Generative AI in Higher Education: Future-Proof Your School’s Marketing Tools

Higher education has been known for its slower pace of adoption and for often resisting change. With approaching headwinds, including the enrollment cliff, disruption of generative AI, the negative public perception of higher ed, and competition with outside players (Google, Amazon, etc.), it is more critical than ever to lean into the mission-fit marketing.   

That’s why many institutions are turning to partners like Ologie, a higher ed branding agency that helps schools by leveraging their most important asset — curiosity.

Fernando Bergás-Coria, Ologie’s Chief Digital and Media Officer, joins us to share how Ologie is helping schools optimize their marketing efforts through a lens of renewed professional growth and innovative strategies. 

Join us as we discuss:

• [4:40] How higher ed red tape stunts new ways of thinking

• [14:30] A tactical approach to segmentation and personalization

• [23:31] 4 buckets for optimizing enrollment marketing outcomes

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• fbc@ology.com

• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

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.

Personalized AI chatbots used to be a muse for science fiction writers.

But with the rapid rise of these sophisticated AI tools, the possibilities for how these bots can augment the prospective student journey seem endless.

You can certainly hear the enthusiasm in the voice of Ardis Kadiu, the founder and CEO of Element451, as he talks about the capabilities of these futuristic assistants.

Ardis shares how he and his team are incorporating AI chatbots into their product offerings and how schools can use them to give students the personalized attention and responsiveness they deserve.

Join us as we discuss:

• [3:23] 3 areas of opportunity for generative AI tools in higher ed

• [12:35] Augmenting the student journey with personalized chatbots

• [27:12] The future of conversational AI and chatbot personas
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Enrollify Podcast Network

• Generation AI with Ardis Kadiu

• ChatGPT

• Pi.AI

• Character.AI

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.

It’s time for schools to embrace the big, audacious goals and put together a strategy to accomplish them. 

That’s what the University of Kentucky did. They’re implementing programs that will advance student success at their institution. 

It’s never too late to go for the challenge.

We’re talking to Kirsten Turner, the Vice President of Student Success at the University of Kentucky. Through partnering with Fidelity, UK is empowering their students to develop early financial literacy.

In this episode, we explore the University of Kentucky’s groundbreaking student initiatives.

Join us as we discuss:

• [2:40] The four pillars of meaning and purpose

• [17:22] The UK student investment program

• [20:51] Why financial literacy is important for college students

• [26:22] How UK’s initiatives have positively impacted students
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Kirsten.turner@uky.edu

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.

Teaching critical thinking is the first step to media literacy in the digital age.

With varying perspectives, social channels, media outlets, and technological advancements knocking at our door every day, we have to remember the bigger picture.

Being able to have challenging conversations with people with opposing views and critically analyze information allows us to grow as marketers.

Joining our crucial conversation are Chris Davey and Bart Verhulst. Chris and Bart share findings from their extensive research into the importance of critical thinking and media literacy.

In this episode, we delve into advancing understanding in the digital age.

Join us as we discuss:

• [9:37] The new age of information warfare

• [15:12] Diversifying our information intake

• [23:30] Balancing the “flavor” of AI

• [37:35] How Universities can make a difference
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Twin Crisis in Truth and Trust: A New Strategy for Higher Education

• The Content Trap by Bharat Anand

• Bart Verhulst on LinkedIn

• bart@presspage.com

• Chrisdavey on X

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.

When was the last time you were at a college fair and students immediately walked away after seeing your price tag?

It’s time to be transparent, intentional, and communicative about available resources.

We’re challenging misconceptions and unlocking the value and opportunity of higher ed.

Getting the ball rolling is Ken Sigler, the Director of Enrollment Management at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. Ken claims he’s “never really left college” as he’s seen higher ed from all sides.

In this episode, we unveil the keys to unlocking how to communicate your institution's value.

Join us as we discuss:

• [5:05] Higher ed myths and misconceptions

• [10:49] The dreaded college application

• [15:50] “Only people with good grades get in!”

• [28:59] Leaning into higher ed’s value
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• ksigler@mccn.edu

• siglerken@gmail.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.

Higher Ed marketing is not one size fits all.

Each institution is unique and can’t be all things for all people.

Finding what consistently works for your brand and sticking to it is crucial to brand growth.

The first steps towards success are removing personal bias, having a goal, and understanding that it requires investment.

Jay Rathell, Senior Media Buyer for Yamaro83, gets our conversation started on digital literacy and discovering what marketing strategies work for your institution.

In this episode, we delve into the niche of digital media strategies.

Join us as we discuss:

• [8:20] Identifying the best social platforms for your target audience

• [12:50] Faith-based flagging on social platforms like Facebook

• [15:47] Budget allocation for your school’s marketing department

• [28:20] How to avoid personal biases
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• ChasingMissionFit.com

• Jay Rathell on Linkedin

• Yamaro83.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.

It’s hard to ask for help. 

Putting pride aside and leaning on others to enhance your knowledge is nothing to be ashamed of in the realm of higher education.

Collaboration, shaking things up, and attempting different strategies can create waves and allow you to think differently.

With over 35 years of experience in higher ed marketing, Bart Caylor, the Founder of Caylor Solutions, is launching his new book, Chasing Mission Fit. Bart is passionate about helping schools succeed, so he’s eager to share this evergreen advice with your institution.  

In this episode, we break down Bart’s tools for higher ed marketing success.

Join us as we discuss: 

• [4:38] Why asking for help is okay

• [13:53] Money does not equal better marketing

• [19:45] Creating waves with the upcoming enrollment cliff

• [22:46] How to seek out your students

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• ChasingMissionFit.com

• Generation AI on the Enrollify Network

• Bart Caylor on LinkedIn

• caylor@caylorsolutions.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 admissions process can get stuck in an endless loop of application deadlines, essays, and transcripts.

By investing in “radical hospitality” and focusing on relationship-building with students, admissions teams can discover the clearest path possible.

Acting intentionally to show students they matter is key to unlocking their true career path.

Hopping on the podcast today is John McGreal, the Dean of Enrollment at Waukesha County Technical College. John knows the marathon of the admissions process and emphasizes pacing yourself because it’s not a sprint. 

In this episode, we explore different ways to enhance your admissions process.

Join us as we discuss:

• [2:34] The evolution of admissions

• [8:41] Integrity and customer service

• [12:04] Strategies for streamlining

• [21:11] The tools of technology

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

• John McGreal on LinkedIn

• jmcgreal@wctc.edu 

• Jfmcreal on X

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.

Customer service often takes a back seat in the process of higher ed recruitment. 

Every interaction with a prospective student is crucial to how they view your institution.

This means staying up-to-date, trying new tactics, and being intentional about your customer service philosophy.

Above all else, consistency is key to maintaining mindful and constructive interactions. 

Getting our conversation started is Brett DiMarzo, the Director of Graduate Enrollment Digital Strategy at Boston College. Brett breaks down the importance of crafting a customer service philosophy and the five key steps to doing so. 

In this episode, we delve into the consistency and care of customer service.

Join us as we discuss:

• [3:24] Is customer service overlooked in higher education?

• [14:36] Technological enhancements

• [23:51] The five essential steps of customer service

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• The Experience Economy by Joseph Pine and James Gilmore

• brett.dimarzo@bc.edu 

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.

Are you utilizing all the tools in your toolbox?

Thinking bigger, more interactive, and focusing on fueling engagement is within reach.

By learning with AI, your college or university’s fundraising campaigns can be crafted and completed much faster and even at the click of a button. 

We get the AI ball rolling with Josh Kligman, the Co-founder and CEO of Storyraise. Josh is a big proponent of speeding up the processes so things can be more creative and effective for you!

In this episode, we explore donor engagement using AI tools.

Join us as we discuss:

• [7:55] Digging deep into compelling stories

• [10:16] Means of effective storytelling

• [21:17] Utilizing AI for campaign development

• [30:42] Insight into future AI trends

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• MemoryFox

• Storyraise.com 

• Givzey.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.