Today, I sit down with Beth Noel, a communicator dedicated to accessibility and inclusive design in higher education. Beth shares her journey into this field, which may have started with a challenge posed by an Office of Civil Rights letter regarding inaccessible PDFs. Still, it has resulted in a newfound commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging for students with disabilities. Beth and I discuss the steps taken to remediate accessibility issues, form a cross-college digital accessibility team, and discuss the importance of starting with accessibility in communications. Beth also provides practical tips on writing and designing with inclusivity in mind and shares insights on these practices' positive impact on student success and retention. These insights are particularly inspiring, as they demonstrate the tangible benefits of inclusive design. Join us for an inside glimpse into why accessibility and inclusive practices are important as a business decision and how to navigate introducing these new practices in fields where things have never been "done this way before."

Beth Noel's NCMPR Presentation

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In today's episode of Higher Ed Conversations, I talk with Christine Rose, the Regional Senior Marketing Director at Outfront, about the dynamic world of out-of-home (OOH) media. Christine shares her expertise in developing and executing marketing strategies across ten markets in the West region. Our conversation covers the tangible impact of OOH media, the importance of creative design, the use of data-driven insights for ad placement, and innovative ways to integrate digital strategies with OOH campaigns. Together, we delve into the subjects of sustainability efforts, audience targeting methods, and practical tips for maximizing the effectiveness of OOH advertising. Please tune in to discover how OOH media, with its unique and compelling nature, can elevate your brand and engage audiences in ways you've never imagined.

Click here to view some of the billboards the GradComm team has designed.

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On this Higher Ed Conversations episode, I host a conversation with an Al expert and, more impressively, my sister-in-law, Suzi Boynton! Suzi is the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees for the San Marcos Unified School District, where she utilizes the tool of Al in her day-to-day work for the school system. In our conversation, we discussed Suzi's journey with AI and how its practical applications in her role enlightened her to its broader, more practical implications in education and the general workplace. We also tackle the subject of the importance of AI literacy, the ethical and responsible usage of Al, and its future applications. There's a lot to digest, so grab your coffee, sit back in your comfy chair, and join us as we focus on viewing AI through the lens of efficiency and its potential, not only for current educational needs but also for the future.

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In this episode, Keith Goodman, a direct mail marketing expert, discusses the resurgence of direct mail marketing across various industries, especially in education. Keith highlights direct mail's targeted approach, allowing for personalized messaging to different audiences, a significant advantage over digital ads' broad reach. He explains how direct mail utilizes detailed demographic and psychographic data, such as household composition, interests, and behaviors, to create highly effective campaigns. The discussion covers how colleges leverage direct mail for marketing programs like summer classes to parents of high school students and unique certificate programs. Keith shares insights on utilizing data like drive time, proximity, and specific interests to enhance targeting. Additionally, we explore how direct mail complements digital marketing efforts, attributing and measuring success, and the importance of continuous testing to improve campaign performance.

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Today, on Higher Ed Conversations, I embark on my first solo episode! And with a very good reason –I've just released my first ebook, "Why Your Community CollegeMarketing is Failing: Lessons From Online Dating," which has already hit number one in several online categories! So, I'm here to dive into the book's three themes and how they've helped hundreds of colleges dramatically improve their marketing results. In this episode, I give you a sneak peek of the book and share how I take the topic of community college marketing and turn it on its head by utilizing online dating techniques. Each of these three themes is packed with information on how to start improving your outreach today. If you stick it out to the end of the episode, there's also a fun story on how online dating has impacted my life. Be sure to grab your copy, and let me know what you think of the book by leaving a review!
Link to survey here.

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 Many students cannot enroll in a two to four-year collegiate program, but they still desire access to professional skills that will allow them to obtain higher-earning jobs. This episode of Higher Ed Conversations features Linda Kurokawa, the Executive Director of Community Education & Workforce Development at MiraCosta College. Linda highlights the importance of community colleges investing in workforce development and employer relations, showcasing how MiraCosta has become a model through innovative and flexible offerings like brew-tech, machining, and phlebotomy programs. She explains the self-funded nature of her department, which allows for rapid response to industry needs and community demands, leading to high student success rates. Linda also discusses the marketing strategies employed to attract students to these programs, emphasizing word-of-mouth and social media as critical methods. Additionally, she shares advice with host Cheryl Broom about how colleges need to be future-thinking and entrepreneurial to remain relevant and meet the evolving needs of students and industry.

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As higher education continues to evolve and expand, the presidency of its institutions has become an ever-increasing, ever-taxing role. It's this issue that this month's guest, Jeff Julian, current Chief of Staff at Harper College and President of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations, shares his insights on this role. With an extensive résumé of various marketing positions such as Communications, Public Awareness, and Public Relations, Jeff discusses the catch-all yet crucial function of his role as Chief of Staff and that while delegation may vary between institutions, its core embodies servant leadership. He frequently works as the right man for the college president and offers a second, unbiased viewpoint on matters and decisions. Jeff additionally touches upon the value of volunteering and involvement, as this is how leadership is truly built; these skills, as he's learned from his time in the NCMPR and the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, come from experience, not innateness.

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It's undeniable that social media has transformed into an essential platform for both cultivating a presence and nurturing community bonds and connections. With the embrace of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for interaction and staying informed, organizations and businesses are compelled to have a stake in social media platforms to be relevant. Joined by Megan Ellisor, Director of NC State University's social media hub, we gain firsthand insight into the strategies and significance of a university's social media presence. Megan emphasizes cultivating genuine online relationships with students while upholding the university's overall voice and tone across various accounts. With an 11-member social media hub, discover how Megan empowers her team to create content that resonates with their students, followers, and the community. Megan highlights how NC State's accounts foster student connections through gamified fundraising initiatives, hashtags, and engaging "stories" that showcase student life. This episode is a must-listen for any PIO or college Marketing Director and offers a peek into the runnings of a large university's approach to creating successful social media content.

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Balancing children and a career may seem unachievable, but Letitia Clark, a seasoned Chief Communications Officer, elected official, and author, unveils the secrets to harmonizing professional life and motherhood. From her dynamic career path to her role on the Tustin City Council, Letitia delves into the intricacies of being a mother while excelling in the professional realm. She discusses her two books, with a particular focus on her latest book, 'Baby's Room to the Boardroom', where she emphasizes the intersectionality of motherhood and career pursuits. Discover Letitia's pearls of wisdom as she emphasizes the significance of positive self-talk, the support of a nurturing tribe, the celebration of personal victories, and the joy of pursuing one's passions. The conversation takes a deeper dive into fostering a better work environment for women and parents, healthily dealing with work-life transitions, the necessity of learning on the job, and the importance of recharging amidst a busy life schedule. This episode empowers working moms through invaluable workplace lessons and anecdotes taken directly from Letitia's parenting journey. 

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In this month's episode, we sit down for a fascinating conversation with Jeff Bunch, a seasoned professional with a diverse background in journalism, marketing, and higher education. From being a storyteller at a young age to his pivotal role in managing the digital presence of Gonzaga University's basketball team, his journey and insights on integrating storytelling into marketing are something you won't want to miss. Jeff discusses the strategic world of content marketing and shares his experience leveraging SEO to address web traffic challenges and spotlight Gonzaga's academic excellence beyond its athletic acclaim. Tune in to gain insights into the dynamics of community college marketing and the unique challenges it presents.

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