Education Marketing Leader with Chris Rapozo

What does it mean to lead with joy when the circumstances around you are anything but joyful? In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader, Chris Rapozo sits down with Donald Egle, Ph.D., Founder & Managing Director of The Kyer Group, to explore the research behind joyful leadership and what it means for leaders navigating uncertainty, pressure, and change in higher education. Drawing from his doctoral research, Joyful Leadership Amidst Tragedy and Triumph, Don explains why joy and happiness are fundamentally different. Happiness often depends on circumstances. Joy can become a consistent way of living and leading, even when the work is difficult. Chris and Don discuss what joyful leadership looks like when enrollment pressures are mounting, teams are stretched, and institutions are facing decisions without easy answers. In this episode, you'll hear about: - Why leadership can be viewed as a privilege and a joy - The difference between joy and happiness - Why choosing joy before adversity hits matters - How higher ed leaders can respond to the enrollment cliff with - The role faith has played in Don's approach to joyful leadership One of Don's central challenges to higher education leaders is to recognize the privilege of being in a position where you can contribute to the solution. Hard seasons will come. Your choices will be tested. But leaders who consistently show up with purpose, courage, authenticity, and joy can give their teams and institutions a better chance to thrive. About Donald Egle, Ph.D. Donald Egle is the Founder & Managing Director of The Kyer Group. After more than two decades working with leaders and nationally recognized universities, Don now helps leaders and organizations create the conditions to win by addressing gaps between vision, strategy, execution, and culture. Connect with Don and learn more about The Kyer Group through the links in the episode description. https://thekyergroup.com/

What happens when the degree students are earning prepares them for a job market that no longer exists?In this episode of The Education Marketing Leader, Chris Rapozo sits down with Justin Fisher, Director of Marketing Intelligence at Yeshiva University and Cardozo School of Law, to talk about one of higher education’s biggest challenges: preparing students for careers in a workforce being rapidly reshaped by AI.They explore whether universities have gone far enough in connecting education to employability, why career outcomes and earning potential need to become a bigger part of the value conversation, and whether institutions should rethink the types of programs they offer.Justin also shares his perspective on AI’s impact on entry-level careers, the growing value of practical and career-focused education, and why universities need stronger connections with employers to understand what skills the workforce actually needs.But preparing students for work shouldn’t mean abandoning what higher education has always done well. Chris and Justin also discuss the continued importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and challenging ideas.If higher education wants to remain relevant, the question is no longer simply whether students graduate. It’s whether they’re prepared for what comes next.

What does it take to earn trust before someone is ready to buy?In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader Book Club, Chris Rapozo and the book club members sat down with bestselling author Jay Baer to discuss the enduring lessons from Youtility and why the most effective marketing starts by being genuinely helpful.Together, they explore how higher education marketers can create content that answers prospective student questions, builds long-term trust, and stands out in an AI-driven world. Jay also shares why he believes marketers should answer before they ask, how short-form webinars can outperform traditional webinars, and what he'd add if he wrote Youtility 2.0 today.In this episode:Why helpful marketing outperforms promotional marketingCreating content that builds trust with prospective students"Answer before they ask" as a content strategyWhy most higher ed websites create unnecessary frictionThe future of content marketing in the age of AIHow to measure the impact of helpful contentIf you're a higher education marketer, enrollment leader, or content strategist looking to improve student engagement and marketing effectiveness, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can apply immediately.#HigherEdMarketing #EnrollmentMarketing #ContentMarketing #JayBaer #Youtility #HigherEducation #EducationMarketing #AIMarketing

Why do so many universities sound exactly the same?In this episode of The Education Marketing Leader, Chris Rapozo sits down with branding strategist and B2B Marketers on a Mission host Christian Klepp of Einblick Consulting to discuss why generic messaging no longer works and what higher education marketers can do instead.They explore how institutions can build stronger market positioning, earn leadership buy-in, create meaningful student personas, and develop brands that students genuinely connect with.You'll learn:Why history and tradition aren't enough to differentiate your institutionHow to build a market position students actually care aboutThe biggest mistakes universities make with student personasWhy prospective students trust social media more than university websitesHow smaller colleges can compete with larger brandsPractical ways marketers can gain buy-in from academic leadershipWhether you're leading enrollment, marketing, communications, or institutional strategy, this conversation offers practical ideas for making your institution more relevant in today's competitive landscape.Subscribe for weekly conversations with higher education marketing leaders sharing practical strategies to help institutions grow.

Today's students aren't searching for the "best" college. They're trying to avoid making the wrong decision.In this episode of Education Marketing Leader, Chris Rapozo sits down with Gjergj Dollani, Principal at ClearCourse Advisory, host of The Enrollment Clinic, and author of Grounds: What a Coffee Shop Taught Me that a Career Never Could, to explore how fear, AI, rising costs, and uncertainty are reshaping the college decision process.Topics include:Why today's students are driven more by fear than aspirationHow universities should adapt their marketing strategyThe future of higher education and lifelong learning subscriptionsCollege vs. trade school in an AI-driven economyWhy higher education should borrow more ideas from outside the industryWhat business leaders can teach enrollment marketers about ROI and customer experienceWhether you're a CMO, enrollment leader, marketing professional, or higher education executive, this conversation offers practical insights into where student expectations are headed and how institutions can respond.Subscribe for more conversations with higher education marketing leaders shaping the future of enrollment, branding, and student engagement.

Higher education is full of incredible stories. The challenge isn't finding them. It's telling them in a way that people actually care about. In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader, I sit down with my Stamats colleague, Christopher Lott, Senior Digital Writer, to explore the editorial strategy behind content that connects with students, alumni, faculty, and communities. Chris brings decades of experience in journalism and higher education, and throughout our conversation, he shares practical advice for marketers who are trying to do more with less while creating meaningful content that stands out in an increasingly noisy world. We discuss: ✔️ Why knowing your audience is still the foundation of great storytelling ✔️ How to translate complex academic and research topics into stories people understand ✔️ Lessons learned from interviewing faculty, researchers, and healthcare experts ✔️ Why AI can be a helpful tool, but should never replace human curiosity and editorial judgment ✔️ How higher ed marketers can improve quality without burning themselves out ✔️ Why gratitude and relationships are at the heart of meaningful work One of my favorite takeaways from our conversation: "Don't write for robots. Write for people." If you're responsible for content, communications, enrollment marketing, or storytelling in higher education, I think you'll find plenty of ideas you can put into practice right away. 🎙️ About Christopher Lott Christopher is Senior Digital Writer at Stamats, where he develops content strategies and creates stories for colleges, universities, and healthcare organizations. With a background in journalism and more than 15 years in higher education marketing, he helps institutions connect with audiences through authentic storytelling. 📩 Connect with Christopher: [email protected] #HigherEdMarketing #ContentMarketing #Storytelling #EnrollmentMarketing #HigherEducation #EducationMarketingLeader #Stamats #ContentStrategy #MarketingLeadership

What does it take to build and sustain the nation's top online bachelor's program?In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast, I sat down with Melissa Allen, Director of UF Online, to explore the strategies, systems, and student-centered philosophy that have helped make UF Online one of the most respected online education brands in the country.Drawing from more than a decade of leadership experience, Melissa shares how UF Online evolved from a growing initiative into a nationally recognized program by focusing relentlessly on student success, reducing friction, building confidence, and creating experiences designed around the student journey.Together, Chris and Melissa discuss:• What university leaders still misunderstand about online learners • Why student experience should drive organizational design • How UF Online creates "blue dot" experiences that adapt to student needs • The role of advisors, faculty, and support systems in student success • Why consistency and accountability matter more than individual heroics • How online students research institutions differently today • The importance of alumni engagement and authentic student storytelling • Leadership lessons learned while scaling one of higher education's most successful online programsWhether you're a higher education marketer, enrollment leader, student success professional, or institutional leader, this conversation offers practical insights into building a modern online learning experience that delivers results.Connect with Melissa Allen on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

Community college marketing is one of the hardest jobs in higher ed.You’re not marketing to one audience. You’re marketing to everyone.On the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I sat down with Eve Markman to talk about leadership, enrollment, retention, and building a long-term career in community college marketing.A few quick takeaways:• Community colleges market to everyone from dual enrollment students to adult learners changing careers.• Retention is just as important as recruitment. Many students are balancing work, family, and financial pressure while attending school.• Leadership doesn’t require direct reports. Eve now leads major cross-functional initiatives by building project teams across departments.• Networking and industry relationships played a major role in her career growth over the last 30+ years.• NCMPR continues to be one of the best communities in higher ed marketing for mentorship, learning, and collaboration.One line from Eve that stuck with me:“It’s not just about producing work, but also about creating those relationships and those connections.”Follow and subscribe to the Education Marketing Leader podcast for more conversations with higher ed marketing leaders and enrollment professionals.

What happens when higher education marketers, communicators, and leaders sit down with Joe Pulizzi to discuss Burn the Playbook?In this special live edition of the Education Marketing Leader Book Club, we explored career pivots, personal branding, AI disruption, entrepreneurship, burnout, fulfillment, financial freedom, and what it means to build a life and career on your own terms.Joe shared candid insights on:Why most people underestimate how much control they actually have over their futureBuilding assets that travel with you beyond a job titleCreating multiple income streams for long-term stabilityHow to discover your “tilt” and unique differentiatorWhy personal branding matters more than ever in the AI eraThe importance of health, curiosity, and community during career transitionsHow rejection and failure can actually point you toward opportunityThis conversation also featured higher education professionals openly discussing career reinvention, leadership transitions, side businesses, and the changing future of work.If you’re navigating uncertainty, exploring what’s next, or trying to future-proof your career, this conversation is worth your time.Hosted by Chris Rapozo.📚 Featured Book: Burn the Playbook 🎙️ Education Marketing Leader Book Club 📍 Recorded live with higher education marketing and communications professionals

“The pace of an organization isn’t about how much work there is. It’s about how quickly decisions get made.”A new episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast is live with Craig Chanoff, CEO of Modern Campus.This conversation was one of the strongest leadership discussions we’ve had on the show so far. Practical, honest, and directly relevant to higher ed leaders navigating change, enrollment pressure, and organizational complexity.A few standout takeaways from Craig:Organizational speed is driven by how quickly decisions get made, not by how busy people are.Leaders should constantly evaluate whether they are the bottleneck slowing progress down.Strong cultures are built through coaching, accountability, and honest conversations.Higher ed needs both technical expertise and durable skills like adaptability, communication, and collaboration.I appreciated Craig taking the time to share thoughtful leadership insights and a broader perspective on where higher education is headed.Follow and subscribe to the Education Marketing Leader podcast for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of higher ed.

Most higher ed teams don’t have a full-time photographer. But they still need content that performs. In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I sat down with Matt Stamey, photographer at Santa Fe College, to break down what makes a great photo. A few takeaways from the episode: • A “good” photo isn’t about quality. It’s about reaction. If it makes someone stop scrolling, it’s working. • Moments beat perfection. A real laugh or handshake will outperform a polished group shot every time. • Most people rush. The difference is patience. Observe first, then shoot.• Your iPhone is enough. If you understand light, angles, and timing, you can compete. • The best photos are guided, not staged. Capture what’s real, then adjust the environment to make it stronger. This is one of those conversations that makes you rethink how much content your team is leaving on the table. If you’re in higher ed marketing, you don’t need more gear. You need better instincts. Follow for more conversations with the people actually doing the work in higher ed marketing.

A student gets a flat tire on the way to class.No savings. No backup plan.That could be the end of their education.This episode with Erica Marye, System Director of Digital Marketing, Kentucky Community and Technical College System, is part of the Education Marketing Leader Community College Month Series.She leads digital strategy across 16 colleges at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.A few takeaways:• You can’t market everything. Prioritize what matters • Centralization should support campuses. Not control them • Small teams are marketing 30 to 60 programs at once• The biggest barrier to enrollment isn’t another school. It’s real lifeThat’s the mission.Listen now.

Community colleges don’t always get the spotlight. But they change lives every day.To kick off our Community College Month series, I sat down with Wallace Caleb Bates, Director of Marketing and Communications at Hazard Community and Technical College and 2026 NCMPR National Rising Star.Wallace’s story comes full circle. He started as a student at HCTC and returned just a few years later to lead marketing and communications. He shared that walking into the president’s office on his first day felt surreal, asking himself, “Am I really here?” after being a student not long before.In this episode, we discuss:• Going from community college student to leadership • Returning home to serve the institution that shaped him • Challenging the stigma that community college is a “second choice” • Marketing in a rural community built on relationships and trust • Building visibility through storytelling and community engagement • Why empathy matters as much as analytics in marketing • The growing impact of community colleges across the countryWallace also shared an important reminder: Many students intentionally choose community colleges for affordability, opportunity, and staying connected to their communities.This conversation sets the tone for our Community College Month series.Listen now.

In this special edition of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, our book club welcomed a very special guest. Ann Handley joined us live to discuss her bestselling book Everybody Writes and engage directly with higher education marketers from across the country. Ann didn’t just stop by. She stayed, listened, and generously gave her time to react to audience insights, answer questions, and expand on the ideas that have shaped how so many of us think about writing and marketing. The conversation covered: Why writing slowly can actually make you a better marketer How empathy for the reader changes everything Why Charlotte’s Web might be the best marketing story ever told The difference between writing more and writing with intention How stronger writing builds trust, connection, and clarity This wasn’t a traditional interview. It was a real book club conversation. Marketers sharing takeaways. Ann responding in real time. And a reminder that better writing starts with caring about the people you’re trying to reach. If you care about content, storytelling, and creating marketing that actually connects, this is a conversation worth watching.

John Azoni (Founder, Unveild) breaks down how higher ed teams should be using video during yield season.Not more content. Better placement.What we cover:Where video actually impacts admits → depositsWhy most schools fall off after inquiryThe “random acts of video” problemHow to use 1:1 video from counselorsWhy student voices outperform leadershipSimple ways to reduce friction (FAFSA, apps, next steps)What metrics actually matter (hint: not views)If your yield strategy is still email-heavy and text-driven, this will challenge it.🎙️ Follow and subscribe to the Education Marketing Leader for more conversations like this.

In our latest episode, Jenny Li Fowler, Dir. of Social Media Strategy at MIT, breaks down the difference between strategy and tactics in organic social media. And why confusing the two is exactly how teams end up busy, stressed, and stuck.Her point is simple. When your strategy is clear, everything gets easier: • You know who you’re trying to reach, not “everyone” • You define what success actually looks like • You stop chasing random posts and start building momentumOrganic social can drive real results. But only when it’s anchored to mission, metrics, and discipline.How are you keeping strategy first in your social plan? Drop your approach in the comments.If this conversation resonated, connect with Jenny Li Fowler on LinkedIn and tell her you heard her on the Education Marketing Leader podcast.And if you’re serious about higher ed marketing, follow the show for more operator-level conversations like this.Resources: Organic Social Media: How to Build Flourishing Online Communities

Direct mail is not dead. Most institutions just stopped using it strategically. I talked with Dylon Jones from Spectrum Marketing Companies about how direct mail actually works in higher ed today. Key takeaways for enrollment and marketing teams • Direct mail fails when strategy fails. Not the channel. • The biggest mistake is sending one piece and expecting results. • A strong baseline is 3 mail drops across 3 months. • Mail must drive to a targeted landing page, not your homepage. • The best campaigns integrate mail, digital ads, and admissions follow-up.• Start with parents early in the recruitment cycle, then shift messaging to students later. Direct mail should never live on an island. It works best as part of a multi-touch strategy. Contact Dylon if you need help via [email protected] or cell 806-500-9880. Follow Education Marketing Leader and subscribe so you do not miss the next episode. 🎧

Short form video “best practices” are mostly fake rules. If you want what works in 2026, you need reps, speed, and real people. In the latest episode of Education Marketing Leader podcast, I sat down with Rob Clark, creator of That Tall Family, Founder of Tall Family Media, and author of Growing Your Influence, 4 Billion Views and Attention Gap, which we co-authored. Here are a few takeaways from the episode: 1) Quantity creates quality. More reps. More learning. More wins. 2) Speed matters. Stop scheduling 3 months out. Culture moves weekly. 3) Real beats polished. AI will make “perfect” content cheap. Human content will stand out. If you’re trying to drive awareness and enrollment with social media video, this episode will help you. Grab your copies of: Attention Gap: https://www.amazon.com/Attention-Gap-Great-Schools-Invisible-ebook/dp/B0GKZ8G72B?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1 4 Billion Views: https://www.amazon.com/Billion-Views-Built-Social-Scratch-ebook/dp/B0FVQFVD2V?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1 Growing Your Influence: https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Your-Influence-Strategies-Generation-ebook/dp/B0DXN7M1LP?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1

How does a university triple freshman enrollment while others struggle to break even?In this episode, I talk with James Steen, Ph.D., VP for Enrollment Management & Marketing at Houston Christian University, about what actually drove HCU’s growth.We get into:Why removing friction mattered more than better messagingHow direct admission and guaranteed offers changed behaviorThe role marketing played once the value proposition was clearWhat “next practice” looks like when operations and enrollment alignThis is a real case study. No theory. No platitudes.👉 Follow Education Marketing Leader and subscribe on YouTube for more conversations built for higher ed marketers.

Season 4 is here, and we’re kicking it off with a conversation that will reset how you think about urgency, identity, and starting over.In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast, I’m joined by Erin Mark. TEDx speaker, storyteller, and Director of Partnerships at Merit.Erin was born with cystic fibrosis. She grew up hearing she wouldn’t live past 18. At five years old, she overheard her life expectancy on a phone call. At 35, she entered end-stage disease and was preparing to die. Then Trikafta was approved and it saved her life.What we talk about isn’t just survival. It’s what happens after. When the future you never planned for suddenly shows up and you have to figure out who you are again.Erin shares why real change rarely comes from dramatic overhauls. It comes from small pauses that create choice. One habit. One decision. One shift in direction.She leaves us with a reminder she once set as her iPhone alarm during her sickest season:"You woke up today."That’s the work. You don’t have to fix everything this year. You just have to keep moving forward.Follow Erin Mark on LinkedIn for clear, grounded perspective on leadership, identity, and momentum.Listen to the full episode of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For our final book club meeting of 2025, we dove into The Go-Giver—and had the incredible opportunity to host co-author Bob Burg for a live Q&A. It was one of our most reflective and practical sessions of the year.What We DiscussedWhy generosity and value-creation matter more than tactics in leadership and enrollmentHow “everyone is in sales”—especially in higher edCommunicating value vs price when talking about tuitionThe difference between being a go-getter, go-giver, and go-takerWhy listening is often the greatest form of givingHow to build trust in low-trust environments (with international perspectives from Chile)The “big kahuna” lesson: why your most impactful students often don’t look like big wins at first glanceBob Burg’s Key InsightsSelling = giving time, attention, counsel, empathy, and valueTrust is earned through consistencyStories connect deeper than how-to adviceThe Go-Giver was rejected by 24 publishers before becoming a global book seriesHis recommended next read: The Go-Giver Influencer (his favorite)Community HighlightsOur members shared Thanksgiving experiences, career transitions, international perspectives, and how The Go-Giver mirrors the best parts of higher ed: mentorship, service, and helping others flourish.Next Book📘 The Hottest Seat on Campus by Angel Pérez 📅 January 21, 2026Register now: https://www.linkedin.com/events/januaryeducationmarketingleader7402410947400851456/Thanks to everyone who joined—and special thanks to Bob for his time, generosity, and wisdom.

In this episode, I talk with Lisa Starkey-Wood, VP of Enrollment Strategy at Stamats, about what breaks most prospect journeys—and what to fix first.We cover:RFI roadblocks: Why many teams can’t even find their own inquiry form and how to fix basic CTA and form placement so students don’t stall on step one.Day-zero done right: What a strong confirmation experience looks like (thank-you page, instant email, timely counselor outreach) and why waiting for “perfect” personalization is a mistake.Real personalization: Moving beyond “Hi, [First Name]” to program-specific, audience-specific content that actually reflects what students told you they care about.Yield and melt prevention: Simple, high-impact ways to keep accepted and deposited students engaged using faculty, current students, and multi-channel touchpoints.Extra curricular: Watch her 60-minute webinar on the art of effective prospect nurturing. Follow and subscribe to the Education Marketing Leader podcast for more practical conversations built for higher-ed marketers.

What does it really mean to be a small college—and to thrive as one? In this special Book Club Edition of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast, host Chris Rapozo sits down with Dr. Gary Daines, author of How to Be a Small College, along with regular EML Book Club members from across higher ed and the agency world. Together, they unpack the “growth or die” mindset that dominates U.S. higher education and explore a more sustainable, mission-driven alternative focused on community, clarity, and authentic excellence.🧠 Key TakeawaysGrowth isn’t the only measure of success. Dr. Daines challenges the assumption that bigger is better—arguing that excellence, focus, and community impact define true institutional health.Mission-fit over market-share. Serving “the right students” means aligning programs, people, and messaging with the institution’s authentic purpose.Leadership as teaching. Effective presidents and administrators act as teachers—modeling learning, transparency, and reflection in every communication.Operational wisdom matters. From resource alignment to avoiding “amenities bloat,” sustainability requires discipline and courage to say no as much as yes.Community impact is the ultimate ROI. The most meaningful success stories aren’t always from Wall Street—they’re from graduates strengthening their local communities.💬 Featured VoicesDr. Gary Daines, author and interim president, Salem Academy and CollegeChris Rapozo, host, Education Marketing Leader PodcastRafi Dersimonian (ERI Design)Jill Whitaker (Southern Utah University)Troy Singer (Ring Digital / The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast)Jeff Ebbing (Southeastern Community College)Pablo Mora (University of Santiago, Chile)Denise Nunley (Arizona Christian University)Patrick Anderson (Chepers)🔍 Conversation HighlightsThe “Apple Watch Analogy” of endless growth goalsHow to advocate for right-sizing without sounding anti-growthThe tension between prestige and purpose—status vs excellenceFaculty of Attention: focusing on what matters mostReal-world stories from campuses around the globe navigating trust, leadership, and community crises📚 Next UpDecember 4 Book Club Meeting: The Go-Giver by Bob Burg — a timeless business parable about giving first to grow. Bob Burg himself will join the live discussion for a 30-minute Q&A.Connect & SubscribeFollow the Education Marketing Leader Podcast wherever you listen. 👉 Join the EML Book Club and get your next read at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13140172/Connect with Chris Rapozo on LinkedIn for upcoming sessions, insights, and community updates.

The college search process is broken, and two teenagers might be the ones to fix it. 👇When Evan Goldstein tagged along on college tours with his older brother, Jack Goldstein, something clicked:The tours showed buildings, history, and mascots — but not real life.What’s it actually like to live, study, and eat on campus?What’s the vibe on a Tuesday afternoon when no one’s performing for a brochure?That missing authenticity inspired Evan and Jack to build Quadzio, a platform connecting high schoolers with real college students for honest, unfiltered conversations.In this week’s episode of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast, Evan shares:🎯 How peer connections build trust faster than marketing ever could🎯 What “authentic” content really means to Gen Z and Gen Alpha🎯 Why vibe beats prestige for today’s studentsIt’s one of the most insightful interviews I’ve had, and a reminder that sometimes, the next big idea in higher ed doesn’t come from a boardroom, it comes from a high school classroom.🎧 Now live on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Follow the link in the comments.#HigherEdMarketing #GenZ #CollegeSearch #StudentVoice #EducationMarketingLeaderPodcast

Guest: Dr. Evan Kropp, Executive Director of Distance Education, University of Florida 🐊 Topic: In-House vs. Outsourced Marketing — Finding Your Higher-Ed Sweet SpotWhen should you keep marketing work in-house — and when does it make sense to outsource?In this episode, Dr. Evan Kropp shares his eight-factor framework to help higher ed marketing teams decide where to invest their time, talent, and budget.You’ll hear:Why there’s no universal playbook — and how to adapt decisions to your institution’s structure and goalsThe true cost of internal hires vs. agency work (spoiler: salary is just the start)How to balance control vs. expertise without stepping on toesWhy brand consistency can sometimes backfireHow to partner with agencies while protecting student data and your institutional voiceA practical approach to retaining and developing marketing talent in higher edDr. Kropp also talks about leadership, culture, and the long game of developing future marketers — what he calls “sending the elevator back down.”🎧 Listen to the full episode for an honest look at what it takes to scale marketing impact without burning out your internal team.👉 Follow and subscribe to The Education Marketing Leader Podcast for weekly conversations with higher ed’s top marketing minds.#HigherEdMarketing #EducationMarketingLeader #EnrollmentStrategy #UniversityMarketing #BrandStrategy #AgencyPartnerships

Are your stories driving outcomes—or just filling space?On the latest Education Marketing Leader Podcast, I sat down with Maria Kuntz, Director of Content Marketing Strategy and Communications (Advancement) at CU Boulder.We talked about how to move from “just stories” to content that directly drives advancement and institutional goals.Here are the key takeaways for higher ed marketers:🔹 Every story should connect to a business outcome—volunteer, mentor, attend, or give.🔹 Audience segmentation matters. CU Boulder found Tier 4 alumni engaged with “delight content” like recipes and guides, while Tier 5 clicked the logo first—making the homepage experience critical.🔹 Don’t skip CTAs, but vary them. Shifting from “donate/register” to “read/share/learn” reduces fatigue and builds trust.🔹 Cutting email volume raised more money. Protecting attention proved more effective than blasting more campaigns.🔹 Paid content can pay off. A Meta campaign delivered $5 raised for every $1 spent.🔹 AI is a tool, not a replacement. CU Boulder uses it for research and first drafts, but always layers in human voice and verification.🎧 Listen to the full conversation for practical insights on content strategy in advancement.👉 Follow the Education Marketing Leader Podcast for more conversations with higher ed marketing leaders.P.S. get your recipe for the vegan coconut bread here: https://www.colorado.edu/coloradan/2025/07/07/kale-yeah-cu-boulders-sustainable-dining#HigherEdMarketing #Advancement #ContentStrategy #Podcast #HigherEducation

This month’s Education Marketing Leader Book Club turned into a masterclass on applying business strategy in higher ed, and how to market what you’ve actually got.Whether you work at an institution or support one as a vendor or consultant, you’ll find so much value in this one.Especially if you’ve ever felt stuck in the “short-order cook” trap or siloed from strategy.✅ Why every marketer needs to think like a product manager✅ Lessons on market fit, internal alignment, and pricing strategy✅ A call to center brand and experience—because one bad interaction can undo a million-dollar campaign✅ Real examples from Pepperdine, public universities in Chile, and health systems like Franciscan Health✅ Why marketers must earn a seat at the program design table—and how to startHuge thanks to author Luke Phillips for joining the session and sharing practical advice from his role leading enrollment marketing and digital strategy at Pepperdine.📘 Next Up: How to Be a Small College by Gary Daynes📅 Meeting Date: November 4 at Noon ET👉 Register here: https://www.linkedin.com/events/novembereducationmarketingleade7377031603371315200/Join the Education Marketing Leader Book Club and connect with peers who care deeply about the future of higher ed.Become a member: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13140172/#HigherEdMarketing #EducationMarketingLeader #BookClub #EnrollmentStrategy #MissionFit

On the latest Education Marketing Leader Podcast, I sat down with Ryan Trout, Director of Admissions at Northeastern Illinois University.We revisited his 2020 Stamats article, “Three Ways Relationship Building Helps Admissions Teams Excel,” and discussed how those lessons look different in 2025.Here are the key takeaways for higher ed marketers and enrollment leaders:🔹 Admissions is more competitive than ever.Test-optional is the norm, discount rates keep climbing, and students arrive less prepared for college-level work. Institutions that fail to adapt risk falling behind.🔹 Human connection wins.Virtual fairs and online-only touchpoints haven’t delivered. Preview Days and campus experiences that feel personal—meeting professors, eating in the cafeteria, real interactions—are driving yield and retention.🔹 Brand is about feelings, not features.At NEIU, students no longer choose the school just because it’s close or affordable. They now talk about how campus visits and staff made them feel. That shift is the result of intentional, relationship-first strategies.🔹 AI is a double-edged sword.Chatbots and predictive tools can help, but only when the data inputs are right and the tools are closely monitored. Costly AI recruiters are underwhelming; personalization and staff training still carry more weight.🔹 Relationships extend beyond prospects.Ryan shared how strengthening ties with high school counselors has fueled event attendance and trust. Monthly counselor updates through Slate are proving more effective than one-off outreach.🔹 Lean into your strengths.Don’t try to be the middle-of-the-pack institution. Be bold about what sets your campus apart—and back it up with student experiences that prove it.🎧 Listen to the full conversation for practical ideas on balancing tech with human touch in enrollment: [Podcast link]👉 Follow the Education Marketing Leader Podcast for more insights from the frontlines of higher ed marketing and admissions.

How do you create marketing that connects with students, parents, and alumni—all at the same time—without watering down your brand?In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast, Chris Rapozo talks with Jen Brock, VP of Marketing & Communications at Mount Holyoke College, about how to engage intergenerational audiences in higher education.You’ll learn:How Gen Z, parents, and alumni respond differently to marketing messagesWhy authenticity, ROI, and legacy all matter in brand storytellingStrategies to keep your higher ed brand consistent across multiple channelsPractical campaign ideas you can apply this semester to improve enrollment, engagement, and fundraisingWhether you’re building recruitment campaigns, parent communications, or alumni engagement strategies, this episode gives you tools to connect across generations.🎧 Subscribe to the podcast for conversations with higher ed marketing leaders.#HigherEdMarketing #EnrollmentMarketing #Podcast #GenZ #HigherEducation

This special episode of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast brings you inside our August Book Club meeting, where we discussed Chasing Mission Fit with the author himself, Bart Caylor. 📖 Chasing Mission Fit tackles one of higher ed’s toughest challenges: finding and connecting with the students who are the right fit for your institution. In this episode, Bart and our book club community of higher ed marketers dive into: ✨ Why avoiding generic claims matters more than ever ✨ The “short-order cook vs. chef” mindset shift in campus marketing ✨ Smarter ways to use metrics and engagement data (beyond vanity numbers) ✨ Repurposing content and leveraging AI tools to maximize reach ✨ Competing with trade schools, alternative credentials, and changing student expectations You’ll hear insights from higher ed leaders across the country sharing what resonated most from the book—and how they’re applying these lessons at their institutions. 👀 Stick around to the end as we announce our next book club pick.

In this week’s episode, I sat down with Kristen Johnson, Founder of Wise Marketing Strategy, to talk about how colleges and universities can better use data to guide enrollment marketing. Here are some of the key takeaways for higher ed marketers: ✅ Focus on inquiry conversion Don’t just count inquiries—track how many convert to applicants, accepts, and enrolled students. That’s where you’ll see quality and funnel movement. ✅ Build multi-channel, segmented nurture flows Pair admissions outreach with marketing support across email, text, phone, and retargeting ads. Start small with segmentation (school, program) and build toward deeper personalization. ✅ Know your audience Adult learners care most about affordability and flexibility. Make those front and center in your messaging. ✅ Diagnose weak conversions with data Break down each step of the funnel. See where inquiries are dropping off, then compare strong and weak programs to identify what’s working. ✅ Make CRMs manageable Don’t get lost in the data. Start by asking: What question would help us use budget more efficiently? Then pull only the reports that get you closer to that answer. ✅ Report smarter to leadership Keep reports concise. Highlight a couple of wins, be transparent about challenges, and share the actions being taken. Leadership hates surprises—clarity builds trust. ✅ Advertising isn’t just about clicks Go beyond cost-per-lead. Build your own CRM-based reports to track whether those leads move further down the funnel, and share that insight back with your agency. ✅ Offline data counts too Map student zip codes to billboard locations.Place ads where your students already live and commute. Kristen also shared how she’s using AI tools like ChatGPT to visualize insights and streamline reporting—proof that even small teams can make their data work harder without big investments. Higher ed marketing is complex, but Kristen’s advice reminded me that it always comes back to one thing: using data to connect marketing activity directly to enrollment outcomes. 📌 Follow the Education Marketing Leader podcast for more conversations like this, and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.

What does it look like when a creative director is also a former student? Luis Landeros brings that full-circle perspective to his work at Arizona Western College, and it shows.We talked about:Why stock photos kill authenticity and how real images connect better with communityHow one unplanned photo shoot turned into a national Paragon AwardThe power of being a real-world practitioner in the classroom (Luis also teaches design)Building creative confidence by failing fast and doing the work anywayHow AWC’s team builds momentum by sharing feedback, wins, and work in progressHe also dropped this quote that stuck with me:“Creativity is not taught. It’s provoked.”Luis is the kind of creator who steps up, even when it’s uncomfortable. If you work in higher ed marketing, especially at a small or scrappy institution, this conversation is worth your time.▶️ Listen to the full episode.Follow Luis on LinkedIn for more real-world design insights.Follow and subscribe to The Education Marketing Leader for more conversations like this one.#HigherEdMarketing #EducationMarketingLeader #NCMPR #CommunityColleges #AuthenticContent #CreativeLeadership #VisualStorytelling

🎙 New Episode: Using Stories to Market to International Students Guest: Kris Achten, Manager of International Marketing & Recruitment at Karel de Grote University College and Founder of People Like You.We covered a lot in this one, from environmental triggers to user-generated content to a student who went from doubting he could afford college to landing a job at TikTok.Here are the highlights for higher ed marketers:✅ Stop telling stories about your institution. Start telling stories about your students. Especially international ones who are facing a major life transition.✅ Cultural context matters. What works in Belgium might flop in Vietnam. Tailor content by region. Avoid assumptions.✅ Environmental triggers > platforms. Don’t promote bachelor’s degrees on LinkedIn. Show up where your audience already is, TikTok, Instagram, school counselor offices.✅ Make the student the hero. Your institution is the guide. If the story can’t be told without you, you’ve done your job.✅ Don’t forget the parents. KDG literally sends an email: “Forward this to your parents.” That link? A custom landing page written just for them.✅ Trust > Features. At KDG, storytelling starts with empathy. Capture emotional arcs—fear, uncertainty, belonging—not just course features or buildings.✅ Mining the inbox for stories. Shared inboxes are goldmines. Uncommon questions = content opportunities. Patterns = gaps to fill.✅ Creator Academy. Instead of chasing Gen Z trends, Kris trained student ambassadors to become short-form content creators. Content from students about student life performs better, and builds trust.✅ Alumni stories close the loop. Zoom out. Don’t just tell stories about enrollment. Tell stories about life after graduation, and how your institution helped get them there.Want to hear Paul Christian’s story from Romania to TikTok? Or why Kris still reads every email to [email protected]? It’s all in the episode.🎧 Listen now!Download Kris’s course on storytelling: peoplelikeyou.be Connect with Kris: LinkedIn—If this episode sparked ideas for your team, follow and subscribe to The Education Marketing Leader podcast for more practical conversations with higher ed marketing pros.

In this special episode of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast, we revisit highlights from our July book club meeting with Day Kibilds and Ashley Budd, co-authors of MailedIt!.This conversation brought together higher-ed marketers, enrollment pros, and communicators to unpack how small, intentional email campaigns can lead to big results.Together, we explored key lessons from the book.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:✅ Why voice and tone matter more than perfect timing or design ✅ How to move from batch-and-blast to relationship-building ✅ What it looks like to build trust through repeatable email patterns ✅ When to prioritize segmentation, and when to just press send ✅ Why clarity beats cleverness (and how to write like a human)Members shared reflections that resonated:– Building consistency with limited resources – The challenge of letting go of “perfect” – Using onboarding emails to set expectations and reduce melt – How voice, tone, and structure can build belonging, before a student even visits campus– Why accessibility and inclusion should be part of every email strategyDay and Ashley were generous with behind-the-scenes insights:They shared lessons from years of testing, team collaboration, and trial-and-error—offering real-world examples from their work in higher ed and beyond.📚 MailedIt! is a must-read for anyone who hits "send" on behalf of their institution.🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.👉 Want in on the book club? Join us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13140172/Until next time ✌️

Most faculty pages are outdated directories. No story. No strategy.But in today’s landscape, faculty visibility impacts everything, from citations and media to enrollment and funding.In this episode, Dr. Hashim Zaman breaks down how higher-ed marketers can support faculty online without adding to their workload, or risking trust.Here’s what you’ll take away:Why personal branding feels performative to most academics and how to reframe it as “visibility with purpose” rooted in research—not hype.The disconnect between MarCom teams and faculty. One wants content. The other wants control. Here’s how to bridge the gap.What makes academic content more shareable and engaging. From video abstracts to short posts, Dr. Zaman shares formats that work.How marketing leaders can support faculty without overwhelming them. Tools, templates, opt-ins, and mindset shifts that build long-term trust.“Most professors want their work to be seen, they just don’t want to lose control of how it’s represented.” Dr. Hashim Zaman🔗 Check out academic.blog to learn more🎧 Follow Education Marketing Leader for more conversations like this.

Your website might be compliant. But is it neuroaccessible? If it’s not, you’re losing students before they even apply.In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I talk with Beth Jendro Noël, Director of Communications and Creative Services at Middlesex Community College.She breaks down what most higher ed marketers are missing when it comes to accessibility, and how to fix it.We cover:✅ What “neuroaccessible” really means ✅ A practical audit you can use right now✅ Why 33% of students are affected—but only 8% disclose✅ How inclusive design helps retention, not just recruitment ✅ How her team built a better website using next steps, plain language, and videoBeth also shares a powerful personal story about supporting her neurodivergent child through the college application process and realizing her own institution’s site wasn’t built for them either.Bonus: Don’t miss Beth’s article: The Power of Neuro-Accessible Communications: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-neuro-accessible-communications-beth-jendro-no%25C3%25ABl-lunoe/?trackingId=uzagXRbqSs%2BjbjSVjBJaEA%3D%3D🎧 Listen now.➡️ Follow Beth for more accessibility insights.📲 Subscribe to Education Marketing Leader for more no-fluff episodes built for higher ed marketers who actually want to move the needle.

In this episode of The Education Marketing Leader, I talk with Mike Barzacchini, Director of Marketing Services at Harper College, about how to stop being seen as a service desk, and start being viewed as a strategic leader.Mike shares how his team made that shift by putting strategy first, building credibility through clear planning frameworks, and creating a culture of collaboration with leadership. One of the biggest takeaways: Slow down to move smarter.Key ideas you’ll hear:How Harper’s 55-page goals and outcomes doc keeps everyone alignedThe value of creative briefs to control scope creepWhy “more isn’t better. Better is better” needs to be your north starWhat it really takes to build trust with leadership and reset expectationsWe also get into internal culture, onboarding for mindset alignment, and the power of informal channels like Microsoft Teams to build team cohesion in hybrid settings.🎣 Bonus: Mike’s son runs the YouTube channel John B., with 1.8M+ subscribers. If you’re into fishing, check it out.🎧 Listen now and follow The Education Marketing Leader for more real conversations with higher ed marketers who get it.A special thank you to Mariah Tang of Stamats for the introduction.

On the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I interviewed Laura Rudolph, founder of Square One Consulting and former higher-ed marketer at Transylvania and Marshall University.We talked about the two audiences that are often overlooked in enrollment strategy: parents and high school counselors.Laura put it plainly: "Parents aren't along for the ride. They're driving the car. Counselors? They're the GPS."It's something we don't talk about enough in higher ed marketing. We spend so much time crafting campaigns for students that we overlook the people shaping the decisions behind the scenes.In this conversation, Laura shared practical strategies she's used at small, regional colleges, where teams are lean and time is tight, to engage parents and counselors in ways that actually move the needle.A few takeaways that stuck with me:▪️ Students will share parent contact info. You just have to ask and give a reason. "We want to send them info you might not care about, like billing, safety, or support services." That framing works.▪️Parents don't need polished campaigns. They need clear, timely answers: What's this going to cost? Will my kid be safe? What's the return?▪️Counselor newsletters aren't dead, but the old way of doing them is. Personalized student status emails with real-time application updates? That's what gets opened and acted on.▪️Text reminders to parents before deadlines (like enrollment forms) are simple to set up and can drastically reduce melt.Laura also brought up something I think more teams should consider: Surveying your own parents and counselors. Ask what worked.What didn't. What felt helpful or missing. You don't need a 20-question Qualtrics form. Even five quick questions can give you the insight to make next cycle smoother.If you're trying to build stronger relationships with the people who influence your prospective students most, this episode is for you.Follow and subscribe to the Education Marketing Leader wherever you get your podcasts.

In this special episode of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast, we revisit highlights from our May book club meeting with Jamie Hunt, founder of Solver Higher Ed, former CMO of Old Dominion, host of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, and author of Heart Over Hype.This session was an exchange between higher ed marketers, strategists, and creatives reflecting on the real-world impact of empathy-driven communication.Together, we explored the themes, challenges, and opportunities from Jamie’s book, and the insights from the group made this one of our most powerful meetings yet.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:✅ What empathy really means, and why it’s more than just being nice ✅ How to balance empathy with metrics when leadership demands results ✅ Why storytelling must include the struggle, not just the success ✅ How to engage faculty in marketing without losing your mind (or your message) ✅ What it takes to implement a student communication digest, and get campus buy-in ✅ Tactical ways to reduce email chaos, improve messaging, and focus on what students actually need ✅ How to defend empathy as a strategic approach, especially in rooms where it’s dismissed as “soft” or “too touchy-feely”💬 Members shared reflections that resonated:– The emotional weight of the book’s dedication – Journey mapping fatigue—and why it’s still worth it – Navigating internal pushback when telling authentic, vulnerable student stories – Reframing “best” to reflect each student’s reality – Using empathy not just for student messaging, but for internal communication with faculty, staff, and employees🎤 Jamie didn’t hold back during Q&A:She shared lessons from her time at Winston-Salem State and Old Dominion, how she pushed for digest-style emails, navigated political resistance, and convinced leadership to prioritize empathy not just in messaging, but in operational change. She offered honest advice on how middle managers can influence systems beyond their control, and how to build meaningful relationships to break down silos for good.📚 Heart Over Hype is a toolkit for anyone trying to build trust in a noisy world.🎙️ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. 👉 Want in on the book club? Join us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13140172/Until next time. ✌️

On this episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I sat down with Mariah Tang, Chief Content Marketing Officer at Stamats. We unpack why niche content is the most underrated growth strategy in higher ed marketing right now, and how to actually make it work for you. This isn’t another talk about SEO basics. It’s a roadmap for building search-visible, AI-resilient, and student-relevant content using the tools and team you already have.Here’s what higher ed marketers need to know 👇𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝🔎 Search has changed. Long-tail questions now dominate. “Do you have my program?” has become “Will this get me to my next step?”✏️ Generic content is invisible. Focused, answer-driven content is what AI surfaces in snippets and summaries.🍕 You’re not pizza. Trying to please everyone will tank your strategy and confuse your audience.𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰: 𝐒𝐌𝐄, 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐨👉 Every campaign doesn’t need a star academic. Use flexible content types like testimonials, timelines, and FAQs.👉 Don’t box your content team in. Establish a reliable structure and grow from there. 👉 Predictability wins in SEO and human engagement.𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐈 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬🤖 Use ChatGPT/Gemini to test assumptions, spot blind spots, and map decision-stage questions🫶 Don’t fear feedback, prompt your tools like you would a junior team member✔️ Good input = better AI output. Then validate every claim and source.𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝🏥 University of New Mexico Health Sciences CenterTurned a neuroscience program into a “Day in the Life” story. No paid ads. Won awards. Still outranks bigger institutions.🚗 Harper College’s Lyft Pass PostBeat major universities in organic search by being first, relevant, and student-centered.𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞:“Start with one SME. Set them up for success. Give them structure. Then scale.” — Mariah Tang🎧 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.✅ Follow Mariah for expert takes on content strategy, AI, and enrollment marketing.✅ Follow Stamats for proven frameworks and case studies on what’s actually working in higher-ed.✅ And follow Education Marketing Leader for real conversations with zero fluff.Until next time. ✌

In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I sat down with Seth Odell, Founder & CEO of Kanahoma, to unpack the brutal truths facing higher ed marketers.From the enrollment cliff to vanishing name buys, Seth doesn’t sugarcoat what’s ahead, and why speed, focus, and fundamentals matter now more than ever.What You Need to KnowThe cliffs are real. Enrollment. Search. Perception. Different challenges depending on your market, but all converging fast.If you’re not doubling down on your best-yielding zip codes and events (like campus visits), you’re wasting budget.The list-buy era is over. Diversify your sources, retarget your site visitors, and prioritize parent-specific digital campaigns.ROI matters more than ever. Use outcome data (even LinkedIn alumni tabs) and focus on telling relatable alumni stories, not just outliers.Practical Moves to Make This MonthSwap your homepage video for a program finder.Add a CTA to your thank-you page to “start your app now.”Use plain-text emails with subject lines like “Chris, quick question” to re-engage admits.Refresh your creative. Go from 15 ads to 250. It matters.Rethink microcredentials—dual enrollment and B2B are the best bets.What’s ComingMore closures. More pressure. Less time.Avoid M&A unless you really know what you’re doing.AI isn’t a silver bullet, but it’s getting real—especially in admissions.Fix your fundamentals first before chasing anything shiny.Follow Seth on LinkedIn and check out Kanahoma.Like what you heard?Follow and subscribe to the Education Marketing Leader podcast for real conversations with the sharpest minds in higher ed.

On this episode of Education Marketing Leader podcast, Jennifer Lonchar , co-founder of AmbioEdu, breaks down what higher ed marketers need to know about Performance TV, and why it's becoming an essential part of the enrollment marketing mix.What is performance TV and why it matters Performance TV refers to unskippable streaming commercials on platforms like Hulu, Roku, Peacock, and Pluto, except with trackable results. Unlike traditional TV, it enables ROI measurement tied directly to inquiries, applications, event registrations, and enrollment.Targeting strategies that work in higher-edUse first-party data for yield campaignsTarget households of specific high school students using device ID dataCreate lookalike audiences based on enrolled student profiles and discretionary incomeRun demographic-based targeting by job title, geography, or household compositionRetarget based on admissions page visitors or commercial exposureMeasuring ROI and lift across channels Ambio’s partnership with TVScientific allows institutions to:Track site behavior after ad exposureMatch conversions back to exposure timestampsSee halo effects across Google Search, Meta ads, and organic trafficReport on average exposure-to-action timelines and lift by campaign typeCreative that convertsAvoid passive flyover branding adsDeliver a clear, actionable message in 30 secondsUse graphic overlays for muted viewers and voiceovers for mobile audiencesRepurpose video assets for Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat to extend reachBudget flexibility and real-world results Campaigns can start small, some as low as $10K. Institutions like Arizona State University tested campaigns before expanding. Others saw application increases and yield improvements by integrating Performance TV as the only major change to their strategy.Future of performance TV in higher-edInteractive ad experiences are in developmentGranular channel-level targeting on platforms like Roku is comingCRM integrations allow student ID-level attributionKey Quote“This is where digital was 14 years ago. Early adopters will win. The rest will spend the next five years playing catch-up.” — Jennifer LoncharConnect with Jennifer Website: ambioedu.com Email: [email protected] and subscribe to the Education Marketing Leader podcast for weekly conversations with real practitioners, breaking down what’s working in higher ed marketing, without the fluff.#HigherEdMarketing #PerformanceTV #StreamingAds #EdMarketing #EnrollmentMarketing #CTV #EducationMarketingLeader #JenniferLonchar #AmbioEdu

In this special episode of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast, we’re diving into highlights from our latest Education Marketing Leader Book Club sessionWe were joined by Jenny Fowler, award-winning social media manager at MIT and author of the breakout hit Organic Social Media: How to Build a Flourishing Online Community.Jenny, fresh off her Harvey Chute Award win for Best Nonfiction in Business & Enterprise, shared her candid insights on leading social media strategy in higher ed, using data to influence leadership, and creating intentional content that truly connects.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:✅ How Jenny’s 6 M Framework is reshaping social strategies in higher education ✅ Why “data-informed creativity” is the secret weapon for social media managers ✅ Stories from book club members—including one who earned a promotion after applying lessons from the book ✅ Why it's OK to quit platforms that no longer serve your goals ✅ Tips for simplifying technical research into audience-friendly content ✅ The power of vertical video, managing up, and redefining what “strategy” really means in social👥 Want to Join the Book Club?If you're in higher education and marketing, the Education Marketing Leader Book Club is where strategy meets support. We read, we discuss, we grow—together.👉 Join the Book Club on LinkedIn🎙️ Listen now on the Education Marketing Leader Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.Until next time. ✌️

In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I sat down with Dane Dewbre, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at South Plains College. We talked about shifting public perception around community colleges and why the old narratives need to go.Dane’s been with SPC for 29 years, and he’s seen firsthand how students of all ages, backgrounds, and ambitions thrive when they have access to quality, affordable education.Key Takeaways for Higher Ed Marketers:✅ Community colleges aren’t a “second choice”SPC regularly enrolls valedictorians and salutatorians. Their students succeed at four-year schools and in the workforce, and universities love transfer students from community colleges.✅ Affordability is more than low tuitionSouth Plains is leading the way with OER (open educational resources) and zero-cost textbook options. Dane also pointed to new legislation in Texas that makes dual-credit courses free (including tuition, fees, and textbooks) for qualifying high school students.✅ Authenticity in messaging mattersSPC’s campaign “SPC is here” reminds students across their 14-county rural service area that the college is local, supportive, and ready to meet them where they are, whether they’re 18 or 38.✅ Your mobile homepage is everythingMore prospective students access SPC’s website from mobile than desktop. If you had to show them one page, Dane says: “Show them your mobile homepage.”✅ Lead with career outcomesWelding grads heading to SpaceX, diesel tech students hired before graduation, these stories are the message. Tell them often and everywhere.🎧 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.Follow and subscribe to Education Marketing Leader to hear real conversations with the leaders shaping higher-ed marketing today.Until next time. ✌

In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I sat down with Yane Nemeroff, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at Miami Dade College and host of the Non-Traditional Scholar Podcast to talk about how to market to non-traditional students without the fluff.Yane joined me to break down what higher ed marketers need to know about this growing audience.⚡ Key takeaways:“Non-traditional” doesn’t mean just parents or veterans. It’s anyone who didn’t go straight from high school to college.Relevance is everything. Don’t sell the experience — show the outcome.Collaborate with faculty. Their insight can refine your message.Real stories convert. Highlight students like Gloria, who went from running a pizza shop to earning her degree and becoming a teacher.Offer options, not ultimatums — trades and 4-year degrees aren’t enemies.Platforms matter: Spotify for younger students, Facebook for older ones.Be honest. Don’t lead with a benefit they may not qualify for. It backfires.This one’s packed with insights for anyone targeting adult learners, career changers, or returning students.To close the episode, Yane said something that stuck with me:“We can’t dangle the carrot and lock it in a cage. Be honest. Be human. These students have been through enough.”📲 Listen to the full convo today.Follow the Education Marketing Leader podcast and subscribe to catch every new episode.Until next time. ✌️

In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I sat down with Jaime Hunt, Founder and President at Solve Higher Ed Marketing and author of the new book Heart over Hype.We covered the real work behind building an authentic brand in higher ed.No fluff.Just strategy, leadership, and lessons you can actually use.Here's what we covered in the episode:✅ What's behind the title "Heart over Hype"Jaime breaks down why emotional connection and trust matter more than flashy campaigns, especially in higher ed.✅ How to lead change inside your institutionShe talks about aligning leadership, building coalitions, and how to gain internal buy-in when everyone has an opinion on marketing.✅ Why higher ed marketing needs a reality checkJaime explains how the pressure to drive enrollment can lead to hype-driven tactics, and how to avoid that trap.✅ The risks of inauthentic messagingMisalignment between brand promise and student experience? Jaime's been there. She shares how to fix it.✅ Practical advice for marketers trying to do better workWe talk about knowing your audience, measuring what matters, and leading with empathy.This episode is a must-listen if you're juggling leadership expectations, branding constraints, and the pressure to deliver ROI.Listen now and grab a copy of the book today. Follow and subscribe to the Education Marketing Leader podcast with Chris Rapozo for more real conversations with the people shaping higher ed marketing.

The humanities are facing an uphill battle in higher education, with budget cuts and declining enrollments. But are we missing an opportunity? 🤔In this episode, Kyle Campbell joins host Chris Rapozo to discuss the shifting landscape of SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy) subjects and how universities can better market them.🔍 Key Topics Covered: ✅ The missed opportunities in humanities marketing – Why universities are cutting humanities programs at the worst possible time. ✅ AI and the rise of critical thinking – How the humanities are becoming more relevant than ever in an AI-driven world. ✅ The student perspective – Why young people still choose humanities despite job market concerns. ✅ The power of storytelling in marketing humanities – Why raw data isn’t enough and how universities can craft compelling narratives. ✅ Interdisciplinary learning – How schools like the London Interdisciplinary School and Arizona State University are redefining education. ✅ The role of podcasts and digital storytelling – How institutions like Purdue and Syracuse are using alumni stories to boost their brand.🎯 Actionable Takeaways for Higher Ed Marketers: 🔹 Stop leading with job outcomes – Many students choose humanities for passion and purpose first. Speak to that. 🔹 Invest in experiential marketing – Prospective students need to feel the value of these programs through events, content, and storytelling. 🔹 Create employer-student connections – Feature real employer testimonials alongside student success stories. 🔹 Build interdisciplinary bridges – Partner humanities programs with STEM to show real-world applications. 🔹 Leverage digital platforms – Whether it’s podcasting, YouTube, or immersive online experiences, universities need to meet students where they are.Memorable Quotes:💡 (04:32) “The number one programming language of the future isn’t Python or Java—it’s English.” – Chris Rapozo 💡 (06:59) “Young people aren’t just looking for careers. They’re looking for meaning, purpose, and passion.” – Kyle Campbell 💡 (10:35) “We need universities to stop treating humanities as expendable when critical thinking is more essential than ever.” – Kyle Campbell 💡 (16:08) “The idea of being a thought leader is that you lead with your thoughts. But too often, thought leadership just repeats the same ideas over and over.” – Kyle Campbell 💡 (20:43) “If humanities students graduate with the ability to create and distribute content effectively, they’ll be miles ahead in the job market.” – Kyle CampbellResources & Links:📩 Subscribe to Kyle’s Newsletter: The Education Marketer 📌 Follow Kyle on LinkedIn: Kyle Campbell Listen to more episodes#HigherEd #EducationMarketing #Humanities #SHAPE #MarketingLeadership #Podcast

Higher Ed Marketing is at a Crossroads The demographic cliff is here. Competition is tougher than ever. Institutions are losing talent to the private sector.So how do we fix it?I sat down with Suzan Brinker, Co-Founder & CEO at VIV Higher Education and author of Pass/Fail, to unpack what institutions must do to survive the next decade.Here’s what you need to know:1. Integrated Growth Planning is Non-Negotiable Most institutions operate in silos: ❌ Academic affairs picks programs in a vacuum ❌ Marketing chases inquiries without strategy ❌ Enrollment pushes deposits without knowing capacity💡 The Fix: Break down barriers. Align teams under shared goals. Schools that do this will win.2. Your Brand Isn’t Just a Logo—It’s Culture Most colleges spend millions on brand redesigns.The problem? No one actually believes in them.✅ A strong brand must be authentic to faculty, staff, & students ✅ Consistency = Trust → If your messaging keeps changing, students & donors walk ✅ Brand is bigger than marketing → It should shape hiring, admissions, and fundraising3. The Entrepreneurial Mindset Will Separate Winners from Losers Higher ed moves too slow.The schools thriving today? 👉 Northeastern University launched 10+ campuses & grew aggressively 👉 Elon University tripled undergrad enrollment over 20 years❌ Schools that resist change? They’re in trouble.4. Lead Where You Are Most institutions don’t have a VP of Cross-Functional Strategy.So be the person who steps up.Ask better strategic questions. Push for alignment across departments. Don’t wait for permission to lead.Listen to the full episode now! Follow & subscribe to The Education Marketing Leader Podcast for more insights.What’s the biggest challenge your institution is facing right now?

The higher ed marketing vendor landscape is shifting—fast. More VC-backed companies. More consolidations. More agencies blending into one another. If you're a higher ed marketer evaluating vendors, you need to know what’s happening behind the scenes.In this episode, I sat down with Kevin Renton, Principal at Electric Kite and Publisher at Volt Magazine, to break it all down. We covered:✅ The agency and MarTech landscape – Who’s merging, who’s independent, and how it impacts your institution. ✅ The real risk of vendor conflicts – If your agency serves your competitors, how do they prioritize your success? ✅ Essential tech stack decisions for 2025 – CMS, search, CRM—what really matters and what’s just noise. ✅ The rise of solopreneurs and boutique consultancies – Why top in-house higher ed marketers are going out on their own. ✅ Red flags when evaluating vendors – What to watch for in RFPs, sales pitches, and case studies.“In any vendor relationship, look at the case studies and references. The demo means nothing if they can’t show real results.” – Kevin RentonThis episode is packed with insights that can help you make smarter vendor decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Give it a listen, and let me know your thoughts!Listen now.➡️ Follow Education Marketing Leader for more episodes, and subscribe on your favorite platform to stay ahead in higher ed marketing.

Email isn’t dead. It’s just misused.On the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I sat down with Day Kibilds (VP of Strategy at Ologie) and Ashley Budd (Senior Director of Advancement Marketing at Cornell University) to talk about crafting higher-ed emails that build relationships, not just fill inboxes.The duo shared insights from their Amazon bestselling book, Mailed It!Key Takeaways:✅ Email is a Relationship Tool, Not a BillboardToo many higher-ed marketers treat email like a one-way broadcast. Instead, it should be about conversation and trust—or as Day put it, “Closer to a coffee chat than a roadside ad.”✅ AI Will Force Us to Be Better MarketersEmail providers are using AI to filter what lands in inboxes. This means bad emails get buried faster. If your emails aren’t relevant, clear, and personalized, they won’t even be seen.✅ Why “Email Blast” Needs to DieIf your strategy is still sending generic emails to everyone, you’re losing. The best emails are segmented, personal, and tied to what the audience actually cares about.✅ The F-Pattern: Where Eyes Go FirstResearch shows that readers scan emails in an “F” shape—first the subject line, then the opening, a horizontal scan to a CTA, and a quick left-side skim. Use that to your advantage.✅ Subject Lines: Drop the GimmicksForget clever tricks—just tell them what’s in the email. 6-9 words. Clear, direct, no fluff. That’s what gets opened.✅ Your Open Rate Might Be a LieESP filters scan emails before they hit an inbox, inflating open rates. If you’re seeing 20% open rates or lower, you’re in trouble. Start cleaning your list, checking sender reputation, and tracking real engagement.🎙️ Listen in to get the full breakdown.📕 Want more? Grab a copy of Mailed It! and try their AI-powered email assistant at emailbook.co.Subscribe to the Education Marketing Leader Podcast for more expert insights on higher-ed marketing.