Filling Seats: The State of Enrollment Marketing in Higher Ed

StudentBridge
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Learn what's working to grow, shape, and sustain enrollment at colleges and universities, directly from fellow enrollment marketers, thought leaders, and edtech innovators.Listen in for proven strategies to fill seats this cycle and beyond.

  1. MAR 11

    Students + AI: What Enrollment Leaders Need to Know Now

    AI is rapidly reshaping how students search for, evaluate, and engage with colleges. But what does that actually mean for enrollment teams? In this episode of Filling Seats, host Jonathan Clues is joined by Mia Charette, Vice President of Marketing at Capture Higher Ed, to unpack insights from a recent study on student engagement and artificial intelligence. Together, they explore how AI is influencing the earliest stages of the college search, how student expectations around personalization and immediacy are evolving, and why institutions must rethink how they communicate in an AI-influenced discovery environment. You’ll hear discussion around: How students are beginning their college search with AI toolsWhy traditional search behavior is shiftingThe growing tension between automation and authenticityWhat enrollment teams should rethink about digital engagementWhere AI can help — and where human connection still matters mostIf you're thinking about the future of student engagement and enrollment strategy, this episode offers practical insight grounded in new research and real-world experience. Filling Seats is sponsored by StudentBridge. 🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge 💻 Schedule a meeting with our team 🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest

    26 min

  2. MAR 2

    Navigating the Sea of Sameness in Higher Education Marketing

    In a higher ed landscape where many institutions sound and look the same, standing out has never been more important — or more difficult. In this episode of Filling Seats, host Jonathan Clues sits down with Beth Wolfe, Vice President of Enrollment at the University of Charleston, for a candid conversation about institutional differentiation and what it really takes to cut through the noise. Beth shares how the University of Charleston is leaning into clarity, confidence, and student-centered storytelling to define a distinct identity in an increasingly crowded market. Together, they explore why so many colleges struggle with sameness, how institutional DNA should shape enrollment strategy, and why authenticity is becoming a true competitive advantage. You’ll hear discussion around: Why differentiation is one of higher ed’s biggest challenges right nowHow institutions can clarify what makes them truly uniqueThe risks of generic messaging and static experiencesThe role of storytelling and student outcomes in standing outHow enrollment leaders can align brand, experience, and expectationsIf you're thinking about how to define — or rediscover — what makes your institution different, this episode offers thoughtful perspective grounded in real-world enrollment leadership. Filling Seats is sponsored by StudentBridge — helping colleges and universities create meaningful digital experiences that drive enrollment. 🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge 💻 Schedule a meeting with our team 🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest

    44 min

  3. FEB 23

    Reducing Friction: Rethinking Student Engagement for a Modern Enrollment Journey

    Today’s students expect clarity, speed, and seamless experiences — and they’re far less tolerant of friction in the enrollment journey. In this episode of Filling Seats, Jonathan Clues is joined by Catie Clark from Niche to explore how institutions can modernize student engagement by removing unnecessary complexity and designing more intuitive pathways from discovery to enrollment. Together, they discuss how student expectations are evolving, why clarity and responsiveness are becoming competitive advantages, and where institutions unintentionally introduce friction — from slow follow-up to overly complex application steps. The conversation also explores the role of personalization, the balance between AI and authenticity, and why immersive storytelling and student-driven content are becoming essential for helping prospective students build confidence in their decisions. If you're thinking about how to simplify the student journey while strengthening connection and trust, this episode offers practical insight grounded in real-world experience. Filling Seats is sponsored by StudentBridge — helping colleges and universities create meaningful digital experiences that drive enrollment. 🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge 💻 Schedule a meeting with our team 🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest

    30 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    Episode 58: From Access to Success – How Strategic Enrollment Management and Partnerships are Transforming the First-Generation Student Experience

    🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge 💻 Schedule a meeting with our team 🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest

    40 min

  5. 12/16/2025

    Episode 57: Experience Is Everything-How Stout Brings Its Polytechnic Ethos Online

    🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge 💻 Schedule a meeting with our team 🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest

    49 min

  6. 09/09/2025

    Episode 56: Why Students Choose the Schools They Attend.

    On this episode of Filling Seats, host and StudentBridge CEO Jonathan Clues sits down with Dr. Luke Schultheis to explore the real reasons why students choose the schools they attend. From the role of gut instinct to the growing influence of AI in the enrollment process, they uncover what truly drives student decisions. The conversation emphasizes one undeniable truth: the most powerful voice for attracting new students is the authentic voice of current students. 🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge 💻 Schedule a meeting with our team 🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest

    44 min

  7. 09/02/2025

    Episode 55: How Colleges Can Turn Data Into Meaningful Success

    On this episode of Filling Seats, StudentBridge CEO Jonathan Clues sits down with Dr. Curt Merlau to unpack how colleges can transform raw data into meaningful student success. From shifting away from “data overload” to building actionable insights, Dr. Merlau highlights strategies that empower institutions to make smarter decisions, improve student outcomes, and drive measurable enrollment growth. ✅ Guest: Dr. Curt Merlau ✅ How to move from data overload to actionable insights ✅ Turning raw information into student success strategies ✅ Smarter decision-making through data-driven enrollment practices ✅ Practical steps colleges can take to boost outcomes and retention 🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge 💻 Schedule a meeting with our team 🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest

    35 min

  8. 03/27/2025

    Episode 54: Meeting Gen Z Where They Are – The Key to Effective Engagement with Marc Barron Co-founder and EVP @ CourseKey

    In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of technology and student success with Mark Barden of CourseKey. Mark shares how real-time data and automation are reshaping the student journey—from classroom engagement to retention strategies. Together, we dig into how Gen Z’s digital expectations are influencing everything from campus communication to academic behavior, and why modern institutions need to rethink their approach to personalization, nudges, and the student experience. 🎓 Learn more about StudentBridge 💻 Schedule a meeting with our team 🔗 Be a guest + connect with a guest

    38 min
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Learn what's working to grow, shape, and sustain enrollment at colleges and universities, directly from fellow enrollment marketers, thought leaders, and edtech innovators.Listen in for proven strategies to fill seats this cycle and beyond.

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