In this insightful episode, host Mallory chats live from the AMA Higher Education Symposium in Las Vegas with Nathan Ament, VP of Enrollment at Knox College. Together, they dive into the intersection of enrollment and marketing at small colleges, explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on student recruitment, and discuss innovative strategies for demonstrating the value of higher education to diverse stakeholders. From AI-driven student interactions to creative storytelling around edu...
Nov 22, 2024•16 min
In this episode of Reclaiming Free Speech, Democracy, and Discourse on Campus: A Post-2024 Election America , Dr. J. Cody Nielsen hosts Dr. Peter Levine, Associate Dean at Tufts University and an expert on civic democracy. Just days after the 2024 U.S. presidential election, they unpack the election’s implications for higher education, civic democracy, and the role of college campuses in fostering meaningful dialogue and civic engagement. Dr. Levine provides a compelling perspective on the inter...
Nov 21, 2024•24 min
In this episode live from the AMA Symposium, host Carrie sits down with Joe Master, Managing Director of Brand and Marketing Strategy at R.W. Jones Agency, to explore the nuances of branding in higher education. Joe shares insights from his journey in university marketing and communications, including lessons from brands like Lego and Crayola, and how their simple yet elegant approaches can inspire the sector. The conversation also delves into leadership strategies for advocating brand-first thi...
Nov 20, 2024•12 min
In this episode of the Higher Ed Pulse, live from AMA, Mallory sits down with Bob Rafferty, Partner and EVP at Simpson Scarborough, to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in higher education websites. Recorded live at the American Marketing Association (AMA) conference in Las Vegas, this conversation unpacks the evolving landscape of .edu websites, how AI is reshaping the user experience, and why universities need to embrace these changes to remain competitive in a tech-fo...
Nov 19, 2024•14 min
Did you miss the AI Engage Summit or want a second look? Watch every insightful discussion and discover strategies for transforming student engagement with AI. In this episode of The Higher Ed Pulse , co-hosts Seth and Mallory explore the evolving dynamics of higher education as we approach the end of 2024. With insights from recent events like the AMA Conference and AI Engage Summit, Seth unpacks his keynote on the state of the higher ed market, touching on declining demand, increasing supply, ...
Nov 18, 2024•27 min•Ep. 229
In this episode from the AMA Higher Ed Conference, Carrie Phillips interviews Kin Sejpal, who shares innovative strategies for building a brand with limited resources in higher education. Kin, a featured presenter, discusses her unbundled, resourceful approach to brand building and explores how institutions can achieve impactful results by testing ideas and leveraging existing tools. This conversation is packed with practical strategies for institutions facing budget constraints. Key Takeaways U...
Nov 14, 2024•10 min
Part 2: “A Long Way from Where We Need to Be” Episode Description: Only 12% of higher school graduating seniors are considered “proficient” in civics and political science Pluralism is not synchronism, and our educational systems need to lean into uncomfortable conversations Our work must turn to building knowledge around cultures and experiences of individuals Viewpoint neutrality versus viewpoint diversity is a critical aspect of what education must self-interrogate Guest Name: Ashley Rodgers ...
Nov 14, 2024•33 min
In this live episode from the American Marketing Association (AMA) conference in Las Vegas, Mallory sits down with Christian Ponce, AVP for Marketing at Old Dominion University. They discuss the powerful intersection of AI and KPI development in higher education marketing. Christian shares how AI tools like Elephant AI streamline KPI generation, offering marketers valuable insights and efficiency. This episode dives into the practical applications of AI for setting and tracking key performance i...
Nov 13, 2024•18 min
In this special episode of the Higher Ed Pulse podcast series, recorded live at the American Marketing Association (AMA) conference, Mallory Willsea speaks with Dan Giroux, AVP of Advancement Communications & Stewardship at Drexel University. With a focus on personalized engagement, operational efficiency, and AI-powered predictive analytics, Dan shares insights on leveraging technology to enhance advancement efforts and build meaningful relationships with donors. Key Takeaways AI’s Role in ...
Nov 12, 2024•14 min
In this episode, live from the American Marketing Association (AMA) Symposium in Las Vegas, Mallory dives into the insights shared by AMA co-chairs Teresa Valerio-Parrot, Principal of TVP Communications, and Stephen Jendraszak, AVP for Marketing at Emory University. They discuss the record-breaking attendance, the importance of community, and how higher ed marketing has evolved over the years to make a real impact. Key Takeaways The AMA Symposium hit a milestone this year, with nearly 1,800 atte...
Nov 11, 2024•17 min
In this milestone 40th episode of The Higher Ed Pulse , hosts Mallory and Seth take a reflective turn as they explore why they, and so many others, choose to stay and work in the higher education space. The duo unpacks their personal motivations and the deeper sense of purpose tied to higher ed’s mission. The episode covers personal experiences, family legacies, and the sense of impact they’ve found in the industry. Key Takeaways Higher education offers a unique sense of purpose and mission, pr...
Nov 11, 2024•19 min•Ep. 228
Part 1 - “Harm is about people” Welcome to Reclaiming Free Speech, Democracy, and Discourse on Campus a Post Election America. I’m Dr. J. Cody Nielsen . No matter the outcome, the 2024 election will set the stage for the next decade of higher education. In this Pulse Check series I’ll interview policy makers and practitioners to discuss their outlook on higher education, the ways in which we might reestablish higher education’s public trust, and what a post 2024 election will look like on campus...
Nov 07, 2024•34 min
Seth Odell and Mallory dive into a timely and thought-provoking discussion on building resilience as leaders in uncertain times. With Seth unable to attend the AMA conference due to family commitments, the conversation centers around navigating challenges, managing stress, and fostering resilience both personally and within teams. They explore the importance of self-awareness, prioritization, and psychological safety in the workplace. Key Takeaways Leadership is tough and often lonely, especiall...
Nov 04, 2024•22 min•Ep. 227
Part 3: Do 9th Graders Care About College Yet? In this episode of the High School to Higher Ed podcast, hosts Kevin and Emma Cavanagh explore the perspectives of ninth graders regarding college. They discuss the relevance of college messaging, the characteristics that matter to students, and how colleges can improve their communication strategies. Emma shares her thoughts on what colleges should focus on to engage students effectively, emphasizing the importance of social media and personalized ...
Oct 31, 2024•27 min
In this episode of The Higher Ed Pulse , hosts Seth and Mallory discuss the transformative role of AI in student recruitment and higher education. As the potential for AI continues to evolve, the duo explores the current state of AI in universities, sharing insights on personalization, staff efficiency, and the future of AI-driven communication. They touch on the challenges faced by institutions, including staff shortages and underpreparedness for AI adoption, and offer practical examples of AI ...
Oct 28, 2024•21 min•Ep. 226
In this episode, Kevin and Emma discuss the effectiveness of college marketing strategies from the perspective of a ninth grader. Emma shares her experiences with college communications, including mail and emails, and analyzes what works and what doesn't. They explore the reasons behind early outreach from colleges, the importance of engaging messaging, and the role of social media in shaping perceptions of higher education. The conversation highlights the disconnect between traditional marketin...
Oct 24, 2024•34 min
In this episode of The Higher Ed Pulse , hosts Seth and Mallory dive into the world of “Sprint Campaigns” in higher education marketing. Seth shares insights on how these fast-tracked, zero-budget campaigns are transforming marketing efforts at colleges and universities. By repurposing existing assets and using innovative strategies, institutions can improve performance in just 60 to 120 days without major new investments. Tune in to learn how to implement this cost-effective approach in your ow...
Oct 21, 2024•21 min•Ep. 225
High School to Higher Ed: A Father/Daughter Perspective - Part 1: First Impressions Matter: How 9th Graders View College In this debut episode of our new pulse check series 'High School to Higher Ed: A Father/Daughter Perspective', hosts Emma and Kevin Cavanagh explore the college admissions process from a ninth grader's perspective. They discuss the early outreach from colleges, the influence of friends and family, the role of school counselors, and various platforms like Naviance and Niche tha...
Oct 17, 2024•29 min
In this episode of The Higher Ed Pulse , co-hosts Seth and Mallory share their expert travel tips, just in time for the AMA Higher Ed Conference in Las Vegas. From where to eat, to how to maximize your hotel stay, they cover all the essentials for making your trip a success. The hosts also discuss the benefits of using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT for travel planning, while teasing an exciting upcoming virtual event, the AI Engage Summit. Key Takeaways Vegas travel tips: Go off-strip for unique...
Oct 14, 2024•21 min•Ep. 224
Heather Daniels, Executive Director of Admission at Colorado State, shares insights on how CSU has revolutionized its student search approach. By leveraging data analytics and strategic adjustments, the institution has effectively maximized resources and focused on building a strong inquiry pool that has led toward stronger enrollment. This episode explores the importance of questioning traditional methods, adopting a collaborative leadership approach, and prioritizing a human-centered approach ...
Oct 10, 2024•36 min
Register for Element Discovery Webinar Learn more about AI-Generative Site Search Hosts Mallory and Seth dive into the future of higher education website design, focusing on AI-powered site search as a game changer for recruitment. They discuss the evolution of user behavior in search and how institutions can harness AI to provide a more engaging, personalized experience for prospective students. This episode highlights the power of proactive search tools and their potential to increase student ...
Oct 07, 2024•23 min•Ep. 223
In this episode, Mallory Willsea speaks with Joshua Charles, Director of Web Strategy and Technology at Rutgers Business School, live from HighEdWeb. They discuss Joshua's session on advancing into senior leadership roles in higher ed, focusing on practical steps for career growth, team advancement, and personal development. If you're an aspiring leader looking for actionable strategies to take your career to the next level, this episode is packed with invaluable advice. Key Takeaways Build cros...
Oct 04, 2024•17 min
In Part 4 of this Pulse Check series, "The Future of Student Search: The Human Connection," Trent Gilbert and Dr. Alejandra Sosa Pieroni delve into the crucial role of human interaction in the future of Student Search. They argue that institutions must possess a deep understanding of their own unique qualities and values to effectively connect with prospective students. By tailoring their communication to meet the specific needs and preferences of their target audience, institutions can foster p...
Oct 03, 2024•34 min
In this episode recorded live at NACAC, Mallory sits down with Troy Singer, Digital Marketing Specialist at Ring Digital and co-host of the Higher Ed Marketer Podcast . As they wrap up their time at the NACAC conference, the conversation dives into Troy’s personal use of artificial intelligence (AI) for enhancing his happiness, confidence, and daily effectiveness. The discussion focuses on how AI can be integrated into both professional and personal life to improve productivity and streamline ta...
Oct 02, 2024•17 min
In this bonus episode of The Higher Ed Pulse recorded live at HighEdWeb 2024, Mallory Willsea sits down with Melanie Lindahl, Senior UX/Web Designer, Developer, and Project Manager at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. Together, they dive into Melanie’s career journey, the challenges of working in male-dominated spaces, and the importance of advocating for oneself in the workplace. They also reflect on the significance of creating inclusive environments, particularly within the hig...
Oct 01, 2024•12 min
Seth and Mallory explore the rising consumer confidence crisis in higher education. As more students and families question the value of a traditional college degree, higher ed institutions are faced with the challenge of proving their worth in an evolving marketplace. Key Takeaways: The consumer confidence crisis in higher ed is growing, with fewer Americans believing in the value of a college degree. Marketers must focus on program-level success stories to combat negative perceptions of the ove...
Sep 30, 2024•26 min•Ep. 222
In this bonus episode of Higher Ed Pulse live from NACAC, Mallory Willsea sits down with Adanna Smith, University Counselor at Wayne State University, to discuss pivotal legislative initiatives in Michigan aimed at increasing student access to education. They explore bills that address testing mandates, FAFSA requirements, and support for middle schoolers, all designed to break down barriers and enhance student opportunities in the state. Key Takeaways House Bills 4810 and 4811: These bills aim ...
Sep 27, 2024•12 min
Recorded live at NACAC in Los Angeles, this episode features Allison Lanier, Director of Client Engagement, discussing how AI is transforming brand building and content creation for institutions with lean resources. Allison shares insights on using AI tools like ChatGPT to support brand consistency, improve digital experiences, and optimize program pages. The conversation highlights AI's role in alleviating pressure on small teams and enhancing collaboration between marketing and admissions. Key...
Sep 27, 2024•15 min
In this special episode recorded live at NACAC, we chat with Derek Faasse, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Capital University, about the evolving pathways to leadership in higher education. As a presenter and planning committee member for next year's NACAC conference in Columbus, Derek shares insights on how aspiring leaders can navigate their careers, the challenges facing admissions professionals today, and the opportunities that come with leadership in higher education. Key Takeaways ...
Sep 27, 2024•10 min
The Future of Student Search Pulse Check Series is sponsored by Carnegie. When talking about the future of Student Search, you can’t go a day without talking about the impact of technology and AI. In this episode, Trent Gilbert, VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie, and Paul LeBlanc, Former President of Southern New Hampshire University, discuss how technology can be used to amplify and improve human connections and the impact of AI on the workforce. They discuss the ethical considerations...
Sep 26, 2024•37 min
