Episode 33- Ed Up Insights ft. Carey Thompson

In this episode of EdUp Insights, we sit down with Carey Thompson—principal and founder of CVET Strategies and a nationally respected voice in enrollment management—to explore the evolving landscape of higher education and what it will take to move it forward. Drawing on more than four decades of leadership across some of the nation’s top liberal arts institutions, Carey reflects on the transformative power of the college experience, the enduring importance of relationships, and the realities facing institutions navigating rising costs, declining demographics, and increased scrutiny around value.Through a deeply personal and insightful conversation, Carey shares how mentorship, community, and access shaped his own journey—and why those same elements remain critical for today’s students and families. From the complexities of financial aid and the “buyer’s market” in college selection, to the growing influence of data, technology, and institutional strategy, this episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on how colleges can better align mission, message, and outcomes.