The Higher Ed Marketer

Season 6 - Episode 200 What happens when one of the most respected voices in higher ed marketing takes on one of the country’s largest and most tradition-rich institutions? In our 200th episode, Ethan Braden shares his bold vision for Texas A&M University—why he said yes to the role, how he’s reimagining its brand on a national scale, and what it takes to lead marketing at a university with 60...

Season 6 - Episode 199 Is higher ed marketing building real connections, or just making a lot of noise? We sit down with Jaime Hunt, Founder & President of Solve Higher Ed Marketing and author of the newly released Heart Over Hype , to explore how empathy-driven marketing can revolutionize the way universities engage with their audiences. Jaime unpacks how schools can move beyond transactional...

Season 6 - Episode 198 Why does no one read your university emails? Ashley Budd and Dayana Kibilds, co-authors of Mailed It! , join us to break down the biggest mistakes higher ed marketers make—and how to fix them. In this episode, we get tactical about what actually works in email marketing for enrollment, advancement, and alumni engagement. From crafting subject lines that get clicks to making...

Season 6, Episode 197 Too often in higher ed, finance, marketing, and enrollment teams operate in silos, creating roadblocks to sustainable growth. Steven Rutt, Chief Revenue Officer at Abilene Christian University, joins us to break down why alignment between these teams is crucial—and how to make it happen. In this conversation, Steven shares why more universities should rethink the CRO role, ho...

Session 6 - Episode 196 In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer , Bryce Hoffman , VP and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) , shares insights from his transition into the CMO role and the evolving landscape of higher ed marketing. He reflects on generational shifts in communication , the challenges of leadership, and the role of trust and creati...

Season 6 - 195 How can colleges adapt to shifting demographics and enrollment challenges? In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Taylor, Vice President of Enrollment Management at Defiance College, to explore innovative strategies for attracting and retaining students. Jeremy shares how understanding market dynamics, leveraging data, and aligning recruitment efforts with institutional mission ca...

Season 6 - Episode 194 How do you foster a culture of innovation in higher ed marketing? In this episode, we sit down with Matt Metzger, Chief Marketing Officer at Grace College, to explore the institution’s rebranding journey and the launch of Grace Solutions. Matt shares how his team is embracing fresh marketing strategies, overcoming challenges, and driving engagement through bold, community-fo...

Season 6 - 193 with Jenny Li Fowler What does it take to build a thriving, engaged social media presence—without relying on paid promotions? In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer , we sit down with Jenny Li Fowler, Director of Social Media Strategy at MIT and author of Organic Social Media , to uncover the secrets behind organic social media success. Jenny shares her 6M Framework for social me...

~33 minutes (at 1.5x speed) Ed Wright, VP of Enrollment at Lebanon Valley College, explores the evolving landscape of higher education and the challenges of enrollment management. He shares insights on innovation in a copycat industry and the importance of communication and relationships. As a parent, Ed reflects on guiding his son through college choices, from selecting a major to navigating camp...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jeff Ebbing, former NCMPR president and the current Director of Marketing and Communications at Southeastern Community College. Jeff brings a wealth of experience and a passion for showcasing the unique strengths of community colleges. He shares how authentic connections with students can transform lives and dives into marketing strategies that not only engage dive...

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer , we welcome Dr. Steve Lennox, President of Kingswood University, to explore the bold vision and mission that led to the launch of Kingswood Learn . Designed to provide high-quality, free micro-courses in discipleship and leadership development, Kingswood Learn is a groundbreaking platform that strengthens the church while creating new opportunities for Ki...

This week on The Higher Ed Marketer, we’re honored to host Dr. Nido Qubein, President of High Point University, a visionary leader whose transformative work continues to draw attention across higher ed. In this inspiring and insightful episode, Dr. Qubein shares why educational institutions must prioritize life skills alongside technical expertise, offering a holistic approach that prepares studen...

This week on The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast , we’re joined by Dr. Bryan Gross, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Athletics at Hartwick College, for a thought-provoking conversation on marketing and enrollment through the lens of athletics and tuition.  Dr. Gross dives into Hartwick’s bold tuition reset, sharing the data-driven insights and collaborative efforts behind this game-changing...

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast , we’re taking a look under the hood at Caylor Solutions and into the transformative power of generative AI with Bart Caylor, Founder and President of Caylor Solutions, and Zach Coffin, Director of The Higher Ed Marketer. Together, they reveal how the team at Caylor Solutions uses GenAI to elevate productivity, scale services, and innovate new offe...

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Griffin from Mid-South Christian College, who shares valuable insights on fostering creativity, collaboration, and community engagement in higher education. As a young college president of age 32, with a big, action-driven vision, Nick talks about embracing new opportunities, the importance of building an agile, forward-thinking team, and how technology—espec...

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, we speak with David Wright , President Emeritus of Indiana Wesleyan University and Founder and President of Christian Education Services, about the evolving landscape of education. David shares his pioneering work in online education during the 1990s, offering a unique perspective on how technology facilitates learning and the need for bold leadership in...

Eric Hogue , President at Colorado Christian University , joins Bart to explore the benefits of applying a CEO mindset to higher education leadership.   Eric shares how this business-driven approach can align with the mission of higher ed institutions while promoting financial sustainability. From focusing on net tuition profits to involving donors as partners, Eric demonstrates why universities m...

In this episode, Gil Rogers , Founder and Principal of GR7 Marketing , talks about overcoming the fear of failure in higher education marketing and enrollment. Gil unpacks how legacy strategies can hold institutions back and why embracing new tools like generative AI is essential for success. He also highlights practical steps institutions can take to face the impending enrollment cliff, including...

Kelly Hiller , VP of Marketing and Communications at Purdue University , shares the story behind Purdue’s exciting rebrand, transforming their marketing department into the in-house agency Purdue Brand Studio. Kelly discusses the inspiration behind this bold move, the challenges faced in repositioning the department, and how Purdue is pushing creative boundaries to elevate its brand on a national...

Bart and Troy return for a conversation with Janice Supplee , VP for Enrollment and Communications at Cedarville University , around intentional branding in higher ed messaging.  Janice shares how Cedarville’s “One Thousand Days” metaphor has not only defined the institution’s identity but also shaped its approach to student development and marketing strategy. She emphasizes the importance of cons...

How often do you find yourself wondering what your school’s marketing messaging should be? What are your prospective students interested in? What do they see that sets your institution apart? The easiest way to hear your students’ stories is from the students themselves. We’re chatting with Kathy Howell and Kathy Payne from Delaware Valley University on how they amplified student voices and implem...

In 2021, Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, received a record-breaking $100 million gift from an anonymous donor. So how did Kenyon’s marketing department creatively share the story of this generous anonymous donor while emphasizing the importance of gifts at every level? Kenyon’s Vice President for Advancement, Colleen Garland , and Vice President for Communications, Janet Marsden , join us to talk...

Take another trip back in time with us as we revisit another compelling episode of the Higher Ed Marketer Podcast. In 2022, Jay Baer, Business Growth and Customer Experience Researcher — and tequila sommelier — shared his three essential keys to marketing with us. By identifying audience personas and adapting your messaging accordingly, you can strategically align your enrollment and marketing dep...

In early 2023, Bart’s mentor and a dear friend of the show, Tim Fuller, joined us for an insightful conversation about the demographic enrollment cliff. Tim unexpectedly passed away a few short months after this episode originally aired. As a lifelong advocate for higher education, Tim’s passion for helping academic institutions and the students they serve was evident to anyone who had the privile...

The Advancement team often wears many different hats across multiple departments, but one common goal is building relationships and raising funds. By walking through life with alumni via a mentorship program or sending out a QR code to find out generational preferences, you can understand your alumni and donors on a personal level. It’s time to level up the advancement experience. Kicking off our...