Welcome to "Advancement Amplified: AI for IA," a 5-part Pulse Check hosted by Dan Giroux, a higher education marketing and communications leader focused on elevating the strategic impact of Advancement. Advancement is at a pivotal moment. As institutions navigate shifting donor expectations, alumni engagement challenges, financial pressures, and the demand for greater efficiency, AI is emerging as a transformative force. In today's Part 2, Dan chats with Kim Infanti, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving at Syracuse University, to explore how AI is reshaping advancement marketing and communications. 

From leveraging AI for donor segmentation to streamlining internal workflows and even enhancing alumni engagement through platforms like Protopia, Kim shares real-world examples of how her team is embracing AI. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or looking for new ways to integrate it into your advancement strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights.‍

• AI is revolutionizing advancement work – AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot are helping Syracuse’s advancement team automate tasks, generate creative content, and analyze alumni engagement data more effectively.
• Protopia is redefining alumni networking – Syracuse is implementing Protopia, an AI-driven platform that connects students and alumni for career advice, while also enhancing alumni data accuracy.
• AI can streamline content creation – From social media posts to segmented fundraising emails, AI is making it easier to craft compelling, personalized messaging.
• Data privacy and security are key – Syracuse is piloting Copilot for sensitive university data, ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines while using AI to optimize operations.
• AI adoption requires experimentation – Syracuse’s advancement team is still refining AI best practices, but those who actively experiment with AI tools are seeing significant productivity gains.
• AI can enhance personal efficiency, too – Beyond work, Kim shares how she uses AI for personal tasks like meal planning and trip itineraries, showcasing AI’s versatility in everyday life.‍

While AI has been on the radar for years, Syracuse University’s advancement team fully embraced it after an AI at Work session on October 1, 2024. Led by Syracuse’s ITS team and Chief Digital Officer Jeff Rubin, the session encouraged staff to explore AI tools as part of their daily workflows. Since then, AI has become a go-to resource for Kim and her team, helping them generate content, analyze data, and enhance engagement strategies.

One major takeaway from that session? The advice to “go to AI before you Google.” This mindset shift has led Kim to replace many of her traditional search habits with AI-powered insights, significantly boosting efficiency.

AI adoption varies across the Advancement and External Affairs division, with some team members diving in more actively than others. Kim and her colleague Kara have been at the forefront, even presenting at a November conference on AI applications in advancement. Their real-world use cases are convincing more colleagues to integrate AI into their workflows, especially after seeing how it simplifies tasks like email drafting, event promotion, and donor segmentation.

To encourage broader adoption, Syracuse is hosting additional AI at Work sessions and sharing AI-generated work examples within the team. The goal? To normalize AI as a powerful tool for efficiency rather than a replacement for human expertise.

Kim and her team primarily use three AI tools, each with distinct advantages:

• Microsoft Copilot – Used for Syracuse-specific and sensitive data, Copilot helps with tasks like searching emails, analyzing donor data, and summarizing large datasets.
• Claude (Kim’s personal favorite) – Ideal for natural-sounding content creation, brainstorming, and workflow automation. Kim describes Claude as the AI tool that “knows her best” and helps refine messaging for Syracuse’s engagement initiatives.
• ChatGPT – Used for creative content generation, including image creation (with some humorous missteps, like adding fictional lakes to Syracuse’s campus).

A major AI-driven initiative at Syracuse is the implementation of Protopia, an AI-powered platform designed to facilitate alumni and student networking. Instead of requiring users to sign up for a mentorship program, Protopia enables alumni to ask or answer questions in a frictionless, email-based format.

Here’s how it works:

1. A student or alum submits a question (e.g., “What’s the marketing job market like in Boise, Idaho?”).
2. AI scans Syracuse’s database to find relevant alumni who might be able to help.
3. Those alumni receive an email and can choose to respond, decline, or update their contact information.

Beyond fostering meaningful connections, Protopia is also a powerful data-cleaning tool. Early adopters at other universities have reported that nearly 40% of alumni updated their contact information when engaging with the platform—something that’s critical for effective outreach.

While Syracuse is still exploring AI’s full potential in data analysis, they recognize its value in identifying trends. Ideally, AI tools like Copilot could analyze historical giving patterns and event attendance to uncover correlations—such as whether alumni who attend Syracuse events are more likely to donate.

For now, Kim remains cautious about inputting donor data into AI systems, prioritizing security. However, AI is already playing a major role in streamlining outreach, segmentation, and content personalization.

AI is dramatically reducing the time required for advancement marketing tasks. Some specific use cases include:

• Personalized fundraising emails – AI drafts segmented versions of key messages in seconds.
• Social media strategy – AI assists in brainstorming creative content, including alliterative event slogans and engagement campaigns.
• Scripting video content – When faced with a tight deadline for a Giving Day promotional video, Kim used AI to generate a script in minutes—something that typically would have taken days of back-and-forth revisions.
• Analyzing meeting notes and forecasting numbers – AI helps extract key insights from documents, eliminating the need for manual number crunching.

Kim estimates that AI has increased her personal productivity by at least 50%, particularly in content creation and administrative tasks. From brainstorming fundraising campaign ideas to drafting recommendation letters, AI allows her to focus on high-impact work while automating tedious processes.

AI isn’t just a passing trend—it’s fundamentally reshaping how advancement teams operate. Moving forward, Syracuse plans to:

• Continue refining AI best practices and adoption strategies.
• Explore AI’s potential for donor data analysis and predictive modeling.
• Encourage university-wide adoption of AI-driven tools like Protopia.
• Educate staff on AI prompting techniques to maximize effectiveness.

Please include the link to Syracuse’s Generative AI website that Kim referenced in the show, as a great tool for advancement professionals at other institutions to check out and use: 

https://its.syr.edu/artificialintelligence

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Mallory and Seth dive into a growing crisis in higher education—burnout. Drawing from a recent Chronicle of Higher Education report, they explore the alarming data on faculty and staff exhaustion, workload increases, and political pressures. But rather than just acknowledging the issue, they focus on solutions—specifically, how AI can help alleviate burnout by automating repetitive tasks, improving efficiency, and allowing educators to focus on what they do best. Whether you’re an AI skeptic or an early adopter, this episode unpacks the practical ways AI can transform higher ed workplaces for the better.

Related Links: 
February 14 Dear Colleague Letter
Ed. Dept.’s Broad DEI Warning Puts College Leaders in ‘Enormously Complicated Situation

• Higher Ed is Overworked and Understaffed: 65% of faculty and staff report a heavier workload than five years ago, often due to layoffs and unfilled positions.
• Burnout is a Crisis: Faculty satisfaction is declining, with many citing increased student expectations and administrative burdens as key stressors.
• AI Can Be a Game-Changer: Automation tools can streamline administrative tasks, enhance student communication, and free up time for higher-impact work.
• Adoption Must Start from the Bottom-Up: Many higher ed leaders aren’t AI users themselves, so frontline staff and teams must take the initiative in finding and implementing AI solutions.
• AI Implementation is Incremental: Small changes—like using AI-powered voice-to-text tools or automated content summarization—can significantly reduce workload over time.

Higher ed professionals have been feeling the strain for years, but new data puts the crisis into perspective. The Chronicle of Higher Education report found that 65% of faculty and staff say their workloads have increased compared to five years ago. More than 40% report working significantly more than before, often due to staff reductions that have left remaining employees picking up the slack. Faculty also report feeling increased pressure to meet evolving student needs, while political influences add another layer of stress—42% of respondents cited political interference as a major issue.

Burnout isn’t just about hours worked; it’s about the mental toll of constantly feeling behind, under-resourced, and unable to focus on meaningful work. This has led to a talent retention crisis, with many experienced professionals leaving higher ed altogether. Given these challenges, institutions must urgently rethink how they support their workforce—and AI may be part of the solution.

One of the most promising solutions for burnout is the strategic use of AI to offload repetitive tasks. AI-powered tools can help faculty and staff automate administrative work, optimize communication, and even personalize student support. For example, faculty members drowning in committee work could use AI to summarize meeting notes, generate reports, or manage routine email responses.

AI is already making an impact in organizations outside of higher ed. Seth shared how his agency implemented an AI enablement workshop to identify areas where automation could reduce workload. By focusing on repeatable tasks, employees were able to free up time for strategic work. In higher ed, similar approaches could help staff reclaim time for student engagement and curriculum development rather than administrative drudgery.

For AI adoption to succeed, it doesn’t need to start with sweeping institutional change. Small, tactical implementations can make a big difference. Here are some AI tools that can help higher ed professionals right now:

• Voice-to-Text Software (Whisper): Converts speech into accurate text, making email writing and documentation faster.
• AI Summarization Tools (Notebook LM): Organizes research and synthesizes complex information into digestible insights.
• Loom Video Messaging: Reduces unnecessary meetings by allowing teams to communicate asynchronously with video and text-based transcriptions.
• ChatGPT and Other AI Writing Assistants: Helps draft reports, emails, and content, saving valuable time.

Institutions that proactively integrate AI into daily workflows will be better positioned to combat burnout, retain top talent, and ultimately create a more sustainable work environment.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Welcome to "Advancement Amplified: AI for IA," a 5-part Pulse Check hosted by Dan Giroux, a higher education marketing and communications leader focused on elevating the strategic impact of Advancement. Advancement is at a pivotal moment. As institutions navigate shifting donor expectations, alumni engagement challenges, financial pressures, and the demand for greater efficiency, AI is emerging as a transformative force.

In today's Part 1, Dan Giroux sits down with Matthew Lambert, Senior Vice President for University Advancement at William & Mary, and Dan Frezza, Chief Advancement Officer at the College of Charleston. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of institutional advancement, from donor engagement to marketing and career services. With rapid technological shifts, both institutions are leveraging AI-powered tools, including autonomous virtual engagement officers (VEOs), to enhance outreach and optimize fundraising efforts.

Related Links:
Inside Higher Ed interview with Wren and Wren’s website
AGB magazine article around AI

• AI is not a replacement, but an enhancement. AI tools in advancement free up professionals to focus on high-value tasks while automating routine processes like contact reports and donor outreach.
• Virtual Engagement Officers (VEOs) are changing the game. AI-driven fundraisers at William & Mary and the College of Charleston are already fostering one-on-one donor relationships, leading to increased engagement and donations.
• AI adoption requires a culture of innovation. Institutions that embrace risk-taking and long-term thinking are better positioned to leverage AI effectively.
• Personalization is key. AI tools can customize communication, ensuring alumni and donors receive relevant, engaging content that strengthens their connection to their alma mater.
• Transparency builds trust. Clearly identifying AI-powered agents in donor interactions helps maintain credibility and donor confidence.
• Advancement leaders should experiment and iterate. Small-scale testing of AI tools allows teams to refine their approach while minimizing risks.

AI is playing an increasingly critical role in institutional advancement, helping teams engage donors, streamline operations, and personalize communications. Both William & Mary and the College of Charleston are leveraging AI-driven solutions like virtual engagement officers (VEOs) to handle donor outreach, allowing human fundraisers to focus on high-value relationships. AI is also being integrated into marketing, career services, and student engagement to drive deeper connections across the university ecosystem.

VEOs are AI-powered autonomous fundraisers that manage donor portfolios, initiate personalized conversations, and guide alumni through the giving process. At William & Mary, the VEO named "Wren" is engaging alumni by sharing curated content, answering inquiries, and even suggesting philanthropic opportunities based on donor interests. Similarly, the College of Charleston’s VEO, “Alex,” is successfully fostering engagement by tailoring interactions, including crafting poetry for an alum who tested its capabilities.

A key priority for both institutions is maintaining authenticity and transparency in AI-driven interactions. AI fundraisers introduce themselves as virtual engagement officers, rather than impersonating human staff members. Additionally, AI serves as a bridge to real fundraisers, helping schedule meetings or flagging high-potential donors for personal outreach. By handling lower-priority tasks, AI allows advancement professionals to deepen relationships with major donors and alumni in meaningful ways.

Implementing AI in institutional advancement comes with hurdles, including skepticism from staff, concerns over data security, and the need for institutional buy-in. Some advancement professionals worry about AI’s impact on job security, while others fear losing the human touch in donor relationships. However, leaders like Lambert and Frezza emphasize that AI is not replacing human fundraisers, but rather empowering them to be more efficient and effective.

Both William & Mary and the College of Charleston plan to expand their use of AI beyond fundraising. Future applications may include using AI for student engagement, career advising, and even enrollment marketing. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in advancement will likely grow, offering new ways to personalize outreach, improve donor experiences, and drive institutional success.

AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s happening now, and institutions that embrace it strategically will have a competitive edge in advancement and fundraising.

Guest Names: 
Matthew Lambert, Senior Vice President of University Advancement, William & Mary; CEO, William & Mary Foundation
Dan Frezza, Chief Advancement Officer of Institutional Advancement, College of Charleston; CEO, College of Charleston Foundation

Guest Socials: 
Matthew - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewtlambert/
Dan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-frezza-56203262/

Guest Bios: 
Matthew T. Lambert - Matthew Lambert leads University Advancement at William & Mary, overseeing all alumni engagement, private fundraising and philanthropic outreach, university marketing and communications, and career development & professional engagement efforts. Under his leadership, William & Mary successfully completed its record-breaking $1 billion For the Bold campaign, strengthening the university’s culture and philanthropy. As CEO of the William & Mary Foundation, he stewards more than $1 billion in endowments, ensuring long-term financial support for the university. A William & Mary alumnus, Matthew holds degrees from The Ohio State University (M.A.) and the University of Pennsylvania (Ed.D.). Before returning to W&M in 2013, he held leadership roles in Advancement at Georgetown University. In addition to his work in philanthropy, he is an active scholar in public policy and higher education, authoring Privatization and the Public Good (Harvard Education Press) and co-editing Advancing Higher Education (Rowman & Littlefield). Follow Matthew Lambert on LinkedIn. 

Dan Frezza - Dan Frezza serves as the Chief Advancement Officer at the College of Charleston, leading the university’s development, alumni relations, stewardship, and advancement services. In this role, he is responsible for fostering a strong culture of engagement and philanthropy across the institution. As CEO of the College of Charleston Foundation, he oversees institutional fund management and works to grow the university’s endowment. Before joining the College of Charleston in 2023, Dan spent over a decade at William & Mary, where he played a key leadership role in the university’s $1 billion For the Bold campaign alongside Matthew Lambert—driving alumni engagement and participation efforts. Prior to that, he led advancement programs at Appalachian State University and East Carolina University. Dan holds a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor’s in Communication with a minor in Business from Western Carolina University. Follow Dan on LinkedIn. 

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Higher ed is exhausted—literally. A new report from The Chronicle of Higher Education confirms what many faculty and staff already feel: heavier workloads, fewer resources, and increasing pressure are pushing employees to the brink. But is there a way out? In this episode, Mallory and Seth explore how AI can be a powerful tool in reducing burnout, streamlining workloads, and helping institutions retain their best talent. Plus, they share real-world AI solutions, from automating admin tasks to freeing up time for strategic, high-impact work.

Chronicle Articles:
Higher Ed Is Exhausted
What It’s Like to Work in Higher Ed

Key Takeaways: 

• Burnout is at crisis levels. The Chronicle report shows that 65% of faculty and staff are working more than they were five years ago, often due to layoffs and staffing shortages.
• It’s not just about workload—it’s about control. Many higher ed professionals feel overworked, undervalued, and left out of key decision-making processes, leading to higher turnover.
• AI isn’t a magic fix, but it helps. Implementing AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and allow employees to focus on more meaningful work.
• Small AI wins add up. Simple tools like voice-to-text software, AI-powered research assistants, and automated meeting recaps can significantly reduce stress and save time.
• Leadership must embrace AI for change to happen. Many higher ed leaders aren’t using AI themselves, which makes it harder for institutions to adopt these tools at scale.
• The future of higher ed depends on retaining great talent. If burnout continues unchecked, institutions risk losing experienced professionals, which could impact student outcomes and institutional success.

Calls to Action

• Register for the AI Engage Summit to learn practical ways AI can transform your institution. Enrollify.org/engage
• Experiment with AI tools. Try NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Whisper, or Loom to streamline your daily tasks.
• Advocate for AI at your institution. Share AI success stories with leadership and push for tools that can lighten workloads.
• Read the full Chronicle report on burnout in higher ed (linked in the show notes).
• Subscribe to Enrollify for more episodes on the future of higher ed marketing and enrollment.

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Welcome to this new Pulse Check series on the power of storytelling. This is  Part 5: AI-Powered Storytelling.

In this episode of Strategic Storytelling, host Maria Kuntz speaks with Tina Miller. They discuss the transformative role of AI in storytelling and communication within higher education, particularly at Arizona State University. Tina shares her journey of integrating AI tools into her team's processes, enhancing creativity and productivity, and developing proprietary AI models to support storytelling efforts. The discussion also covers the creation of a custom AI bot that mimics the voice of ASU's CIO, showcasing innovative approaches to leadership communication and the importance of using internal data for AI training. In this conversation, Tina Miller discusses the development of AI initiatives at Arizona State University (ASU), including the creation of an AI website and the AI Innovation Challenge aimed at engaging faculty and staff. She emphasizes the importance of human-centered storytelling in technology, the creation of a brand bot for compliance, and the accessibility of AI tools. The discussion also covers the varying levels of AI adoption in higher education and the future of AI storytelling, highlighting the need for multimodal approaches and immersive learning experiences.

Takeaways:

• Tina Miller began her journey with AI at ASU coinciding with the launch of ChatGPT.
• AI workshops at conferences indicate a growing interest in AI tools.
• Leaders must immerse themselves in AI to guide their teams effectively.
• Creativity has been bolstered through the use of AI tools in storytelling.
• The SpinCycle bot was created to enhance storytelling capabilities at ASU.
• Using proprietary data reduces the risk of AI hallucinations.
• Custom AI bots can represent leadership voices for effective communication.
• AI initiatives at ASU are driven by passionate leadership and a structured committee.
• The importance of internal data for training AI models is emphasized.
• Creating AI tools can streamline communication and enhance productivity. We created the AI website from scratch.
• We needed one place for AI information.
• We have over 500 projects and proposals submitted.
• People relate to people, not machines.
• We always put the human in the middle of the story.
• We created a brand bot for compliance.
• There are many free open source models available.
• It's about learning how to use AI appropriately.
• The future of storytelling is multimodal.
• This is the worst AI we will ever see.

Guest Name: Tina Miller, Executive Director of Creative x Communications, Arizona State University’s Enterprise Technology division

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinamiller3/

Guest Bio: Tina Miller is the Executive Director of Creative x Communications at Arizona State University’s Enterprise Technology division. With nearly three decades of experience spanning Fortune 500 companies, government, and higher education, Tina is a trailblazer in harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize team dynamics, communication strategies, and organizational outcomes. She leads a visionary team that uses AI to craft compelling narratives, streamline operations, and position ASU as a global leader in technological innovation.

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Welcome to this new Pulse Check series on the power of storytelling. This is  Part 4: Leveraging Stakeholder Engagement for Strategic Storytelling.

In this episode of Strategic Storytelling, host Maria Kuntz speaks with Anna McBrayer, Chief Marketing Officer at Fort Lewis College, about the importance of strategic storytelling in higher education. They discuss the process of stakeholder engagement, balancing creativity with institutional goals, and the significance of student-driven narratives. Anna shares insights on leveraging various mediums for storytelling, educating stakeholders on audience-specific approaches, and the challenges of authentic representation. The conversation concludes with advice for institutions looking to enhance their brand storytelling strategies.

Key Takeaways

• Marketing teams often feel reactive rather than proactive.
• Stakeholder engagement is crucial for effective storytelling.
• Creativity must align with strategic institutional goals.
• Student-driven storytelling provides authentic perspectives.
• Using multiple mediums enhances storytelling impact.
• Educating stakeholders on audience differences is essential.
• Post-workshop insights can lead to significant changes.
• Authentic representation is a challenge in storytelling.
• Leverage the voices of those you aim to reach.
• Engagement and fulfillment in work come from collaboration.

Guest Name: Anna McBrayer, Chief Marketing Officer, Fort Lewis College

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-mcbrayer/

Guest Bio: Anna McBrayer is the CMO for Fort Lewis College, in Durango Colorado, Colorado's only Public Liberal Arts institution. She has worked in higher education for over 12 years and is innovating creative leadership through strategic storytelling. As a leader, she is developing unique ways to bring her team of Marketing and Communications professionals alongside campus leadership and stakeholders as strategic partners in brand marketing and reputation building through multifaceted, creative narratives.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Hosts Mallory and Seth dive into the books that have profoundly shaped their leadership philosophies. From timeless business classics to modern leadership must-reads, they share personal anecdotes, key insights, and how these books have influenced their careers. If you’re looking to sharpen your leadership skills, rethink your approach to work, or just add some solid reads to your bookshelf, this episode is for you.

Their Book Recommendations:

• How To Be a Great Boss - Gino Wickman and Rene Boer 
• The First 90 Days - Michael Watkins
• Financial Intelligence - Karen Berman and Joe Knight 
• Linchpin - Seth Godin

• Leadership wisdom in print – Books like The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership and The First 90 Days provide invaluable frameworks for becoming a more effective leader.
• Decluttering your learning habits – Seth shares why he donated 1,000+ business books and how it changed his mindset.
• The power of delegation – How to Be a Great Boss introduces the “Delegate and Elevate” method to help leaders focus on their strengths.
• The business side of leadership – Financial Intelligence is a must-read for marketers and leaders who want to master financial decision-making.
• Navigating change – Leading Change by John Kotter offers an eight-step framework for organizational transformation.
• Why AI makes Linchpin more relevant than ever – Seth Godin’s classic on being indispensable in an evolving workplace takes on new meaning in the age of AI.

Why Seth Donated 1,000+ Business Books‍ 
At one point, Seth owned over a thousand marketing and business books—until he gave almost all of them away. The decision wasn’t about decluttering; it was about mindset. He realized he had been reading out of self-doubt rather than genuine curiosity. His takeaway? Read intentionally, not out of obligation. This led to a more thoughtful approach to learning and a more focused book collection, including only the works that truly resonated with him.

‍The Books That Shaped Our Leadership Approach 
‍Mallory and Seth each brought a list of their top leadership books, and surprisingly, some picks overlapped. Both agreed that The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins is an essential read for anyone stepping into a new leadership role. Whether you’re joining a new institution or taking on more responsibility in your current role, the book provides a roadmap to navigating those crucial first months.Mallory highlighted How to Be a Great Boss, which introduces a simple but powerful framework for delegation. The “Delegate and Elevate” model helps leaders identify what tasks they should focus on and what they should offload to empower their teams. Seth emphasized the importance of Jim Collins’ work, particularly Good to Great, for understanding how to build high-performing organizations.

‍Bridging the Gap Between Marketing and Finance 
‍One of the most overlooked skills for leaders—especially in higher education—is financial literacy. Mallory recommended Financial Intelligence, a book that helps non-financial professionals understand balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow in a way that’s practical and approachable. If you want a seat at the leadership table, you need to be fluent in the language of finance.

‍‍The Role of AI and Why Linchpin Matters More Than Ever 
Seth Godin’s Linchpin has been a staple for years, but Mallory argues it’s more relevant now than ever. In a world where AI is taking over repetitive tasks, the book’s core message—being indispensable by focusing on creativity, empathy, and problem-solving—is crucial. AI can handle the data, but it’s humans who bring strategic insight. If you’ve read Linchpin before, this might be the perfect time to revisit it through the lens of today’s evolving workplace.

‍More Book Recommendations for Leaders 
Seth wrapped up the conversation with a speed round of additional must-reads:

• Marketing & Strategy: Ogilvy on Advertising, Ryan Holiday’s Ego is the Enemy
• Biographies & Memoirs: Shoe Dog (Phil Knight), Steve Jobs (Walter Isaacson)
• Mindfulness & Philosophy: Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, Tao Te Ching

Want More Leadership Insights?If you’re looking for an actionable guide to integrating AI into your leadership strategy, check out The AI Playbook for Institutional Leaders. 

This free resource breaks down AI adoption into three phases, offering checklists and frameworks to guide your institution’s approach. Download it now on Enrollify’s site under the Guides section, and be sure to explore our other resources on leadership, enrollment marketing, and higher ed trends.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Welcome to this new Pulse Check series on the power of storytelling. This is  Part 3: Multicultural Brand Marketing. In this episode of Strategic Storytelling, host Maria Kuntz interviews Christian Ponce, the Associate Vice President for Marketing at Old Dominion University. They discuss the importance of storytelling in higher education marketing, particularly focusing on multicultural marketing strategies. Christian shares his personal journey into the field, key moments that shaped his approach, and the significance of authentic engagement and inclusivity in brand narratives. The conversation also delves into the challenges and successes of adapting marketing campaigns for diverse audiences, emphasizing the need for cultural understanding and intentionality in marketing efforts.

Takeaways

• Storytelling connects people to brands.
• Multicultural marketing should be integrated into overall strategy.
• Understanding cultural nuances is crucial for effective marketing.
• Successful campaigns require collaboration and input from diverse voices.
• Bilingual campaigns must adapt messages, not just translate them.
• The future of marketing is about understanding audience needs.
• Brands must evolve with changing demographics and preferences.
• Inclusive communications are essential for all institutions.
• Research and ask questions to understand your target audience.
• Intentionality is key in multicultural marketing efforts.

Guest Name: Christian Ponce, Associate Vice President for Marketing, Old Dominion University 

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ponce7/

Guest Bio: Christian Ponce is the Associate Vice President for Marketing at Old Dominion University (ODU). 

At ODU, Christian leads initiatives to enhance the university's brand and engagement strategies. With a robust background in multicultural marketing, Christian emphasizes authentic engagement and accessibility to meet the diverse needs of various demographics. 

He is recognized for his commitment to breaking down cultural barriers and fostering inclusivity in higher education marketing. His expertise includes developing strategies that resonate with multicultural audiences — ensuring that marketing efforts are both inclusive and effective.

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Hosts Seth Odell and Mallory Willsea tackle one of the most pressing questions in higher education today: What do students and families actually care about in 2025? With application season in full swing and yield season just around the corner, institutions must understand what’s driving enrollment decisions. Spoiler alert—it’s all about proof, not just promises. From career outcomes to tuition transparency and campus safety, Seth and Mallory break down the key factors influencing students and families today and offer actionable insights for enrollment marketers.

• Career outcomes matter more than ever. Families want clear data on job placement, salaries, and internship opportunities.
• Tuition clarity is critical. Hidden fees and confusing financial aid packages frustrate families—transparency is key.
• Campus visits are happening later. More students are applying before visiting, making early digital engagement even more important.
• Safety and security concerns are evolving. From campus protests to natural disasters, families are considering new factors in their decision-making.
• Parents need more direct engagement. Many schools still fail to communicate effectively with parents, even though they play a major role in the decision.

It’s no longer enough to promise a “transformative college experience”—families want proof that their investment will pay off. One of the biggest factors influencing enrollment decisions in 2025 is what Seth calls the perceived probability of professional success. In simple terms, students and parents are asking: Will this degree help me land a good job?

The data shows that families are looking for clear, tangible indicators of career success, including job placement rates, median salaries of graduates, and access to internships. Schools that can’t provide this information—or fail to present it in an accessible way—risk losing prospective students to competitors who do. Institutions like Georgia State University are leading the way with tools like Stepping Blocks, a digital career platform that connects students with real employment data. For enrollment marketers, the takeaway is clear: don’t just highlight academic programs—showcase the career outcomes that come with them.

Sticker price has always been a concern, but in 2025, families are demanding a new level of clarity around total cost. Many schools advertise a base tuition rate, but fail to account for hidden expenses like housing, meal plans, lab fees, and textbooks. This lack of transparency creates frustration and confusion, especially for first-generation students who may have limited guidance in navigating financial aid.

Schools like the University of Dayton and UNC Chapel Hill are setting a new standard by guaranteeing fixed tuition rates for four years. This approach eliminates uncertainty and reassures families that costs won’t unexpectedly increase. Even if your institution can’t freeze tuition, Seth and Mallory emphasize the importance of simplifying how costs are communicated—avoid complex unit pricing, break costs down by semester or year, and make it easy for families to understand net price after financial aid.

A major shift in student behavior post-COVID is the timing of campus visits. Traditionally, students toured schools before applying, using the in-person experience to determine fit. Now, more families are delaying visits until after acceptance, often making final decisions based on financial aid offers before ever stepping on campus.

This shift is especially challenging for private institutions that rely on emotional connections formed during campus visits. If a family assumes a school is unaffordable and never visits, the institution loses the chance to make its case. This means digital engagement—through virtual tours, financial aid webinars, and parent-specific communications—needs to be stronger than ever. As Mallory points out, if you wait for families to ask about cost and financial aid, you’re already behind. Schools need to proactively address these concerns upfront, not just after acceptance.

Safety has always been a priority for families, but in 2025, the conversation has expanded beyond crime statistics. Parents and students are increasingly concerned about campus protests, political climate, and even natural disasters affecting their chosen school.

For institutions, this means safety messaging needs to go beyond the basics. Schools should highlight campus preparedness for emergency situations, showcase student support services, and actively communicate how they handle campus disruptions. Instead of waiting for families to bring up safety concerns, enrollment teams should address them head-on in communications, providing reassurance and transparency.

One of the simplest yet most overlooked strategies in enrollment marketing is direct parent engagement. While parents have always played a role in the decision-making process, many institutions still fail to communicate with them effectively.

Jeremy Tiers recently pointed out on Mission Admissions that most colleges still don’t have a structured way to engage parents throughout the funnel. Parents want information on safety, cost, and career outcomes—not just rankings and student life. Schools that proactively communicate with parents through newsletters, webinars, and dedicated portals can strengthen their influence in the decision-making process.

If there’s one theme that sums up what students and families care about in 2025, it’s this: they want proof, not just promises.

 They’re no longer satisfied with vague claims about student success or affordability—they want data, transparency, and clear pathways to their goals. Schools that embrace this shift by providing clearer career outcomes, simplifying cost breakdowns, and engaging families more proactively will have the edge in the enrollment race.

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Welcome to this new Pulse Check series on the power of storytelling. This is  Part 2: From News to Narrative: Frank Tramble on Transforming Higher Ed Storytelling. Frank Tramble shares about the importance of an integrated marketing and communications strategy, understanding your audience's core motivations to create more impactful messages and the need to always to be learning.

Guest Name: Frank Tramble, Duke University

Guest Bio: Frank Tramble is a highly accomplished communications professional currently serving as the Vice President for Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs at Duke University. With extensive experience in strategic executive communications, crisis communications, integrated marketing, and brand management, he plays a pivotal role in shaping Duke's reputation and strategic priorities. 

As a trusted strategic adviser to President Vincent Price, Frank leads Duke's central communications, marketing, media relations, and brand management activities. He provides guidance and leadership to communications professionals across various schools and units, ensuring a cohesive and impactful approach.

Previously, as Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Howard University, Frank elevated the university's reputation through innovative initiatives such as the award-winning redesign of their magazine and the establishment of The Dig, a groundbreaking daily storytelling hub.

Frank's accomplishments have garnered national media coverage, including Howard's swim and dive

team becoming the first all-Black swim team featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He has

collaborated with renowned figures like Pete Souza and spearheaded communication strategies for

high-profile individuals, including Phylicia Rashad, Nicole Hannah-Jones, and Ta-Nehisi Coates.

An adjunct professor at Georgetown University, Frank imparts his expertise in brand strategy. He also

serves as a lead judge for prestigious industry awards and is a sought-after speaker on topics such as

crisis communications and branding.

Frank Tramble holds a master's degree in integrated marketing communications from Georgetown and a

bachelor's degree in advertising management from Michigan State University. With his dedication to

excellence and passion for effective storytelling, Frank continues to shape Duke University's success as a

leading institution of higher education.

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register