The Higher Ed Marketer is centered around marketing professionals in the field of higher education. If you’re looking for real, practical advice on how to level up your marketing game, this is the show for you. Each episode features conversations with some of the best and brightest marketing minds in higher education, discussing the future of marketing, new technologies, and so much more. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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Forged in Crisis: How Higher Ed Leaders Turn Adversity into Strength
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42:01Season 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…
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Scaling AI in Higher Ed – Lessons from ASU’s AI Integration
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37:37Season 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 e…
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Crisis Communication Strategies for Universities
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35:52Season 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 navig…
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Reclaiming Relevance: How Higher Ed Marketing Can Reconnect with a Changing World
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38:28Season 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 acces…
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Rebranding a Giant — Ethan Braden’s Bold Vision for Texas A&M
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40:07Season 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 t…
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Heart Over Hype: How Empathy-Driven Marketing Transforms Higher Ed
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38:23Season 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 unpa…
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Stop Sending Bad Emails! Higher Ed Marketing Insights from "Mailed It!"
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43:54Season 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 …
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The Evolution of the Chief Revenue Officer and Enrollment
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40:37Season 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…
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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 le…
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Inside the Enrollment Playbook: Data, Strategy, and Bold Moves
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45:16Season 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…
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Building a Marketing Culture That Embraces Change
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33:47Season 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,…
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Mastering Organic Social Media: Secrets to Engagement & Growth
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46:47Season 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 succ…
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Dueling Perspectives: Enrollment VP and Parent
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46:26~33 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 …
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Creative Solutions for Community College Marketing
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36:47In 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 i…
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Kingswood Learn: Mission-Driven Innovation in Online Education with Dr. Steve Lennox, Kingswood University
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35:33In 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 th…
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Life Skills, AI, and Innovation with Dr. Nido Qubein from High Point University
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46:08This 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,…
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FAFSA, Athletics and Tuition Reset with Dr. Bryan Gross from Hartwick College
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40:19This 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…
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GenAI for Teams with Bart Caylor and Zach Coffin
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47:12In 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 pr…
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Millennial President Nick Griffin: Bold Leadership, AI, and Bilingualism
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38:55In 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 agil…
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Leading Bold Change Through Innovation: David Wright on the Future of Higher Education
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42:59In 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 facilita…
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A Business-Like Approach: Bringing a CEO Mindset to Higher Ed
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30:40Eric 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 …
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How Generative AI Tools Can Help You Survive the Enrollment Cliff
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37:18In 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 t…
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Building an In-House Agency: The Purdue Brand Studio Journey
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44:53Kelly 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 creativ…
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Intentional Branding: A Messaging Strategy That Resonates
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31:18Bart 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 …
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Amplify Student Voices: Let Them Tell Their Stories
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28:55How 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 Universi…
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How to Include Donor Stories in Your Marketing Campaigns
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35:06In 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 fo…
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Messaging Modalities, Personas, and Strategic Actions
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35:15Take 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 str…
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The Enrollment Cliff: Tim Fuller's Perspective
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42:03In 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 th…
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Advancement as a Revenue Driver: Strategies for Alumni Engagement
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34:01The 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 lev…
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Tackling the Enrollment Cliff Through Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships
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37:39With 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 Found…
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Programmatic Advertising Tactics: Success Through Patience and Precision
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36:56Programmatic 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 intentional…
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Admitted Student Research: Data Insights and Unexpected Encounters
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32:51By 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’r…
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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 …
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Strategic Collaborations: Advancing Higher Ed with Corporate Partners
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46:41Our 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 univer…
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Authentic Engagement in Multicultural Marketing
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33:36Multicultural 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…
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Leadership at the Forefront: Secure Your Seat in Strategic Planning
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41:05Being 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 …
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The Hospitality Playbook: Impactful Community Partnerships in Higher Ed
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40:15Is 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…
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Respect Students’ Time: Flexible Higher Ed for Diverse Life Experiences
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39:16Now 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. Ge…
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Understand Your Audience: Tailoring Content Across Communities
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38:08Prospective 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 leveragin…
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E-Commerce Tactics: Chase What Your Audience Is Looking For
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33:03Some 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 Colle…
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Breaking Barriers: Mentorship and Development in Higher Ed Enrollment
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43:26With 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 o…
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Strategic Communication: Identify Your School’s Why
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44:20It’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 scho…
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Shoestring Budgets: Strategic Approaches to Authentic Engagement
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39:27Authentic 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…
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Social Media for GenZ College Search: ZeeMee's Impact on Recruitment
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46:21Higher 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 U…
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Team Integrations and Mergers in the Evolving Marketing Space
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35:17With 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 abo…
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The Integrated Approach to Marketing and Communications in Higher Ed
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37:10It’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 appr…
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Ownable Brand Ideas: Higher Ed Marketing Done Differently
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36:59Generating 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…
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Putting AI Tools to Work for Your Marketing Team
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46:37On 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. Dave discovered that the months of work that went into creating it could all be done in min…
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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,…
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Why Curiosity and Innovation Are Part of the Higher Ed Promise
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42:46Higher 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 …
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