Enrollment growth and student diversity do not happen by chance. They require clear messaging, intentional strategy, and authentic community engagement. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Tiffany Bridgewater about the practices that helped her school increase enrollment and boost student diversity, and how you can apply the same principles in your own community.

Tiffany shares what worked in her decade at Louisville Collegiate School and now as a consultant guiding schools nationwide. From involving faculty in admissions to tailoring tours to family needs, she emphasizes relationship building as the key to long-term success.

Conflict is an everyday reality in schools, whether it’s navigating project delays, managing stretched teams, or finding common ground across departments. In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we’re joined by Bridget Johnson, founder of the Dean’s Round Table and Bridget Johnson Coaching and Consulting. Bridget specializes in professional development for student life professionals, and she shares actionable tools that help leaders manage conflict with clarity, empathy, and intention.

From proactive communication strategies to building relationships before conflicts arise, Bridget highlights practical steps any school leader can take to create healthier, more collaborative working environments. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting on decisions, caught between competing priorities, or pulled into emotionally charged situations, you’ll find this conversation full of strategies you can put into practice right away.

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we sit down with Barbara Barron, a seasoned consultant in independent school advancement, to challenge outdated fundraising tactics and explore more effective ways to engage school communities. From reimagining galas to building mission-driven collaboration between marketing and development, Barbara shares fresh, realistic insights for today’s school landscape.

We also discuss why alumni giving is often misunderstood, how over-asking impacts donor fatigue, and why thoughtful timing and communication matter more than ever. Barbara’s approach is both strategic and compassionate, offering a path forward that respects the time, energy, and values of families and school staff alike.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we’re joined by Christina Dotchin, Vice President of Member Relations at the Enrollment Management Association (EMA). Christina shares a behind-the-scenes look at EMA’s pivotal role in supporting over 1,200 independent schools and 20,000 members through research, enrollment tools, and professional development.

We dive into the latest enrollment trends emerging from EMA’s recent reports, including the State of the Independent School Enrollment Industry, Ride to Independent Schools, and their newest study on Family Perceptions of Value and Affordability. Christina reveals what families really care about when choosing a school, and the data might surprise you. From rising waitlists to the continued importance of college outcomes, this episode will help school leaders and marketing teams understand what’s shifting and how to respond.

In This Episode:

Mentioned in the episode: https://www.enrollment.org/professional-development/enrollment-management-spectrum

AI is everywhere right now, but how can school marketers and leaders use it to save time and increase personalization without losing the heart of their message? In this episode, we talk with Jordache Johnson, AI strategist and founder of Never Tech Behind, about how to integrate AI into your school’s systems in a smart and human-centered way.

Jordache shares how schools can apply his signature ADAPT System, DICE Method, and AHAA Framework to get real results without overhauling everything at once. We explore where to start, how to train your team, and why your school’s voice and values matter more than ever in this new tech landscape.

In This Episode:

Brendan Schneider is back to talk about the real-world impact of his annual MarCom Society Salary Survey. As the founder and CEO of SchneiderB Media, Brendan helps schools grow enrollment through his Fractional Digital Marketing program, SchoolMarketingCRM, and as a leading voice in inbound marketing and the use of AI in schools. In this episode, Brendan breaks down what the survey revealed and what school leaders need to know about resourcing, retention, and the reality of today’s marketing roles.

We talk about:
• The concerning lack of professional development funding for MarCom pros
• How outdated hiring practices are holding schools back
• Why marketing roles are expanding but support is not keeping pace
• What school leaders should really be doing with AI and what to avoid
• The top mistake Brendan sees schools making in their marketing
• Practical ideas for giving your team more time to think strategically

Mentioned in the Episode:

https://www.schneiderb.com

https://amzn.to/430vtrt

Today we’re joined by Chris Pryor, Founder and Principal of LeadTeam Partners. With over 20 years of experience in independent schools, Chris now supports school leaders through School Partner Connect, a community designed to help schools navigate partner and consultant searches with confidence. His work helps leaders stay focused on day-to-day operations while delegating with clarity.

In this episode, we explore:
• What to outsource and what to keep in-house
• How to avoid common pitfalls in consultant partnerships
• The cost difference between employees and contractors
• How small schools can make outsourcing more affordable
• Why alignment and communication are essential before hiring outside help

Mentioned in the episode:

LeadTeam Partner’s Website: www.leadteampartners.com

Submit a Project to School Partner Connect: https://www.leadteampartners.com/schoolproject

School Partner Connect Summit (August 18–19): www.leadteampartners.com/school-partner-connect-summit

Today we’re joined by Cheryl Fischer, a certified Life and Mindset Coach and host of the Mind Your Midlife podcast. Cheryl spent over a decade as a secondary school teacher and now works with educators and professionals to help them shift the stories they tell themselves—from stuck and overwhelmed to capable, confident, and clear.

This conversation is full of honest reflections and practical strategies for anyone navigating the pressures of school leadership, team dynamics, or personal change. Cheryl brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the emotional weight many educators carry.

Highlights include:
• Why awareness is the first step to any meaningful mindset shift
• How to interrupt the “loop” of negative self-talk
• The stories school leaders often carry—and how to rewrite them

This special episode was recorded live at the VAIS Advancement Institute, where we hosted a panel conversation with three marketing and enrollment leaders from very different school environments. From large boarding schools to small community-focused campuses, each panelist brought a unique lens to what’s working in school marketing—and what’s changing fast.

We covered everything from navigating leadership and board expectations to making the most of limited resources. The conversation surfaced trends, challenges, and simple shifts schools can make right now to better connect with prospective families.

Highlights include:
• Where schools are seeing the highest ROI in their marketing
• Why families really choose your school
• The growing importance of community connection over promotion

Today, we’re welcoming back Peter Baron, founder of Moonshot OS and a Certified Top Coach. Peter has spent years working closely with independent school leaders, and in this episode, he shares fresh insights on the evolving challenges schools face and how marketing, leadership, and operational systems all play a critical role in building resilience.

We dive into: