In this episode, Allison dives into the launch of Purdue Brand Studio, a bold and innovative initiative at Purdue University that’s redefining higher education marketing. Guests Bailey Leffler, Director of Brand, and Katie Ellis, Senior Director of Marketing Strategy, share the strategies, successes, and lessons learned behind their groundbreaking campaigns and their approach to storytelling that sets Purdue apart in the crowded higher ed landscape.

From leveraging bold campaigns like the In Our STEM Era activation to engaging Gen Alpha through peer-to-peer ambassador programs, this conversation explores how Purdue is rewriting the playbook for enrollment marketing and brand strategy.

Guest Names: 
Kate Ellis, Senior Director of Marketing Strategy, Purdue Brand Studio
Bailey Leffler, Director of Brand, Purdue Brand Studio

Guest Socials: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/baileyleffler/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiewellis/

Guest Bios: 
Bailey Leffler, a results-driven marketing professional, leverages her MBA to power strategic decision-making and elevate brands to new heights. With an undergraduate degree from Purdue University as her foundation. Bailey is dedicated to amplifying and authentically representing a brand’s values and strengths on a global scale. At Purdue, Bailey leads a dynamic team in crafting compelling narratives that align with the university’s vision and goals, collaborating with key stakeholders to create campaigns that showcase Purdue’s institutional excellence. An ambitious and passionate marketing leader, Bailey works to unite and inspire team members to aim higher and deliver exceptional results.

Katie Ellis is a seasoned marketer with a diverse background spanning from tech startups to Fortune 500 companies. Fueled by an MBA-driven strategic mindset, Katie excels in directing marketing strategy at Purdue University and has spearheaded brand initiatives across various industries throughout her career. With a talent for crafting campaigns rooted in insights and delivering tangible ROI, Katie thrives on driving innovative initiatives that engage audiences and elevate brand reputation. Her career reflects a commitment to strategic excellence, where she leverages data-driven insights to create compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, fostering lasting connections between brands and their customers.

Key “How-Tos” You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. Embrace Boldness in Higher Ed Marketing
   • Learn why stepping away from the status quo is essential for standing out and how Purdue draws inspiration from consumer brands to craft audacious campaigns.
2. Foster an In-House Agency Mindset
   • Discover how Purdue Brand Studio operates as a one-stop shop to produce campaigns that are uniquely and authentically Purdue, ensuring consistency and depth in storytelling.
3. Engage Prospective Students Through Storytelling
   • Understand Purdue’s approach to creating authentic, relatable content, including how their ambassador program amplifies peer-to-peer storytelling.
4. Use Metrics to Improve Campaigns
   • Explore how Purdue measures everything from web traffic and ad recall to earned media impressions, turning data into actionable insights for constant improvement.
5. Focus on Strategic Prioritization
   • Learn how to identify where to invest your resources for maximum impact and why it’s crucial to protect team bandwidth for meaningful work.

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Connect With Our Host:
Allison Turcio
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/
https://twitter.com/allisonturcio

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Application with Allison Turcio 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.

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