Higher Ed Conversations

Cheryl Broom
  • 4.8 (20)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Join host and CEO of GradComm, Cheryl Broom as she sits down with higher education experts to discuss trends in marketing, communications, advancement and student success. 

  1. NOV 1

    Confronting Implicit Bias and Building Belonging in Higher Ed Marketing

    In this thought-provoking episode, Cheryl Broom sits down with Leslie Vargas, Senior Public Affairs Officer at Riverside Community College District, to explore how implicit bias and microaggressions quietly influence higher ed marketing and what communications teams can do about it. Leslie shares candid insights on how seemingly small choices, like which photo you use, or how you describe a student, can send powerful messages about who belongs. She introduces a practical framework, the Three R’s, to help every higher ed communicator: Recognize, Respond, and Revise. Drawing from real-world examples, pop culture moments, and her work with college marketers across California, Leslie challenges us to look beyond performative representation and build marketing that truly reflects our students’ identities and lived experiences. Whether you're building a campaign or writing a welcome letter, this episode is packed with tools to help you create more inclusive, authentic messaging without the fear of “getting it wrong.” What You’ll Learn: Why inclusivity in marketing starts with self-awarenessHow to use the “Three Rs” framework: Recognize, Respond, RevisePractical ways to identify and correct bias in campus communicationsWhy small, intentional choices in tone, visuals, and language matterHow inclusive messaging builds belonging and boosts engagementYou can connect with Leslie on LinkedIn or via email at leslie@whynotleslie.com or leslie.vargas@rccd.edu.    Thanks for listening! Connect with GradComm: Instagram: @gradcommunications Facebook: @GradCommunications LinkedIn: @gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com

    43 min

  2. OCT 1

    Saying No with Purpose: Building a Mission-Driven Marketing Office

    What happens when your marketing office feels more like a sandwich shop, cranking out whatever people order, than a strategic partner on campus? That’s exactly the challenge Rachel McClelland faced when she stepped into her role at Pellissippi State. In this episode, Rachel joins Cheryl to discuss how she helped her team transition from being overwhelmed Subway “order takers” to becoming a strategic communications office aligned with the college’s mission. From rebranding the college logo to navigating ransomware aftermath, Rachel’s story is packed with insights for any higher ed marketer who wants to build stronger boundaries, earn trust, and deliver work that really matters. What you’ll learn in this episode: How her background in journalism and student media shaped her leadership styleWhy the “Subway sandwich shop” model doesn’t work for marketing officesThe three priorities she set to keep her team focused (recruitment, retention, and fundraising)Tactics for saying “no” without damaging trust across campusReal examples of tough conversations that reshaped culture and built credibilityThanks for listening! Connect with GradComm: Instagram: @gradcommunications Facebook: @GradCommunications LinkedIn: @gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com

    32 min

  3. SEP 1

    The Higher Ed Roadmap to Passing a Bond: Marketing, Messaging, and Community Trust

    What does it take to pass a $600 million bond measure in a politically divided community? In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Alex Breitler, Director of Marketing and Communications at San Joaquin Delta College, to unpack the strategy, stress, and surprising joys of leading a successful bond campaign. Alex shares how his background as a journalist helped him shape compelling, transparent messaging, why polling data became the campaign’s “North Star,” and how his team balanced day-to-day marketing with after-hours campaigning. From tackling community skepticism to creatively using enrollment marketing alongside bond messaging, this conversation is packed with practical insights for higher ed leaders considering a funding measure of their own. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why clear messaging about how bond funds can (and can’t) be used builds community trustThe role of polling in shaping strategy, targeting undecided voters, and keeping campaigns on trackHow marketing leaders can support both institutional enrollment and external bond efforts simultaneouslyLessons learned about community engagement, campaign restrictions, and balancing the dual hats of PIO and volunteerThanks for listening! Connect with GradComm: Instagram: @gradcommunications Facebook: @GradCommunications LinkedIn: @gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com

    33 min

  4. AUG 1

    AI Isn’t Coming, It’s Here: How American University Embedded AI into Every Corner of Campus

    What happens when a university doesn’t just adopt AI, but bakes it into its DNA?  In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, Cheryl sits down with two transformational leaders from American University's Kogod School of Business to explore how AI is reshaping everything from curriculum design to campus marketing and student support. David Marchick and Angela Virtu pull back the curtain on AU’s groundbreaking AI integration, an effort so comprehensive that Poets&Quants called it “The most consequential AI transformation in business education.”  With over 45 courses infused with AI, an AI-powered writing tutor, and marketing workflows redesigned by machine learning tools, AU isn’t dabbling; they’re redefining. If you’re a higher ed marketer or campus leader wondering where to start with AI, or how to do it responsibly, this episode delivers a masterclass in AI-enabled transformation. What You’ll Learn How American University's Kogod School of Business achieved a 40% spike in applications through AI-powered outreachThe surprising ways students and faculty are using AI as a learning partnerTips for fostering faculty trust and experimentation with new toolsHow AI is impacting enrollment marketing, change management, and student success strategiesThanks for listening! Connect with GradComm: Instagram: @gradcommunications Facebook: @GradCommunications LinkedIn: @gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com

    38 min

  5. JUL 1

    Why a Fractional CMO Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Higher Ed Marketing Strategy

    What does a Fractional CMO actually do and why are ed-tech companies and colleges leaning into this flexible leadership model? In this episode, we’re joined by Gil Rogers, founder of GR7 Marketing, whose deep roots in ed-tech and higher ed make him a go-to strategist for institutions looking to get smarter, faster. Gil shares what it really means to step in as a fractional CMO, how he helps clients clarify their marketing roadmap, and why a part-time leader can sometimes deliver full-time impact. From content planning to KPIs to building better ed-tech partnerships, Gil breaks down what works and what colleges need to watch out for. You’ll hear real-world insights from his work with ed-tech firms that prioritize student outcomes and equity, plus practical advice for institutions looking to collaborate with tech providers that actually help, not hinder. What You’ll Learn:  • Why a fractional CMO can help fast-track results without the overhead  • How outside leadership brings fresh eyes and strategy to tired campaigns  • Tips for vetting ed-tech partners who walk the walk on student success Email Gil at Gil@GR7marketing.com or connect with him on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening! Connect with GradComm: Instagram: @gradcommunications Facebook: @GradCommunications LinkedIn: @gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com

    39 min

  6. JUN 1

    From High School to Higher Ed: 6 Factors That Predict College Success

    Did you know that nearly one-third of college students drop out after their first year? In this episode, Carey Duke, assistant professor at North Greenville University and author of A Guide to Thrive!, joins me to explore why so many students struggle and what we can do about it.  Carey breaks down the six key variables he uses to measure college readiness, offering a framework that goes beyond academics to include a student’s environment, mindset, motivation, and belief in their ability to succeed. Together, we unpack how these factors impact student retention and what educators, institutions, and families can do to better support students before and during their college journey.  Bonus: Carey is offering a free copy of his book to anyone with an .edu email address. Just contact him directly to claim your copy at Carey@therci.net What you will learn: Why 1 in 3 college students drop out after their first yearThe six key factors Carey uses to assess college readinessWhy academic ability isn’t the only predictor of successHow a student’s background, mindset, and motivation influence persistencePractical strategies for improving first-year student success and retentionThanks for listening! Connect with GradComm: Instagram: @gradcommunications Facebook: @GradCommunications LinkedIn: @gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com

    40 min

  7. MAY 1

    The Power of Community & Family Engagement in Education

    Today's guest, Marcela Andrés, is the CEO and president of designEDengagement, PBC, a consulting firm built around the idea that education can be transformed by enhancing the connection between students, families, educators, and communities. Her book, Purposeful Educator Connections, discusses how educators can strengthen their relationships with students and highlights five principles that can enhance the culture of the classroom. Throughout our conversation, Marcela emphasizes the importance of family engagement at all education levels, providing practical advice and success stories from her experience and consulting work. The conversation also touches on overcoming barriers to family involvement in higher education, the need for systems that support teacher-family communication, and the impact of culturally responsive strategies.  What you will learn: Why involving family and community in student education matters.Simple tools that teachers can use to integrate families into their students' education.Examples of how to overcome challenges when striving for more family and community engagement.Strengthening these connections can drive key goals, like student retention, while reducing uncertainty for first-generation student.Thanks for listening! Connect with GradComm: Instagram: @gradcommunications Facebook: @GradCommunications LinkedIn: @gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com

    33 min

  8. APR 1

    Prioritizing Data Privacy Without Slowing Down Digital Marketing

    There is a push and pull between an advertiser’s desire to attribute advertisement spending to lead generation and their responsibility to respect consumer privacy. In this episode, Raj Sudra, the Chief Technology Officer at Gannett, joins me to discuss his role and the intricacies of digital marketing attribution. He explains the technology and systems used, such as LocaliQ's proprietary Capture technology, pixel tracking, and the importance of compliance and data privacy. The conversation emphasizes the balance between collecting meaningful data for effective marketing and adhering to privacy legislation like GDPR and CCPA. Raj also talks about what’s changing in advertising platforms like Google and Facebook. He touches on why publishers prioritize first-party data as cookies become less reliable to them and how evolving technology such as AI enhances digital marketing strategies. What you will learn: What pixel tracking really means The impact of a cookie.Why data privacy and marketing don’t have to work against each other.The importance of evaluating, storing, and tracking data ethically.The technical side of how leads are generated during visits to your websiteThanks for listening! Connect with GradComm: Instagram: @gradcommunications Facebook: @GradCommunications LinkedIn: @gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com

    33 min
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4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Join host and CEO of GradComm, Cheryl Broom as she sits down with higher education experts to discuss trends in marketing, communications, advancement and student success. 

Information

  • Creator
    Cheryl Broom
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Higher Ed Conversations
  • Show Website
    Higher Ed Conversations