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Higher Ed Pulse

Higher Ed Pulse is your weekly no-fluff guide to AI in higher ed. Higher ed leaders are expected to master AI overnight. But let’s be real — no one has time to sift through every headline, hot take, or research report. That’s why every Monday, we break down what actually matters — fast, clear, and to the point. Want to sound like the smartest person in the room? You’re in the right place. Higher Ed Pulse is hosted by Mallory Willsea and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
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Episodes

Pulse Check: After Further Consideration — Part 3

Counseling and Psychological Services has taken significant steps forward in recent years, yet there remains a “mental health crisis” in higher education. What is what we needed was a reforming of the services and the system itself. This episode explores with Dr. Peter Cornish the ways in which holistic mental health services is of the most important DEI imperatives in higher education. As well, the episodes explores with Dr. Cornish what might happen is we were to consider the holistic well-bei...

Jul 18, 202440 min

Live at eduWeb Summit: The Lighter Side of Higher Ed

Join us as Mallory chats with Anthony Machcinski, Assistant Director of Marketing Communications at Manor College and EduWeb's official event photographer. Anthony shares his experiences at EduWeb, highlighting the collaborative nature of the event and the unique challenges faced by smaller institutions. They discuss key takeaways from a student panel on admissions processes and dive into Anthony's optimistic approach to working in higher education. Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www....

Jul 17, 202416 min

Failing Forward: Big Flubs of the Past

Seth and Mallory candidly share some of their most memorable professional failures and the invaluable lessons they learned from them. From a pricey launch party oversight to a marketing and enrollment coordination mishap, they discuss how these blunders have shaped their approach to work and leadership. Tune in for an honest and humorous look at how embracing and learning from mistakes can lead to growth and success. Key Takeaways: Origami Challenge: Seth's personal journey to fold 1,000 paper c...

Jul 15, 202424 minEp. 212

Live at eduWeb Summit: Shorter Content, Bigger Impact

In this episode, Mallory sits down with Kittie Payne, the Director of Graduate Admissions at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, live from the eduWeb Summit. They discuss Kittie's important summer project — rewriting her entire prospect campaign to be more engaging and effective. Kitty shares insights on adapting to audience needs, the importance of visual-first comms, and the role of listening in higher education marketing. Connect with Kittie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kittiepai...

Jul 11, 202414 min

Pulse Check: After Further Consideration — Part 2

In part 2 of this Pulse Check series, hosts Dr. Cody Nielsen and Dr. Tomika Ferguson are joined by Kevin McDonald of University of Virginia to discuss: Your effectiveness as a leader is negatively impacted when you neglect self-care. Leaders must be confident in their abilities without being intoxicated by the authority and influence of their position, especially in the face of personal fear, campus conflict, and external pressures. Executive leadership carries personal risk and responsibility, ...

Jul 11, 202440 min

Live at eduWeb Summit: Communicating DEI at U of M

In this episode of The Pulse, Mallory chats with Mike Morland, Director of Communications and Marketing in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Michigan. Mike shares insights about his role, the impact of the innovative Wolverine Pathways program, and the importance of storytelling and data in advancing DEI initiatives. Learn how U of M’s efforts are making higher education more accessible and the strategies small teams can use to drive significant change. Guest Na...

Jul 10, 202414 min

Live at eduWeb Summit: Navigating the New Media Landscape in Higher Ed Marketing

Live from eduWeb, Mallory sits down with Sara Wallace, VP of Strategy at Simpson Scarborough. They dive into Sara's presentation on balancing higher ed brands amidst today's dynamic media landscape. Key points include the rising competition, the evolving media landscape, and shifting audience expectations. Sarah also shares a compelling case study on Chico State's successful marketing strategies. Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallacesara/ - - - - Connect With Our Hos...

Jul 10, 202417 min

Live at eduWeb Summit: Why Using AI is like Baking a Cake

Live from the EduWeb Summit, Mallory chats with Christina Inge, founder of ThoughtLight and an instructor at Brandei University and Harvard University. Christina shares her insights on the growing sophistication of AI in marketing, the importance of embracing this technology, and how it can enhance productivity and creativity. She also discusses her upcoming course on AI and marketing at Harvard, offering practical advice for marketers at all levels. Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://w...

Jul 10, 202415 min

Live at eduWeb Summit: The Secret to High-Converting Higher Ed Program Pages

In this episode of The Pulse, Mallory speaks with Rebecka Hall, Director of Web Innovation and Strategy at ODUGlobal, live from the eduWeb Summit. Rebecka shares her expertise on creating compelling and effective program pages for higher education institutions. They explore the critical elements of program pages, strategies for SEO optimization, and the importance of cross-campus collaboration. Key Takeaways Critical Components: Essential elements of a successful program page include clear job o...

Jul 09, 202417 min

Making Bets: Picking Future Winners in EDU

Join Mallory and Seth as they channel their betting spirit into predicting the future winners of higher education. This episode highlights standout institutions and leaders poised to shape the future, including Lincoln Education Services, Forsyth Tech Community College, Dr. Michael Thomas, and CMO Michael Bettersworth. Get ready for an inspiring discussion on innovative strategies and bold leadership driving success in higher ed. Related Links: Webinar: Overcoming Recruiting and Engagement Chall...

Jul 08, 202422 minEp. 211

Pulse Check: After Further Consideration — Part 1

Welcome to the debut episode of this new Pulse Check series, "After Further Consideration," a DEI-focused series where hosts Dr. Cody Nielsen and Dr. Tomika Ferguson invite experienced change leaders both within and beyond higher education into conversations focused on responsive leadership, addressing campus crises, navigating institutional shifts, and fostering sustainable change all through the lens of equity and inclusion. Key Takeaways from Part 1: Over the past three decades, the role of t...

Jul 04, 202440 min

Doing More With Less

Mallory and Seth discuss the critical topic of doing more with less in higher education marketing. Seth breaks his recommendations down into three buckets: Build bottom of the funnel up, Best practices, and Velocity not Volume – with a focus on practical strategies for optimizing marketing efforts and where artificial intelligence can have a massive impact. Key Takeaways: Effective Marketing Strategies: Focus on bottom-of-the-funnel tactics to drive conversions with minimal budget. Optimizing Se...

Jul 01, 202424 minEp. 210

Pulse Check: Navigating International Recruitment — Part 5

In the 5th and final part of this Pulse Check series on International Recruiting, guest Karin Fischer, a senior writer on international education at The Chronicle of Higher Education, offers an expert perspective on the challenges and solutions for recruiting international students to American higher education institutions. Takeaways: Colleges and universities have had to reevaluate the value and purpose of international education in the face of changing global dynamics. International enrollment...

Jun 27, 202437 min

Schmooze or Lose — How to Network Like A Pro

“I love networking and making small talk with strangers,” said no one ever. Mallory and Seth dive into the vital role of networking, exploring strategies for building meaningful connections both online and in-person. Learn practical tips on how to expand your professional network, the importance of community in conferences, and how to maintain and nurture these relationships for career growth. Key Takeaways: Networking opportunities are a key reason for attending conferences in person. Networkin...

Jun 24, 202422 minEp. 209

Pulse Check: Navigating International Recruitment — Part 4

Dayana Kibilds gives her personal and professional perspectives on navigating international recruitment. As a former international student and staff, and now advising institutions on best practices in enrollment marketing, Dayana provides insightful takeaways, including: The importance of clear and accessible information on application requirements for international students. A need for better, more personalized communication and support throughout the entire higher education journey. Considerat...

Jun 20, 202444 min

No Presidents, Mo Problems

Join Mallory and Seth as they discuss the recent trend of rapid presidential turnover in higher education and its implications for marketing and communications teams. With half the Ivy League experiencing leadership changes and shorter tenures becoming the norm, this episode explores why this is happening and offers actionable advice for marketers facing these transitions. Discover how to align with new leadership, secure quick wins, and position yourself as a key player in institutional success...

Jun 17, 202426 minEp. 208

Enrollify.org Relaunch: More Content, More Community

In this Bonus announcement, join Mallory, Chief Strategist of Enrollify, as she introduces the newly relaunched Enrollify.org . This episode highlights the fresh features and content now available on the site, emphasizing Enrollify’s commitment to revolutionizing higher education. Learn about the variety of resources—from podcasts to ourses to webinars—that can help professionals make impactful changes in their careers and institutions. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Mallory Willsea https://www....

Jun 13, 20242 min

Pulse Check: Navigating International Recruitment — Part 3

In Part 3 of this Pulse Check series on International Recruiting, guest Ruby Nagashima gives listeners an inside look into what makes Soka University a destination institution for international students. Takeaways: Being intentional and mission-driven are key to international student recruitment and success. Soka’s inclusive culture, financial aid, and student engagement contribute to a unique and accessible educational experience. Requirements like mandatory study abroad for both domestic and i...

Jun 13, 202439 min

Why Every EDU Pro Should Build Their Personal Brand

Mallory and Seth dive into the significance of personal branding, especially in today's volatile job market. They share personal stories and actionable advice on how to build and maintain a personal brand that stands out. From leveraging LinkedIn to the power of newsletters and speaking engagements, this episode is packed with tips for higher ed professionals at any stage of their career. Key Takeaways Audit Your LinkedIn Profile: Ensure it reflects your current skills and professional image. Id...

Jun 10, 202425 minEp. 207

Pulse Check: Navigating International Recruitment — Part 2

In Part 2 of this Pulse Check series on International Recruiting, guest host Kin Sejpal is joined by Cynthia Chilton, an expert in international marketing, to discuss her experience marketing to international students at higher education institutions like Pepperdine and Westcliff. Key takeaways include: Understanding the target market and cultural differences is crucial in international marketing. Word-of-mouth plays a significant role in international student recruitment. Advertising in interna...

Jun 06, 202431 min

Cutting Degrees to Grow Enrollment

In this episode of The Pulse, Mallory and Seth dive into the controversial topic of cutting degree programs to address budget shortfalls and declining enrollments. They explore the recent example of St. Cloud State University, which is planning to cut 46 degree programs and reduce faculty by 13%. Seth offers a contrarian view, suggesting that strategic program cuts can actually drive growth by reallocating resources to high-demand areas. They discuss the importance of aligning educational offeri...

Jun 03, 202422 minEp. 206

Pulse Check: Navigating International Recruitment — Part 1

Welcome to Part 1 of this new Pulse Check series on International Recruiting. Join guest host Kin Sejpal as she is joined by Clay Hensley, a seasoned international education expert with 20+ experience with the College Board, to discuss key trends in international recruitment and education. In this episode you will learn about: Current international student mobility trends Importance of localization to disparate markets Drivers and motivations of students by country and continent What the future ...

May 30, 202434 min

Pulse Check: Learning from Leaders — Part 5

In this final part of our Pulse Check series on Leadership in Higher Ed, listeners can get a sense of why collaboration matters in marketing and strategies to help build collaboration with their own teams. Additionally, listeners will learn where are smart places to begin collaboration and how to approach that with intentionality. Finally, leaders will learn strategies for managing critics and how to make structural changes to support collaboration. Guest Name: Elias Martinez - Texas State Unive...

May 23, 202432 min

The Mad Dash for Deposits: Marketing & Making Your Fall

Hosts Mallory and Seth dive into the complexities surrounding the 2024 FAFSA fiasco and its impact on enrollment. They discuss how institutions can adapt their strategies to support students during this chaotic time and share practical tips for enrollment marketing professionals. Tune in for insights on personalizing communication, extending deadlines, and leveraging marketing techniques to navigate these unprecedented challenges. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Issue: The FAFSA redesign has ca...

May 20, 202421 minEp. 205

Pulse Check: Learning from Leaders — Part 4

In this episode, listeners will learn more about managing the MarComm budget. From building partnerships to taking advantage of one-time monies, Kate Ledger shares how to maximize the budget for MarComm efforts. Finally, she’ll debunk the notion that creatives can’t do budgets and share strategies to help learn this important part of the CMO role. Guest Name: Kate Ledger, ODU Global Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateledger/ - - - - Connect With Our Host: Mallory Willsea https://www.l...

May 16, 202425 min

We’re All Burned Out: The Unspoken Crisis in Higher Ed

In this unique episode of the Pulse, hosts Mallory and Seth examine the pressing issues of burnout and self-care among higher education professionals. They share personal stories and insights on managing work-life integration, navigating professional pressures, and the importance of taking meaningful breaks. The conversation underscores the necessity of prioritizing wellness and self-care in the demanding world of higher education. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Mallory Willsea https://www.linke...

May 13, 202420 minEp. 204

Pulse Check: Learning from Leaders — Part 3

In this third part of our Pulse Check series on leadership in higher education, listeners will get an honest and candid understanding of something not talked about enough with future leaders – tough conversations. As someone who naturally wants to avoid conflict, Rebekah shares how she mentally prepares to have a tough conversation and how to begin these conversations with shared understanding. Finally, listeners will learn ways to continue the conversation over time to ensure that tough convers...

May 09, 202422 min

Are Graduate Programs Saving Universities?

Hosts Mallory and Seth explore the shifts in graduate education amidst the challenges of undergraduate enrollment pressures. As higher ed institutions pivot toward expanding graduate offerings, this conversation dives into the financial motives, the competitive landscape, and innovative strategies for attracting and retaining graduate students. Featuring insights from the NAGAP GEM Summit and perspectives from industry professionals, this episode is a must-listen for those involved in the strate...

May 06, 202418 minEp. 203

Pulse Check: Learning from Leaders — Part 2

In Part 2 of this Pulse Check series on leadership, emerging leaders can learn about creating culture and setting vision at our institutions as Dr. Gann shares practical experiences from his own background, discusses strategies for setting culture and talks about how interconnected systems impact our work. Whether you’re a new leader or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you in your work to set culture, build trust, and define the strategic vision of your institution. Guest Name: Dr. Matthew...

May 02, 202425 min

Live at NAGAP: A Young Professional's Journey Trailblazing a New Role in Graduate Recruitment

Lesley Mackey, a young professional stepping into a new graduate student recruiter role at Fort Hays State University, chats with the Pulse at the NAGAP Summit in Louisville. Fresh from his first trip to Hawaii, Les shares his journey as a new GEM professional, highlighting the unique challenges and breakthroughs of his new role in graduate recruitment. Key Takeaways Role Exploration: Les discusses the intricacies of stepping into a newly created role in graduate recruitment and the challenges o...

Apr 30, 20249 min
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