Higher Ed Pulse

Part 3: Do 9th Graders Care About College Yet?

In this episode of the High School to Higher Ed podcast, hosts Kevin and Emma Cavanagh explore the perspectives of ninth graders regarding college. They discuss the relevance of college messaging, the characteristics that matter to students, and how colleges can improve their communication strategies. Emma shares her thoughts on what colleges should focus on to engage students effectively, emphasizing the importance of social media and personalized communication.

Pulse Check Co-Hosts:
Kevin Cavanagh
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-cavanagh-b4999b2a/

Emma Cavanagh
Emma Cavanagh is a 9th grader at Glen Rock High School in Glen Rock, NJ, and an aspiring journalist. This is her first podcast, but she already has an impressive portfolio of academic and extracurricular achievements. Emma completed the Travis Manion Foundation Character and Leadership Course and earned professional recognition from the PEN America Free Expression Advocacy Institute, where she created a zine highlighting issues of free speech and freedom of the press. Emma recently completed a Modern Journalism course with NYU American Journalism Online and Rolling Stone Magazine, and is currently serving as an ambassador for the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute Civics and Debate Club. Her writing has earned her top honors in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriots Pen Essay Writing Contest, including first place in Glen Rock, first place in Bergen County, and recognition by New Jersey's Veteran of Foreign Wars leadership.

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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 of The Higher Ed Pulse, hosts Seth and Mallory discuss the transformative role of AI in student recruitment and higher education. As the potential for AI continues to evolve, the duo explores the current state of AI in universities, sharing insights on personalization, staff efficiency, and the future of AI-driven communication. They touch on the challenges faced by institutions, including staff shortages and underpreparedness for AI adoption, and offer practical examples of AI tools currently making a difference in recruitment.

Key Takeaways

• Only 9% of CTOs feel higher ed is ready for AI, though 46% are excited about its potential, highlighting a gap between enthusiasm and preparedness.
• AI-driven personalization in student recruitment is helping move away from mass marketing toward more tailored and efficient strategies.
• Proactive AI agents, capable of real-time engagement and outreach, will soon take over routine recruitment tasks like completing applications.
• AI is already being used to increase efficiency, from automating competitor analysis with ChatGPT to generating image content for ads and resizing photos using Ars Technica.
• AI-driven communication, such as voice assistants for real-time interactions, will help serve underserved student populations, particularly first-gen students.

This episode of The Higher Ed Pulse tackles the ever-evolving role of artificial intelligence in student recruitment and the broader higher education landscape. Hosts Seth and Mallory set the stage by discussing recent findings from Inside Higher Ed’s survey of campus CTOs, which reveals that while enthusiasm for AI is high, few believe higher education is truly prepared for the rapid changes it will bring. Only 9% of CTOs feel ready for the rise of AI, while 50% are still investing in basic AI technologies like chatbots.

The discussion quickly shifts to more practical applications of AI in student recruitment, particularly in the realm of personalization. Seth shares how AI allows institutions to move away from mass marketing strategies to micro-targeting, tailoring communications based on students' specific needs, interests, and behaviors. For instance, AI-powered email variations and proactive chatbots can enhance engagement by acting on behalf of the student without waiting for them to initiate contact.

Seth highlights several real-world examples of AI in action. He talks about using ChatGPT for competitor analysis and integrating iPEDS data to gain deeper insights into market dynamics. On the creative side, tools like Ars Technica can resize and optimize images, making it easier to repurpose content for different ad formats. This level of efficiency, according to Seth, can save institutions time and money while also improving the quality of their outreach efforts.

Mallory brings attention to the student experience, noting how AI can step in where staff shortages and a lack of training hinder effective communication. AI assistants, particularly those equipped with voice features, can provide students with real-time, accurate information, even during off-hours. This is especially critical for first-gen students, who often require more guidance in navigating complex processes like financial aid applications. Voice-driven AI can engage students in natural, human-like conversations, helping them complete tasks and reducing the need for constant human intervention.

As the conversation unfolds, the hosts reflect on how AI can also impact the delivery of academic programs. Seth shares a fascinating case from a recent conference, where a university was able to reduce the cost of delivering its MBA program through AI, offering it internationally at a significantly lower price point. This, in turn, opened up new markets and improved recruitment efforts. The episode concludes with a look ahead at future AI innovations, such as cloning the voices of admissions staff to create more personalized, scalable interactions with prospective students. With AI technology advancing rapidly, the potential to streamline recruitment and improve the student experience is limitless.

If you're eager to learn more about how AI is shaping the future of higher education, don't miss out on the AI Engage Summit where Seth will be the keynote speaker. Be sure to tune in to hear more about how AI can revolutionize the way institutions connect with students!

Register for the AI Engage Summit.

Check out the AI Learning Center.

Inside Higher Ed’s third annual survey of campus chief technology officers

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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, Kevin and Emma discuss the effectiveness of college marketing strategies from the perspective of a ninth grader. Emma shares her experiences with college communications, including mail and emails, and analyzes what works and what doesn't. They explore the reasons behind early outreach from colleges, the importance of engaging messaging, and the role of social media in shaping perceptions of higher education. The conversation highlights the disconnect between traditional marketing methods and the preferences of younger students.

Pulse Check Co-Hosts:
Kevin Cavanagh
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-cavanagh-b4999b2a/

Emma Cavanagh
Emma Cavanagh is a 9th grader at Glen Rock High School in Glen Rock, NJ, and an aspiring journalist. This is her first podcast, but she already has an impressive portfolio of academic and extracurricular achievements. Emma completed the Travis Manion Foundation Character and Leadership Course and earned professional recognition from the PEN America Free Expression Advocacy Institute, where she created a zine highlighting issues of free speech and freedom of the press. Emma recently completed a Modern Journalism course with NYU American Journalism Online and Rolling Stone Magazine, and is currently serving as an ambassador for the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute Civics and Debate Club. Her writing has earned her top honors in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriots Pen Essay Writing Contest, including first place in Glen Rock, first place in Bergen County, and recognition by New Jersey's Veteran of Foreign Wars leadership.

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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 of The Higher Ed Pulse, hosts Seth and Mallory dive into the world of “Sprint Campaigns” in higher education marketing. Seth shares insights on how these fast-tracked, zero-budget campaigns are transforming marketing efforts at colleges and universities. By repurposing existing assets and using innovative strategies, institutions can improve performance in just 60 to 120 days without major new investments. Tune in to learn how to implement this cost-effective approach in your own marketing initiatives.

Key Takeaways

• Sprint campaigns are a zero-budget way to refresh marketing content and improve performance quickly.
• Repurposing existing assets like videos and images can drive better engagement, reducing the need for costly new productions.
• Qualifying existing value propositions (e.g., ranking by specific region or category) can position your institution more effectively.
• Institutions often underutilize the volume of ads—expanding ad variations can enhance machine learning and improve results.
• Sprint campaigns can bypass lengthy approval processes by reworking content that has already been approved.‍

In this episode of The Higher Ed Pulse, Seth and Mallory focus on a creative and practical solution for institutions looking to refresh their brand presence—Sprint Campaigns. Seth introduces this concept, developed at Kanahoma, as a fast and efficient method to drive performance in higher education marketing, all without the hefty time and budget associated with traditional brand campaigns.

So, what exactly is a Sprint Campaign? Seth describes it as a method to launch a new brand campaign in just 60 to 120 days, using existing assets and content rather than investing in new productions. The beauty of this process is its simplicity: gather all of your institution's photo and video assets—anything that’s already been created over the past several years—and repurpose them into fresh, compelling ad content. By doing so, institutions can see results quickly, improving their marketing efforts without waiting for a full year or more to develop new materials.

One of the key insights Seth shares is that many institutions fail to fully leverage the content they already have. He explains that the first step in a Sprint Campaign is conducting a thorough audit of all available creative materials. Institutions often have a treasure trove of photos, videos, and other assets that can be recut and repurposed to fit modern ad formats, particularly for platforms like Facebook and Instagram where short, vertical videos perform exceptionally well. Interestingly, content that’s several years old can still be highly effective—especially considering most prospective students are encountering the institution’s brand for the first time.

Seth also highlights a few crucial tips: for example, using images where subjects make eye contact with the viewer significantly boosts ad performance. Another big takeaway is the importance of producing a high volume of ads—more than 250 ads running at once—to take advantage of machine learning algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Google. By creating variations of high-performing content, institutions can better understand what resonates with prospective students, driving up engagement and conversions.

As Mallory plays devil’s advocate, pointing out that institutions often have entrenched approval processes and slow-moving decision-making, Seth provides a clever solution: because Sprint Campaigns are all about refining existing content, they don’t necessarily require new approvals from committees. Instead, marketing teams can simply repackage already approved materials and reintroduce them in innovative ways. This approach enables faster execution and immediate results, making it an attractive option for institutions strapped for time and resources.

Seth’s main piece of advice for institutions hesitant to try a Sprint Campaign? Focus on what you can do with the content you already have. It’s all about making the most of existing resources and bringing fresh energy to marketing efforts without the need for massive new investments.

For those looking to explore innovative, low-cost solutions in higher education marketing, this episode is a must-listen. And if you’re curious about the future of college admissions marketing, be sure to check outThe Higher Ed Pulse’s ongoing series, High School to Higher Ed, where a father-daughter duo shares insights on how high school students perceive the college admissions process.

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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.

High School to Higher Ed: A Father/Daughter Perspective - Part 1: First Impressions Matter: How 9th Graders View College

In this debut episode of our new pulse check series 'High School to Higher Ed: A Father/Daughter Perspective', hosts Emma and Kevin Cavanagh explore the college admissions process from a ninth grader's perspective. They discuss the early outreach from colleges, the influence of friends and family, the role of school counselors, and various platforms like Naviance and Niche that assist students in their college search. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of college admissions and the importance of understanding how young people perceive these processes.

Pulse Check Co-Hosts:
Kevin Cavanagh
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-cavanagh-b4999b2a/

Emma Cavanagh
Emma Cavanagh is a 9th grader at Glen Rock High School in Glen Rock, NJ, and an aspiring journalist. This is her first podcast, but she already has an impressive portfolio of academic and extracurricular achievements. Emma completed the Travis Manion Foundation Character and Leadership Course and earned professional recognition from the PEN America Free Expression Advocacy Institute, where she created a zine highlighting issues of free speech and freedom of the press. Emma recently completed a Modern Journalism course with NYU American Journalism Online and Rolling Stone Magazine, and is currently serving as an ambassador for the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute Civics and Debate Club. Her writing has earned her top honors in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriots Pen Essay Writing Contest, including first place in Glen Rock, first place in Bergen County, and recognition by New Jersey's Veteran of Foreign Wars leadership.

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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 of The Higher Ed Pulse, co-hosts Seth and Mallory share their expert travel tips, just in time for the AMA Higher Ed Conference in Las Vegas. From where to eat, to how to maximize your hotel stay, they cover all the essentials for making your trip a success. The hosts also discuss the benefits of using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT for travel planning, while teasing an exciting upcoming virtual event, the AI Engage Summit.

Key Takeaways

• Vegas travel tips: Go off-strip for unique experiences, and check out recommended shows and restaurants like O and Eggslut.
• Pack strategically: Utilize a capsule wardrobe and consider clothing rental services like Rent the Runway for versatility and convenience.
• Make the most of your hotel stay: Set preferences in loyalty accounts and be kind to hotel staff for potential upgrades and early check-ins.
• Rental car and flight advice: Skip filling up the rental gas tank and rebook your flights via apps to avoid delays.
• Network smarter at AMA: Plan ahead as the large setting of Caesar’s Palace can make organic connections harder.

What are the best tips for traveling to AMA in Las Vegas?
As Seth and Mallory prep for the AMA Higher Ed Conference, they begin with an important tip: go off-strip. Mallory emphasizes that exploring beyond the main tourist areas offers unique and rewarding experiences. Seth adds that Vegas is "a two-night town"—meaning you’ll want to make the most of your time and plan strategically for the longer stay during AMA.

How can travelers maximize their hotel and flight experiences?
Seth kicks off the practical tips with advice on getting early check-ins at hotels and setting up preferences in loyalty accounts. He recalls a time when he forgot to book a room, but managed to score a “secret room” by being upfront and kind to hotel staff. Mallory adds that packing a capsule wardrobe can be a lifesaver, allowing travelers to mix and match versatile pieces while still saving suitcase space.

On flights, Seth advocates for booking direct flights whenever possible and rebooking on the airline's app if delays occur, giving an example of how this strategy saved him from an unexpected overnight layover.

‍How can attendees make the most of AMA in Vegas?
The hosts dive deeper into specific advice for Vegas. Mallory shares her favorite spots, from grabbing breakfast at Eggslut to dining at the upscale Stanton Social Prime inside Caesars Palace. She even suggests hitting speakeasies for a fun twist on nightlife. For entertainment, she recommends two Cirque du Soleil shows: the aquatic spectacular O, and the vibrant, interactive Mad Apple at New York-New York.

Seth offers practical advice about navigating the large space at Caesars Palace. Since spontaneous meetups in this massive venue can be tough, he suggests planning ahead by exchanging contact info with colleagues beforehand to make sure you can connect during the event.

‍What should listeners know about upcoming Enrollify events?
For those who can't attend AMA or want to supplement their learning, Mallory teases the upcoming AI Engage Summit, a virtual event happening October 29-30, focusing on how AI is transforming enrollment marketing. Seth will be the keynote speaker, and the summit will offer key insights on how to integrate AI tools into your strategy, all without leaving your home or office.

Eater’s Speakeasy Guide for Vegas

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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.

Heather Daniels, Executive Director of Admission at Colorado State, shares insights on how CSU has revolutionized its student search approach. By leveraging data analytics and strategic adjustments, the institution has effectively maximized resources and focused on building a strong inquiry pool that has led toward stronger enrollment. This episode explores the importance of questioning traditional methods, adopting a collaborative leadership approach, and prioritizing a human-centered approach to student search.

Key Takeaways:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Analyze data to identify trends, optimize resource allocation, and make informed decisions.
• Strategic Adjustments: Question traditional methods and make data-driven adjustments to meet evolving student needs and expectations.
• Collaborative Leadership: Foster a collaborative environment where team members contribute to decision-making and strategy development.
• Continuous Evaluation: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of student search strategies and make necessary adjustments.
• Personalized Communication: Leverage personalized messaging through text and in-app messaging to enhance engagement.
• Parent Engagement: Engage parents through webinars and other channels to create a sense of connection and involvement.
• Human-Centered Approach: Foster a sense of community and personal connection to attract and retain prospective students.

Guest Name: Heather Daniels, Executive Director of Admissions, Colorado State University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-daniels-5a19838/

Guest Bio: Heather Daniels is the Executive Director of Admissions at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Prior to coming to CSU, Heather spent 11 years at Willamette University, in Salem, Oregon, in both the Undergraduate Admissions Office and the Graduate School of Education. 
In her role at Colorado State, Heather serves as a key member in the Division of Enrollment & Access which includes Admissions, Financial Aid and the Registrar’s Office.  Heather earned a bachelor’s degree at Edgewood College, and a Master of Education in Organization, Leadership, Performance and Change at Colorado State University.  

Pulse Check Host: 
Trent Gilbert - VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentgilbert/
Having served as Vice President for Enrollment at three different institutions, Trent Gilbert understands the challenges and pressures modern-day enrollment managers face at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to serving as a former VPEM, Trent also co-founded and served as an industry leader of Render Experiences, which put him at the table of enrollment strategy conversations at over 250 institutions. As the VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie, Trent is uniquely positioned to work with clients and create tailored solutions that creatively engage students while keeping the experience of human connection at the forefront of the process. pressures modern-day enrollment managers face at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to serving as a former VPEM, Trent also co-founded and served as an industry leader of Render Experiences, which put him at the table of enrollment strategy conversations at over 250 institutions. As the VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie, Trent is uniquely positioned to work with clients and create tailored solutions that creatively engage students while keeping the experience of human connection at the forefront of the process.

LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentgilbert/

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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.

Register for Element Discovery Webinar

Learn more about AI-Generative Site Search

Hosts Mallory and Seth dive into the future of higher education website design, focusing on AI-powered site search as a game changer for recruitment. They discuss the evolution of user behavior in search and how institutions can harness AI to provide a more engaging, personalized experience for prospective students. This episode highlights the power of proactive search tools and their potential to increase student engagement and application rates.‍

• AI-powered search is transforming higher ed recruitment: Personalized, responsive search can keep students engaged on your site.
• Prospective students are asking longer, more specific questions: Institutions need to adapt to new search behaviors, like conversational queries similar to Google or ChatGPT searches.
• Reducing friction leads to better results: AI site searches can reduce drop-off rates by offering seamless, intuitive answers in real-time.
• Improved discoverability can reduce the need for traditional inquiry forms: By providing instant answers, AI can streamline the recruitment process.
• New technologies like Element Discovery are already in the market: This tool offers a generative AI solution to enhance prospective student engagement on websites.

‍How can AI-powered site search transform recruitment?
Seth and Mallory start by reflecting on a shared childhood obsession—fluffernutters—but quickly transition to more serious topics around website search in higher education. Mallory explains that websites play a critical role in the recruitment process, and if they're difficult to navigate or search, prospective students will quickly move on to competitor sites. Seth emphasizes the importance of ensuring the primary audience, prospective students, can easily find the information they need. The key to success? Discoverability.

‍How is user search behavior evolving, and why should higher ed take note?
Mallory highlights that prospective students today are more likely to use longer, conversational queries, similar to how people search on Google or ChatGPT. A student might ask, "What will I learn in Business Management 101?" rather than just typing "business management." The challenge for higher ed institutions is to adapt to this shift in search behavior. By leveraging AI, schools can provide more concise, relevant results that truly answer the student's question, creating a more meaningful interaction.

‍What role does AI play in revolutionizing the higher ed website experience?
Mallory and Seth discuss the potential of AI in enhancing the user experience on college websites. AI-powered tools, like Element Discovery, can provide answers directly within the search function and even anticipate follow-up questions. This seamless experience allows prospective students to gather the information they need without leaving the site, reducing the likelihood of them switching to a competitor. Seth also notes how this approach could eventually reduce the reliance on traditional request-for-information forms, making real-time engagement more efficient and effective.

By streamlining the search process and providing immediate answers, AI has the potential to revolutionize how students interact with higher ed websites. Mallory and Seth express excitement about the future of this technology and how it could enhance recruitment efforts by transforming how institutions serve prospective students online.

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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, Mallory Willsea speaks with Joshua Charles, Director of Web Strategy and Technology at Rutgers Business School, live from HighEdWeb. They discuss Joshua's session on advancing into senior leadership roles in higher ed, focusing on practical steps for career growth, team advancement, and personal development. If you're an aspiring leader looking for actionable strategies to take your career to the next level, this episode is packed with invaluable advice.

Key Takeaways

• Build cross-campus partnerships: Collaborate beyond your team and personalize communications to foster stronger relationships.
• Focus on outcomes, not processes: Empower your team by focusing on goals and giving them the freedom to experiment and innovate.
• Invest in personal growth: Attend conferences, network, and join professional development opportunities to build visibility and leadership skills.
• Be an advocate for your team: Champion their growth and success, even if it means encouraging them to explore opportunities outside your organization.
• Leadership visibility: Know your campus leadership and tailor your communication to each decision-maker’s priorities and style.

How do you transition to a senior leadership role in higher education?
Joshua's session at HighEdWeb focused on helping mid-career professionals, those in managerial roles for 3 to 7 years, to move into senior leadership positions. One of the key strategies he emphasizes is building partnerships across the campus. Rather than staying siloed within your team, you should reach out to colleagues from other departments, focusing on how your work impacts their day-to-day operations. Personalizing your communication and understanding their challenges is crucial for gaining support and collaboration, which can help advance your career within the institution.

What should leaders do to advocate for their teams?
Joshua shares that an important aspect of leadership is being your team's biggest advocate. He reflects on his own leadership journey and how his desire to create a supportive environment stems from wanting to be the type of leader he wished he had earlier in his career. By focusing on outcomes rather than micromanaging processes, leaders can give their teams the autonomy to innovate, experiment, and grow. Joshua stresses that advocating for your team doesn't stop at their current role—sometimes, it’s about encouraging team members to seek opportunities outside the organization if that’s what will help them grow professionally.

What advice does Joshua offer for aspiring leaders to advance their own careers?
Joshua underscores the importance of investing in oneself. He encourages leaders to join professional organizations, volunteer, attend conferences like HighEdWeb, and take opportunities to speak, present, or participate in podcasts. This, he argues, builds personal branding and visibility, both of which are critical for career advancement. Networking outside of your immediate environment can open doors to opportunities that may not even be visible otherwise. Additionally, Joshua notes that staying engaged with professional development can make you a more effective leader, both for your team and your institution.

What obstacles has Joshua encountered in his leadership journey?
Joshua shares two significant challenges he has faced in his leadership journey. First, he acknowledges that sometimes opportunities within your current institution may be limited, and it can be helpful to consider roles outside the university setting, such as in vendor or agency work, to gain a broader perspective before returning to higher ed. Secondly, he addresses the challenges of navigating leadership as a Black man in America, particularly in light of political shifts that influence higher education policies in different states. This has prompted him to be mindful of the realities that could impact both his personal and professional life, especially when considering future opportunities.

How can senior leaders support their teams in advancing their careers?
Joshua urges senior leaders to be proactive in supporting their teams’ career growth. He suggests that leaders should not only focus on their current job titles but also consider their potential. Offering experiences, such as participating in strategy meetings or gaining exposure to high-level decisions, can prepare team members for future leadership roles. He also emphasizes the importance of sharing information strategically to help team members understand the broader context of leadership challenges, which will ultimately help them grow.

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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 Part 4 of this Pulse Check series, "The Future of Student Search: The Human Connection," Trent Gilbert and Dr. Alejandra Sosa Pieroni delve into the crucial role of human interaction in the future of Student Search. They argue that institutions must possess a deep understanding of their own unique qualities and values to effectively connect with prospective students. By tailoring their communication to meet the specific needs and preferences of their target audience, institutions can foster personalized relationships and create a welcoming environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-awareness: Institutions must have a clear understanding of their unique identity and values.
• Audience understanding: Tailoring communication to the specific needs and preferences of prospective students is essential.
• Supportive infrastructure: A positive workplace culture and well-trained staff are crucial for fostering human connections.

Guest Name: Alejandra Soa Pieroni - Executive Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing & Student Success

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandra-c-sosa-pieroni-ed-d-b7754031/

Guest Bio: Dr. Alejandra Sosa Pieroni is a higher education professional with nineteen years of experience in enrollment management, specializing in student recruitment, marketing, financial aid practices, student success, and strategic enrollment planning.  She is the executive vice president of enrollment, marketing, and student success at Georgia Southern University.  Before her appointment at Georgia Southern in April 2023, she served as an Enrollment Management Consultant where she worked with institution leaders to help them optimize their enrollment practice to achieve university goals and objectives.    
Prior to that, she served as the Executive Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Stetson University, Vice President of Enrollment Management at Walsh University, Director of Admissions at Mercer University, Associate Director of Admissions at Florida Southern College, and Director of Online Degree Completion at Tiffin University. 

Pulse Check Host: 
Trent Gilbert - VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentgilbert/
Having served as Vice President for Enrollment at three different institutions, Trent Gilbert understands the challenges and pressures modern-day enrollment managers face at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to serving as a former VPEM, Trent also co-founded and served as an industry leader of Render Experiences, which put him at the table of enrollment strategy conversations at over 250 institutions. As the VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie, Trent is uniquely positioned to work with clients and create tailored solutions that creatively engage students while keeping the experience of human connection at the forefront of the process. pressures modern-day enrollment managers face at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to serving as a former VPEM, Trent also co-founded and served as an industry leader of Render Experiences, which put him at the table of enrollment strategy conversations at over 250 institutions. As the VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie, Trent is uniquely positioned to work with clients and create tailored solutions that creatively engage students while keeping the experience of human connection at the forefront of the process.

LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentgilbert/

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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.