Higher Ed Pulse

In this episode of the Higher Ed Pulse, live from AMA, Mallory sits down with Bob Rafferty, Partner and EVP at Simpson Scarborough, to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in higher education websites. Recorded live at the American Marketing Association (AMA) conference in Las Vegas, this conversation unpacks the evolving landscape of .edu websites, how AI is reshaping the user experience, and why universities need to embrace these changes to remain competitive in a tech-forward world.

• AI's Impact on Higher Ed Websites: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing .edu websites, shifting them from static information hubs to dynamic, conversational platforms.
• The Future of User Experience: Generative AI and large language models will enable more personalized and intuitive interactions, reducing barriers for users seeking information.
• Smarter Content Management: AI-integrated content management systems (CMS) will streamline tasks, allowing marketing teams to focus on storytelling and strategic initiatives.
• Personalization at Scale: AI-powered CRMs will make website personalization more accessible, enabling even small teams to deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time.
• Reimagining the Website's Role: The .edu site will regain its central role as the authoritative source of information and the primary driver of user engagement.

‍What Is the Role of AI in .EDU Websites? 
Bob Rafferty highlights how AI is ushering in a new era for higher education websites, moving beyond traditional navigation and static content. Websites are becoming more interactive and conversational, mimicking the intuitive design of platforms like Google. This evolution allows users to ask questions directly and receive personalized, relevant answers.

Mallory expands on this by envisioning a future where AI-powered websites replace traditional navigation with conversational interfaces, transforming the user experience. Such a shift could remove information barriers, making it easier for prospective students to connect with the lifestyle and academic opportunities offered by an institution.

How Will AI Improve Content Management? 
Current content management systems are outdated, requiring significant manual input from marketing teams. Bob predicts that AI tools will simplify tasks such as image resizing, metadata generation, and accessibility compliance. By automating these processes, AI can free up marketing teams to focus on creating rich, engaging content that resonates with prospective students.

The integration of AI into CMS platforms will also make it easier to produce diverse content types, including podcasts, videos, and immersive media. This democratization of content creation could allow even small universities to tell richer, more authentic stories about their student experience.‍

What About Personalization and Targeting? 
Mallory and Bob agree that AI's ability to deliver personalized content is one of its most exciting benefits. AI-powered CRMs are becoming more accessible, enabling smaller marketing teams to scale their efforts without additional resources.

Bob emphasizes that AI can predict user behavior on websites, identifying high-value leads and helping institutions focus their recruitment strategies. This predictive power enhances efficiency, allowing teams to target students with tailored messages that align with their interests and stage in the enrollment journey.

What Is the Long-Term Future of the .EDU Website? 
Bob sees the .edu website reclaiming its role as the central hub for university communications. While social media and paid advertising have dominated in recent years, the AI-powered website offers a more immersive and informative experience. As AI tools lower the cost of producing high-quality content, institutions of all sizes will have the opportunity to create compelling, user-centered digital experiences.

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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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did you miss the AI Engage Summit or want a second look? Watch every insightful discussion and discover strategies for transforming student engagement with AI. 

In this episode of The Higher Ed Pulse, co-hosts Seth and Mallory explore the evolving dynamics of higher education as we approach the end of 2024. With insights from recent events like the AMA Conference and AI Engage Summit, Seth unpacks his keynote on the state of the higher ed market, touching on declining demand, increasing supply, and the rise of non-traditional educational pathways. This episode offers a deep dive into the trends reshaping the industry and what institutions can do to stay ahead.

• Declining Demand, Increasing Supply: The higher education market is shrinking, with undergraduate enrollment decreasing by 15% over the past decade and freshman enrollment down an additional 5% in 2024. However, demand is growing for non-traditional pathways, such as vocational training and dual enrollment programs.
• Rise of Non-Traditional Students: Non-traditional learners, including part-time students, adult learners, and high school students in dual enrollment, are driving new opportunities in higher ed.
• Pressure on Pricing Models: Tuition costs have risen by 35% in the last decade, while discount rates are exceeding 50% at many private institutions. This is fueling demand for affordable, flexible educational alternatives.
• Emerging Role of Micro-Credentials: With over one million micro-credential offerings in the U.S., institutions must develop clear audience strategies to differentiate themselves in this saturated market.
• Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions: The higher education industry is entering a consolidation phase, with over 100 institutions closing or merging in the past five years. This trend is expected to accelerate.

Seth's keynote emphasized the importance of understanding market dynamics. While overall undergraduate enrollment has dropped, pockets of growth remain in areas like dual enrollment and vocational training. These trends highlight the need for institutions to adopt a targeted approach, focusing on where demand still exists. However, the increase in program offerings without corresponding closures has created a highly competitive landscape. For many institutions, this mismatch is leading to struggling programs and financial challenges.

As traditional enrollment declines, non-traditional pathways are on the rise. Dual enrollment programs, which allow high school students to earn college credits, are growing rapidly, as are vocational programs aimed at specific job-ready skills. Seth and Mallory discussed the importance of developing clear audience strategies to address these emerging segments. Institutions need to go beyond the traditional "degree-first" mindset and consider flexible, modular educational experiences that align with changing consumer demands.

Pricing remains a significant barrier for traditional higher education. Rising tuition costs, high discount rates, and concerns about student debt have eroded consumer confidence in the value of a four-year degree. Many learners are now opting for micro-credentials and shorter programs that promise faster, more affordable pathways to career success. However, as Mallory noted, marketing these offerings effectively in a crowded market requires a nuanced and strategic approach.

The rise of non-degree alternatives is reshaping the higher education landscape. With over a million micro-credentials and certificates available, Seth highlighted the need for institutions to rethink their approach to program development. Instead of simply repackaging degree programs, schools must design offerings that directly address workforce needs and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

The conversation concluded with a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead. Mergers and acquisitions are becoming increasingly common, with a 15% increase in such activities over the past three years. Despite this trend, many mergers fail to deliver enrollment growth. Institutions that wish to thrive in this evolving market will need to focus on regional strategies, employer partnerships, and differentiated academic offerings.

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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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode from the AMA Higher Ed Conference, Carrie Phillips interviews Kin Sejpal, who shares innovative strategies for building a brand with limited resources in higher education. Kin, a featured presenter, discusses her unbundled, resourceful approach to brand building and explores how institutions can achieve impactful results by testing ideas and leveraging existing tools. This conversation is packed with practical strategies for institutions facing budget constraints.

• Unbundling the Brand Building Process: Embrace a segmented approach to brand building that prioritizes creativity and targeted actions over big-budget initiatives.
• Market-Test Small Pilots: Launch small-scale pilot projects to gather real-world data and refine ideas before making larger investments.
• Maximize Current Resources: Use existing tools, like chatbots, to deliver personalized experiences without added cost.
• Cultivate Emerging Leaders: Prepare rising leaders by encouraging resourcefulness, ownership, and hands-on problem-solving.
• Focus on Results over Recognition: Shift to an outcome-driven mindset that prioritizes long-term brand impact over immediate accolades.

An Unbundled Approach to Brand Building in Higher Education 
In her presentation at the AMA Higher Ed Conference, Kin Sejpal highlighted an untraditional but effective approach to brand building—a segmented process focused on resourcefulness. Recognizing that many institutions face budget constraints, Kin emphasizes “unbundling” brand initiatives, tackling components individually, and aligning efforts with available resources. Her approach allows higher ed marketers to take a gradual but impactful path toward building a recognizable brand identity.

This process of “unbundling” encourages institutions to focus on creative solutions and leverage existing assets. Instead of trying to launch an extensive branding initiative all at once, Kin’s approach demonstrates how marketing teams can build up a brand identity over time through smaller, manageable projects that showcase value along the way. Her presentation inspired attendees to rethink brand strategy as a series of achievable steps that adapt to resource limitations, demonstrating that innovation is often born from necessity.

Testing Ideas Through Small Pilots 
One of Kin’s top recommendations is to pilot new ideas on a small scale to test their effectiveness. When faced with limited budgets, launching experimental projects is a strategic way to collect valuable data, make iterative adjustments, and demonstrate success to decision-makers. She advises taking a “test and learn” approach, where each pilot project becomes a learning opportunity that can inform larger strategies.

Kin shares insights from other conference sessions on ways institutions conduct lead generation and inbound marketing without additional vendor support. By leveraging existing tools, such as chatbots, institutions can create more personalized experiences without incurring extra costs. This strategy encourages institutions to make creative use of available resources, gather actionable insights, and adapt their marketing tactics to meet the evolving demands of prospective students. Her advice for resource-strapped institutions is to remain bold, innovative, and driven by data.

Fostering the Next Generation of Higher Ed Leaders 
Kin also emphasizes the importance of nurturing future leaders by encouraging resourcefulness and leadership across all levels of an organization. Leadership, she notes, is not confined to executive roles; it can be demonstrated in any position by taking initiative, leading projects, and actively seeking out problem-solving opportunities. Kin suggests that emerging leaders should start by embracing ownership of projects, regardless of their formal titles, and by learning to drive results.

For Kin, preparing the next generation of leaders involves fostering a mindset that values results over recognition. As higher ed professionals move forward in their careers, she encourages them to be guided by the impact of their work rather than external validation. This shift toward a results-oriented approach enables individuals to tackle challenges more effectively and work toward their institution’s goals with clarity and focus. Kin’s insights are a valuable reminder to think creatively, act boldly, and stay committed to results-driven marketing in higher education.

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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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Part 2: “A Long Way from Where We Need to Be” 

Episode Description: 

• Only 12% of higher school graduating seniors are considered “proficient” in civics and political science
• Pluralism is not synchronism, and our educational systems need to lean into uncomfortable conversations
• Our work must turn to building knowledge around cultures and experiences of individuals
• Viewpoint neutrality versus viewpoint diversity is a critical aspect of what education must self-interrogate

Guest Name: Ashley Rodgers Berner 

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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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this live episode from the American Marketing Association (AMA) conference in Las Vegas, Mallory sits down with Christian Ponce, AVP for Marketing at Old Dominion University. They discuss the powerful intersection of AI and KPI development in higher education marketing. Christian shares how AI tools like Elephant AI streamline KPI generation, offering marketers valuable insights and efficiency. This episode dives into the practical applications of AI for setting and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), particularly in campaign planning and execution, to maximize productivity and foster a sense of belonging within teams.

Key Takeaways

• AI in KPI Development: AI can expedite the traditionally time-consuming process of creating and tracking KPIs, transforming hours of work into mere minutes.
• AI as a Support Tool, Not a Replacement: AI is meant to enhance your strategic thinking, not replace it, by providing structured guidance and suggestions.
• Enhanced Productivity and Learning: Engaging with AI tools can reduce research time, educate users on key metrics like NPS, and offer solutions for campaign optimization.
• Cultivating Belonging in Remote Teams: The keynote on inclusivity highlights the impact of fostering belonging within teams, which can directly affect productivity and satisfaction.

Why Inclusivity Matters in Marketing Teams 
Christian reflects on the keynote's emphasis on inclusion, noting the scientific evidence that humans are wired for belonging. This biological need for inclusion impacts productivity and job satisfaction. For remote and distributed teams, creating a culture where every member feels valued and connected is essential, particularly in high-stakes environments like higher education marketing. Christian stresses that understanding the neurological effects of rejection helps drive home the importance of inclusive marketing and team dynamics.

AI-Powered KPI Development in Higher Education
Christian shares how AI tools are transforming the process of KPI development. Traditionally, setting KPIs required significant time, involving deep dives into institutional goals, marketing objectives, and strategic planning. With AI, marketers can streamline this process by inputting basic campaign information and receiving immediate, actionable insights. Christian uses Elephant AI to prompt the tool with campaign goals and in seconds receives recommendations for brand awareness, perception tracking, and conversions. This shift saves time and allows for a greater focus on refining strategic priorities.

How AI Can Assist, Not Replace, Strategic Thinking 
In a role like Christian's, AI serves as a productivity booster rather than a replacement for strategic input. He explains that, rather than generating ideas independently, AI supports tasks by eliminating the “blank page” problem and speeding up ideation. For example, he uses AI to produce sample KPIs and adjust them as necessary. AI also offers tools and methods to measure metrics like Net Promoter Score (NPS), including recommendations for survey platforms and calculation techniques. This level of assistance allows Christian to focus on strategic adjustments, while AI handles the administrative legwork.

Real-Life Examples of AI-Driven Campaign Iteration 
Christian emphasizes how AI can assist in ongoing campaign management, especially in situations where a campaign isn’t performing as expected. When faced with underwhelming results, he can input current data into the AI tool and receive suggestions, such as tweaking headlines or adjusting messaging to boost engagement. This approach allows Christian to iterate on campaigns more efficiently, testing new ideas and refining strategies based on real-time insights from AI suggestions.

The Importance of Starting with AI, Even with Time Constraints 
Mallory shares her experience of using AI for KPI exercises at Enrollify. By inputting detailed data on past performance and desired outcomes, she received insights that would have otherwise taken hours to develop. For marketers on the fence about learning AI due to time constraints, Christian and Mallory agree that investing time to familiarize oneself with AI tools pays off in the long run. The efficiency gained from AI not only saves time but also enhances one’s strategic approach, empowering higher education marketers to achieve more with less effort.

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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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special episode of the Higher Ed Pulse podcast series, recorded live at the American Marketing Association (AMA) conference, Mallory Willsea speaks with Dan Giroux, AVP of Advancement Communications & Stewardship at Drexel University. With a focus on personalized engagement, operational efficiency, and AI-powered predictive analytics, Dan shares insights on leveraging technology to enhance advancement efforts and build meaningful relationships with donors.

• AI’s Role in Advancement: AI tools, like ChatGPT, offer efficiency and personalization opportunities in advancement, filling gaps for teams with limited resources.
• Predictive Analytics Potential: AI can transform donor engagement by analyzing data to inform outreach strategies, predict giving patterns, and improve campaign development.
• Institutional AI Integration: The higher education sector awaits seamless AI integration within existing platforms, which will likely drive widespread adoption in advancement.
• Practical Use Cases for AI in Advancement: From drafting content to strategic donor engagement, AI provides practical solutions to ongoing challenges in advancement.
• Continuous Learning with AI: For advancement professionals, embracing AI through regular exploration and experimentation is essential to staying ahead in the evolving higher ed landscape.

Why Does AI Matter in Advancement? 
The podcast opens with Dan explaining the importance of AI in advancement efforts, especially as these teams face increasing demands and limited resources. AI provides ways to automate tasks, personalize engagement, and support decision-making—all critical in the alumni and donor relations space. By using AI tools, advancement teams can streamline workflows and communicate more effectively with constituents, enhancing overall efficiency without adding headcount. This is especially useful for content creation, such as personalized donor thank-yous, targeted emails, and solicitations, which often require a consistent tone of voice and branding.

Addressing Resource Constraints with AI 
Mallory and Dan discuss a significant challenge in advancement: open positions and budget constraints. Dan notes that Drexel University’s advancement team has faced unfilled positions for two years. For teams stretched thin, AI serves as a valuable tool to tackle basic but essential tasks, like generating first drafts of communications or tailoring messages to different donor levels. This capability not only relieves pressure on understaffed teams but also ensures a more personalized experience for constituents. AI allows smaller teams to handle large volumes of content and maintain a cohesive voice, a function once dependent on extensive editorial guidelines.

Current AI Tools in Advancement: Are We There Yet? 
Mallory inquires about AI’s integration into existing tech stacks within advancement. Dan explains that while some AI features are starting to appear in niche tools, broader integration into major platforms like Salesforce or Anthology Encompass is still in its early stages. Institutions are beginning to explore AI’s potential, with tools like “AI gift officers” gaining attention, though the landscape is still developing. Without comprehensive institutional support, many professionals are experimenting with AI independently, often without clear guidance. As more universities form task forces to evaluate ethical AI use, these technologies will likely become better integrated into the advancement workflow.

Predictive Modeling and Donor Engagement 
The conversation turns to predictive analytics as a promising AI use case in advancement. Dan suggests that AI’s potential for donor engagement lies in analyzing donor history to create targeted outreach and even develop customized offers. By understanding constituent patterns, advancement teams can make strategic decisions about where to invest their time and resources. While true AI-driven predictive modeling in advancement may not yet be fully realized, this approach could transform campaign development and improve ROI by identifying the most promising donor segments.

Preparing for Strategic Shifts in Advancement Marketing 
Looking ahead to his AMA session, Dan previews how he plans to address ongoing strategic shifts in advancement marketing. Drawing on his experience at Drexel, he’ll discuss how teams can stay adaptable and evolve even as industry changes continue to accelerate. Attendees can expect insights on managing advancement amidst shifting priorities and learning to position advancement as a strategic university partner. These themes resonate across advancement, university marketing, and college-based roles, making them applicable for a broad audience seeking to elevate their strategies.

The Value of Continuous Learning and Experimentation with AI 
Dan closes with a call for professionals to cultivate curiosity and a willingness to learn. He encourages listeners to spend just 15 minutes a day exploring AI tools, which can lead to new ideas and inspire innovative solutions in their work. Regularly testing and experimenting with AI can demystify the technology and enable professionals to discover meaningful ways it can support their advancement efforts. Dan’s advice resonates as a reminder that continuous learning is essential to adapt to new technologies and unlock their full potential.

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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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, live from the American Marketing Association (AMA) Symposium in Las Vegas, Mallory dives into the insights shared by AMA co-chairs Teresa Valerio-Parrot, Principal of TVP Communications, and Stephen Jendraszak, AVP for Marketing at Emory University. They discuss the record-breaking attendance, the importance of community, and how higher ed marketing has evolved over the years to make a real impact.

Key Takeaways

• The AMA Symposium hit a milestone this year, with nearly 1,800 attendees, making it the largest event in the organization's history.
• Higher ed marketers now focus less on "earning a seat at the table" and more on leveraging their influence to benefit students, communities, and institutions.
• Building a strong community is key, both during the symposium and throughout the year, encouraging collaboration over competition.
• The symposium introduced new formats, like fireside chats, to foster genuine dialogue and connection among peers.
• Networking tips for first-time attendees include participating in organized meal groups, taking advantage of shared moments, and stepping out of comfort zones to form meaningful connections.
• Transparency and accessibility are focal points, with committee-led sessions offering insights on proposals and processes, ensuring inclusivity and encouragement for all members.

This year’s AMA Symposium is historic, with nearly 1,800 attendees—the highest number ever recorded in AMA’s 35-year history. The co-chairs emphasized that higher ed marketers need a space to recharge and gain fresh perspectives, especially given the challenging years the industry has faced. The symposium is also the first event to combine both national and symposium-level programming, highlighting the strength and influence of higher education within AMA's network.

Reflecting on past symposiums, Teresa and Steven noted that marketing conversations have shifted dramatically. Initially focused on "getting a seat at the table," today’s discussions center on maximizing the influence that higher ed marketers already have. This year’s theme encourages marketers to prioritize students, communities, and institutional values over personal recognition. The goal is to foster a culture of purpose-driven impact rather than focusing on individual credit.

The co-chairs emphasized the importance of fostering community within the higher ed marketing industry, not only during the symposium but year-round. They encouraged attendees to look for opportunities to connect beyond formal sessions, such as meeting in informal settings like the gym or at meals organized by institution type. This emphasis on community is seen as vital for long-term support and collaboration in a field that often presents challenges.

One of the unique formats introduced was the fireside chat, which allows participants to engage in casual yet insightful conversations. Unlike traditional presentations, fireside chats bring industry peers together to discuss shared experiences, fostering a "fly on the wall" perspective where attendees can witness organic exchanges. This format aims to provide attendees with real-world perspectives and strengthen the connections within the community.

For newcomers, the symposium can feel overwhelming due to the large number of sessions and networking opportunities. Steven and Teresa advised first-timers to participate in organized tables during meals and actively introduce themselves to others. Attendees were also encouraged to make the most of unexpected networking moments, such as chats in elevators or brief encounters in shared spaces. For introverted attendees, they suggested finding familiar faces in common spaces as a way to break the ice and build connections.

Beyond the conference, AMA continues to support its community through accessible resources and initiatives that encourage engagement throughout the year. Teresa highlighted a recent podcast episode aimed at helping marketers develop strong proposals and previewed upcoming "ask the committee" sessions designed to increase transparency. AMA’s goal is to provide consistent opportunities for marketers to participate, learn, and share their unique strengths with peers, ensuring the community’s growth and support year-round.

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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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this milestone 40th episode of The Higher Ed Pulse, hosts Mallory and Seth take a reflective turn as they explore why they, and so many others, choose to stay and work in the higher education space. The duo unpacks their personal motivations and the deeper sense of purpose tied to higher ed’s mission. The episode covers personal experiences, family legacies, and the sense of impact they’ve found in the industry.‍

Key Takeaways

• Higher education offers a unique sense of purpose and mission, providing access to education and promoting social mobility.
• The industry fosters long-lasting personal and professional relationships that feel like family.
• Working in higher ed allows for creativity, innovation, and the opportunity to tackle real-world problems.
• The impact on students' lives, particularly through graduation, keeps many professionals dedicated to this field.
• Higher ed is not just a job, but a platform for continuous innovation and meaningful work.

Why do Mallory and Seth stay in higher education?
In this episode, Mallory and Seth reflect on why they’ve remained in higher education for over a decade. Both hosts admit they stumbled into the field but found lasting reasons to stay. For Seth, it’s a deeply personal family legacy—his grandfather was a college president, and education runs deep in his family. For Mallory, growing up in an economically challenged area instilled a passion for providing access to education and social mobility. Both agree that working in higher ed allows them to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives, making it far more rewarding than other industries they once considered.

What kind of impact does working in higher ed have?
Seth emphasizes the tangible impact higher ed professionals can have on students, especially at graduation when the results of years of effort are fully realized. He shares how rewarding it is to maintain connections with students long after they graduate and see the ripple effects of their education. Mallory adds that higher ed tackles real-world problems, such as improving access to education for underprivileged communities, making the work feel purposeful and high-stakes. This sense of purpose, combined with creativity and innovation, keeps them both engaged and passionate about their work.‍

What opportunities does higher education offer to professionals?
Seth talks about the unique professional opportunities the industry provides, including access to incredible people, from renowned scholars to inspiring students. He recalls highlights from his career, such as producing commercials and large-scale shoots for universities across the country. The industry, while not traditionally known for innovation, has given Seth countless chances to push creative boundaries and make a visible impact. Mallory echoes this sentiment, explaining that she is driven by the opportunity to innovate within a shrinking but evolving industry, where disruptive solutions are not just needed, but welcomed.

Why is the higher ed community so important?
Both hosts agree that the relationships they’ve built within the higher ed space are one of the main reasons they continue to stay. Seth and Mallory reflect on their long-standing friendship, as well as the camaraderie and support they’ve found in the broader higher ed community. Whether it’s meeting colleagues at conferences, staying connected on social media, or collaborating on projects, the relationships they’ve formed in this industry feel more like family than just professional acquaintances. Mallory notes how these connections make working in higher ed not just fulfilling but fun, even recounting an impromptu trip to a tattoo shop with higher ed colleagues during a conference in LA.

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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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Part 1 - “Harm is about people”

Welcome to Reclaiming Free Speech, Democracy, and Discourse on Campus a Post Election America. I’m Dr. J. Cody Nielsen . No matter the outcome, the 2024 election will set the stage for the next decade of higher education. In this Pulse Check series I’ll interview policy makers and practitioners to discuss their outlook on higher education, the ways in which we might reestablish higher education’s public trust, and what a post 2024 election will look like on campus. From expression of speech to civil democracy and discourse, America’s higher education system is at a dramatic turning point and we’re here to break it down.  Let’s dive into today’s episode. 

Episode Description: 

• Intersections of restorative and trauma informed justice with the future of DEI in higher education
• Conversation around how we are approaching harm and healing in higher education
• Institution of care, compassion, and community into the next few years of higher education
• We require the development of people’s patience in order for progress in social issues to be made in society.
• It’s time to repurpose identity-based spaces to those of caucusing spaces for individuals to collectively grieve and interrogate their roles in white supremacy. 

Guest Host: Dr. J. Cody Nielsen

Guest Host Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-cody-nielsen/

Guest: Desirée Anderson  

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desirée-anderson-ph-d-a16b9688/

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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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seth Odell and Mallory dive into a timely and thought-provoking discussion on building resilience as leaders in uncertain times. With Seth unable to attend the AMA conference due to family commitments, the conversation centers around navigating challenges, managing stress, and fostering resilience both personally and within teams. They explore the importance of self-awareness, prioritization, and psychological safety in the workplace.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership is tough and often lonely, especially in times of uncertainty.
• Building resilience starts with self-awareness and prioritizing what is within your control.
• Leaders must balance empathy for their teams with their own self-care to avoid burnout.
• Making iterative decisions allows for flexibility and the ability to adapt to new information.
• Cultivating a psychologically safe environment fosters resilience within teams and supports open communication.

‍What does it mean to be a resilient leader in uncertain times?
Seth and Mallory kick off the episode by addressing the increasing uncertainty and divisiveness in today’s world. As leaders, they emphasize the importance of resilience, which begins with self-awareness and recognizing your own limits. Seth highlights the concept of "surrender"—acknowledging that not everything is within your control and letting go of the need to fix everything immediately. By focusing on what is within their circle of influence, leaders can avoid burnout and better manage the stresses of decision-making in turbulent times.

‍How can leaders foster resilience within themselves and their teams?
Mallory shares her experience of over-identifying with her team's struggles, especially during challenging periods like the pandemic, which led to her own burnout. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and compartmentalizing work from personal life. Both hosts discuss practical strategies for building resilience, such as turning off notifications, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in self-care activities like exercise and meditation. Seth adds that time management and prioritization are key—leaders should focus on mission-critical tasks and break large decisions into smaller, more manageable steps.

‍What role does psychological safety play in resilience?
A key theme throughout the episode is the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. Mallory highlights that leaders must create environments where team members feel comfortable expressing concerns and uncertainties without fear of judgment. This open communication fosters trust and allows teams to build resilience together. However, Seth reminds listeners that leaders should not take on all of their team’s emotional burdens; rather, they should focus on providing clear direction and support, ensuring that their team has the resources they need to succeed.

‍How can leaders balance decision-making with the pressure to get everything right?
In a world where decision-making feels increasingly high-stakes, Mallory and Seth stress the importance of viewing decisions as iterative rather than final. This mindset shift helps alleviate the pressure to get everything perfect from the start. By making smaller, winnable decisions and remaining flexible as new information arises, leaders can reduce stress and be more adaptable. Seth adds that sometimes, it’s okay to wait things out and live in ambiguity, rather than rushing toward resolution.

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

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