Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
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Ep. 33: A President’s Role in Embodying a Brand
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
08/04/23 • 48 min
In this episode, Jaime and her guest delve into the crucial role of a college president in shaping and embodying a university's brand and culture. Ashlea Jones, interim senior director of storytelling and director of executive communications at Miami University (Ohio), shares invaluable insights into the relationship between a president's vision for the future of the institution and its alignment with the university's brand and culture. Discover how this alignment can significantly impact the overall success and sustainability of the university in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
Takeaways include:
- Examples of how college presidents can effectively leverage storytelling techniques to shape the brand and culture of their universities.
- Insights into how executive communications can play a critical role in crisis and reputation management.
- Ideas for supporting transparency in executive communications
- Ways for communicators to rethink how to approach executive communications as part of a brand strategy.
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Mindpower:
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is sponsored by our friends at Mindpower- a full-service marketing and branding firm celebrating nearly thirty years of needle-moving, thought-provoking, research-fueled creative and strategy. Mindpower is women-founded and owned, WBENC certified, nationally recognized, and serves the social sector – higher education, healthcare, non-profits, and more. The Mindpower team is made up of strategists, storytellers, and experience creators. From market research to brand campaigns to recruitment to fundraising, the agency exists to empower clients, amplify brands, and help institutions find a strategic way forward. Learn more about Mindpower here!
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!
Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Mickey Baines, Zach Busekrus, Jeremy Tiers, Corynn Myers, Jaime Gleason and many more.
Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!
- - -
Connect With Our Host:
Jaime Hunt
https://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! Some of our favorites include Talking Tactics and Higher Ed Pulse.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.
Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
Ep. 4: What Do You Wanna Be When You Grow Up?
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
06/03/22 • 49 min
As a first-year student – and a first-generation student – Jaime envisioned a life spent researching turtles and cracking the secret to their longevity. From a working class background, she had no idea what marketing was or that it was a field that perfectly blended both art and science. In this episode, Jaime talks with Kin Sejpal, the newly appointed CMO for University of Redlands and a fellow first-generation college student about their experiences rising through the ranks in higher education.
Takeaways for this episode include:
How to gain the skills you need for a CMO role
Ideas for building your personal brand
Exploring making the case for professional advancement
How to advocate for yourself as you advance
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is sponsored by our friends at Nectir - the instant chat tool that engages campus communities and reduces burnout. This community and engagement platform is purpose-built for higher education and connects campus classrooms through conversation. In just 12 months, tens of thousands of students, instructors, and administrators at partner campuses have made Nectir an integral part of their daily learning experience. Learn more about how you can get Nectir on your campus here.
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!
Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Mickey Baines, Zach Busekrus, Jeremy Tiers, Corynn Myers, Jaime Gleason and many more.
Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!
Learn more about this episode in our show notes.
- - -
Connect With Our Host:
Jaime Hunt
https://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! Some of our favorites include Talking Tactics and Higher Ed Pulse.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.
Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
Ep. 3: Mixing Business with Measure
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
05/20/22 • 48 min
As marketing higher education matures, measuring the return on investment is one of the most important things a CMO can do, but tackling that can be really challenging. In this episode, analytics and measuring guru Josh Dodson gives practical tips for measuring ROI in a way that helps determine the effectiveness of tactics but also helps justify marketing spend.
- Takeaways from this episode include:
- why measuring ROI is important
- tips for creating a measurement plan
- practical guidance for tracking attribution
- advice on how to use the data you uncover to make decisions
- a deep dive into the KPIs you should consider measuring
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is sponsored by our friends at Nectir - the instant chat tool that engages campus communities and reduces burnout. This community and engagement platform is purpose-built for higher education and connects campus classrooms through conversation. In just 12 months, tens of thousands of students, instructors, and administrators at partner campuses have made Nectir an integral part of their daily learning experience. Learn more about how you can get Nectir on your campus here.
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!
Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Mickey Baines, Zach Busekrus, Jeremy Tiers, Corynn Myers, Jaime Gleason and many more.
Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!
- - -
Connect With Our Host:
Jaime Hunt
https://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! Some of our favorites include Talking Tactics and Higher Ed Pulse.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.
Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
Live at AMA: Building a Student-Centered University from Scratch
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
11/14/24 • 14 min
In this thought-provoking episode, Jaime Hunt sits down with Nick Ladany, President of San Francisco Bay University (SFBU), and Jamie Ceman from RW Jones, to explore the creation and launch of SFBU as a true “challenger brand” in higher education. They delve into SFBU’s radical student-centered model and its potential to disrupt the industry’s traditional norms, such as six-year graduation rates and inflated tuition costs. The episode highlights the university's distinctive mission to provide affordable, high-quality education while breaking down barriers to access.
Key Takeaways
- Challenger Brand Definition: SFBU aims to disrupt the conventional higher education model by prioritizing student needs over institutional legacy.
- Radical Student-Centered Approach: The university is designed to center around students, focusing on practical, industry-relevant curriculum and strong student support systems.
- Cost Efficiency in Higher Ed: SFBU maintains low tuition fees by streamlining expenses, investing in student services over facilities like athletics and rock climbing walls.
- Thought Leadership in Higher Ed: SFBU’s leadership team actively contributes to the national conversation on higher ed reform, promoting transparency, efficiency, and a student-first ethos.
- Focus on Student Success: SFBU challenges the traditional six-year graduation rate, aiming instead for three to four years by emphasizing wraparound student support.
What Is a Challenger Brand in Higher Education?
A challenger brand breaks away from industry norms to bring new ideas and models to the forefront, and SFBU embodies this by prioritizing students over traditional higher ed values. Unlike universities that focus on faculty prestige or institutional heritage, SFBU was built from scratch with the student as its focal point. SFBU aims to disrupt higher education’s entrenched practices, likening its approach to industry game-changers like Tesla or WhatsApp. By addressing the needs of a diverse student body and adapting to demographic shifts, SFBU is poised to create a more accessible and relevant education model.
How Does SFBU’s Student-Centered Model Work?
SFBU’s approach begins with a clear mission: graduating 100% of its students in four years, ideally reducing that timeframe to three. To achieve this, the university reengineers the curriculum to make it more relevant to modern industry demands and ensures that faculty are not only content experts but also trained educators. This model includes comprehensive wellness support, unlimited mental health services, and extensive academic support, all with the goal of fostering student success. Every service, program, and interaction at SFBU is designed to provide students with a holistic educational experience, making the institution truly student-centered.
What Role Does Branding Play in SFBU’s Mission?
SFBU’s brand, summarized in the motto "There’s No Stopping It," captures the university’s disruptive ethos. Developed in collaboration with Jamie Seaman, the brand emphasizes the unstoppable drive of both the students and the university itself to overcome traditional boundaries. This bold brand identity not only resonates internally, with staff and students proudly adopting it, but also serves as a message to the wider community. The branding aims to shift perceptions about higher education, making it clear that SFBU is determined to challenge outdated conventions and provide a streamlined, accessible education.
How Does SFBU Address the National Debate on Higher Ed Value?
SFBU’s leadership, especially President Nick Ladany, is vocal about rethinking higher ed’s value. He argues for wider access to college and believes that higher education should cater to students from diverse backgrounds, including those with less traditional academic paths. The university rejects the idea that academic rigor should be reserved for select students, instead offering tailored support to ensure all students can succeed. SFBU advocates for transparency, avoiding tactics like tuition freezes paired with hidden fees, and promotes a four-year—or even three-year—graduation standard to maximize the value students receive.
How Does SFBU Keep Tuition Low Without Sacrificing Quality?
SFBU has maintained an impressive tuition rate of $10,000 per year, with most students receiving scholarships covering up to 80% of costs. This is possible because SFBU prioritizes efficient use of funds, avoiding extravagant expenses like climbing walls and redirecting resources to essential student services. Faculty and staff are well-compensated, creating a supportive and motivated team culture, yet SFBU saves on extraneous amenities that don’t directly contribute to academic or personal success. This cost-effective model is designed to keep education a...
Ep. 63: Uncommon Insights: AI, Creativity and Brand
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
10/11/24 • 54 min
There are some marketers you just don’t want to have to compete with. Grant Heston at Virginia Commonwealth University is one of them. In this wide-ranging episode, Jaime sits down with Grant to talk about AI, collaboration, creativity, brand building, and more. Takeaways from this episode include:
- How to build consensus around the use of AI in marketing and communications
- Ideas around ways to enhance collaboration on your team
- Tips for building team culture with a distributed workforce
- Advice on building a brand that is truly distinctive in the marketing place – and how to leverage AI to help
- How to build an internal brand that leads to greater support and resources for your team
Guest Name: Grant Heston
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantjheston/
Guest Bio: Grant Heston is vice president for Enterprise Marketing and Communications for Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health. After arriving in 2021, he built the first integrated branding, communications and marketing division that serves both the university and health system.
Grant previously spent more than 12 years in several roles — including vice president for Communications and Marketing and Chief of Staff to the President — at the University of Central Florida, one of the largest and most diverse research universities in the country.
Grant has an undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University of Florida and an MBA from the University of Central Florida. He has written professional and personal stories that have been published by The Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, The Chronicle of Higher Education and more.
- - -
Connect With Our Host:
Jaime Hunt
https://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! Some of our favorites include Talking Tactics and Higher Ed Pulse.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.
Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
Ep. 51: Thriving with Disability: A Guide for Leaders and Teams
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
04/26/24 • 41 min
Living with a disability presents a unique set of challenges, especially when it intersects with professional life. In this special and insightful episode, Jaime has an engaging conversation with RJ Thompson, who is the Manager of Digital Strategy in Pitt Health Sciences. RJ shares his personal experiences of working and thriving in a professional setting while living with cystic fibrosis, offering a valuable perspective on this often-overlooked aspect of the workplace.
In this episode, listeners can expect to gain several key takeaways:
- Insights into Navigating a Career with a Disability: RJ opens up about the strategies he uses to manage his work while dealing with cystic fibrosis, providing listeners with real-life examples and practical advice. This segment is particularly enlightening as it delves into how individuals with disabilities can navigate their career paths effectively.
- Ideas for Supporting Colleagues with Disabilities: Jaime and RJ discuss the roles and responsibilities of supervisors and coworkers in creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. This part of the conversation aims to foster greater understanding and empathy, offering tangible ways in which people without disabilities can be allies and supporters in the workplace.
- Leadership Tips for Unseen Disabilities: This episode also sheds light on the challenges faced by leaders in recognizing and accommodating staff members with non-visible disabilities. Listeners will learn how to create an inclusive culture that respects privacy while offering the necessary support.
- Remote Work as an Equity Issue: The conversation also explores how remote work arrangements can play a crucial role in promoting equity in the workplace. We delve into the benefits and challenges of remote work, especially for people with disabilities, highlighting how flexible working arrangements can be a game-changer in terms of accessibility and inclusivity.
Guest Name: RJ Thompson, Manager of Digital Strategy in Pitt Health Sciences
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/studentofdesign/
Guest Bio: RJ Thompson, MFA, is an award-winning marketing and graphic design professional. Currently, RJ is the Manager of Digital Strategy in Pitt Health Sciences. He was most recently the Director of Digital Marketing in the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and College of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburgh.
Before joining Pitt, he was a tenured Assistant Professor of Graphic + Interactive Design in the Department of Art at Youngstown State University. Previous to Youngstown State, RJ taught at Carnegie Mellon University, La Roche University, and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Continuing his career in education, RJ has been an Adjunct Professor of Graphic & Interactive Design at Point Park University since 2019 where he was responsible for writing and teaching the interactive design curriculum. In 2020, he began teaching at the Community College of Allegheny County.
Outside of marketing, design, and teaching, RJ is also the Co-Principal and Creative Strategist for +Public, a Pennsylvania-based social enterprise that focuses on cultivating community and economic development impact through the creation of branded communication platforms, creative place-making, and storytelling initiatives for communities-in-revival.
Throughout his career, RJ has received many accolades for his creative works: In 2015, he was one of several recipients of the National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant, valued at $100,000, for the INPLACE (“Innovative Plan for Leveraging Arts & Community Engagement”) project. In 2017, RJ received a “Best of Marketing Award” from the Ohio Economic Development Association for his efforts in rebranding the City of Youngstown, Ohio. In 2018, RJ was accepted into the prestigious Cohort 2 of the National Arts Marketing Project, a program supported by Americans for the Arts and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. In 2019, RJ also received a scholarship to join the National Arts Strategies Executive Program in Arts & Culture Strategy through the School of Public Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2019, RJ was honored with the Ohio Governors Award in the Arts in Community Development, the state of Ohio’s highest recognition in the arts sector.
Recently, RJ was the recipient of a certification scholarship from the National Institute for Social Media and received accolades from GDUSA and the University & College Designers Association for "Pitt Business Backstory" and "Business.Pitt.Edu" websites. RJ is presently the President of the Pittsburgh chapter of the American Marketing Association.
Live at AMA: The Career Transition Roadmap
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
11/20/24 • 20 min
Host Jaime Hunt reconnects with Bryce Hoffman live from AMA to explore his remarkable career evolution. From an unexpected layoff to his newly appointed role as Vice President and Chief Marketing Communications Officer at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Bryce shares insights on resilience, professional growth, and building meaningful connections in the higher ed marketing world.
Bryce Hoffman’s journey from career uncertainty to becoming a higher ed CMO is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. In this episode, Bryce reflects on the challenges of navigating setbacks, the value of leveraging your network, and the importance of embracing new opportunities with humility and confidence. His story offers actionable advice for aspiring CMOs and professionals facing similar crossroads.
Key Takeaways
- Growth Through Setbacks: Career setbacks can be opportunities for immense personal and professional growth.
- Intentional Networking: Building and maintaining strong professional relationships can open doors and provide critical support during transitions.
- Focus on Learning: Embrace new challenges by breaking them into manageable steps and being open to learning from others.
- Authentic Leadership: Be transparent about your strengths and limitations in interviews and on the job to build trust and credibility.
- Navigating the CMO Search: Maintain stamina and composure during rigorous interview processes by preparing thoughtfully and leaning on your network.
Resilience Through Setbacks
Bryce shares how an unexpected layoff forced him to reevaluate his career and ultimately led to professional growth. He emphasizes the importance of reframing challenges as opportunities, noting, “When you’re at the bottom of a mountain, focus on the next 10 feet instead of the whole climb.”
The Value of Networking
One of Bryce’s key strategies during his career transition was tapping into his professional network. From past supervisors to peers in the industry, he found support and mentorship that helped him navigate the job search process and prepare for his new role.
Becoming a Higher Ed CMO
Bryce describes his excitement about joining WPI, a uniquely positioned institution with a strong STEM focus and global learning initiatives. He highlights his strategy for the first 90 days: listening, learning, and collaborating to make thoughtful, context-driven decisions that align with the university’s mission.
Advice for Aspiring CMOs
For those looking to step into senior leadership roles, Bryce advises diversifying your skillset, taking on challenging projects, and remaining a lifelong learner. He stresses the importance of being authentic during interviews and relying on the expertise of your team once in the role.
Bryce Hoffman’s journey underscores that setbacks are often stepping stones to something greater. His story offers a powerful reminder that resilience, intentional networking, and a commitment to learning can lead to incredible opportunities. Whether you’re an aspiring CMO or navigating your own career pivot, Bryce’s insights provide a roadmap for success.
- - -
Connect With Our Host:
Jaime Hunt
https://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! Some of our favorites include Talking Tactics and Higher Ed Pulse.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.
Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
Ep. 64: Behind the Scenes: Marketing Strategies of a Top Online Graduate Program
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
10/25/24 • 46 min
Jaime’s nearly a decade as a higher ed CMO and vice president likely wouldn’t have been possible if she hadn’t earned a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University in 2011. For more the last 15 years, Jaime has used the program as an example of best practices in action for marketing an online graduate program
In this episode, Jaime sits down with Chad Mezera, Assistant Dean of Online Programs for the College of Creative Arts and Media at West Virginia University, to talk about the program, how it is marketed, and the future of online learning.
Takeaways for this episode include:
- Insight into how WVU uses an integrated marketing communications approach to marketing an online graduate program.
- Advice on leveraging content marketing to grow interest in the program
- Insight into the ways a master’s degree can help grow your career
- Guidance on leveraging alumni to tell your program’s story
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-mezera-152bab2/
Guest Bio: Chad Mezera is the Assistant Dean of Online Programs for the College of Creative Arts and Media at West Virginia University (WVU). In this role, he oversees all online courses offered by the college and leads the online programs support team.
- - -
Connect With Our Host:
Jaime Hunt
https://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! Some of our favorites include Talking Tactics and Higher Ed Pulse.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.
Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
Ep. 42: Authentic Allyship: Crafting Campaigns that Support LGBTQIA+ Students Year-Round
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
12/15/23 • 62 min
LGBTQIA+ students, like all students, need to see themselves represented in university marketing materials. An inclusive marketing strategy ensures that these students feel welcomed and valued by the institution, which can be a deciding factor in their college selection process. In this episode, Jaime sits down with Kevin Tyler, Director of Marketing and Community Engagement at Simpson Scarborough, to discuss how to authentically market to LGBTQIA+ students and – perhaps even more importantly – how to ensure that LGBTQIA+ students feel supported on your campus. Takeaways for the episode include:
- Best practices for demonstrating a commitment to LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, staff, and alumni
- Cautionary tales that reflect the importance of authenticity
- Insights into how to integrate LGBTQIA+ supportive messaging into everyday campus life, not just during Pride Month
- Tips for partnering with student organizations and advocacy groups to craft campaigns that resonate
- Resources for staying current on the evolving language around LGBTQIA+ topics
The goal of the episode is to equip university marketers with the knowledge and tools to create and implement marketing strategies that genuinely support and affirm LGBTQ+ students, ensuring that inclusivity is woven into the fabric of the institution's brand and community engagement efforts.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network
The Enrollify Podcast is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam-packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional.
Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Dayana Kibilds, Dustin Ramsdell, Terry Flannery, Mallory Willsea, and many more.
Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!
- - -
Connect With Our Host:
Jaime Hunt
https://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! Some of our favorites include Talking Tactics and Higher Ed Pulse.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.
Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
Ep. 67: Building a Better Experience for International Students
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
12/06/24 • 50 min
Got a story to tell? An innovative idea to share? Fill out our guest nomination form, and let's chat!
Host Jaime Hunt speaks with Shaun Carver, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the International House at the University of California, Berkeley, about the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for better supporting international students in higher education. The discussion sheds light on the cultural and economic benefits international students bring, the need to foster inclusivity and free speech, and how universities can adapt to societal and political changes to create a more welcoming environment.
Key Takeaways
- International students enrich learning environments: They bring unique perspectives that foster cultural understanding and prepare students for a globalized workforce.
- Political rhetoric impacts enrollment: Even without formal policy changes, unwelcoming political climates can deter international students from applying.
- Free speech and inclusivity matter: Universities should ensure students feel safe expressing differing viewpoints and engaging in civil discourse.
- Diverse support systems are essential: Institutions must focus on cultural exposure, community-building, and access to essential services for international students.
- A growth mindset fosters innovation: Encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones promotes intellectual curiosity and global leadership skills.
Why Are International Students Important to Higher Education?
International students bring a wealth of diversity to higher education, enriching campus communities with their perspectives, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. Shaun Carver emphasizes their vital role in fostering a global learning environment that prepares students for interconnected, multicultural workplaces.
Beyond academics, international students significantly contribute to local economies. From tuition payments to housing and daily living expenses, their economic impact extends beyond campus boundaries. Shaun also highlights how many international students go on to lead innovative startups and global companies, particularly in Silicon Valley, underscoring the long-term benefits of their presence in the U.S.
Despite these benefits, political rhetoric and visa uncertainties can deter international students, forcing institutions to miss out on their transformative contributions. Universities must address these concerns proactively to remain competitive on the global stage.
How Can Universities Create Welcoming Environments?
Creating an inclusive and supportive environment for international students requires deliberate effort. Shaun outlines three key strategies:
1. Cultivating Free Speech
Universities should encourage environments where all students feel comfortable expressing their viewpoints. At the International House at the University of California, Berkeley, 80% of residents feel free to share minority views without fear of judgment, serving as a model for fostering civil discourse on campus.
2. Building Community
Programs like the International House’s weekly diversity and coffee hour allow students to share their cultures through food, music, and storytelling. These events not only build a sense of belonging but also foster cross-cultural understanding among students from different backgrounds.
3. Providing Practical Support
While universities may not handle visa or employment processes directly, they can offer workshops, mentorship programs, and community events to help international students navigate their new environment. Ensuring that students feel supported in both practical and personal aspects is key to their success.
What Challenges Do International Students Face?
International students often face unique obstacles, including navigating visa regulations, overcoming cultural barriers, and coping with homesickness. Shaun recounts stories of students who, despite immense financial and emotional pressures, strive to succeed in the U.S. education system.
For many, even basic needs like food can become a challenge. Shaun shares how implementing inclusive dining options at the International House, like dishes from various global cuisines, helps students feel more at home. These small yet impactful gestures can make a significant difference in a student’s overall experience.
Additionally, divisive campus climates can make international students feel unwelcome. Institutions must work to ensure their campuses are places where students of all backgrounds feel safe, valued, and supported.
What Can Universities Learn from the International House?
For over a century, the International House has been a leader in creating inclusive, multicul...
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FAQ
How many episodes does Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt have?
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt currently has 78 episodes available.
What topics does Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt cover?
The podcast is about Inbound Marketing, Higher Education, Marketing, Management, Cmo, University, College, Podcasts, Education and Business.
What is the most popular episode on Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt?
The episode title 'Ep. 45: Jenny Li Fowler's Playbook: The Heart and Soul of Engaging Social Media' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt?
The average episode length on Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt is 49 minutes.
How often are episodes of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt released?
Episodes of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt?
The first episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt was released on Apr 14, 2022.
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