By Chris Rapozo
Welcome to Education Marketing Leader with Chris Rapozo, a podcast created to spotlight education marketing leaders, tell their stories and share their knowledge with those interested in things rel
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The podcast currently has 92 episodes available.
Marketing Non-JD Law Programs: Lessons from Wake Forest University School of Law
In the latest podcast episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I spoke with Tara Ebrahimi, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications at Wake Forest University School of Law.
We covered how to market niche, non-JD programs effectively.
Here are the key takeaways for higher-ed law school marketers:
1️⃣ Quick and Clear Messaging is Essential
Tara emphasized that explaining the program's benefits in a few seconds is crucial for grabbing attention.
2️⃣ Different Programs, Different Strategies
MSL: Wake Forest uses a multi-pronged approach—digital marketing, B2B outreach, regional ads, and social media campaigns. The focus is on highlighting why someone needs this degree and why Wake Forest is the best choice.
LLM: For international students, her team relies heavily on partnerships with alumni networks. This builds credibility in markets where Wake Forest isn't as well-known.
3️⃣ Leverage Alumni Networks
Alumni success stories are a key component of marketing both programs. Wake Forest recently launched a LinkedIn group for LLM alumni, turning them into ambassadors and tapping into organic word-of-mouth marketing.
4️⃣ Prioritize the Right Metrics
Conversion rates (both RFIs and applications) are the main success metric. Tara also uses engagement data, like click-through rates, to assess what's working and where to make adjustments.
Connect Tara on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.
For more on Wake Forest's law programs, visit its website.
This episode is packed with actionable insights for marketing niche academic programs.
Don't miss it.
Until next time. ✌
#HigherEdMarketing #LawSchoolMarketing
Higher education websites are complex.
Outdated content mixed with new information makes it hard for visitors to find what they need.
In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, Sara Kelzer of Cludo shares how optimized site search can simplify this and help universities improve user experience.
Here are the highlights:
🚩 Challenges in Higher Ed Websites
Universities face hurdles like decentralized content management and complex structures.
Sara explains how this creates friction for visitors trying to find key information, especially students seeking details on tuition, programs, and more.
💡 Why Optimized Site Search Matters
Cludo's search tools help reduce friction, making it easier for users to find relevant content.
By prioritizing data-driven decisions, institutions can manage their site more effectively, reducing internal politics about what content should rank higher.
🔍 Leveraging Search Analytics
Key metrics like ineffective searches and zero-result searches help universities spot gaps in their content.
Sara shared how one institution used this data to redirect users to another college for a discontinued program, showing the power of smart search.
📱 Mobile Search Optimization
With 20-40% of searches happening on mobile, Sara emphasizes keeping filters simple and ensuring relevant content appears quickly on mobile devices.
🎓 Engaging Alumni
Site search isn't just for students—it can also boost alumni engagement.
Cludo allows cross-campus searches, helping alumni find relevant events or news that strengthen affinity with the institution.
💡 Key Takeaways:
🔥 Actionable Tip:
Check your site search analytics today. Are visitors finding what they need?
Connect with Sara on LinkedIn to learn how Cludo can improve your site search.
Don't forget to follow the Education Marketing Leader podcast, share the episode, or leave a review of the show.
Until next time. ✌️
In this episode of Education Marketing Leader podcast, I interviewed Sherika Attipoe, Assistant Director of Public Relations and Digital Media at Calhoun Community College. Sherika shared insightful strategies on how the college has successfully used personalized digital advertising to boost enrollment.
Calhoun is a leading community college in Alabama.
Sherika explains how the institution's focus on personalization and targeted campaigns helps it stand out in a competitive higher education market.
She dove deep into the tactics and tools that work best for Calhoun's diverse audiences.
She highlighted how the college's partnerships, accelerated programs, and workforce development initiatives have become key selling points for prospective students.
Whether you're a marketing professional in higher education or simply interested in the power of digital ads in attracting your audience, this episode is packed with actionable insights and proven strategies that you can apply to your own campaigns.
Key Topics Covered:
[5:15] The unique partnership with Athens State University and how it enhances the student experience.
[10:20] How personalized digital ads and accelerated programs drive enrollment.
[18:00] Platforms that work best for Calhoun's digital ads: Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.
[22:35] The power of personalization in marketing and how Calhoun uses student success stories in their ads.
[38:00] Advice for small marketing teams on enhancing their digital strategies.
"It's not just about advertising a program; it's about showing potential students that they belong here, that they can see themselves succeeding at Calhoun." – Sherika Attipoe
Connect with Sherika: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherikaattipoe/
Resources Mentioned: Calhoun Community College: https://calhoun.edu/
Athens State University Partnership: https://calhoun.edu/calhoun-and-athens-state-sign-new-learning-assessment-mou-to-enhance-educational-pathways/
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Stay updated with the latest episodes of Education Marketing Leader by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform.
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with your network!
How do you use digital ads in your marketing strategy?
Share your thoughts with Sherika and me on LinkedIn!
In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader, I interviewed Dustin Ramsdell, Client Success Manager at Direct Development and host of The Higher Ed Geek Podcast.
We dove into the evolving landscape of Online Program Management (OPM) services and what universities need to know as the sector faces growing challenges.
𝓚𝓮𝔂 𝓗𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼:
𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝
Universities are shifting away from the traditional OPM model due to rising costs and diminishing returns. The recent bankruptcy filing by 2U, a leading OPM, signals a broader trend where institutions are reconsidering long-term, revenue-sharing contracts.
𝐄𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐟 & 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬
Many institutions are opting to develop and manage their own online programs, avoiding the hefty fees OPMs require.
As Dustin points out, while building in-house capabilities is more resource-intensive upfront, it offers institutions full control over their programs and branding.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐞𝐞-𝐟𝐨𝐫-𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞
The new model gaining traction? Online Program Enablers (OPEs).
Instead of long-term partnerships, universities are moving toward short-term, fee-for-service agreements to meet specific needs, like video production or instructional design, without sacrificing control or profitability.
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐭𝐚'𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞
In a significant policy shift, Minnesota became the first state to ban OPM partnerships with public institutions, setting a precedent that could influence future federal regulations.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭?
Dustin believes the future of OPMs lies in a more flexible, service-based approach. Universities can use external partners strategically to scale operations without being tied to costly revenue-sharing contracts.
𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡
🔹 Cost of acquiring students
🔹 Program scalability
🔹 Quality control in in-house programs
🎙 Tune in for more insights on how higher-ed institutions are navigating the digital shift and what it means for the future of online learning.
Connect with Dustin on LinkedIn or check out The Higher Ed Geek Podcast for more discussions on the future of higher education.
Until next time. ✌
#HigherEducation #EducationMarketing #OPM #DigitalEducation #EnrollmentStrategies #MarketingInHigherEd
In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I sat down with Dr. Tim Collins, President of Walsh University, to explore the vital role university presidents play in shaping and executing effective marketing strategies.
Dr. Tim Collins is the President of Walsh University, with a distinguished background in the United States Air Force and a career dedicated to education and leadership.
His innovative approach to university marketing has made him a prominent figure in higher education, known for his commitment to developing leaders of character.
Whether you're a higher-ed marketer or a university leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights on leveraging leadership in marketing.
𝕂𝕖𝕪 𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕒𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤:
𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Dr. Collins views marketing as a crucial leadership tool, essential for aligning university values with public perception.
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐲: Authenticity in communication builds trust and credibility. Dr. Collins uses videos and public messages to consistently reinforce Walsh University's values.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Effective leadership requires time for reflection and strategic preparation. Give leaders time to reflect and craft messages that resonate.
𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: Communicating institutional values in a culturally sensitive environment is one of the biggest challenges in higher education today.
𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Dr. Collins encourages higher-ed marketers to involve their presidents in marketing efforts, starting with small, actionable steps.
𝚁𝚎𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚌𝚎𝚜 𝙼𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍: 📹 Walsh University YouTube Channel – Watch Dr. Collins' videos to see how he integrates leadership into marketing. 🖥 Walsh University Website – Learn more about the university and its programs.
🤝 Connect with Dr. Collins on LinkedIn – Follow Dr. Collins for more insights on leadership and higher education. Don't miss out on future episodes.
Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform.
Reach out to Dr. Collins on LinkedIn or visit Walsh University's website to learn more about his work.
Enjoying the show?
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the podcast.
Stay updated on all things higher-ed marketing by following the Education Marketing Leader podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube.
Until next time. ✌
In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast, I spoke with Drake DelosSantos, Public Relations Manager at Midlands Technical College, about a topic we can all get behind:
The value of internships for our students.
Drake made it clear—internships aren’t just a nice-to-have; they’re essential.
For students, internships offer a taste of the real world, helping them figure out if their chosen field is truly the right fit.
Drake’s internship experience was pivotal, guiding him from internal communications to a career in external media and community relations.
This is where students can really find their footing.
In higher-ed marketing, we know the importance of connections.
But are we teaching our students the same?
Drake’s mentor played a crucial role in his career, even helping him land his current job.
Internships allow students to build a network that can open doors long after graduation.
At Midlands Tech, they’re not just filling internship spots—they’re creating opportunities that elevate the college’s brand.
Drake highlighted a unique project where students send research to the International Space Station, a major PR victory that showcases the real-world impact of the college’s programs.
Drake shared some success stories, like the former intern who’s now Midlands Tech’s Digital Coordinator.
Her work in social media has significantly boosted the college’s presence.
We should aim to highlight these outcomes in our comms strategies—showcasing how internships lead directly to successful careers.
For those in higher-ed marketing, promoting internships isn’t just about filling a requirement—it’s about setting students up for success.
Internships give students the experience, skills, and connections they need to thrive in their careers, and they also provide our institutions with incredible stories to tell.
Want to connect with Drake and hear more?
He’s on LinkedIn: Drake DelosSantos.
Until next time✌️
#HigherEdMarketing #StudentSuccess #Internships #PR
College and university leaders increasingly consider mergers and acquisitions to address financial, demographic, and operational pressures.
But what happens when the dust settles and it's time to merge not just the institutions but their digital identities?
When Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania faced the challenge of consolidating three distinct universities—Bloomsburg, Lockhaven, and Mansfield—into one cohesive entity, unifying their websites was monumental.
My latest guest on the Education Marketing Leader podcast, Jacob Eiden, the university's former Web Content Specialist, helped spearhead this complex digital overhaul.
Key Insights from the episode:
𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬
Each campus operated on different content management systems (CMS). The solution? Migrate everything to a unified CMS, ensuring a seamless user experience across all campuses.
𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲
Despite the merger, each campus's individual identities were preserved. From mascots to campus colors, students and alumni still see the essence of their original institutions reflected in the new digital space.
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬
Jacob's team prioritized essential content, conducting rigorous audits to ensure only relevant and updated information made it to the new site.
𝐒𝐄𝐎 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
Redirects were meticulously planned, ensuring users searching for legacy URLs were seamlessly guided to the new content.
𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞
A university realignment required adjusting strategies mid-project, showcasing the importance of being nimble and responsive.
Jacob's story underscores the importance of adaptability, meticulous planning, and stakeholder communication in large-scale digital projects.
His advice for institutions facing similar challenges?
Engage stakeholders early, be transparent about changes, and always stay flexible.
💡 Are you facing a website consolidation at your institution? Connect with Jacob Eiden on LinkedIn to leverage his expertise.
He's currently #openforwork.
Listen to the full episode for more insights and strategies from Jacob Eiden.
Don't miss out on the valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complexities of higher education digital transformation.
Until next time. 🎙️
#HigherEd #WebDevelopment #DigitalTransformation #ContentStrategy #SEO #StakeholderEngagement #ChangeManagement
In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jonathan Fonseca, Digital Marketing Specialist at Cape Cod Community College.
Jonathan's journey from the fast-paced world of television news to finding his passion in community colleges is a testament to the power of following your true calling.
Jonathan's career took a transformative turn when he moved from reporting and editing in television news to a role in digital marketing at Cape Cod Community College.
Here, he discovered the unique impact he could make by telling authentic stories that resonate with prospective students.
At Cape Cod Community College, Jonathan is deeply committed to a student-first approach on social media, particularly on Instagram, where the focus is on sharing real, unpolished experiences that offer a genuine glimpse into campus life.
For Jonathan, the key to managing the many hats he wears—from social media to video production and digital advertising—lies in staying organized and prioritizing authenticity over perfection.
He's a strong advocate for using tools like Notion to streamline his workflow, allowing him to keep everything in-house and maintain a consistent, authentic voice across all platforms.
One of Jonathan's most powerful insights was his perspective on the evolving nature of social media in higher education marketing.
He emphasized that today's audiences crave authenticity over polished, generic content.
"If you're posting graphics on your social media, stop. People want faces; they want authenticity," Jonathan advised, highlighting the shift toward more relatable, human-centered content.
Jonathan's story is inspiring and practical for higher-ed marketers looking to make a real impact.
His journey underscores the importance of staying true to authenticity and connection, especially in a digital landscape increasingly driven by real, relatable content.
If you're eager to elevate your digital marketing efforts with these principles, don't miss this insightful episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast.
Until next time. ✌️
#marketing #highereducation #higheredmarketing #socialmedia #communitycollege
In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I spoke with Ardis Kadiu, Founder and CEO of Element451, to debunk 10 common myths about AI in higher education marketing.
Ardis Kadiu is a leading expert in AI for higher education. Element451, his AI-first student engagement platform and CRM, enhances the student journey from initial contact to graduation.
His insights are invaluable for higher education marketing professionals. Ardis addressed the following myths in during the episode:
Myth 1: AI Will Replace
Our Jobs Ardis clarified that AI augments human capabilities, handling mundane tasks and allowing marketers to focus on strategic work.
Myth 2: AI is Only for Tech Experts
AI technology is highly accessible, with English as the primary "programming language" thanks to conversational interfaces.
Myth 3: AI Tools Are Too Expensive
Many advanced AI tools are free or low-cost, providing significant value to institutions of all sizes.
Myth 4: AI Can't Understand Human Emotions
Generative AI models can recognize and respond empathetically to nuanced human emotions, enhancing student interactions.
Myth 5: AI is a One-Size-Fits-All Solution
AI tools can be customized to meet specific institutional needs, making them versatile and adaptable.
To get answers to the following five myths, you'll have to listen in.
Number 8 is a game-changer!
Myth 6: Implementing AI is Too Complex and Time-Consuming
Myth 7: AI Lacks Creativity
Myth 8: AI Poses Significant Privacy Risks
Myth 9: AI Detectors Can Always Identify AI-Generated Content
Myth 10: AI Changes Too Quickly to Keep Up
To learn more about AI in higher education marketing, connect with Ardis on LinkedIn.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/
Check out his Generation AI podcast on the Enrollify Network and follow Element451.
https://www.enrollify.org/podcasts/generation-ai-podcast
This episode is packed with practical insights and debunks many myths surrounding AI in higher education marketing.
Take advantage of this valuable discussion! Until next time. ✌️
In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I spoke with Dan Baum, Executive Director of Strategic Communications at Anne Arundel Community College.
Dan shares his extensive experience in education marketing, the importance of building healthy and high-performing teams, and how to prepare the next generation of higher education marketing leaders.
Dan has been with Anne Arundel Community College for 13 years, bringing a wealth of experience from his background in education marketing.
Before joining AACC, Dan ran two education-focused non-profits.
He is a certified life coach and hosts the podcast "Redefine U."
Key Points Discussed:
Notable Quotes:
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Dan Baum:
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your network.
For more insights on education marketing, follow Chris Rapozo on LinkedIn.
Until next time! ✌️
The podcast currently has 92 episodes available.