Hosts Mallory and Seth dive into the complexities surrounding the 2024 FAFSA fiasco and its impact on enrollment. They discuss how institutions can adapt their strategies to support students during this chaotic time and share practical tips for enrollment marketing professionals. Tune in for insights on personalizing communication, extending deadlines, and leveraging marketing techniques to navigate these unprecedented challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the Issue: The FAFSA redesign has caused significant delays in financial aid processing, creating widespread confusion and uncertainty for students and institutions.
• Education and Engagement: Institutions need to provide clear, constant communication about the situation and any deadline extensions to keep students informed.
• Personalized Outreach: One-on-one communication is crucial. Plain text emails from heads of admissions and direct phone calls can make a significant impact.
• Flexible Deadlines and Support: Schools should consider extending deadlines and offering additional resources, such as financial aid webinars and workshops, to assist students.
• Strategic Marketing: Boosting organic social content and leveraging paid social ads can help maintain visibility and engagement with prospective students.
• Collaborative Efforts: Engaging various campus stakeholders, including coaches and professors, in outreach efforts can enhance the personalization and effectiveness of communication.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/student-aid-policy/2024/03/04/how-ambitious-plans-new-fafsa-ended-fiasco

https://www.chronicle.com/article/stuck-in-limbo

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Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

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

In this episode, listeners will learn more about managing the MarComm budget. From building partnerships to taking advantage of one-time monies, Kate Ledger shares how to maximize the budget for MarComm efforts. Finally, she’ll debunk the notion that creatives can’t do budgets and share strategies to help learn this important part of the CMO role. 

Guest Name: Kate Ledger, ODU Global  

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

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

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

In this unique episode of the Pulse, hosts Mallory and Seth examine the pressing issues of burnout and self-care among higher education professionals. They share personal stories and insights on managing work-life integration, navigating professional pressures, and the importance of taking meaningful breaks. The conversation underscores the necessity of prioritizing wellness and self-care in the demanding world of higher education.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

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

In this third part of our Pulse Check series on leadership in higher education, listeners will get an honest and candid understanding of something not talked about enough with future leaders – tough conversations. As someone who naturally wants to avoid conflict, Rebekah shares how she mentally prepares to have a tough conversation and how to begin these conversations with shared understanding. Finally, listeners will learn ways to continue the conversation over time to ensure that tough conversions lead to long term successful outcomes. 

Guest Name: Rebekah Tilley

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekah-tilley/

Guest Bio: Rebekah Tilley is the assistant vice president of communication and marketing for the University of Iowa Center for Advancement (UICA). In that role she supports fundraising and alumni engagement efforts for the university, including its CASE Gold winning Iowa Magazine, and serves UICA in a variety of strategic communication efforts. Previously she was the director of strategic communication for the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, and the director of communication for the University of Kentucky College of Law. She is a Kentucky native and a proud alum of the University of Kentucky.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

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 explore the shifts in graduate education amidst the challenges of undergraduate enrollment pressures. As higher ed institutions pivot toward expanding graduate offerings, this conversation dives into the financial motives, the competitive landscape, and innovative strategies for attracting and retaining graduate students. Featuring insights from the NAGAP GEM Summit and perspectives from industry professionals, this episode is a must-listen for those involved in the strategic planning and marketing of higher education programs.

• Strategic Expansion: Many universities are expanding their graduate programs as a financial strategy to counterbalance undergraduate enrollment declines.
• Market Saturation: As more institutions turn to graduate offerings, the marketplace is becoming increasingly crowded, heightening competition.
• Financial Motivations: Behind the strategic shift to expand graduate programs lies a clear financial incentive, prompting institutions to rethink their program designs and marketing strategies.
• Operational Challenges: The rapid expansion of graduate programs is stretching resources thin, impacting faculty workloads and support services.
• Marketing Challenges: Marketing graduate programs is becoming more complex and costly, necessitating more strategic and targeted approaches.
• Flexibility and Innovation: Successful graduate programs are those that offer flexibility in learning formats to accommodate working professionals and leverage technology to enhance accessibility and engagement.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

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

In Part 2 of this Pulse Check series on leadership, emerging leaders can learn about creating culture and setting vision at our institutions as Dr. Gann shares practical experiences from his own background, discusses strategies for setting culture and talks about how interconnected systems impact our work. Whether you’re a new leader or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you in your work to set culture, build trust, and define the strategic vision of your institution. 

Guest Name: Dr. Matthew Gann

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

Guest Bio: Dr. Matthew Gann is an accomplished leader in education and organizational intelligence, currently serving as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Marketing, Digital Strategy, and Public Relations at the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). With a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from Trevecca Nazarene University, his expertise is in enhancing educational outcomes and community engagement through strategic leadership and digital innovation.
Prior to his current role, Dr. Gann advanced through several key positions within TBR, including Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief Marketing Officer, where he directed significant improvements in digital communication and marketing strategies. His earlier tenure as Director of Web Services and Digital Strategy established foundational policies and practices that continue to benefit the institution.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Gann has been a prominent figure in community engagement, serving as President of the Tennessee College Public Relations Association, where he led initiatives to strengthen educational communications across the state. His career also includes impactful roles in the private sector, where he spearheaded marketing and web development initiatives, demonstrating a consistent ability to blend technical skills with strategic oversight.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

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

Lesley Mackey, a young professional stepping into a new graduate student recruiter role at Fort Hays State University, chats with the Pulse at the NAGAP Summit in Louisville. Fresh from his first trip to Hawaii, Les shares his journey as a new GEM professional, highlighting the unique challenges and breakthroughs of his new role in graduate recruitment. 

• Role Exploration: Les discusses the intricacies of stepping into a newly created role in graduate recruitment and the challenges of establishing benchmarks without clear enrollment goals.
• Conference Insights: Insights from NAGAP conference sessions emphasize common challenges faced by small offices in higher education, showcasing varying perceptions of what constitutes a 'small' office.
• Future Aspirations: The conversation dives into future goals and the proactive steps being taken to define and achieve success in graduate recruitment.

Guest Name: Les Mackey, Graduate Student Recruiter, Fort Hays State University

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

Guest Bio: As relatively new professional in higher education, Lesley W. Mackey finished his bachelor’s degree in Occupational Science (2022) from Eastern Kentucky University. In Summer 2022, him and his husband later found themselves moving to Hays, KS, to work on their respective master’s degrees at Fort Hays State University (FHSU). Within in his first academic semester of graduate coursework, he transitioned from a graduate assistantship into a newly created, full-time role in graduate enrollment management (GEM). As FHSU continues to explore what GEM means to them, this role has allowed him the opportunity to get involved in coordinating all aspects of graduate recruitment, retention, and marketing. He will finish his MBA later this year, is a member of the NASPA SAPAA Knowledge Community, and sits on the NAGAP Research Committee as a liaison to the Marketing Committee.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

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

Recorded at the NAGAP GEM Summit, Mallory chats with Spenser Smith, Director of Admissions for Graduate Business Programs at Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Spenser shares his insights on navigating the complexities of admissions in a post-affirmative action world, and introduces us to the innovative, holistic admissions process designed to foster diversity and inclusion at Haslam.

• Impact of Supreme Court Decisions: The team at Haslam quickly adapted their admissions strategies following the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling on affirmative action, reinforcing their commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all students.
• Holistic Admissions Process: Haslam College has introduced a revamped holistic admissions process that assesses applicants on more than just their academic and professional achievements, aiming for a more inclusive and diverse student body.
• Collaborative Decision Making: The admissions committee at Haslam includes representatives from various departments, ensuring multiple perspectives are considered during the admissions process.

Guest Name: Spenser Smith, Director of Graduate Admissions, Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Guest Bio: Currently the Director of Graduate Admissions at the Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Spenser Smith draws on a diverse background, including years in Admissions at both graduate and undergraduate levels in both the public and private sectors. With nearly a decade's immersion in enrollment management, he focuses on intentional communication to foster a sense of belonging for all, interweaving insights into personal growth and connections, which all began by guiding at-risk youth during high-ropes experiences.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

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

Live at the NAGAP GEM Summit, Mallory sits down with Ryan Taughrin, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management at the University at Buffalo's Graduate School of Education. Ryan shares his experiences and challenges of being a millennial manager, especially navigating the abrupt transition to remote work at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses his approach to leadership, emphasizing flexibility, servant leadership, and the importance of balancing work life with personal life to empower his team.

Key Takeaways:

• Adapting to Change: Ryan was thrust into remote management just days after starting his role, highlighting the importance of adaptability in leadership.
• Servant Leadership: Focus on prioritizing people over processes to foster a supportive team environment.
• Professional Growth: Encourages continuous learning and professional development outside traditional academic resources.
• Empowering Flexibility: Implements a hybrid work model to accommodate different working styles and life commitments, demonstrating trust and respect for team autonomy.
• Community and Connection: Underlines the importance of creating connection points for teams, even in remote settings.
• Balancing Roles: Ryan shares personal anecdotes to model work-life balance, encouraging his team to manage work without sacrificing personal responsibilities.

Guest Name:  Ryan Taughrin, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management  at the University at Buffalo's Graduate School of Education

Guest Bio: Ryan Taughrin is the Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management at the University at Buffalo's Graduate School of Education. He has spent the last decade working in graduate enrollment management. His primary focus areas are staff support and mentorship, recruitment practices for adult and non-traditional students, and developing programming to disenchant the hidden curriculum within graduate school admission. He has also spent the last seven years involved in NYGAP and NAGAP, hoping to build community with other folks across the GEM lifecycle. When he's not working, he loves spending time collecting records, enjoying bourbon with friends, riding his Peloton, and spending time with his family. And most important, Go Bills.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

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

Dr. Chris Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan, Flint, joins Mallory Willsea live from the NAGAP GEM Summit. They dive into the impact and insights from Dr. Lewis's extensive podcasting experience, both personally and professionally. With a focus on enhancing student engagement and recruitment, Dr. Lewis shares how his podcast, 'Victors in Grad School,' has become a strategic tool in connecting with and guiding prospective students.

• Podcasting as a Strategic Tool: Dr. Lewis leverages his podcast to answer frequent queries from students, effectively using it as a platform to guide and inform prospective and current students.
• Personal Journey to Professional Impact: Starting from a personal desire to share his experiences as a father, Dr. Lewis has expanded his reach to influence the higher education space, particularly in graduate studies.
• Content Utilization Across Platforms: Insights from podcast episodes are repurposed across digital channels, enhancing accessibility and engagement with university content.
• Success Through Storytelling: Sharing compelling stories, like that of a first-gen student turned physics professor in Australia, underscores the transformative power of education and mentorship.
• Sustaining Engagement: Consistency in content delivery and adapting to listener feedback are critical for podcast growth and impact.
• Measuring Impact: Dr. Lewis discusses the challenges of quantifying the direct impact of podcasts but highlights the importance of gradual growth and listener engagement as indicators of success.

Guest Name: Dr. Chris Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan - Flint

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

Guest Bio: Christopher A. Lewis, Ed.D serves as the Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan - Flint. He is also the host of the Victors in Grad School podcast, amongst a number of other podcasts, including SA Voices from the Field and Dads with Daughters. Christopher is the President of the Rotary Club of Williamston Michigan and is the Treasurer of the Williamston Community Schools Board of Education and was honored recently as a Pillar of the Profession from the NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Foundation. He also co-founded an international organization called Fathering Together which supports fathers in being engaged members of their children’s lives.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

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