Higher Ed Pulse

In Part 4 of this Pulse Check series, "The Future of Student Search: The Human Connection," Trent Gilbert and Dr. Alejandra Sosa Pieroni delve into the crucial role of human interaction in the future of Student Search. They argue that institutions must possess a deep understanding of their own unique qualities and values to effectively connect with prospective students. By tailoring their communic...

In this episode recorded live at NACAC, Mallory sits down with Troy Singer, Digital Marketing Specialist at Ring Digital and co-host of the Higher Ed Marketer Podcast . As they wrap up their time at the NACAC conference, the conversation dives into Troy’s personal use of artificial intelligence (AI) for enhancing his happiness, confidence, and daily effectiveness. The discussion focuses on how AI...

In this bonus episode of The Higher Ed Pulse recorded live at HighEdWeb 2024, Mallory Willsea sits down with Melanie Lindahl, Senior UX/Web Designer, Developer, and Project Manager at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. Together, they dive into Melanie’s career journey, the challenges of working in male-dominated spaces, and the importance of advocating for oneself in the workplace. T...

Seth and Mallory explore the rising consumer confidence crisis in higher education. As more students and families question the value of a traditional college degree, higher ed institutions are faced with the challenge of proving their worth in an evolving marketplace.  Key Takeaways: The consumer confidence crisis in higher ed is growing, with fewer Americans believing in the value of a college de...

In this bonus episode of Higher Ed Pulse live from NACAC, Mallory Willsea sits down with Adanna Smith, University Counselor at Wayne State University, to discuss pivotal legislative initiatives in Michigan aimed at increasing student access to education. They explore bills that address testing mandates, FAFSA requirements, and support for middle schoolers, all designed to break down barriers and e...

Recorded live at NACAC in Los Angeles, this episode features Allison Lanier, Director of Client Engagement, discussing how AI is transforming brand building and content creation for institutions with lean resources. Allison shares insights on using AI tools like ChatGPT to support brand consistency, improve digital experiences, and optimize program pages. The conversation highlights AI's role in a...

In this special episode recorded live at NACAC, we chat with Derek Faasse, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Capital University, about the evolving pathways to leadership in higher education. As a presenter and planning committee member for next year's NACAC conference in Columbus, Derek shares insights on how aspiring leaders can navigate their careers, the challenges facing admissions prof...

The Future of Student Search Pulse Check Series is sponsored by Carnegie.  When talking about the future of Student Search, you can’t go a day without talking about the impact of technology and AI. In this episode, Trent Gilbert, VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie, and Paul LeBlanc, Former President of Southern New Hampshire University, discuss how technology can be used to amplify and imp...

In this episode of The Higher Ed Pulse , the podcast goes live at the conference with Nathan Monk, co-founder of Prospectus Plus. Nathan discusses the evolution and future of the traditional university view book, touching on how institutions can better personalize and digitize their marketing materials. His insights offer a fresh perspective on how digital innovation can transform the student recr...

In this insightful episode, live from the HighEdWeb 2024 conference, Mallory sat down with Jessica Pontarelli, Assistant Director of Communications at Brown University. Jessica shares her expertise on how universities can navigate the challenges of communicating civic engagement in a polarized landscape. With a focus on the power of storytelling, hope, and positive messaging, Jessica offers action...

Back live from HighEdWeb 2024, Mallory interviews Margaret Hair, Director of Marketing and Communications at the School of Social Welfare, University of Kansas. Margaret shares invaluable insights into how to conduct effective interviews for marketing stories. From setting clear goals to crafting compelling questions, Margaret provides a step-by-step guide to ensure your interviews yield authentic...

In this episode of The Higher Pulse , host Mallory Willsea sits down with Thom Chesney, President of Southwestern College in Santa Fe, during the HighEdWeb Conference. They discuss the critical role of the institution's website in shaping student engagement, how small teams can maximize their impact, and the importance of embracing AI in marketing and operations. Thom also shares insights from his...

In this episode of the Higher Ed Pulse Podcast , Mallory chats with Andy Shearouse, Assistant Director of the EDGE Center at Augustana College, during the 2024 HighEdWeb conference. Andy dives into the concept of "intrapreneurship" and how individuals within institutions can foster innovation and drive meaningful change from the inside. Through personal experiences and insightful examples, Andy ex...

Mallory sits down with Anthony Robinson, founder of The Devoted , a new marketing agency that brings an authentic, bold voice to higher education. Live from HighEdWeb, this conversation dives into the journey of building a Black-owned agency in a space where representation matters, Anthony’s fresh take on marketing, and the real-life impact of using AI tools to enhance client relationships. From g...

In this live episode from HighEdWeb, Mallory Willsea speaks with Shuchita Poddar, Communications Coordinator in the Office of Admissions at the University of Iowa. Shuchita shares her first-time experiences at the HighEdWeb conference and dives into her upcoming presentation on social media analytics. She offers valuable insights on how admissions teams can leverage data to optimize content and en...

In a live episode recorded at HighEdWeb 2024, Mallory sits down with Beth Carron, Director of Higher Education Services at iFactory. Beth, a first-time attendee, shares her excitement about incorporating AI in higher education and delves into her area of expertise: using analytics to drive improvements on higher ed websites. Throughout the conversation, Beth emphasizes the importance of real-time...

This episode is packed with must-read books for higher ed marketers and leaders. Mallory and Seth each share their top three book recommendations and explain why these reads are game changers for anyone navigating innovation, strategy, and leadership in the higher ed space. From timeless classics like Crossing the Chasm to inspiring tales like Shoe Dog , this episode is full of insights to help yo...

The Future of Student Search Pulse Check Series is sponsored by Carnegie.  In this episode, Trent Gilbert, VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie, and Brian Kennedy, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and Dean of Admission at Samford University, discuss the critical role of data in shaping enrollment search strategies. They delve into: Leveraging data to identify and attract ideal students...

Mallory and Seth discuss what to do if your institution missed its fall enrollment targets. They explore why it's important to identify where the miss occurred and offer practical strategies for re-engaging prospects, enhancing student retention, and adjusting marketing efforts. The conversation emphasizes the need for internal alignment, quick pivots, and ensuring teams are supported in challengi...

The Future of Student Search Pulse Check Series is sponsored by Carnegie.  In Part 1 of this new Pulse Check series, Mallory Willseas and Trent Gilbert, VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie, dive into the evolution of student search and its critical role in modern enrollment strategies. They discuss the historical context, the impact of AI, the importance of data ownership, and the shift tow...

In this special episode recorded live at Live at HashtagHigherEd 2024, guest host Carrie Phillips is joined by Dr. Blake Bedsole to discuss the looming enrollment cliff and how institutions can adapt. Together, they explore leadership approaches to build the next generation of leaders to navigate the cliff and how to build campus collaboration to overcome this challenge.  Guest Name: Dr. Blake Bed...

Seth and Mallory reflect on the career-defining moments that have shaped their journeys. From Seth’s unexpected leap into TV production to Mallory’s early adoption of social media strategy, they share the pivotal decisions and lucky breaks that have driven their professional growth. Listen in for candid stories and valuable lessons on how to recognize and seize opportunities that could transform y...

In this final part of this Pulse Check series, guest Terry Flannery joins Kin Sejpal to reflect on her 40 years of serving higher education. Key points/takeaways include: Higher education marketing is evolving and offers opportunities for creativity and innovation. Finding joy and meaning in the work helps stay resilient during challenging times The post-pandemic landscape has brought professional...

In this episode, Jaime Hunt emphasizes the need for those in higher ed adjacent roles to stay connected to the mission of higher education and offers advice on finding fulfillment and making a broader impact. Key points/takeaways include: Higher ed marketing is essential to conveying the value of education to students and society. Higher education needs to be saved, and each of us - internal and e...

Mallory and Seth dive into the growing influence of AI in non-student facing roles within higher education. They explore practical applications, such as AI-powered website searches, content management tools, and the rise of AI assistants. Highlighting real-world examples, including the use of AI in web management and data analytics, they discuss how these technologies are streamlining operations,...