Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt

Enrollify

Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is like a conference in a podcast, offering a blend of professional wisdom, innovative ideas, and personal anecdotes. Whether you're a higher ed marketer, a faculty member curious about the behind-the-scenes of university branding, or just someone with an interest in the intersection of education and marketing, the podcast is your gateway to the lesser-known narratives of higher education. In each episode, host Jaime Hunt engages in candid and insightful conversations with leading minds in the field, exploring not just the nuts and bolts of marketing, but also the diverse and often unexpected challenges and stories that define higher education marketing. Our guests, a mix of seasoned CMOs, innovative thinkers, and key influencers in the higher ed sector, don't just share their professional triumphs; they open up about their personal journeys and share their candid insights.. The podcast goes beyond the conventional, bringing to light the real stories behind campus campaigns, the evolving nature of student engagement, and the creative challenges in this unique field. With a host renowned for establishing a warm and engaging rapport, each episode feels less like an interview and more like a conversation between old friends. The discussions are not only thoughtful and informative but sprinkled with moments of humor and fun, capturing the essence of what it's like to navigate the complex world of higher education marketing. Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is hosted by Jaime Hunt and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

  1. -3 ДН.

    Ep. 86: Data Without the Drama: Practical Tips for Higher Ed Marketers

    Jaime Hunt welcomes back data strategist and higher ed consultant Joshua Dodson for a candid and practical discussion on data analytics in higher education. From redefining what makes data “good” to debunking common misinterpretations in marketing reports, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better leverage data for enrollment and institutional strategy. The duo also explores the democratizing power of AI in data analysis, offering actionable tips on how even resource-constrained teams can get smarter with their data starting today. Guest Name: Joshua Dodson, CEO and consultant at Honed Consulting Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuadodson/ Guest Bio: Joshua Dodson is a strategic marketing leader who knows higher education inside and out. With nearly 20 years of experience, he brings a unique perspective from working both inside institutions and as an outside consultant helping universities transform their marketing approach. Joshua's career spans roles as an instructor, university AVP of digital marketing, web analytics strategist, and former Vice President of Marketing & Innovation at VisionPoint, where he led integrated marketing and web teams. He's known for consistently anticipating market trends, building consensus, and delivering measurable ROI on every project. His track record speaks for itself—Joshua has helped modernize enrollment and marketing programs at major institutions including Bentley University, where his work generated the most marketing-generated leads in the university's history, plus Southern New Hampshire University, Eastern Kentucky University, and Lincoln Memorial University. Beyond consulting, Joshua is a passionate educator and sought-after speaker who has delivered keynotes at national higher education marketing conferences and taught over 500 students as a faculty member with HigherEdExperts. He continues sharing his expertise through Dodson Academy (https://dodsonacademy.com), where he teaches professional development classes in marketing mix modeling, SEO, web analytics, and strategic marketing planning. As CEO and consultant at Honed Consulting (https://honed.agency), Joshua works across multiple industries but specializes in higher education and non-profit marketing, helping organizations strengthen their performance marketing capabilities. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMC About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

    53 мин.
  2. 15 АВГ.

    Ep. 85: Authenticity First: A Case for More Student-Generated Content

    Jaime welcomes Camryn Simpson and Blake Mischley of MeetYourClass to break down insights from their newly released 2025 College Decision Playbook. The conversation dives deep into the shifting priorities of Gen Z students—from major-first decision-making to the critical importance of digital campus "vibes." If you're crafting a marketing strategy for student recruitment or aiming to improve yield, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. The 2025 College Decision Playbook: https://colleges.meetyourclass.com/resources/2025-college-decision-playbook Guest Names:  Blake Mischley, Co-founder and CEO, MeetYourClass Camryn Simpson, Head of Community, MeetYourClass Guest Social:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/camryn-simpson-1a9739194/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-mischley/ Guest Bio: Blake Mischley is the Co-Founder and CEO of MeetYourClass, a platform helping students build community from application through move-in. A recent graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Computer Science, Blake has been building in the social media space since middle school—first through content creation and later by working with top digital creators. He launched MeetYourClass while still in college after recognizing a disconnect between how students engage on platforms like Instagram and other popular social media platforms and the tools available to enrollment teams that meet students where they are. Today, MeetYourClass has grown to over 600,000 students and 20+ university partners, driven entirely by organic student adoption. Camryn Simpson is the Head of Community at MeetYourClass, where she leads marketing, community strategy, and partner engagement across a growing network of higher education institutions. As the company’s first employee, she’s helped shape both sides of the platform—building authentic peer-to-peer communities that students want to join, while supporting institutional partners in tracking connections and community growth, and embedding social communities more naturally into their enrollment strategies. Camryn graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2022 with a degree in Marketing. Prior to joining MeetYourClass, she built her marketing and community expertise through roles at companies like American Eagle Outfitters and Bumble—gaining hands-on experience creating authentic connections and engaging modern audiences. She’s passionate about designing student experiences that feel personal and relevant, and bringing more empathy, transparency, and creativity into higher education marketing.  - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMC About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

    34 мин.
  3. 1 АВГ.

    Ep. 84: Skeptics Welcome: A Practical Path to Purposeful AI Adoption

    In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Nikki Ferrell, Associate Director of Online Enrollment Marketing and Communications at Miami University, to explore how higher education institutions can adopt AI ethically and intentionally. They reflect on past tech disruptions—like the chaotic rollout of university websites and social media—and offer strategies to prevent similar pitfalls with AI. Nikki shares how Miami University is proactively building a responsible, inclusive AI implementation framework grounded in transparency and ongoing education. Whether you're just starting to think about AI or already experimenting with tools, this episode is packed with practical advice. Guest Name: Nikki Ferrell, Associate Director of Online Enrollment Marketing and Communications at Miami University Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nferrell/ Guest Bio: Nikki Ferrell is the Associate Director of Online Enrollment Marketing and Communications at Miami University, where she chairs a cross-departmental AI Steering Committee focused on research, policy, principles, and education. Inspired by her graduate work in composition and rhetoric, she champions ethical, transparent, and inclusive AI adoption across teams by fostering open dialogue, thoughtful experimentation, and ongoing learning. Nikki’s current focus is expanding staff training and educational resources to ensure Miami’s marketing practices evolve responsibly alongside the technology. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMC About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

    47 мин.
  4. 18 ИЮЛ.

    Ep. 83: More Than a Plus-One: Understanding Today’s College Parents

    In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Jeff Kallay, Senior Vice President of Enrollment Consulting at Echo Delta, to explore the often-overlooked role of parents in the college search and decision-making process. With experience consulting on over 300 college campuses, Jeff brings a unique and data-informed perspective on how institutions can better engage parents, families, and caregivers—not just during campus visits but throughout the student lifecycle. Tune in for a provocative conversation filled with actionable insights and storytelling that will change the way you think about parent engagement in higher ed. Guest Name: Jeff Kallay, Senior VP of Enrollment Consulting, Echo Delta Guest Bio: Jeff Kallay is a nationally respected authority on campus visit experiences and student recruitment. Over the course of his career, he has worked with more than 300 college and university campuses across the country to create compelling visit experiences—the kind of experiences that align with strategic enrollment goals while also forging strong connections with best-fit students and their families.  Jeff graduated from Lee College with a Bachelor of Science in 1986. Now, as Senior Vice President of Enrollment Consulting at Echo Delta, Jeff serves as an on-campus advisor and training facilitator, providing analysis, insights, and generational research to help our clients showcase themselves with authenticity and transparency. Outside of his agency responsibilities, Jeff remains an active thought leader in the higher education space and regularly commands speaking engagements at workshops and conferences nationwide. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMC About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

    40 мин.
  5. 4 ИЮЛ.

    Ep. 82: From the Sidelines to the C-Suite: Navigating Your Next Move

    In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Mike Morris, Partner at the Ward Group, a leading executive search firm specializing in marketing and communications leadership roles. Together, they unpack how higher education marketers can position themselves for VP- and CMO-level roles—and how to build relationships with search firms that actually lead to job offers. This insightful conversation covers what presidents often misunderstand about the CMO role, how to craft a compelling resume, and why emotional intelligence may matter more than your title. Guest Name: Mike Morris, Director, The Ward Group Guest Bio: Throughout Mike’s time at The Ward Group—a retained executive search firm that specializes functionally in marketing and communications leadership roles—he has focused primarily in the firm’s higher education portfolio. Working with presidents and search committees, from public research universities to liberal arts colleges and beyond, Mike brings a breadth of experience and insight to institutional partners across the country. Previously, Mike spent over a decade in higher education, namely college athletics recruiting. Working at schools such as Boston College, Harvard University, and Dartmouth College, he was heavily involved in the recruitment of prospective football student-athletes. In both college athletics and executive search, success is “all about the people.” Mike’s additional experience at TWG includes recruiting marketing and communications leaders for clients nationwide in categories like healthcare, financial services, and health tech.  For him, the natural synergy created by understanding clients’ values beyond the job description and getting to know candidates beyond the resume is the ultimate payoff. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMC About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

    41 мин.
  6. 6 ИЮН.

    Ep. 80: Proving the Promise: Reframing the Value of College with Maniacal Transparency

    Jaime Hunt welcomes Dale Leatherwood, Chief Marketing Officer at Columbia Southern University, to explore one of the most pressing issues in higher ed today: the public’s shifting perception of the value of a college degree. Together, they dig into the real drivers behind skepticism—not the return, but the investment—and unpack how institutions can better align academic offerings, improve cost transparency, and reclaim the narrative around higher ed's true impact. Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees and certificates. Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth. Guest Name: Dale Leatherwood, Chief Marketing Officer, Columbia Southern University Guest Social: linkedin.com/in/daleleatherwood Guest Bio: Dale Leatherwood is the Chief Marketing Officer for Columbia Southern University, and is in his 27th year of marketing and executive experience in training and higher education. Prior to joining Columbia Southern University, Dale was the vice president of brand, public relations and communications for American Public Education and was VP of marketing for Rasmussen University before its acquisition by APEI. During his extensive career, Dale has been a marketing executive for both colleges and higher-education focused marketing agencies, and has developed and led two online college campuses. In addition, he has served as a consultant with several universities on marketing and distance-learning initiatives while co-founding an education concierge firm serving working professionals seeking an online degree. Dale earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Coker University and an MBA with a marketing concentration from Regis University. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMC About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

    52 мин.
  7. 23 МАЯ

    Ep. 79: {First Name} is Not Personalization: Leveraging aI to Improve the Student Lifecycle

    In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Collegis Education’s Dan Antonson to unpack how artificial intelligence is transforming the entire student lifecycle—from initial inquiry to post-graduation. The conversation dives deep into how AI is enabling smarter personalization, unlocking insights from previously untapped data, and helping institutions move beyond guesswork to strategic student support. Whether you’re grappling with summer melt or thinking about AI ethics in higher ed, this one’s worth a listen. Guest Name: Dan Antonson, Associate Vice President of Analytics & Technology Solutions, Collegis Education Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danantonson/ Guest Bio: Dan Antonson helps higher education institutions leverage technology and analytics to tackle some of higher education's biggest challenges across the student lifecycle. Whether it is to grow and optimize enrollment or create a better learning experience, Dan has hands-on experience with higher education data and systems to drive meaningful use-cases that create real tangible impact. Dan has more than 15 years of experience in digital analytics, marketing attribution and measurement, and he has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. When he is not scribbling data and analytics systems on whiteboards, you’ll find him trying to stay upright on his mountain bike or tinkering with his home automation system (his robot lawn mower is his favorite gadget at the moment). - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMC About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

    45 мин.
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Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is like a conference in a podcast, offering a blend of professional wisdom, innovative ideas, and personal anecdotes. Whether you're a higher ed marketer, a faculty member curious about the behind-the-scenes of university branding, or just someone with an interest in the intersection of education and marketing, the podcast is your gateway to the lesser-known narratives of higher education. In each episode, host Jaime Hunt engages in candid and insightful conversations with leading minds in the field, exploring not just the nuts and bolts of marketing, but also the diverse and often unexpected challenges and stories that define higher education marketing. Our guests, a mix of seasoned CMOs, innovative thinkers, and key influencers in the higher ed sector, don't just share their professional triumphs; they open up about their personal journeys and share their candid insights.. The podcast goes beyond the conventional, bringing to light the real stories behind campus campaigns, the evolving nature of student engagement, and the creative challenges in this unique field. With a host renowned for establishing a warm and engaging rapport, each episode feels less like an interview and more like a conversation between old friends. The discussions are not only thoughtful and informative but sprinkled with moments of humor and fun, capturing the essence of what it's like to navigate the complex world of higher education marketing. Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is hosted by Jaime Hunt and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

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