higher education marketing

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.

Making higher education accessible to all is big as we approach the enrollment cliff.

Identifying the needs of all prospective students and really asking the ‘why’ makes Gen Z feel seen and heard.

It’s time to tailor your marketing strategy to meet the needs of the next generation.

We’re getting the conversation started with Spenser Smith , the Director of Admissions for Graduate Business Programs at Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

In this episode, we dip into Gen Z’s preferred marketing strategies.

Join us as we discuss:

• [10:40] Effective communication strategies to dig deeper
• [14:47] Following up with prospective students
• [20:45] How to tailor marketing strategies
• [30:12] Getting Gen Z at the table

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• spenser@utk.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.

Telling the authentic transformative stories of students and staff on your campus helps foster real emotional connections.

Without forming a genuine connection with your prospective students, they may see right through you.

Stories are everything – it’s time to show the impact your university has had on those in your community.

Documentary storyteller Ryan Koral, the Founder of Enroll Films, gets our conversation started on the importance of letting your students tell their stories.

In this episode, we explore all the aspects of transformative storytelling.

Join us as we discuss: 

- [14:33] Marketing amidst inevitable change

- [16:51] Documentary storytelling and fundraising

- [26:11] Making your interviewees comfortable

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan

- Ryan’s Checklist

- Ryan Koral on LinkedIn and Instagram

- ryan@enrollfilms.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.
 

Different generations are beginning to have an increase in educational influence.

Having a marketing strategy that can adapt but be intentional when helping non-traditional students is key.

With information expected to be accessible at the click of a button, how can your institution firmly support these prospective learners with potentially limited marketing resources?

Brad Entwistle, Founding Partner at imageseven takes us down under with a unique Australian perspective.

Drawing parallels between the U.S. and Australian educational systems, Brad helps us understand how to deconstruct different generational communication styles and interactions.

Join us as we discuss: 

- [11:22] Millennial parent content preferences

- [16:21] Varying financial influences for students

- [21:23] How to present to Gen Alpha

- [36:49] AI in Australia and the U.S.

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Mindstuck by Michael McQueen

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 education experience is changing.

With attention spans shifting and life getting in the way, institutions need to adapt.

Now more than ever, learning needs to be functional for the nontraditional student.

Getting the conversation started is Troy Brown, the VP and Director of Recruitment and Enrollment at the University of West Los Angeles. As the new Dean of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Transformation (DIET), Troy wants to make sure every student's voice is heard.

In this episode, we shed light on the importance of the nontraditional experience

Join us as we discuss: 

- [6:06] A different degree pathway

- [11:08] Why higher ed’s biggest competition is life

- [24:43] Bitesize courses and certificates

- [40:57] A relational versus transactional campus

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- troy@uwla.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.
 

Welcome to the Gold Rush era of artificial intelligence.

AI is integrating more and more into the world of higher education and everyone is hoping for their morsel of success.  

It’s crucial now more than ever to begin educating yourself on the world of AI.

Push off your studying and you may be left in the dust.

This unique episode brings two guests, Andrew Cassel and Brian Piper, for an AI roundtable discussion to inform, inspire, and get you thinking about the potential of AI tools at your school.

In this episode, we dissect all things artificial intelligence as we look towards the future of higher ed.

Join us as we discuss: 

- [8:08] The advancement of AI technology

- [16:44] How students can utilize AI ethically

- [29:39] The future of AI integrations

- [36:40] How AI regulations could impact higher ed

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Marketing AI Institute

- Ethan Mollick

- Epic Content Marketing by Brian Piper and Joe Polizzi

- Brianwpiper.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. 

If someone asked you to define your institution’s “Why,” could you?

When was the last time you really looked through your brand guide to ensure you were sticking to the mission? Are all your ducks really in a row?

DJ Menifee, Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing, Communications and Retention at Bradley University, joined us to talk about why schools need to assess their assets. DJ, an avid sneakerhead, knows the importance of grounding the “Why” to progress your institution's mission.

In this episode, we bridge the connection between institutional mission and actions.

Join us as we discuss:
 

- The enrollment ecosystem (3:44)

- Enrollment funnel challenges (7:12)

- Assessing your assets (15:09)

- Being grounded in the “Why” (27:29)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- dmenifee@bradley.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. 

There are always opportunities to learn in the higher ed marketing space. But there are also opportunities to teach.

Higher education tends to move slowly, and with everything around us evolving quickly, we need to approach change as a team.

We’re digging deep into collaborative change with Susan Kassab, Vice President of Enrollment at Monmouth College. One-on-one conversations and mutual understanding are at the forefront of Susan’s roadmap to administrative success.

In this episode, we explore the importance of giving everyone an informed seat at the table.

Join us as we discuss:

- Influencing influential leadership (2:56) 

- How leadership should approach change (10:31)

- When is the right time to use AI (24:45)

- Balancing student needs with AI technology (31:39)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- susan.kassab@gmail.com
- Call or text Susan at 610-731-9765

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. 

As the saying goes, “Change is a part of life.” The same can be said for higher ed online classroom resources.

How can schools meet the needs of students in the ever-advancing remote learning space?

It’s time for colleges and universities to work for students.

That’s why we’re talking to Sarah McMaster, Executive Director of Marketing & Enrollment Management at Champlain College Online . With a passion for advancing online education, Sarah transforms the student experience to meet students where they are.

In this episode, we unpack the importance of embracing change in our virtual classrooms.

Join us as we discuss: 

-The evolution of online education (6:49)

- Meeting students where they are (15:28) 

- AI and change management (22:43)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Champlain College Blog

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.

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.
 

Is your college or university's content engine struggling to chug down the track?

Do you often find yourself scrambling to find where your next piece of marketable content will come from?

It’s time to utilize what's right in front of you.

That’s why we’re talking to John Azoni, Owner and Executive Producer at Unveild.tv John is big on getting on the ground with students and finding stories to build a content repertoire.

In this episode, we talk about the importance of diversifying and repackaging your content.

Join us as we discuss:

- Kicking off a content strategy for your brand (6:42)

- Why you need to listen to your audience (13:28)

- How to utilize your evergreen content (18:48)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Higher Ed Storytelling University Podcast
- Western Sydney University - Deng Adut

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.

Step right up as we unpack the U.S World News College & University Rankings.

There’s methodology, there’s branding, but how does it all work together, and what other factors affect your school’s ranking?

We’re talking to Adam Stoltz, Director of Enrollment Marketing at the University of Idaho. Adam wrote his dissertation on the U.S News and World Report’s Rankings subject, expanding on its history and relevancy.

In this episode, we break down the mechanics and mysteries of college rankings.

Join us as we discuss: 

- The history of the U.S. World News Rankings (4:49)

- How the rankings stay relevant (10:49)

- Ranking methodology changes (19:26)

- Other college ranking entities (34:50)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- U.S. World News & Report 

- InsideHigherEd.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.