The Hidden Gem Maya Demishkevich

In this episode of Hidden Gem, Maya Demishkevich sits down with Dr. Stephanie Erdmann, CEO and Dean of Great Falls College, to discuss the college's innovative journey to strengthen its brand identity. Dr. Erdmann shares the fascinating story behind the introduction of their new mascot, Mo the River Otter. Learn how a well-executed mascot can bring a community together, enhance school spirit, and create a cohesive brand identity even for colleges without athletic programs. Tune in to gain valuable insights on strategic branding, community engagement, and creative marketing tactics.

In this episode of Hidden Gem, Maya interviews Lilian Clemente, the Executive Director of Strategic Marketing Communications and Interim VP for Strategy and Innovation at Front Range Community College. Lilian shares her journey of building a brand new marketing communication department from the ground up, discussing the challenges, strategies, and successes along the way. Tune in to discover how to assess your institution's needs, build trust within your community, and create a culture of collaboration and innovation.

In this enlightening episode, we welcome Dr. Martha Parham, the Senior VP of Public Relations for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), to discuss the pivotal role community colleges play in the higher education landscape. Martha provides an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities facing community colleges across the United States, emphasizing the critical support AACC provides through leadership, advocacy, and advancement. From navigating policy changes in Washington D.C. to leveraging data-driven marketing strategies, this episode sheds light on how community colleges can enhance their impact on students and communities nationwide.

In this Bonus announcement, join Mallory, Chief Strategist of Enrollify, as she introduces the newly relaunched Enrollify.org. This episode highlights the fresh features and content now available on the site, emphasizing Enrollify’s commitment to revolutionizing higher education. Learn about the variety of resources—from podcasts to ourses to webinars—that can help professionals make impactful changes in their careers and institutions.

In this episode, the guests from Palm Beach State College discuss community colleges’ essential role in workforce development and economic support. Join Maya and her three guests, Edward Willey, Belinda Mouradian, and Matt Lenihan, as they explore the strategies and challenges of building robust partnerships with local businesses and the community. Learn how to stay connected to your community’s needs and how to promote colleges existing programs and custom training opportunities to support local employers. This episode is a must-listen for educators, community leaders, and anyone interested in the symbiotic relationship between educational institutions and economic growth.

In this enlightening episode, Blair Lee, the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement at the Community College of Aurora, shares his rich journey through higher education marketing and the innovative strategies his team employs to support partnerships and regional workforce development needs. From the importance of alumni engagement from day one on campus to the pivotal role of marketing in connecting education with industry demands, Blair provides actionable insights into making higher education institutions a cornerstone of community and workforce development.