic revived QR code applications (5:15)

- Practical applications of video QR codes in higher ed (14:02)

- Spokenote’s roadmap for enhancing the custom video experience (21:41)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- spokenote

- john@spokenote.com

- mike@spokenote.com

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Edge in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Problem With University Rankings

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

University rankings play a big part in where a prospective student chooses to go to school, but most rankings focus on prestige and what other peers of institutions think of each other rather than the influence the university is making on the students and alumni.

Dr. Jed Macosko is the President and Research Director at Academicinfluence.com and a professor of Physics at Wake Forest University. At Academic influence, they use a ranking engine that assesses influence in the academic world by ingesting, analyzing, and evaluating huge amounts of data. Because of this, the data is less prone to bias and manipulation, giving accurate rankings to universities. In this episode, Dr. Macosko brings thoughtful insights and resources into how higher ed marketers can use rankings to tell their stories and show the value of their institution.

Join us as we discuss:

How Dr. Macosko got involved in ranking universities and what data they use for academic influence
What is important to future students and parents that the current ranking systems doesn’t take into consideration
The alternative solutions that academic influence offers that other ranking systems don’t
How higher ed marketers can use rankings to help market their school better

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Saving Face and Doing Campus Photography Right

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 22:05:03 +0000

Many marketers struggle to keep track of photo and video assets on campus, but with the proper techniques, you can implement a campus photography program that can enhance the experience of your university.

Cindi Farmer is the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communication at Arizona State University. Cindi manages teams of designers, photographers, videographers, and writers to create content and tell stories. Her team is responsible for the multi-channel communications to prospective students and bases their work on data-based decisions and design thinking. In this episode, Cindi talks about the best practices for doing campus photography.

Join us as we discuss:

The power of faces and why authentic emotion is critical to storytelling
The importance of protecting student's identity and keeping privacy of design in mind when using students in marketing
Cindy's thoughts on campus photo programs

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Purpose Driven Marketing Through Brand Storytelling

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The most important part of storytelling in higher education is creating stories where students can easily insert themselves and be an active participant.

Chad Wilson is the Vice President and Executive Creative Director of Marketing at Grand Canyon Education, an education service company that provides an array of support services in the post-secondary education sector, including work with their key client, Grand Canyon University.

Chad oversees everything encompassing strategic work including creative vision, creative development and consumer research to dynamic media plans and multi-platform initiatives. In this episode, Chad breaks down purpose-driven branding, marketing, and storytelling and why it is important in higher education marketing.

Join us as we discuss:

The definition of purpose driver marketing and what it means to Chad
The importance of aligning the DNA of your brand with your students’ values
The importance of authentic storytelling in marketing

GCE Agency Vimeo showcase: https://vimeo.com/showcase/gceadagency

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Making the Case for a Liberal Arts Education

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The liberal arts education has evolved. Students not only need skills developed from classic education subjects for career readiness but also to be able to continuously adjust as the world around them changes. They need the ability to learn how to learn.

Dr. Lake Lambert began his tenure as the 16th President of Hanover College in 2015 and is the former Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Mercer University in Macon, Ga. In this episode, Dr. Lambert outlines how Hannover College markets the concept of the liberal arts and gives examples of how to use statistics and stories to reach students.

Join us as we discuss:

What does a well-rounded education mean for career readiness
How to market to high school students and parents who are often focused on job readiness
Dr. Lambert's thoughts on the value of liberal arts curriculum

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How To Market a University with Teresa Flannery

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

While there are common elements across marketing (the 4 P’s), higher education marketing presents some unique challenges with the diversity of audiences, the buying cycle, and the customer journey.

Today we welcome Teresa Flannery to talk about her book, How to Market a University. In this episode, Teresa unpacks the language, frameworks, tools, and tactics that CMOs or aspiring CMOs will need to lead the world of marketing in higher education.

Teresa Flannery has spent her entire career in higher education. She was the first marketing director and chief marketing officer at the University of Maryland and the first Vice President of Communications at American University. Recently, Teresa accepted the role of Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer at CASE.

Teresa’s book, How to Market a University, engages leaders and CMOs in discussing their work and its strategic nature and purpose.

The book has also been developed into a master course on Enrollify, a digital resource hub designed to empower the modern enrollment marketer.

Join us as we discuss:

The idea for the first fully digital professional development experience for enrollment marketers through the book How to Market a University and master course.
Why are Higher Education organizations in the best position they’ve ever been in?
Why Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) are coming from outside higher education to roles inside the sector?

How to Market a University: https://www.amazon.com/How-Market-University-Competitive-Environment/dp/1421440342/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Q3DRFNNUQGIH&keywords=how+to+market+a+university&qid=1659357687&s=books&sprefix=how+to+market+a+uni%2Cstripbooks%2C114&sr=1-1

How to Market a University Master Course: https://www.enrollify.org/mastercourse/how-to-market-a-university?utm_campaign=EDU%20Marketing%20Minute&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Revue%20newsletter

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The Future of PPC in Higher Ed Marketing

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Since the pandemic, many higher ed marketers have gone to pay-per-click ads to generate leads. In the near future, Google is changing its cookie-based metrics andthe playing field will change significantly. Today’s guests have a new approach to generating leads for institutions.

PJ Wenzel and Marty Gray are the President and Vice President of Ring Digital, and their goal is to help their clients efficiently and effectively reach their target audience without the reliance on PPC. PJ and Marty will explain these coming changes in PPC marketing and how higher ed marketers can effectively use their data.

Join us as we discuss:

Why real-life targeting can be more effective than online behavioral targeting?
Different examples of how Ring Digital helps higher ed marketers reach their target audience
PJ and Marty’s advice that higher ed marketers can use immediately.

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Increasing Outcomes for Higher Ed Leaders Through Radical Collaboration

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Businesses and organizations lose the most impact and productivity by not working together. The same goes for higher education. To solve big problems, you must be able to cooperate with others.

Dr. Michael Horowitz is the President of TCS Education System. TCS is the community solution for higher education and is all about working collaboratively to advance institutional sustainability, student success, and community impact. Dr. Horowitz brings excellent insights into the ideas of collaboration and marketing within higher education.

Join us as we discuss:

What radical cooperation means in higher education.
How schools can better use benchmarking and KPIs to set and achieve goals.
Dr. Horowitz’s advice to other colleges and universities.

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Best Practices for PPC in Higher Ed Marketing

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Many higher ed marketers think that paid media and PPC (Pay Per Click) ads are the answer to their problems, but most fail to realize that this is a long incubation process, and often, decisions won't be made from one ad. Our job as marketers is to create curiosity with our campaigns, and our guest today shows us how to do it.

Today we talk with Matt Wszolek, the Senior Executive of Marketing & Media at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Matt runs the internal agency of the University of Illinois that helps with paid media. In our conversation with Matt, he unpacks the best practices and offers insights on how higher ed marketers can push the envelope forward with paid media.

Join us as we discuss:

The biggest mistake that people make when using paid advertising.
Identifying goals and objectives for future ad campaigns.
Creating curiosity with your ad campaigns.

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Why Marketers Should Always Start With Why

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The only way to truly impact is to align particular strategies with particular audiences. To continue pushing the needle forward as marketers, we must think strategically about why we do what we do.

Chris Bender, the Assistant Dean for Communications at the University of Maryland, joins us today to discuss why marketers should think more strategically. Chris brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in higher ed marketing and talks with us today about how our work as marketers can be strategic and move business forward.

Join us as we discuss:

How marketers can better differentiate themselves from other schools.
Why it is essential to present yourself in a way that is strategically linked to the universities goals.
Why you should let the audience dictate strategy, not tactics.

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Marketing Principles That Translate Across All Industries

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

As marketers, we cannot be short-order cooks just serving up dishes, but chefs who figure out what the consumer wants and create a meal.

Kymm Bartlett Martinez is the Chief Marketing Officer at the American Cancer Society. Before she took over this role, Kymm spent 20 years with General Mills before she took the Chief Marketing Officer position at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. Kymm brings an exciting perspective to higher ed marketing with her unique industry experience.

Join us as we discuss:

Kymm’s culture shock of moving from consumer goods marketing to higher education.
Marketing principles that translate across all industries and ones that don’t.
How Higher ed requires multiple points of differentiation to stand out amongst universities.

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Effectively Utilizing Your Website To Market Your College

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

People often look at websites from just a technical or aesthetic point of view but overlook how a website can be an excellent marketing tool to help shape communications and marketing goals.

Joshua Charles, the Director of Web Strategy and Technology at Rutgers Business School, joins us to discuss how you can utilize your website to market your college. Joshua brings excellent insights from what they have done at Rutgers University to increase enrollment and retention through their website.

Join us as we discuss:

How Rutgers Business School is positively affecting Recruitment and Retention via their websites.
How to better address the entire student life cycle through the website.
Maximizing results while managing restrained resources.

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The Key to Successful Content Marketing

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The goal is not to be good at social media; the goal is to be better in Higher Ed because of social media.

Jay Bear, founder of Convince & Convert, a content marketing consulting and social media strategy company. Jay is also a bestselling author of 6 content marketing and customer experience, a hall of fame keynote speaker, and an emcee. Jay joins Troy and Bart to offer a wealth of knowledge on how successful content marketing can benefit higher ed.

Join us as we discuss:

Alignment between enrollment and the student experience.
Helping universities understand communication modalities.
Helping universities understand market research, personal development, and the customer matching journey.

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How to Amplify Your Students' Voice for Success

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

If there was ever an episode to give you a roadmap to success in higher education, it's this one.

Kathy Payne, VP for Enrollment Management, and Kathy Howell, Associate VP for Marketing Communications at Delaware Valley University, join us today to talk about their roadmap to success by amplifying their students' voices.

Join us as we discuss:

The two Kathy's road map to success at Delaware Valley.
How the college tour played a role in the success of the school by emphasizing the students' journeys.
How Delaware Valley has been able to differentiate itself with robust experimental learning systems.

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Greater Engagement in Higher Ed Through Virtual Events

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Since the pandemic began, we have had to adapt to a new online environment, but platforms like Zoom and Microsoft teams aren’t giving us the human touch that we need. Remo is an interactive virtual event platform that empowers users to create natural interactions in online settings.

Hoyin Cheung is the Founder and CEO of Remo.co and is on a quest to humanize the virtual experience. In today’s conversation, Hoyin talks about how Remo’s immersive environment has found a way to increase engagement and create better experiences for online Higher Education events.

Join us as we discuss:

How Remo works and how it differentiates from a platform like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
How Remo is utilized in Higher Education and how it increases engagement between faculty, students, and alumni.
The challenges of Hybrid events and Remo’s plans to overcome them.

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The relationship between Athletics and college enrollment

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

It’s no secret that college athletics can play a role in deciding where a student will go to college. All across the country universities use different marketing strategies based on their athletic programs to help increase their enrollment.

Jim Carr, who is the President and CEO of the NAIA joins us to discuss how athletics programs can have a positive impact on your university and if marketed correctly, how these programs can help drive your universities enrollment.

Hear our conversation with Jim Carr, President at NAIA:

How athletics can have a positive effect on campus broadly.
How marketing athletics properly can help drive a school's enrollment.
Integrating athletics and enrollment together is the recipe for success

More information about Jim Carr and today’s topics:

LinkedIn Profile: Jim Carr
Company Website: NAIA

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Live Chat: Creating Better Accessibility for Greater Outcomes

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

In higher ed marketing, it is important to stand out from everyone else and create a sense of belonging for prospective students. One of the best technological tools for accomplishing this are live chat systems.

In this episode, Ben Congleton, CEO and CoFounder at Olark, talks about his journey to live chat systems from the early days of website chat providers and how they create a more accessible, seamless journey for prospective students.

Join us as we discuss:

How live chat differs from chat bots, automation, and AI
Where on your website to deploy live chat systems
What are best practices for staffing a live chat system

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From the Ground Up: Building a Medical School With Community in Mind

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

How do you market a school that is in the process of being built?

Know your mission.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Rice details his next exciting opportunity: Director of Admissions at the Osteopathic Medical School at Duquesne University. The catch? The school is currently being built from the ground up and will start matriculating students in 2024. Dr. Rice shares the mission behind the school, the importance of connecting with underserved communities, and dismantling misconceptions about osteopathic medicine.

Join us as we discuss:

What it looks like to build a school from scratch
How to foster trust with potential students in underserved communities
Why you should recruit a class faculty and staff that are reflective of society

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Aspirational Branding: What Makes Your Community College Exceptional

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Community colleges often operate with limited resources. This can result in prospective students not knowing that there is an affordable and accessible path to higher education within their community.

In this episode, Shauna Davis and Mary Laphen from the Lumina Foundation, provide an overview of what the Million Dollar Community College Challenge is and why helping community colleges brand and market aspirationally is so crucial.

Join us as we discuss:

What the Million Dollar Community College Challenge is
Why it’s important to make higher ed accessible to adult learners
Why aspirational branding is needed for community colleges

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Collaborative Conversations Create Creative Solutions

Tue, 31 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Higher ed marketing is a constantly evolving industry. From the early days of MySpace to connecting with prospects on WhatsApp today, the need for continuous learning is paramount.

In this episode, Stephanie Geyer, Director of Digital Strategy and Innovation at the University of Montana, shares how she has watched and contributed to the progression of higher ed marketing, why connection is so important, and the value of listening in conjunction with data collection.

Join us as we discuss:

How to use data for the betterment of the university
How higher ed marketing has evolved with the internet
Why meaningful connection is the most important

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Being Competitive With Bold Marketing

Tue, 24 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

A small liberal arts college education comes with many benefits, but most also come with an expensive price tag. Does it have to be that way?

In this episode, Dr. Scott Feller, President at Wabash College, shares how to provide an elite education without an elite price tag. Dr. Feller explains the benefits leading with student outcomes, embracing comparison, and building a philanthropic alumni network.

We discuss:

Why to lead with outcomes
How philanthropy becomes self-perpetuating
How to be competitive with larger schools

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Fluid Communications Build Better Relationships

Tue, 17 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, international student applications have more than tripled, but the way to market to international students has significantly changed.

In this episode, Christian DiGregorio, Director of International Recruitment at York College of Pennsylvania, speaks to the new ways to successfully connect with and build relationships with international students.

We discuss:

Using messaging apps to connect with students
How to stand out and lead with your strengths
Adapting your language to build relationships

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The Steep Cost of Disregarding Transparency in Tuition

Tue, 10 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

We talk with a lot of guests about college admissions from the higher ed perspective, but what can we learn from having the conversation from a secondary school angle?

In this episode, Chris Cleveland, Principal at Wesleyan School, shares his perspective on how colleges can transparently and effectively market themselves to prospective students.

We discuss:

How to effectively market to high school students and their families
What the benefits are of a personalized approach
Finding the balance between outcomes and experience

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Supporting Individual Success Through Community

Tue, 03 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Student retention and graduation rates are common concerns in higher education. How do we improve the experiences of students, therefore increasing their future successes in life?

In this episode, Dr. Larry Johnson, College President at Guttman Community College CUNY, walks us through the unique model of Guttman Community College and how building a learning community brings successful outcomes to students.

We discuss:

How to achieve higher graduation rates
How community builds a stronger learning environment
How to pivot when students are struggling

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Diversify Classrooms Through Authentic Messaging

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Finding your perfect prospective student will increase your enrollment numbers.

How do you find your perfect student?

In this episode, Tim Bohling, Chief Marketing and Graduate Enrollment Officer at University of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business, joins the show to talk about how an authentic brand narrative paired with data-driven marketing will increase your chances of connecting with your perfect fit prospective students.

We discuss:

Building a brand narrative to find your prospective students
Being authentic and distinctive in your messaging
The importance of the enrollment journey

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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One-of-a-Kind: Marketing the Uniqueness of Your School

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

What sets your school apart from others?

It’s a useful thing to know.

You can devise a powerful marketing strategy if you embrace what makes you unique and use it to attract prospective students.

In this episode, Lindsay Nyquist, Director of Marketing and Communications at Fort Lewis College, joins the show to talk about recognizing and marketing the uniqueness of your school.

We discuss:

The experience of being featured in the first episode of The College Tour
Strategies for ensuring you authentically reflect the makeup of your student body
How to develop and refine a consistent school brand

Mentioned during the podcast:

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Leadership Lessons: Clarify Vision & Tell Authentic Stories

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +0000

An essential part of a leader’s job is setting a grand vision for the organization and imbuing its people with a shared purpose. That goes for any organization, whether it be a church or a higher ed institution.

Dr. Mark Jobe, President at Moody Bible Institute, has experience leading both.

In this episode, he shares what he's learned about leadership over the course of his career, including why clarifying vision and purpose is so important.

We discuss:

- How Dr. Jobe frames leadership in terms of growth and impact

- The importance of proactively telling authentic stories

- The Vision Script Initiative

Mentioned during the podcast:

- Bold Steps

- PastorMarkJobe.com

- Solving For the Right Things in the Right Way: IU Strategies to Retain Students w/ Eleanor Berman

- How To Win The Loyalty of Your Students w/ Exceptional University Offerings w/ Ethan Braden

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Social Media Strategies: How to Go Viral Like an Influencer

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

What do you do when your family has a combined height of nearly 36 feet?

You become social media superstars.

That’s the journey of Rob Clark, Content Creator and Founder of That Tall Family. With over 1 BILLION views and nearly 1.4 million followers since March of 2021, Rob and his family have been taking social media by storm.

In a previous life, however, Rob was a higher ed marketer. That’s why we thought he would be the perfect person to discuss how higher ed institutions can make better use of social media.

We discuss:

- How Rob grew That Tall Family into a social media behemoth

- Why higher ed needs to tap into story and emotions

- On-campus influencers and social media scholarships

- Advice on cadence and content for schools producing social media content

Find That Tall Family on:

- TikTok

- Instagram

- YouTube

- Twitter

Mentioned during the podcast:

- The Authenticity of Peer-to-Peer: Influencer Marketing in Higher Ed w/ Lee Wilhite

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Bridging the Gap Between Higher Ed & High Schools in Disadvantaged Areas

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

College access is an issue in this country.

Many potential students simply don't believe higher education is within reach.

It’s this inaccessibility and the lack of awareness of educational opportunities that is one of the leading causes of the declining perception of the value of higher ed.

Sujoy Roy, CEO of VisitDays, is aiming to change that. In this episode, he discusses how his platform strives to bridge the divide between higher education and high schools in more disadvantaged areas of the country.

We discuss:

The problem of limited access to higher ed for lower socioeconomic populations
What the team at VisitDays is doing to help overcome the problem
The benefits of the platform for colleges and universities
Where the future of higher ed is going

Mentioned during the show:

Email Sujoy: sujoy@visitdays.com

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

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Ending Departmental Silos & Focusing on Mission Fit

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Our guest, Philip Dearborn, has spent over 25 years in biblical higher education serving in a wide array of roles—from student recruiter and registrar to provost and VP of student affairs.

Today, he is the President of the Association for Biblical Higher Education. It’s his extensive experience at both the collegiate and accreditation levels that makes him the perfect person to talk with about leadership and marketing strategies in higher education.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Why mission-fit student recruitment should be the highest priority

- The need to break down silos and work across departments

- Why it’s important to understand your ROI by program

- The prediction that today’s students will likely have 10 different careers in their lifetime

Mentioned during the podcast:

- Ep. 43: Solving For the Right Things in the Right Way: IU Strategies to Retain Students w/ Eleanor Berman

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Proving the Value of Higher Education by Marketing Outcomes

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

The perceived value of higher education has declined in the last few years. It might seem like it’s simply an issue of cost, but that is only part of the value equation.

The truth?

Linking the return on investment to fulfilling jobs and careers is the key to demonstrating value and driving enrollment numbers back up, especially for community colleges.

In this episode, Terri Giltner, Chief Marketing Officer at Kentucky Community and Technical College System, explains how her team refocused marketing efforts on outcomes and switched from telling the story of current students, to the story of successful alumni.

We discuss:

- The progress made in higher ed marketing

- The perceived declining value of higher ed and how to combat it

- How to effectively market outcomes

- The need to communicate the value of marketing

Mentioned during the podcast:

- Ep 41: How to Win the Loyalty of Your Students w/ Exceptional University Offerings feat. Ethan Brade

- Email Terri

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Confronting the “H-Bomb”: The Truth About Managing a Popular Brand

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

When Brian Kenny tells people he’s the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Harvard Business School, they often say, “Why does Harvard need a chief marketing officer?”

Yes, Harvard is a historic brand, and that might lead some to believe that it markets itself, but it turns out history can sometimes be a double-edged sword.

In this milestone episode — our 50th! — we talk with Brian about the challenges of managing a well-known brand, including how to balance being seen as both historic and forward-thinking.

We discuss:

- How Harvard Business School uses a podcast for marketing efforts

- Positive and negative perceptions of the Harvard brand

- Advocating for marketing budget

- Responding as a university to societal issues

Mentioned during the podcast:

- Reach out to Brian on Twitter: @hbscmo

- Check out our nomination on Terminalfour

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Connecting w/ Gen Z via Customized Community

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

The potential for getting roasted by Gen Z is high if you aren’t adapting to the new expectations for higher education.

Facebook is in the past—students are looking for more. More community, mental health sensitivity, and customization. How can we provide that? Our guest, Adam Metcalf, Co-Founder at ZeeMee, has the answers.

In this episode, he explains why the key to Gen Z is community and how that unlocks a new level of engagement between schools and students.

We discuss:

- Community building

- Mental health awareness

- Generational differences

- Leveraging Gen Zs communal leanings

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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State of Capital Campaigns: Internet Giving & Micro-Philanthropy

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Ever since the internet lowered barriers for fundraising, getting the attention of donors has gotten increasingly harder.

Many colleges and universities have responded by making their capital campaigns bigger. However, our guest, Steve Brady, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, believes they should get smaller.

In this episode, he explains why higher ed institutions should turn to “mini campaigns” and how to get started.

We discuss:

- The state of capital campaigns

- How the internet has changed fundraising

- The benefits of mini campaigns

- Finding small opportunities to thank donors

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The College Tour: A Peek at Schools Across the Country

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Many prospective students don't have the resources to travel across the country and tour all of the colleges and universities that interest them.

What if there was a TV show that offered an insider's look at each school—their values, the campus life, the academic opportunities—through the eyes of their students?

Alex Boylan, Co-Founder and Executive Producer of The College Tour, a TV series that tells the story of a single college with each episode, joins the show to explain what the show’s all about and how schools can apply to be featured on the show.

We discuss:

- What inspired the creation of The College Tour

- Why the show is told through the eyes of the students

- The unexpected benefits of working with the show

- How schools can partner with The College Tour

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Why You Need a Loan Repayment Assistance Program

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +0000

To succeed at higher ed marketing, you need to understand the challenges prospective students face.

For example, what hurdles do they need to overcome to attend your school?

Often, a major hurdle is the prospect of borrowing money. That’s why offering loan repayment assistance programs, or LRAPs, can make a huge difference with enrollment.

Peter Samuelson, President at Ardeo Education Solutions, joins the show to explain what LRAPs are, how they’re used, and how higher ed institutions benefit from them.

We discuss:

- How colleges and universities can use LRAPs

- The research into the benefits of LRAPs

- The “College Is Worth It” research initiative

- The difference between income share agreements (ISAs) and LRAPs

Email Peter if you have any questions about LRAPs.

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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How to Leverage Student-Produced, Authentic Content

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Join us as we discuss:

- Growing your institution’s footprint

- Authentic communication strategies

- How to use student-produced content that may not be all positive

- The impact of video: from Nate’s engineering video series to candid iPhone filming

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The 5 Elements of an Effective Fundraising Case Statement

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 05:00:00 +0000

When creating a fundraising plan for your institution, the very first step is developing your fundraising case for support.

Bill Stanczykiewicz is the Senior Assistant Dean for External Relations and the Director of the Fundraising School at IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, which is the world’s only school on philanthropic studies.

Needless to say, he’s THE expert on institutional philanthropy.

In this episode, he explains the steps you should take to develop an effective fundraising case statement.

We discuss:

- 5 elements of an effective fundraising case for support

- Other considerations for a major gift marketing or communications initiative

- Why you shouldn’t fear fundraising during challenging times

Resources mentioned during the podcast:

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Solving For the Right Things in the Right Way: IU Strategies to Retain Students

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Even at a small college, the risk of becoming siloed is high. At a large school with multiple campuses, it’s crucial to emphasize clarity of vision. Without it, employees will go rogue trying to solve the problems in front of them.

We speak with Eleanor Berman, Chief Marketing Officer at Indiana University, about her experience with decentralized marketing organizations, solving the $800 million question of removing siloes, and helping Indiana thrive by putting students first.

Join us as we discuss:

- Managing a decentralized marketing organization & avoiding silos

- Handling internal marketing

- The impact of a new college president on Eleanor’s position

- Telling the stories of the benefits & human-centered leadership

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

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The Evolution of University Websites: Becoming Adaptable

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000

It’s hard to imagine, but some universities needed convincing before integrating a school website in the 1990s. Fast forward to today, not only is a school website essential, but requires a superior level of content, keywords, and consistent updates if you hope to differentiate yourself.

We speak with Cam Tracy, Web Development Agent at Union University, about his experience building a university website with the school catalog, how the website has changed since its start, and helping marketers deal with change.

Join us as we discuss:

- Cam’s professional journey background

- The evolution of website content & keeping up with change

- Helping colleagues adapt to change

- Key takeaway for the audience

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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How To Win The Loyalty of Your Students w/ Exceptional University Offerings

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000

With all universities vying for students, creating value through exceptional experiences and differentiated offerings is the only way to stand out. And our guest is here to share exactly how his university has achieved this time and time again.

Ethan Braden, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Purdue University, provides insights on what’s made Purdue so successful as a brand.

Join us as we discuss:

- Fast Company’s brands that matter & the first class marketing engine

- Scaling through the COVID-19 pandemic

- What’s next for the Purdue team

Resources mentioned during the podcast:

- Contact Ethan: Linkedin

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Finding Donors and a Shrinking Higher Education Market

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

It’s no secret: The market for higher education is shrinking. And whether that’s a seminary, graduate school, or a small private college, everyone is looking for ways to pull in more prospective students.

One way in this post-pandemic era — hybrid virtual events.

From Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary: Joe Emmick, Vice President for Development, and Shane Nichols, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer discuss the shrinking market in higher ed, finding new enrollment opportunities, and the importance of one-on-one conversations.

Join us as we discuss:

- The shrinking market for higher education

- Enrollment opportunities & merger history

- Key takeaways for the audience

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Staying Ahead of the Next Big Thing in Higher Ed Marketing

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

There’s always going to be a “next big thing” in higher ed marketing.

The important thing to remember is it’s not so much what that next big thing is that matters, it’s how you use it.

John Drevs, Associate Vice President of Digital Marketing and Communications at Loyola University Chicago, provides insights on how to keep ahead of the next big thing in this episode. Plus, he explains the ideal way to approach content marketing.

Join us as we discuss:

- Why marketing principles are fundamental to leveraging the next big thing

- Lessons from some of the next big things from the past

- Where content marketing is headed in higher ed

- Resources for keeping up with the next big thing

Resources mentioned during the podcast:

- Building a Storybrand

- Contact John: jdrevs@luc.edu

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

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Big Data (& How Higher Ed Marketers Can Use It!)

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

There are thousands of marketers across a variety of industries that are leveraging big data to promote products and services, almost in real-time.

But in higher ed marketing circles, many marketers are still wary of it. In many cases, a knowledge gap exists—they simply don’t know how it works. They have questions ranging from how big data is collected to the legalities and ethics surrounding it.

Today, we’ve got answers.

In this episode, Roosevelt Smith, Principal CEO / Executive Chairman at Ewebdata.com, teaches a master class on leveraging big data in the higher ed market.

We discuss:

- Why big data is relevant to higher ed markets

- How smart pixel technology factors into capturing big data

- Why how you use the data matters

Reach out to Roosevelt: rsmith@ewebdata.com

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

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The Authenticity of Peer-to-Peer: Influencer Marketing in Higher Ed

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Prospective students aren’t as responsive to websites, emails, and mailers as they used to be.

These days, younger generations are looking more towards peer-to-peer input when making decisions about their college journey.

That’s one reason why Biola University started tapping into the power of influencer marketing. In this episode, Lee Wilhite, Vice President at Biola University, discusses how the institution approaches influencer marketing and the platforms they use to do so.

Join us as we discuss:

- Biola’s journey into influencer marketing

- How Biola uses ZeeMee to support their students

- The importance of parent CommFlows

Mentioned during the podcast:

- Amazing Things at Biola with President Barry Corey and Zach King (‘12)

- Episode 32 - Diego Fanara from Unibuddy

- Reach out to Lee: lee.wilhite@biola.edu

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

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Mission-Fit Students: Graduate & Seminary Enrollment Marketing

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 06:00:00 +0000

There’s a degree of simplicity to enrollment marketing in the undergraduate world. The schools have the luxury of buying lists to recruit students.

When it comes to grad school and seminary enrollment, it isn’t quite so easy.

In this episode, we talk with Kevin Bish, VP of Enrollment Management and Student Services at Asbury Theological Seminary, about how to identify mission-fit students who will thrive at your institution and how to recruit them.

Join us as we discuss:

- Asbury’s approach for identifying mission-fit grad students

- Helping potential students find their mission statements

- Finding the ideal student through a stick figure exercise

- Using the institution’s 100th anniversary in enrollment campaigns

Contact Kevin: kevin.bish@asburyseminary.edu

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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You Need an App: Why a Website Isn’t Enough

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 06:00:00 +0000

The good news is that you do not need any coding knowledge at all to create a digital place that students have near-constant access to that also makes them feel connected to the university community.

Here’s why you need an app.

In this episode, we interview Jamie Giblett, Sales Manager at Digistorm North America, about the many reasons an app plays such a vital role in retaining current students and keeping alumni connected.

Join us as we discuss:

- How an app reflects your institution’s voice

- The most compelling things to put on your app

- Why students love self-personalization

- First steps in getting started building your app

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Talk Less, Listen More: The Story Behind the “Heroes Made Here”

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 06:00:00 +0000

When it comes to marketing leadership roles, it pays to speak less and listen more.

Anna-Maja Dahlgren, Director of University Marketing at Loma Linda University, has embraced this philosophy throughout her marketing career, which began in healthcare before transitioning to higher ed.

It was this commitment to listening that led to a compromise between her and executive leadership. That compromise resulted in the “Heroes Made Here” campaign, which was the first campaign in Loma Linda University’s 115 year history.

In this episode, she shares the story of how it came about.

We discuss:

- Creating a higher ed marketing team from scratch

- How the “Heroes Made Here” campaign came about

- Why it’s important to talk less and listen more

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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How Schools Are Succeeding w/ One-to-One Video & Tik Tok

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 06:00:00 +0000

What’s the best way to garner the attention and interest of Gen Z? It’s communicating with them through the channels and mediums that they prefer.

Right now, that’s one-to-one video communication. In fact, the schools that have adopted one-to-one video communications are seeing up to 10 times more engagement from that channel than from their email campaigns.

In this episode, we sit down with Zach Busekrus, Founder & Brand Strategist at Enrollify, to discuss how schools are effectively wielding one-to-one video strategies to personalize communication and reach a wider swath of potential students.

We discuss:

-How one-to-one video is being utilized

- How schools should approach using Tik Tok

- Tactics for effectively leveraging SEO

- Other tools you should be using

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Listen to The Enrollify Podcast

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

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Tribe, Community, Belonging, Trust: Leveraging Peer-to-Peer Connection

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Students don’t actually want technology to replace all human connection. What prospects do want is one-to-one relationships with student ambassadors who will tell them what the institution is really like and help create a sense of belonging even before admission.

In this episode, we interview Diego Fanara , Cofounder & CEO at Unibuddy , about a platform to facilitate peer-to-peer connections that promote belonging.

Join us as we discuss:

- The idea of affinity groups and student tribes

- The successful utilization of peer-to-peer platforms

- How the student ambassador can replace a campus tour

- What role admissions and technology should play in human-to-human connection

Interested in a demo of Unibuddy?https://insight.unibuddy.com/l/848943/2021-11-08/227x37

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Student Success = Institution Success

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Higher education is like marriage. Once you’re hitched, if you stop investing in the relationship, you can’t be surprised if it doesn’t last.

Student success needs to be the constant, single focus of higher ed marketers to attract the right-fit students who will both stay and succeed.

In this episode, we interview Nate Simpson , Senior Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, about reprioritizing student success.

Join us as we discuss:

- Reimagining the role of VP of Enrollment

- How to get colleges student-ready

- Recruiting students who will stay and succeed

- Helping students achieve what they want to achieve

Related Episodes:

Ep. 21 w/ Mary Barr

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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How to Improve Your Institution’s Inclusion Marketing

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Think about your last webinar (or virtual lecture or virtual campus tour). Did you provide captioning? Did you optimize the captioning for Deaf participants? Did you make it clear to all participants that you were providing this service?

Unless all three answers were yes, you need to make your marketing more inclusive.

In this episode, we interview Courtney Cannon , Undergraduate Enrollment and Youth Marketing Strategist at Gallaudet University , about inclusion marketing.

Join us as we discuss:

- How to decrease exclusive friction points (like captioning your webinars)

- The ways Gallaudet serves its diverse student community

- Understanding bilingualism among Deaf students

- The framework for building an inclusive marketing strategy: empathy

Related Episodes:

Ep. 23 w/ Jim Small

Referenced Resources:

Otter.ai

YouTube Video with American Sign Language and Closed Captioning:

https://youtu.be/mboDmgZhslw

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Small University Presidents: Build Your Social Media Presence

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Big universities have the luxury of spending $1M per year only on advertising. For smaller universities, that’s close to a tenth of our entire operating budget.

But all universities have the exact same access to social media platforms. When a university president starts amplifying stories about the institution, think of it as free advertising that works.

In this episode, we interview Walter M. Kimbrough , President at Dillard University, about how he cre ated a personal social media presence to promote his university.

Join us as we discuss:

- Techniques that President Kimbrough used to build his online persona

- How social media attracted Denzel Washington for the nation’s second most watched commencement address

- What audiences that different social media platforms are good at reaching

- Advice for university presidents who might fear social media

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Denzel Washington’s commencement speech

The AP report on Dillard’s physics graduates

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Authenticity: Aligning the Online Message w/ the On-Campus Feel

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 05:00:00 +0000

A university website is often families’ first look into the university itself. If you haven’t updated your website in three, six, or twelve months, then you aren’t being authentic online.

In this episode, we interview Donnell Wiggins , Associate VP for Strategic Enrollment Management & Dean of Admission at University of Dayton , about the importance of the website in communicating both authenticity and the truth that recruitment is everyone’s job.

Join us as we discuss:

- The continued importance of a four-year college experience

- Why the website matters to families so much

- Updating academic program pages to aid in recruitment

- How every staff and faculty member is a recruiter

- Diversity, inclusion, and equity as indicators of excellence

Check out this resource we mentioned:

Donnell’s TEDxDaytonSalon Talk, “Yes You Can”

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Message Creation w/ the Caylor Solutions Team

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 05:00:00 +0000

How do you create upwards of 150 pieces of deliverables for a traditional undergrad campaign designed for enrollment that ranges from direct mail to automation?

We wanted to show you behind the curtain, so to speak, at Caylor Solutions by highlighting the leadership team after their stellar accomplishment on a huge, multifaceted project.

In this roundtable discussion episode, we chat with Caylor’s Matt Bloom , Content Director and Strategist, Jenni Roberts , Creative Director, and Jessi Robbins , Project Manager.

Join us as we discuss:

- Focusing on client victories during the discovery phase

- The AIDA framework: attraction, interest, desire, action

- Creating uniform messaging that is also personal

- How automation is like a magic trick

- Our top takeaways after the execution of the project

Check out this related episode:

Episode 5 w/ Kristi Lafree at Butler

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Video Messages for Engagement w/ Gen Z Students & Families

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 13:10:53 +0000

We all have an internet connection with several high quality cameras within arm’s reach. The only thing keeping us from sending video communications is our human vulnerability.

Sending a personalized video message is a way to become more human and more real to the people we are trying to impact and serve. It creates a human-to-human connection far faster and stronger than the substandard, emotionally impoverished communication channels we’ve been relying on in higher ed.

In this episode, we speak with Ethan Beute , Chief Evangelist at BombBomb , about how higher ed can effectively use video to humanize and better engage with its target audiences.

Ethan chats with us about:

The philosophy behind why video communication strengthens human connection

Creating personalized videos and evergreen videos for broader audiences

Opportunities in higher ed to incorporate video messages

How video messages can bring tears to people’s eyes

Check out this related episode:

Episode 5 w/ Kristi Lafree at Butler

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Be Like Disney: Reimagining Campus Visits w/ Dr. Tony Turner

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Disney is renowned for creating a magical experience for each and every guest. Institutions who focus on creating a unique VIP experience for individuals and families on campus visits will build a meaningful and lasting connection.

In this episode, we interview Dr. Tony Turner , Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing at Charleston Southern University , about creating a Disney experience for campus guests.

Tony talked with us about:

Treating families like people, not just one more deposit

Qualities of the Disney experience to emulate on campus visits

Building a scorecard for prospective students

Check out these related episodes:

Episode 1 w/ Ethan Braden at Purdue

Episode 2 w/ Jamie Hunt at University of Miami

Episode 22 w/ Phil Cook at Lee

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Omni-Channel Platforms: Automate & Personalize Your Marketing

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 05:00:00 +0000

The marketing process for higher education is characterized by a substantial level of customer interaction. Omni-channel platforms can help you cut through the clutter by automating many of those brand touches.

To tell you more about how to leverage automation and personalization in omni-channel platforms, we invited two experts from Think Patented, Sean Ferguson, Director of Digital Engagement, and Dan Cornelius, Director of Vertical Markets.

We discuss:

-How omni-channel tools let you be smarter with your marketing

- How different channels are leveraged

- Enabling personalization in campaigns through quizzes

- Using lead matching technology to build new audiences

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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The 5 Steps of Storytelling at Notre Dame w/ Jim Small

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Storytelling is arguably the most powerful form of communication.

The art of crafting a story that creates a desire to do something is more straightforward than you’d think. Our guest today uses a five-step process, and you can, too.

In this episode, we interview Jim Small, Associate Vice President for Development -- Executive Director, Storytelling & Engagement Team at Notre Dame, about how he has pioneered storytelling to grow the university’s engagement.

We also chatted with Jim about:

- His secret story of convincing Notre Dame to commit to story

- The five steps to build a story

- Why he suggests talking with a student every week

Check out this related episode: Ep. 21 w/ Mary Barr.

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Breathing Life into Higher Education w/ Experiential Storytelling

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 05:00:00 +0000

With the shift to online schooling and a decrease in enthusiasm for liberal arts, it’s more important than ever to emphasize how the story told by in-person higher ed impacts a student’s life more than any other learning experience: critical thinking skills that can be used in any profession; a community of students eager to help each other; and a call to storytelling—creating leaders that others can see themselves in.

Phil Cook, VP for Enrollment at Lee University, joins the show to discuss the importance of higher education and its impact for the future of the world.

What we talked about:

- Higher Ed's Benefits & the Debate of Online Schooling

- The Loyalty to a Student’s Alma Mater

- Investing in Critical Thinkers Over Higher Pay

- Helping Students See Themselves in Higher Ed Through Storytelling

- Bringing Energy & Enthusiasm to Campuses

- Advice for Listeners

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- NACCAP

- Phil’s Email

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

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Transition, Reaction, & Tapping Student Expertise w/ Mary Barr

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Marketers know that there’s always something to learn during a transition. Rather than sticking rigidly to the strategy that no longer applies, marketers — especially higher ed marketers — must embrace being reactive and open-minded toward transition.

In this episode, we interview Mary Barr, CMO at Ball State University, about leaning into transition:

We also chatted with Mary about:

- What higher ed can learn from consumer brand

- Tapping student expertise from a branding perspective

- The benefits of a two-student research group

- Promoting recycling in branding (a really cool story about billboard vinyl)

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

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Proven Strategies to Help the Next Generation Thrive w/ Mark McCrindle

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Generation Z is sitting in your classroom right now. Next up? Generation Alpha — the children of the Millennials. Alphas constitute the largest generation in history. They're highly digitally supplied, formally educated, and materially in doubt.

...And they're about to come to your college's recruitment office.

Mark McCrindle, Founder and Principal at McCrindle Research, discusses what makes Generation Alpha different.

What we talked about:

- Unique characteristics of the Alpha generation

- The projected career trajectory of an Alpha

- Educating a generation for an unformed working future

- What the Alphas have in common with the Greatest Generation

Check out the resource below for more information:

Generation Alpha

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

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Finding Unique Identifiers: Marketing & Small Colleges w/ Dan Sanchez

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 05:00:00 +0000

With so many competing small colleges, it’s important to highlight what makes a specific college special. Whether it be ocean front property, close to the mountains, or offering a special major, the unique characteristics can make all the difference.

Dan Sanchez, Director of Audience Growth at SweetFish Media and formerly from Bethany Global University, talks about his past and current successes within marketing.

What we talked about:

- Specific Student Targeting Within Bethany Global University

- Marketing Operations on a Budget

- Dan’s Journey Into Marketing

- Success Advice for Small Colleges

Check out the resources below for more information:

- https://justdisciple.com/

- https://www.youtube.com/c/incomeschool

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

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Our Top Ten Tips from Ten Extraordinary Episodes

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Whether you're brand new to listening, or have been here since the beginning, you don't have to search for the best nuggets of information…

because they're all in this episode, hand selected for you!

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Troy Singer, Senior Account Executive at Think Patented, summarizes the 10 most useful moments on the show so far.

Featured on this episode:

- Juerell Smith on Marketing Alignment Leading Data Insights

- JP Spagnolo’s 2 Core Elements of Marketing

- Suzanne Petruch on The Power of Subtle Reminders

- Peter Ashley on Why You Should Invest in Video

- Colleen Garland & Janet Marsden on Managing Donors at Every Level

- Colleen Garland & Janet Marsden on Shifting Your Video Strategy to Fit Your Message

- Dan Freeborn on Getting Started as a Higher Ed Marketer

- Julie Balog on Strategies for Segmented Messaging

- Christy Jackson on Crisis Communication

- Kristi LaFree on Butler University’s Unique Approach to Direct Mail

Know of a higher education marketing change agent you’d like to hear on the show? Does your university have an interesting story to be featured? Connect with Bart Caylor or Troy Singer. If you’re not on LinkedIn, check the Caylor Solutions or Think Patented websites instead!
To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Accessible Admissions Starts with Reducing Friction

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 05:00:00 +0000

When you’re looking at changing the “way we’ve always done it,” you’re working to remove barriers and ultimately move your organization forward.

Being able to then communicate change as an advantage to both prospective students and internal stakeholders is a challenge. But it’s an important one for driving growth.

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Bart Caylor, President & Founder at Caylor Solutions Inc, and Troy Singer, Senior Account Executive at Think Patented, chat with James Steen, Vice President of Enrollment Management at Houston Baptist University, about how Houston Baptist went test-optional, and how they’ve been able to communicate the benefits of such a critical decision.

They also talked about:

- How test-optional makes admissions more accessible.

- How to approach merit awards without test scores.

- How test-optional reduces friction in the application process.

- How to market test-optional both externally and internally.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Why You Should Be Outcome-Oriented in Community College Marketing

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Marketing for community colleges has long focused on affordability and transferability.

But in this episode, Jeffrey Fanter, VP Marketing & Communications at Ivy Tech Community College, explains why community colleges should establish that they are not just launching pads for an education, but also launching pads for a career as well.

What we talked about:

- How community colleges are adapting to changing times

- Showing outcomes and impact in community college marketing

- Focusing less on competition in higher education

- Seeing prospective students and families as customers

Know of a higher education marketing change agent you’d like to hear on the show? Does your university have an interesting story to be featured?

Connect with Bart Caylor or Troy Singer. If you’re not on LinkedIn, check out Caylor Solutions or Think Patented.

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Dog Tours & Tik-Tok Sessions: Getting Creative with College Tours

Tue, 25 May 2021 05:00:00 +0000

COVID has hit higher education recruiting hard. People have spent so much time on Zoom calls that colleges and universities are having to get far more creative than just hosting a Zoom webinar in place of a college tour.

Pair that with the reduced travel for recruitment, ACT and SAT cancellations, and hesitancy to travel to institutions, it’s made building that admissions funnel incredibly difficult.

Which is why our conversation on this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer was so much fun. Collin Palmer is the Direct of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Toledo, and our conversation centered all around:

- How they’ve gotten creative around campus tours, instituting nighttime and dog-specific tours

- How they’ve kept the community involved in the admissions process

- Why they’re relying to behavioral data from more than traditional freshmen

- The different ways they’ve had to think outside of the box to maintain that admissions funnel

Know of a higher education marketing change agent you’d like to hear on the show? Does your university have an interesting story to be featured?

Connect with Bart Caylor or Troy Singer. If you’re not on LinkedIn, check out Caylor Solutions or Think Patented.

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Magic Is in the Messaging: Content Creation for Higher Ed Marketing

Tue, 18 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Content is where marketing is headed.

How can marketers in higher education mass produce content that is relevant, applicable, and interesting to prospective students?

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Bart Caylor, President & Founder at Caylor Solutions Inc, and Troy Singer, Senior Account Executive at Think Patented, chat with

Dan Freeborn, Assistant Director of Marketing and Enrollment at Northern Michigan University, about his unique approach to content.

They also talked about:

- How to manage time and resources well in content creation

- What types of content perform best in higher ed

- How to mass produce content with a small team

- What information to collect and how to use it for promotion

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Campus Campaigns That Work: How to Include Donor Stories in Your Marketing

Tue, 11 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Earlier this year Kenyon College received a record-breaking $100 million gift from an anonymous donor.

Kenyon’s marketing department was then faced with the challenge of how to tell the story of this generous anonymous donor while also explaining why gifts at every level are important.

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Bart Caylor, President & Founder at Caylor Solutions Inc, and Troy Singer, Senior Account Executive at Think Patented, chat with Colleen Garland, Vice President for Advancement at Kenyon College and Janet Marsden, Vice President for Communications at Kenyon College, about how Kenyon shifted their campus experience marketing campaign to prospective students and prospective donors during the pandemic.

They also talked about:

- How they manage donor relationships

- How they adapted their campaign to COVID

- How they were able to produce videos without an internal team

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

More Than Just Words: How Your Marketing Strategy Can Promote Equity

Tue, 04 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Those universities that prepared to go virtual and did it well are now reaping the benefits of the trust that they earned from parents and students.

What sets those schools apart from others?

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Bart Caylor, President & Founder at Caylor Solutions Inc, and Troy Singer, Senior Account Executive at Think Patented, chat with

Peter Ashley, Vice President for Enrollment & Marketing at Hanover College, about:

- How Hanover responded to the pandemic.

- How the marketing department addressed social justice.

- Hanover’s process for making marketing videos and the results.

- Tips for more relatable, entertaining, and educational video content.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Show, Don’t Tell: The Power of Video in Higher Ed Marketing

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 05:15:00 +0000

Small to medium sized colleges, a lot of them private, all experience the challenge of trying to differentiate from public and other private schools.

This challenge makes it even more critical for colleges to align their marketing in a way that can impact the major driver of institutional revenue and growth: enrollment.

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Bart Caylor, President & Founder at Caylor Solutions Inc, and Troy Singer, Senior Account Executive at Think Patented, chat with Suzanne Petrusch, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Presbyterian College about:

- How the Central Marketing Organization came about.

- The people you need on your higher ed marketing team.

- How to use video in your admissions marketing.

- How COVID changed higher ed marketing, and strategies for 2021.

Know of a higher education marketing change agent you’d like to hear on the show? Does your university have an interesting story to be featured? Connect with Bart Caylor or Troy Singer. If you’re not on LinkedIn, check the Caylor Solutions or Think Patented websites instead!

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Messaging for the Individual: How Data Can Help You Create Engaging Stories (Part 2)

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 06:15:00 +0000

How do we help uncover and explain the most informative and persuasive information to prospective students?

How do we tell stories that get them excited about education?

We start by finding and utilizing data, analyzing that data, and then creating segmented marketing messages that will move the needle.

In part two of a two-part series, Bart Caylor, President & Founder at Caylor Solutions Inc, and Troy Singer, Senior Account Executive at Think Patented chat with Christine Harper, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management at the University of Kentucky, and Julie Balog, Chief Marketing Officer at the University of Kentucky about:

- How to utilize data to drive segmentation in messaging.

- How to engage undecided students using data.

- The difference between innovation and ingenuity.

- How the University of Kentucky is helping communities.

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Messaging for the Individual: How Data Can Help You Create Engaging Stories (Part 1)

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0000

How do we help uncover and explain the most informative and persuasive information to prospective students?

How do we tell stories that get them excited about education?

We start by finding and utilizing data, analyzing that data, and then creating segmented marketing messages that will move the needle.

Bart Caylor, President & Founder at Caylor Solutions Inc, and Troy Singer, Senior Account Executive at Think Patented chat with Christine Harper, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management at the University of Kentucky, and Julie Balog, Chief Marketing Officer at the University of Kentucky about:

- How to utilize data to drive segmentation in messaging.

- How to engage undecided students using data.

- The difference between innovation and ingenuity.

- How the University of Kentucky is helping communities.

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When Crisis Hits: Reputation Management in Higher Education

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0000

A single headline-making crisis can permanently alter how the public perceives your institution.

In the face of a crisis, your reputation is on the line. How should you communicate a crisis to your stakeholders and how can you manage your reputation in the process?

These questions and more are answered on this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer. Bart Caylor, President & Founder at Caylor Solutions Inc, and Troy Singer, Senior Account Executive at Think Patented chat with Christy Jackson, Senior Director of Reputation Management and Communication at UNC Charlotte, about:

- Examples from her work at Virginia Tech and Sweetbriar during their defining crises.

- Crisis communication and reputation management.

- Operational crises vs reputational crises.

- How to manage stakeholder expectations.

- How social media plays a role in crisis communication.

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Using your Distinctiveness as a Selling Point

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0000

When you’re not a large public university, you have to market yourself in a different way. Especially if you’re a faith-based institution, a single-sex college, or even an HBCU, you’ve got to set yourself apart from the rest of the field. You’ve got to be distinctive as a selling point for your institution.

What does that look like? On this episode of Higher Ed Marketer, we talk with Ayana Hernandez, Associate Vice Chancellor for University Relations at North Carolina Central University. To hear her talk about how HBCUs are in her DNA was something special.

We also talked about:

- Working for an HBCU that she applied to attend when she was starting college

- The TIME Magazine cover that she keeps framed in her office and how she uses it to talk to her students about celebrating their successes

- What university life was like Pre-COVID, and what she anticipates it to be like moving forward

- The need to be distinctive in your marketing when you’re a mission-driven institution

Know of a higher education marketing change agent you’d like to hear on the show? Does your university have an interesting story to be featured?

Connect with Bart Caylor or Troy Singer. If you’re not on LinkedIn, check out Caylor Solutions or Think Patented.

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Building Stronger Relationships Using Data w/ JP Spagnolo

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Marketing revolves around relationships. And the best way to strengthen those relationships and connect with prospects on a deeper level is through data.

In this episode, JP Spagnolo, VP of Strategic Enrollment Management and Marketing at Capital University, joins the podcast to share how building relationships through data helps craft clear, compelling, and resonant marketing messages.

Some topics that were covered:

- 2 core elements of marketing

- The importance of data to any marketing strategy

- Being more precise when communicating needs to third-party vendors

Want to reach out to JP Spagnolo?

- Send him an email

- Reach out on LinkedIn

Know of a higher education marketing change agent you’d like to hear on the show? Does your university have an interesting story to be featured?

Connect with Bart Caylor or Troy Singer. If you’re not on LinkedIn, check out Caylor Solutions or Think Patented.
To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Enrollment Marketing: How to Leverage a Mascot Program

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Butler University has a unique target audience for one of their marketing campaigns — the pets of prospective students.

Kristi Lafree, Director of Enrollment Marketing at Butler University, joins the podcast to talk about how the marketing team is finding innovative ways to use Blue, Butler’s very own 65-lb English Bulldog mascot, to drive enrollment and awareness, including sending personalized direct mail to cats and dogs.

She also talks about:

- A two-fold approach for marketing to parents

- The importance of personalization within student recruitment

- How Gen Z is approaching decision-making

Have any questions for Kristi?

- Email her at klafree@butler.edu

- Find her on Twitter @kristilafree

Know of a higher education marketing change agent you’d like to hear on the show? Does your university have an interesting story to be featured?

Connect with Bart Caylor or Troy Singer. If you’re not on LinkedIn, check out Caylor Solutions or Think Patented.

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Creating an Adaptable Brand Promise in the Age of Social Media

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 08:00:00 +0000

On today’s episode, Bart Caylor, President & Founder at Caylor Solutions Inc, and Troy Singer, Senior Account Executive at Think Patented, chat with Deedie Dowdle, Vice President for Communications and Marketing at DePauw University about:

- Working internally to create university marketing campaigns

- Creating a brand promise that captures your university’s core values

- Engaging students, professors, and alumni in the creative process

- Evolving current and future university marketing campaigns

Know of a higher education marketing change agent you’d like to hear on the show? Does your university have an interesting story to be featured?

Connect with Bart Caylor or Troy Singer. If you’re not on LinkedIn, check the Caylor Solutions or Think Patented.

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How a Multi-Platform CRM can Drive Marketing Insights

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

On today’s episode, Bart Caylor, President & Founder at Caylor Solutions Inc, and Troy Singer, Senior Account Executive at Think Patented, have a conversation with Jeurell Smith, Institutional Data Analyst at Otterbein University about:

- How to lead multi-platform CRM integration at your university

- Benefits of syncing your data and marketing team communication

- Length of time it takes to implement a multi-platform CRM

- Navigating the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for projects

Know of a higher education marketing change agent you’d like to hear on the show? Does your university have an interesting story to be featured?

Connect with Bart Caylor or Troy Singer. If you’re not on LinkedIn, check the Caylor Solutions or Think Patented.

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

From TikTok to Print Ads: Innovative Marketing in Higher Education

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Marketing has never been more important for institutions than it is right now. How are you able to recruit prospective students during a pandemic? How do the ways you communicate to parents and students differ during this time?

These questions and more are answered on this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer. Bart Caylor, President & Founder at Caylor Solutions Inc, and Troy Singer, Senior Account Executive at Think Patented chat with Jamie Hunt, Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Miami University of Ohio

about:

- Transitioning into a Chief Marketing Officer role during a pandemic

- How marketing visions have pivoted and evolved during 2020

- Keeping teams engaged, motivated and feeling supported remote

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Driving Affinity Through Innovative Marketing at Universities

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 00:39:15 +0000

From the private sector to Purdue, Ethan Braden has already created a legacy that university marketers across the U.S. admire.

On today’s episode, Bart Caylor, President & Founder at Caylor Solutions Inc, and Troy Singer, Senior Account Executive at Think Patented talk with Ethan Braden, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Purdue University about:

- Advice on transitioning from the private sector to a public university

- University marketing campaigns during COVID-19

- How having an incredible team led to winning the AMA Awards in 2020

- Why diversifying messaging to audiences is critical for adoption

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Higher Ed Marketer Origin Story

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 00:20:53 +0000

The Higher Ed Marketer explores the incredible accomplishments colleges and universities across the world see when creativity meets execution.

On today’s episode, Kelsey Kohrs, Producer at Sweet Fish Media, Bart Caylor, President & Founder at Caylor Solutions Inc, and Troy Singer, Senior Account Executive at Think Patented introduce The Higher Ed Marketer, a podcast dedicated to sharing university marketing stories that have led to success on and off campus. Episodes will feature:

- Things you can do to increase your university’s marketing effectiveness

- Actionable items you can take away from featured guests

- Energy and interesting ideas to get creative juices flowing!

To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to The Higher Ed Marketer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.