Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Higher Ed Marketer

This Fall Season of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proudly sponsored by NextGrad.

Leadership is more than hitting targets. Greg Aden, Owner/Founder of Aden Leadership, explains why lasting leadership depends on serving the people who follow you and helping them take ownership of shared goals. Drawing from decades in hospitality, financial services, and executive coaching, Greg shares practical ways to create alignment, build accountability, and approach difficult conversations with courage. His advice gives higher education leaders a clear place to begin: stay curious, prepare well, honor your word, and make time for people.

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 What We Cover in This Episode

🔘 How servant leadership shifts the focus from personal performance to team success

🔘 Why alignment and communication must come before accountability

🔘 Why leaders must model the accountability they expect from others

🔘 How agreements create clearer commitments than unspoken expectations

🔘 A practical framework for preparing for courageous conversations

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Episode Highlights

01:45 - Why success and leadership are not the same thing

04:41 - Making time for people when teams are stretched thin

06:28 - Why alignment must come before accountability

09:12 - The difference between expectations and agreements

14:52 - How to prepare for a courageous conversation

21:05 - Integrity, accountability, and honoring your word

23:07 - Curiosity and empathy as practical leadership tools

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NextGrad helps colleges and universities reach students where they already are, inside the high school itself. With a network of over 2,500 schools across North America, NextGrad puts your institution's message in front of future students every single day. Be the school they remember when it's time to decide.

Nextgrad.com — Where students see you first.

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

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

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

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

How do you build a higher ed creative team that produces great work without burning out the people behind it? Paul Bross,  Director of Creative Operations at Oklahoma Baptist University and brand-new host of The Higher Ed Creative Podcast, shares what he’s learned moving from filmmaking and television into higher education creative leadership. Paul explores how clear expectations, protected creative time, and stronger collaboration can help small marketing teams do better work while staying connected to enrollment and institutional goals. He also shares how his team is using AI to reduce administrative tasks, why higher ed creatives need greater support, and the vision behind The Higher Ed Creative, a new podcast for the photographers, videographers, social media professionals, and other makers shaping higher education.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘How Higher Ed creative teams can align requests, expectations, scope, and institutional strategy. 

🔘Ways leaders can protect creative time and reduce burnout on small marketing teams

🔘How AI can reduce administrative tasks so creative professionals have more time to create.

🔘Why we are launching The Higher Ed Creative Podcast

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Episode Highlights

04:59 – Moving from content creator to leading a higher ed Creative Studio

08:06 – Why good creative work gets lost between concept, approvals, and completion

17:40 – The idea behind The Higher Ed Creative podcast

18:47 – Creative burnout, isolation, and retaining talented higher ed makers

21:38 – What’s on Your Desk? Paul shares the projects currently demanding his team’s attention

24:57 – Using AI to reduce administrative work instead of replacing creativity

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NextGrad helps colleges and universities reach students where they already are, inside the high school itself. With a network of over 2,500 schools across North America, NextGrad puts your institution's message in front of future students every single day. Be the school they remember when it's time to decide.

Nextgrad.com — Where students see you first.

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

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

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

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

This Fall Season of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proudly sponsored by NextGrad.

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A strong institutional brand matters, but sometimes the most powerful voice belongs to the person leading it. Jerra Toms, Founder & Principal Consultant at Blue Iris Consulting, shares how presidents, deans, and other higher ed leaders can use LinkedIn to build authentic connections with students, alumni, donors, and industry partners.

Jerra breaks down how to create consistent executive content, capture a leader’s authentic voice, and turn everyday interactions into opportunities that strengthen both personal and institutional visibility.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Why personal leadership content can outperform institutional messaging

🔘How busy executives can build a consistent LinkedIn presence

🔘Ways communications teams can capture a leader’s authentic voice

🔘How to find content opportunities in a leader’s existing calendar

🔘Why executive visibility can support enrollment, advancement, and reputation

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Episode Highlights

06:43 - Starting a LinkedIn strategy with just 20 to 30 minutes a week

09:48 - Finding content opportunities in an executive’s existing calendar

13:11 - Capturing an executive’s authentic voice and using AI to support the process

15:28 - Why a strong LinkedIn profile comes before a posting strategy

18:12 - A practical approach for leaders without a communications team

28:03 - The first steps leaders can take today

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NextGrad helps colleges and universities reach students where they already are, inside the high school itself. With a network of over 2,500 schools across North America, NextGrad puts your institution's message in front of future students every single day. Be the school they remember when it's time to decide.

Nextgrad.com — Where students see you first.

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

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

___

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

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

This Fall Season of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proudly sponsored by NextGrad.

NextGrad helps colleges and universities reach students where they already are, inside the high school itself. With a network of over 2,500 schools across North America, NextGrad puts your institution's message in front of future students every single day. Be the school they remember when it's time to decide.

Nextgrad.com — Where students see you first.

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Season 9 of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast starts next week. Zach Coffin previews the guests on deck this fall, including Jeff Selingo, Don Engle, Todd Williams, and Aly Williams and shares two pieces of news: president and author Jamie Caridi's new book The Terra Firma Way just hit #1 on Amazon, and the Higher Ed Marketer Network is adding a new show. Zach also has an invite to the ABHE Marketing & Enrollment Conference, October 6-8 in Orlando.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Jamie Caridi's new #1 Amazon bestseller, The Terra Firma Way

🔘A first look at Season 9's guest lineup

🔘A brand-new podcast joining the Higher Ed Marketer Network this October

🔘Why the ABHE Marketing & Enrollment Conference is built differently, and why spots are limited

🔘Where to catch Bart on the road this fall

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

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

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

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

Encore Episode: Originally Aired October 2025

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Artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education and each generation is approaching it differently. AI Mindset’s founder and CEO, Conor Grennan, joined by his Gen Z son, Finn, to explore how AI is influencing academic integrity, workforce readiness, and the way students engage with learning.

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

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Join us as we discuss:

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

🔘The role of discipleship in shaping tech ethics

🔘Why Gen Z students expect transparency, not perfection

🔘Creating campus-wide AI literacy with joy and curiosity

🔘Using storytelling to make tech feel less intimidating
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Inside the Episode 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Encore Episode: Originally Aired November 2025

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Every event tells a story, but only the most intentional ones help people feel your brand. At Biola University, Tracey Harrison, who now serves as Senior Advisor to the President, shares how she redefined campus events through a framework called Eventful Branding.. This philosophy turns events from logistical tasks into meaningful, mission-driven experiences that embody the heart of an institution.

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

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Join us as we discuss:

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

🔘Creating immersive events that communicate mission through emotion

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

🔘Building cross-departmental alignment through shared storytelling

🔘How to surprise and delight students with purpose and creativity

🔘Practical ideas for smaller institutions to elevate their event experience

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Inside the Episode 

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

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

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

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

37:58 – Transforming campus visits into emotional brand experiences

46:48 – Building brand belief through meaningful human connection

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

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

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

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

Encore Episode: Originally Aired March 2026

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

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘 Why “attention is king” in modern higher ed marketing

🔘 Lessons from transitioning into higher ed from the private sector

🔘 Building trust across campus before launching major initiatives

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

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

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Episode Highlights

02:03 – Transitioning into higher ed and culture shock

07:20 – Building trust through presence and authenticity

10:06 – Why the website redesign was necessary

12:00 – The real challenge, people not technology

13:30 – Creating buy-in across campus stakeholders

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

22:00 – Leadership growth during major transitions

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

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

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

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

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

This summer series of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proudly sponsored by NextGrad.

NextGrad helps colleges and universities reach students where they already are, inside the high school itself. With a network of over 2,500 schools across North America, NextGrad puts your institution's message in front of future students every single day. Be the school they remember when it's time to decide.

NextGrad.com — Where students see you first.

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Enrollment growth rarely comes from one big idea. James Steen, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing at Houston Christian University, shares how HCU grew from 268 freshmen to a trajectory of more than 1,100 by methodically improving every stage of the enrollment funnel. He explains how the university's name change expanded its reach, how direct admission partnerships flip the traditional recruitment process, and why media in local high schools create a new opportunity to build awareness before students ever inquire.

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 What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Why sustainable enrollment growth depends on improving hundreds of small details across the funnel

🔘What Houston Christian University learned from changing its name after 60 years

🔘How guaranteed admission partnerships turn qualified high school seniors into applicants

🔘Why in-school media helps institutions reach students before the traditional funnel begins

🔘How to measure brand awareness through applications, conversions, admits, and enrollment

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Episode Highlights

05:10 How HCU grew from 268 freshmen toward a class of more than 1,100

13:40 Why Texas' school phone restrictions made in-school digital billboards more valuable

18:40 Creating motion ads and dedicated landing pages for students walking between classes

22:36 Connecting early brand awareness to application growth and downstream enrollment

24:28 Why more inquiries only matter when conversion and completion rates improve

28:29 Using school-level STEM data to target engineering scholarship campaigns

30:07 Why enrollment leaders must keep testing, measuring, and pivoting

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

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

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

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

This summer series of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proudly sponsored by NextGrad.

NextGrad helps colleges and universities reach students where they already are, inside the high school itself. With a network of over 2,500 schools across North America, NextGrad puts your institution's message in front of future students every single day. Be the school they remember when it's time to decide.

NextGrad.com — Where students see you first.

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As technology continues to transform how students search for colleges, trust has become higher education's greatest competitive advantage. Derek Riordan, Digital Marketing Strategist at Southeast Missouri State University, shares how institutions can build authentic brand influence through strategic storytelling, AI-ready content, and meaningful student experiences that earn confidence long before application season.

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🎧 What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Why trust is becoming the foundation of higher education marketing

🔘How early brand influence shapes enrollment decisions years before students apply

🔘The growing role of AI, SEO, and Answer Engine Optimization in college search

🔘Why storytelling and student outcomes must work together to strengthen enrollment marketing

🔘Practical strategies for creating authentic campaigns that resonate with students, parents, and AI search tools

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🎙️ Episode Highlights

01:10 Why universities must build trust in an AI-driven enrollment environment

11:32 How SEMO is preparing for AI search with SEO-focused content and blogs

13:55 Creating highly specific content that matches how students search with AI

15:20 Using AI as a productivity tool without sacrificing authentic human connection

25:38 Why authentic student experiences must match institutional marketing promises

27:21 Derek's advice for enrollment marketers, build brand awareness early and create integrated campaigns

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

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

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

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

This summer series of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proudly sponsored by NextGrad.

NextGrad helps colleges and universities reach students where they already are, inside the high school itself. With a network of over 2,500 schools across North America, NextGrad puts your institution's message in front of future students every single day. Be the school they remember when it's time to decide.

NextGrad.com — Where students see you first.

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Higher education has no shortage of great stories, but too many institutions struggle to tell them in ways that capture attention and build long-term trust. 

Dave Murray, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Ferris State University, shares how his career as a press secretary and journalist shaped a newsroom mindset that has transformed how Ferris communicates with prospective students, alumni, and the media. From creating one newsworthy story every day to building authentic relationships with reporters, Dave explains why consistent storytelling is one of the most powerful enrollment and reputation strategies an institution can adopt.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Why higher education should think like a newsroom instead of a press office.

🔘How daily storytelling strengthens institutional reputation over time.

🔘The role of photography, human interest, and career outcomes in effective storytelling.

🔘How NextGrad and other marketing channels reinforce earned media and enrollment success.

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Episode Highlights

08:20 The newsroom formula for stories reporters will publish

13:55 Why one quality story every day changes institutional visibility

19:10 Building reputation before a crisis happens

22:05 Connecting storytelling, enrollment marketing, and the NextGrad strategy

26:10 Building trusted relationships with local media

29:20 Why the best stories happen outside your office
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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs. 

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

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

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

This summer series of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proudly sponsored by NextGrad.

NextGrad helps colleges and universities reach students where they already are, inside the high school itself. With a network of over 2,500 schools across North America, NextGrad puts your institution's message in front of future students every single day. Be the school they remember when it's time to decide.

Nextgrad.com — Where students see you first.

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What if the biggest opportunity to influence prospective students happens long before they ever become an inquiry? Harrison “Soup” Campbell, Chief Growth Officer at NextGrad, joins us to discuss why colleges and universities need to rethink traditional enrollment marketing strategies. Drawing on his experience in admissions leadership and his new executive role at NextGrad, Soup explains why building brand awareness inside high schools is becoming one of the most effective ways to connect with future students.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Why colleges should begin building relationships with students well before their junior and senior years.

🔘How in-school media is creating new opportunities for authentic brand awareness.

🔘Why digital marketing alone is no longer enough in an AI-driven landscape.

🔘How NextGrad helps colleges reach students where they spend their time every day.

🔘Practical Advice for building a long-term enrollment marketing strategy.

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Episode Highlights

01:15 - Soup shares his unconventional journey from educator to higher education leader.

08:00 - Why colleges need to prioritize awareness before the inquiry stage.

11:20 - Research showing how early brand awareness influences college applications.

16:00 - How NextGrad's in-school media network helps colleges reach students every day.

19:00 - Why high schools remain one of the most valuable environments for student engagement.

22:15 -  The growing impact of AI on digital advertising and why marketers should diversify their outreach.

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

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

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

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

This summer series of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proudly sponsored by NextGrad.

NextGrad helps colleges and universities reach students where they already are, inside the high school itself. With a network of over 2,500 schools across North America, NextGrad puts your institution's message in front of future students every single day. Be the school they remember when it's time to decide.

Nextgrad.com — Where students see you first.

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The Higher Ed Marketer community has reached an incredible milestone, 250 podcast episodes and more than 125,000 downloads. In this special update, Zach Coffin celebrates the people who have made the podcast possible while sharing an exciting look ahead at what's coming this summer and fall. From a sneak peek at NextGrad's upcoming summer series to new resources tailored for higher education leadership, this episode offers a look ahead at the future of The Higher Ed Marketer. Join us as we share an exciting preview.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘 Celebrating 250 podcast episodes and 125,000 downloads.

🔘A preview of the upcoming NextGrad Summer Series.

🔘How NextGrad is helping institutions reach prospective students inside high schools.

🔘A first look at a brand new Higher Ed Marketer podcast launching this fall.

🔘An introduction to an upcoming Higher Ed Press book focused on institutional renewal and leadership.

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

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

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

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

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 252 (4 of 4)

In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor explores the intersection of faith and higher education through conversations with influential Christian university leaders from across the country. Recorded live at the 2026 CCCU International Forum.

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Dr. Drew Flamm, President of Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary, shares how Grace is leaning into execution, team dynamics, and the distinct identity of Winona Lake, Indiana, to build enrollment momentum. From reducing unnecessary meetings to using technology for human connection, Drew offers a practical look at how Christian colleges can stop chasing sameness and start making their local context a core part of their brand.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Why execution matters just as much as strategy in enrollment growth.

🔘How creative marketing and operational discipline can strengthen each other.

🔘Why local community engagement can become a powerful differentiator.

🔘How technology can free teams to focus on human connection.

🔘What strong cabinet teams do to better support the president and institutional goals.

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 Episode Highlights

02:30 - Drew’s journey from advancement and enrollment to the presidency

06:10 - How execution, planning, and the right people are driving enrollment growth

09:20 - Selling what is unique instead of trying to attract everyone

16:10 - Using technology to protect meaningful human connection

18:40 - How Grace moved from town-and-gown distance to community partnership

26:10 -  Centers of excellence and research that creates local impact

30:20 - How cabinet leaders can best support their president

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

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

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

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 251 (3 of 4)

In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor explores the intersection of faith and higher education through conversations with influential Christian university leaders from across the country. Recorded live at the CCCU International Forum, each episode highlights how faith-driven leadership is shaping the future of higher education.

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Phil Cook, President of Lee University, shares what it has been like returning to his alma mater to serve in the presidency after years of enrollment leadership and national service in Christian higher education. From his “Presidential Uber” golf cart rides to conversations about mission clarity and spiritual hunger among today’s students, Phil offers a candid look at leadership rooted in authenticity, calling, and deep care for students.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Why mission clarity is essential for thriving Christian institutions.

🔘How authentic leadership builds trust with students and campus communities.

🔘Why today’s students are hungry for genuine spiritual formation.

🔘The role enrollment leadership plays in presidential leadership.

🔘How storytelling and visibility can strengthen Christian higher education.

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Episode Highlights

02:15 - Returning to lead your alma mater and navigating presidential transition

06:40 - The story behind Lee University’s “Presidential Uber”

11:05 - Why authentic leadership matters more than performative leadership

14:18 - Bringing enrollment passion and student focus into the presidency

19:10 - How podcasting and storytelling help strengthen institutional visibility

23:42 - Why students are hungry for authentic spiritual formation

27:15 - Mission clarity, message consistency, and thriving institutions

31:20 - Leadership advice on handling difficult decisions with conviction and grace

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

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

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

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 250 (2 of 4)

In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor explores the intersection of faith and higher education through conversations with influential Christian university leaders from across the country. Recorded live at the 2026 CCCU International Forum.

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This week they are joined by Jason Cook, Vice President for Marketing and Communications and Chief Marketing Officer at Baylor University. Jason shares how Baylor is building a distinctive brand through authentic storytelling, alumni engagement, community partnership, and intentional differentiation in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Why authentic alumni stories are one of higher education’s most powerful marketing tools.

🔘How institutions can differentiate themselves instead of blending into rankings-driven sameness.

🔘The importance of intentionality in higher ed marketing and storytelling

🔘How Baylor is helping shape the cultural identity and momentum of Waco, Texas.

🔘Why brand clarity matters more than ever during the enrollment cliff.

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Episode Highlights

02:10 - How alumni shape brand perception through authenticity and outcomes

05:30 -  Finding and activating alumni stories through intentional storytelling

08:40 - Balancing nostalgia with forward-looking student engagement

12:05 - Why rankings can push institutions toward sameness

15:18 - Building brand differentiation through clear institutional identity

29:15 - Lessons for institutions of every size to influence their communities

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

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

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

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 249 (1 of 4)

In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor explores the intersection of faith and higher education through conversations with influential Christian university leaders from across the country. Recorded live at the 2026 CCCU International Forum, each episode highlights how faith-driven leadership is shaping the future of higher education during a season of rapid change and innovation.

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Christian higher education is navigating rapid cultural shifts, technological disruption, and growing pressure to stand apart in a crowded marketplace. Dr. Adam Wright, President of Dallas Baptist University, shares how DBU is embracing a mission-first approach rooted in authentic faith, intentional leadership, and a commitment to prayer. From creating a distinctive student experience to leveraging technology and AI for meaningful connection, this conversation offers practical insight for leaders seeking clarity and conviction in a changing higher education landscape.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘 Why distinctiveness matters more than ever in higher education marketing

🔘 How DBU integrates faith into scholarships, recruitment and campus culture. 

🔘 Using technology, video and AI to strengthen student connection and communication.

🔘 Why prayer remains central to leadership and institutional decision-making. 

🔘 How leaders can focus on priorities instead of chasing balance. 

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Episode Highlights

01:46 -  Building a distinctive and mission-driven university identity

04:55 - Telling an authentic story through marketing and digital communication

08:47 -  Leveraging AI and multilingual video for global student outreach

10:30 -  Operationalizing prayer across the university community

14:41 -  Leadership advice on wisdom, priorities, and spiritual focus

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

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

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

One of The Higher Ed Marketer's most anticipated annual series is back. In this special summer preview, Zach Coffin shares what listeners can expect from the 2026 Faithful Leaders Series, recorded live at the CCCU International Forum in Dallas. This year's series explores leadership, institutional clarity, enrollment challenges, and the unique opportunities facing Christian higher education today.

Zach also celebrates a major milestone for the Higher Ed Marketer community and offers a look ahead at additional summer programming designed to equip higher education professionals before the fall season begins. Whether you're planning strategy, preparing for recruitment season, or simply looking for leadership inspiration, this preview offers a glimpse of what's ahead.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘A preview of the 2026 Faithful Leaders Series

🔘The higher education leaders featured throughout the series

🔘An introduction to the upcoming NextGrad Summer Series

🔘Encouragement for marketers and campus leaders heading into the fall

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Episode Highlights

01:02 – Celebrating Bart Caylor's Amazon #1 bestseller achievement

02:17 – Announcing the return of the Faithful Leaders Series

02:50 – Behind the scenes from the CCCU International Forum in Dallas

03:06 – Meet this year's Faith Leaders guests

03:48 – Preview of the NextGrad Summer Series

04:25 – Summer encouragement for higher education professionals

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

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

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Zach Coffin is excited to share some big news with you as The Higher Ed Marketer approaches its 250th episode! We celebrate our co-host Troy Singer and his transition into a new industry. Troy, you will be deeply missed and we are forever grateful for you. 

There are big plans for The Higher Ed Marketer this summer including the return of the beloved Faith Leaders series. 

The Higher Ed Marketer Network is adding a brand new show and The Higher Ed Marketer Press will be releasing a brand new book very soon.

With deep gratitude for everything we've built together and clarity about the future, we invite you to hear about the continued momentum of our network and community. Thank you for being a part of this journey as we remain committed to serving higher ed well.

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘The journey to 250 episodes and what it represents for the community

🔘Honoring Troy Singer’s impact and leadership transition

🔘The return of the Faith Leaders series and summer content lineup

🔘 A new podcast launching within The Higher Ed Marketer Network

🔘Expansion of The Higher Ed Press with an upcoming book release

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

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

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

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

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

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘 Breaking down silos between academics, enrollment, and marketing

🔘 Why faculty should adopt a learner mindset across departments

🔘 How to evaluate and evolve academic program portfolios

🔘 The human side of making difficult program decisions

🔘 Creating space for innovation while staying mission-aligned

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Episode Highlights

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

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

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

16:12 – Why market demand must shape academic offerings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Why adopting a CEO mindset is critical for institutional survival

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

🔘How to approach donor relationships as strategic partnerships

🔘Building a multi-year strategy for growth and innovation

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

--Why higher ed presidents must think like CEOs

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

--A three-part strategy for sustainable growth

--Where transformation starts, aligning with your board chair

--The power of building relationships, not just networks

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

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

___

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

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

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

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What We Cover in This Episode

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

🔘 Lessons from transitioning into higher ed from the private sector

🔘 Building trust across campus before launching major iniatives

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

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

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Episode Highlights

02:03 – Transitioning into higher ed and culture shock

07:20 – Building trust through presence and authenticity

10:06 – Why the website redesign was necessary

12:00 – The real challenge, people not technology

13:30 – Creating buy-in across campus stakeholders

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

22:00 – Leadership growth during major transitions

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

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

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

___

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

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

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

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What We Cover in This Episode

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

🔘 How storytelling and qualitative research shape authentic brand voices

🔘 Why asking better questions leads to stronger marketing outcomes

🔘 Balancing AI adoption with human-centered communication

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

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Episode Highlights

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

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

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

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

33:20 – Advice for new marketers entering higher education

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What We Cover in This Episode

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

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

🔘The surprising rise of YouTube viewing on TV screens

🔘Practical ways to uncover authentic stories across campus

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

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Episode Highlights

00:45 – A surprising YouTube insight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Why brand awareness alone does not drive enrollment growth

🔘The strategic decision to move marketing under enrollment leadership

🔘How to restructure a marketing team for recruitment impact

🔘When to outsource critical marketing functions

🔘Leading institutional change with vulnerability and clarity

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Episode Highlights

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

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

14:10 – Moving marketing from advancement to enrollment

21:40 – Restructuring the team and adding digital expertise

33:05 – Navigating cabinet politics and leadership vulnerability

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘Leading an enrollment team that is already exceeding goals

🔘Why institutional identity creates competitive advantage

🔘Marketing authentically as a Hispanic Serving Institution

🔘Engaging first-generation families with transparent financial conversations

🔘Using AI to multiply productivity and sharpen enrollment strategy

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Episode Highlights

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

06:40 – Stepping into a strong enrollment operation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What We Cover in This Episode

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

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

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

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

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

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Episode Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What We Cover in This Episode

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

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

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

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

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

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Episode Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

18:45 – Starting small with cross-functional collaboration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What We Cover in This Episode

🔘How Terry transitioned into advancement leadership without formal fundraising training

🔘What decades of donor relationships reveal about trust & timing

🔘Why effective fundraising depends more on consistency than charisma

🔘Leadership habits that separate sustainable advancement programs

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

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

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Episode Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recorded live at the CCCU International Forum 2026

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

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

🔘Closing the literacy gap between leadership and marketing teams.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What We Cover in This Episode

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

🔘Why mission clarity is outperforming mission dilution at Christian institutions

🔘What admissions teams are carrying emotionally, spiritually and professionally

🔘How graduate and adult enrollment is reshaping admissions structures

🔘The evolving role of NACCAP in supporting enrollment leaders.

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Episode Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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🎧 What We Cover in This Episode

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

🔘How to align website redesigns with institutional strategic plans

🔘Managing content chaos across thousands of pages

🔘Building accessibility and governance into web strategy

🔘Measuring post-launch success beyond aesthetics

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Episode Highlights

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

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

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

10:04 – Convincing campus that this change actually matters

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

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

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

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

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

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

___

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

___

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

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

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

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Join us as we discuss:

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

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

🔘The realities and rewards of hybrid work in higher ed

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

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

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Inside the Episode

01:31 - What pushed Point Loma to centralize marketing

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

10:18 - Navigating misconceptions about centralized marketing

10:48 - Building a hybrid culture that actually works

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

25:42 - Top advice for leaders restructuring marketing teams

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

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

___

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

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

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

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘The cultural and enrollment shifts accelerating change on campuses

🔘The Trades Cliff

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

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

🔘Why generalists will define the next generation of marketing teams

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Inside the Episode

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

___

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

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

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

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Join us as we discuss:

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

🔘What makes an institution "brand mature"

🔘Tips for structuring clear strategic priorities

🔘How to evolve a legacy brand without losing trust

🔘Applying corporate marketing strategy to faith-based higher ed

🔘Aligning internal teams while building external reputation

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Inside the Episode

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

10:09 – Why internal clarity precedes external trust

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘How leaders can coach intentionality within their teams

🔘Measuring ROI on time and forming data-informed habits

🔘Building trust across departments through clear expectations

🔘Helping young professionals grow into emerging leaders

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Inside the Episode

06:56 – Finding systems that fit your wiring

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

23:54 – Developing emerging leaders inside enrollment teams

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

30:19 – Showing faculty how they contribute to recruitment

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Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Do More Better by Tim Challies 

• Who’s Got the Monkey? by William Oncken Jr. 

• Atomic Habits by James Clear 

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

• Getting Things Done by David Allen 

• Books by Michael Hyatt 

• The AI Driven Leader by Geoff Woods

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

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

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

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

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

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4 Big Things

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

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

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

• Bart’s New Book Drop Feb 2026.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Join us as we discuss:

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

🔘Creating immersive events that communicate mission through emotion

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

🔘Building cross-departmental alignment through shared storytelling

🔘How to surprise and delight students with purpose and creativity

🔘Practical ideas for smaller institutions to elevate their event experience

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Inside the Episode

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

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

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

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

37:58 – Transforming campus visits into emotional brand experiences

46:48 – Building brand belief through meaningful human connection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Join Us As We Discuss

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

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

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

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

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

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Inside the Episode

02:29 - The biggest misconceptions about international recruitment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘How small colleges can leverage constraints to fuel innovation

🔘Why authenticity is the most powerful marketing tool

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

🔘The role of brand clarity and internal buy-in

🔘Strategies to compete with large universities on a modest budget

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Inside the Episode

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

06:52 – Why constraints create creative momentum

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

13:21 – Translating mission into a distinct brand story

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

19:42 – Practical tips for marketing with limited resources

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

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

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

___

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

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

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

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

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘Recruiting and marketing in niche higher ed settings

🔘Why outcomes storytelling is more effective than stats alone

🔘The role of servant leadership in driving lasting change

🔘How to balance innovation with institutional identity

🔘Communicating transparently without losing optimism

🔘The importance of peer networks for professional resilience

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Inside the Episode 

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

11:30 – Shattering the starving artist myth with storytelling

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

20:10 – Prioritizing change with patience and servant leadership

25:30 – Staying grounded as a leader during uncertainty

27:40 – Communicating truthfully while building trust

32:40 – Why leaders should never go it alone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Join us as we discuss:

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

🔘The role of discipleship in shaping tech ethics

🔘Why Gen Z students expect transparency, not perfection

🔘Creating campus-wide AI literacy with joy and curiosity

🔘Using storytelling to make tech feel less intimidating

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Inside the Episode 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘Why three-year strategic plans are the new standard

🔘Redefining economic equilibrium in small colleges

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

🔘Building innovation cultures in tradition-bound spaces

🔘When partnerships become survival strategies

🔘The courageous leadership higher ed needs now

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Inside the Episode 

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

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

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

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

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

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

36:58 – Rethinking cost models and corporate partnerships

38:25 – Demand excellence, not perfection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘 Turning around a university in financial and mission crisis

🔘 Why small decisions shape institutional culture over time

🔘 Defining and articulating Christian identity in a diverse student body

🔘 Using student personas to inform recruitment

🔘 Leveraging AI for personalized marketing

🔘 Building trust as a new leader in times of change

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Inside the Episode 

02:00 -  Financial Challenges and Strategies

08:00 -   Revitalizing the Christian Mission 

15:00 -   Building Trust and Transparency 

21:00  -  Strategic Marketing and Personas

27:00  -  Maintaining Institutional Identity

33:00  -  Leadership Insights and Future Opportunities

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

___

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

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

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

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

🎧Join us as we discuss:

Building brand consistency across multiple campuses

Why research and listening come before messaging

Strategies for audience-based segmentation at scale

Embracing calculated risks in higher ed marketing

Using AI and innovation to stretch budget and impact

The power of internal mentoring and cross-campus collaboration

🎙️ Inside the Episode 

06:22 – Building Internal Assets for Brand Consistency

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

24:17 – Segmenting by Audience, Not Region

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

30:53 – Using AI to Scale Creative Output

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎧 Join us as we discuss:

Why websites should serve as your #1 enrollment tool

Lessons in change management and cross-campus collaboration

How storytelling connects prospective students to your brand

The importance of internal buy-in and executive leadership support

Practical advice for kicking off a website redesign the right way

🎙️ Inside the Episode 

08:07 – Why Your Website Is Your Front Door

16:20 – Aligning Website Strategy With Enrollment Goals

18:40 – Embedding Storytelling Into Web Strategy

21:39 – Leadership Buy-In at Every Level

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

35:52 – Collaboration Over Competition in Higher Ed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎧 Join us as we discuss:

• Why rebranding requires courageous leadership, not just clever marketing

• How to roll out a new name without losing your base

• The role of partnerships in expanding program offerings

• How athletics and enrollment align with institutional mission

• The importance of external validation and legal groundwork

🎙️ Inside the Episode 

02:15 - Mission Universities rebranding journey. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Sneak Peak into Season 7

• 50,000+ downloads...WHAT?!?!?

• Thank you for helping shape this community.

Next week - Season 7 Launched.

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

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

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

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

Episode 217 - Originally aired April 2023

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

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

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

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

Join us as we discuss:

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

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

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

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

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

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