In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Mark Evilsizer, a longtime community college trustee with nearly two decades of experience in higher education governance, to discuss the vital role trustees play in supporting institutional success.

Mark shares his perspective on what it means to serve as an effective trustee, drawing on years of leadership dedicated to education, community service, and student success. Together, they explore the responsibilities of governing boards, how trustees can navigate challenging moments and crises of confidence, and the importance of understanding where governance ends and institutional leadership begins.

This conversation offers valuable insights for trustees, college presidents, and higher education leaders seeking to strengthen board relationships, promote effective governance, and better serve their communities through thoughtful leadership.

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Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Daniel Ramirez, Director of Public Relations and Marketing at South Texas College, to discuss how higher education institutions can better recruit, engage, and retain today's adult learners.

Drawing from the research he conducted while earning his master's degree in Digital and Social Media Management, Daniel explores how the changing demographics of higher education require colleges to rethink traditional marketing strategies. He shares practical insights into understanding adult learners' unique needs, developing messaging that resonates with nontraditional students, and creating long-term engagement strategies that extend beyond enrollment.

Together, they examine the research behind effective recruitment and retention efforts, highlighting how institutions can better serve adult learners throughout their educational journey. This conversation offers valuable takeaways for higher education marketers, enrollment leaders, and student success professionals looking to expand access and improve outcomes for one of the fastest-growing student populations.

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Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Alex Karvounis, Creative Director, to discuss how a bold vision and strategic outreach transformed a newly launched community college alumni association into one of the largest campus organizations in just six months.

Starting with a single founding member, Alex shares how the alumni association grew to more than 1,000 members by focusing on meaningful engagement, strong branding, and creating lasting connections with graduates. He discusses the strategies that fueled the organization's rapid growth and offers practical advice for colleges looking to launch, strengthen, or expand their own alumni programs.

Together, they explore the value of alumni engagement, the role of storytelling and marketing in building lasting relationships, and why investing in alumni can create long-term benefits for both institutions and their graduates. This conversation provides actionable insights for higher education marketers, advancement professionals, and campus leaders seeking to build vibrant alumni communities.

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Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Erin Green, an award-winning digital marketing strategist with experience leading campaigns for organizations including Nike, FedEx, MD Anderson, Susan G. Komen, and as a featured speaker for Google and Facebook.

Together, they explore the latest trends in digital marketing and what higher education institutions need to know to better reach and engage prospective students. Erin shares practical strategies for implementing effective digital marketing campaigns, explains the growing importance of search marketing, and discusses how data and technology shape the way organizations understand and connect with their audiences. The conversation also examines the shift from thinking about the traditional student funnel to embracing the student journey as a more effective marketing framework.

Whether you're an experienced marketing professional or just beginning to develop your institution's digital strategy, this episode offers actionable insights to help colleges and universities strengthen their digital presence and better serve prospective students.

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Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Dr. Gustavo Chamorro to discuss his remarkable journey from fleeing civil war in Nicaragua at just 14 years old to becoming a leader dedicated to helping community college students achieve their educational and career goals.

Dr. Chamorro shares how resilience, education, and the support of mentors and meaningful relationships shaped his path to success. Drawing from his experience counseling community college students, faculty, and business and industry professionals, he offers valuable insights into the realities many students face while balancing work, education, and personal responsibilities. He also discusses how colleges can better prepare students for careers that offer livable wages, long-term growth, and economic mobility.

Together, they explore the transformative power of education, the importance of meeting students where they are, and the lasting impact that personal connections can have on student success. This conversation provides meaningful perspectives for higher education leaders, student services professionals, and marketers seeking to better understand and support today's community college students.

Thanks for listening!

Connect with GradComm:
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Send us a message: GradComm.com

Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Cathy Baur, recently retired from California State University San Marcos, to discuss what it takes to lead a large, integrated marketing and communications division within higher education.

Drawing on her experience overseeing a department of more than 40 professionals, Cathy shares how marketing and communications can become a strategic partner across every area of an institution from enrollment management and university advancement to crisis communications and brand development. She reflects on the importance of building strong internal relationships, creating a consistent institutional brand, and ensuring communications teams have a seat at the leadership table.

Together, they explore the evolving role of marketing in higher education and offer practical insights for communications professionals looking to strengthen their institutions through strategic planning, collaboration, and effective leadership.

What You'll Learn:

How integrated marketing and communications can support institutional success.
Strategies for aligning marketing with enrollment management and university advancement.
Why building brand loyalty is essential in higher education.
Best practices for preparing and communicating during times of crisis.
Leadership insights for managing large marketing and communications teams.

Thanks for listening!

Connect with GradComm:
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Facebook: @GradCommunications
LinkedIn: @gradcomm
Send us a message: GradComm.com

Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom is joined by Chrissy Gascone, Interim Dean of Instruction and Student Services for the Division of Continuing Education at Santiago Canyon College, to spotlight the critical role of noncredit education in serving communities and expanding access to higher education.

While community colleges are often recognized for associate degrees and university transfer pathways, millions of adult learners rely on noncredit programs such as English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship classes, adult high school diploma programs, workforce certificates, and courses for adults with disabilities. Chrissy discusses why these programs are frequently overlooked and shares how a strategic marketing campaign helped significantly increase enrollment while raising awareness of the life-changing opportunities noncredit education provides.

Together, they explore the importance of investing in marketing for continuing education, the unique challenges noncredit students faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and why these programs deserve greater visibility within higher education. This conversation offers valuable insights for community college leaders, marketers, and adult education professionals looking to better connect with underserved learners and demonstrate the impact of noncredit education.

What You'll Learn:

Why noncredit and continuing education programs are essential to community colleges' missions.
How strategic marketing can increase awareness and enrollment in noncredit programs.
Why adult learners and noncredit students are often underserved in higher education marketing.
How noncredit programs adapted to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Strategies for elevating the visibility and value of continuing education across campus.

Thanks for listening!

Connect with GradComm:
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LinkedIn: @gradcomm
Send us a message: GradComm.com

Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Christina Romero, Executive Director of College Advancement & Foundation at Santa Ana College, to explore the evolving landscape of fundraising in higher education.

Together, they discuss how colleges can navigate today's fundraising challenges while keeping foundation board members engaged and invested in institutional success. Christina shares practical strategies for building meaningful donor relationships, strengthening philanthropic efforts, and telling authentic student stories that inspire support without feeling forced or overly polished.

Drawing from her extensive experience in community college advancement, Christina offers valuable insights for marketing, communications, and foundation professionals. While the conversation is rooted in the community college experience, the strategies and lessons shared are applicable to any higher education institution looking to strengthen fundraising efforts through authentic storytelling and relationship building.

What You'll Learn:

How higher education institutions can adapt fundraising strategies during challenging times.
Ways to keep foundation board members engaged and connected to the institution's mission.
Why authentic student storytelling is essential for successful fundraising.
How to communicate impact without sounding contrived or overly promotional.
Practical insights for advancement, marketing, and philanthropy professionals working in higher education.

Thanks for listening!

Connect with GradComm:
Instagram: @gradcommunications
Facebook: @GradCommunications
LinkedIn: @gradcomm
Send us a message: GradComm.com

Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.