Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager

Jenny Li Fowler
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Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Manager returns with new host Jenny Li Fowler! Tune in for the do’s, don’ts, and dynamics of the complex and challenging social media ecosystem. We’ll analyze the successes and failures of those in the higher education social space — what went right, what went wrong, and what are the lessons learned — with actionable steps and takeaways for your team. Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is hosted by Jenny Li Fowler and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep. 60: The Career Path Social Media Managers Don’t Know Exists (yet)

    Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Rachael Hagerstrom of the University of Massachusetts Amherst to explore an often-overlooked yet critical area of institutional communications: issues management. In this conversation, Rachael shares how her journalism and social media background uniquely prepared her for a role focused on monitoring, anticipating, and mitigating potential reputation threats before they escalate. This episode is a must-listen for any higher ed communications pro wondering what’s next in their career. Guest Name: Rachael Hagerstrom, Director for Strategic Communications, University of Massachusetts Amherst Guest Social: LInkedIn Guest Bio: Rachael Hagerstrom is the director for strategic communications at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Over a decade in social media management—including at Smith College and Amherst College— she created multiple award-winning campaigns, served on national social media boards, and provided research and counsel to senior leaders on emerging issues. At UMass, she works on helping the university team future forecast by staying on top of trends and news in the social media landscape. Rachael has also co-authored a travel guide to Nicaragua and once worked as a reporter at the Daily Hampshire Gazette and Watertown Daily Times. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jenny Li Fowlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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.

    28 min

  2. FEB 5

    Ep. 59: What Higher Ed Gets Wrong About Podcast Promotion

    Jenny Li Fowler sits down with podcast strategist and former Enrollify team member Erin Fields to dive deep into how to successfully promote a podcast within the higher ed landscape. They unpack why podcasting isn’t just a trendy add-on—it’s a full-fledged marketing channel that demands strategy, consistency, and creativity. From turning podcast episodes into content engines to nailing promotion without a budget, this episode is packed with practical tips for higher ed marketers looking to elevate their podcasting game. Guest Name: Erin Fields, Marketing Director at Ologie Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Erin Fields is the Marketing Director at Ologie, the branding and marketing agency for organizations with missions that matter, where she helps lead the agency’s content marketing and social media strategies. She started her career in graduate admissions at West Virginia University, before moving into edtech at Element451, where she helped manage content for more than 15 shows on the Enrollify Podcast Network. Erin is a proud graduate of Marshall University and West Virginia University. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jenny Li Fowlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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.

    29 min

  3. JAN 22

    Ep. 58: The Burnout Problem in Social Media

    Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Maree Jones, Director of Social Media Strategy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to dive into a topic that's all too familiar for social pros — burnout. In this powerful conversation, Maree shares her personal experiences, how burnout manifests for social media professionals, and what institutions can do to foster healthier workplace cultures. If you’re managing digital engagement in higher ed, this is a must-listen episode that blends empathy with actionable advice. Guest Name: Maree Jones, the Director of social media strategy at University of Alabama Birmingham Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Maree Jones wears many hats: social media strategist, digital content writer and thought leader, sought-after speaker and emcee, and more. With more than 15 years of experience in the ever-evolving world of digital communication, she now serves as the Director of Social Media Strategy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the largest employer in the state of Alabama and a powerhouse research institution. Her guiding mantra, “Digital relationships are real relationships,” is the foundation of her work and leadership. Throughout her career, Maree has shaped the online presence of national and global brands across industries, including higher education and technology, healthcare, and consumer products. It’s safe to say you’ve seen her award-winning work online without even realizing it. When she’s not leading UAB’s social media ecosystem or speaking to audiences about digital culture, this Birmingham, Alabama native is a wife, mom, pet mom, and nonprofit advocate. Learn more at mareejones.com. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jenny Li Fowlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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.

    23 min

  4. JAN 8

    Ep. 57: Making the Case: The Data That Helped Dartmouth Expand Its Social Team

    In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager, Erin Supinka, Associate Director of Digital Engagement at Dartmouth College, shares the behind-the-scenes story of how she scaled Dartmouth’s social media team from a party of one to a high-performing team of four. Erin unpacks the practical steps, persistent challenges, and powerful advocacy it took to build a team that’s reshaping what digital engagement looks like in higher ed. Whether you’re a social media manager dreaming of more support or a leader wondering how to justify additional investment in social, this episode is your blueprint. Guest Name: Erin Supinka, Director of Digital Engagement, Dartmouth College Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Erin Supinka is the Director of Digital Engagement at Dartmouth College. Erin oversees Dartmouth’s social media presence, shaping its voice, strategy, and community engagement across platforms.   Erin has developed a reputation for using data-driven insights to drive meaningful engagement and to transform institutional social programs. When she joined Dartmouth, she rebooted the school’s social strategy and introduced tools and workflows that significantly increased engagement across the college’s channels.   Erin believes in social media as a tool for community building not just content distribution. She emphasizes responsiveness, collaboration across campus offices, and the importance of listening to and supporting the campus community online. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jenny Li Fowlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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.

    35 min

  5. 12/25/2025

    Ep. 56: Jon-Stephen Stansel Answers Your Social Media Questions

    In Episode 56 of Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager, host Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Jon-Stephen Stansel — seasoned social media strategist and author of The 10 Principles of Effective Social Media Marketing. Jon shares his journey from burned-out higher ed manager to freelance success, offering up survival strategies, productivity hacks, and hot takes on AI, memes, and the myth of “posting at the right time.” This is a must-listen episode for any social media manager balancing creativity with chaos. Guest Name: Jon-Stephen Stansel, Social media consultant and author of The 10 Principles of Effective Social Media Marketing Guest Socials:  LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Website Guest Bio: Jon-Stephen Stansel is an award-winning social media professional with over a decade of experience managing, building, and creating content for brand social media accounts. He has run social media accounts for Amazon Prime's Invincible animated series, Hyper RPG, Better Place Forests, the University of Central Arkansas, Texas State University, the Texas Department of Transportation, as well as consulting for many television series, films, and small businesses. As Director of Social Media for Chaotic Good Studios, Jon-Stephen worked on social media strategy and content for AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER and Amazon Prime Video’s LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER among several other major entertainment franchises. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jenny Li Fowlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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.

    42 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    Ep. 55: Maximizing Instagram Stories in Higher Ed

    Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Rochelle Reed, Social Media Manager at James Madison University (JMU), to unpack how Instagram Stories evolved from an overlooked feature into a strategic powerhouse for campus engagement. Rochelle shares how JMU has built a data-driven Instagram Stories strategy that prioritizes interaction, authenticity, and smart storytelling. This episode is a goldmine for anyone serious about leveling up their social content game. Guest Name: Rochelle Reed, Social Media Manager, James Madison University Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Rochelle Reed is the social media manager at James Madison University, where she works with students and campus partners to elevate JMU stories and connect with the JMU community.  Rochelle is a proud alum of JMU and is honored to steward the growth of JMU's social media presence. With a decade of social media experience, most in higher education, Rochelle leads a community of practice for social media at JMU and provides guidance and support to campus partners across JMU. Her experience as a certified community manager allows her to navigate the flexible and dynamic landscape of social media and community management while ensuring JMU’s online communities thrive and grow. Previously, Rochelle worked at Lehigh University, where she worked on the institutional and admissions social media accounts. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jenny Li Fowlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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.

    35 min

  7. 11/27/2025

    Ep. 54: The Making of the RivalIQ + Quid list of top performing schools on social media

    Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Matt Gerrish from Quid to uncover how the Rival IQ + Quid 2024 Higher Education Social Media Engagement Report comes to life. From understanding what drives rankings to exploring why some schools dominate year after year, Matt gives listeners a peek behind the data curtain. This episode is packed with insights on engagement strategy, platform prioritization, and content tactics that lead to top-tier social media performance. If you're wondering how your institution can climb the rankings—or even make the list—this episode is a must-listen. 2024 Higher Ed Social Media Engagement Report Guest Name: Matt Gerrish is an Outcomes Engineer & Strategist at Quid Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Matt Gerrish is an Outcomes Engineer & Strategist at Quid, where he has been helping customers uncover data-driven insights across Quid products (including Rival IQ) for nearly three years. Prior to that, Matt worked as a social media manager in higher education for 10 years, leading social media efforts at Utah State University and Weber State University, propelling USU to Top 5 rankings on Rival IQ's Higher Education Social Media Engagement Report for three straight years. Matt then made the jump to Quid, and enjoys helping with the creation of the same annual report he looked forward to reading every year. Matt has also served as a social media consultant for various education and sports-related organizations in Utah, including the Utah High School Activities association, the Utah School Boards Association, and the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games. Matt earned a master’s degree in Professional Communication, and previously worked as a journalist for four years before transitioning to higher-ed. Matt has also served as an adjunct professor in Weber State University’s Department of Communication, teaching classes on new media, social media campaigns, and interpersonal & small group communications. He currently lives in Roy, Utah, with his wife, Jen, and his two sons, ages 12 and 9. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jenny Li Fowlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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.

    31 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Ep. 53: How University of Montana Found Its Social Voice

    Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Emma Dorman, the first-ever social media manager at the University of Montana, to explore what it takes to build a university’s digital personality from the ground up. In this vibrant conversation, Emma shares how embracing the unique culture, lifestyle, and geography of Montana has become the secret sauce behind their skyrocketing engagement and retention rates. From bear alerts to lumberjack balls, this episode unpacks why leaning into your institution’s quirks might just be the best social strategy you haven’t tried yet. Related Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPAM3axkSB3/ Guest Name: Emma Dorman, Social Media Manager at the University of Montana Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Emma Dorman is the Social Media Manager at the University of Montana where she's amplifying the Grizzly voice across all the flagship's main accounts and the admissions-centered accounts, as well as running her social coaching program for campus. Before Emma, the Umontana social media duties were split amongst everyone in the marketing department! In three years, Emma has doubled UM's engagement rates and follower counts. Before working at UM, she was a student there, where she received her degree in Communication while working several social media internships. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jenny Li Fowlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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.

    25 min
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Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Manager returns with new host Jenny Li Fowler! Tune in for the do’s, don’ts, and dynamics of the complex and challenging social media ecosystem. We’ll analyze the successes and failures of those in the higher education social space — what went right, what went wrong, and what are the lessons learned — with actionable steps and takeaways for your team. Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is hosted by Jenny Li Fowler and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

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