Related links:

Digital Community Cohort

Student Affairs Marketing and Communications survey

Marcomm Barbie Slack Group

‍In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager, Jenny Li Fowler chats with Josie Ahlquist, a trailblazer in the higher education community. Josie shares her inspiring journey into higher ed, shaped by her family’s roots, her passion for student engagement, and her knack for empowering institutions to foster authentic online communities. The conversation dives deep into the dynamics between student affairs and central communications, exploring ways to bridge gaps, build relationships, and create meaningful student connections.

• Relationship-building is key: Building partnerships between central comms and student affairs starts with authentic, non-work-related connections.
• Empower "make-em-up marketers": Many student affairs staff juggle multiple roles; training and shared resources can significantly enhance their effectiveness.
• Understand student development: To communicate effectively, know where students are emotionally, socially, and developmentally.
• Ask students directly: Whether through feedback or collaboration, student voices are a powerful tool for shaping impactful communication strategies.
• Centralize resources without alienating teams: Hybrid models and shared resources can improve collaboration and strategy without overstepping boundaries.

Josie Ahlquist credits her family’s legacy for inspiring her deep passion for education. Her grandparents, who valued education despite their working-class cowboy roots, instilled in her the idea that knowledge is invaluable. Her first steps on a college campus felt like home, sparking a career in higher education that has never wavered.

Student affairs teams often operate with limited resources and little formal training in marketing and communications. As Josie puts it, many are "make-em-up marketers," learning on the job and finding creative ways to manage their responsibilities. This DIY approach, while admirable, can lead to inefficiencies and misalignments with broader institutional branding.

Additionally, Josie points out that social media has "grown up," making it more challenging for student affairs to stay strategic without dedicated support. From inconsistent messaging to a lack of positional structures, the divide between student affairs and central comms often hinders collaboration.

Josie emphasizes the importance of relationship-building—starting with something as simple as coffee chats or happy hours to break down silos. Central comms teams should avoid diving in with audits or policies right away. Instead, build trust by getting to know the people behind the accounts and finding ways to support their work without micromanaging.

She also suggests hybrid models that pool resources, ensuring that student affairs teams have access to central comms expertise while maintaining the unique connections they have with students.

Josie highlights the importance of understanding student development theory—an often overlooked area in higher ed communications. Knowing where students are emotionally, socially, and developmentally can inform messaging strategies and ensure communications truly resonate.

Student affairs teams, with their direct student contact, can be a treasure trove of insights. Josie suggests collaborating with these teams to collect feedback, co-create campaigns, and feature diverse student voices in marketing efforts.

Josie encourages institutions to consistently ask students for feedback, even if the answers are raw and unfiltered. She also stresses the importance of crafting messages that are valuable and relevant to students. It’s not about the channel—it’s about the content. If the messaging matters, students will engage, no matter where it’s shared.‍

1. Map the structure: Identify who is responsible for communications across various student affairs offices.
2. Start small: Begin with informal meetings or organic conversations before implementing larger initiatives.
3. Create shared spaces: Platforms like Slack or Discord can foster collaboration without requiring rigid committees.
4. Lead with empathy: Recognize that many in student affairs are juggling marketing as one of many responsibilities. Approach with support rather than critique.
5. Partner for progress: Collaborate on building centralized resources and strategies while respecting the autonomy of student affairs teams.

As someone who literally puts her face and name on her brand, Josie admits she has struggled with imposter syndrome and perfectionism in her journey. Hiring a team member to help her stay consistent with her content allowed her to overcome the internal battles that often held her back. Her mission today is to empower leaders and institutions to tell authentic stories, even when self-doubt gets in the way.

Guest Name: Josie Ahlquist, Digital Engagement and Leadership Consultant, Keynote Speaker and Executive Coach

Guest Social: 
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Guest Bio: Josie Ahlquist empowers leaders, organizations, and students to embrace purposeful digital leadership through her dynamic speaking engagements, personalized coaching, and expert consulting services. Her approach is deeply rooted in her grant-funded and award-winning research, which has equipped her to train thousands worldwide, consult for various institutions and corporations, and coach executives on effective and personalized digital strategies.

In 2023, Josie was honored as a NASPA Pillar of the Profession, recognizing her as a distinguished figure in student affairs. She has also been a three-time LinkedIn Top Voice in Education recipient. For five consecutive years, her insights have been recognized in Ed Tech Magazine’s “Top 50 Must-Read Higher Education Technology Blogs.” Her podcast, "Josie and the Podcast," has received accolades from The Chronicle of Higher Education and Inside Higher Ed. Her book, "Digital Leadership in Higher Education: Purposeful Social Media in a Connected World," debuted as an Amazon #1 new release in the college and university student life category.

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Connect With Our Host:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

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