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 a ..read more

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 t ..read more

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 Me ..read more

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 a ..read more

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 ..read more

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 de ..read more

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 discu ..read more

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:   [8:2 ..read more

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 dow ..read more

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 d ..read more