Education Marketing Leader with Chris Rapozo

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.

In this special episode of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast, we're diving into the highlights of our Education Marketing Leader Book Club meeting, where we discussed the book Epic Content Marketing for Higher Education by Brian Piper! 📚We were thrilled to have Brian Piper, Director of Content Strategy at the University of Rochester join us.Brian answered questions and shared valuable insights on how higher-ed institutions can leverage content marketing to build trust, engage prospective students, and drive meaningful results.Here's what you'll get in this episode:✅ Key takeaways from Brian's book and how it's reshaping content strategies in higher-ed✅ Real-world insights from book club members who are implementing these strategies at their institutions✅ How content marketing can shift from "selling" to "serving" the needs of prospective students✅ Practical tips on using storytelling to amplify your institution's impact✅ A glimpse into Brian's next steps in content marketing and future projectsThis episode is a must-listen if you want to elevate your higher-ed marketing game.Whether you're part of a small team or a large marketing department, you'll find actionable advice on how to start thinking about content marketing as a long-term strategy, not just a quick fix.Listen Now on the Education Marketing Leader Podcast and catch all the insights!If you're in higher education and marketing, consider joining the book club.https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13140172/Until next time. ✌️

Higher education is facing a trust crisis. Institutions are under scrutiny.And instead of leaning into transparency, many are doubling down on restrictive social media policies for staff! 😲But what if faculty and staff voices are exactly what’s needed to rebuild credibility and trust?On the latest episode of The Education Marketing Leader, I sat down with Scott Cline, Ed.D., Founder of Scott Cline Consulting, to discuss why colleges should empower, not silence, their employees on social media.Key Takeaways:🔹 Trust in Higher Ed is at an All-Time LowResearch from Campus Sonar highlights that students and families are skeptical of institutions. The solution? Authenticity, not silence!🔹 Restrictive Social Media Policies Are BackfiringLimiting staff posts leads to disengagement. Instead of shutting down conversations, institutions should equip employees with tools and guidelines.🔹 Staff Are the Best Brand AdvocatesPeople engage more with humans than with brands. An official university page might struggle for traction, but when staff share their experiences, it resonates.🔹 Authenticity Wins Over Highly-Curated ContentProspective students want to know what life is really like at a university, not just the polished marketing version.🔹 Training and Guidelines Over ScriptsStaff don’t need to go viral, but they do need encouragement, resources, and the freedom to showcase the work they do every day. Institutions can either embrace staff advocacy or continue losing trust.Employees are already on social media.The question is, will universities support them or stifle them?👉 Follow the podcast for more insights from top higher-ed marketing leaders.👉 Connect with Scott on LinkedIn and continue the discussion.👉 Share this post with your network, and help elevate the voices shaping the future of higher ed marketing!🎙️ Catch the full episode and never miss an insight.Let’s lead the way in higher-ed marketing together!

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast, I sat down with Granit Doshlaku, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Manaferra.We discussed how AI-powered search transforms SEO and what it means for higher-ed marketers.Granit shared actionable insights to help you stay ahead in this rapidly evolving space.Here are three key takeaways from the episode:1️⃣ Expect Quality Over QuantityAI-driven search is reshaping traffic patterns. While you may see fewer visitors overall, those who land on your site will have stronger intent. This shift makes it even more critical to optimize for conversions rather than chasing keywords and traffic volume.2️⃣ Voice Search is ComingWith advancements in AI, voice search is finally becoming practical. Students will ask conversational queries like, “What’s the best cybersecurity degree program?” Ensure your content is optimized to answer these questions clearly and concisely.3️⃣ Authority Still MattersBacklinks remain crucial—even in AI search. Granit emphasized that building meaningful, relevant links can make a significant impact on your rankings. Focus on earning mentions from trusted sources in your niche to stand out.As search diversifies with tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity, creating helpful, people-first content remains the cornerstone of a successful strategy.👉 Don’t miss this episode!Follow the Education Marketing Leader Podcast for more insights, and connect with Granit Doshlaku and me here on LinkedIn. Let us know your thoughts!#HigherEdMarketing #SEO #AI #VoiceSearch #DigitalMarketing

Season 3 of Education Marketing Leader is here!I kicked it off with Dan Giroux, former AVP at Drexel University and Principal at DJG Marketing LLC, to discuss a pivotal shift for advancement teams:Evolving from reactive service providers to proactive strategic partners.Dan predicts 2025 will be a defining year for higher-ed advancement.Here’s how teams can adapt 👇𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: Advancement is a revenue-generating powerhouse.𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Build cross-campus relationships to align on strategy.𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: AI tools streamline workflows and free up time for strategic work.𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚: Metrics validate impact and refine strategies.𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: Focus on what matters. Strategic clarity is non-negotiable!𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬: Trust fosters collaboration and long-term buy-in.💡 Actionable Tips for Leaders:👉 Clarify team priorities aligned with institutional goals.👉 Upskill staff and adopt AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity.👉 Use data to measure success and secure leadership support.👉 Break silos by collaborating with MarCom and stakeholders.Dan also highlighted the value of co-ops and internships, which is a win-win for students and institutions. 🎙️What’s Next?Dan’s upcoming Enrollify mini-series on AI for advancement teams is a must-watch!Follow the Education Marketing Leader podcast for more insights, connect with Dan, sign up to his newsletter, and listen to the full episode to transform your advancement strategy for 2025.Until next time ✌

🎙️ 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟏𝟎𝟎: Full-Circle Moment with Voltaire Santos Miran on Storytelling in Higher Ed.In this milestone episode, I welcome Voltaire Santos Miran, Executive Vice President, Creative at Carnegie, the guest who unknowingly inspired this podcast’s creation and helped shape my approach to higher ed marketing.Our conversation explores some powerful storytelling principles, here are a few:🎯 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬, 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧Voltaire stresses that while universities often focus on their own accolades, it’s the students who should be the true heroes of their storytelling.Positioning the institution as the “guide” in each student’s journey resonates more deeply and creates lasting connections.🎯 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 “𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝟕 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬”Most universities share the same selling points—great faculty, strong alumni, and global opportunities—but Voltaire challenges us to go further.Authentic, unique stories about real student experiences reveal what makes an institution genuinely distinct.Want to elevate your storytelling?🎧 Listen to the full episode for Voltaire’s insights, and connect with him on LinkedIn for more on human-centered higher-ed marketing!#HigherEducation #Marketing #Storytelling

Breaking the Higher Ed Social Media Mold - A Conversation with Brianna BlackburnThis week on Education Marketing Leader, I spoke with Brianna Blackburn, Assistant Director of Social Media Brand Strategy at Bowling Green State University (BGSU).BGSU's social media efforts ranked #6 nationwide (and #1 in Ohio) – outperforming much larger institutions like OSU.Here's how they're doing it. 👇𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧Brianna's team excels at creating content that feels real. Rather than just highlighting achievements, they dive into stories that connect with audiences on an emotional level—be it humor, nostalgia, or campus pride.𝐓𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭As a former student intern herself, Brianna believes in the power of student-driven social media. Her team includes Gen Z interns who know what resonates with their peers, bringing authenticity and insider knowledge to the brand.𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜, 𝐎𝐧-𝐭𝐡𝐞-𝐅𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭BGSU balances professional video content with timely, in-the-moment updates (think iPhone photos of game days). This approach keeps the content dynamic and relevant, giving followers the best of both worlds.𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬From new album drops to pop culture moments, BGSU plans content around trending events to expand its reach. By posting at the right moment, the team keeps BGSU in the social media conversation, extending beyond the typical campus bubble.𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 & 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠Social media is a two-way street at BGSU. Brianna's team engages with commenters, sends out BGSU swag to loyal followers, and works to build a strong online community. It's more than content—it's connection.Higher Ed Takeaway: Authenticity, emotional connection, and leveraging student talent are the keys to real engagement.Don't miss this episode! Subscribe to the Education Marketing Leader podcast for more insights, and connect with Brianna Blackburn to stay up-to-date on social media strategies that make a real impact.#HigherEdMarketing #SocialMedia #EducationMarketing #BGSU

In the latest episode of Education Marketing Leader, I sat down with Tony Sheridan, Marketing and Communications Manager at KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) in Saudi Arabia. Tony’s journey from Ireland to leading marketing at one of the world’s most innovative universities offers valuable insights for higher ed marketers navigating change and building inclusive campaigns. 🔑 Key Takeaways for Higher Ed Marketers ♦ Unconventional Paths Are Powerful: Tony’s transition from woodworking to social media and marketing demonstrates that non-linear careers can lead to success in higher education marketing. 🤝 Cultural Adaptation is Key: Moving from Ireland to Saudi Arabia required a shift in brand voice. "Always engage a “cultural broker” to catch potential blind spots when entering new markets," Tony says. 🤜 🤛 Co-Created Content Drives Engagement: Tony’s 6-step model—Recruit, Regulate, Resource, Reward, Reach, Repeat—empowers students and alumni to become storytellers, aligning authentic voices with institutional goals. 🏛️ Campaigns Must Align with Strategic Pillars: Tony learned the importance of diversity and inclusion firsthand: “We ran a campaign featuring 11 men and only one woman, and the backlash made it clear we needed to rethink our approach.” KAUST: Innovation and Impact ♦ First mixed-gender university in Saudi Arabia. ♦ Ranked #1 globally for research citations. ♦ Technology partner with McLaren F1, without any marketing spend. What’s Next for KAUST? With a new leadership team and a focus on commercializing research, KAUST is shifting toward real-world impact and social relevance. The future of marketing lies in storytelling that connects research to everyday lives. 💬 How is your institution leveraging authentic content? 👉 Connect with Tony on LinkedIn. 🎙 Don’t miss this episode for actionable insights on inclusive marketing, strategic storytelling, and driving engagement in higher education. #HigherEdMarketing #InclusiveContent #CoCreatedContent #MarketingInnovation #EducationTransformation

This week on The Education Marketing Leader, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan Koral, founder of Tell Studios and Enroll Films.Ryan is a video storyteller with a mission to reshape how higher education communicates.If you care about authentic storytelling, student engagement, and video strategies that actually work, this episode is for you.Here are 3 powerful takeaways:📽 Embed Native Videos on University Sites❌ Don’t funnel visitors to YouTube.✅ Keep them on your homepage to control the experience and drive meaningful action.Ryan explains that YouTube's "vortex" often sends visitors down unrelated rabbit holes—away from your enrollment funnel.🫶 Story-Driven Video > Promo Video❌ Forget flashy promos.✅ The best video content captures transformation stories—like the one Ryan shared about his alma mater’s basketball coach, Garth.These emotional narratives resonate with prospects, parents, and donors alike.💸 Not Every Video Needs High Production Value📹 Ryan believes there's a time for polished videos (like donor galas) and a time for authentic, raw content. 🤳Sometimes, a well-timed, smartphone-recorded clip can engage Gen Z students better than a cinematic masterpiece.Know your audience and plan accordingly.Ryan also shared practical strategies for institutions with tight budgets:♦ Use affordable tools like softbox lights, tripods, and mics.♦ Build a dedicated content space on campus, ready to shoot at any time.♦ Leverage tools like Descript for fast, efficient video editing without the steep learning curve.Get Ryan’s Gear Guide & Strategy Checklist at enrollfilms.com/gear.🤝 Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn here and learn more about how video storytelling can transform your institution.🤔 What’s your current approach to video content?Are you embedding videos on your site or still relying on YouTube?Let’s talk about how higher ed can step up its video game.Drop a comment below 👇Until next time. ✌#HigherEdMarketing #VideoStorytelling #EnrollmentMarketing

Higher Ed budgets are tight, but delivering a seamless user experience (UX) shouldn't be out of reach.In this week's episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Melanie Lindahl, Senior UX and Web Designer/Developer at The University of Texas School of Law and newly minted 2024 HighEdWeb Red Stapler Award winner. 🏆Melanie shared key takeaways from her award-winning presentation, highlighting the power of low-budget UX strategies for universities and colleges of any size.Below are the 3 most actionable insights from our conversation:1️⃣ Start Small: You Don't Need a Big Budget"Even with limited resources, UX work is still incredibly important," says Melanie. You don't need expensive tools to conduct user research—surveys and quick tests can be invaluable and require minimal budget.👉 Pro Tip: Use a simple survey to identify user pain points at the beginning of a project—it'll save time and money down the line.2️⃣ Test, Don't AssumeMelanie emphasized the importance of testing early."If you're unsure about a design decision, don't just rely on assumptions. Do quick tests with real users—even if it's over donuts!" 🍩💡 Takeaway: Don't be afraid to ask students for feedback, no matter how small the test may seem.3️⃣ Demonstrate the ROI of UX to LeadershipOne of the biggest challenges Melanie highlighted is justifying UX investments to leadership.Her advice?Show how UX improves both user experience and business goals. The ROI is clear—better UX means less post-launch troubleshooting, saving both time and budget.What's one small step you can take today to improve your university's UX?For more on budget-friendly UX strategies that deliver real results, catch the full episode with Melanie Lindahl!If you're in higher education marketing, this episode is packed with actionable tips you can apply right now.Listen to the episodes now.Until next time. ✌

In today’s episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I spoke with Melissa Greiner, VP of Marketing at CampusESP, about the crucial role parents play in the entire student journey – from the college selection process to graduation. 🎓👩‍🎓 Here's what we uncovered:👉 Parent Engagement is EvolvingColleges are recognizing that families are central to decision-making. Today's students WANT their parents involved, so institutions must adapt to meet this need. 👪👉 Finding the Right Communication MixEmail remains the go-to for parents – it's where they spend the most time. But when urgency is needed, SMS texting breaks through the clutter and drives action. 📩📱👉 Overcoming Challenges in CommunicationLimited time, money, and people? We hear you! 📉Institutions need tools that not only streamline communication but also offer content support, making it easier to connect with parents effectively without adding extra strain on resources.👉 Tailored Content is KingBlanket communications just don't cut it anymore. ❌ Personalization is key. By leveraging CRM integrations, schools can ensure that newsletters and portals provide parents with only the most relevant information.👉 Boosting Student Retention Through Parent EngagementParents often act as the first line of support when students face challenges, whether it’s academic struggles or navigating the complexities of campus life. 🧑‍💻📚Data shows that students with engaged parents have up to an 8% higher retention rate."Today's students turn to their families as advisors. If schools aren't communicating effectively with parents, they're missing a key part of the decision-making process." – Melissa Greiner 🎯Engaging parents is about more than just sending information; it's about delivering meaningful, relevant content that supports students from admission to graduation.🎧 If you want to dive deeper into these insights, catch the full episode on the [Education Marketing Leader podcast]. 🎙️👉 Follow Melissa Greiner for more on parent engagement strategies and subscribe to the show for the latest trends in higher ed marketing!Until next time. ✌️#HigherEdMarketing #ParentEngagement #StudentSuccess #EducationMarketingLeader