The Higher Ed Marketer

This week on The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Bryan Gross, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Athletics at Hartwick College, for a thought-provoking conversation on marketing and enrollment through the lens of athletics and tuition. 

Dr. Gross dives into Hartwick’s bold tuition reset, sharing the data-driven insights and collaborative efforts behind this game-changing move. Discover how Hartwick is addressing affordability, transparency, and the evolving expectations of students and families.

We also explore the vital role athletics plays in driving enrollment, retention, and school spirit, particularly at smaller institutions. With practical advice for navigating financial aid changes, including the latest FAFSA updates, Dr. Gross challenges institutions to take data-driven risks to shape their enrollment strategies. Tune in for actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies that will inspire real change in your enrollment marketing

Join us as we discuss:

[02:45]  Enrollment Management Initiatives at Hartwick College

[06:04]  A bold Tuition Reset and Its Challenges

[09:05]  Data-Driven Decisions for Tuition Reset

[12:02]  Challenges and Feedback from Current Students

[14:57]  The Role of Athletics in Enrollment and Retention

[17:57]  Final Tips for Enrollment Management Success

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast, we’re taking a look under the hood at Caylor Solutions and into the transformative power of generative AI with Bart Caylor, Founder and President of Caylor Solutions, and Zach Coffin, Director of The Higher Ed Marketer. Together, they reveal how the team at Caylor Solutions uses GenAI to elevate productivity, scale services, and innovate new offerings. From custom tools like the "Ask Bart GPT," fractional CMO services, to enhancing the team's productivity, Bart and Zach share the AI-driven strategies that streamline operations and open new creativity within the team. Tune in to discover which tools are indispensable, how daily practice and shared learning fuel team growth, and why focusing on core capabilities over fleeting trends is key to long-term success.

Join us as we discuss:

[02:51] The Impact of AI on Work and Consulting

[05:48] Leveraging AI as a Collaborative Tool

[11:57] Tools for Enhanced Efficiency

[15:08] Custom GPTs and Their Applications

[17:57] GenAI Masterclasses for Your Team

[24:51] Demystifying AI in Marketing Teams with Mindset Shifts

[34:43] Navigating the AI Tool Landscape with Teams

[43:35] Practical Tips for Immediate Action

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

GenAI Masterclass for Team 

Caylor Solutions

ChatGPT 

HeyGen

Chasing Mission Fit by Bart Caylor

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Griffin from Mid-South Christian College, who shares valuable insights on fostering creativity, collaboration, and community engagement in higher education. As a young college president of age 32, with a big, action-driven vision, Nick talks about embracing new opportunities, the importance of building an agile, forward-thinking team, and how technology—especially AI—plays a role in advancing bilingual education. He also highlights the importance of community service and relationship-building to build trust and cultural relevance on campus. Nick wraps up with practical advice for institutions ready to take risks and try fresh initiatives, even if success isn’t guaranteed on the first attempt.

Join us as we discuss:

[03:03] Embracing Creativity and Experimentation

[05:45] Building a Young and Agile Team

[08:49] Collaboration Among Institutions

[11:59] Marketing on a Tight Budget

[14:55] Leveraging AI for Bilingual Education

[18:02] Engaging with Your Community 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Mid-south Christian College

Opportunity Leadership by Roger Parrott

ChatGPT 

HeyGen

Chasing Mission Fit by Bart Caylor

Caylor Solutions GenAI Masterclass for Teams

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, we speak with David Wright, President Emeritus of Indiana Wesleyan University and Founder and President of Christian Education Services, about the evolving landscape of education. David shares his pioneering work in online education during the 1990s, offering a unique perspective on how technology facilitates learning and the need for bold leadership in higher education. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of relationships in a technology-driven world and explores how institutions can adapt to modern challenges through innovation and collaboration. This episode is packed with practical advice on navigating change, maintaining clarity of mission, and fostering growth through strategic partnerships.

Join us as we discuss:

[02:51]  Pioneering Online Education: A Journey Through the 90s

[08:56]  Leadership in Higher Education: Navigating Change

[17:56] Transformational Leadership and Institutional Success

[21:04] – The Future of Higher Education: Adapting to Change

[24:03] – Practical Advice for Leaders

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Chasing Mission Fit by Bart Caylor

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Eric Hogue, President at Colorado Christian University, joins Bart to explore the benefits of applying a CEO mindset to higher education leadership.

Eric shares how this business-driven approach can align with the mission of higher ed institutions while promoting financial sustainability. From focusing on net tuition profits to involving donors as partners, Eric demonstrates why universities must embrace financial transparency and innovation to thrive as they approach the enrollment cliff.

Learn how Eric balances profitability with purpose and how his strategies can help institutions grow while staying true to their core values.

Join us as we discuss:

• [00:59] Why higher ed presidents need to adopt a CEO mindset

• [9:46] Donor-centric strategy that focuses on your donors’ inputs

• [21:43] A three-pronged approach to future strategic growth
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Chasing Mission Fit by Bart Caylor

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Gil Rogers, Founder and Principal of GR7 Marketing, talks about overcoming the fear of failure in higher education marketing and enrollment.

Gil unpacks how legacy strategies can hold institutions back and why embracing new tools like generative AI is essential for success. He also highlights practical steps institutions can take to face the impending enrollment cliff, including bold strategies to adapt and remain competitive.

Learn how your institution can empower your teams to try new tools, leverage old data to bring in students, and lean on innovative thinking to thrive in a challenging future.

Join us as we discuss:

• [4:20] Finding the courage to adopt an innovation mindset

• [10:47] Why higher ed has a chance to get AI tools right

• [23:48] Diversification strategies for the upcoming enrollment cliff

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Kelly Hiller, VP of Marketing and Communications at Purdue University, shares the story behind Purdue’s exciting rebrand, transforming their marketing department into the in-house agency Purdue Brand Studio.

Kelly discusses the inspiration behind this bold move, the challenges faced in repositioning the department, and how Purdue is pushing creative boundaries to elevate its brand on a national stage.

Tune in to hear insights on navigating internal and external messaging, maintaining a culture of excellence, and how higher ed institutions can benefit from embracing bold changes in marketing.

Join us as we discuss:

• [2:26] Why Purdue’s marketing team rebranded as an in-house agency

• [9:57] What differentiates Purdue’s transformation from a reorganization

• [20:18] Corporate influence and its impact on higher ed marketing

• [31:22] The future of Purdue’s enterprise marketing campaign
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Purdue Brand Studio

• Email Kelly at [email protected]

• The Most Important Question of Your Life by Mark Manson

• Boilers to Mars Trailer

• Brandweek 2024

• Ad Age

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Bart and Troy return for a conversation with Janice Supplee, VP for Enrollment and Communications at Cedarville University, around intentional branding in higher ed messaging. 

Janice shares how Cedarville’s “One Thousand Days” metaphor has not only defined the institution’s identity but also shaped its approach to student development and marketing strategy. She emphasizes the importance of consistent messaging, intentionality in brand communication, and building a high-capacity team that embodies the university’s mission. 

Tune in to discover practical insights on how your institution can stand out in a crowded higher ed space through intentional and consistent branding.

Join us as we discuss:

• [1:30] How a university president’s speech became a marketing slogan

• [8:34] Keeping messaging on-brand through consistent communication

• [15:48] The secret to a fulfilled, high-performing marketing team
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni 

• The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey

• Smart Brevity by VandeHei, Allen, and Schwartz

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How often do you find yourself wondering what your school’s marketing messaging should be?

What are your prospective students interested in? What do they see that sets your institution apart?

The easiest way to hear your students’ stories is from the students themselves.

We’re chatting with Kathy Howell and Kathy Payne from Delaware Valley University on how they amplified student voices and implemented them into evergreen content.

Join us as we discuss: 

• [10:20] Leveraging “The College Tour” for enrollment marketing 

• [19:28] Why students are the key to successful messaging

• [23:25] The efficacy of evergreen content
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• The College Tour

• [email protected]

• [email protected]

This episode originally aired on July 12th, 2022.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In 2021, Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, received a record-breaking $100 million gift from an anonymous donor.

So how did Kenyon’s marketing department creatively share the story of this generous anonymous donor while emphasizing the importance of gifts at every level?

Kenyon’s Vice President for Advancement, Colleen Garland, and Vice President for Communications, Janet Marsden, join us to talk about navigating donor gifts and making donors feel equally celebrated.

Join us as we discuss: 

• [5:39] Telling the story of an anonymous donor

• [10:02] Brand campaigns during a crisis

• [14:06] Marketing a residential experience in a rural community

• [17:25] The rise of video marketing
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• [email protected]

• [email protected]
  

This episode originally aired on May 11th, 2021.

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.