Season 6 - Episode 199

Is higher ed marketing building real connections, or just making a lot of noise? We sit down with Jaime Hunt, Founder & President of Solve Higher Ed Marketing and author of the newly released Heart Over Hype, to explore how empathy-driven marketing can revolutionize the way universities engage with their audiences.

Jaime unpacks how schools can move beyond transactional messaging to create authentic, student-first marketing that truly resonates. We dive into the power of storytelling, the role of AI in personalization, and how to spot the disconnects in your marketing efforts. Plus, Jaime shares practical steps for building an audience-centered strategy that puts heart over hype.

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ Empathy-driven marketing focuses on student needs and feelings first.

✅ Storytelling creates stronger connections than facts and data.

✅ Marketing should be clear, accessible, and student-friendly.

✅ AI can enhance, not replace, human-centered marketing.

✅ Fix disconnects to create stronger, student-first strategies.

Join us as we discuss:

02:53 - Empathy Driven Marketing: The Missing Element

05:52 - Transforming Transactional Communications

09:10 - The Importance of Timing and Context

11:49 - Recognizing Disconnects in Marketing

14:57 - From Features to Feelings: The Empathy Shift

21:07 - Storytelling: The Heart of Marketing

27:03 - AI and Empathy in Marketing

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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.

Season 6 - Episode 198

Why does no one read your university emails? Ashley Budd and Dayana Kibilds, co-authors of Mailed It!, join us to break down the biggest mistakes higher ed marketers make—and how to fix them.

In this episode, we get tactical about what actually works in email marketing for enrollment, advancement, and alumni engagement. From crafting subject lines that get clicks to making emails feel more personal (without being creepy), Ashley and Dayana share practical, real-world strategies to improve open rates, engagement, and conversions.

We also explore the evolving role of AI in email marketing, how to balance transactional emails with meaningful content, and what the future of email looks like for universities. 

📩 If you're sending emails in higher ed, you don’t want to miss this one!

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ The biggest mistake: universities sending overly transactional emails.

✅ How email marketing is shifting back to relationship building.

✅ How to make email personalization feel like a one-on-one conversation.

✅ Why AI should support—not replace—human touch in email marketing.

✅ Why segmentation is essential for higher ed email success.

Join us as we discuss:

02:33 - Personalization Matters

06:01 - Email Segmentation Strategies

09:57 - Leveraging AI for Email Personalization

14:57 - Revamping Email so They Get Read

20:45 - Mastering Subject Lines (2 Second Rule)

26:09 - The Importance of Conciseness in Email Communication

37:33 - Practical Tips for Immediate Email Marketing Improvement

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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.

Season 6, Episode 197

Too often in higher ed, finance, marketing, and enrollment teams operate in silos, creating roadblocks to sustainable growth. Steven Rutt, Chief Revenue Officer at Abilene Christian University, joins us to break down why alignment between these teams is crucial—and how to make it happen.

In this conversation, Steven shares why more universities should rethink the CRO role, how to bridge the gap between finance and marketing, and what it takes to build a true growth culture in higher ed. He unpacks the myths around marketing ROI, the power of data-driven decision-making, and why universities need to stop viewing marketing as a cost center—and start treating it as a revenue driver. Plus, we explore the impact of AI and emerging technologies on enrollment strategy and how higher ed leaders can future-proof their investments in an evolving landscape.

🎧 Listen Now to Learn:

✅ Why a growth mindset is essential for overcoming scarcity.

✅ Why collaboration between finance, marketing, and enrollment is crucial.

✅ How data-driven decisions can reveal unexpected insights.

✅ Rethinking ROI for strategic growth.

✅ Explore how holistic view of marketing spend is necessary for success.

Join us as we discuss:

03:10 - Rethink the Role of the Chief Revenue Officer

06:07 - Balancing Enrollment Growth and Financial Sustainability

08:57 - Data-Driven Decision Making in Higher Education

11:54 - Explore a New Way to Understand Marketing ROI

15:04 - Navigating Marketing Investments

18:03 - Emerging Technologies and Their Impact on Your Team. 

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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.

Session 6 - Episode 196

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Bryce Hoffman, VP and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), shares insights from his transition into the CMO role and the evolving landscape of higher ed marketing. He reflects on generational shifts in communication, the challenges of leadership, and the role of trust and creativity in making a real impact.

Let’s dive into the importance of building relationships with campus leadership, taking calculated creative risks, and navigating pushback while staying true to institutional culture. We will explore how courageous leadership is essential to break free from the status quo, implement bold marketing strategies, and create messaging that genuinely connects with audiences.

🎧 Listen Now to Learn:

✅ How to navigate the first 90 days as a new CMO 

✅ Why higher ed marketing struggles with risk-taking

✅ How to balance bold innovation with respect for institutional culture and history.

✅ Strategies for handling pushback while driving meaningful marketing change.

✅ Why pilot testing is the secret weapon for introducing bold new marketing ideas.

✅ How transparency, humility, and strategic creativity build long-term trust.

Join us as we discuss:
2:22 – Navigating the First Days as a CMO
8:43 – Building Trust and Assessing Change
18:10 – Courageous Leadership in Higher Education Marketing
29:34 – Navigating Pushback and Gaining Trust
32:13 – Driving Change While Respecting Culture

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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.

Season 6 - 195

How can colleges adapt to shifting demographics and enrollment challenges? In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Taylor, Vice President of Enrollment Management at Defiance College, to explore innovative strategies for attracting and retaining students. Jeremy shares how understanding market dynamics, leveraging data, and aligning recruitment efforts with institutional mission can drive enrollment success. He also highlights key initiatives like tuition reduction and community engagement, while offering insights on balancing traditional and modern approaches to recruitment. Plus, we dive into the importance of team cohesion, self-evaluation, and strategies to prevent staff burnout in the ever-evolving world of higher ed enrollment.

Listen now to learn:

✅ Demographic trends present opportunities for growth. 

✅ Community engagement is crucial for sustainable enrollment.

✅ Data-driven decisions are essential in enrollment management.

✅ Using technology like ChatGPT can simplify data analysis.

✅ Aligning recruitment strategies with institutional mission is crucial.

✅ Building a supportive team culture is essential for success.

✅ Preventing burnout involves celebrating successes and having fun.

Join us as we discuss:

01:30 - Challenges in Enrollment Management

04:01 - Strategies for Enrollment Growth

16:06 - Demographic Trends and Opportunities

22:11 - Innovative Recruitment Strategies

28:14 - Building a Unified Team

31:30 - Preventing Burnout in High-Pressure Environments

36:23 - Self-Evaluation for Institutional Success

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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.

Season 6 - Episode 194

How do you foster a culture of innovation in higher ed marketing? In this episode, we sit down with Matt Metzger, Chief Marketing Officer at Grace College, to explore the institution’s rebranding journey and the launch of Grace Solutions. Matt shares how his team is embracing fresh marketing strategies, overcoming challenges, and driving engagement through bold, community-focused initiatives. From creative storytelling to student-centered branding, this conversation is packed with ideas and strategies to help higher ed marketers make a lasting impact.

Listen now to learn:
✅ How embedding a view book inside a journal became a game-changing marketing move
✅ How to foster a culture of innovation by encouraging experimentation without fear of failure
✅ The research and community engagement that shaped a successful rebranding process
✅ Leveraging the athletics logo strengthens institutional branding
✅ The hidden challenges of rebranding, from costs to logistical hurdles

Join us as we discuss:

02:19 - Innovative Marketing Strategies at Grace College

06:21 - Fostering a Culture of Innovation

11:19 - The Rebranding Journey of Grace College

19:58 - Introducing Grace Solutions

25:28 - Future Vision and Final Thoughts

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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.

Season 6 - 193 with Jenny Li Fowler

What does it take to build a thriving, engaged social media presence—without relying on paid promotions? In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, we sit down with Jenny Li Fowler, Director of Social Media Strategy at MIT and author of Organic Social Media, to uncover the secrets behind organic social media success. Jenny shares her 6M Framework for social media strategy, how to create content that truly resonates, and practical steps institutions can take to grow flourishing digital communities.

From understanding why people follow your accounts to crafting shareable content and handling social media crises with confidence, this episode is packed with actionable insights for higher ed marketers looking to elevate their social game. Whether you're managing a large institution’s brand or running a social media team of one, Jenny’s expertise will help you create a strategy that attracts and engages your ideal audience.

Listen now to learn:
✅ Why people follow and engage with your institution’s social media
✅ The fundamentals of great content—and what makes people share it
✅ How MIT grew its online presence while staying true to its brand
✅ Practical ways to build authentic communities and increase engagement
✅ How to handle negative feedback and social media crises effectively

Join us as we discuss:

05:49 - The Six M's of Social Media

09:02 - Building Trust and Credibility

12:03 - Tailoring Content for Diverse Audiences

15:01 - Fundamentals of Great Content

21:08 - Embracing Community Engagement

23:12 - Navigating Negative Feedback

33:37 - Metrics for Success

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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. Seeausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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

~33 minutes (at 1.5x speed)

Ed Wright, VP of Enrollment at Lebanon Valley College, explores the evolving landscape of higher education and the challenges of enrollment management. He shares insights on innovation in a copycat industry and the importance of communication and relationships. As a parent, Ed reflects on guiding his son through college choices, from selecting a major to navigating campus visits. He highlights LVC’s 'build your own visit' model and the impact of personalized, interactive experiences. Ed also draws lessons on work ethic and growth from Kobe Bryant’s Mamba mentality.

Join us as we discuss:

[01:52] Ed Wright's Journey in Higher Education

[12:03] Navigating Challenges in Enrollment Management

[17:51] The Importance of Blocking and Tackling in Enrollment

[23:00] Parenting in Higher Education: A Personal Perspective

[29:12] Navigating College Tours: Insights from Experience

[34:00] The Importance of Clear Communication

[38:05] Building Your Own Visit: A New Approach to Campus Tours

This episode is sponsored by NextGrad. North America’s largest higher-education advertising network.  The NextGrad network generates millions of impressions every month in over eleven-hundred high schools in eighty-two media markets across the United States and Canada. If you’re interested in reaching high school students on their own turf, visit nextgrad.com or email [email protected].

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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, we’re joined by Jeff Ebbing, former NCMPR president and the current Director of Marketing and Communications at Southeastern Community College. Jeff brings a wealth of experience and a passion for showcasing the unique strengths of community colleges. He shares how authentic connections with students can transform lives and dives into marketing strategies that not only engage diverse populations but also empower non-traditional students to feel confident in their educational journey.

Jeff also tackles common misconceptions about community colleges, revealing the power of storytelling to shift perspectives. From creative solutions for tight budgets to leading with adaptability in a rapidly changing world, this conversation is packed with practical tips and inspiring ideas for anyone involved in higher education marketing.

Join us as we discuss:

[03:20] Unique Strengths of Community Colleges

[06:20] Marketing Strategies for Diverse Populations

[10:31] Building Confidence in Non-Traditional Students

[11:03] Addressing Misconceptions about Community Colleges

[18:57] Leveraging Storytelling in Marketing

[22:11] Creative Solutions for Budget Constraints

[25:30] Leadership and Adaptability in Marketing

[34:46] Final Insights and Advice

This episode is sponsored by NextGrad. North America’s largest higher-education advertising network.  The NextGrad network generates millions of impressions every month in over eleven-hundred high schools in eighty-two media markets across the United States and Canada. If you’re interested in reaching high school students on their own turf, visit nextgrad.com or email [email protected].

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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. Seeausha.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 welcome Dr. Steve Lennox, President of Kingswood University, to explore the bold vision and mission that led to the launch of Kingswood Learn. Designed to provide high-quality, free micro-courses in discipleship and leadership development, Kingswood Learn is a groundbreaking platform that strengthens the church while creating new opportunities for Kingswood University.

Dr. Lennox shares the inspiration, the challenges faced during its development, and how partnerships rooted in trust brought the platform to life. We dive into how this initiative aligns with Kingswood’s mission, opens doors for innovative donor and enrollment conversations, and repositions the university in the eyes of the church and broader educational community. If you’re navigating the intersection of digital transformation and mission fulfillment in higher education, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Join us as we discuss:

[03:07]  Introduction to Kingswood University

[05:55]  Innovative Learning: Kingswood Learn

[09:11]  Challenges and Opportunities in Higher Education

[12:02]  Mission-Driven Education

[15:05]  Building Partnerships and Community Engagement

[17:58]  The Future of Education and Digital Solutions

[21:00]  Advice for Leaders in Higher Education

This episode is sponsored by NextGrad. North America’s largest higher-education advertising network.  The NextGrad network generates millions of impressions every month in over eleven-hundred high schools in eighty-two media markets across the United States and Canada. If you’re interested in reaching high school students on their own turf, visit nextgrad.com or email [email protected].

Resource List: 

Kingswoodlearn.com

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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.