The Higher Ed Marketer

Caylor Solutions

The Higher Ed Marketer is centered around marketing professionals in the field of higher education. If you’re looking for real, practical advice on how to level up your marketing game, this is the show for you.   Each episode features conversations with some of the best and brightest marketing minds in higher education, discussing the future of marketing, new technologies, and so much more.   Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. Big Announcements about the Summer

    4D AGO

    Big Announcements about the Summer

    Zach Coffin is excited to share some big news with you as The Higher Ed Marketer approaches its 250th episode! We celebrate our co-host Troy Singer and his transition into a new industry. Troy, you will be deeply missed and we are forever grateful for you.  There are big plans for The Higher Ed Marketer this summer including the return of the beloved Faith Leaders series.  The Higher Ed Marketer Network is adding a brand new show and The Higher Ed Marketer Press will be releasing a brand new book very soon. With deep gratitude for everything we've built together and clarity about the future, we invite you to hear about the continued momentum of our network and community. Thank you for being a part of this journey as we remain committed to serving higher ed well. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘The journey to 250 episodes and what it represents for the community 🔘Honoring Troy Singer’s impact and leadership transition 🔘The return of the Faith Leaders series and summer content lineup 🔘 A new podcast launching within The Higher Ed Marketer Network 🔘Expansion of The Higher Ed Press with an upcoming book release ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.  To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player. ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    6 min
  2. Breaking Silos: Aligning Academics, Enrollment, and Innovation

    APR 14

    Breaking Silos: Aligning Academics, Enrollment, and Innovation

    Silos are one of the biggest barriers to growth in higher education, yet they persist across academics, enrollment, and marketing. Dale Lemke, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Tabor College, brings a refreshing, collaborative perspective shaped by experience in both faculty and leadership roles. He shares how institutions can move from isolation to alignment by fostering intentional relationships, embracing shared ownership, and staying anchored to mission while navigating change. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘 Breaking down silos between academics, enrollment, and marketing 🔘 Why faculty should adopt a learner mindset across departments 🔘 How to evaluate and evolve academic program portfolios 🔘 The human side of making difficult program decisions 🔘 Creating space for innovation while staying mission-aligned --- Episode Highlights 02:50 – From faculty to collaborator, shifting perspective on enrollment and marketing 07:05 – Why silos exist and how leaders can begin bridging the gap 12:09 – What healthy collaboration actually looks like across teams 16:12 – Why market demand must shape academic offerings 22:58 – Navigating AI in the classroom and institutional strategy 26:16 – How marketing and enrollment can influence what gets built next 29:06 – A simple but powerful step to start collaborating today ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.  To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player. ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    34 min
  3. Why Higher Ed Leaders Must Think Like CEOs

    APR 7

    Why Higher Ed Leaders Must Think Like CEOs

    Deep Gratitude for Troy Singer: Bart has an important announcement. Our beloved co-host Troy Singer is stepping into a new opportunity after nearly six years and almost 250 episodes of co-hosting The Higher Ed Marketer podcast. Bart and the entire team at The Higher Ed Marketer are beyond grateful for Troy and wish him the very best.  ___ Special Fan Favorite Episode: In this reply conversation, Eric Hogue, President of Colorado Christian University, offers a bold perspective on leadership that challenges traditional thinking and calls institutions to rethink how they operate, fund their mission, and prepare for what’s ahead as financial pressures continue to rise. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘Why adopting a CEO mindset is critical for institutional survival 🔘The role of net tuition revenue in long-term sustainability 🔘How to approach donor relationships as strategic partnerships 🔘Building a multi-year strategy for growth and innovation 🔘Creating a distinct institutional identity that attracts the right students and supporters___ Episode Highlights --Why higher ed presidents must think like CEOs --A donor-centric approach that prioritizes input over asking --A three-part strategy for sustainable growth --Where transformation starts, aligning with your board chair --The power of building relationships, not just networks The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.  To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player. ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    31 min
  4. Launching a Brand New Website While Being New To Higher Education

    MAR 31

    Launching a Brand New Website While Being New To Higher Education

    What happens when a university website becomes a cluttered “junk drawer” instead of a clear, welcoming first impression? Paul Garner, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Western Carolina University, shares how his team transformed a confusing, overloaded website into a true digital front door that reflects the student experience and institutional story. This conversation unpacks how thoughtful leadership, trust, and alignment can turn a fragmented digital presence into something purposeful, intuitive, and mission-driven. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘 Why "attention is king" in modern higher ed marketing 🔘 Lessons from transitioning into higher ed from the private sector 🔘 Building trust across campus before launching major iniatives 🔘Navigating website redesigns as change management, not just tech projects 🔘 How to align stakeholders around a student-first digital experience. ___ Episode Highlights 02:03 – Transitioning into higher ed and culture shock 07:20 – Building trust through presence and authenticity 10:06 – Why the website redesign was necessary 12:00 – The real challenge, people not technology 13:30 – Creating buy-in across campus stakeholders 15:35 – Moving to a student-first website strategy 22:00 – Leadership growth during major transitions 24:30 – Post-launch challenges and holding the line ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.  To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player. ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    38 min
  5. How Journalists Are Transforming Higher Ed Marketing

    MAR 24

    How Journalists Are Transforming Higher Ed Marketing

    Drawing from their shared roots in journalism, Julia Ferrante and Rachel Colquitt reveal how storytelling, authenticity, and human connection are reshaping how institutions communicate, build trust, and inspire action in a rapidly changing landscape. Their conversation highlights how marketers can move beyond surface-level messaging to uncover deeper stories, create meaningful connections, and lead with clarity in an increasingly complex and AI-influenced world. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘 The transition from journalism to higher ed marketing and why it matters 🔘 How storytelling and qualitative research shape authentic brand voices 🔘 Why asking better questions leads to stronger marketing outcomes 🔘 Balancing AI adoption with human-centered communication 🔘 Strategies for gaining buy-in and leading brand change across campus ___ Episode Highlights 03:10 – Why journalism naturally leads to purpose-driven higher ed work 07:40 – The most valuable journalism skills marketers should adopt 12:10 – How brand voice is shaped by audience perception and truth 19:50 – Building authentic brands through storytelling and culture shifts 33:20 – Advice for new marketers entering higher education 38:20 – Staying human in an AI-driven world ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.  To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player. ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    46 min
  6. Video First. Story Wins. Stop Avoiding Video.

    MAR 17

    Video First. Story Wins. Stop Avoiding Video.

    Vince Slomsky, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Brand at the University of South Florida, brings a journalist’s mindset to university marketing, blending storytelling, data, and video strategy to create content that resonates with modern audiences. From leveraging YouTube as a discovery engine to empowering students as creators, his approach challenges the traditional marketing playbooks and encourages teams to think like media organizations. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘How a background in broadcast journalism shapes Vince's marketign approach 🔘Why video-first storytelling is a nonnegotiable for higher ed marketing teams 🔘The surprising rise of YouTube viewing on TV screens 🔘Practical ways to uncover authentic stories across campus 🔘How student creators can power a university’s content strategy ___ Episode Highlights 00:45 – A surprising YouTube insight 02:45 – Vince’s journey from TV news reporter to higher ed marketing leader 09:24 – How universities can uncover powerful stories across campus 15:48 – Why higher ed teams must embrace a video-first mindset 22:30 – Letting students lead the way with YouTube Shorts and vertical video 41:00 – Why every institution can build a strong video strategy with the tools they already have ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.  To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player. ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    45 min
  7. How to Align Higher Education Marketing with Enrollment Growth

    MAR 10

    How to Align Higher Education Marketing with Enrollment Growth

    Enrollment decline rarely comes from a lack of effort. More often, it stems from misalignment. When marketing operates separately from enrollment strategy, even strong branding and storytelling can fail to move the needle. Live from the CCCU International Forum in Dallas, Stacey Berggren shares the candid journey of moving marketing under enrollment leadership at Northwest Nazarene University and rebuilding strategy after several years of decline. From costly brand awareness campaigns that produced little measurable impact to restructuring teams, redefining priorities, and focusing on clear calls to action, this conversation unpacks what actually changes when marketing is held accountable to enrollment outcomes. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘Why brand awareness alone does not drive enrollment growth 🔘The strategic decision to move marketing under enrollment leadership 🔘How to restructure a marketing team for recruitment impact 🔘When to outsource critical marketing functions 🔘Leading institutional change with vulnerability and clarity ___ Episode Highlights 02:15 – Recognizing enrollment decline and calling for an outside assessment 08:05 – The limits of brand awareness without a call to action 14:10 – Moving marketing from advancement to enrollment 21:40 – Restructuring the team and adding digital expertise 33:05 – Navigating cabinet politics and leadership vulnerability 46:30 – Building and prioritizing a two-year tactical enrollment plan 57:50 – Advice for presidents and VPs facing marketing misalignment ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.  To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player. ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. 46:30 – Building and prioritizing a two-year tactical enrollment plan 57:50 – Advice for presidents and VPs facing marketing misalignment Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    22 min
  8. Identity, AI and the Enrollment Advantages

    MAR 3

    Identity, AI and the Enrollment Advantages

    A return home, a thriving enrollment team, and a bold vision for serving the Central Valley.  Amanda Slaughter  joins the podcast live from the CCCU International Forum to share why Fresno Pacific University  is leaning into its identity as its greatest enrollment advantage. At a time when many institutions are scrambling to chase new markets, Fresno Pacific is doubling down on mission, community, and innovation. With 74 percent of students identifying as students of color, the university reflects the region it serves and backs that clarity with strategic use of AI to strengthen outcomes, messaging, and momentum. ___What We Cover in This Episode 🔘Leading an enrollment team that is already exceeding goals 🔘Why institutional identity creates competitive advantage 🔘Marketing authentically as a Hispanic Serving Institution 🔘Engaging first-generation families with transparent financial conversations 🔘Using AI to multiply productivity and sharpen enrollment strategy ___ Episode Highlights 02:15 – Amanda’s return to California and Fresno Pacific 06:40 – Stepping into a strong enrollment operation 11:05 – What 74 percent diversity means for recruitment strategy 18:30 – Reaching families who never thought college was possible 27:45 – AI as a force multiplier for enrollment leaders 35:20 – The future of personalized, data-informed strategy ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.  To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player. ___ The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    18 min
5
out of 5
49 Ratings

About

The Higher Ed Marketer is centered around marketing professionals in the field of higher education. If you’re looking for real, practical advice on how to level up your marketing game, this is the show for you.   Each episode features conversations with some of the best and brightest marketing minds in higher education, discussing the future of marketing, new technologies, and so much more.   Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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