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. Jul 23

    Ep. 71: How ECU Built a Collaborative Communications Team Across Campus

    Jenny Li Fowler welcomes Jessica VanderKolk, a Public Communications Specialist at East Carolina University. The conversation centers on ECU’s innovative communications department structure, which utilizes a liaison model. Rather than being siloed in a central office, communicators are embedded directly within the colleges they cover. Jessica explains how this geographical proximity fosters deep collaboration, allowing for stronger relationships with faculty and staff and creating an environment where teams share resources rather than acting territorially. Guest Name:Jessica VanderKolk, public communications specialist at East Carolina University Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Jessica VanderKolk is an award-winning communicator with over two decades of experience spanning newspaper journalism, local government, and higher education. As a public communications specialist at East Carolina University, she crafts compelling stories, manages social media strategy, and drives daily communications for the ECU College of Fine Arts and Communication. Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University and is currently pursuing her master’s in strategic communication at ECU. Actively involved in the professional community, she is a member of or volunteers with several government and communications organizations, including the Government Social Media Association. She is a fierce advocate for communication accessibility, transparency, and the non-negotiable use of the Oxford comma. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys life with her spouse, her super-cool teenage son, and their pittie mix. Her favorite ways to unwind include reading, running, enjoying great food, watching “Taskmaster,” and relaxing with a color-by-numbers app. - - - -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.

  2. Jul 9

    Ep. 70: Thinking Like a Viewer: YouTube Lessons from MIT

    Jenny sits down with Melanie Gonick, the senior video producer at MIT. Having managed MIT's YouTube channel since 2008, Melanie provides a unique historical perspective on the platform’s evolution from an early repository of raw video into the powerful search and entertainment engine it is today. Melanie shares actionable strategies for capturing viewer attention, emphasizing that successful production starts with thoughtful titles, optimized metadata, and eye-catching thumbnails. She highlights the importance of playlists as a tool for community building and content amplification, noting how they help organize vast academic archives into digestible experiences for the audience. Guest Name: Melanie Gonick, Senior Video Producer, MIT Guest Socials:LinkedInInstagram Guest Bio: Melanie Gonick is the Senior Video Producer and Editor at MIT, where she has been helping tell the stories of the Institute’s people and research since 2008. She specializes in translating complex science and engineering into compelling, accessible videos that connect with broad audiences, finding the human stories behind groundbreaking discoveries. A lifelong North Shore resident, Melanie grew up in a beach town along the Massachusetts coast and now lives on the North Shore with her husband and son. When she’s not behind the camera or in the editing suite, she’s inspired by the challenge of helping people better understand the world through thoughtful visual storytelling. - - - -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.

  3. Jun 25

    Ep. 69: Authenticity at Scale: The University of Iowa Content Model

    In this episode, Shuchita Poddar discusses her experience managing three distinct student content teams at the University of Iowa and reveals how her team successfully leverages authentic, student-driven content to engage prospective students. Guest Name: Shuchita Poddar, Communications Specialist in the University of Iowa's Office of Admissions Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Shuchita Poddar is a Communications Specialist in the University of Iowa's Office of Admissions, where she manages three student teams across video production, marketing, and a volunteer blogger program. She approaches social media less like a content calendar and more like an anthropologist — deeply curious about why students behave the way they do online, what they actually respond to, and what makes them feel seen. That obsession with understanding people over platforms is what drives her student-first philosophy, and it shows up in everything she creates. If the content doesn't resonate with a real student, it doesn't go up. Experience Iowa Bloggers: https://blog.admissions.uiowa.edu/ Admit Video: https://your.admissions.uiowa.edu/?first=Shuchita&last=Poddar&home=Gurgaon,HR Iowa’s  student-produced videos: https://www.youtube.com/@IowaAdmissions/videos - - - -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.

  4. Jun 11

    Ep. 68: Higher Ed Conferences: What You Should Know Before You Go

    Higher ed professionals have more conference options than ever before—but with limited budgets, packed calendars, and countless acronyms to navigate, how do you know which events are actually worth your time? On this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager, host Jenny Li Fowler welcomes back Dr. Josie Ahlquist, higher education consultant, researcher, and longtime conference enthusiast, for a practical conversation about making the most of professional conferences. Together, they unpack the differences between major higher ed gatherings like AMA, NASPA, CASE, NACAC, and emerging niche events, while sharing strategies for maximizing learning, networking, and career growth. From choosing the right conference for your goals to defining your own "Return on Conference Attendance" (ROCCA), this episode offers actionable advice for both first-time attendees and seasoned conference veterans. Guest Name: Dr. Josie Ahlquist, CEO and principal of Dr. Josie Ahlquist Inc. Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Dr. Josie Ahlquist guides educational leaders, organizations, and students to practice purposeful digital leadership through speaking, coaching, and consulting. Her practical, evidence-based frameworks empower clients to build and implement a digital engagement strategy that fits their life, audience, and purpose. Josie’s work is grounded in the grant-funded and award-winning research that has allowed her to train thousands around the globe as a speaker; provide consulting services to institutions and companies; and coach professionals in branding, voice, and positioning. Josie 's work has appeared in The Handbook of Student Affairs Administration, The Journal of Leadership Studies, NASPA Leadership Exchange, Technology and Higher Education, and Contested Issues in Troubled Times: Student Affairs Dialogues on Equity, Civility, and Safety (Stylus Publishing, 2019). She also served as co-editor and author of the New Directions in Student Services volume Engaging the Digital Generation and the New Directions in Student Leadership volume Going Digital in Student Leadership. In 2023, Dr. Ahlquist was selected as a NASPA Pillar of the Profession, one of the highest honors for the field of student affairs. Josie is a three-time LinkedIn Top Voice in Education has been recognized by Ed Tech Magazine as one of the “Top 50 Must-Read Higher Education Technology Blogs” for five years. Her podcast, Josie and The Podcast, has been featured by The Chronicle of Higher Education and Inside Higher Ed. Her new book, Digital Leadership in Higher Education: Purposeful Social Media in a Connected World was listed as an Amazon #1 new release for college and university student life. Josie received her EdD in higher education leadership from California Lutheran University, an MEd in counseling from Northern Arizona University, and a BA in sociology and human development and family studies from South Dakota State University. Prior to her independent path, Josie spent nearly 15 years on college campuses in areas of student leadership, student activities, residence life, and student affairs communications and marketing. She previous served as a research associate and instructor at Florida State University Leadership Learning Research Center, where her curriculum builds digital literacy and leadership skills for undergraduates to doctoral students. For more information about Josie Ahlquist’s research, speaking, coaching, and consulting, visit  www.josieahlquist.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.

  5. May 28

    Ep. 67: The Secret to More Engaging Content? Start by Listening

    On this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager, host Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Aubrey Ugorowski, communications specialist for the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, to unpack how social listening can completely reshape a higher ed content strategy. Working as a communications team of one, Aubrey shares how she balances social media alongside donor communications, email campaigns, and other responsibilities while still building a consistent, audience-focused presence online. Guest Name: Aubrey Ugorowski, Communications Specialist, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Department of Materials Science and Engineering Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Aubrey Ugorowski is a communications specialist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she supports digital strategy and storytelling for the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. She began her career as a sound engineer and production lead before pivoting during the pandemic and finding a home in higher education. Today, she draws on her multimedia background to create clear, accessible content that strengthens the department's digital presence. - - - -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.

  6. May 14

    Ep. 66: Remember When Social Media Was Actually Social?

    Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Erica Colaianne, Director of Content Strategy and Audience Development at the University of Michigan, and Kellen Manning, Director of Digital and Social Media Content at Penn State University, for an honest conversation about how social media in higher education has evolved over the last decade. From the early days of Twitter and live tweeting to today’s algorithm-driven, entertainment-focused landscape, the trio reflects on what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what higher ed marketers need to rethink moving forward. This episode is packed with practical insights for enrollment marketers, higher education content marketing professionals, and social strategists navigating today’s increasingly fragmented digital ecosystem. The conversation explores platform evolution, social listening, audience engagement, crisis communications, and the growing role of social media in institutional strategy. Guest Names: Kellen Manning, Director of Digital and Social Media Content  Erica Colaianne, Director of Social Media, University of Michigan Guest Socials:  Kellen: LinkedIn  Erica: LinkedIn Guest Bios:   Kellen: As director of digital and social media content, Kellen builds, executes and oversees the University’s earned digital social strategy and content channels such as @penn_state, @psuresearch, @nittanylion, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. He uses digital storytelling to establish a meaningful connection between the University brand and its core audiences by highlighting research from across Penn State, serving as a sounding board and counselor for communicators across the Commonwealth, engaging with communities through social channels, and establishing strategies that are tied to key presidential priorities. Before joining Penn State, Kellen worked as the assistant director of communications for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s admissions office. In this role, he built a deep bench of student creators who developed content ranging from emails/newsletters, webtoons, animated videos, vlogs, discord servers, print pieces, social media campaigns, Spotify playlists, and various other initiatives with a strong focus on amplifying the voices and talents of the MIT community. Over the course of his career, Kellen has worked in communications for admissions, athletics, alumni, student life, and undergraduate relations. Kellen holds a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication, with a concentration on public relations from Point Park University. Erica: Erica Colaianne is the Director of Content Strategy and Audience Development at the University of Michigan where she spearheads the content strategy for the University of Michigan portfolio of digital platforms. Erica leads the university’s social media team that creates dynamic and engaging content for audiences of more than 2.9 million. She fosters a collaborative environment that demonstrates the impact of the institution and tells the stories of Wolverines’ experiences through authentic approaches. She previously worked in communications and marketing at Wayne State University and prior to joining the higher education community she led communications and marketing efforts for a range of organizations including healthcare, media companies and nonprofits. She has degrees from Wayne State University and Eastern Michigan 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.

  7. Apr 30

    Ep. 65: How the Comments Became the Main Character

    This episode featuring Carissa Estreller explores a powerful shift in higher education content marketing: the rise of the comment section as a strategic asset. What used to be an afterthought is now a core driver of engagement, insight, and even content ideation. Carissa introduces the concept of a “comment strategy” and explains why social media managers—especially in higher ed—can no longer afford to ignore it. If you're thinking about leveling up your enrollment marketing approach, this episode offers a fresh, data-informed perspective. Guest Name: Carissa Estreller, Digital Culturalist, Founder of Hook and Anchor Media Guest Socials: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cestreller/ Substack: https://digitalculturist.substack.com/ Guest Bio: Hi, I'm Carissa Estreller. I'm a digital culturist, and I study the internet so brands can sleep at night. - - - -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.

  8. Apr 16

    Ep. 64: How Northeastern Turned a Commencement Announcement Into a Moment

    Instagram Reel Guest Name: Cam Sleeper, Senior. Social Media Video Producer, Northeastern University Guest Socials:LinkedInInstagram  Guest Bio:  Cam Sleeper is an award-winning Senior Social Media Video Producer for Northeastern University. Over six years, he has built the university’s TikTok presence from the ground up and produced platform-spanning content whose videos have earned tens of millions of engagements. Sleeper has been at Northeastern since 2019, where he also earned his M.S. in Arts Administration, after receiving a B.A. in Visual Media Arts from Emerson College. He is the proud caretaker of more than 30 houseplants. - - - -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.

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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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