Filling Seats: The State of Enrollment Marketing in Higher Ed

Filling Seats: The State of Enrollment Marketing in Higher Ed

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Filling Seats: The State of Enrollment Marketing in Higher Ed episodes

  • Reducing Friction: Rethinking Student Engagement for a Modern Enrollment Journey

    Today’s students expect clarity, speed, and seamless experiences — and they’re far less tolerant of friction in the enrollment journey.

    In this episode of Filling Seats, Jonathan Clues is joined by Catie Clark from Niche to explore how institutions can modernize student engagement by removing unnecessary complexity and designing more intuitive pathways from discovery to enrollment.

    Together, they discuss how student expectations are evolving, why clarity and responsiveness are becoming competitive advantages, and where institutions unintentionally introduce friction — from slow follow-up to overly complex application steps.

    The conversation also explores the role of personalization, the balance between AI and authenticity, and why immersive storytelling and student-driven content are becoming essential for helping prospective students build confidence in their decisions.

    If you're thinking about how to simplify the student journey while strengthening connection and trust, this episode offers practical insight grounded in real-world experience.

    Filling Seats is sponsored by StudentBridge — helping colleges and universities create meaningful digital experiences that drive enrollment.

    🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge
    💻 Schedule a meeting with our team
    🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest

    31 min
  • Episode 56: Why Students Choose the Schools They Attend.

    On this episode of Filling Seats, host and StudentBridge CEO Jonathan Clues sits down with Dr. Luke Schultheis to explore the real reasons why students choose the schools they attend. From the role of gut instinct to the growing influence of AI in the enrollment process, they uncover what truly drives student decisions. The conversation emphasizes one undeniable truth: the most powerful voice for attracting new students is the authentic voice of current students.

    🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge
    💻 Schedule a meeting with our team
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    44 min
  • Episode 55: How Colleges Can Turn Data Into Meaningful Success

    On this episode of Filling Seats, StudentBridge CEO Jonathan Clues sits down with Dr. Curt Merlau to unpack how colleges can transform raw data into meaningful student success. From shifting away from “data overload” to building actionable insights, Dr. Merlau highlights strategies that empower institutions to make smarter decisions, improve student outcomes, and drive measurable enrollment growth.

    ✅ Guest: Dr. Curt Merlau

    ✅ How to move from data overload to actionable insights

    ✅ Turning raw information into student success strategies

    ✅ Smarter decision-making through data-driven enrollment practices

    ✅ Practical steps colleges can take to boost outcomes and retention

    🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge
    💻 Schedule a meeting with our team
    🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest

    35 min
  • Episode 54: Meeting Gen Z Where They Are – The Key to Effective Engagement with Marc Barron Co-founder and EVP @ CourseKey

    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.

    🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge
    💻 Schedule a meeting with our team
    🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest

    38 min
  • Episode 53: Under Pressure Unpacking the Strain on U.S. Higher Education

    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.

    🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge
    💻 Schedule a meeting with our team
    🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest

    52 min
  • Episode 52: The Search for Higher Ed: How Prospective Students Navigate Websites with Matt Hames

    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!

    🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge
    💻 Schedule a meeting with our team
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    34 min
  • Episode 51: AI's Impact on Search and Higher Ed

    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!

    🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge
    💻 Schedule a meeting with our team
    🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest

    33 min
  • Episode 50: Enrollment in Focus: How Video Transforms the Admissions Game with Mark Forehand Enrollment Management Expert

    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.

    🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge
    💻 Schedule a meeting with our team
    🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest

    30 min

About Filling Seats: The State of Enrollment Marketing in Higher Ed

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Learn what's working to grow, shape, and sustain enrollment at colleges and universities, directly from fellow enrollment marketers, thought leaders, and edtech innovators.

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