Harrison “Soup” Campbell, Head of Community Experience at ZeeMee, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to discuss leveraging technology to engage and connect with students, and how institutions can optimize their processes for better outcomes. Soup and Gil cover the evolution of changes in the tools and technologies available to schools throughout their carers.

They also share insights from their experiences, particularly how digital tools and AI can be used to enhance student interactions and the student experience. Soup recounts his pioneering work with social media in higher education and some policies in the past that would be unimaginable in today’s Higher Ed landscape. Their conversation also covers the importance of building early digital communities for prospective students and the evolving nature of AI in education. It’s an excellent rundown for anyone interested in the current state of student engagement and how we got to this point.

For Your Institution Podcast is a production of Mongoose Research.

Introduction and Welcome | 00:00

Catching Up and Conference Talk | 00:25 

Soup's Background and Career Journey | 01:23 

Student-First Mindset in Higher Education | 05:20 

Things Institutions Should Think Differently About  | 06:52 

A Mindset Shift when Using AI | 12:00 

Virtual Vs In-person Events Today | 17:29 

The Role of AI in Higher Education | 19:17 

Building Connections and Relationships | 25:00 

Conclusion and Contact Information | 30:25 

Goodbyes and Well Wishes | 31:25

RELEVANT LINKS:

• Harrison "Soup" Campbell on LinkedIn
• ZeeMee.com
• Email Address
• FYI - Emotional Connection as the Key to Higher Ed Marketing Success with Bart Caylor

Jaime Hunt, president of Solve Higher Ed Marketing, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about the perception challenges facing higher education. Jamie shares her transition from a long career in higher education marketing to founding her consulting firm. 

Gil and Jaime explore how institutions can tackle the feared 'enrollment cliff' by innovating their approach, targeting non-traditional students, and considering hybrid education models. The solutions have a chance to both increase enrolled students and create more champions of the institution and fewer detractors. They also discuss the importance of breaking down silos within institutions and engaging parents in the educational journey.

For Your Institution Podcast is a production of Mongoose Research.

Introduction and Welcome | 00:00

Jamie Hunt's Background and New Ventures | 01:13 

The Importance of Addressing Enrollment Challenges | 02:43 

Strategies for Improving Higher Education Marketing | 03:45 

The Role of Alumni and Advancement in Higher Education | 08:37 

Engaging Parents in the Higher Education Process | 10:16 

How to Boost Your Eligible Student Percentage | 15:05 

Innovative Approaches for Small Liberal Arts Colleges | 20:10 

Developing an Innovation Mindset in Higher Education | 22:42 

Conclusion and Contact Information | 24:58 

RELEVANT LINKS:

• Jaime Hunt on LinkedIn
• SolveHigherEd.com
• Contact | Jaime Hunt

David Hatami, founder and Managing Director of EduPolicy.ai, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about AI policy in higher education. David has over 25 years in the field specializing in AI ethics. David stresses the importance of establishing comprehensive AI policies and ethics programs within educational institutions now, and not leave the issue for later. He addresses the complexities and challenges involved and where gray areas might lie. 

David highlights the necessity for dynamic, adaptable policies that address usage by both students and staff. He also discusses his consultancy work helping colleges navigate these issues and the critical need for clear, cohesive guidelines to ensure responsible AI usage. Tune in for insights on how educational institutions can prepare for the rapid integration of AI technology today.

For Your Institution Podcast is a production of Mongoose Research.

Introduction and Weather | 00:00

Discussing AI Policy | 02:27 

David Hatami's Background and AI Journey | 03:24 

The Importance of AI Policy in Education | 05:19 

Challenges and Solutions for Institutions | 07:50 

Implementing AI Ethics Programs | 18:00 

Final Thoughts and Contact Information | 28:23 

Conclusion and Contact Information | 37:56 

RELEVANT LINKS:

• David Hatami on LinkedIn
• EduPolicy.ai
• David Hatami Email

John McGreal, the Dean of Enrollment Services at Waukesha County Technical College, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about the need for tailored approaches in admissions and the challenges of keeping staff focused and effective in a constantly evolving educational landscape.

John also emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and the need for tailored approaches in admissions. The conversation touches on the shift towards utilizing digital marketing and AI in enrollment processes while stressing the significance of maintaining motivation and proper staffing. 

For Your Institution Podcast is a production of Mongoose Research.

Introduction and Welcome | 00:00

Talking Maine and Milwaukee | 00:32 

John’s Background | 02:25 

Challenges in Higher Education | 07:15 

Staff Morale and Technology | 08:21 

Enrollment Strategies and Demographics | 13:39 

Permission to see Deadpool & Wolverine | 17:45 

Challenging the 'More with Less' Mentality | 18:44 

Direct Admission: Pros and Cons | 19:51 

Balancing Technology and Travel in Recruitment | 22:16 

Higher Ed as a Public Good | 23:16 

The Mission and Morale of Admissions Teams | 27:08 

Respecting Work-Life Balance in Higher Ed | 29:05 

Adding Value Beyond the Sales Pitch | 34:33 

The Power of Authentic Student Care | 35:35 

Conclusion and Contact Information | 37:56 

RELEVANT LINKS:

• John McGreal on LinkedIn
• John McGreal’s Email
• FYI - Power Ups: Overlapping Admissions Counselors and Classic Nintendo Games with Teege Mettille
• The Princeton Review - Student Survey

John Azoni, executive producer at Unveild and host of the Higher Ed Storytelling University podcast, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about the power of video in higher education. They delve into the nuances of creating engaging, authentic video content to connect with students and alumni. 

John shares insights from his journey, strategies for effective video production, and tackles the challenge of avoiding cringe-worthy content. The conversation covers various video formats, from TikToks to long-form narratives, and stresses the importance of genuine storytelling in your higher-ed marketing efforts.

For Your Institution Podcast is a production of Mongoose Research.

Introduction and Welcome | 00:00

Dog Stories! | 00:28 

Discussing Video in Higher Ed | 03:47 

John Azoni's Background and Journey | 04:10 

Challenges and Strategies for Video Content | 06:04 

Creating Authentic and Engaging Content | 12:25 

Balancing Trends and Authenticity | 30:22 

Final Thoughts and Contact Information | 36:01 
 

RELEVANT LINKS:

• John Azoni on LinkedIn
• Unveild.tv
• Higher Ed Storytelling University Podcast
• Higher Ed Storyteller’s Digest Newsletter
• Oregon Duck Beats YouTube Video

Shantel Goodman-Luckett, Chief Experience Officer for the National Association for College Admission Counseling, or NACAC, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about the upcoming NACAC National Conference in Los Angeles, including highlights for first-time attendees and new features for seasoned participants. 

Shantel shares insights on planning during the pandemic, the significance of the conference's theme 'The Courage Within,' and special events like Magic Johnson's upcoming keynote speech. 

The conversation also covers the conference's extensive educational sessions and opportunities for ongoing involvement with NACAC beyond the annual event, numbers of new vendors and attendees to expect. Get an inside preview of the conference here first.

For Your Institution Podcast is a production of Mongoose Research.

Introduction and Welcome | 00:00

Shantel's Professional Journey | 01:43 

NACAC Conference During the Pandemic | 04:10 

What's New at the 2024 NACAC Conference | 08:35 

Special Features of the Conference Being in LA | 13:37 

Tips for First-Time Attendees | 18:10 

Engaging with NACAC Beyond the Conference | 21:18 

Conclusion and Contact Information | 26:08 
 

RELEVANT LINKS:

• Shantel Goodman-Luckett on LinkedIn
• NACAC SIGs
• NACAC Affiliates
• FYI - Leadership Through Change and Challenges with Carlos Cano

Anthony Perez, Assistant Director of Admissions, Multicultural Recruitment and Outreach at Western Michigan University, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about his journey of being a first-generation college student from Texas through Iowa and to holding his current role in Michigan. 

The discussion covers the importance of creating an inclusive college environment, practical advice for first-time college applicants, and how institutions can improve their engagement with first-generation and underserved students. 

Anthony emphasizes the need for more personalized, human-centered interactions in the admissions process and offers strategies for balancing data-driven decisions with the wisdom of lived experiences.

For Your Institution Podcast is a production of Mongoose Research.

Introduction and Welcome | 00:00

Anthony's Background and Career Path | 02:34 

First Generation College Experience | 06:02 

Building Relationships in Admissions | 10:42 

Balancing Technology and Personal Touch | 15:09 

Data vs. Human Wisdom in Admissions | 20:41 

Cultural Sensitivity in Recruitment | 22:47 

Conclusion and Contact Information | 27:31 
 

RELEVANT LINKS:

• Anthony Perez on LinkedIn
• Anthony Perez Email

Elise Michaux, the Marketing and Communications Director at Erie County Community College of Pennsylvania, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about her unique experience in establishing a new institution during a time when many are closing. The challenges and also some of the unexpected benefits of being able to form everything from scratch. 

Their discussion covers the importance of supporting the local community, developing a distinctive campus voice, and creating processes with the student at the center. Elise emphasizes the value of authentic student testimonials in marketing, avoiding traditional and often sterilized messaging, and adapting to meet current workforce needs and market demands. 

They go over a compelling personal narrative about a student and how different places in Higher Ed would use the student’s story. Tune in for a compelling conversation about challenges, successes, and innovative strategies in Higher Education marketing and communications.

For Your Institution Podcast is a production of Mongoose Research.

Introduction and Welcome | 00:00

Starting a New College | 00:22 

Elise's Role and Challenges | 02:05 

Building a Unique Institution | 02:43 

Marketing Strategies with Student Voices | 06:15 

Challenges and Success Stories | 13:43 

Advice for Established Institutions | 19:19 

Being Able to Articulate Your Why | 23:46

Inclusivity and Accessibility | 29:08 

Closing Remarks and Contact Information | 30:11 
 

RELEVANT LINKS:

• Elise Michaux on LinkedIn 
• Elise Michaux on Instagram
• FYI: The Art and Science of Personalized Marketing in Higher Education with Stephanie Geyer

Samantha Hicks, Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Coastal Carolina University, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about the complexities of the most recent enrollment cycle, and the challenges this year of the FAFSA delay compounding on students who already dealt with COVID challenges. 

Samantha brings into focus yet another vector of challenges that low-income students also have face as they enter Higher Ed. Samantha shares her personal journey from poverty to her current position, offers insights into the unique challenges faced by financially disadvantaged students, and reflects on how COVID-19 and FAFSA changes have impacted their approach both on the student facing side and also on the internal support end of things. 

They also explore using strategic planning, communication, and mentorship to better support students moving forward and the value of sometimes just acknowledging that it’s been a tough summer.

For Your Institution Podcast is a production of Mongoose Research.

Introduction and Welcome | 00:00

Samantha Hicks' Background and Journey | 02:06 

Empathy and Unique Perspective in Financial Aid | 04:00 

Challenges in Financial Aid Verification | 06:08 

Innovative Approaches to Financial Aid Communication | 10:33 

Adapting to Changes and Future Planning | 17:32 

Keeping the Human Element with Interactions | 21:55

Retention and Persistence Strategies | 29:15 

Conclusion and Contact Information | 34:40 

RELEVANT LINKS:

• LinkedIn Page
• Twitter (X) Profile
• FYI: Crafting Futures Amidst FAFSA Upheaval and Extended Deadlines with Amanda Craddock
• FYI: Earn and Learn Alternatives to Higher Education: Discussing 'Apprentice Nation' with Ryan Craig
• #NACACreads on Twitter (X)

Alex DeLonis, the Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Services at Saint Louis University, joins FYI host Gil Rogers to talk about higher ed recruitment and enrollment, and how all of that was affected by the FAFSA roll out last year. Are we heading for a repeat of last year’s problems or will it more closely resemble past years with fewer issues?

Alex and Gil talk about what happened before, and even without knowing exactly what this year will look like, what changes and preparations can be made to lessen the impact on institutions, students, their families, and admissions professionals who must adjust in real time to the situation as it develops. 

Listen to this episode as Alex lays out the ways in which this year can be an improvement over last, even in the face of uncertainty, simply by being ready and flexible, and being transparent with students and families during the process.

For Your Institution Podcast is a production of Mongoose Research.

Introduction and Welcome | 00:00

Alex’s Background and Career Journey | 00:45 

Current Challenges in Financial Aid | 04:37 

Preparing for Future FAFSA Cycles | 08:53 

Impact of COVID and FAFSA Changes on Students | 10:34 

Balancing Instincts with Data | 15:04 

Advice for New Financial Aid Professionals | 21:13 

Conclusion and Final Thoughts | 23:58 

RELEVANT LINKS:

• Alex DeLonis LinkedIn