The Higher Ed Marketer

How do you lead with clarity when your work stretches across departments and expectations? Erick Klein, VP for Enrollment and Marketing at the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, shares the systems and habits that help him coach intentional teams, protect margin, and keep mission at the center. He explains how he builds alignment, develops young leaders, and strengthens trust across campus. If you lead in a fast-paced setting, this episode offers practical help and encouragement.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘How leaders can coach intentionality within their teams

🔘Measuring ROI on time and forming data-informed habits

🔘Building trust across departments through clear expectations

🔘Helping young professionals grow into emerging leaders

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Inside the Episode

06:56 – Finding systems that fit your wiring

16:10 – The role of mission in unifying high-performing teams

23:54 – Developing emerging leaders inside enrollment teams

27:24 – Cross-campus collaboration and its effect on enrollment

30:19 – Showing faculty how they contribute to recruitment

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Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Do More Better by Tim Challies 

• Who’s Got the Monkey? by William Oncken Jr. 

• Atomic Habits by James Clear 

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

• Getting Things Done by David Allen 

• Books by Michael Hyatt 

• The AI Driven Leader by Geoff Woods

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs. 

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.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

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

A short update from Zach Coffin sharing four important things happening inside The Higher Ed Marketer.

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4 Big Things

• Special Episode Dec 9th - Bart sits down with Troy and Zach to look into 2026 and what trends he sees coming in marketing in 2026. It’s not all AI.

• Caylor Solutions GenAI Masterclass for Teams: Bart and Zach have taken almost 2000 higher ed professions through this 6hr AI Masterclass. Find out more at ai.caylor-sololutions.com

• Welcome to The Biblical Higher Ed Podcast to The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Check out this fantastic podcast wherever you listen.

• Bart’s New Book Drop Feb 2026.

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Know What You Don’t Know: What Every Higher Ed Leader Needs to Understand About Marketing by Bart E. Caylor

Today’s higher education landscape is louder, faster, and more complex than ever before. But you don’t need to become a marketing expert to lead your team with confidence. You just need to know enough to ask the right questions. This guide helps presidents, cabinet members, and advancement leaders build the literacy needed to evaluate marketing strategies, challenge assumptions, and make decisions that move today’s students from interest to enrollment. Based on real-world insight, decades of experience, and tactical clarity, this book is your field guide to leading through change and connecting with today’s students.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs. 

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.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. 

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

Every event tells a story, but only the most intentional ones help people feel your brand. At Biola University, Tracey Harrison, Vice President for Communications and Brand Marketing, is redefining what campus events can be through a framework called Eventful Branding. This philosophy turns events from logistical tasks into meaningful, mission-driven experiences that embody the heart of an institution.

Through storytelling, hospitality, and collaboration, universities can design moments that make guests feel seen, valued, and connected to something greater. Drawing from Biola’s innovative approach, this conversation explores how to transform everything from campus tours to groundbreaking ceremonies into living expressions of your brand identity. You’ll learn how to unite marketing and events under one story, foster emotional connection with Gen Z, and build brand belief through authentic, human-centered design.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘What Eventful Branding means and how to apply it across campus

🔘Creating immersive events that communicate mission through emotion

🔘Why hospitality is a marketing strategy, not just an act of service

🔘Building cross-departmental alignment through shared storytelling

🔘How to surprise and delight students with purpose and creativity

🔘Practical ideas for smaller institutions to elevate their event experience

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Inside the Episode

04:37 – Defining eventful branding and how it came to life at Biola

07:44 – How a film school groundbreaking became a storytelling moment

11:16 – Bringing “unreasonable hospitality” to higher ed

33:59 – How smaller schools can create big emotional impact

37:58 – Transforming campus visits into emotional brand experiences

46:48 – Building brand belief through meaningful human connection

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs. 

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.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

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

How do you grow international enrollment in a world defined by volatility, technology and shifting global dynamics? Randy Byers, Vice President for International Affairs at Dallas Baptist University, brings over 20 years of global education leadership to unpack what it takes to build sustainable, ethical, and agile international recruitment strategies.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Randy shares how institutions can move beyond short-term recruitment goals to create long-term cultural alignment and student success. From the misconceptions that derail global partnerships to the transformative potential of generative AI in communication and translation, he outlines a new vision for internationalization that balances innovation with integrity.

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Join Us As We Discuss

🔘Why "easy money" thinking has hurt international recruitment, and what to do instead.

🔘How to build authentic cross-cultural relationships that lead to trust and retention

🔘Where generative AI can enhance translation, evaluation and engagement (without losing humanity)

🔘The ethical implications of automation and the need for AI literacy in higher ed leadership

🔘Preparing globally minded graduates who value peace, humility and critical thinking

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Inside the Episode

02:29 - The biggest misconceptions about international recruitment

06:09 - Practical ways to build cross-cultural understanding on campus

08:42 - Global market shifts and why diversity of countries matter

12:51 - The role of AI in translation and personalized communication

17:40 - Ethics, transparency and "human in the loop" leadership

26:00 - Why technology must serve community, not replace it

34:11 - The next five years of global higher education

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.

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.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. 

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

With rising competition and shrinking budgets, small colleges can feel squeezed out of the higher ed conversation. But Tom Kook, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Emmaus University, shares how thinking small can actually be a strategic advantage. From mission-first messaging to building nimble teams that punch above their weight, Tom unpacks how smaller institutions can thrive without trying to be everything to everyone.

Through creativity, collaboration, and clear focus, Tom reveals the high-impact strategies that help Emmaus stand out in a crowded market while staying true to its roots.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘How small colleges can leverage constraints to fuel innovation

🔘Why authenticity is the most powerful marketing tool

🔘Building cross-functional teams that are lean but high performing

🔘The role of brand clarity and internal buy-in

🔘Strategies to compete with large universities on a modest budget

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Inside the Episode

02:15 – Tom’s path from large institutions to a small college mission

06:52 – Why constraints create creative momentum

09:37 – Building a high-trust, cross-functional marketing team

13:21 – Translating mission into a distinct brand story

16:48 – Getting buy-in across campus for a unified brand strategy

19:42 – Practical tips for marketing with limited resources

27:45 – Advice for marketers trying to do more with less

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs. 

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.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. 

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

Does your institution have a unique niche like Ringling College of Art and Design? For Dr. John Chopka, standing out in a niche starts with listening, builds on trust, and is fueled by storytelling. With more than 35 years of enrollment experience, Dr. Chopka shares practical strategies for recruiting in niche markets, managing institutional change, and creating momentum without losing mission.

From redefining outcomes through portfolio-based admissions to embracing servant leadership and transparency, this episode offers timely wisdom for leaders guiding campuses through growth, disruption, and transformation. Whether you serve at a faith-based college, an art school, or a liberal arts institution, these insights apply across the board.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘Recruiting and marketing in niche higher ed settings

🔘Why outcomes storytelling is more effective than stats alone

🔘The role of servant leadership in driving lasting change

🔘How to balance innovation with institutional identity

🔘Communicating transparently without losing optimism

🔘The importance of peer networks for professional resilience

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Inside the Episode 

07:15 – How recruiting for niche institutions shapes marketing strategy

11:30 – Shattering the starving artist myth with storytelling

14:00 – Using experiences, not just facts, to engage Gen Z

20:10 – Prioritizing change with patience and servant leadership

25:30 – Staying grounded as a leader during uncertainty

27:40 – Communicating truthfully while building trust

32:40 – Why leaders should never go it alone

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs. 

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.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. 

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

Artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education and each generation is approaching it differently. NYU’s Conor Grennan , alongside his Gen Z son, Finn, explores how AI is influencing academic integrity, workforce readiness, and the way students engage with learning.

Rather than approaching AI with fear or hype, Conor calls institutions to engage with it from a place of curiosity, conviction, and intentionality. This episode challenges assumptions and offers a hopeful, practical framework for integrating AI into both academic and personal formation.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘How AI is changing the way we teach, learn, and lead

🔘The role of discipleship in shaping tech ethics

🔘Why Gen Z students expect transparency, not perfection

🔘Creating campus-wide AI literacy with joy and curiosity

🔘Using storytelling to make tech feel less intimidating

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Inside the Episode 

06:14 – What it means to disciple students in the age of AI

08:50 – The danger of seeing AI as “just a tool”

13:22 – How higher ed should position itself as a moral compass

16:09 – The three pillars of AI literacy at NYU Stern

30:03 – Faith, imagination, and the opportunity ahead

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs. 

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.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. 

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

Higher ed is under pressure, and the clock is ticking for leaders to make bold, strategic moves. In this episode, Dr. Jamie Caridi shares how he helped Bethany College overcome deep financial challenges, rebuild trust, and launch a high-impact strategic plan. From reaching economic equilibrium to forming unexpected partnerships, Caridi unpacks a leadership playbook grounded in clarity, innovation, and courage.

This conversation is a practical roadmap for campus leaders looking to rethink planning cycles, enrollment strategy, and cross-sector collaboration in a rapidly shifting landscape.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘Why three-year strategic plans are the new standard

🔘Redefining economic equilibrium in small colleges

🔘How to stop chasing "more" and start choosing mission

🔘Building innovation cultures in tradition-bound spaces

🔘When partnerships become survival strategies

🔘The courageous leadership higher ed needs now

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Inside the Episode 

08:34 – Fixing a $5M deficit and building economic equilibrium

11:00 – Calling out the “enrollment cliff” excuse

14:03 – What innovation really looks like in higher ed

17:47 – Start, Stop, Continue: Creating space for new ideas

21:18 – Why marketers must have a seat at the innovation table

25:21 – Building revenue-positive partnerships with former competitors

36:58 – Rethinking cost models and corporate partnerships

38:25 – Demand excellence, not perfection

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs. 

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.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. 

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

When Dr. Dr. Amy Bragg Carey stepped into her role as president of Friends University, the institution was facing financial instability, mission drift, and uncertainty about its identity in Christian higher ed. Nearly a decade later, Friends has achieved record enrollment and reclaimed its Christian mission with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, Dr. Carey shares how small, consistent decisions have built trust, attracted donors, and re-centered the university on its founding values. From building student personas to implementing AI tools in recruitment, her leadership blends faith, data, and vision for the future.

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Join us as we discuss:

🔘 Turning around a university in financial and mission crisis

🔘 Why small decisions shape institutional culture over time

🔘 Defining and articulating Christian identity in a diverse student body

🔘 Using student personas to inform recruitment

🔘 Leveraging AI for personalized marketing

🔘 Building trust as a new leader in times of change

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Inside the Episode 

02:00 -  Financial Challenges and Strategies

08:00 -   Revitalizing the Christian Mission 

15:00 -   Building Trust and Transparency 

21:00  -  Strategic Marketing and Personas

27:00  -  Maintaining Institutional Identity

33:00  -  Leadership Insights and Future Opportunities

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs. 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.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

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

How do you manage and elevate a brand across 19 campuses serving more than 200,000 students? In this episode, Kathie Fleck of Ivy Tech Community College shares how her team is building brand consistency across one of the largest community college systems in the country.

From messaging and segmentation to staff mentorship and innovation, Kathie unpacks what it takes to lead with trust, strategy, and a people-first mindset in a highly decentralized environment.

🎧Join us as we discuss:

Building brand consistency across multiple campuses

Why research and listening come before messaging

Strategies for audience-based segmentation at scale

Embracing calculated risks in higher ed marketing

Using AI and innovation to stretch budget and impact

The power of internal mentoring and cross-campus collaboration

🎙️ Inside the Episode 

06:22 – Building Internal Assets for Brand Consistency

14:33 – Leading Change with a People-First Approach

24:17 – Segmenting by Audience, Not Region

27:20 – Innovating on a Budget: Testing New Channels

30:53 – Using AI to Scale Creative Output

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. 

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 proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. 

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