
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
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Ep. 76: The Future Demands Better Higher Ed Leaders
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
04/11/25 • 53 min
Jaime Hunt sits down with Ellen Whitlock Baker — executive coach, leadership consultant, and founder of EWB Coaching — for a candid, no-holds-barred conversation on what truly makes a good leader in higher education. They tackle toxic workplace norms, explore the role of empathy in leadership, and dig into how AI and generational shifts are reshaping leadership expectations. If you're rethinking what it means to lead well in this evolving higher ed landscape, this is your blueprint.
Guest Name: Ellen Whitlock Baker, Wwner and Principal, EWB Coaching
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenwhitlockbaker/
Guest Bio: Ellen Whitlock Baker is an executive coach, speaker, and leadership consultant who is passionate about challenging outdated workplace norms to create a more equitable, healthier work culture for all.
A seasoned Advancement leader, Ellen has held leadership positions in alumni engagement at the University of Washington and Seattle University, and is active with CASE, most recently serving on the CASE Alumni Commission.
Ellen is an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation and received her coaching certification through the Hudson Institute in Santa Barbara, CA. She is also a certified Everything DiSC practitioner.
As the owner and principal of EWB Coaching, Ellen supports individual and team clients in managing transition, building healthy teams, getting unstuck, and setting boundaries that protect well-being. She speaks and writes about how to set boundaries to prevent burnout and how to get past resistance to change and move into action, among other topics.
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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!
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. 75: Doing It All: Marketing Graduate Programs with an In-House Team
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
03/28/25 • 34 min
Jaime Hunt sits down with Cristina Lopez Yakimenko, marketing director at Florida International University’s Chapman Graduate School of Business, to explore the advantages of managing enrollment marketing entirely in-house. Cristina shares how her small but mighty team generates millions in ad spend, executes content marketing strategies, and drives enrollment growth—all without the help of an external agency. She also reveals how leveraging AI, optimizing real-time data, and fostering close collaboration with recruiters has been a game-changer. If you're curious about bringing digital marketing in-house or simply want to optimize your current strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Guest Name: Cristina Lopez Yakimenko, Associate Director of Marketing & Analytics, Florida International University Chapman Graduate School of Business
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinaly/
Guest Bio: Cristina is a dynamic marketing leader and computer engineer with over a decade of experience in marketing, analytics, and web application development. As the Associate Director of Marketing & Analytics at the Chapman Graduate School of Business at Florida International University (FIU), she oversees the marketing strategy for more than 25 graduate programs, driving growth through data-driven, omnichannel campaigns.
With a background in web applications development, Cristina integrates technology with marketing to enhance user experience, optimize digital strategies, and streamline analytics. She is passionate about customer journeys, marketing research, and content creation, leveraging her expertise to create impactful marketing solutions.
Cristina holds a Master of Science in Marketing from Florida International University and a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from Technological University of Havana (CUJAE). Fluent in four languages, she brings a global perspective to her work, combining technical proficiency with strategic marketing leadership to elevate FIU’s graduate programs.
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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!
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. 69: The Search Cliff is Rewriting the Rules of Recruitment Marketing
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
01/03/25 • 48 min
Jaime Hunt speaks with Jenny Petty about a pressing issue few are discussing: the “Search Cliff.” While the “Demographic Cliff” has been a hot topic for years, the Search Cliff highlights a significant shift in the availability of prospective student data, fundamentally altering how higher education institutions attract and enroll students. Tune in as Jenny breaks down this emerging challenge, its implications, and strategies institutions can adopt to stay ahead of the curve.
Key Takeaways
- The “Search Cliff” refers to the rapid decline in the availability of student data due to changing privacy laws and the shift to test-optional admissions policies.
- Name purchases, once a cornerstone of enrollment marketing, are yielding significantly fewer enrollments, dropping from 0.131% in 2019 to 0.043% in 2023.
- Institutions must pivot to focus on organic lead generation, content marketing, and paid media strategies to fill the funnel.
- Strong collaboration between MarCom and enrollment management teams is essential for addressing these challenges effectively.
- The future of higher education marketing will demand creative, technology-driven solutions, including leveraging AI and exploring new engagement strategies.
What is the Search Cliff, and How Does it Differ From the Demographic Cliff?
The Search Cliff represents a dramatic reduction in the availability of prospective student names for purchase. This trend is driven by shifting privacy laws and the widespread adoption of test-optional policies during COVID-19. Unlike the well-documented Demographic Cliff, which focuses on population decline, the Search Cliff underscores the limitations of traditional name-buying practices. These changes threaten to disrupt enrollment marketing strategies reliant on purchased names to drive funnel growth.
Why is the Search Cliff Happening Now?
Jenny explains that privacy laws in over 20 states are restricting access to student data, while the move to test-optional admissions has further limited name availability. Institutions that once relied on buying large lists of prospective student names to fuel enrollment pipelines are seeing diminishing returns. For example, the yield rate for purchased names has plummeted by 56%, making traditional tactics increasingly unsustainable.
How Can Higher Education Marketers Adapt?
Jenny offers several solutions to address the Search Cliff:
- Invest in Inbound Marketing: Organic lead generation through blogs, white papers, and gated content can create a steady pipeline of interest over time.
- Shift to Paid Media and Social Advertising: Institutions must build robust paid advertising strategies to compete in an increasingly crowded digital space.
- Leverage AI Tools: AI-powered technologies, such as virtual recruiters and chatbots, can enhance student engagement and streamline the recruitment process.
- Rethink Organizational Structure: Jenny emphasizes the need to evaluate team roles, particularly as AI reshapes the workload and demands of MarCom teams.
What Role Should Leadership Play in Navigating This Shift?
For institutions to succeed, leaders need to embrace marketing as a strategic driver of revenue and success. CMOs should foster partnerships with enrollment management teams and educate themselves about institutional budget models, financial aid strategies, and marketing ROI. Additionally, integrating marketing leaders into cabinet-level discussions ensures their voices are heard in key decisions about institutional priorities.
What Does Success Look Like in the Era of the Search Cliff?
Jenny challenges institutions to rethink traditional measures of success, such as application volume, and instead focus on retention and lifelong student value. As higher education faces intense scrutiny and competition, institutions must align product offerings, pricing strategies, and marketing efforts with the evolving needs of today’s students.
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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!
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 ...

Ep. 74: “We All Play a Role”: A President’s Perspective on Social Mobility and the Access Imperative
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
03/14/25 • 42 min
Social mobility is a defining mission for many regional public universities, but what does it take to truly move the needle? In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Ellen Neufeldt, President of Cal State San Marcos, to discuss how institutions can break down barriers for first-generation and underrepresented students. From innovative dual enrollment programs to rethinking enrollment marketing strategies, Neufeldt shares actionable insights on how universities can drive economic and social change.
Guest Name: Ellen J. Neufeldt, President, California State University San Marcos
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-neufeldt/
Guest Bio: Ellen J. Neufeldt was appointed CSU San Marcos’ fourth president in May 2019. She came to CSUSM from Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, where she served as vice president of Student Engagement and Enrollment Services from 2011 until her appointment at CSUSM.
Before joining ODU, Neufeldt served as vice president of Student Affairs at Salisbury University, where she oversaw 15 offices and programs, including admissions, athletics and campus recreation, career services and student activities. Her higher education experience also includes serving as assistant vice chancellor for Student Development and dean of Student Life at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
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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!
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. 19: More Than Stress - Mental Health of Higher Ed Social Media Managers
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
01/20/23 • 57 min
The challenges of managing social media in higher education are often underestimated by people in leadership, leaving these talented, always-on professionals facing often overwhelming responsibilities while being under-resourced and undervalued. On top of that are the known mental health impacts of spending significant time on social platforms. As a result, social media managers often struggle with mental health issues that can impact both their personal and professional lives. In this episode, Jaime talks with Allie Kuenzi, Social Media Director at UNC Charlotte, about her graduate research into the impact these roles have on the mental health of these practitioners. This episode will provide listeners with:
- Insights into why social media managers often struggle with mental health issues
- A better understanding of the scope and scale of the problem
- Ideas for leaders who want to better support their social media teams
- Tips for social media managers on raising their concerns to their leadership
- Ways higher ed can do better in this space overall
About Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO
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!
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 aboutThe 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!
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. 44: The Art of Human-Focused Project Leadership
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
01/19/24 • 65 min
This episode features a conversation with Erik K. Rueter, Senior Project Manager for the American Marketing Association and Founder and President of Human-Centered Success. Take a deep dive into the concept of human-centered project management, a transformative approach that's reshaping how we tackle projects.
We begin by exploring the critical question: Is there really a difference between project management and project leadership? Our discussion will unravel the nuances between the two, revealing how leadership plays a pivotal role in successful project management.
Takeaways include:
- How project management shares many parallels with marketing
- Insight into how to make project management more effective – and empathetic
- Ways to apply design thinking to the project management process
- Guidance on how to use tools like empathy maps to be better project leaders and build better teams
- Tips for being a more human-centered leader
Whether you're a seasoned project manager, a leader looking to refine your skills, or someone curious about the evolving landscape of project management, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice.
Guest Name: Erik K. Rueter, Senior Project Manager for the American Marketing Association and Founder and President of Human-Centered Success
Guest LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikrueter/
Guest Bio: Erik K. Rueter, PMP, PMI-ACP (he/him) has over 20 years of professional experience across diverse industries. He worked for tech start-ups, colleges and universities, a Grammy®-award-winning production company, and healthcare organizations. He has been a public policy analyst, professional photographer, marketing and public relations director, and now a senior project manager at the American Marketing Association. He has co-authored two papers on health inequity in oncology nursing, lectured at Boston and Emerson Colleges, and been a guest speaker on diversity and inclusion at, among others, Medtronic, VSP, and the San Antonio Spurs. He recently founded Human-Centered Success LLC, a consulting organization focused on creating more inclusive spaces through servant leadership.
- - -
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!
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. 26: Unlocking the Power of Influencer Marketing in Higher Ed
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
04/28/23 • 51 min
In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, Jaime is joined by Sarah Goldfarb, Managing Director of Social Media and Digital Content at RW Jones Agency, to discuss influencer marketing in higher education. Influencer marketing involves partnering with individuals who have a strong following on social media or other digital platforms to promote a product, service, or brand. These individuals, known as "influencers," have the ability to sway the opinions and behaviors of their followers, who often trust their recommendations and look to them for guidance on what to buy and use.
Takeaways for this episode include:
- Tips for identifying your campus’s “influencers” and making an ask
- Guidance on setting goals and a budget
- Insights into how influencers can support crisis communications and issues management
- Ideas for using influencer-created content across your marketing channels
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!
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. 25: Get Ahead of the Curve: Future Proof Your Marketing Strategy with AI
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
04/14/23 • 62 min
In this episode, Jaime and Mallory Willsea make a case for artificial intelligence (AI) as the next disruptor in marketing – a phenomenon both believe rivals social media and the Internet in terms of its potential impact on marketing. The focus of the episode is on ChatGPT, an AI-powered language model that can be harnessed by marketers to save time in content creation and to create more effective customer service chatbots.
Takeaways from this episode include:
- A deeper understanding of ChatGPT and how it works
- Ideas for how to integrate AI tools like ChatGPT into your marketing workflow
- Tips – and success stories – about how AI can improve customer service
- Insights into writing effective prompts that allow you to get the most out of the tool
- Advice on how to “future proof” your skillset by embracing AI technologies
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Mindpower:
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is sponsored by our friends atMindpower- 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!
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. 24: The Importance of Authenticity in Your Brand Story
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
03/31/23 • 53 min
In this episode, Jaime Hunt and Victoria O'Malley discuss the importance of aligning brand promises with the reality of the student experience. The conversation explores the risks of failing to deliver on promises, including loss of reputation and – in a worst-case scenario – litigation. This episode provides insights for marketers and educators alike about the importance of setting realistic and authentic expectations and aligning brand promises with the reality of the student experience. Takeaways include:
- Tips for creating an authentic brand story
- An understanding of the importance of word-of-mouth in brand building
- Ideas for how marketers can impact the student experience
- Ways to avoid predatory and unethical marketing practices
- Insights into the ways online students view the student experience
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!
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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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 48 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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