The Higher Ed Marketer

ZeeMeeSummer Series - Week 2

Episode 211

Dr. James Steen, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing at Houston Christian University, shares how his team is flipping the traditional admissions funnel on its head. We discuss the challenges facing enrollment leaders today, and why HCU launched a bold Guaranteed Admission Program to simplify access and better serve Gen Z students.

Dr. Steen unpacks how storytelling, early community-building, and the right use of technology (like ZeeMee) are helping students feel a sense of belonging before they ever set foot on campus. It’s a conversation filled with forward-thinking strategies for anyone looking to grow enrollment with purpose and humanity.

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ Why direct admission initiatives are becoming more prevalent in higher education

✅ How enrollment competition is intensifying, making it harder to maintain student numbers.

✅ Explore how the Guaranteed Admission Program simplifies enrollment for students.

✅ Why technology should enhance, not replace, personal relationships in enrollment.

✅ How incremental innovation can lead to significant improvements in enrollment strategies.

Join the Discussion:

03:04 - The Role of Innovation in Enrollment Management

08:54 - Guaranteed Admission Program: A New Approach

12:00 -  Aligning with Gen Z Expectations

14:54 -  Building Community Before Enrollment

20:57 - Leveraging Technology for Relationship Building

23:56 - 10,000 Students by 2030

ZeeMee is the #1 student community app, used by millions worldwide. It’s where Gen-Z connects and where colleges drive 2x the apps, 3.6x the yield and half the melt.

ZeeMee analyzes tens of millions of data points on each student in real time, giving colleges access to the largest set of student behavior data and the most accurate predictive model in Higher Ed today.”

Join the movement at ZeeMee.com.

–

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

Welcome to the ZeeMeeSummer Series!

Episode 210

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Dr. Jay Jacobs, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at the University of Vermont, shares how bold innovation and cross-campus collaboration are transforming the student journey. From launching the Vermont Pitch Challenge to building internal talent through the Emerging Leaders Academy, Dr. Jacobs outlines a vision for enrollment that’s strategic, student-centered, and digitally fluent. He also underscores the critical role of alignment between enrollment and marketing in driving institutional success.

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ Why innovation must be embedded in every aspect of enrollment strategy.

✅ How the Vermont Pitch Challenge supports brand-building.

✅ How redesigned orientation and retention programs improve student connection.

✅ Why developing internal talent matters and how to do it. 

✅ Why platforms like ZeeMee enhance student belonging before they step on campus.

Join the Discussion:

02:53 Cultural Shift Towards Innovation

06:01 Change Management in Higher Education

08:44 Redesigning Orientation and Retention Programs

11:56 The Vermont Pitch Challenge

26:07 Aligning Enrollment Leadership and Marketing

31:14 Building Synergy Between Marketing and Enrollment

36:07 Emerging Leaders Academy: Developing Internal Talent

ZeeMee is the student community platform that’s been shaping enrollment for over a decade. After 10 years of creating authentic student engagement, and analyzing student actions, ZeeMee knows exactly what signals lead to enrollment and they’re bringing that data to colleges to help prioritize the right students and drive real results. Students on ZeeMee are 2x more likely to apply, 3.5x more likely to commit, and 50% less likely to melt.

Join the movement at ZeeMee.com.

–

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

The Higher Ed Marketer is heating things up this summer with a special series you won’t want to miss. Powered by our friends at ZeeMee!

We’re bringing you four fresh episodes featuring standout voices in higher ed: Jay Jacobs (University of Vermont), James Steen (Houston Christian University), Sacha Thieme (Indiana University Bloomington), and ZeeMee CEO, Vanessa Didyk. Whether you’re lakeside relaxing or road-tripping to recruit, these episodes are your perfect summer companion.

We’ll dive deep into the challenge of summer melt and explore the digital “watering holes” where your mission-fit students are already gathering.

Tune in each week this July to help you boost engagement and drive enrollment. Starting next week!

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

The Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 209 (4 of 4)
In the last episode of the Higher Ed Marketer podcast's Faith Leaders Series we speak with Dondi Costin, president of Liberty University, about the intersection of Christian faith and higher education. They discuss the importance of leadership in maintaining the mission of the university, the role of spiritual formation in education, and the need for clarity in mission to avoid drift. Costin shares insights from his military background and chaplaincy, emphasizing the significance of balancing mission and people in leadership. The conversation also touches on the infrastructure needed for spiritual growth and the hope for the next generation of leaders in Christian education.

🎧 Listen to Learn:
✅ Great leaders “mind the mission” through people and process

✅ Spiritual formation requires intentionality at all levels

✅ The G.R.A.C.E of a college President. 

✅ Why personally engaging students matters for executive leadership

✅ The future of Christian higher ed is bright 

Join the Discussion:

02:08 - Minding the Mission: Leadership Insights

08:02 - Why Spiritual Formation should be central to Higher Education

12:24 - Building Spiritual Infrastructure at Liberty

24:26 - The Future of Christian Education is bright

30:00 - Hope for the Next Generation of students and leaders

The Faith Leaders Mini-Series is sponsored by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, an organization serving over 158 faith-based institutions, 72,000 across North America. ABHE seeks to Advance Biblical Higher Education for Kingdom Impact. Learn more at ABHE.org. 

–

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

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 208 (3 of 4)

In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor and Zach Coffin (VP of The Higher Ed Marketer and Pastor) explore the intersection of faith and higher education. Each week they engage in meaningful conversations with Christian higher ed leaders from across the country.

In this week's episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Dr. David Hoag, President of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), joins us to unpack the real story behind Christian higher education in 2025. From rising enrollment to the power of mission clarity, Dr. Hoag discusses how faith-based institutions are thriving by boldly embracing their identity. He breaks down affordability myths by revealing the average tuition and surprising discount rates, and shares how CCCU is advocating on Capitol Hill for policies that protect religious liberty and financial accessibility. Through strategic collaboration, courageous leadership, and a renewed commitment to the whole student, Christian colleges are proving to be more essential and more accessible than many believe.

🎧 Listen to Learn:
✅ How mission boldness is fueling enrollment growth across Christian colleges.

✅ Why Christian higher education is often more affordable than families realize.

✅ The role CCCU plays in defending religious liberty through advocacy in Washington, D.C.

✅ What makes thriving Christian campuses different from those that are struggling.

✅ How strategic collaboration and bold leadership are shaping the future of faith-based institutions.

Join the Discussion:

03:21 - Current State of Christian Higher Education

07:32 - Defining Factors for Thriving Institutions

14:37 - Misconceptions About Christian Education

17:25 - Affordability of Christian Higher Education

18:08 - CCCU's Priorities and Support for Members

22:53 - Advocacy Work in Washington, D.C.

29:35 - Engaging with Local Representatives

32:03 - Hope for the Future of Christian Education

The Faith Leaders Mini-Series is sponsored by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, an organization serving over 158 faith-based institutions, 72,000 across North America. ABHE seeks to Advance Biblical Higher Education for Kingdom Impact. Learn more at ABHE.org. 

–

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

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 207 (2 of 4)

In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor and Zach Coffin (VP of The Higher Ed Marketer and Pastor) explore the intersection of faith and higher education. Each week they engage in meaningful conversations with Christian higher ed leaders from across the country.

This week they’re joined by Dr. Phil Cook, President of the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP). With over 30 years of experience in enrollment and leadership, Phil shares how Christian colleges can balance performance with purpose—navigating enrollment pressures while staying rooted in mission and faith.

The conversation explores the role of spiritual authenticity in the recruitment journey, the growing importance of clarity in institutional identity, and how Christian colleges can respond strategically to cultural, technological, and generational shifts in 2025.

🎧 Listen to Learn:
✅ Why mission-fit matters more than ever in a competitive admissions landscape
✅ How “real recognizes real” is the new rule of enrollment marketing
✅ Why direct admissions and digital strategies aren’t enough without authenticity
✅ How Christian colleges can lead in a world shaped by AI and rising skepticism

Join the Discussion:
03:15 What is NACCAP and Who Does It Serve?
05:05 Mission-Driven Enrollment and Data-Driven Metrics
08:22 The Evolving Role of Faith in the Admissions Funnel
12:35 Real Recognizes Real: Why Authenticity Wins
16:25 How to Equip Staff for Faith-Centered, Relational Recruitment
25:15 The Role of Community in a Post-AI Admissions Landscape
31:56 What Keeps Christian Higher Ed Leaders Up at Night
34:32 Final Thoughts: Work While You Wait, Worship as You Lead

The Faith Leaders Mini-Series is sponsored by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, an organization serving over 158 faith-based institutions, 72,000 across North America. ABHE seeks to Advance Biblical Higher Education for Kingdom Impact. Learn more at ABHE.org. 

–

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

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 206 (1 of 4)

In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor and Zach Coffin (VP of The Higher Ed Marketer) explore the intersection of faith and higher education. Each week of this series they have thoughtful discussions with a Christian Higher Ed leader from across the country. 

This week they are joined by Dr. Philip Dearborn, President of The Association for Biblical Higher Ed (ABHE).  Philip unpacks the evolving landscape of Christian higher education, emphasizing the importance of community, leadership, and adapting to change. He shares insights on the challenges faced by institutions, the unique value of discipleship, and the opportunities presented by AI and competency-based education. The conversation highlights the need for self-awareness in leadership and the importance of embracing generational differences to foster collaboration and innovation in education.

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅ Higher education is not the same that it was 15 years ago.

✅ It’s time we embrace flourishing, not just survival.

✅ We need to learn to listen cross-generationally to thrive in the future.

✅ As more people embrace AI, Christian campuses can be a leader for human connection.

Join the Discussion:

03:00 Understanding ABHE: A New Era in Biblical Higher Education

05:58 Challenges in Christian Higher Education: A Race to the Bottom

09:01 The Unique Value of Community in Christian Higher Ed

11:57 Opportunities for Growth: Navigating Change in Higher Education

18:07 Leadership and Self-Awareness: Understanding Your Role

20:59 Generational Dynamics: Bridging the Gap in Education

23:47 Competency-Based Education: Tailoring Learning to Individual Needs

26:48 Harnessing AI: Transforming Online Education

29:58 The Future of Leadership: Embracing Change and Innovation

The Faith Leaders Mini-Series is sponsored by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, an organization serving over 158 faith-based institutions, 72,000 across North America. ABHE seeks to Advance Biblical Higher Education for Kingdom Impact. Learn more at ABHE.org. 

–

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.

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

We’re thrilled to announce the Faith Leaders Mini Series—a special four-week series of episodes focused on the unique opportunities, challenges, and innovations within Christian higher education.

Hosted by Bart Caylor and joined by guest co-host Zach Coffin, VP of The Higher Ed Marketer, this series features conversations with influential leaders from across the country and around the world. Together, they explore how faith and mission shape enrollment, advancement, leadership, and campus culture. Whether you serve in a faith-based institution or simply are curious about this unique perspective, these conversations blend rich insights with practical wisdom for your day-to-day work.

And the summer at The Higher Ed Marketer is just getting started.

We’ve got an incredible summer lineup ahead—packed with the latest marketing trends, real-world strategies, and fresh inspiration to help you gear up for a strong fall. With new voices, bold ideas, and a spirit of optimism, this is the perfect season to stay plugged in.

Sneak Peak at the Summer of The Higher Ed Marketer:

• Faith Leader Mini-Series

• Zeemee Summer Series

• Best of Series

• Season 7 drops September

➡️ Subscribe now, leave us a review, and connect with us on LinkedIn so you don’t miss a moment.

The Faith Leaders Mini Series kicks off next week!

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

In this conversation, Jeff Salyer, shares insights from his recent transition into Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Lee University. He draws parallels between ultra running and the challenges of enrollment, emphasizing the need for effective communication and listening to stakeholders. Jeff also highlights the significance of engaging with external partners and the power of storytelling in shaping the university's brand and connecting with prospective students. 

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅Enrollment is a long game — it takes endurance, not quick wins.

✅Storytelling helps students see themselves in your institution’s journey.

✅Video is one of the most effective ways to connect with prospective students.

✅Authentic communication matters more to students than polished marketing.

✅Listening to your campus and community builds better strategy.

Join the Discussion:

02:47 Leadership Surprises in Higher Education

05:52 The Endurance of Enrollment: An Ultra Runner's Perspective

11:56 Engaging with External Partners

15:05 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing

18:00 Rhetoric and Storytelling: Insights from Pixar

20:57 Innovative Use of Video in Higher Education

26:05 Building Community Through Digital Platforms

32:25 Leadership Insights for Enrollment Marketing

Today’s episode is sponsored by ZeeMee—the student community platform that’s been shaping enrollment for over a decade. After 10 years of creating authentic student engagement, and analyzing student actions, ZeeMee knows exactly what signals lead to enrollment—and they’re bringing that data to colleges to help prioritize the right students and drive real results.

Students open ZeeMee an average of 13 times a day, making it the place where Gen-Z finds friends, explores colleges, and builds a sense of belonging—before they ever step on campus. And it works: students on ZeeMee are 2x more likely to apply, 3.5x more likely to commit, and 50% less likely to melt.

Ready to make recruitment smarter and more effective? Join the movement at ZeeMee.com.

–

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

Bonus Episode Alert 🚨
We’re closing out Season 6 with something special. In next week’s bonus episode, Dr. Jeff Salyer—VP for Enrollment and Marketing at Lee University—joins us to talk about endurance, storytelling, and the future of student engagement.

This short update from Zach Coffin, VP of The Higher Ed Marketer, includes a sneak peek of what’s ahead.

Shoutout to our friends at ZeeMee for making this bonus episode possible.

Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it!
--

Bonus Episode is sponsored by ZeeMee—the student community platform that’s been shaping enrollment for over a decade. After 10 years of creating authentic student engagement, and analyzing student actions, ZeeMee knows exactly what signals lead to enrollment—and they’re bringing that data to colleges to help prioritize the right students and drive real results.

Students open ZeeMee an average of 13 times a day, making it the place where Gen-Z finds friends, explores colleges, and builds a sense of belonging—before they ever step on campus. And it works: students on ZeeMee are 2x more likely to apply, 3.5x more likely to commit, and 50% less likely to melt.

Ready to make recruitment smarter and more effective? Join the movement at ZeeMee.com.

--

Sneak Peak at the Summer of The Higher Ed Marketer:

• Faith Leader Mini-Series

• Zeemee Summer Series

• Best of Series

• Season 7 drops September

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