Innovating Enrollment Success

Show Notes First-generation students bring determination, resilience, and ambition to higher education. Yet many also face challenges that institutions may not fully understand, including navigating unfamiliar systems, finding a sense of belonging, and learning how to advocate for themselves. In this episode, Julio Abreu , author of the new book First-Generation Voices of Success , discusses the e...

Digital recruitment dominates today’s enrollment landscape. But Weston Noyes of 13th Year believes institutions should not replace digital strategy. They should expand it. Through interactive kiosks placed inside high schools, 13th Year helps colleges create measurable, real-time engagement in the environments where students are already thinking about their future. In this conversation, Weston sha...

Prospective students can decide quickly whether a campus feels right for them. Frank Delaney and Lien Do of Paskill join Douglas Benedict of Academic Image to explore how authentic, emotionally grounded photography shapes that first impression, builds trust, and helps institutions stand out in a crowded enrollment landscape. Together, they discuss what authenticity really means in enrollment marke...

 When financial pressures and shifting demand collide, what actually moves the needle? Blending financial clarity with student-centered marketing helps institutions stabilize today and grow tomorrow.  Chester Moyer of RubinBrown and Dave Black of Paskill explore how smaller, enrollment-dependent institutions can face budget stress with clear-eyed strategies that connect finance and enrollment. Fro...

What happens when higher education reclaims its civic purpose at a time when the public questions its value? By engaging deeply with their communities, institutions can rebuild trust, demonstrate relevance, and strengthen student belonging in ways that go beyond enrollment numbers.  In this episode of Innovating Enrollment Success , Andrew Seligsohn , president of Public Agenda, a nonpartisan rese...

 What’s really behind your web traffic? How can you tell if the clicks you’re counting are from future students or from bots inflating your metrics? And what does it take to turn raw numbers into insights you can actually act on?  In this episode of Innovating Enrollment Success , Digital Analytics Manager Sam Hofman and Ad Ops Engineer Nathan Huff talk about how to separate real insights from dig...

What makes an admitted student portal more than a checklist? How can it guide students from intent to enrollment? And what does it take to build a portal that actually works, for students and institutions?  In this episode of Innovating Enrollment Success , we explore how admitted student portals can either support or sabotage enrollment goals. As institutions face rising melt rates, especially am...

What makes a college logo not only inspire but last? How do you engage your campus community around it? And how do you know it’s time for a change? In this episode of the Campus Spirit series, we explore how logos evolve from simple sketches into lasting symbols of pride and identity. A great college logo doesn’t just look good across multiple platforms, it sparks emotion, reflects culture, and st...

How can colleges create emotional connections that last well beyond graduation? In this latest episode of Innovating Enrollment Success , we kick off our special Campus Spirit series by exploring how brand experience shapes student engagement, loyalty, and long-term institutional success. Paskill’s Associate Creative Director Frank Delaney joins A gency Marketing Director Cathy Donovan to discuss...

How can institutions successfully turn admits into enrollees during yield season?  In this latest episode of Innovating Enrollment Success , we explore the most effective recruiting strategies and marketing tactics institutions are using to make meaningful connections with students and families. Hillsdale College’s Assistant Director of Admissions Brennan Nokelby shares insights on personalizing o...

How does a student’s sense of belonging impact retention? And what can institutions do to foster it? In the latest episode of the Innovating Enrollment Success Podcast , we dive into these questions with Katrina Noelle, president of KNow Research , who led a groundbreaking study with San Francisco State University . The research explores how Latinx students’ sense of belonging, engagement, and sel...

How can campus events create powerful moments that connect, inspire, and reinforce your institution’s brand? Expectations for meaningful experiences have never been higher, and today’s audiences—from Gen Z students to alumni—demand events that feel personal, engaging, and transformative. In our latest Innovating Enrollment Success episode, we explore how higher ed institutions can rise to the chal...

The college search process can be overwhelming, with students facing thousands of options to find the right fit. Enter Loper —an innovative app reshaping how students, counselors, and colleges connect. In this episode, Sam Bernstein, Loper’s co-founder, shares how the app is transforming the enrollment journey: Simplifying the search process to help students confidently discover their next educati...

Gen Z is drawn to destinations that offer adventure and exploration, making remote higher ed locations especially appealing to those seeking distinctive, rugged experiences. These environments foster connections with other outdoorsy students and unique communities.  In this episode, Rutgers Law alumnus and University of Alaska Fairbanks Assistant Cross-Country/Track Coach Conrad Haber shares his j...

There are more than a dozen conferences dedicated to higher education marketing for thousands of professionals. The 200+ attendees who choose to be part of the 2024 CUPRAP (College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals) Conference value its strong networking opportunities and collaborative environment.  Founded in Pennsylvania, where Paskill is based, CUPRAP provides signifi...

Successful college athletic programs do much more than entertain—they drive significant increases in applications and enrollment, while elevating a school’s brand and community engagement. In this episode, the pivotal role athletics plays in higher education is addressed from recruitment to retention and beyond. Show Notes: Dr. Susan Kolb is Director of Athletics at Hood College, who boosted stude...

Changes in FAFSA have proved challenging this year, especially for institutions where decisions to enroll hinge significantly on cost. In this episode of the Innovating Enrollment Success podcast, the evolving landscape of FAFSA is explored, including its recent changes, and the challenges it poses for families and institutions. Dr. John Chopka from Messiah University and marketing strategist Mich...

Institutional change is hard, but change is what’s needed for many colleges and universities to overcome enrollment and value perception challenges. This Innovating Enrollment Success episode welcomes a higher ed change management expert who offers insights and inspiration on navigating change.  Fredrick J. Martin, MBA MCA is associate vice president of human resources, UK HealthCare, which encomp...

Changes in higher education enrollment continue to shift, especially within the U.S., and a questioning of the value of a college degree here. When international recruiting is up 12%, U.S. institutions are curious about how to shift their offerings for a global audience.  To explore best practices and emerging trends in international recruiting, this Innovating Enrollment Success episode welcomes...

As prospective students often begin their search for a college online, and on their terms, institutions’ SEO strategy must be constantly evolving.  Paskill Manager of Search Torin Keefer shares current SEO best practices for higher education partners looking to make an impact.  On this episode of Innovating Enrollment Success, learn how colleges and universities can start to maximize their school’...

Marketing the value of a college degree today requires new thinking from colleges and universities.  On this episode of Innovating Enrollment Success, we explore the challenges of marketing the costs of higher education while also creating compelling content about the college experience. Paskill President Jim Paskill and JPL Executive Creative Director Mary Pedersen share their thoughts on what’s...

Just as the higher education enrollment marketing landscape has evolved so has the yield process, when admitted students chose to become enrolled students. But what remains key in converting is building relationships with prospective students. This Innovating Enrollment Success episode explores proven strategies for improving yield in today’s higher education marketplace.  Paskill experts Dave Bla...

Higher education marketing professionals are working harder than ever to promote their institutions in a media-saturated world as well as counter the public questioning of the value of a college degree.  This Innovating Enrollment Success episode dives into why higher ed marketing conferences like AMA’s Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education are crucial to not only building community but...

A core driver in higher education enrollment marketing is paid media, spanning programs, audiences, platforms, and goals. This Innovating Enrollment Success episode dives into what’s working right now for paid media and the elements needed to engage real prospective students in real time.  Director of Paid Media Mike Collins and Manager of Paid Media Cody Arnold share their insights and expertise...

Belonging is a key driver in students choosing an institution and staying through graduation. More awareness is needed for how colleges and universities engage prospects from a variety of backgrounds.  Higher education disability advocate Ryan Wilson and Rider University DE&I Chair Julio Abreu share their experiences connecting colleges to the communities they represent and offer insights on h...