The Application with Allison Turcio

Allison Turcio
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Education
  • Weekly

The Application is your playbook for the ever-evolving world of higher education enrollment marketing. This podcast zeroes in on the niche, often-unexplored areas of the field, delivering a potent mix of actionable insights, practical strategies, and cutting-edge perspectives. Host Allison Turcio, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Siena College, tackles the topics others aren't – from empowering student influencers to harnessing AI. The Application is where uncharted territories in marketing get mapped out, designed to arm higher education enrollment marketers with tools to stay ahead of the curve. This podcast isn’t just about keeping pace with the market – it's about leading the charge. We're here to provoke thought, encourage innovation, and foster a community of forward-thinkers. Whether you're crafting your next campaign or redefining your institution’s marketing strategy, The Application is your essential resource for fresh, innovative approaches in higher education marketing. Get ready to be inspired, educated, and transformed with each episode. The Application is hosted by Allison Turcio and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

  1. 14h ago

    Ep. 108: Why Students Ignore Your Admissions Funnel (And What to Do Instead)

    For decades, higher education institutions have relied on the enrollment funnel to manage inquiries, applications, admits, and deposits. But what happens when the very process we spend millions optimizing no longer reflects how students actually choose a college? Host Allison Turcio sits down with Aimee Rose, brand strategist and 2019 AMA Higher Education Marketer of the Year, to challenge the foundational assumptions of the modern admissions playbook. Aimee breaks down why the admissions funnel in higher education has become an internal comfort metric that confuses management convenience with actual human decision-making. She explains that prospective students don’t move through linear pipelines; they formulate brand preferences quietly across peer circles and social platforms long before submitting an inquiry form. If your team is reevaluating recruitment ROI amid mounting demographic headwinds, this conversation provides a strategic roadmap for putting authentic human connection back at the core of your enrollment strategy. Join us as we discuss:  [2:18] Why the traditional admissions funnel is not reflective of the student preferences[9:37] Leveraging technology to help bring your school’s brand to life[16:53] Sustainable student growth through retention (why the deposit isn’t the finish line)[21:35] The greatest opportunities for enrollment teams to support relationship-centered marketingCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: An Ounce of Retention (ADV Market Research)To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. Oct 20

    Ep. 107: Indiana State’s Playbook for Double-Digit Growth

    Indiana State University welcomed its largest freshman class in six years while growing transfer and graduate enrollment by 13%. How? Christian Ponce, Executive Director of University Marketing at Indiana State University, joins us to break down the mindset behind their success: "Marketing doesn't support enrollment. Marketing is enrollment." Christian shares how Indiana State ditched higher-ed clichés for organic, outcome-driven student stories that address key audience fears around cost, career outcomes, and personal fit. Plus, he breaks down how to align campus leaders, bridge brand and performance marketing, and completely overhaul traditional recruitment collateral. Join us as we discuss:  [1:53] How Indiana State addressed anxieties around ROI and affordability[9:28] Why marketing and enrollment management should operate as twins under one roof[18:31] How to elevate brand pride through environmental graphics and campus presenceTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. Oct 6

    Ep. 106: Why Bethel University Uses a Job Guarantee in Higher Education to Drive Enrollment

    Students pursue higher education to launch successful careers, yet many institutions hesitate to tie their enrollment strategy directly to post-graduation job outcomes. Allison speaks with Paul McGinnis, VP of Marketing & Enrollment at Bethel University, to discuss the university's bold “Bethel Career Commitment.” Launched in September 2025, this initiative promises qualifying undergraduate students that they will secure a job offer or graduate school acceptance within six months of graduation, or Bethel will step in with free graduate credits or up to six months of temporary full-time employment at the university. Paul walks through how Bethel transformed a core institutional strength into an authentic enrollment driver, overcoming negative public perceptions surrounding higher ed ROI and transparent pricing. Join us as we discuss:  [1:45] How students qualify for the Bethel Student Commitment and what happens when it triggers[12:41] The program’s rollout and initial reactions from prospective students and families[19:53] Encouraging ROI in enrollment numbers and projecting the program’s futureCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: The Bethel Career CommitmentTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Sep 22

    Ep. 105: How Brandeis is Revolutionizing Cost Transparency

    What if prospective students could know the real sticker price of their school’s tuition before they even applied? In this episode, Allison talks with Jennifer Walker, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Brandeis University, and Alan Mlynek, Chief Product Officer at Noodle, about Faye, an AI-powered tuition agent designed to give prospective students a personalized estimate of their cost of attendance before they even apply or file a FAFSA. Jennifer and Alan share what it took to turn an idea that initially seemed impossible into a new approach to college cost transparency. They explore how Faye differs from traditional net price calculators, how AI can create a more personalized and conversational experience for families, and why the project required more than just innovative technology.  Join us as we discuss: [2:07] The cultural disruption behind Faye’s forward-thinking tech[12:23] How to turn tuition transparency into a student recruitment tool[19:05] Real stories around Faye’s early engagement and resultsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: FayeTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Sep 8

    Ep. 104: How Kennesaw State Built a 40-Student Influencer Team on a Shoestring Budget

    Traditional higher education advertising is losing its cutting edge, and prospective students are tuning out polished, corporate-sounding enrollment pitches. Allison sits down with Cinnamon Dowd, Director of Enrollment Services Marketing & Communications, and Emily Williams, Social Media Specialist at Kennesaw State University, to explain how to tap into the most authentic channel on your campus: your own students. Cinnamon and Emily reveal the inner workings of KSU’s highly successful, social media-based student brand ambassador program, which has scaled to a strategic team of 35 to 40 student content creators. Join us as we discuss: [2:11] Why social media is KSU’s primary recruiting ground for student ambassadors[7:38] Where schools should start planting seeds on-campus to grow an effective program[14:48] Providing clarity for student ambassador guidelines and professional development[29:24] Redefining the metrics for success in a student-centered ambassador experienceTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Aug 25

    Ep. 103: How to Design Student Experiences That Build Confidence

    Most colleges say they're personalizing the student experience, but what if they're just making their marketing more relevant? Nathan Monk, Co-founder at Prospectus Plus, argues that higher education has confused personalization with relevance. In this episode, he explores why that distinction matters and shares practical ideas for creating recruitment experiences that help prospective students navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives with confidence. Join us as we discuss:  [1:48] What behavioral science teaches us about helping students feel understood [13:58] Why trust gives engagement meaning and why it starts with your website [20:49] The missed opportunity after campus visits and recruitment events Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: eduWeb Summit To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Aug 11

    Ep. 102: Building a Transfer-Affirming Institution

    Transfer students represent one of the biggest enrollment opportunities in higher education, yet many institutions still treat them as an afterthought. In this episode, Allison sits down with Jaime Smith, author of The Complete Guide to College Transfer, to discuss what transfer students actually need from colleges and universities. Jaime explains why institutions should move beyond being merely "transfer-friendly" and instead strive to become transfer-affirming, creating experiences that support students from application through graduation. Join us as we discuss: [2:15] What criteria truly makes a college transfer-friendly [8:20] How transfer students evaluate colleges differently than first-year applicants [13:42] Messaging that resonates with prospective transfer students [19:02] The importance of transfer-specific communication Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: NACAC To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Jul 28

    Ep. 101: Why Strategy Should Come Before Tools

    Artificial intelligence is changing how higher education teams work, but successful AI adoption is about much more than choosing the right tools. In this episode, Allison sits down with Tina Miller,  Executive Director of Creative and Communications at Arizona State University's Enterprise Technology Division and founder of the AI Beacon Network. Tina shares how her team achieved 100% AI adoption, why most organizations approach AI implementation backwards, and what leaders can do to help their teams move from experimentation to meaningful adoption. Join us as we discuss:  [3:06] How ASU benchmarks their AI usage and how they achieved 100% adoption [9:11] Laying the foundation for ASU’s AI adoption framework [16:55] Higher ed leaders modeling their teams’ AI usage and behavior [21:57] Why schools must have an AI-forward mindset to remain competitive Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: AI Beacon Network EduWeb  The AI-Driven Leader by Jeff Woods  To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. Guest Name: Tina Miller, Executive Director of Creative and Communications, Arizona State University’s Enterprise Technology (IT) division Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinamiller3/ Guest Bio: Tina Miller is the Executive Director of Creative and Communications at Arizona State University’s Enterprise Technology (IT) division, where she leads a future-focused team shaping the role of AI in marketing, communications, and digital strategy. A passionate advocate for innovation and storytelling, Tina is also the founder of the AI Beacon Network, a global consortium of  175+ higher education institutions working together to build AI literacy, leadership, and community. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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The Application is your playbook for the ever-evolving world of higher education enrollment marketing. This podcast zeroes in on the niche, often-unexplored areas of the field, delivering a potent mix of actionable insights, practical strategies, and cutting-edge perspectives. Host Allison Turcio, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Siena College, tackles the topics others aren't – from empowering student influencers to harnessing AI. The Application is where uncharted territories in marketing get mapped out, designed to arm higher education enrollment marketers with tools to stay ahead of the curve. This podcast isn’t just about keeping pace with the market – it's about leading the charge. We're here to provoke thought, encourage innovation, and foster a community of forward-thinkers. Whether you're crafting your next campaign or redefining your institution’s marketing strategy, The Application is your essential resource for fresh, innovative approaches in higher education marketing. Get ready to be inspired, educated, and transformed with each episode. The Application is hosted by Allison Turcio and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

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