Scott Novak on Small Colleges, Storytelling, and Standing Out in a Tough Enrollment Market

In this episode of Filling Seats, Jonathan Clues talks with Scott Novak, Founder and Partner at Small College Consulting, about the challenges and opportunities facing small colleges today.Scott has worked with hundreds of small colleges throughout his career and brings a clear perspective on what makes these institutions special, where they often struggle, and why they need to think differently about enrollment marketing.The conversation explores why small colleges cannot simply copy the playbook of larger institutions, how generic messaging creates a “sea of sameness,” and why stories about outcomes, internships, jobs, alumni networks, and real student experiences need to become more visible.Jonathan and Scott also discuss the role of digital experience, the importance of websites and video, the pressure facing understaffed enrollment teams, and why admissions counselors deserve more investment as the front-line storytellers of the institution.In this episode, you’ll hear about: What defines a small college and how many exist in the U.S.  Why small colleges face unique enrollment and perception challenges  Why “small class sizes” and “family environment” are no longer enough  How small colleges can better communicate value and outcomes  Why schools need to stop playing by the same rules as larger institutions  How digital experiences shape first impressions  Why websites, video, segmentation, and personalization matter  What small colleges should do differently to stand out  Why admissions teams need more support, resources, and investment Listen now and explore more resources at StudentBridge.🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge💻 Schedule a meeting with our team🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest