In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of technology and student success with Mark Barden of CourseKey. Mark shares how real-time data and automation are reshaping the student journey—from classroom engagement to retention strategies. Together, we dig into how Gen Z’s digital expectations are influencing everything from campus communication to academic behavior, and why modern institutions need to rethink their approach to personalization, nudges, and the student experience.

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In this special episode, StudentBridge CEO Jonathan Clues sits down with four esteemed marketing professors—Dr. Jen Riley, Dr. Amy Watson, Dr. Kate Scott, and Dr. Mona Bryant—to explore the growing challenges facing higher education today.

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How do prospective students actually search for colleges online? In this episode of Filling Seats, we explore how students navigate university websites, why many never click on the official .edu page, and how institutions can optimize their digital presence.

Key Topics Covered:

• The role of Google search and brand queries in the college selection process
• Why 8 out of 10 students don’t click on a university’s website first
• The importance of digital reputation across Wikipedia, review sites, and social media
• How AI-driven search results are changing the way students gather information
• Practical SEO and content strategies to improve visibility and engagement

With students spending hours online researching their options, universities need a strong digital strategy to stand out. Listen in for expert insights on how to optimize your institution’s online presence and make it easier for students to find the right information.

🎧 Listen now!

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In this episode of Filling Seats, StudentBridge CEO Jonathan Clues sits down with Paula French, Director at Search Influence, to explore the evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing in higher education.

Paula shares expert insights on how AI-driven search, social media, and evolving student behaviors are reshaping digital marketing strategies for colleges and universities. Key topics include:

• The shift in student search behavior – from Google to social and AI-powered search
• The growing role of SEO in higher ed marketing and why institutions need to adapt
• How AI-generated search results are impacting website traffic and lead generation
• Strategies to optimize content for AI-driven search and social media platforms
  The importance of user-generated content and authenticity in student engagement

With AI transforming how students discover, research, and interact with institutions, this episode provides actionable takeaways for higher ed marketers looking to stay ahead.

🎧 Tune in now to stay informed and optimize your institution’s digital presence!

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In this special 50th episode, Jonathan Cluse, CEO and founder of StudentBridge, is joined by Mark Forehand, a seasoned higher ed professional and longtime StudentBridge partner, for a lively discussion about the evolving role of video in student recruitment.

📹 Why video matters more than ever:

• How short-form videos are influencing Gen Z’s college decisions.
• Strategies to stand out in a content-saturated world.
• The impact of storytelling through video on prospective students and their families.

Mark shares his expert perspective on leveraging video to drive engagement, boost enrollment, and foster connections between students, parents, and institutions. Learn actionable tips to future-proof your strategy and hear how StudentBridge’s video solutions can transform the way schools connect with their audience.

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In this episode of Filling Seats, we sit down with John Azoni, a seasoned video production expert with over 15 years of experience. John shares key insights from his journey in creating compelling video content for higher education institutions. Together, we explore the analytics behind video engagement, the importance of aligning content with audience intent, and practical tips for producing short-form and long-form videos. Whether you're a marketing leader or an enrollment VP, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to enhance your video content game. 

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In this episode of Filling Seats, we tackle the growing "staff morale crisis" in college admissions offices. What’s driving burnout and dissatisfaction among admissions professionals?

Joining us is Teege Mettille, author of The Admissions Counselor Malaise and Director of Enrollment Success at EnrollML. Drawing on years of campus leadership experience, Teege shares his unique perspective on the root causes of this crisis and why it’s more than just a post-pandemic adjustment. Together, we explore the pressures of corporatization, the shifting meaning of mission-driven work, and innovative solutions that could breathe new life into admissions teams.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really behind the admissions staff turnover this episode is for you.

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carey Dukes, who brings a wealth of experience from 25 years in supply chain management and a passion for teaching the next generation. After earning his doctorate degree, he joined academia to help students become day-one-ready employees.

Dr. Dukes dives into the critical issues of:

• Student retention within smaller universities
• Challenges presented when freshman don't return to campus
• Costs associated with student recruitment

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Host Jonathan Clues discusses the impact of international recruitment and study abroad programs on U.S. higher education with guest Dr. John Neiser, Vice President for International Operations at Fairleigh Dickinson University. They delve into how international recruitment has shifted from being a symbolic effort to a critical revenue source, with Dr. Neiser highlighting that international operations contribute to a significant portion of his university’s revenue. The conversation explores the strategic importance of international students, the challenges of geopolitical and economic factors, and the necessity of developing strong relationships with recruitment agents. They also touch on the role of digital experiences in international recruitment and emphasize the need for institutions to offer more personalized and relevant support systems for international students.

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Our latest episode of “Filling Seats” features StudentBridge CEO Jonathan Clues alongside Vanessa Didyk from ZeeMee and Dave Becker from CampusESP to discuss innovative strategies and technologies to boost enrollment, enhance student experiences, and maintain continuity despite staff changes.

Jonathan, Vanessa, and Dave also tackle key questions:

• How can institutions leverage technology to retain knowledge when staff members leave?
• What are the latest trends in student engagement and how can they boost enrollment?
• What proven strategies increase student retention and success?

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