The enrollment cliff is real, and it will be here before you know it. If small and medium-sized higher ed institutions want to survive this drastic dropoff in traditional-aged college students, marketing teams will need to prove their brands’ value. For the introductory episode in our weekly review series of Bart Caylor’s book, Chasing Mission Fit, we’re joined by Chris Rapozo, Marketing Specialist at Hannon Hill. Chris helps unpack the book’s first chapter, which focuses on the enrollment...

Higher education has been known for its slower pace of adoption and for often resisting change. With approaching headwinds, including the enrollment cliff, disruption of generative AI, the negative public perception of higher ed, and competition with outside players (Google, Amazon, etc.), it is more critical than ever to lean into the mission-fit marketing.    That’s why many institutions are turning to partners like Ologie, a higher ed branding agency that helps schools by leveraging their...

Personalized AI chatbots used to be a muse for science fiction writers. But with the rapid rise of these sophisticated AI tools, the possibilities for how these bots can augment the prospective student journey seem endless. You can certainly hear the enthusiasm in the voice of Ardis Kadiu, the founder and CEO of Element451, as he talks about the capabilities of these futuristic assistants. Ardis shares how he and his team are incorporating AI chatbots into their product offerings and how...

It’s time for schools to embrace the big, audacious goals and put together a strategy to accomplish them.  That’s what the University of Kentucky did. They’re implementing programs that will advance student success at their institution.  It’s never too late to go for the challenge. We’re talking to Kirsten Turner, the Vice President of Student Success at the University of Kentucky. Through partnering with Fidelity, UK is empowering their students to develop early financial literacy. In this...

Teaching critical thinking is the first step to media literacy in the digital age. With varying perspectives, social channels, media outlets, and technological advancements knocking at our door every day, we have to remember the bigger picture. Being able to have challenging conversations with people with opposing views and critically analyze information allows us to grow as marketers. Joining our crucial conversation are Chris Davey and Bart Verhulst. Chris and Bart share findings from their...

When was the last time you were at a college fair and students immediately walked away after seeing your price tag? It’s time to be transparent, intentional, and communicative about available resources. We’re challenging misconceptions and unlocking the value and opportunity of higher ed. Getting the ball rolling is Ken Sigler, the Director of Enrollment Management at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. Ken claims he’s “never really left college” as he’s seen higher ed from all sides. In this...

Higher Ed marketing is not one size fits all. Each institution is unique and can’t be all things for all people. Finding what consistently works for your brand and sticking to it is crucial to brand growth. The first steps towards success are removing personal bias, having a goal, and understanding that it requires investment. Jay Rathell, Senior Media Buyer for Yamaro83, gets our conversation started on digital literacy and discovering what marketing strategies work for your institution. In...

It’s hard to ask for help.  Putting pride aside and leaning on others to enhance your knowledge is nothing to be ashamed of in the realm of higher education. Collaboration, shaking things up, and attempting different strategies can create waves and allow you to think differently. With over 35 years of experience in higher ed marketing, Bart Caylor, the Founder of Caylor Solutions, is launching his new book, Chasing Mission Fit. Bart is passionate about helping schools succeed, so he’s eager...

The admissions process can get stuck in an endless loop of application deadlines, essays, and transcripts. By investing in “radical hospitality” and focusing on relationship-building with students, admissions teams can discover the clearest path possible. Acting intentionally to show students they matter is key to unlocking their true career path. Hopping on the podcast today is John McGreal, the Dean of Enrollment at Waukesha County Technical College. John knows the marathon of the...

Customer service often takes a back seat in the process of higher ed recruitment.  Every interaction with a prospective student is crucial to how they view your institution. This means staying up-to-date, trying new tactics, and being intentional about your customer service philosophy. Above all else, consistency is key to maintaining mindful and constructive interactions.  Getting our conversation started is Brett DiMarzo, the Director of Graduate Enrollment Digital Strategy at Boston...

Are you utilizing all the tools in your toolbox? Thinking bigger, more interactive, and focusing on fueling engagement is within reach. By learning with AI, your college or university’s fundraising campaigns can be crafted and completed much faster and even at the click of a button.  We get the AI ball rolling with Josh Kligman, the Co-founder and CEO of Storyraise. Josh is a big proponent of speeding up the processes so things can be more creative and effective for you! In this episode, we...

Making higher education accessible to all is big as we approach the enrollment cliff. Identifying the needs of all prospective students and really asking the ‘why’ makes Gen Z feel seen and heard. It’s time to tailor your marketing strategy to meet the needs of the next generation. We’re getting the conversation started with Spenser Smith , the Director of Admissions for Graduate Business Programs at Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In this...

Telling the authentic transformative stories of students and staff on your campus helps foster real emotional connections. Without forming a genuine connection with your prospective students, they may see right through you. Stories are everything – it’s time to show the impact your university has had on those in your community. Documentary storyteller Ryan Koral, the Founder of Enroll Films, gets our conversation started on the importance of letting your students tell their...

Different generations are beginning to have an increase in educational influence. Having a marketing strategy that can adapt but be intentional when helping non-traditional students is key. With information expected to be accessible at the click of a button, how can your institution firmly support these prospective learners with potentially limited marketing resources? Brad Entwistle, Founding Partner at imageseven takes us down under with a unique Australian perspective. Drawing...

The higher education experience is changing. With attention spans shifting and life getting in the way, institutions need to adapt. Now more than ever, learning needs to be functional for the nontraditional student. Getting the conversation started is Troy Brown, the VP and Director of Recruitment and Enrollment at the University of West Los Angeles. As the new Dean of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Transformation (DIET), Troy wants to make sure every student's voice is heard. In...

Welcome to the Gold Rush era of artificial intelligence. AI is integrating more and more into the world of higher education and everyone is hoping for their morsel of success.   It’s crucial now more than ever to begin educating yourself on the world of AI. Push off your studying and you may be left in the dust. This unique episode brings two guests, Andrew Cassel and Brian Piper, for an AI roundtable discussion to inform, inspire, and get you thinking about the potential of AI...

If someone asked you to define your institution’s “Why,” could you? When was the last time you really looked through your brand guide to ensure you were sticking to the mission? Are all your ducks really in a row? DJ Menifee, Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing, Communications and Retention at Bradley University, joined us to talk about why schools need to assess their assets. DJ, an avid sneakerhead, knows the importance of grounding the “Why” to progress your institution's...

There are always opportunities to learn in the higher ed marketing space. But there are also opportunities to teach. Higher education tends to move slowly, and with everything around us evolving quickly, we need to approach change as a team. We’re digging deep into collaborative change with Susan Kassab, Vice President of Enrollment at Monmouth College. One-on-one conversations and mutual understanding are at the forefront of Susan’s roadmap to administrative success. In this episode,...

As the saying goes, “Change is a part of life.” The same can be said for higher ed online classroom resources. How can schools meet the needs of students in the ever-advancing remote learning space? It’s time for colleges and universities to work for students. That’s why we’re talking to Sarah McMaster, Executive Director of Marketing & Enrollment Management at Champlain College Online . With a passion for advancing online education, Sarah transforms the student experience to meet...

Is your college or university's content engine struggling to chug down the track? Do you often find yourself scrambling to find where your next piece of marketable content will come from? It’s time to utilize what's right in front of you. That’s why we’re talking to John Azoni, Owner and Executive Producer at Unveild.tv John is big on getting on the ground with students and finding stories to build a content repertoire. In this episode, we talk about the importance of diversifying...

Step right up as we unpack the U.S World News College & University Rankings. There’s methodology, there’s branding, but how does it all work together, and what other factors affect your school’s ranking? We’re talking to Adam Stoltz, Director of Enrollment Marketing at the University of Idaho. Adam wrote his dissertation on the U.S News and World Report’s Rankings subject, expanding on its history and relevancy. In this episode, we break down the mechanics and mysteries of college...

Higher education is not one size fits all. Markers need to wade into the data and demographics and focus on creating an intentional message for their target audience. That’s why we’re talking to Shane Baglini, Senior Director of Marketing Recruitment at Muhlenberg College. A dynamic higher ed marketer, Shane has a passion for authentic storytelling. In this episode, we delve into the importance of differentiating your marketing strategy to fit your target audience personas. Join us as...

Authenticity has taken a front seat in higher ed marketing. Branding your institution authentically is a big key to success, and it starts with improving the employee experience. That’s why we’re talking to Eddie Francis, Founder of Edify Ventures. With a diverse experience in various industries, Eddie holds firm that being valued matters. In this episode, we dive into the mechanics of employee value and authentic culture. Join us as we discuss: - The importance of employee...

Marketing in Higher Education is evolving more rapidly than ever. If we sit around and watch the innovations fly by, we might be out of the game before we know it. It’s key to ensure that when the right piece of marketing is available to your university, you seize it. That’s why we’re talking to Tony Fraga, Marketing Strategist & CEO at Direct Development. He’s all about implementing strategic game plans to see your institution thrive against the competition. In this episode, we...

Batter up! With the 2023 World Series just around the corner, we’re celebrating an all-star roster of The Higher Ed Marketer interviews. From CMOs to school presidents, we’ve had the privilege to talk to some of the most brilliant minds in higher education. And the best part? Each of this episode’s guests will be at the upcoming 2023 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education in Chicago, Illinois! You won’t want to miss this special lineup of talented men and women who can help...