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Explore every episode of the podcast Talking Tactics

Dive into the complete episode list for Talking Tactics. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Ep. 56: My Favorite Moments from Two Years of Talking Tactics22 Jul 202500:26:14

After two years and 55 episodes packed with practical, joyful, and wildly clever ideas, Talking Tactics comes to a close. In this final episode, host Dayana Kibilds reflects on the “why” behind the show, shares her personal favorite tactics from past guests, and celebrates the everyday enrollment pros doing exceptional work in higher ed.

From transforming request forms and hacking Reddit to AI-powered emails and fundraising squirrels, this send-off is full of bite-sized brilliance you can still use — whether you're new to the podcast or have been tuning in since episode one.

Because while we may not keep talking the tactics together, I know you'll keep walking the walk.

Stay connected with Day on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayanakibilds/


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Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 55: How Campus Geese Tripled Unrestricted Giving08 Jul 202500:31:10

On this episode of Talking Tactics, host Day chats with Stormie Harless and Reggie Hayes of Ball State University about one of the quirkiest—and most successful—Giving Day campaigns we've ever seen: letting donors name a goose. Yes, you read that right. This creative, low-cost tactic more than tripled gifts to the Ball State Fund, turning a fun gimmick into a strategic fundraising win. Learn how a "goose gang," Canva templates, and clever messaging made all the difference—and why sometimes a little silliness can have serious results.

Guest Names:
Stormie Harless, Senior Director of Annual Giving & Foundation Communications, Ball State University
Reggie Hayes, Assistant Director of Digital Engagement, Ball State University

Guest Socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stormieharless/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggiehayes/

Guest Bios: Stormie Harless has been at Ball State for over eight years and currently serves as the Senior Director of Annual Giving & Foundation Communications. She leads the university’s digital and annual giving teams, managing everything from web and social to blogs, emails, and fundraising campaigns.

Reggie Hayes graduated from Ball State University in 2019 and has worked on Stormie’s digital team at the Foundation for over 2 years as Assistant Director of Digital Engagement. The bulk of his responsibilities with the Foundation include creating content for the Ball State Alumni Association and Ball State University Foundation socials, newsletters, blog posts, and other external communication pieces.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 46: “Fill In The Blank” Video Prompts To Cut Down Editing Time04 Mar 202500:23:10

In this episode of Talking Tactics, John Azoni, owner and executive producer at UNVEILD, unpacks how to capture impactful video testimonials while saving on cost. John reveals his go-to tactic: using “fill-in-the-blank” questions to draw out strong, structured responses that deliver memorable intros and outros. This simple tactic can cut editing time by up to 10% while guaranteeing your videos start and end with impact. From thinking like an editor to using AI to craft better questions, this episode is packed with actionable tips for creating standout video content.

Watch John’s “fill-in-the-blank” questions in action:

Intro: “Golf is ______” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQJsbmtbu54

Guest Name: John Azoni, Owner/Executive Producer at UNVEILD

Guest Links:
Subscribe to John’s Newsletter: https://unveild.tv/newsletter
Follow John’s Podcast: https://unveild.tv/podcast

Guest Socials: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnazoni/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/higheredstorytelling
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HigherEdStorytelling


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 45: Boosting Yield By Scaling Personalized SMS18 Feb 202500:22:33

In this special episode, Enrollify’s Marketing Manager, Erin Fields steps into the guest host role to interview Day Kibilds. Day shares an innovative tactic she spearheaded while at Western University: a two-way texting initiative that connected admitted students to professors, current students, and alumni during the chaos of 2020. With over 4,000 personalized conversations, this approach led to a surprising boost in yield at a time when higher ed faced unprecedented challenges. Get ready to be inspired by a simple, scalable tactic that delivers big results.

Guest Name: Erin Fields, Marketing Manager, Enrollify

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-fields-m-s-75a040139/

Guest Bio: Erin Fields is a seasoned higher education professional with over five years of expertise in Admissions, Marketing, and Recruitment at the graduate level. She holds a BA in Advertising from Marshall University and an MS in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University. Erin currently serves as the Marketing Manager for Enrollify at Element451, where she leverages her extensive knowledge and innovative approach to drive impactful marketing strategies. Her passion for higher education and commitment to empowering enrollment marketers is reflected in her dynamic role, fostering growth and innovation within the industry.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 44: Using Short GIFs To Win Back Students04 Feb 202500:23:03

Sean Whitten, Senior Director of Enrollment Services at Southern Methodist University, is redefining how admission counselors handle one of the toughest parts of their job: letting go of students who choose another path. With empathy at the forefront, Sean created a clever, heartfelt tactic to celebrate the relationships built with students and families—a simple yet impactful goodbye video. Not only does this video leave a positive impression, but it’s also driving surprising results, with about 10% of students who initially withdraw deciding to come back!

Guest Name: Sean Whitten, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Southern Methodist University

Guest Social: www.linkedin.com/in/seanewhitten

Guest Bio: Sean Whitten works as the inaugural Director of Strategic Partnerships for Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, TX. Known for his imaginative learning approach and curiosity, Sean fosters inclusive environments that elevate and empower families, staff, and students in the college admission process and on campus. His 14 years of work span college admissions, enrollment management, and communications and marketing.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 43: Using SEO-driven blog posts to rank for your institution’s values21 Jan 202500:29:03

What information do you hope a student finds when they search for “why do faculty relationships matter?” or “what does success mean?” Toni-Marie Critelli’s blog post at St. John’s University doesn’t hope for the best, she makes sure her institution’s content is ranking as a response. Tune in to this episode to figure out how as a team of two, they manage to produce 10-14 blog posts a month, ranking no. 1 in keywords such as “career mentoring,” “define success,” and “healthy snacks for college students.” Toni’s blog has seen a %1,400 increase in traffic over the past two years, and has created a prime opportunity for cross-campus content collaboration. 

Check out The Johnnies Blog: https://www.stjohns.edu/news-media/johnnies-blog

Guest Name: Toni-Marie Critelli, Digital Content Producer/Writer, St. John’s University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-critelli-digital-content-producer-new-york-city/

Guest Bio: Toni’s journey in digital marketing started with a simple passion for building meaningful communities. Over the past six years, that passion has grown into a career she truly loves. She’s worked in different digital media roles, from full-time to freelance, and has gained experience in everything from creative writing and brand development to social media management, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and public relations (PR).

Now, as a content producer and blog manager at St. John’s University, she gets to combine all of these skills in one place, making an impact on the university’s community today and in the future.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 42: Engaging Future Students Through Summer Camps07 Jan 202500:26:02

Summer camps are an incredibly effective way to attract and engage students in your community to your institution, from a very early age. Typically, summer camps are hosted by academic departments, and the relationship building ends after the camp is done. Not at Siena College. Brianna Brown, Assistant Director of Marketing, shares how they launched a new career-focused summer camp called Aspire Camp to build engagement within their community — and ended up with an early action admitted student in the process!

Guest Name: Brianna Brown, Assistant Director of Marketing, Siena College

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-brown9/

Guest Bio: Brianna Brown, a Siena College graduate ('20) with a BS in Marketing and an MBA in Management ('21), now serves as the Assistant Director of Marketing at her alma mater. Passionate about creativity and innovation, she’s dedicated to engaging students and showcasing Siena's vibrant community.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 41: Predicting Yield through a Holiday Gift Guide24 Dec 202400:31:47

In this episode Laura Rudolph of Square One Consulting shares how she transformed a holiday gift guide into a powerful admissions yield predictor. Hit play to learn all about the creative holiday gift guide email to parents that discreetly pinpointed high-likelihood deposits—with 70% of those who clicked ultimately enrolling.

Guest Name: Laura Rudolph, CEO, Square One Consulting

Guest Social: 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laurakrudolph
Website: www.squareoneky.com

Guest Bio: 
As a seasoned higher education marketing professional, Laura Rudolph combines creativity, efficiency, and deep audience insights to help small colleges and universities thrive. As the founder of Square One Consulting LLC, she collaborates closely with institutions to streamline communications and build resilient, self-sufficient teams. Laura’s inventive, tailored solutions empower institutions to connect meaningfully with their audiences, strengthening enrollment initiatives with confidence and lasting impact. Outside of work, Laura is a new Millennial parent with a passion for mysteries and thrillers and feels certain her inquisitive nature would make her an excellent detective in a parallel universe.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 40: Reaching Students With Empathy Through Monthly Admissions Videos10 Dec 202400:41:14

This episode of Talking Tactics is all about empathy. Allie Bear and Madelin Thompson from Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada share how they came up with a very successful Admissions Top Questions video series to support their prospective students through their university decision. The tactic was grounded and born from a robust student journey mapping project, and ended up getting 15,000 views (with half coming from email!) over the 2023 admission cycle. 

Check out Wilfrid Laurier University's Admissions Top Questions series.

Guest Names:
Allie Bear, Manager of Marketing and Communications Strategy at Wilfrid Laurier University
Madelin Thompson, Communications Coordinator at Wilfrid Laurier University

Guest Socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alliebear/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinthompson

Guest Bios: 
Allie Bear is a seasoned marketing and communications strategist with a proven track record in developing and executing integrated plans. With over ten years of experience in the higher education sector, Allie has been instrumental in attracting and converting prospective students through compelling marketing campaigns and communications plans. Currently serving as the Manager of Marketing and Communications Strategy at Wilfrid Laurier University, Allie leads a team of five specialists in communications, digital engagement, and CRM-enabled marketing. Her role focuses on attracting prospective undergraduate students to consider Laurier as their top-choice university. Working closely with the integrated recruitment and admissions leadership team, Allie develops data-informed enrollment strategies and ensures a seamless journey for each student through the enrollment funnel.

Madelin Thompson is a Communications Coordinator for Wilfrid Laurier University’s Recruitment & Admissions Team, with over 5 years of experience specializing in email marketing. During her two years as a Communications Coordinator at Laurier, Madelin has developed and overseen a comprehensive content calendar, launched multiple highly targeted email marketing campaigns, and contributed to notable increases in enrolment numbers for programs of focus at Laurier. Madelin’s favourite aspect of her job lies in analyzing campaigns and crafting compelling messaging that resonates with target audiences, merging creativity with data-driven insights.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 39: Adding Empathy to Emails for More Conversions26 Nov 202400:27:45

High school students are inundated by our emails — just go to r/ApplyingToCollege and search for “emails” and you’ll see just how bad it is.

Cory Glover at the University of Michigan - Dearborn and his small email team have figured out how to break through the noise. It’s simple: Adding empathy. First, by meeting the students where they are and not just talking about the institution. And second, by respecting their time and inbox, making copy easier to scan, actions clear to understand, and the tone more conversational.

The results? Combined with the rest of their marketing mix, they saw a 30% increase in deposits and a 17% increase in applications after the email changes were made.

Guest Name: Cory Glover, Marketing Cloud Manager, University of Michigan - Dearborn

Guest Social: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coryglover/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corymarkglover/

Guest Bio: Cory is responsible for supporting the strategic development and execution of email marketing initiatives for the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Before joining UM-Dearborn, he spent over a decade working in higher education and non-profit settings. Cory has experience in copywriting, web management, email marketing, and everything in between. Before completing his master’s degree in communication from Central Michigan University, Cory earned his bachelor’s degree from UM-Flint. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, attempting to write songs, running, and spending time doing as many fun things as possible with his two kids and wife.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 38: Get More Donors by Naming Squirrels on Giving Day12 Nov 202400:38:04

If you could officially name a squirrel at your alma mater (or turtle, or goose, or whatever critters roamed your campus when you did), would you? The only correct answer is yes.

And that’s that Caty Allgood and Brooke Preston were counting on when they implemented a Squirrel Naming campaign for Ohio University’s Giving Day. After hearing about this idea from colleagues at Ole Miss, they figured out how to implement it themselves without any extra technology or investment. 

And the results were incredible: In their first year with the Squirrel Campaign, they raised almost half a million dollars more than the previous year and had an increase of over 750 donors. They beat their own records again in year two. Plus, the campaign encouraged participation from current students, Ohio friends, and so many wholesome comments to keep it going for years to come.

At the end of the episode, Caty and Brooke surprise your host Day with her very own squirrel certificate! What an honor. Take a look.

Guest Names: 
Caty Allgood, Executive Director, Annual Giving, Ohio University 
Brooke Preston, Associate Director of Creative Strategy, Ohio University

Guest Socials: 
Caty - www.linkedin.com/in/catyallgood
Brooke - www.linkedin.com/in/brookepreston

Guest Bios: 
Caty Allgood currently serves as the Executive Director of Annual Giving at Ohio University. With a career spanning 18 years, she’s a seasoned Advancement professional who has served in roles in major giving, gift planning and annual giving. Caty received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ohio University and feels incredibly fortunate that she now has the opportunity to raise funds to make an OHIO education possible for others. Caty’s team won a CASE Grand Gold award in 2022 for their Give Like Gary Campaign and continues to incorporate creative strategies into their annual giving appeals, most recently introducing a very fun and successful squirrel naming campaign into their annual OHIO Giving Day. Caty spends her free time with her husband, their 4-year-old son and their 1-year-old Yorkie. 

Brooke Preston (OHIO B.S.S. ’02; MC ’23) is the Associate Director of Creative Strategy for Ohio University’s award-winning University Communications and Marketing team, where she leads the brand copywriting team and manages brand and marketing collaboration across 12 departments within the Division of Student Affairs. 
Brooke is also a published comedy and satire writer, editor and teacher, former faculty for The Second City, and is the head writer of the annual Thurber Prize for American Humor awards ceremony. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Real Simple, The Cut, McSweeney’s, Men’s Health, Paste and more. She lives in the Columbus suburbs with her husband, tween daughter and two doofy labs.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 37: Engaging And Informing Current Students Via Email29 Oct 202400:41:58

Imagine a college where 80-90% of the current student body opens your weekly email every single week. And not only that, but they attend the events you send them and take the actions you ask them to take. Well, this is not a dream for Alixandra Nozzolillo and her team at Harvard College. Alix transformed the college’s communication from way too many emails to one weekly email with all the important news. This effort has garnered them open rates between 80% and 90% consistently for over four years, incredible trust from the students, and a great culture of collaboration on campus.

Guest Name: Alixandra Nozzolillo, Director of Communications, Harvard College

Guest Social Handles: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alixandranozzolillo/

Guest Bio: Alixandra Nozzolillo has over twenty years of experience in communications, marketing, and research, including more than ten years at Harvard University where she is the director of communications at Harvard College. She has led transformative initiatives for major educational and medical institutions, served as a spokesperson for high-profile events, and ghostwritten for prominent higher education leaders, chief physicians, and scientists. In 2016, she received the University of Washington's Outstanding Early Career Award, recognizing her commitment to communications and the public good. Alix holds a Master's degree in Biology from Boston College and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Washington in Seattle.  Beyond her professional pursuits, she holds a deep affinity for everything nature has to offer — from hiking in the mountains to sailing and paddling on the ocean — and is an award-winning gardener.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 54: How Iowa Boosted Clicks and Gifts on One Day for Iowa24 Jun 202500:23:45

What if a few strategic email decisions could boost your click-through rates by 73% and gifts by 26% on your giving day? On this episode of Talking Tactics, Day sits down with Veronica Jones and Zack Schmidt from the University of Iowa Center for Advancement to unpack how they moved from a time-consuming email process to a smart, automated strategy that actually improved the donor experience. If you're looking for better ways to connect with alumni and donors during your next giving day — and drive real results — this episode is your blueprint.

Guest Names: 
Veronica Jones, Executive Director, Annual Giving
Zack Schmidt, Executive Director, Marketing Analytics & Web Strategy, University of Iowa Center for Advancement

Guest Socials: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicaajones/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackschmidt/

Guest Bios: 
Veronica Jones is the Executive Director of Annual Giving at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, where she has spent over a decade leading innovative, data-driven strategies to connect donors with impact. With more than 15 years in higher education advancement, she’s recognized for her creative donor engagement, inclusive leadership, and award-winning campaigns. Veronica holds a B.A. in Project Management from the University of Arizona Global Campus and is passionate about mentorship, team empowerment, and building an inclusive, future-focused culture of philanthropy.

Zack Schmidt serves as Executive Director of Marketing Analytics & Web Strategy at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, where he oversees digital engagement, UX, and marketing analytics in support of philanthropic goals. With 20+ years in higher ed communications, Zack brings together expertise in design, development, and strategic leadership. A double Iowa graduate in Communication and Design, he’s a CASE award-winner and national speaker on topics like email marketing and the university’s One Day for Iowa campaign.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 36: Reach New Prospects With Program-Specific Blog Posts15 Oct 202400:25:36

What if all you needed to boost your organic traffic was just a little collaboration? Jessica Creech, Web Content Marketing Specialist at Purdue University Northwest, shares how she worked with professors to build 6 program-specific blog posts with big results. These posts have over 80% organic search traffic to the site, resulting in 4,079 page views and 3,049 unique users. Plus, about 23% of all page clicks lead to program or application pages — supporting students taking the next step in their enrollment journey.

Sample blog posts: 

What Do Biologists Do?

Which Business Degree is Right For Me?

What Can I Do with a Communication Degree? 

What are the Benefits of a 4+1 Program?

Guest Name: Jessica Creech, Web Content Marketing Specialist, Purdue University Northwest

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-m-creech/

Guest Bio: Jessica Creech is currently the Web Content Marketing Specialist at Purdue University Northwest. She has over seven years of experience in professional writing and editing. She also has five years of experience in marketing and web design.

Jessica is a lifelong reader who enjoys learning new things, watching football, and hanging out with her dog and four cats. 


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 35: Making It Cute for Impressions and Engagement01 Oct 202400:19:33

Miami University's toddler campus tour reel saw 33% more engagement than other admissions content on their main channels and won a Gold Case Circle of Excellence Award. How can we show our campus with the actual joy and excitement a prospect might feel visiting for the first time? Through the eyes of a toddler, of course. The reel featured Gerod Harder's two and a half year old son, Wesley, exploring key campus spots, attending a class, and taking snack breaks. The reel received over 100,000 impressions on Instagram — 3 times the average of other videos that month. It has been one of the university’s highest performing posts and received positive comments from internal and external audiences alike.

Watch the reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0Pv2XRxaFc/

Guest Name: Gerod Harder, Associate Director of Social Media, Miami University in Ohio

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerodharder/

Guest Bio: Gerod Harder is the Associate Director of Social Media at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He has 5 years of experience leading organic social media strategy within higher education. Gerod is the proud father of Wesley, his two and a half year old son who will be featured in the content discussed in this episode.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 34: Increase first-generation enrollment with automatic admission17 Sep 202400:29:09

For many institutions, increasing access is a strategic priority. With this tactic, you can do just that. Melody Ferguson, Dean of Admissions at Pacific Lutheran University, discusses the success of their Automatic Admission Partnership Program (AAP) in increasing enrollment, and with it, the percentage of first-generation and students of color admitted to PLU. In fact, 60.7% of this year’s incoming class admitted through the AAP is first generation, and 63.2% are students of color. Listen to this episode to start walking the walk on removing barriers to your institution too. 

Guest Name: Melody Ferguson, Dean of Admission, Pacific Lutheran University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-ferguson-wa/

Guest Bio: Melody Ferguson has worked 23 years in Higher Education at 3 very different universities. As a first-generation college graduate, Melody has always been passionate about creating opportunities for access to education. Currently serving as the Dean of Admission at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) in Tacoma, WA, Melody has spent the last 12 years shaping the university's approach to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds. She also happens to be a parent to a rising high school senior, which helps her understand the challenges of the college admission process firsthand. 


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 33: Creating Instant Belonging With LEGO Figurines03 Sep 202400:26:13

Jess Frazier from Notre Dame University shares how they used custom LEGO figurines to increase engagement on the university's admissions Instagram. They rebranded their admitted student days as 'The Rally' and created a dedicated space where students could build Lego replicas of themselves wearing Notre Dame gear. The goal was to make students feel immediately welcomed into the Notre Dame family. This tactic was highly successful, with a 102% increase in engagement compared to the same admitted student post last year, 226,000 views on the LEGO reel—from 94% non-followers! Plus, the delight of students, parents, and staff alike.

Guest Name: Jessica Frazier,  Assistant Director of Digital Media, University of Notre Dame

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicatfrazier

Guest Bio: Jessica Frazier is the Assistant Director of Digital Media at the University of Notre Dame Enrollment Division for Strategy and Engagement, where she’s responsible for establishing and executing a strategy for the Notre Dame Admissions social media channels. She specializes in creating digital content centered around student storytelling, sharing the unique community and force for good mission of the University. In an effort to create a work/life balance, she likes to walk her dog around campus, hike in USA National Parks, and rewatch The Office.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 32: Capturing A Captive Audience By Geotargeting Campus Visitors20 Aug 202400:21:08

Meaghan Milliorn, Director of Digital Strategy at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, reached attendees of local high school graduations hosted on their campus with geotargeted ads. The goal was to take advantage of this captive audience and promote the university's affordability and scholarships. The ads were motion ads displayed on Facebook and Display during the graduation ceremonies. The initial campaign had 32,000 impressions and 306 clicks, while the follow-up campaign had 85,000 impressions and 120 clicks. With a capacity of 5,600 and 6 total events, that’s not bad! The success of the tactic highlights the importance of targeting audiences during emotional moments and taking advantage of what’s right in front of you (literally!).

Guest Name: Meaghan Milliorn, Director of Digital Strategy, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meaghan-milliorn-fikes/

Guest Bio: Meaghan Milliorn has worked at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for 15 years and serves as the director of digital strategy. She and her team are responsible for overseeing the university website, its strategic focus and ensuring it meets the needs of our future and current students. She is currently leading the comprehensive redesign of the university website.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 31: Multiplying Your Content Output With Student Ambassadors06 Aug 202400:28:31

Keeping your social media accounts active and engaging is challenging, particularly for small colleges or teams. Sarah’s student ambassador approach (giving ambassador separate accounts connected to your college’s account) can significantly boost your content output and engagement. Schools working with Sarah have seen their student ambassador posts outperform all others, and gain the algorithm benefits of video views rising from almost nothing.

Check out the ambassador program in action at:

Guest Name: Sarah Goldfarb, Managing Director, Digital & Social Media at RW Jones Agency

Guest Social Handles: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbgoldfarb/
Instagram: @sbgold

Guest Bio: Sarah is the Managing Director of Social Media and Digital at RW Jones Agency. She collaborates with numerous universities and colleges, focusing on social media strategy, website optimization, email marketing, and digital advertising.
With a deep passion for social media, Sarah has developed a unique expertise in social media ambassador programs and influencer activations. She believes the higher education industry has yet to fully leverage these powerful tools. Sarah has championed this innovative approach throughout her career, spending nearly a decade on campus advocating for these strategies and previously working as a journalist encouraging reporters to engage with their audiences via social media.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 30: Improving Visits By Putting Yourself In Their Shoes (Literally)23 Jul 202400:28:13

Dr. Courtney Skiles, the director of recruiting and admissions at Trinity Valley Community College, shares an unexpected tactic her team uses to engage students and increase college applications: dressing down. 

By wearing jeans, a T-shirt, and cool shoes, TVCC recruiters aim to be relatable and break down barriers between college representatives and high school students. This tactic has resulted in one in five students applying to their college after a visit. 

Courtney emphasizes the importance of building rapport and making students feel comfortable by sharing personal stories and being relatable. Overall, her mindset and leadership has led to an 8% increase in enrollment and has challenged the traditional perception of college as a distant and unattainable goal.

Guest Name: Courtney Skiles, Director of Recruiting and Admissions at Trinity Valley Community College

Guest Social Handles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyskiles56/

Guest Bio: Courtney Skiles is the Director of Recruiting and Admissions at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, TX. She found her passion for higher ed as a student at TVCC in 2016 and has relentlessly pursued her higher ed career and education ever since. She is a proud gen-z leader that specializes in student engagement, creative problem solving, and organizational change. She recently earned her Doctor of Education in higher education leadership from Maryville University and aims to utilize her career to continuously promote higher education to underserved populations.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 29: Using GIFs To Lead Students Back To Your Website09 Jul 202400:26:57

In this engaging episode of Talking Tactics, Dayana Kibilds delves into a unique marketing tactic with Dave Tyler, highlighting RIT's innovative use of GIFs on Giphy to drive traffic to their admissions page. Dave shares how a simple yet unexpected approach turned GIFs into a powerful tool for awareness and conversion, resulting in over 1,000,000 GIF view per week and  122 people visiting RIT's admissions page from Giphy in the last 6 months.

Check out RIT’s Giphy page: https://giphy.com/rit_tigers

Guest Name: Dave Tyler, Social Media Director at Rochester Institute of Technology

Guest Social:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-tyler-30974a2/

Guest Bio: Dave has been working in higher education for 15 years. At RIT, he directs social content and strategy across the University’s platforms. Before coming to RIT, he worked in a similar role for SUNY Brockport. He’s also worked in public relations and as a newspaper reporter, and he still considers himself a recovering journalist.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 28: Tripling Leads and Doubling Engagement With First-Party Data25 Jun 202400:27:02

If you’re looking at your paid media campaign performance and have a feeling something’s not quite right… trust your gut. That’s Jeff Holeman’s advice, and the same instinct he followed for UF’s Warrington College of Business paid media efforts. After asking questions and working closely with his vendor and platform partners, he uncovered using first-party data and in-platform lead forms on LinkedIn could make a big difference. And it did: After using first-party data to target his audiences and implementing in-platform forms, Jeff saw 196% increase in leads, double the clicks/engagement, and a drastic 60% reduction in cost. The best part? You can do this too!

Guest Name: Jeff Holeman, UF Warrington College of Business

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsholeman/

Guest Bio: Jeff Holeman leads marketing at the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business, where his focus is strengthening the brand among the college’s 7,000 students and 90,000 alumni, while also building an enrollment pipeline for the college’s portfolio of graduate and undergraduate programs. Jeff has previously led marketing, communications or enrollment at the University of California, Berkeley, Arizona State University, Keene State College, and the University of Rochester, as well as several healthcare systems serving Arizona, Colorado, California, Nevada, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Jeff has more than 25 years of experience in marketing and branding and is focused on the impact that artificial intelligence or the simplest of best practices can have in driving marketing results.  


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Enrollify.org Relaunch: More Content, More Community13 Jun 202400:01:44

In this Bonus announcement, join Mallory, Chief Strategist of Enrollify, as she introduces the newly relaunched Enrollify.org. This episode highlights the fresh features and content now available on the site, emphasizing Enrollify’s commitment to revolutionizing higher education. Learn about the variety of resources—from podcasts to ourses to webinars—that can help professionals make impactful changes in their careers and institutions.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 53: Driving Alumni Engagement with Digital Downloads10 Jun 202500:23:51

What do planners, quizzes, and pumpkin stencils have in common? At Cornell, they’re powering growth in alumni engagement. In this episode of Talking Tactics, Sarina Alexander, lead graphic designer for Cornell’s advancement team, shares how her team grew digital downloads fivefold — sparking a 40% increase in email clicks and doubling alumni engagement in just three years. 

From ideation to execution, Sarina breaks down what’s working (and what’s not), and how you can steal a page from Cornell’s playbook to boost engagement at your institution.

Get inspired by Cornell’s downloads here: 
https://alumni.cornell.edu/connect/downloads/

Guest Name: Sarina Alexander, Lead Graphic Designer, Cornell University

Guest Social: ww.linkedin.com/in/sarina-alexander

Guest Bio: Sarina Alexander is known for her creative approach, blending institutional branding with campaign elements. She has a versatile background, with experience in environmental design, digital and print. Before Cornell, Sarina worked as a designer for The Aspen Group and the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement at her alma mater, Rochester Institute of Technology. University branding comes with challenges and Sarina is dedicated to using design and creative problem-solving to accomplish marketing goals in all her pieces.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 27: Filling Seats with Fast and Personal AI Responses11 Jun 202400:32:10

Cade was stumped. After doing all the traditional work to get applications in, he saw that applicants to the First Class Dental Assisting School of Nashville were not converting. After doing some research, he realized speed was key. When he tried an immediate and personalized conversation with one student, they became the new dental school’s very first enrollee. But how to do it at scale? In this episode Cade shares his ingenuity, connecting his CRM to ChatGPT via Zapier, training his GPT as an admission counselor for his school, and seeing the school’s incoming class go from zero to full.

Cade is the founder of Enroll Boost AI (enrollboostai.com). He packaged up this tactic in a way that can help your school, too.

Guest Name: Cade Scott, founder of Enroll Boost AI, Director of Marketing & Enrollment for First Class Dental Assisting School of Nashville

Guest Social Handles:  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cade-scott-1535362a2/
https://enrollboostai.com/

Guest Bio: Cade is the founder of Enroll Boost AI, working as Director of Marketing & Enrollment with First Class Dental Assisting School of Nashville, and comes to higher ed with over a decade of expertise in storytelling and marketing.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 26: Winning Views and Awards by Adding Soul and Humor to Your Video28 May 202400:28:05

This episode is about this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9Ph0-mO9Bc. Go watch it!

A new program has launched — how do we make people aware of it? We make a video, of course! But, not all videos are created equal. In this episode, Emanuel Díaz from IE University will share how a team at the university (shoutout to Sofía, Lucia, and Elena) created a video to boost enrollment in a marketing program that ended up being a finalist for the Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards, used by TikTok and LinkedIn Corporate as a great example of content, and received 20% more views than other program videos. 

The video was produced with a low budget and featured Andrew McCarthy, an academic director, taking viewers through the experience of working in the MarCom world — in a fast-paced, funny way. The team faced challenges with budget constraints but overcame them by utilizing in-house talent and resources. The video set a precedent for adding soul to video content, and opened the doors for creativity for all productions moving forward.

Guest Name: Emanuel Díaz

Guest Bio: Emanuel lives for a good story to weave, so he describes himself as a storytelling lover and aficionado. His passion for content started in the banking industry in his native Puerto Rico, where he was leading copy and digital marketing for the institution. The challenge of making a bank soulful caught him.

A Fulbright grant took him to Madrid to study at IE, where he stayed as the Associate Director of Alumni Communications. He is now Head of Content Marketing where he brings to life his passion for creativity, emotional content, and weaving stories that showcase the beauty of working in the educational sector. He is also a proud collaborator in LGBTQ+ initiatives and does improv theater in his free time.

Guest Social Handles:  LinkedIn

And social links for the video co-creators too:
Sofía Quetglas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofiaquetglas/
Lucia Malmierca Wainstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-malmierca-wainstein
Elena Böhm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-b%C3%B6hm-20729026/


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 25: Build Relationships on Social and Double the Benchmark Engagement14 May 202400:26:32

Picture a world where the standard social media engagement rates for educational institutions are 3.26% on Instagram, 1.36% on Facebook, and 0.51% on TikTok, as outlined in Hubspot’s December 2023 report. Now, imagine Duquesne University smashing these benchmarks with a remarkable 11% engagement rate, far surpassing what's typical for its size. This exceptional performance is thanks to Ian Hurley, Director of Social Media, who utilized a straightforward but effective tactic: listening and responding. By emphasizing relationship-building and redefining their voice, Duquesne University set a new standard for university engagement that carries relationships started online all the way to campus. Ian Hurley proves that just an hour a day can have significant community-building results. 

Guest Name: Ian Hurley

Guest Social Handles:  
https://twitter.com/ianphurley
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianhurley/

Guest Bio: Ian Hurley is the Director of Social Media at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa. He has over 20 years of experience in the marketing and communications field, working for Northeastern University, Save the Children, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières, the World Health Organization and CQ Roll Call, among others. He holds a B.A. from West Virginia University and an M.A. from American University.
At Duquesne, Ian works to align the social and brand strategy among campus partners and help to advance the Division of Marketing and Communications and University strategic goals.  


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 24: Skyrocketing RFI Conversions With Multi-Page Forms And Fun30 Apr 202400:26:20

Imagine requesting information for a master’s program and being asked about your favorite movie… that’s what Lydia Fine did at the University of Iowa Tippie School of Business! As the Senior Marketing Technology Specialist, Lydia faced a challenge: form submissions were okay on desktop but not quite up to par on mobile. Taking matters into her own hands during the transition to Drupal 9, she took advantage of the in-page, multi-page option and revamped the request-for-information forms to be more engaging. Lydia's clever idea? Making the first question effortless to answer, with a twist of fun. This approach has been a game-changer, skyrocketing their MBA program RFI's conversion rates by 192% and an extraordinary 595% on mobile.

Check out this very effective (and fun!) form on the Tippie College of Business website: https://tippie.uiowa.edu/masters-finance

Guest Name: Lydia Fine

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydiafine/

Guest Bio: Lydia is a 14-year higher education veteran with a focus in marketing technology, lead generation, web conversion tracking, CRM, integrations, data analytics, and all the ways that technology and marketing intersect. She’s currently the Senior Marketing Technology Specialist at the University of Iowa Tippie School of Business and she has a BBA in Marketing and an MBA, both from the University of Iowa. Lydia runs a photography business and chases her two kids around in her free time, and wishes that Reese's Eggs were on the shelves all year long.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Beyond the Buzz: Real Stories of DEI Impact in Higher Education17 Apr 202400:38:05

This special cross-over episode features clips from Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, Talking Tactics, and The Application with Allison Turcio. These discussions highlight the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education marketing. Through these carefully selected clips from several podcasts within The Enrollify Network, this episode illuminates the multifaceted approach needed to authentically represent and engage a diverse student body.

Key takeaways include:

  • The Importance of Diverse Leadership and Marketing: An engaging story from Jaime Hunt and Kevin Tyler reveals the impact of having openly gay and black leaders in higher education. This segment underscores the pivotal role diverse leadership plays in shaping inclusive marketing strategies and fostering an environment where all students feel represented.
  • Amplifying Voices through Authentic Stories: Dayana Kibilds and Mikki Collins delve into how the University of Chichester's podcast initiative succeeded in significantly boosting social media engagement by sharing real, unfiltered stories from minority and underrepresented groups. This discussion highlights the power of authentic narratives in enhancing a university's reach and its commitment to DEI.
  • Accessibility as a DEI Pillar in Digital Marketing: The conversation between Allison Tucio and Raman Bhalla explores the often-overlooked aspect of DEI - web accessibility. It offers practical insights into how a systematic approach to making digital content accessible can serve as a form of advocacy for inclusivity, demonstrating the crucial role marketers play in ensuring all students have equal access to information.

Listen to the Full Episodes Featured:

Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO - Episode 42: Authentic Allyship: Crafting Campaigns That Support LGBTQIA+ Students Year-Round

Talking Tactics - Episode 17: Walk The Walk On DEI And Amplify Reach With Raw Authentic Stories

The Application - Episode 34: Roadmap To Web Accessibility Success For Higher Ed Marketers


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 23: Listening On Social For Over 10x More Engagement16 Apr 202400:30:11

Getting a mention on social media is only half the win. Real engagement happens when we respond. This was Sabreen’s philosophy going into this shift in mentality for Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. As the sole social media manager for the university, she decided to devote at least as much time to social listening (and responding, and reposting) as content creation. The results have been incredible for RFU: In under one year, their mentions have gone from 600 to 7,200 (that’s over 1,000% increase), and the number of people engaging on social (aka unique authors) from 170 to 1,600. Want to reach more people on social? Rebalance your listening to posting ratio and get these astonishing results.

Guest Name: Sabreen Alfadel

Guest Social:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabreen-alfadel/

Guest Bio: Sabreen Alfadel is the Digital Communications Specialist with the Division of Marketing and Brand Management at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, where she’s responsible for establishing and executing a strategy for the university’s social media channels. She specializes in content development for social media efforts and initiatives, actively engages in online conversations with prospective students, enjoys building connections around campus, and takes pride in revealing the university’s tight-knit community across social platforms. In Sabreen’s free time, she likes to attend concerts, cook, travel and discover new restaurants. 


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 22: Making your subject lines fun for better open rates02 Apr 202400:31:16

Email is a sea of sameness. Just ask any sophomore or junior in high school you know: they are getting bombarded with thousands of emails and they all sound the same. Katie Mills-Erickson wanted to break through the noise to share the University of Iowa story. But how? In email, it starts with the subject line. Her tactic was to change the tone so they would sound and feel more quirky, more human, more fun. The results were astonishing. Email open rates increased by 20%, with some emails hitting open rates in the 80-90% range. 

In the episode, we talk about Katie’s cool “My job is Email” shirt. 
You can get it here: https://www.raygunsite.com/products/my-job-is-email

Guest Name: Katelyn Mills-Erickson

Guest Social:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-mills-erickson-957aa8188/

Guest Bio: Katie is currently a communications and marketing professional at the University of Iowa. She has worked in higher education for the past five years, primarily in the realm of admissions. When not at work, she enjoys bad reality dating shows, attending college football and women's basketball games, and spending time with her three kitties: Gerry, Watson, and Lacey.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 21: Scaling Down Events For Big Yield Wins19 Mar 202400:26:03

When yield is the focus, personalization is key. But, just how personalized could an event be? John and his team at Waukesha County Technical College had an idea to create an event where — no matter where you were in the post-app funnel — you would leave the event as an enrolled student. Yes, that included transferring credit, accepting, advising, scheduling courses, and committing — all as part of one single event. They called it, Admission Accomplished, and that they did: 75% of the attendees left the event completely enrolled.

Special shoutout to Kaylan Gaines and Dee Dee Wallace at WCTC who made Admission Accomplished a tactic we all want to try!

Check out Admission Accomplished: https://www.wctc.edu/events/admission-accomplished/index.php

Guest Name: John McGreal

Guests Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfmcgreal/

Guests Bio: John McGreal has been an enrollment professional for his entire career and has worked for multiple styles of institutions. He is currently the Dean of Enrollment Services at Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee, WI. John has also been involved with NACAC and his state affiliate, the Wisconsin ACAC, serving as a member of the President's cycle for WACAC and on the Affiliates President's Council for NACAC. During his free time, John spends time with his family, watching and reading science fiction, is an avid sports fan, runs, and is a grill master.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 20: Using Micro-Content for Meaningful Engagement, Faster05 Mar 202400:26:11

If the atomic unit of content is usually a story, what happens when we redefine it to be a snippet or a single quote? That’s what Mackenzie pondered, then implemented at UW-Eau Claire in preparation to launch their new website. In the process, she realized she had ready access to a treasure trove of content she could use to make quick videos, quotes, or add to emails. The results? Her team can produce meaningful content within hours instead of weeks, and the university is engaging with audiences it hadn’t quite reached before.

Guest Name: Mackenzie Huber

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenzie-m-huber/

Guest Bio: Mackenzie Huber is the Content Strategist for the office of Integrated Marketing and Communications at UW-Eau Claire in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Before joining the team at UWEC, she was the Associate Director of Digital Communications at Lawrence University. She is happiest during a brainstorming session with teammates, making lists on colorful sticky notes, or when she has an excuse to mind map a new idea. Currently engaged in her second full website rebuild, Huber is tired. When she's not working, Huber enjoys playing sand volleyball, eating soup, and hoarding books she'll never have time to read.


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Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 19: A Professor-Focused Podcast for Academic Reputation and International Reach20 Feb 202400:24:31

The podcast Profcast at the University of Antwerp isn’t just thinking outside the box, it’s checking multiple boxes. Each episode features one professor, focusing on their research but also on the person behind the research. Building academic reputation? Check. Establishing good partnerships between academics and marketing in house? Check. Helping current students know their professors? Check. Reaching international audiences? Check. Celine Kuysters joins us to share how the podcast she co-created has generated over 27,279 listens in 31 countries over its four seasons.

Listen to Profcast episodes: https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/about-uantwerp/faculties/faculty-of-business-and-economics/news/profcast/

Guest Name: Celine Kuysters

Guests Social Handle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celinekuysters/

Guests Bio: Celine is a Marketing and Communication Strategist at the University of Antwerp in Belgium. She started her career in higher education in 2019, with master’s degrees in both strategic communication and journalism. Besides being responsible for managing the faculty's international recruitment strategy, digital campaigns, content creation and social media, she is also committed to building its alumni community. Since 2022, she is part of the EMFD Marcom, Alumni and External Relations steering committee, and since 2023, part of the CASE Europe Newcomers Track. Having traveled to 33 countries and speaking 5 (and a half) languages, her nickname at work has become Celinternational. When she’s not abroad, she fills her spare time with pilates, fitness, photography and drives classic race cars with her dad.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 52: Three Tactics to Stop Summer Melt27 May 202500:24:31

In this special compilation episode of Talking Tactics, host Day sifts through the archives to bring you a trio of field-tested summer strategies that actually move the needle. From boosting post-deposit engagement with 90% email open rates to winning back withdrawn students with a creative goodbye message, these stories from real enrollment pros are packed with actionable ideas for reducing summer melt.

Guest Names: 
Darcy Porter, Director of Content Strategy, SUNY Brockport 
Kristin Miller, Communication Manager, Frostburg State University 
Sean Whitten, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Southern Methodist University 

Guest Socials: 
Kristin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinmlr/
Sean - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanewhitten/

Guest Bios:
Darcy Porter is the Director of Content Strategy at SUNY Brockport, where she focuses on web content, enrollment marketing, and social media. She is passionate about pushing boundaries and continually seeking innovation in the ways in which Brockport, and all of higher ed, communicates to prospective students. When Darcy is not scrolling TikTok or attending her kids’ soccer games, she enjoys traveling, skiing, and snuggling every dog she sees.

Kristin Miller believes good communication brings people together. It invites people in and makes organizations and their services accessible. As the Recruitment Communication Manager at Frostburg State University, she works to create thoughtful, human-centered messaging to connect with students and parents. With a background in higher education and nonprofit communication, Kristin has spent her career blending strategy with storytelling, helping institutions build trust. She’s got a special fondness for email communication and making sure the content she creates provides value.  

Sean Whitten works as the inaugural Director of Strategic Partnerships for Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, TX. Known for his imaginative learning approach and curiosity, Sean fosters inclusive environments that elevate and empower families, staff, and students in the college admission process and on campus. His 14 years of work span college admissions, enrollment management, and communications and marketing.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 18: Using Generative AI to Write Search Engine Optimized Web Content06 Feb 202400:25:50

The task was monumental: Write career content for 70 different programs. In late 2022, before AI was top-of-mind for any of us, Patrick was thinking... How can I do this with AI? With the help of his student employees, Jasper.ai, a spreadsheet, and the =CONCATENATE() function, they created powerful, search engine optimized content that resulted in these incredible results: 217% increase in clicks on the site and 166% increase in impressions from search sources and 358% increase in clicks and 226% increase in impressions from unbranded queries only.

Guest Name: Patrick Kelly

Guests Social Handle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickkelly1976/

Guests Bio: Patrick Kelly has 23+ years' experience in web marketing for higher education and health care organizations, including Rush University Medical Center, Swedish Hospital and Loyola University Chicago. He holds a master's degree in writing from DePaul University in Chicago. Patrick currently serves as web content manager at Harper College overseeing the college's website, harpercollege.edu. 

This podcast is brought to you by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform. Learn more about how Element451 can enhance student engagement, boost enrollment, reduce expenses, and increase staff productivity.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 17: Walk the Walk on DEI and Amplify Reach with Raw Authentic Stories23 Jan 202400:27:15

What does diversity, equity, and inclusion in content creation look like? To Mikki Collins, it was this: real, unfiltered stories told by more than one student in a format that could both go deep and was built to last. So, she built a podcast for the University of Chichester centered around authenticity and honesty. In the third series of the podcast, she wanted to feature true stories from her campus’ minority and underrepresented groups, even when the stories weren’t all positive. As a result, the university reached almost 10 times its student population on social, doubled the engagement from non-followers, and won a few awards, including the ContentEd Champion for DIversity, Equity and Inclusion Award in 2022 and the National Student Pride Inclusive University of the Year Award in 2023.

Watch the Be You podcast series three episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMwhF7NaFQJxaE1X4LMUj7Y6Bq-cwRxEh&feature=shared

Guest Name: Mikki Collins

Guests Social Handle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikki-collins-36b631146/

Guest Bio: Mikki is an award-winning Content and Experience Designer for Pickle Jar Communications. She previously worked for the University of Chichester for 5.5 years as a Digital Content Producer, leading digital content campaigns and the University's social media channels. During her tenure, she helped Chichester achieve the number 1 ranked UK University on TikTok in 2022 and 2023, and the Champion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the ContentEd Awards in 2022 for the University’s podcast about minority groups. 


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 16: Engaging New Audiences with Community-Generated AI Images09 Jan 202400:24:25

How can we build audiences in our secondary social channels in a meaningful way? That’s what Andrew Cassel, Senior Social Strategist at Middlebury College sought out to answer. He engaged his community in submitting prompts which he then used to generate beautiful AI images. He posted the images on Pinterest, LinkedIn, and other secondary platforms. His results? On the form, 53 prompts were submitted, surpassing his 30 prompt goal. On Pinterest, a 50% audience increase. On LinkedIn, incredibly meaningful engagement with an alumna. While he’s holding on rolling this out more broadly, it’s a great example of how we can do social listening, co-create content with community, and meaningfully grow audiences with one simple tactic.

Follow Middlebury College on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/middleburycollege/

 

Today's Guest: 

Andrew Cassel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abcassel/

 

Guest Bio: 

Andrew Cassel has been creating and curating social media content for higher ed since 2011. Cassel speaks regularly about social media content including appearances at ContentEd 2021, HigherEd Experts 2018, 2019 and 2020, the American Geophysical Union 2022 annual fall meeting. Cassel was awarded a best in track Red Stapler at the 2017 High Ed Web annual conference and is a five-time winner of Aurora Awards of Excellence from the Public Relations Society of America - Alaska including the 2018 Grand Award of Excellence. In 2019 he was a host for Higher Ed Live - Marketing Live. He is the sole author of the paper “Divesting from Facebook and Instagram”, based on a HEWeb 2022 session, which will be published in the winter 2023 peer reviewed Journal of Education Advancement & Marketing. He is a regular contributor to Volt.edu. Cassel is currently the Senior Social Strategist and Content Producer at Middlebury College.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Special Release: Answering The Real Questions: Mallory Willsea’s Career-Making Tactic28 Nov 202300:26:51

As a campus tour guide back in 2005, Mallory Willsea noticed students would ask very different questions when they were alone vs. when they were with their parents or in a group. When she graduated, Mallory started working in the admissions office just when digital was starting to happen. 

She remembered how differently students would behave when alone, so she came up with a tactic to let them ask anonymous questions using a form. The results? A ton more questions. Grateful students. Real opportunities for connection. And for Mallory? A career of customer-centric innovation that’s consistently been two steps ahead of everyone else.

About the Show

Each episode of Talking Tactics is devoted to a single tactic that moved the needle on a specific enrollment metric: inquiries, booth visitors, apps started, video views, you name it.

The catch? The tactic had to be done with limited resources: either by a single person, a small but mighty team, limited time, or without a lot of money. Sound like your reality?  Join us by subscribing above or by email here

About the Enrollify Podcast Network 

The Enrollify Podcast is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam-packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. 

Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Corynn Myers, Dustin Ramsdell, Terry Flannery, Jaime Gleason and many more. 

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours! 


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Special Release: Taking the Campus Visit Online: Ashley Budd’s Career-Making Tactic21 Nov 202300:31:35

About the Enrollify Podcast Network: 

Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network.  If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam-packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jeremy Tiers, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Jamie Gleason, and many more. 

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Special Release: Engaging Students One-on-One At Scale: Allison Turcio’s Career-Making Tactic14 Nov 202300:29:45

Allison’s start in higher ed was as a writer at her college. In her role, she quickly realized the communications were not student-centered enough, and sought to become an expert on her audience to deliver hyper-personalized opportunities for engagement via the new CRM. The most immediate result? The students who had a one-on-one engagement with admissions were 2.4 more likely to enroll. The long-term results? A solid partnership between admissions and marketing, and increasing engagement throughout the years, and for Allison, a student-centricity thoroughline that has defined her focus throughout her career.

About the Enrollify Podcast Network 

The Enrollify Podcast is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam-packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. 

Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Corynn Myers, Dustin Ramsdell, Terry Flannery, Jaime Gleason and many more. 

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours! 


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Special Release: From Distracted To Engaged: Jon-Stephen Stansel’s Career-Making Tactic07 Nov 202300:33:52

In 2008, Jon-Stephen Stansel was teaching English and noticed his students would pay more attention to their phones than the lecture. He wanted to reach them where they were, so he started trying to find ways to make their phones and social media a productive part of their classes. The rest is history. Today we know Jon-Stephen as THE social media authority in higher education, and it all started with a simple tactic. Listen to this conversation to see how his ingenious idea 15 years ago led him to where he is today.

 

This Episode is Sponsored by Pathify

Meet Pathify —  an innovative higher ed engagement hub that puts students at the center of their college journey. Pathify sits at the center of your school’s digital ecosystem, becoming the single, user experience interface tying together all systems, content, and communications. Their engagement hub elevates the information that matters most and pushes systems like the SIS behind the scenes where they belong, making it simpler for students to discover and engage with the opportunities your institution provides at every step of their higher ed journey, from prospect to alumni. What’s even better, Pathify has a mobile experience that provides 100% parity with the responsive web app, so your campus app is always in sync. Pathify is a platform that EVERY stakeholder on campus  — from marketing, to admissions, to student affairs, to IT, etc., — can get equally excited about. Learn more about how Pathify is uniting strategic units across campus and bettering the entire student experience by visiting Pathify.com

 

About the Enrollify Podcast Network: 

Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network.  If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jeremy Tiers, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Jamie Gleason and many more. 

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Special Release: Crafting Media Coverage: Carrie Phillips’ Career-Making Tactic31 Oct 202300:31:21

Dive into a captivating chat with Carrie Phillips, the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at UA Little Rock. Back in 2008, starting as the Assistant Director of New Media at Arkansas Tech University, Carrie faced a media coverage challenge. When TV stations wouldn't visit their remote campus, she ingeniously produced and scripted her own footage, sending it directly to them. The result? Widespread local media attention and a surprise feature on the Today Show. This resourceful approach didn't just amplify their campus stories but also profoundly shaped Carrie's career: strengthening her strong on- and off-campus partnerships, leading her to speak at national conferences, and underscoring her creative and imaginative thinking even 15 years later during her CMO interview.

 

This Episode is Sponsored by Pathify

Meet Pathify —  an innovative higher ed engagement hub that puts students at the center of their college journey. Pathify sits at the center of your school’s digital ecosystem, becoming the single, user experience interface tying together all systems, content, and communications.Their engagement hub elevates the information that matters most and pushes systems like the SIS behind the scenes where they belong, making it simpler for students to discover and engage with the opportunities your institution provides at every step of their higher ed journey, from prospect to alumni. What’s even better, Pathify has a mobile experience that provides 100% parity with the responsive web app, so your campus app is always in sync. Pathify is a platform that EVERY stakeholder on campus  — from marketing, to admissions, to student affairs, to IT, etc., — can get equally excited about. Learn more about how Pathify is uniting strategic units across campus and bettering the entire student experience by visiting Pathify.com

 

About the Enrollify Podcast Network: 

Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network.  If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jeremy Tiers, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Jamie Gleason and many more. 

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 10: Ten Tactic Ideas to Boost Your Enrollment10 Oct 202300:26:31

For the show’s season finale, several higher ed pros share their yet-to-be-tried or yet-to-be-popular tactic ideas for YOU to try! From a different way to train campus tour guides to how to use your alumni as walking billboards, get inspired by these simple ideas with potentially big results.

 

This episode features these smart and resourceful folks from all over, with a combined 75 years of higher ed experience!

  • Loren Bass, Strategist at Campus Sonar
  • Simon Fairbanks, Head of Student Recruitment Events at University of Nottingham
  • Mickey Baines, Partner at Kennedy & Company
  • Ashley Budd, Director of Advancement Marketing at Cornell University
  • Jen Johnson, Executive Director, Client Partnership at Ologie

This podcast is brought to you by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform. Learn more about how Element451 can enhance student engagement, boost enrollment, reduce expenses, and increase staff productivity.

This Episode is Sponsored by Pathify

Meet Pathify —  an innovative higher ed engagement hub that puts students at the center of their college journey. Pathify sits at the center of your school’s digital ecosystem, becoming the single, user experience interface tying together all systems, content, and communications. Their engagement hub elevates the information that matters most and pushes systems like the SIS behind the scenes where they belong, making it simpler for students to discover and engage with the opportunities your institution provides at every step of their higher ed journey, from prospect to alumni. What’s even better, Pathify has a mobile experience that provides 100% parity with the responsive web app, so your campus app is always in sync. Pathify is a platform that EVERY stakeholder on campus  — from marketing, to admissions, to student affairs, to IT, etc., — can get equally excited about. Learn more about how Pathify is uniting strategic units across campus and bettering the entire student experience by visiting Pathify.com

 

About the Enrollify Podcast Network: 

Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network.  If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jeremy Tiers, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Jamie Gleason and many more. 

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 9: Amplifying your University’s Research Reputation with Reddit19 Sep 202300:24:29

Many research institutions have this same challenge: They want to be known for their research strengths but struggle to do this in a way that engages their non-academic audiences. Lucy Guest at the University of Warwick brings us a highly-effective, super low-resource tactic: share your academic research articles on Reddit. First, find the right community; second, post a recent, peer-reviewed article; third, watch the impressions, engagement (and upvotes!) roll in. This tactic not only gets you real interaction with your research, but can raise the academic profile of your university with prospective student audiences.

This podcast is brought to you by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform. Learn more about how Element451 can enhance student engagement, boost enrollment, reduce expenses, and increase staff productivity.

This Episode is Brought to You By Our Friends at Ologie

In higher education, it’s almost impossible to truly stand out. Ologie gets it. As a branding and marketing agency that focuses on education, they understand that what makes you authentic, is also what makes you distinct. 

Ologie offers award-winning creative, smart strategy, innovative thinking, and expert digital marketing. Most of all, they’ll help you connect with your audiences, bring your stakeholders together, and achieve the results that matter most to you.

Want to find out more about how you can build a compelling brand or campaign? Visit ologie.com.

 

About the Enrollify Podcast Network: 

Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network.  If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jeremy Tiers, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Jamie Gleason and many more. 

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 51: Reducing Payment Stress With More Human Emails13 May 202500:25:09

What if the key to supporting students with payments isn’t a new policy, but a new tone? In this episode of Talking Tactics, host Dayana Kibilds chats with Karen Sorrell, Senior Business Operations Manager at Carroll Community College, about how one simple change—revamping payment reminder emails—led to big results. By shifting the tone from transactional to supportive, Karen’s team boosted student outreach by 16%, resolved 95% of payment issues for those who responded, and dropped outstanding payments by 11%.

If you’ve ever sent an email that looked more like a warning label than a helping hand, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you communicate about the most stressful part of the enrollment journey: paying for college.

Guest Name: Karen Sorrell, Senior Business Operations Manager, Carroll Community College

Guest Social: www.linkedin.com/in/karen-sorrell-58745b33b

Guest Bio: Karen Sorrell is a seasoned business operations leader with 25 years of experience in financial management and human resources. She currently serves as Senior Business Operations Manager at Carroll Community College, where she leads strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency and service delivery. With a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Penn State University—focused on organizational communication and paired with a minor in Spanish—and an MBA in Organizational Leadership, Karen brings a well-rounded, people-centered approach to institutional operations and change management.

Grounded in both communications and lean management principles, Karen is known for her ability to foster strong organizational cultures through clear, empathetic, and intercultural communication. She is especially passionate about supporting students as they navigate complex financial processes, ensuring they feel heard and empowered. Her work combines data-driven decision-making with a collaborative mindset, enabling her to lead successful transformation efforts even in traditionally change-resistant environments.


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Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 8: Scale Down Your Viewbook for Bigger Impact05 Sep 202300:31:39

Less is more. A whole lot more. The University of Nottingham launched the world’s first micro-prospectus (aka mini-viewbook) last year. It may be tiny, but it is making a huge impact. It has allowed the university to reduce the time and complexities to produce this piece, create print pieces that better serve internal audiences and partners, deliver on the sustainability ambitions of their university, and reduce costs by 96%. Best of all, they have earned the praise of prospects, parents, and peers for their sustainable and innovative creation. 

Check out the University of Nottingham’s 2023 micro-prospectus here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QHErnx36dI

This podcast is brought to you by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform. Learn more about how Element451 can enhance student engagement, boost enrollment, reduce expenses, and increase staff productivity.

This Episode is Brought to You By Our Friends at Ologie

In higher education, it’s almost impossible to truly stand out. Ologie gets it. As a branding and marketing agency that focuses on education, they understand that what makes you authentic, is also what makes you distinct. 

Ologie offers award-winning creative, smart strategy, innovative thinking, and expert digital marketing. Most of all, they’ll help you connect with your audiences, bring your stakeholders together, and achieve the results that matter most to you.

Want to find out more about how you can build a compelling brand or campaign? Visit ologie.com.

 

About the Enrollify Podcast Network: 

Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network.  If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jeremy Tiers, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Jamie Gleason and many more. 

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 7: Attracting Law Students on Reddit22 Aug 202300:27:16

Ali Abel, senior manager of marketing and communications at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law, saw a critical gap that needed to be filled: the online forum prospective law students had been using was moving to Reddit. She created an account for the law school and started answering questions and (softly) promoting events. With ramping up activity to 15 posts and 69 comments, 15% of the law school’s 130 incoming students in 2022 reported finding the school through Reddit.

This podcast is brought to you by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform. Learn more about how Element451 can enhance student engagement, boost enrollment, reduce expenses, and increase staff productivity.

This Episode is Brought to You By Our Friends at Ologie

In higher education, it’s almost impossible to truly stand out. Ologie gets it. As a branding and marketing agency that focuses on education, they understand that what makes you authentic, is also what makes you distinct. 

Ologie offers award-winning creative, smart strategy, innovative thinking, and expert digital marketing. Most of all, they’ll help you connect with your audiences, bring your stakeholders together, and achieve the results that matter most to you.

Want to find out more about how you can build a compelling brand or campaign? Visit ologie.com.

 

About the Enrollify Podcast Network: 

Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network.  If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jeremy Tiers, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Jamie Gleason and many more. 

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 6: Increase Your Webinar ROI With Prize Draws08 Aug 202300:19:00

Carrie Chambers, Director of Digital Strategy & Student Engagement at Butler University, shows us how to turn up engagement and conversions in online webinars using prize draws. Inspired by the popularity of Pearl Parties in the early pandemic days, she came up with an idea to host short info sessions, no slides, with prize draws every 4-5 minutes. The results are incredible: much more qualified leads and over four times more applications (and much lower investment in paid social!).

 

This Episode is Brought to You By Our Friends at Ologie

In higher education, it’s almost impossible to truly stand out. Ologie gets it. As a branding and marketing agency that focuses on education, they understand that what makes you authentic, is also what makes you distinct. 

Ologie offers award-winning creative, smart strategy, innovative thinking, and expert digital marketing. Most of all, they’ll help you connect with your audiences, bring your stakeholders together, and achieve the results that matter most to you.

Want to find out more about how you can build a compelling brand or campaign? Visit ologie.com.

 

About the Enrollify Podcast Network: 

Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network.  If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jeremy Tiers, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Jamie Gleason and many more. 

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 5: Grow Your Followers With Student Stories25 Jul 202300:24:14

Gustavo Segui combined two foundational principles: 1) What systems are already in place that we could leverage? and 2) How do we make students the protagonists of their own stories? Find out how he accomplished both and as a result, tripled the International School of Curitiba’s followers and reach on Instagram simply by featuring students in their proudest moments.

This podcast is brought to you by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform. Learn more about how Element451 can enhance student engagement, boost enrollment, reduce expenses, and increase staff productivity.

This episode is brought to you by our friends at DD Agency:

DD Agency is a higher ed-specific marketing technology agency that has conducted countless SEO Audits for colleges and universities across the country. 

In these audits, they detail where you currently rank, what you could be ranking for, exactly how copy should be tweaked on website pages, and much more. 

If this sounds like something you could benefit from, give those folks a ping and be sure to mention that Enrollify sent you to claim a 10% discount on any of their SEO offerings. 

Head on over to enrollify.org/ddaseo, or simply follow the link in the show notes below…that will guarantee you get a 10% discount off of your audit. 

 

About the Enrollify Podcast Network: 

The Application is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network.  If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jeremy Tiers, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Jamie Gleason and many more. 

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ 

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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