Host Brian Piper sits down with Dave Hunt, Executive Creative Director of Strategic Enrollment Management at Old Dominion University (ODU), to explore how AI is revolutionizing marketing, admissions, and advising. From AI-powered project management tools to the creation of custom GPTs, Dave shares how his team is integrating AI into daily workflows, saving time, and enhancing efficiency. They also discuss AI adoption trends in higher education, challenges institutions face, and what the future holds for AI-driven marketing and operations.

Episode prompt:

You are a higher education social media expert.

I’m going to ask you to come up with post ideas for the month for [insert platform of choice here] targeting [insert target audience here]. Generate at least 20 post ideas for the month. Make them timely, valuable, and relevant to our target audience.

Use the attached brand guidelines [or provide an online link], important dates and events, personas, key messages, and strategic priorities [use whatever examples, information, and resources you have that are relevant]. Look at the existing posts at [insert your social channel page URL] to better understand our brand voice for the channel.

Generate the posts, please. Take your time.

• AI is already deeply embedded in marketing workflows – From design tools like Adobe Creative Suite to AI-powered project management in monday.com, automation is streamlining repetitive tasks.
• Custom GPTs are a game-changer for enrollment marketing – ODU’s brand-specific AI assistant helps with content creation, strategic planning, and even leadership tasks like performance management.
• Higher education is still in the early stages of AI adoption – While some institutions embrace AI, many face challenges due to procurement policies, IT concerns, and change resistance.
• AI can enhance—not replace—human roles – By automating routine tasks, AI frees up time for more strategic and human-centered work, such as personalization in student engagement.
• The future of AI in higher ed includes AI agents and deeper integration – AI-powered assistants could soon help manage workflows, track strategic goals, and provide real-time insights.

At ODU, Dave Hunt and his team are leveraging AI to automate time-consuming tasks across marketing, admissions, and advising. AI-powered design tools like Photoshop and Canva are eliminating hours of manual work by enabling quick background removal and content generation. Similarly, AI features in monday.com help streamline project management by automating task creation for large-scale initiatives.

The adoption of AI isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about freeing up time for more strategic work. As Dave points out, tools like generative AI allow designers and marketers to shift their focus from production work to more creative and high-impact projects. This shift is essential in an era where personalization and responsiveness are key to engaging students.

One of the most impactful AI innovations at ODU has been the development of a brand-specific GPT. By integrating ODU’s brand voice, messaging, and strategic priorities, this AI-powered assistant helps with everything from ad copy creation to leadership tasks like planning team retreats and setting performance goals.

Dave explains that this custom GPT acts as a thought partner, offering insights and recommendations that align with ODU’s mission. Whether it’s brainstorming personalized marketing campaigns or structuring professional development plans, AI ensures that marketing efforts remain consistent and strategic.

While AI adoption is growing in higher ed, it’s not without challenges. Many institutions struggle with procurement hurdles, IT security concerns, and skepticism from staff who are hesitant to change long-standing workflows. However, Dave emphasizes that the key to successful AI integration is demonstrating its immediate value—starting with simple tools that save time and reduce manual work.

At conferences, Dave and his peers have observed a wide spectrum of AI adoption levels. While some institutions are actively using AI for advanced marketing strategies, others are still in the early exploration phase. He predicts that AI-powered assistants and automation tools will soon become a standard part of the higher ed marketing tech stack, helping institutions personalize outreach and scale their engagement efforts.

Looking ahead, Dave sees AI evolving in several key ways:

• AI Agents Will Become More Powerful – With advancements in AI, institutions will likely see more AI-powered virtual assistants managing workflows, analyzing data, and providing actionable insights.
• More Seamless Integration Across Platforms – AI will become a built-in feature across marketing, admissions, and advising platforms, further streamlining processes.
• Greater Focus on Strategic and Creative Work – As AI handles routine tasks, marketers will have more time to focus on storytelling, relationship-building, and high-level strategy.

For those just starting to explore AI in higher ed marketing, Dave’s advice is simple: start small, focus on time-saving tools, and remain open to experimentation.

Guest Name: Dave Hunt, Executive Creative Director, Old Dominion University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-hunt-a343048/

Guest Bio: Dave Hunt is a creative strategist with deep expertise in branding, design, writing, editing, marketing plan development, audio/video, print production, art direction and project management. He is currently the executive creative director for Old Dominion University’s Division of Digital Transformation and Technology. In his role, he oversees a team responsible for the creative expression of the ODUGlobal brand, as well as graphic design, content strategy, social media and digital marketing in support of student recruitment. Prior to his current role, he was the director of strategic digital marketing for Miami Online at Miami University, graphic design manager and art director for the Wake Forest School of Business, and director of communications for the Virginia Tech Alumni Association. A first-generation college graduate, Dave holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register