Meet The Difference Makers

Ryan Koral

Hear the stories behind our higher ed leaders and their enduring impact.

  1. 12/23/2024

    018 Why Small Schools Matter with Mark Manry

    ►► Video Marketing Made Easy: Unlock the Power of Authentic Storytelling. Get access to my FREE workshop that will give you the framework and tools you need to LAUNCH your next video today → enrollfilms.com/framework In this episode of Meet the Difference Makers, Ryan talks with Mark Manry, Vice Provost at Rochester Christian University. Mark shares his journey of giving 14 years to a small faith-based institution and why it matters more than ever. Through farming analogies and honest conversation about today's challenges, Mark opens up about the soul-craft of helping students discover who they are. He talks about why some things, like oak trees and transformed lives, take time to show their true impact. Takeaways:  Like growing oak trees, transforming lives takes time - you might not see results for years Your institution's story needs to be clear and authentic to attract the right students Working with students isn't about creating copies of yourself, but helping them discover who they are Building genuine community and staying true to your calling matters more than chasing trends Links mentioned in the show: Find Mark Manry at Rochester Christian University Connect with Mark Manry on LinkedIn Email Ryan Koral: ryan@enrollfilms.com Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Connect with Ryan Koral on LinkedIn  🎥 Watch the full interview here #Leadership #CommunityBuilding#StudentSuccess#FaithBasedLearning #Mentorship#PersonalDevelopment#TransformativeLearning#AuthenticLeadership

    57 min
  2. 09/09/2024

    017 Chasing Mission Fit: Finding Your Ideal Students with Bart Caylor

    ►► Video Marketing Made Easy: Unlock the Power of Authentic Storytelling. Get access to my FREE workshop that will give you the framework and tools you need to LAUNCH your next video today → enrollfilms.com/framework In this episode of Meet the Difference Makers, Ryan talks with Bart Caylor, President and Founder of Caylor Solutions. They discuss their friendship and the impact Bart has had on Ryan's career. They also delve into Bart's journey in higher education and his passion for helping schools with marketing and AI. They touch on the importance of a liberal arts education and the misconceptions surrounding higher ed. Bart shares his experiences at Anderson University and the positive influence of his professors.  They also discuss the challenges facing higher ed and the opportunities for positive change. Bart Caylor discusses the importance of helping schools think outside the box and find their unique mission fit. He emphasizes the need for schools to understand who they are and attract students who align with their values and goals. Bart also highlights the significance of creating compelling content, particularly through video, to engage Generation Z and Alpha. He advises schools to start with long-form videos and then repurpose them into shorter, more digestible formats. Bart shares that MissionFit clients for Caylor Solutions are typically smaller schools, including faith-based institutions, that are open to new ideas and looking to make a difference.  Takeaways:  The importance of friendship and mentorship in personal and professional growth The impact of a liberal arts education in opening up opportunities and changing lives The challenges and misconceptions surrounding higher education The opportunities for positive change in higher ed through marketing and AI Helping schools think outside the box and find their unique mission fit is crucial for success. Understanding who you are as a school and attracting students who align with your values and goals is essential. Creating compelling content, especially through video, is key to engaging Generation Z and Alpha. Starting with long-form videos and repurposing them into shorter formats can maximize content reach and impact. MissionFit clients for Caylor Solutions are typically smaller schools, including faith-based institutions, that are open to new ideas and looking to make a difference. Links mentioned in the show: Check out the Higher Ed Marketer podcast Find Bart at Caylor-Solutions.com Connect with Bart Caylor on LinkedIn Find out more about the Generative AI Masterclass Bart Caylor, Adjunct Professor at Bethany College Email Ryan Koral: ryan@enrollfilms.com Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Connect with Ryan Koral on LinkedIn  🎥 Watch the full interview here     #friendship #mentorship #highereducation #marketing #AI #liberalarts #misconceptions #challenges #opportunities #missionfit #schools #education #contentcreation #video #GenerationZ #Alpha #highereducationmarketing

    47 min
  3. 07/29/2024

    016 A Collective Effort to Change the Narrative with Jamie Hunt

    ►► Video Marketing Made Easy: Unlock the Power of Authentic Storytelling. Get access to my FREE workshop that will give you the framework and tools you need to LAUNCH your next video today → enrollfilms.com/framework In this episode, Ryan interviews Jaime Hunt, the founder and president of Solve Higher Ed. They discuss Jaime's career in higher education, her passion for the industry, and the challenges facing higher education today. They also talk about the importance of relationships in higher education and the need for a collective effort to change the narrative and communicate the value of higher education. Jaime shares her plans to bring people together from different campuses to address these challenges. They also touch on the impact of the pandemic on higher education and the need to drive down costs and meet students where they are. Jaime Hunt reflects on her passion for higher education and the pivotal moments that led her to a 20-year career in the field. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication and personal connections in supporting student success and retention. Jaime encourages educators to remember the transformative impact they have on students' lives and to stay inspired by their original motivations for entering the field. She also shares her core values as a consultant, focusing on helping institutions thrive and providing bespoke solutions to their unique challenges. Takeaways: Higher education is facing challenges and the value of higher education is being questioned. Building relationships and a strong network is crucial in higher education. There is a need for a collective effort to change the narrative and communicate the value of higher education. The pandemic has changed the landscape of higher education and there is a need to drive down costs and meet students where they are. Reflect on your original motivations for entering the field of higher education to stay inspired. Clear communication and personal connections are crucial in supporting student success and retention. Remember the transformative impact you have on students' lives and the responsibility that comes with it. Develop bespoke solutions to address the unique challenges faced by institutions. Links mentioned in the show: Find Jamie Hunt online Listen to the Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO podcast Email Ryan Koral: ryan@enrollfilms.com Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Connect with Ryan Koral on LinkedIn 🎥 Watch the full interview here  #EducationLeadership #HigherEdChallenges #StudentSuccess #InnovativeLearning #EducationReform

    41 min
  4. 07/22/2024

    015 The Role of Mentorship and Self-Discovery with Jenny Petty

    ►► Video Marketing Made Easy: Unlock the Power of Authentic Storytelling. Get access to my FREE workshop that will give you the framework and tools you need to LAUNCH your next video today → enrollfilms.com/framework In this episode of Meet the Difference Makers, Ryan talks with Jenny Petty, the Vice President of Marketing Communications, Experience, and Engagement at the University of Montana. Jenny discusses the current challenges in higher education, the importance of maintaining the value and accessibility of universities, and how her team is leveraging innovative marketing strategies to engage students. She also shares her personal story of growing up in a family that valued education and how it shaped her career path. Jenny highlights the impact of mentorship, the importance of self-discovery in higher education, and the need for resilience in the face of changing educational landscapes. Takeaways: Higher education plays a pivotal role in shaping society and has a significant impact on individuals and communities. Accessibility and affordability are crucial in ensuring that higher education remains open and accessible to all who seek it. The national narrative around higher education needs to shift to regain trust and emphasize the value it provides. Higher education institutions need to be adaptable and willing to experiment with new approaches to meet the changing needs of students. Alumni engagement is essential in storytelling and career readiness, and their experiences can greatly benefit current students. Innovative marketing strategies, including personalization and AI, are essential for engaging prospective students and improving enrollment rates. Links mentioned in the show: umontana.edu meet.umontana.edu Email Ryan Koral: ryan@enrollfilms.com Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Connect with Ryan Koral on LinkedIn  🎥 Watch the full interview here #HigherEducation #Marketing #Mentorship #Innovation #UniversityOfMontana #Education #Resilience #Leadership #value #accessibility #affordability #rebranding #alumni #careerreadiness

    34 min
  5. 07/08/2024

    014 Innovation and The Future of Learning with Bernard Bull

    ►► Video Marketing Made Easy: Unlock the Power of Authentic Storytelling. Get access to my FREE workshop that will give you the framework and tools you need to LAUNCH your next video today → enrollfilms.com/framework In this episode, we delve into the transformative potential of education with Bernard Bull, an expert in educational innovation and creativity. We explore the evolving landscape of education, highlighting the need for innovation to meet the demands of the 21st century. Then we delve into practical strategies for fostering creativity and innovation in educational settings, drawing on Bull's extensive experience as an educator and scholar. Finally, we explore the role of leadership in driving change within educational institutions, emphasizing the importance of visionary leadership and a commitment to lifelong learning. Throughout the conversation, Bull shares valuable insights and practical advice for educators, administrators, and anyone passionate about shaping the future of learning. Takeaways: The Need for Educational Innovation: Bernard Bull underscores the imperative for educational institutions to innovate and adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of the 21st century. Embracing creativity and innovation is crucial for preparing students for the future.Fostering Creativity and Innovation: Bull offers practical strategies for educators to cultivate creativity and innovation in their classrooms, encouraging experimentation, risk-taking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By creating an environment that nurtures these qualities, educators can empower students to become lifelong learners and innovative problem solvers. Visionary Leadership in Education: Leadership plays a pivotal role in driving change within educational institutions. Bull emphasizes the importance of visionary leadership that prioritizes innovation, supports risk-taking, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Effective leaders inspire and empower their teams to embrace change and pursue bold initiatives that transform teaching and learning. Commitment to Lifelong Learning: Lifelong learning is essential for both educators and students in the rapidly changing landscape of education. Bull highlights the significance of cultivating a growth mindset and embracing ongoing professional development. By staying curious, adaptable, and open to new ideas, individuals can thrive in an ever-changing world and contribute to meaningful educational innovation. Links mentioned in the show: Find Bernard Bull online Connected with Bernard Bull on LinkedIn Email Ryan Koral: ryan@enrollfilms.com Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Connect with Ryan Koral on LinkedIn 🎥 Watch the full interview here #FutureOfEducation #EducationalInnovation #ConcordiaUniversity

    46 min
  6. 06/24/2024

    012 Optimizing the Business of Education: Insights from David Wright

    ►► Video Marketing Made Easy: Unlock the Power of Authentic Storytelling. Get access to my FREE workshop that will give you the framework and tools you need to LAUNCH your next video today → enrollfilms.com/framework In this episode, Ryan Koral interviews David Wright, an expert in optimizing the business model of higher education institutions. David shares insights into the importance of collaboration and breaking down silos within academic institutions to achieve long-term success and fulfill their mission. He emphasizes the need for leaders to convene a coalition of the willing, fostering a culture of shared purpose and collaboration among team members. David's approach highlights the transformative power of teamwork and effective leadership in driving positive change within higher education. Through anecdotes and practical advice, he demonstrates how fostering collaboration can lead to greater innovation, resilience, and ultimately, the fulfillment of the institution's mission as purveyors of hope for the future. Takeaways: Collaboration is Key: David stresses the importance of breaking down silos within academic institutions and fostering a culture of collaboration. By convening a coalition of the willing and encouraging teamwork, institutions can achieve greater success in fulfilling their mission. Leadership Matters: Effective leadership plays a crucial role in driving positive change within higher education. Leaders must prioritize building teams that are dedicated to the success of the entire institution, rather than focusing solely on individual departments or interests. Purveyors of Hope: Higher education institutions are stewards of a legacy of creativity, beauty, and meaning. By embracing collaboration and innovation, they can continue to inspire hope for the future and make a positive impact on society. Start Small, Think Big: Encouraging collaboration often starts with small steps, such as seeking input from team members and fostering a sense of shared purpose. By empowering individuals to contribute their ideas and expertise, institutions can pave the way for transformative change. Links mentioned in the show: Find David Wright at DickersonBakker Connect with David Write on LinkedIn Email Ryan Koral: ryan@enrollfilms.com Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Connect with Ryan Koral on LinkedIn 🎥 Watch the full interview here  #DickersonBakker #ChristianEducationServices #EducationConsulting #EducationCoaching #AcademicLeadership

    50 min
  7. 06/17/2024

    011 Lifelong Learning and Innovation with Dr. Suzy Siegle of Walsh College

    ►► Video Marketing Made Easy: Unlock the Power of Authentic Storytelling. Get access to my FREE workshop that will give you the framework and tools you need to LAUNCH your next video today → enrollfilms.com/framework This episode features Dr. Suzy Siegle, President and Chief Champion of Walsh College, sharing her passionate journey in higher education and her innovative approach to leadership and learning. Dr. Siegle discusses the importance of lifelong learning, the transformative power of education, and the critical role of leadership in shaping the future of higher education. Join us as we explore how Dr. Siegle's work at Walsh College is making a profound difference in the lives of students and the broader academic community. Takeaways: You'll learn the significance of adopting a growth mindset in both personal and professional life. Discover innovative strategies for leading and transforming educational institutions in the modern era. Understand the pivotal role of higher education in driving societal change and individual growth. Links mentioned in the show: Walsh College Walsh College Earns #1 Ranking for Best Online DBA Programs in Forbes Locus Mindset Leadership Training 30.60.90 Day Goal Framework Connect with Suzy Siegle on LinkedIn Email Ryan Koral: ryan@enrollfilms.com Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Connect with Ryan Koral on LinkedIn 🎥 Watch the full interview here.   #EducationalInnovation #HigherEdLeadership #WalshCollege #LifelongLearning #MentorshipMatters #BusinessEducation #InnovationDNA #LeadershipDevelopment #EmpoweringEducators

    40 min

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Hear the stories behind our higher ed leaders and their enduring impact.