Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 115: The Internet Will Have Feelings About This | 14 Oct 2026 | 00:56:05 | |
Jaime speaks with Eddie Francis, founder of Edify Ventures, to explore how higher education leaders can navigate sensitive policy changes without triggering public backlash. Eddie shares actionable strategies for framing announcements within a unified vision, adopting inclusive language, and engaging student leadership early. They also discuss choosing effective channels beyond mass email, gauging internal campus sentiment against social media noise, and overcoming critical higher ed hiring challenges. Guest Name: Eddie Francis, Strategic Communications Fractional Leader, Trainer, Speaker and Public Speaking Coach Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddiefrancis/ Guest Bio: Eddie Francis is a marketing and communications consultant who led marcomm at four institutions. He has been featured in multiple publications, including The Chronicle of Higher Education, Volt, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, and Careers in Government. Although Eddie launched his career in radio, he found his voice in higher ed. He led public relations at Southern University at New Orleans, where he developed the university’s branding and redesigned the university’s website. Eddie moved on to Paul Quinn College, where he helped spark an enrollment increase amid a PR crisis. At Dillard University, Eddie led the “Write Your Legacy” brand refresh, expanded the university’s licensed merchandise offerings, and led the redesign of the website. Eddie also has a background in talent acquisition. He recruited for award-winning global recruitment firm Cielo and for such brands as Quest Diagnostics, Staples, Lowe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Tyco SimplexGrinnell. Among Eddie’s honors are New Orleans Magazine’s “30 People to Watch,” the Press Club of New Orleans’ Best Radio Entertainment Feature Award, and two nominations for the AMA Foundation’s Higher Education Marketer of the Year. Eddie is a member of the American Marketing Association, where he served on the planning committee for the Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education. He is also a member of the International Leadership Association, the Press Club of New Orleans, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Eddie earned his master’s degree in strategic leadership from Tennessee State University and his bachelor’s in mass communication from Loyola University New Orleans.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 114: Can Higher Ed Earn Back Trust? | 30 Sep 2026 | 00:53:50 | |
Jaime Hunt is joined by Teege Mettlle, author of College is Broken, to discuss the higher education crisis as a deep operational and trust challenge rather than merely a communications issue. The conversation explores the pitfalls of endless growth models, unrealistic institutional benchmarking, misleading tuition discounting practices, and actionable reform strategies to restore authentic transparency and value for students. Guest Name: Teege Mettlle, author of College Is Broken: (And what we can all do to fix it) Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teege-mettille-91303376/ Guest Bio: Teege Mettlle is the author of College Is Broken: (And what we can all do to fix it) and The Admissions Counselor Malaise: Addressing the staff morale crisis in college admissions. For over 18 years, he led recruitment teams at Lawrence University, Northland College, Carroll University, and DePauw University. He has consulted with dozens of colleges on their admissions strategies and co‑hosts The Admissions Directors Lunchcast. He now pairs that real‑time insight with Class 101’s proven system to demystify college lists, testing, essays, and scholarships so Wisconsin families can secure the right‑fit college at the right price. Energetic, data‑driven, and relentlessly student‑focused, he turns what feels overwhelming into a clear, confidence‑building path to admission.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 113: The Decentralized Marketing Model: Letting Go Without Losing the Brand | 16 Sep 2026 | 00:48:43 | |
Jaime welcomes Lauren Griswold, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, the University of Vermont, to discuss her bold decision to decentralize communications by re-embedding communicators into their respective colleges and divisions. Lauren shares why alignment and relationship-building matter more than strict organizational hierarchies, how MOUs help establish shared expectations with deans, and why higher education marketing must dare to be different in a sea of sameness. Guest Name: Lauren Griswold, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, the University of Vermont Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurengriswold1/ Guest Bio: Lauren Griswold was appointed Chief Communications and Marketing Officer in November 2025 and leads the university’s Division of Strategic Communications. An innovator, storyteller, and culture keeper, Griswold has worked in higher education at both the university and community college levels. Her expertise includes building brand reputation, as well as leading and creating strategy and successfully scaling it across enterprises for local, national, and global organizations. Griswold comes to UVM from Boise State University, where she led that institution’s Office of Communications and Marketing as the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. During her time in that role Griswold led the launch of the Northwest Emmy-nominated commercial, “Out of The Blue,” and was also recognized by the American Marketing Association as a finalist for marketer of the year in higher education in 2024. Prior to joining Boise State, Griswold worked at Arizona State University, Mt. Hood Community College, Edelman, Microsoft, and Major League Baseball. She has a wide range of experience in sales, marketing, communications, community relations, branding, and creative strategy. Griswold has a master’s degree in communication studies from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Eastern Washington University.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 112: Leading Marketing in a Decentralized Unit | 02 Sep 2026 | 00:55:12 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Nathan Jorgensen, Chief of Marketing and Enrollment Communications Manager at Ohio State University’s College of Nursing, to explore the dynamic relationship between centralized and decentralized marketing teams, sharing practical tips for building trust with academic deans and faculty. Nate explains how simple visual aids can translate complex marketing strategies, discusses the balance of institutional branding with college-specific storytelling, and shares his passionate take on why higher education is doing its best work today. Guest Name: Nathan Jorgensen, Chief of Marketing and Enrollment Communications Manager, Ohio State University College of Nursing Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/npjorgensen/ Guest Bio: Nathan Jorgensen is the chief of marketing and enrollment communications manager for the Ohio State University College of Nursing. Prior to this role, he was the senior marketing director at Miami University. He has extensive experience in strategic marketing management, team leadership, and enrollment growth initiatives. Over 16 years in higher education and more than a decade in progressive leadership roles have shaped a proven ability to drive impactful campaigns and build strong institutional brands. At Miami University, Nathan led a multifaceted marketing team to achieve significant growth, including a 25% increase in undergraduate applications from 2023 to 2025. He also created a groundbreaking partnership with the Cincinnati Bengals to expand outreach and student opportunities.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 111: Is Your Brand More Caring Than Your Campus? | 19 Aug 2026 | 00:55:48 | |
Jaime speaks with Kevin McClure, author of The Caring University and Professor of Higher Education and Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership UNC Wilmington. They explore the disconnect between rhetoric and institutional action regarding employee care, how workplace culture affects student support, and ways leaders can cultivate authentic organizational care beyond surface-level declarations. Guest Name: Kevin McClure, Professor of Higher Education and Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership, the University of North Carolina Wilmington Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-r-mcclure-424145223/ Guest Bio: Dr. Kevin R. McClure is Professor of Higher Education and Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He also serves as Co-Director of the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges. Dr. McClure is an expert on college leadership, management, finance, and workplace culture, especially at broad-access institutions. He is author of The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace after the Great Resignation. Dr. McClure is also the co-editor of Regional Public Universities: Addressing Misconceptions and Analyzing Contributions and Unlocking Opportunity through Broadly Accessible Institutions. He writes the popular Working Better column for The Chronicle of Higher Education.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 110: Clean Out Your Website Junk Drawer | 05 Aug 2026 | 00:51:29 | |
Jaime sits down with digital strategy expert Georgy Cohen to tackle the persistent problem of content debt in higher education websites. Comparing the cluttered digital ecosystems of universities to an overflowing junk drawer, Cohen explains how years of unchecked publishing have resulted in outdated, redundant, and fragmented content that degrades institutional brands and creates confusing user experiences. Guest Name: Georgy Cohen, principal, Georgy Cohen LLC Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgy/ Guest Bio: Georgy Cohen has spent more than 20 years leading digital strategy and content strategy initiatives for higher education, publications, and nonprofits. Her experience includes stints leading web strategy at Tufts University and Suffolk University, serving as vice president of digital strategy at the digital agency OHO, and running her own independent consultancies. Georgy currently operates the creatively named Georgy Cohen LLC, working with partners in higher ed and beyond on digital strategy initiatives. She also speaks widely at national conferences, to campus teams, and to the pets who frequent her office. Georgy’s background is in journalism.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 109: Navigating Generational Differences at Work and In Marketing | 22 Jul 2026 | 01:01:42 | |
Jaime welcomes Megan W. Gerhardt, a professor of management and leadership at Miami University. The conversation centers on challenging the stereotypes that often define our understanding of different generations in the workplace. Guest Name: Megan W. Gerhardt, Professor of Management and Leadership at Miami University’s Farmer School of Business Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megangerhardt/ Guest Bio: Megan W. Gerhardt, Ph.D., is a Professor of Management and Leadership at Miami University's Farmer School of Business. In addition to her academic work, she consults and speaks with leading organizations worldwide on leveraging generational differences in the workplace and is the author of Gentelligence: A Revolutionary Approach to Leading an Intergenerational Workforce.Her Gentelligence framework was featured as Harvard Business Review's Big Idea in March 2022 and selected for Harvard Business Review's Top 10 Must Reads for 2024. As the founder of gentelligence.org, all of Dr. Gerhardt’s work focuses on harnessing individual differences to drive impact and exceptional performance.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 108: Range Is A Superpower in Higher Ed Marketing | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:52:09 | |
Resource mentioned in the show: https://www.solvehighered.com/higher-ed-glossary Jaime Hunt welcomes a special guest, Dave Hunt, to celebrate his new role as the Senior Strategic Advisor for AI Enrollment Marketing and Brand at Solve Higher Ed. The conversation moves beyond the typical discussion of marketing tactics to explore the philosophy of professional growth and strategic leadership within higher education. Jaime and Dave unpack the common misconception that career success is solely defined by linear, upward movement on a corporate ladder. Instead, they champion the value of the lateral move. They argue that the most successful higher ed professionals are those who prioritize expanding their portfolio of skills over seeking new titles. By intentionally seeking roles that expose them to different departments—such as academic affairs, digital strategy, and creative operations—professionals can build the range necessary to see the university as a fully integrated ecosystem rather than a series of isolated silos. This is the essence of the T-shaped professional: deep expertise in one area coupled with a broad, empathetic understanding of how every department contributes to enrollment outcomes. Guest Name: Dave Hunt, Senior Strategic Advisor for AI, Enrollment Marketing and Brand, Solve Higher Ed Marketing Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-hunt-a343048/ Guest Bio: Dave Hunt serves as Solve Higher Ed’s senior strategic advisor for enrollment marketing and brand. With 18 years of experience in higher education, Dave brings a depth of expertise in enrollment marketing, digital strategy, brand management, reputation building and alumni communications. His career has focused on helping colleges and universities reach prospective students more effectively, differentiate academic programs in competitive markets and connect brand strategy to enrollment outcomes. Most recently, Dave served as Executive Director of Strategic Brand and Enrollment Marketing at Old Dominion University’s ODUGlobal, where he led a team responsible for marketing online graduate and undergraduate programs. His portfolio included enrollment marketing, digital marketing, creative services, branding, content strategy and social media, giving him direct experience managing the full ecosystem of modern enrollment-focused marketing. Prior to joining ODUGlobal, Dave was the inaugural Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications Miami University’s Miami Online. There, he built the marketing operations for a new and expanding online education portfolio from the ground up, with a focus on enrollment growth, lead generation, program positioning, digital marketing and prospective student engagement. At Wake Forest University, Dave worked within the School of Business in a role focused on marketing graduate business programs and supporting the school’s branding, rankings and reputation-building efforts. That experience gave him a strong understanding of how academic reputation, program differentiation, rankings strategy and prospective student communications intersect in highly competitive markets. Previous higher ed positions included serving as Director of Alumni Communications for Virginia Tech and as a graphic designer for Lawrence University. Dave holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and a master’s degree in Marketing. He lives in Coastal Virginia with his wife and their surprisingly social tortoise.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 107: How Wrangling Workflows Can Solve Capacity Challenges | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:48:04 | |
Is your team really at capacity, or is your operating model broken? In this episode, Jaime Hunt speaks with Joanne Giles about the common friction points in higher education marketing teams. They discuss why buying project management software isn't a "silver bullet" solution and how to diagnose deep-rooted operating issues before trying to fix the system. Guest Name: Joanne Giles, Founder, All Things Content Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanneaugustingiles/ Guest Bio: Joanne Giles is the Founder and Principal Consultant of All Things Content, a strategic consultancy that helps higher education institutions and complex organizations bring structure to the way work moves across teams. Her work focuses on building workflow foundations for highly cross-functional, multi-stakeholder environments where intake, approvals, handoffs, visibility, and tool adoption often break down. Joanne has supported institutions including Hofstra University, Georgia State University, and Abilene Christian University, helping teams turn operational overwhelm into documented workflows, clearer ownership, and practical systems they can actually use.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 106: How to Write an RFP That Actually Works | 10 Jun 2026 | 00:37:27 | |
Writing an RFP can feel overwhelming, especially when you're tasked with creating one for the first time. In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, Jaime Hunt sits down with Louis Miller to demystify the RFP process and share practical advice for higher education marketers navigating agency partnerships, procurement requirements, and major marketing investments. Drawing on years of experience from both the campus and agency sides, they explore what separates effective RFPs from frustrating ones, how institutions can attract stronger vendor responses, and why clarity around goals, timelines, and budgets leads to better outcomes. Whether you're preparing for a website redesign, brand refresh, media campaign, or another strategic initiative, this conversation offers actionable guidance for creating RFPs that drive real results. Guest Name: Louis Miller, Executive Partner, Electric Kite Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louismiller/ Guest Bio: Louis Miller is an Executive Partner at Electric Kite, a full-service creative marketing agency specializing in helping higher ed partners tell their stories in engaging ways. He is also General Manager of Volt, where higher ed marketers go to sharpen their skills to be the force that pushes their institutions forward. . He has worked with partners from the Ivy League to K12 and everything in between. Prior to his current roles, Louis held marketing and digital strategy roles at Comcast and Audible.com.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 105: The Power of Faculty Thought Leadership on LinkedIn and Beyond | 27 May 2026 | 00:41:39 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Eden Bloss, Chief Marketing Officer at UNC Asheville, to explore how faculty thought leadership can strengthen institutional brand, reputation, and visibility. Together, they discuss why faculty experts are one of higher education’s most powerful storytelling assets, especially when their research and expertise connect to timely conversations in the media, on LinkedIn, and across digital channels. Guest Name: Eden Bloss, Chief Marketing Officer, UNC Asheville Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eden-bloss-46a796ba/ Guest Bio: Eden brings more than two decades of experience in strategic marketing communications to UNC Asheville in both corporate and agency settings, as well as a depth of experience in higher education within the UNC System. As Associate Vice Chancellor for Communications at UNC Greensboro, she led a team of communications professionals – editorial writers, social media managers, multimedia specialists, in addition to a group of cross-functional communicators across the university’s schools and programs. With expertise in crisis communication, brand and image development, media relations, website development, strategic and celebrity partnerships, brand ambassadors and community and government relations, Eden has a proven track record for developing collaborative relationships, creating a positive and productive team culture with a commitment to delivering results that exceed expectations. She is on the Board of Directors for PublicEd Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) charitable organization that focuses on increasing residents’ knowledge of public education in North Carolina, a CASE Awards Circle of Excellence Judge, Women in Leadership and PRSSA mentor. An avid runner, she has completed multiple marathons, including Boston and Marine Corps, and enjoys hiking across national parks – Big Bend, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons are recent favorites. She is married with two adult children.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 104: What It Takes to Build an AI-Enabled Comms Team | 13 May 2026 | 00:46:45 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Abbigail Tumpey, Vice President for Institute Communications at Georgia Tech, to unpack how AI in higher education is reshaping the future of enrollment marketing, communications strategy, and institutional leadership. From synthetic audience testing to AI-powered workflow optimization, Abbigail shares how Georgia Tech is embedding artificial intelligence into the fabric of its communications culture. The conversation explores what it actually looks like to operationalize AI across a university marketing team — not just experiment with it. If you’re wondering how higher education marketers can move beyond AI hype and start building smarter systems, this episode offers one of the most practical and visionary conversations in higher education podcasts today. Guest Name: Abbigail Tumpey, Vice President for Institute Communications at the Georgia Institute of Technology Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Abbigail Tumpey is the vice president for Institute Communications at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she leads the Institute’s marketing and communications strategy. As Chief Communications Officer, she oversees brand and reputation management across media relations, events, research communications, marketing and internal communications, executive communications, creative services, and digital strategy. Prior to joining Georgia Tech, Abbigail spent 25 years at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including 21 years in senior communication leadership roles. She served as head of communications from March 2021 to March 2022, overseeing the agency’s communication efforts during the COVID-19 emergency response. In that role, she reimagined CDC’s communications function and led the agency’s largest communications reorganization in more than a decade. During her tenure at CDC, Abbigail expanded clinical outreach capacity and built public-private partnerships and coalitions that advanced patient safety and public health initiatives. She spearheaded numerous national and international campaigns, including serving as one of the founders of the World Rabies Day initiative in 2007 and overseeing CDC’s antibiotic resistance communications from 2009–2016. She also played lead communication roles during major outbreak responses, including the 2012 multistate fungal meningitis outbreak, the 2014–2015 Ebola outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2023 mpox response. In 2016, Abbigail was named one of 36 Champions of PR by PR Week magazine for their inaugural Hall of Femme. In 2021, she was recognized as a PRWeek Health Influencer for shaping the national dialogue around the COVID response, vaccine distribution, booster efforts, and improving health outcomes. Abbigail earned a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Health from the University of South Florida. She is married to influenza researcher Terrence Tumpey and is the proud mother of two sons.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 103: Busting the Myths Around Small Marketing Teams | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:40:11 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Shane Baglini, Executive Director of Marketing and Branding at William & Mary, to unpack one of higher ed’s most persistent myths: that marketers from small institutions are somehow less qualified than their counterparts at large universities. This episode dives into how working in under-resourced environments actually sharpens leadership, fuels innovation, and builds resilience. Together, Jaime and Shane challenge outdated hiring biases and offer a compelling case for why “small shop” experience is a competitive advantage in enrollment marketing. Guest Name: Shane Baglini, executive director of marketing and branding at William & Mary Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanebaglini Guest Bio: Shane Baglini serves as executive director of marketing and branding at William & Mary, where he oversees the strategic planning and execution of the University's integrated marketing, multimedia, and creative teams’ efforts to create and sustain a comprehensive brand and marketing strategy for William & Mary, strengthening enrollment, advancement and institutional reputation for America's first university. With a decade of experience in higher education, his background spans enrollment marketing, brand and creative strategy, digital transformation, and more.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 102: Getting Big Ideas Across the Line | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:44:57 | |
Guest Name: Justin M. Bell, Vice President for Marketing and Communications, Fordham University Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmichaelbell Guest Bio: Justin M. Bell joined Fordham in August 2023 as the University’s inaugural vice president for marketing and communications. As vice president, he leads Fordham’s central marketing and communications division in strengthening Fordham’s brand awareness, increasing enrollment, and elevating Fordham’s unique story to enhance reputation across audiences. Prior to joining Fordham, Bell served as associate vice president for brand marketing at The Ohio State University, leading an organization accountable for growing and protecting the Ohio State brand while driving choice through top-of-funnel marketing strategies across owned, earned, and paid media. Bell also established Scarlet Studio, Ohio State’s in-house marketing and communications agency, charged with developing campaigns and executing brand-building projects on behalf of colleges and units across the institution.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 101: Building a Believable Higher Ed Brand | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:44:48 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Dr. Allison Steinke to unpack what it really takes to build a believable brand in higher education. Drawing from research with CMOs and Gen Z audiences, Steinke introduces a practical framework for brand believability rooted in authenticity, consistency, and emotional connection. The episode challenges traditional enrollment marketing approaches and reframes branding as a co-created, institution-wide effort. If you’re navigating trust, differentiation, or AI in higher ed marketing, this conversation is a must-listen. Guest Name: Allison Steinke, Teaching Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication and author of Brand Thinking: Building Brands You Can Believe In Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajsteinkephd/ Guest Bio: An award-winning scholar with industry experience as a blogger, magazine editor, and social media consultant, Dr. Allison Steinke bridges the gap between high-level brand theory and real-world execution. As a Teaching Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, she equips and empowers thousands of future leaders through courses on brand management and digital storytelling. A prolific creator, she published an internationally acclaimed dissertation on solutions journalism, has authored 100+ blog posts and journalistic articles, and recently published a definitive book, Brand Thinking: Building Brands You Can Believe In. From managing global research projects to facilitating a 2009 Justin Bieber meet-and-greet, her career is defined by influential narratives. Brand Thinking: Building Brands You Can Believe In: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/brand-thinking-9798765160831/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 100: What Dream School Teaches Us About Trust, Truth and Recruitment | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:43:48 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with higher education journalist and bestselling author Jeff Selingo to unpack insights from his newest book, Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You. Drawing from two years of research—including surveys of more than 3,000 parents—Selingo explains how families are redefining what makes a “good college.” The conversation explores the evolving role of prestige, the growing importance of outcomes and ROI, and what enrollment marketers must understand about parents, counselors, and the modern college search process. For higher ed professionals, this episode is a powerful lens into the shifting expectations shaping enrollment marketing today. Guest Name: Jeff Selingo, The New York Times bestselling author of Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You and Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffselingo/ Guest Bio: Jeff Selingo has written about colleges and universities for more than 25 years and is a New York Times bestselling author of four books. His latest, Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You (September 2025), draws on more than two years of research and a survey of some 3,000 parents to give families permission to think more broadly about what signals a “good” college and then the tools to discover their dream school. He is also the author of Who Gets In & Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, named one of the New York Times’s 100 Notable Books of the Year in 2020. A regular contributor to The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, Jeff is a special advisor to the president and professor of practice at Arizona State University. He writes the biweekly newsletter Next and co-hosts the podcast Future U. He lives near Washington, D.C., with his family.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 99: What AI Search Means for College Marketing | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:45:51 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Jason Smith, Founder and Managing Director of OHO, to unpack how AI in higher education is fundamentally changing the way students search for colleges. As AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini increasingly shape the student journey, institutions must rethink their approach to SEO for higher education and digital visibility. Jason introduces OHO’s new AI Visibility Scorecard and shares eye-opening insights into where AI models pull information from—and why that matters for enrollment marketers. This conversation challenges higher ed leaders to move beyond traditional search strategies and prepare for an AI-driven future of student recruitment. Guest Name: Jason Smith, Founder and Managing Director of OHO Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonsmith1/ Guest Bio: Jason is the Founder and Managing Director of OHO, a leading digital agency dedicated to higher education. For over 20 years, he has led a team of strategists, designers, UX researchers, marketers, and developers who help colleges and universities solve complex digital challenges—from launching major websites to driving enrollment through digital marketing. A former designer and creative director, Jason brings a deep appreciation for how storytelling, design, and technology can work together to reach the right audiences and move institutions forward. He’s worked with 37 of the top 100 U.S. colleges and universities, guiding leaders through projects that clarify their goals, connect with users, and elevate their digital presence. Endlessly curious and always inventing, Jason is currently digging deep into how to increase AI visibility for colleges and universities so that they can reach prospective students.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 98: How a Rebrand Boosted Enrollment 50% | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:44:02 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Jennifer Umberger, VP and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Kettering University. They unpack what it really takes to break out of higher ed’s “sea of sameness” and build an enrollment marketing engine that actually moves the needle. Jennifer shares how Kettering’s distinct co-op model became the center of a sharper brand story—and how tight alignment between marketing and enrollment helped drive major growth. If you’re looking for a marketing strategy for student recruitment that’s built for today’s expectations (ROI, outcomes, and relevance), this one’s a must-listen. Guest Name: Jennifer Umberger, Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Kettering University Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferumberger/ Guest Bio: Jennifer Umberger joined Kettering University in February 2023. As the University’s Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Jennifer leads Kettering University’s brand strategy, focused on awareness, enrollment marketing, and thought leadership to increase visibility and support for Kettering’s mission, vision, and Pillars of Success. She oversees the University’s web and digital strategy, social media, creative production, advertising, enrollment marketing, public relations, media relations, and the University Magazine. She is a member of the President’s Cabinet. Jennifer has more than two decades of marketing and communications experience, most recently at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (formerly Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield Universities), where she served as Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. In that role, she oversaw executive communications, enrollment marketing, university marketing and brand management, strategic communications, media relations, and athletic communications and marketing. She was also the strategic communications lead in partnership with Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education. Jennifer earned a Bachelor’s degree in History with a concentration in Mass Communication and an emphasis in Public Relations from Albion College, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Augsburg University. She is a member of the American Marketing Association and serves as Vice President of the board of directors for CUPRAP, a professional community dedicated to advancing higher education marketing and communications. Jennifer also serves nationally on the Committee on Leadership for Alpha Xi Delta, a women’s fraternity of which she is a member.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 97: The Alumni Magazine Makeover: What Modern Audiences Really Want | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:38:43 | |
Jaime Hunt is joined by Clara Schwager, Director of Institutional and Advancement Marketing at Johnson & Wales University, for a much-needed conversation on the evolution of alumni magazines. Clara shares the behind-the-scenes story of a major redesign of JWU’s alumni magazine—one that transforms the publication from a static print piece into a dynamic, multi-channel storytelling engine. If you're still treating your alumni magazine like a mailbox-only moment, this is your wake-up call. Guest Name: Clara Schwager, Director of Institutional and Advancement Marketing at Johnson & Wales University Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clara-schwager/ Guest Bio: Clara Schwager is the Director of Institutional & Advancement Marketing at Johnson & Wales University and a strategic higher education marketing and communications leader committed to the transformative impact of education on individuals and communities. She specializes in crafting narratives that advance institutional priorities, strengthen brand reputation, and inspire connection. With 15 years of experience across higher education, agency, nonprofit, and corporate environments, Clara brings deep expertise in developing and executing strategic marketing campaigns. A creative and playful thinker, she excels at leading cross-functional teams, bridging organizational silos, and building marketing and communications initiatives that expand institutional reach and impact. When she's not hunched over the keyboard, she's trying her best at Olympic and Power weightlifting.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 96: Marketing Academic Programs | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:45:22 | |
Jaime Hunt welcomes Adam Stoltz, Director of Enrollment Marketing at the University of Idaho, for a candid conversation on one of higher ed’s toughest challenges: marketing academic programs in a decentralized, siloed environment. From tackling the “order taker” mentality to building partnerships between colleges, admissions, and marketing teams, Adam shares how he’s helped bridge institutional gaps to drive strategic enrollment growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck translating institutional priorities into student-centric campaigns, this episode is packed with the real talk and actionable strategies you need. Guest Name: Adam Stolz, Director of Enrollment Marketing, University of Idaho Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstoltz/ Guest Bio: With over two decades of experience in higher education marketing and enrollment management, Adam Stolz holds an Ed.D. in higher education administration from Saint Louis University, a bachelor's degree in arts management with a minor in computer science, and a master's degree in organizational leadership and management. His career includes progressive leadership roles across diverse university settings—private, public, land-grant, flagship, and the largest state system in the country. He has received multiple marketing awards for his work, with expertise in CRM strategy, and he also serves as a higher education consultant. Currently, he is the Director of Enrollment Marketing at the University of Idaho, where he is part of the university’s marketing team, reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, and embedded with the Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 95: Culture as a Competitive Edge: The Case for Soft Skills in Higher Ed Marketing | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:44:12 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Kelly Hiller, Chief Marketing Officer at Purdue University, to explore a revolutionary idea: integrating soft skills into performance management. Hiller shares how Purdue's Brand Studio is not only delivering exceptional marketing but also cultivating a high-performing, emotionally intelligent team culture. This episode is a must-listen for higher ed marketers looking to future-proof their teams and foster stronger leadership pipelines. Guest Name: Kelly Hiller, Chief Marketing Officer, Purdue University Guest Social: www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-hiller Guest Bio: Kelly Hiller serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at Purdue University, where she has the honor of leading a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to elevating the Purdue brand. As an in-house agency, Purdue Brand Studio crafts compelling content that not only drives demand but also promotes and protects Purdue. Kelly has been working at Purdue since January 2005, when she joined the university’s marketing department as communications coordinator. In 2008 she transitioned to the Purdue Alumni Association, where she managed the communications team and oversaw production of Purdue Alumnus magazine. These roles laid the foundation for her later accomplishments, including leading the Giant Leaps Campaign during Purdue's 150th anniversary, which launched at Homecoming 2018 and concluded at Homecoming 2019. This experience remains a career highlight for her. Known for her ability to remain strong yet flexible amid the winds of chaotic change, she finds daily inspiration in the words "Nevertheless She Persisted," which she had tattooed on her wrist as a reminder to take a deep breath and focus on finding solutions in tough situations. Passionate about small-town revitalization, Kelly serves on the school board in her hometown of Attica, Indiana. As a proud mom of four, Kelly's dedication extends to her family. She enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones and supporting various community events. Kelly values the close-knit, supportive atmosphere within her team, where egos are checked at the door and successes are shared. For Kelly, leading at Purdue is not just a job but a family endeavor, where hard work is balanced with fun and care for one another.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 94: Mission as a Megaphone: Leading with Courage in a Fraught Era | 24 Dec 2025 | 00:58:32 | |
In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Jen Brock, Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Mount Holyoke College. Together, they explore the evolving role of marketing leaders in higher ed during politically charged times, what it means to be radically mission-driven, and how inclusive, gender-diverse institutions like Mount Holyoke navigate a fraught national landscape. Brock shares candid insights on balancing bold storytelling with institutional responsibility—and why staying true to your values is non-negotiable in today’s higher ed climate. Guest Name: Jen Brock, Vice President for Marketing and Communications, Mount Holyoke College Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenbrock/ Guest Bio: Jen Brock is Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Mount Holyoke College, a trailblazing institution that champions gender diversity and women’s leadership. She has dedicated her career to advancing mission-driven institutions through inclusive, strategic storytelling, holding communications leadership roles in higher education and K-12 schools (public and private). Deeply committed to equity and education, Jen frequently presents about her family’s experience in the Japanese American incarceration camps of WWII.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 93: Navigating a Website Redesign | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:45:41 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Meaghan Milliorn, Senior Director of Web Strategy and Operations at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, to unpack the web redesign process that earned national recognition. From overhauling outdated pages to building authentic buy-in through internal communications, Meaghan shares how a multi-year strategy helped UA Little Rock redefine its web presence—without losing the campus community along the way. If you're staring down the barrel of a major website overhaul, this episode is a must-listen. Guest Name: Meaghan Milliorn, Senior Director of Web Strategy at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meaghan-milliorn-fikes/ Guest Bio: Meaghan Milliorn has worked at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for 16 years and serves as the Senior Director of Web Strategy and Operations. She and her team are responsible for overseeing the university website, its strategic focus, and ensuring it meets the needs of future and current students. In 2025, she led the successful launch of the redesigned university website. She earned her degree in mass communication from UA Little Rock and is actively involved with Digital Collegium and its annual conference.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 92: The “Why College Matters” Campaign | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:38:37 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Tamalyn Powell, SVP of Higher Education at BVK, to discuss the groundbreaking national campaign Proud Sponsor of America at Its Best. Designed to reshape public perception around the value of higher education, this initiative tackles rising skepticism head-on. Through data-driven messaging and a non-partisan approach, this campaign offers marketing leaders a powerful tool to advocate for higher ed’s relevance and societal impact. If you’re wondering how to counter declining trust in higher ed and drive collective impact, this episode is a must-listen. Guest Name: Tam Powell, Senior Vice President, BVK Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamalyn-powell-850a323/ Guest Bio: Tam focuses her efforts on how she and the higher education team can help clients break through the clutter. Tam is an expert in brand positioning and is responsible for all aspects of marketing, communications, planning and strategy on behalf of BVK’s broad portfolio of higher education clients across the country. As BVK’s higher education brand champion, her latest endeavor - in partnership with BVK’s non-profit sister agency Serve Marketing - is producing and launching a national campaign highlight the impact of higher education in the United States to combat the negative narrative around the value of college.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 91: What it Really Takes to Counsel a President | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:42:44 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Joseph Brennan, Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Montclair State University, for a raw and riveting conversation on what it really means to counsel a university president. With over three decades in higher ed and experience advising 13 university presidents, Brennan shares how the role of CMO has evolved from tactician to trusted strategic advisor—and why communication professionals must develop executive presence, business fluency, and emotional intelligence to lead in today’s high-pressure environment. Guest Name: Joseph A. Brennan, Vice President for Marketing and Communications, Montclair State University Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoebrennan/ Guest Bio: Joseph A. Brennan is Vice President for Communications & Marketing at Montclair State University, where he's proven that authentic storytelling works. He and his team have built a warm and genuine brand and brought it to life with narratives delivered across paid, earned, social and owned media, and designed innovative, data-driven campaigns that produced ROAS of nearly 7 to 1. Their award winning work has contributed to record enrollment for 4 successive years. Over three decades as a higher education communications and marketing executive, Joe has learned to put people first, because when team members feel seen and respected, they produce outstanding results. He's counseled 13 presidents, navigated major crises from international social media incidents to nationally publicized controversies, and directed high profile statewide campaigns to influence higher education policy in two states, but he's equally passionate about the quieter daily work of building teams where people want to stay and grow. His leadership philosophy? Treat mistakes as learning opportunities, not firing offenses. Create psychological safety so that innovation can flourish. Use humor appropriately. Show up as a whole human being, not just a job title. Meet people where they are, not where you think they should be. This approach extends beyond the office. Joe is a registered yoga teacher and meditation guide who believes mindfulness practices make leaders more effective, not less focused. He's currently earning his executive coaching certification, building on years of mentoring colleagues through career transitions and workplace challenges. Joe's mission is simple: help leaders create workplaces where talented people thrive, not just survive. When people feel valued and supported, everything else gets better. He's authored nearly 20 articles, been elected to the PRSA College of Fellows, and won national awards for "public relations campaign of the year" and "best website overhaul."
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Confessions Crossover: Decades in Higher Ed, Unlimited Hot Takes | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:27:09 | |
Jaime sits down with Jenny Li Fowler, host of Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager, for a no-holds-barred conversation packed with hot takes on higher education marketing, leadership dysfunction, and the systemic cultural habits holding institutions back. Drawing from decades of experience, Jaime and Jenny bring a sharp, refreshingly honest lens to some of higher ed’s most persistent challenges—from siloed departments and underfunded marketing teams to presidents chasing prestige at the expense of authenticity.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 90: Finding Fit Beyond the Campus Walls | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:38:20 | |
Jaime Hunt chats with Justin Bouldt, Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Nevada, Reno, about an innovative yield-boosting initiative—the College Town Pass. Designed to enhance campus visits by giving prospective students a curated way to explore the city of Reno and nearby Lake Tahoe, the College Town Pass has delivered impressive results, including a 74% yield rate among users. Tune in to hear how a Pokémon Go-inspired concept turned into a high-impact enrollment marketing strategy. Guest Name: Justin Boult, Assistant Director of Admissions, University of Nevada, Reno Guest Social: linkedin.com/in/justinbouldt/ Guest Bio: Justin Boult is the assistant director of admissions at the University of Nevada, Reno. He earned both of his degrees – a bachelor of business and a master’s in educational leadership at UNR.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 89: Busting Silos Between Marketing and Admissions | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:45:32 | |
In this energizing episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Brandy Kift, AVP of Marketing Strategy at Bucknell University, to unpack how her team has successfully broken down the silos between marketing and admissions. Brandy shares the inside story of how Bucknell transformed their approach to enrollment marketing by fostering mutual trust, aligning content strategy with recruitment goals, and leveraging data and AI for meaningful student engagement. If you're searching for strategies to build better collaboration across departments and increase application numbers, this is a must-listen. Guest Name: Brandy Kift, Assistant Vice President of Marketing Strategy at Bucknell University Guest Social: www.linkedin.com/in/brandykift Guest Bio: Brandy Kift is an accomplished marketing strategist with more than two decades of experience spanning healthcare, K-12 software, and higher education. As Assistant Vice President of Marketing Strategy at Bucknell University, Brandy leverages her extensive background to lead innovative initiatives in branding, reputation building, and recruitment marketing. During her six years at Bucknell, she has cultivated a talented team of marketers and content creators whose work has contributed to record application numbers and earned national recognition.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 88: Why and How to Report Marketing Impact | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:44:31 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Kerry Salerno, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Babson College, to explore the power of data-driven marketing. Together, they dive into how Kerry's team leverages impact reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) to align marketing strategies with institutional goals. From agile team structures to quarterly dashboards and annual reports, this episode is packed with insights on building a high-performance marketing culture. If you’ve ever struggled to quantify the impact of your marketing work—or convince leadership it matters—this episode is a must-listen. Guest Name: Kerry Salerno, Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Babson College Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrysalerno/ Guest Bio: Kerry Salerno serves as Babson College’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, overseeing brand, reputation and enrollment marketing and communication strategies. She is responsible for building brand awareness, engagement, adoption, and advocacy for the institution and each of its revenue generating programs, as well as overseeing institutional communications strategies. Prior to Babson, Kerry was at Northeastern University where she served in a variety of roles related to enrollment marketing and communications, most recently as Vice President of Enrollment, Marking and Recruitment for the Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network. Kerry received her B.S. in Marketing and her M.B.A from Bentley University.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 87: Breaking Free of “Best Kept Secret” Status | 12 Sep 2025 | 00:49:44 | |
In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Anne Peters, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at UTSA, to explore what it really means to “raise the profile” of a university. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about rankings. From community-driven branding campaigns to strategic data storytelling, Anne shares a wealth of insights on how institutions of any size can authentically build visibility and credibility. Whether your campus has a football program, a medical school, or neither, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas for enrollment marketers.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 86: Data Without the Drama: Practical Tips for Higher Ed Marketers | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:52:45 | |
Jaime Hunt welcomes back data strategist and higher ed consultant Joshua Dodson for a candid and practical discussion on data analytics in higher education. From redefining what makes data “good” to debunking common misinterpretations in marketing reports, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better leverage data for enrollment and institutional strategy. The duo also explores the democratizing power of AI in data analysis, offering actionable tips on how even resource-constrained teams can get smarter with their data starting today. Guest Name: Joshua Dodson, CEO and consultant at Honed Consulting Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuadodson/ Guest Bio: Joshua Dodson is a strategic marketing leader who knows higher education inside and out. With nearly 20 years of experience, he brings a unique perspective from working both inside institutions and as an outside consultant helping universities transform their marketing approach. Joshua's career spans roles as an instructor, university AVP of digital marketing, web analytics strategist, and former Vice President of Marketing & Innovation at VisionPoint, where he led integrated marketing and web teams. He's known for consistently anticipating market trends, building consensus, and delivering measurable ROI on every project. His track record speaks for itself—Joshua has helped modernize enrollment and marketing programs at major institutions including Bentley University, where his work generated the most marketing-generated leads in the university's history, plus Southern New Hampshire University, Eastern Kentucky University, and Lincoln Memorial University. Beyond consulting, Joshua is a passionate educator and sought-after speaker who has delivered keynotes at national higher education marketing conferences and taught over 500 students as a faculty member with HigherEdExperts. He continues sharing his expertise through Dodson Academy (https://dodsonacademy.com), where he teaches professional development classes in marketing mix modeling, SEO, web analytics, and strategic marketing planning. As CEO and consultant at Honed Consulting (https://honed.agency), Joshua works across multiple industries but specializes in higher education and non-profit marketing, helping organizations strengthen their performance marketing capabilities.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 85: Authenticity First: A Case for More Student-Generated Content | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:33:38 | |
Jaime welcomes Camryn Simpson and Blake Mischley of MeetYourClass to break down insights from their newly released 2025 College Decision Playbook. The conversation dives deep into the shifting priorities of Gen Z students—from major-first decision-making to the critical importance of digital campus "vibes." If you're crafting a marketing strategy for student recruitment or aiming to improve yield, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. The 2025 College Decision Playbook: https://colleges.meetyourclass.com/resources/2025-college-decision-playbook Guest Names: Guest Social: Guest Bio: Blake Mischley is the Co-Founder and CEO of MeetYourClass, a platform helping students build community from application through move-in. A recent graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Computer Science, Blake has been building in the social media space since middle school—first through content creation and later by working with top digital creators. He launched MeetYourClass while still in college after recognizing a disconnect between how students engage on platforms like Instagram and other popular social media platforms and the tools available to enrollment teams that meet students where they are. Today, MeetYourClass has grown to over 600,000 students and 20+ university partners, driven entirely by organic student adoption. Camryn Simpson is the Head of Community at MeetYourClass, where she leads marketing, community strategy, and partner engagement across a growing network of higher education institutions. As the company’s first employee, she’s helped shape both sides of the platform—building authentic peer-to-peer communities that students want to join, while supporting institutional partners in tracking connections and community growth, and embedding social communities more naturally into their enrollment strategies. Camryn graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2022 with a degree in Marketing. Prior to joining MeetYourClass, she built her marketing and community expertise through roles at companies like American Eagle Outfitters and Bumble—gaining hands-on experience creating authentic connections and engaging modern audiences. She’s passionate about designing student experiences that feel personal and relevant, and bringing more empathy, transparency, and creativity into higher education marketing.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 84: Skeptics Welcome: A Practical Path to Purposeful AI Adoption | 01 Aug 2025 | 00:46:47 | |
In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Nikki Ferrell, Associate Director of Online Enrollment Marketing and Communications at Miami University, to explore how higher education institutions can adopt AI ethically and intentionally. They reflect on past tech disruptions—like the chaotic rollout of university websites and social media—and offer strategies to prevent similar pitfalls with AI. Nikki shares how Miami University is proactively building a responsible, inclusive AI implementation framework grounded in transparency and ongoing education. Whether you're just starting to think about AI or already experimenting with tools, this episode is packed with practical advice. Guest Name: Nikki Ferrell, Associate Director of Online Enrollment Marketing and Communications at Miami University Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nferrell/ Guest Bio: Nikki Ferrell is the Associate Director of Online Enrollment Marketing and Communications at Miami University, where she chairs a cross-departmental AI Steering Committee focused on research, policy, principles, and education. Inspired by her graduate work in composition and rhetoric, she champions ethical, transparent, and inclusive AI adoption across teams by fostering open dialogue, thoughtful experimentation, and ongoing learning. Nikki’s current focus is expanding staff training and educational resources to ensure Miami’s marketing practices evolve responsibly alongside the technology.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 83: More Than a Plus-One: Understanding Today’s College Parents | 18 Jul 2025 | 00:40:01 | |
In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Jeff Kallay, Senior Vice President of Enrollment Consulting at Echo Delta, to explore the often-overlooked role of parents in the college search and decision-making process. With experience consulting on over 300 college campuses, Jeff brings a unique and data-informed perspective on how institutions can better engage parents, families, and caregivers—not just during campus visits but throughout the student lifecycle. Tune in for a provocative conversation filled with actionable insights and storytelling that will change the way you think about parent engagement in higher ed. Guest Name: Jeff Kallay, Senior VP of Enrollment Consulting, Echo Delta Guest Bio: Jeff Kallay is a nationally respected authority on campus visit experiences and student recruitment. Over the course of his career, he has worked with more than 300 college and university campuses across the country to create compelling visit experiences—the kind of experiences that align with strategic enrollment goals while also forging strong connections with best-fit students and their families. Jeff graduated from Lee College with a Bachelor of Science in 1986. Now, as Senior Vice President of Enrollment Consulting at Echo Delta, Jeff serves as an on-campus advisor and training facilitator, providing analysis, insights, and generational research to help our clients showcase themselves with authenticity and transparency. Outside of his agency responsibilities, Jeff remains an active thought leader in the higher education space and regularly commands speaking engagements at workshops and conferences nationwide.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 82: From the Sidelines to the C-Suite: Navigating Your Next Move | 04 Jul 2025 | 00:40:56 | |
In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Mike Morris, Partner at the Ward Group, a leading executive search firm specializing in marketing and communications leadership roles. Together, they unpack how higher education marketers can position themselves for VP- and CMO-level roles—and how to build relationships with search firms that actually lead to job offers. This insightful conversation covers what presidents often misunderstand about the CMO role, how to craft a compelling resume, and why emotional intelligence may matter more than your title. Guest Name: Mike Morris, Director, The Ward Group Guest Bio: Throughout Mike’s time at The Ward Group—a retained executive search firm that specializes functionally in marketing and communications leadership roles—he has focused primarily in the firm’s higher education portfolio. Working with presidents and search committees, from public research universities to liberal arts colleges and beyond, Mike brings a breadth of experience and insight to institutional partners across the country. Previously, Mike spent over a decade in higher education, namely college athletics recruiting. Working at schools such as Boston College, Harvard University, and Dartmouth College, he was heavily involved in the recruitment of prospective football student-athletes. In both college athletics and executive search, success is “all about the people.” Mike’s additional experience at TWG includes recruiting marketing and communications leaders for clients nationwide in categories like healthcare, financial services, and health tech. For him, the natural synergy created by understanding clients’ values beyond the job description and getting to know candidates beyond the resume is the ultimate payoff.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 81: Stories that Stick: Humanizing Higher Ed’s Impact | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:43:14 | |
In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with higher ed storyteller and communications strategist Kristin Hanson to unpack the strategic value of proactive storytelling. Together, they explore how colleges and universities can move from passive, transactional content to authentic, intentional narratives that deepen emotional connection, support enrollment and advancement goals, and highlight the real people behind the institution. If you're looking to elevate your storytelling game in higher education marketing, this conversation is your roadmap. Guest Name: Kristin Hanson, freelance writer Guest Bio: Kristin Hanson is an award-winning writer, editor, and communications strategist with 15+ years’ experience working with higher education institutions, independent schools, marketing firms, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 80: Proving the Promise: Reframing the Value of College with Maniacal Transparency | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:52:07 | |
Jaime Hunt welcomes Dale Leatherwood, Chief Marketing Officer at Columbia Southern University, to explore one of the most pressing issues in higher ed today: the public’s shifting perception of the value of a college degree. Together, they dig into the real drivers behind skepticism—not the return, but the investment—and unpack how institutions can better align academic offerings, improve cost transparency, and reclaim the narrative around higher ed's true impact. Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees and certificates. Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth. Guest Name: Dale Leatherwood, Chief Marketing Officer, Columbia Southern University Guest Social: linkedin.com/in/daleleatherwood Guest Bio: Dale Leatherwood is the Chief Marketing Officer for Columbia Southern University, and is in his 27th year of marketing and executive experience in training and higher education. Prior to joining Columbia Southern University, Dale was the vice president of brand, public relations and communications for American Public Education and was VP of marketing for Rasmussen University before its acquisition by APEI. During his extensive career, Dale has been a marketing executive for both colleges and higher-education focused marketing agencies, and has developed and led two online college campuses. In addition, he has served as a consultant with several universities on marketing and distance-learning initiatives while co-founding an education concierge firm serving working professionals seeking an online degree. Dale earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Coker University and an MBA with a marketing concentration from Regis University.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 79: {First Name} is Not Personalization: Leveraging aI to Improve the Student Lifecycle | 23 May 2025 | 00:45:15 | |
In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Collegis Education’s Dan Antonson to unpack how artificial intelligence is transforming the entire student lifecycle—from initial inquiry to post-graduation. The conversation dives deep into how AI is enabling smarter personalization, unlocking insights from previously untapped data, and helping institutions move beyond guesswork to strategic student support. Whether you’re grappling with summer melt or thinking about AI ethics in higher ed, this one’s worth a listen. Guest Name: Dan Antonson, Associate Vice President of Analytics & Technology Solutions, Collegis Education Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danantonson/ Guest Bio: Dan Antonson helps higher education institutions leverage technology and analytics to tackle some of higher education's biggest challenges across the student lifecycle. Whether it is to grow and optimize enrollment or create a better learning experience, Dan has hands-on experience with higher education data and systems to drive meaningful use-cases that create real tangible impact. Dan has more than 15 years of experience in digital analytics, marketing attribution and measurement, and he has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. When he is not scribbling data and analytics systems on whiteboards, you’ll find him trying to stay upright on his mountain bike or tinkering with his home automation system (his robot lawn mower is his favorite gadget at the moment).
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 78: ‘Same Old’ Isn’t a Strategy: Breaking Out of Higher Ed’s Creative Rut | 09 May 2025 | 00:44:35 | |
In this energizing episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt chats with Daniel Andreani, Creative Director at Do Not Disturb, about the critical need for creative reinvention in higher education marketing. From dissecting branding stagnation to exploring the evolving role of AI in creativity, this conversation dives deep into how institutions can—and must—break free from outdated visuals and messaging to truly connect with today’s students. If you're feeling stuck in the same old admissions campaign loop, this one’s for you. Guest Name: Daniel Andreani, Chief Creative Officer, Do Not Disturb Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielandreani/ Guest Bio: Daniel Andreani is a creative leader and brand strategist who thrives on building stellar teams and creating work that truly resonates. As founder of Do Not Disturb (donotdisturb.love), he brings a human-centric approach to campaigns that audiences actively seek out. His philosophy remains simple yet powerful: respect your audience through quality storytelling and flawless execution, an approach that consistently delivers measurable business results and ROI for his clients. Beyond crafting award-winning work for the beverage industry, consumer packaged goods, QSR, automotive and higher education clients, Dan embraces life's adventures, conquering marathons, cycling Centuries and GranFondos, mountain biking, playing hockey and battling through zombie apocalypses video games with his son. Full-on ADD and proud of it, so if he asks for your name twice, just roll with it.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 77: How to Start Strong as a Higher Ed CMO | 25 Apr 2025 | 00:46:08 | |
In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, Jaime Hunt sits down with leadership coach, author, and longtime friend Melissa Farmer Richards to unpack her new book, The 30-60-90 Day Handbook. The conversation dives deep into how new and seasoned leaders alike can thrive in higher ed by mastering the fundamentals of trust, credibility, and commitment—while navigating modern leadership challenges like burnout, crises, and emerging AI tools. Whether you're stepping into a VP role or eyeing leadership from your current position, this episode offers actionable strategies to lead with authenticity and resilience. The 30-60-90-Day Handbook: Checklists for Communications and Marketing Leaders in Higher Education Guest Name: Melissa Richards, Founder and Principal, iMarketingMix Guest Socials: Guest Bio: Principal and founder of iMarketingMix LLC, Melissa Farmer Richards, MPA, APR is an author, teacher, consultant, facilitator, and leadership coach. Dubbed The Checklist Guru™, she authors The Weekly Leadership Checklist™ and designed The Three Fundamentals of Leadership™ proprietary coaching curriculum. Melissa’s 32-year career spans corporate industry, technology, small business start-ups, nonprofits, and higher education administration. She has held senior positions at start-up software companies and global technology organizations, and later led in such roles as chief of staff and vice president for communications, marketing, and enrollment, serving liberal arts colleges and a large public university. She also has founded two small businesses and co-founded two nonprofits, a children’s museum and a genetics research foundation. Melissa earned a Master of Public Administration at Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Virginia. She also achieved the Accreditation in Public Relations credential and the Association of Governing Boards Board Professional Certificate. Having led award-winning creative teams, she was nominated for the American Marketing Association Nonprofit Marketer of the Year 2022 and named one of 30 Vice Presidents to Follow in 2018 by Leadership in the Digital Age. A natural public speaker and experienced writer, Melissa has spoken at dozens of national conferences and authored more than 100 papers and articles. Her first book, “The 30-60-90 Day Handbook: Checklists for Communications and Marketing Leaders in Higher Education,” is now available from the Council of Advancement and Support of Education. She has collaborated to organize four major TEDx events — including pitching the event and mentoring dozens of speakers —and led numerous conference planning committees. Throughout her three decades of leading internal teams, she developed many small and large professional development events, including a 10-course brand ambassador certificate program. She has contributed her leadership of communications strategy to significant fundraising campaigns, the largest of which was $400 million. Melissa serves as chair of the Public Relations Society of America Northeast District and immediate past president of the Central New York Chapter. She is a part-time adjunct instructor at Aurora University and previously taught at Utica University and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. iMarketingMix LLC is a CASE Educational Partner, a Rising Team Channel Partner, and a CenterState CEO Member. As an entrepreneur, Melissa is a member of The Upside and the Central New York Women’s Network. As an adjunct teacher, Melissa is a member of UPCEA, the online and professional education association. Author of The 30-60-90-Day Handbook: Checklists for Communications and Marketing Leaders in Higher Education (Council for Advancement and Support of Higher Education, 2025).
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 76: The Future Demands Better Higher Ed Leaders | 11 Apr 2025 | 00:53:54 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Ellen Whitlock Baker — executive coach, leadership consultant, and founder of EWB Coaching — for a candid, no-holds-barred conversation on what truly makes a good leader in higher education. They tackle toxic workplace norms, explore the role of empathy in leadership, and dig into how AI and generational shifts are reshaping leadership expectations. If you're rethinking what it means to lead well in this evolving higher ed landscape, this is your blueprint. Guest Name: Ellen Whitlock Baker, Wwner and Principal, EWB Coaching Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenwhitlockbaker/ Guest Bio: Ellen Whitlock Baker is an executive coach, speaker, and leadership consultant who is passionate about challenging outdated workplace norms to create a more equitable, healthier work culture for all. A seasoned Advancement leader, Ellen has held leadership positions in alumni engagement at the University of Washington and Seattle University, and is active with CASE, most recently serving on the CASE Alumni Commission. Ellen is an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation and received her coaching certification through the Hudson Institute in Santa Barbara, CA. She is also a certified Everything DiSC practitioner. As the owner and principal of EWB Coaching, Ellen supports individual and team clients in managing transition, building healthy teams, getting unstuck, and setting boundaries that protect well-being. She speaks and writes about how to set boundaries to prevent burnout and how to get past resistance to change and move into action, among other topics.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 75: Doing It All: Marketing Graduate Programs with an In-House Team | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:34:54 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Cristina Lopez Yakimenko, marketing director at Florida International University’s Chapman Graduate School of Business, to explore the advantages of managing enrollment marketing entirely in-house. Cristina shares how her small but mighty team generates millions in ad spend, executes content marketing strategies, and drives enrollment growth—all without the help of an external agency. She also reveals how leveraging AI, optimizing real-time data, and fostering close collaboration with recruiters has been a game-changer. If you're curious about bringing digital marketing in-house or simply want to optimize your current strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Guest Name: Cristina Lopez Yakimenko, Associate Director of Marketing & Analytics, Florida International University Chapman Graduate School of Business Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinaly/ Guest Bio: Cristina is a dynamic marketing leader and computer engineer with over a decade of experience in marketing, analytics, and web application development. As the Associate Director of Marketing & Analytics at the Chapman Graduate School of Business at Florida International University (FIU), she oversees the marketing strategy for more than 25 graduate programs, driving growth through data-driven, omnichannel campaigns. With a background in web applications development, Cristina integrates technology with marketing to enhance user experience, optimize digital strategies, and streamline analytics. She is passionate about customer journeys, marketing research, and content creation, leveraging her expertise to create impactful marketing solutions. Cristina holds a Master of Science in Marketing from Florida International University and a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from Technological University of Havana (CUJAE). Fluent in four languages, she brings a global perspective to her work, combining technical proficiency with strategic marketing leadership to elevate FIU’s graduate programs.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 74: “We All Play a Role”: A President’s Perspective on Social Mobility and the Access Imperative | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:42:16 | |
Social mobility is a defining mission for many regional public universities, but what does it take to truly move the needle? In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Ellen Neufeldt, President of Cal State San Marcos, to discuss how institutions can break down barriers for first-generation and underrepresented students. From innovative dual enrollment programs to rethinking enrollment marketing strategies, Neufeldt shares actionable insights on how universities can drive economic and social change. Guest Name: Ellen J. Neufeldt, President, California State University San Marcos Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-neufeldt/ Guest Bio: Ellen J. Neufeldt was appointed CSU San Marcos’ fourth president in May 2019. She came to CSUSM from Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, where she served as vice president of Student Engagement and Enrollment Services from 2011 until her appointment at CSUSM. Before joining ODU, Neufeldt served as vice president of Student Affairs at Salisbury University, where she oversaw 15 offices and programs, including admissions, athletics and campus recreation, career services and student activities. Her higher education experience also includes serving as assistant vice chancellor for Student Development and dean of Student Life at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 73: Busting Silos Between Strategy and Design | 28 Feb 2025 | 00:35:53 | |
Jaime Hunt sits down with Brittney Westbrook to discuss the nuances of working with graphic designers and managing creative teams. They dive into the challenges of balancing creative freedom with strategic goals, the importance of giving actionable feedback, and how marketing leaders can foster stronger partnerships with designers. Whether you’re leading a creative team or collaborating with designers on marketing projects, this episode is packed with insights on how to improve workflows, enhance communication, and ultimately create more effective marketing materials. Key Takeaways
Many marketing teams push back on creative briefs, seeing them as an unnecessary extra step. But as Brittney explains, a creative brief doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can be as simple as a well-organized email that outlines key details: the project’s objectives, target audience, timeline, required elements, and deliverables. Having a structured brief prevents last-minute surprises and ensures designers understand the strategy behind the project. For ongoing campaigns, creating an overarching creative brief that can be referenced for multiple pieces can save time while maintaining consistency. How Can Marketers Give Better Feedback to Designers?One of the biggest frustrations designers face is vague or unhelpful feedback. Instead of saying, “I don’t like it,” try to pinpoint why: Does the design meet the project’s goals? Does it align with the intended audience? Is there a functional issue with readability or layout? Brittney suggests starting with what works before addressing areas that need improvement. Ask open-ended questions about design choices, rather than dictating specific changes. And most importantly, remember that designers are professionals—trust their expertise while providing clear, strategic guidance. What Are the Unique Challenges of Design in Higher Ed?Unlike corporate brands where strict brand guidelines are universally followed, higher ed institutions often struggle with brand consistency. Departments may push for unique identities that deviate from institutional branding, creating tension between designers and internal stakeholders. Marketing leaders play a crucial role in navigating these challenges. They should advocate for brand consistency while ensuring departments understand the value of strategic design. Additionally, fostering collaboration between designers and other communicators, rather than treating them as an “end-of-the-line” production team, helps prevent misalignment. How Can Marketing Leaders Support Creative Teams?Creativity doesn’t happen in a vacuum—designers need time and space to think, experiment, and refine their work. Marketing leaders should:
By treating designers as partners rather than production workers, marketing leaders can create a culture where creativity thrives and projects are more successful. Guest Name: Brittney Westbrook, Senior Marketing Officer, University of Southern Mississippi Guest Social: linkedin.com/in/brittneywestbrook Guest Bio: Brittney Westbrook is a strategic communications leader whose experience spans marketing, public relations, branding, and creative. Her signature contribution is seamlessly fusing strategy with creative execution to close gaps and deliver results. In her role as Senior Marketing Officer at The University of Southern Mississippi, she leads high-profile marketing communications initiatives, playing a pivotal role in telling the University’s best stories and shaping its brand. She also serves as the Associate Director of University Communications, where she oversees content strategy across multiple channels and provides guidance to departments across the University to implement marketing initiatives. Brittney holds degrees in graphic design and public relations. She enjoys giving back to the next generation of communications professionals by delivering guest lectures, networking with students, presenting at industry conferences, and judging student and professional competitions.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 72: Meltproof Your Incoming Class | 14 Feb 2025 | 00:55:40 | |
In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with enrollment marketing expert Will Patch to tackle a critical issue in higher education—summer melt. They explore the key reasons why admitted students fail to enroll in the fall and share actionable strategies to combat melt before it happens. From financial aid misunderstandings to social anxieties, they discuss how institutions can proactively support students and improve yield. If you’re looking for ways to refine your enrollment marketing and retention strategies, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. Key Takeaways
Summer melt refers to the phenomenon where students commit to a college (through a deposit or other means) but ultimately do not enroll in the fall. While some melt is inevitable, a large portion is preventable with the right strategies. The two biggest contributors to melt are financial challenges and social anxieties. Financially, many students and families realize too late that they are unable to afford the costs, or they misunderstand their financial aid package. Socially, students may feel uncertain about their ability to succeed, worry about fitting in, or struggle with the idea of leaving home. These fears can be exacerbated if they don’t feel connected to the institution before they arrive. Additionally, intentional melt has become more common, with students placing deposits at multiple institutions to keep their options open. This makes yield forecasting more difficult and further complicates enrollment strategies. How Can Institutions Reduce Summer Melt?1. Build Early Affinity and BelongingTo prevent summer melt, institutions must start fostering a sense of community early—before a student even deposits. Strategies include:
The more "sticky" relationships a student builds with a college—whether through faculty, staff, or peers—the less likely they are to back out before the fall. 2. Improve Financial Aid CommunicationFinancial uncertainty is one of the biggest drivers of summer melt. Colleges need to ensure that students and families clearly understand their financial aid packages by:
Students who feel confident about their financial situation are far less likely to melt. 3. Engage Parents in the Enrollment ProcessParents are one of the most influential factors in a student’s college decision. Universities can strengthen parental involvement by:
When parents feel informed and supported, they are more likely to encourage their student to follow through with enrollment. 4. Monitor Engagement and Intervene EarlyTracking student engagement over the summer can help identify those at risk of melting. Indicators include:
For students showing signs of disengagement, schools should reach out directly—not just with automated emails, but with personal phone calls, text messages, and invitations to one-on-one conversations. 5. Address Mental Health and Well-BeingAn increasing number of students experience mental health challenges, which can make the transition to college overwhelming. Universities should:
Proactively addressing mental health concerns can help students feel more secure in their decision to enroll. 6. Use Data to Guide StrategySuccessful melt prevention strategies rely on data-driven decision-making. Institutions should:
By leveraging real-time data, institutions can proactively address student concerns before they result in summer melt. Guest Name: Will Patch, CEO of Clarity EM Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpatch/ Guest Bio: After 9 years at Manchester University and 5 years at Niche where he developed the Enrollment Insights brand and established Niche’s research and survey work Will has taken on the challenge of doing more work 1:1 with campuses. With Clarity EM Will now offers custom surveys and analysis, consulting services, and staff training to better use and understand their data. Will is a frequent conference speaker and podcast guest. He has presented at NACAC, AACRAO-SEM, AMA Higher Ed, CASE V, EduWeb, and EMA. Will's work has been featured in Forbes, Inside Higher Ed, CNBC, CNN, the LA Times, and The New York Times among other outlets.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 71: There Isn’t a Organ Under the Desk: Creative Risk-Taking in Higher Ed Marketing | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:53:27 | |
In this lively episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, Jaime Hunt sits down with Robin Oliver, Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Ohio University, to discuss how creativity can break through the traditional boundaries of higher ed marketing. Robin shares the story behind Ohio University’s wildly successful "Name a Squirrel" campaign, her approach to fostering a culture of trust and creativity on her team, and the lessons she's learned about leading with boldness in an industry often bogged down by bureaucracy. If you're looking for inspiration to bring fresh, innovative thinking to your higher ed marketing strategy, this episode is a must-listen. Key Takeaways
What Made the "Name a Squirrel" Campaign So Effective? This campaign wasn’t just a fundraising triumph; it showcased how humor, playfulness, and campus culture can be leveraged to connect with alumni. It also highlights the importance of low barriers to entry and targeted messaging for first-time donors. How Do You Build a Creative Team? Robin believes in creating an environment where her team feels empowered to dream big. She fosters trust and respect by giving team members the freedom to take ownership of their ideas and by showcasing the talents of everyone on her team, not just the loudest voices. “Respect comes first,” she says, “and trust follows.” How Can Leaders Support Creativity and Risk-Taking? For example, Robin empowered her team to take Ohio University’s TikTok presence from “sad and lonely” to a vibrant, engaging channel. By trusting her team to run with bold ideas—like a video featuring the university president giving a Gen Z-themed campus tour—they’ve been able to create viral content that resonates with students and alumni alike. What’s the Role of Leadership in Breaking Down Bureaucracy? One standout example is Ohio University’s use of their campus graffiti wall. Traditionally reserved for student expression, Robin’s team decided to use the wall as part of their brand launch, creating an interactive installation that invited students to share their thoughts on what “Forever Ohio” meant to them. The result? A buzzworthy initiative that connected the university’s messaging with student voices in a powerful and memorable way. How Do You Balance Creativity and Strategy? At the same time, she recognizes that not everyone on her team will thrive in a high-risk, high-creativity environment—and that’s okay. Having a balance of big thinkers and detail-oriented team members helps ensure that wild ideas are executed thoughtfully. Guest Name: Robin Oliver, Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Ohio University Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinoliver/ Guest Bio: Robin Oliver serves as the Vice President of University Communications and Marketing at Ohio University where she leads a central team of more than 60 staff members managing marketing and brand strategy, creative development, market research, web content and design, social media, media relations, internal communications and university publications. Having served at Ohio University for five years, Robin has more than 10 years of experience in higher education and 20-plus years of experience recruiting and retaining top talent in marketing and communications, including extensive experience working in rural markets. Link to the Squirrel Giving Day Campaign: https://giving.ohio.edu/schools/OhioUniversity/ohio-giving-day-2024/pages/name-a-squirrel
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 70: Ethical Marketing, Honesty, Transparency and AI | 17 Jan 2025 | 00:40:06 | |
In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, Jaime Hunt sits down with Eric Hollenbeck from Washington State University’s Carson College of Business to unpack the findings of the 2024 Ethical Marketing Survey. This groundbreaking research highlights public perceptions of ethical practices in marketing, including AI usage, misinformation, and the need for transparency. Together, they discuss actionable strategies for higher education marketers to build trust, address generational differences, and navigate the evolving ethical landscape of marketing in the AI era. Key Takeaways
What is the 2024 Ethical Marketing Survey? How Should Higher Ed Marketers Approach AI Transparency? Jaime and Eric also explore the nuanced question of what AI usage warrants disclosure. They agree that while everyday uses like brainstorming might not require transparency, AI-generated visuals or personalized student experiences should be openly communicated. This distinction ensures ethical practices without overwhelming audiences with unnecessary details. How Can Higher Ed Tailor Messaging Across Generations? What Role Should Higher Ed Play in Media Literacy? Jaime and Eric stress that fostering media literacy isn’t just an institutional responsibility—it’s essential for preparing students to thrive in an increasingly complex digital world. What Ethical Practices Should Higher Ed Marketers Prioritize?
Jaime echoes these points, emphasizing that empathy-driven marketing is key to aligning with audience needs and building lasting trust.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 69: The Search Cliff is Rewriting the Rules of Recruitment Marketing | 03 Jan 2025 | 00:48:17 | |
Jaime Hunt speaks with Jenny Petty about a pressing issue few are discussing: the “Search Cliff.” While the “Demographic Cliff” has been a hot topic for years, the Search Cliff highlights a significant shift in the availability of prospective student data, fundamentally altering how higher education institutions attract and enroll students. Tune in as Jenny breaks down this emerging challenge, its implications, and strategies institutions can adopt to stay ahead of the curve. Key Takeaways
What is the Search Cliff, and How Does it Differ From the Demographic Cliff? Why is the Search Cliff Happening Now? How Can Higher Education Marketers Adapt?
What Role Should Leadership Play in Navigating This Shift? What Does Success Look Like in the Era of the Search Cliff?
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ep. 68: Stand Out and Measure Up: Why Performance TV is a Secret Weapon | 20 Dec 2024 | 00:48:52 | |
In this episode of the Higher Ed CMO Podcast, host Jaime Hunt welcomes Jennifer Lonchar, founder of Ambio, to explore the transformative potential of Performance TV for higher education marketing. Jennifer breaks down how this technology provides the reach of traditional TV with the precision of digital advertising, delivering measurable ROI and enabling schools to craft highly targeted campaigns. From personalized storytelling to integrating AI for advanced analytics, this episode is packed with actionable insights for enrollment marketers, advancement professionals, and beyond. Key Takeaways
What is Performance TV? Performance TV makes it possible to measure ROI with clarity. Schools can track behaviors, such as how many users visit the admissions page or complete an application after seeing a commercial, providing actionable insights for optimizing campaigns. Empathy in Marketing: The Power of Storytelling By crafting ads tailored to specific stages in the enrollment funnel—student search, application, yield, and even summer melt—schools can resonate with their audiences on a deeper level. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of storytelling, citing examples of commercials that are memorable because they evoke emotions and build trust. Campaign Integration and Success Stories Jennifer shares several success stories, such as the University of Iowa, which generated over 15,000 inquiries, applications, and event registrations during a three-month campaign. Another example is Northeastern Illinois University, which used bilingual commercials to engage diverse audiences and met their enrollment goals for the first time in years. The Future of Performance TV in Higher Ed A New Era for Higher Ed Marketing Guest Name: Jennifer Lonchar, co-founder of AmbioEdu Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlonchar/ Guest Bio: Jennifer Lonchar brings almost two decades of expertise in higher education, having worked in various roles focused on strategic enrollment and marketing. For over 13 years she worked for Carnegie, and was instrumental in bringing digital marketing to higher education. Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector has made her a sought-after leader in developing innovative solutions for enrollment and student engagement. Driven by a passion for enhancing the student experience and optimizing recruitment strategies, Jennifer co-founded AmbioEdu. This venture reflects her commitment to transforming higher education marketing through advanced technologies, including Performance TV and integrated digital solutions. AmbioEdu, under her leadership, harnesses cutting-edge tools to help universities connect with prospective students more effectively and efficiently, setting new standards in the field.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Balancing Bytes and Bonds: How AI Can Humanize Higher Ed | 16 Dec 2024 | 00:54:13 | |
In this Enrollify webinar, Balancing Bites and Bonds: How AI Can Humanize Higher Ed, Mallory Willsea and an expert panel dive deep into how artificial intelligence is transforming student engagement in higher education. Featuring Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO host Jamie Hunt, Generation AI co-host JC Bonilla, AI for U host Brian Piper, and The Hidden Gem host Maya Demishkevich, the discussion addresses the dual challenge of automating processes while maintaining meaningful, human connections. Through innovative examples, insights, and lively conversation, this episode provides a roadmap for leveraging AI to create more personalized and efficient student experiences. Key Takeaways:
1. How does AI enhance student engagement without dehumanizing it? 2. What are examples of successful AI use in higher education?
3. Do students care if AI is part of their experience? 4. What are the ethical considerations in using AI for student communications? 5. How can institutions address faculty and staff fears about AI replacing jobs? 6. What does the future of AI in higher ed look like?
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||