Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt

There are some marketers you just don’t want to have to compete with. Grant Heston at Virginia Commonwealth University is one of them. In this wide-ranging episode, Jaime sits down with Grant to talk about AI, collaboration, creativity, brand building, and more. Takeaways from this episode include: How to build consensus around the use of AI in marketing and communications Ideas around ways to enh...

Marketing is an investment, not an expense. But too many universities don’t treat it as such. Instead, marketers find themselves with a budget that is not adequate for accomplishing goals and expectations. In this episode, Jaime sits down with Kristin Nichols, a seasoned higher education leader and consultant, to discuss this challenge – and what marketing leaders can do to solve it.  Takeaways fr...

In this episode, Jaime sits down with Kim Hallman to talk about the role placing faculty experts can play in an integrated marketing communications strategy. By strategically integrating faculty experts into an overall marketing communications strategy, universities can leverage their knowledge and reputation to enhance the institution’s image, attract and retain students, and potentially impact r...

In this compelling episode of "Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO," Jaime talks with Joe Picini, who opens up about his personal journey of navigating a sudden layoff and the critical role his professional network played in finding new opportunities.  Takeaways from this episode include: Advice for building a network that can help you land on your feet after an unexpected career setback – or when your...

In this episode, Jaime and Day Kibilds, VP for Strategy at Ologie, explore Ologie’s study on the parents of Gen Alpha, exploring the implications for higher education marketers and institutions. This episode examines the defining traits of Gen Alpha, the pivotal role of technology in their lives, and the profound impact of their parents on their educational choices. Key takeaways for this episode...

AI is not the future of technology. It’s the technology of today that is shaping the future. With that mantra in mind, Jaime sits down with Claire Brady, president of Glass Half Full Consulting and a former vice president for student affairs, to discuss how AI is shaping the student experience.  Takeaways from this episode include: A look into some of the most innovative ways colleges and universi...

In this episode, Jaime and John Azoni, founder and executive producer of UNVEILD, explore short-form video content and its potential for colleges and universities. Jaime and John discuss the transformative influence of platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels on the video content landscape and how these changes are reshaping marketing strategies across the board.  Key takeaways include: Great ide...

In this episode of our podcast, Jaime Hunt is joined by Patricia Maben and Jim Rogers from 3 Enrollment Marketing to discuss the transformative power of the experience economy within higher education. Patricia and Jim provide actionable advice for institutions to reimagine their approach to student engagement, emphasizing the importance of every interaction on campus from the classroom to extracur...

In this episode, host Jaime Hunt sits down with J-S. Stansel, founder of Saturn 9 Media and former social media manager at the University of Central Arkansas, to explore the landscape of social media management both inside and outside higher education. In this episode, J.S. and Jaime discuss: The transition from higher ed to managing social media for major entertainment brands like Amazon Prime Vi...

In this Bonus announcement, join Mallory, Chief Strategist of Enrollify, as she introduces the newly relaunched  Enrollify.org . This episode highlights the fresh features and content now available on the site, emphasizing Enrollify’s commitment to revolutionizing higher education. Learn about the variety of resources—from podcasts to ourses to webinars—that can help professionals make impactful c...

Environmental graphics can play a critical role in not only improving campus aesthetics, but also in building a sense of community and brand on campus. In this episode, Adrienne King, associate vice president for marketing at Indiana University, discusses how IU has leveraged environmental graphics to transform the IU campuses and build pride in their community.  Takeaways for this episode include...

As Joey Schmit , Associate VP of Global Marketing & Communications at New York University , pointed out in our insightful conversation, higher ed institutions often prioritize departmental needs over their students. That realization motivated Joey and his peers at NYU to elevate the student experience through human-centered design, a framework that creates solutions using  an empathic lens. Joey s...

Homecoming. Orientation. Welcome Week. Fall Fest. Family Weekend. Ring Dance. Our students experience so many traditions during their four (or more) years on our campuses, but what makes these events create lasting memories? That’s the question that Jaime poses to Alison Paz, associate director of marketing and communications for Louisiana State’s Division of Student Life. In her position, Alison...

After a 20-year career working in higher education marketing, Jaime is making a big pivot and launching a full-time higher education consulting firm: Solve Higher Ed.  In this episode, the tables are turned and Jaime is the interviewee. Listen as she shares: What prompted her to quit her dream job to launch a consulting firm Why she thinks that higher education marketing can save higher education...

Living with a disability presents a unique set of challenges, especially when it intersects with professional life. In this special and insightful episode, Jaime has an engaging conversation with RJ Thompson, who is the Manager of Digital Strategy in Pitt Health Sciences. RJ shares his personal experiences of working and thriving in a professional setting while living with cystic fibrosis, offerin...

This special cross-over episode features clips from Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, Talking Tactics, and The Application with Allison Turcio. These discussions highlight the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education marketing. Through these carefully selected clips from several podcasts within The Enrollify Network, this episode illuminates the multifaceted approac...

Attracting the “right” kind of student is one way that institutions can position themselves to thrive amid the approaching enrollment cliff. In this episode, Jaime talks with Bart Caylor, president of Caylor Solutions and author of “Chasing Mission Fit” about just that – and how schools can effectively market and brand themselves to reach those students. Takeaways for this episode include: What it...

Jaime Hunt explores the transformative potential of AI in higher education with Ardis Kadiu, CEO and Founder of Element451. They discuss how AI is reshaping student engagement, administrative efficiency, and the overall educational experience, showcasing Element451's leading role in this revolution. The discussion reveals the challenges facing higher education and how AI solutions, such as persona...

In this insightful episode, Jaime sits down with Teresa Valerio Parrot, a seasoned expert in higher education communications to discuss the ways higher education marcom leaders can best support presidents in the highly divisive and politicized world of 2024. Given the current stressful and often unpopular role of college presidents, Jaime and Teresa provide insight into effective communication and...

In this special episode recorded live at CUPRAP 2024, Jaime sits down with Georgy Cohen, Director of Digital Strategy at OHO, to dive into the ever-evolving landscape of higher education websites. With a focus on governance, measurement, DEI, and refining publishing processes, Georgy advocates for a proactive and intentional approach to digital strategy in higher education. Key Takeaways: The Evol...

In this episode, Jaime sits down with Rachel Reuben Senor, a 25-year veteran of higher education marketing now serving as the VP of Account Strategy for OHO Interactive. The conversation centers around a shared frustration: the challenges posed by silos in higher education – and offers insight into the ways marketing and communications offices can bust those silos. Takeaways include: Insight into...

In this special bonus episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO recorded live at CUPRAP 2024, Jaime Hunt sits down with Joe Master, Vice President of CUPRAP and Managing Director of Brand and Marketing Strategy at RW Jones Agency. The episode is filled with insights on the evolution of higher ed marketing, the importance of professional development, and the promising intersection of AI technology...

In this edition of "Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO," Jaime talks with Devin Purgason, the Executive Director of Marketing and Student Care at Forsyth Technical Community College. The conversation is centered around the unique opportunities that smaller educational institutions present as incubators of marketing creativity, offering a breadth of freedom to explore and innovate in marketing strategi...

In this episode of "Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO," Jaime engages in a compelling conversation with Andrew Careaga, a retired chief marketing officer with over 30 years of experience in higher education marketing at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Careaga shares insights from his extensive career, reflecting on the evolution of higher ed marketing and the impact of technological ad...

Managing social communities requires marketing savvy, diplomacy, excellent judgment, and a finger on the pulse of your audience.  In this episode, Jaime brings on Jenny Li Fowler, author of “Organic Social Media: How to Build Flourishing Online Communities” to discuss the key fundamentals for building an engaging and welcoming digital space for your university’s biggest fans.  Takeaways for this e...