Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager

In this insightful podcast episode, Jenny chats with Emer Garland, a social media and communications professional at MIT, about creating a cohesive, accessible media library to support the campus community. Emer shares her journey from Dublin to MIT and how she helped build a digital asset library on Flickr, empowering MIT’s departments, labs, and centers to easily access and use campus imagery. Discover practical advice on managing digital media, collaborating with students, and capturing authentic campus moments that reinforce MIT’s unique culture.

Smart Strategies for Authentic Campus Engagement

• Make the Most of Existing Platforms: Consider where your audience already interacts and build your digital asset library on a platform they find familiar, as MIT did with Flickr.
• Collaborate with Students for Unique Perspectives: Engage student photographers to capture campus life from their viewpoint, adding authenticity to your content library.
• Use Analytics to Refine Content: Leverage Flickr’s metrics to understand which images resonate most, helping you decide what to capture next and keep your library relevant.

Why Build a Centralized Media Library?
Emer Garland explains the motivation behind creating a digital media library at MIT. With media scattered across multiple locations—Dropbox, individual computers, and even physical photos—MIT needed a centralized platform accessible to the campus community. Emer and her team selected Flickr, a platform already familiar to many faculty and staff, making it easier for departments to adopt. MIT’s library now hosts over 3,500 photos and videos, exclusively available to faculty, staff, and students, supporting a range of uses from social media to print materials.

Emer shares that centralizing media has particularly benefited smaller departments, which may not have the budget for professional photography. With access to high-quality, general-purpose photos of campus life, labs, events, and seasonal shots, these departments can maintain consistent and professional communications without the cost. Today, MIT’s media library is a valuable resource that brings a sense of visual cohesion to campus-wide communication efforts.

‍Capturing Authentic Campus Moments
Emer emphasizes the importance of authenticity in visual content, particularly in higher education. Rather than relying on staged or stock photos, MIT’s library includes organic images that capture real interactions and moments on campus. Emer’s team prioritizes genuine engagement shots—faculty collaborating with students, students immersed in lab work, and the unique quirks of MIT culture that differentiate it from other institutions. They also source images from student photographers, who bring fresh perspectives and often capture less-visible aspects of campus life.

In addition to traditional images, MIT’s library includes aerial and drone footage, capturing the campus from new vantage points. Emer notes that iconic locations like the MIT Dome remain popular, but the library continuously evolves to feature diverse, unique content that feels authentic to MIT’s community and culture.

Best Practices for Starting a Media Library
For institutions looking to build a similar media library, Emer recommends starting with foundational images that showcase the campus, its culture, and its unique strengths. Seasonal campus photos, iconic architecture, and dynamic classroom or lab scenes are valuable assets that communicate both identity and community spirit. Emer advises researching the right platform based on where the community already interacts, as well as considering the time and budget required for maintenance.

MIT's media team actively gathers feedback from their departments to understand content needs, providing regular photo updates and ensuring relevance. Emer also underscores the value of setting boundaries with professional photographers and establishing release protocols to respect privacy, especially for more staged or event-focused shoots.

Guest Name: Emer Garland, Communications Strategist, MIT

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Emer Garland is a Communication Strategist for MIT’s Institute Office of Communications, where she guides departments, labs, and centers on their marketing and communication needs. Her expertise includes strategic planning, budget management, digital strategy, branding, design, and social media. Emer also manages the MIT Media Librar...

In this episode, host Jenny sits down with Jesse Summers, Director of Social Media and Brand at the University of Oregon, to dive into the university’s monumental transition to the Big Ten Athletic Conference. The conversation unfolds at the American Marketing Association Symposium for Higher Education in Las Vegas, where Jenny and Jesse discuss everything from campus campaigns to the power of social media community. Jesse shares unique insights into leveraging athletic milestones for academic storytelling, collaboration strategies, and practical advice for institutions navigating large-scale transitions.

Key Takeaways

• Leveraging Athletic Milestones for Academic Storytelling: Transitioning to the Big Ten became a broader branding opportunity for the University of Oregon, showcasing academics alongside athletics.
• The Power of Collaboration in Higher Ed Social Media: Working with Big Ten social media peers helped strengthen the university's transition and fostered creative content collaborations.
• The Value of Research and Planning: Conducting market research on similar institutional transitions helped guide and refine campaign strategies.
• Resilience in the Face of Change: Effective strategies for addressing audience concerns and pushback during significant institutional shifts.
• Authenticity in Social Media Management: Jesse’s “confession” reveals that even seasoned social media managers are constantly learning and adapting, underscoring the need for flexibility and growth.

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Episode Summary

What does the transition to the Big Ten mean for the University of Oregon?

Jesse explains that the August 2nd shift to the Big Ten wasn’t solely about athletics; it marked entry into the Big Ten Academic Alliance. This dual opportunity allowed the university to emphasize both athletic and academic strengths, turning the spotlight on research and educational initiatives. Jesse shares that his charge as the Director of Social Media was to craft a narrative around this milestone that reached beyond sports to reinforce the University of Oregon's brand.

How did collaboration play a role in the transition?
Joining the Big Ten community opened doors for collaboration with other university social media teams. Jesse recounts an early connection with Ohio State, which led to a fun, co-produced video engaging both student bodies. For Jesse, meeting new people and attending conferences like the Big Ten Marketing and News Plus Conference created opportunities to share best practices, collaborate on content, and support one another across institutions.‍

How did the University of Oregon’s social media team manage the transition campaign?
This campaign spanned multiple channels, from social media to print publications. Using the RACI model, Jesse oversaw the timeline and cross-departmental efforts, ensuring cohesive messaging across digital and print platforms. The campaign featured the fan-centric “UO Connections” game, mimicking the popular New York Times “Connections” puzzle with a University of Oregon twist, reinforcing the bond between athletics and academics.

How did the team handle potential pushback from the community?
Acknowledging that change can often spark mixed reactions, Jesse noted that most of the initial feedback occurred a year before the official transition. Anticipating some negativity, the team crafted a celebratory and positive campaign that kept the focus on the university’s forward momentum. Jesse shares that they generally ignored the few trolls, letting genuine fans and community members drive the narrative.

‍What advice does Jesse have for others facing large institutional changes?
Jesse recommends thorough market research and analyzing similar transitions at other universities to inform campaign strategies. He emphasizes the importance of building solid relationships with partners—internally with departments like athletics and externally with peer institutions. These relationships allow for streamlined communication, foster trust, and support collaborative efforts that can make or break a campaign’s success.‍

What is Jesse’s “confession”?
Jesse’s lighthearted confession reveals a relatable truth: even though he appears polished and in control, he’s continually adapting and learning in the fast-paced world of social media. This candid moment serves as a reminder to all social media managers that no one has it all figured out, but a willingness to learn and grow is crucial.

- - -
Connect With Our Host:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confe...

Teddi Tostanoski talks about the unique challenges and rewards of managing executive social media channels, and how she collaborates with CSU President Amy Parsons to create an authentic and impactful online presence. You will gain insights into the differences between managing institutional and executive accounts and the role social media can play in higher ed administration and communicating with students. Whether you're a social media manager or a higher ed professional, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways on building and maintaining a dynamic social media presence for a higher ed executive.

Guest Name: Teddi Tostanoski, Colorado State University

Guest Social Handles:
LinkedIn
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Guest Bio: Teddi Tostanoski serves as a Senior Social and Digital Media Strategist at Colorado State University, leading the social media strategy for the Office of the President. Teddi’s social media career spans nonprofits, small businesses, consumer electronics, and for the past six years, higher education—where she has focused on executive, undergraduate admissions, and institutional social media strategies. All of her work is guided by a passion to build strong online communities through inclusive and accessible practices. Currently, Teddi is working closely with President Amy Parsons to further Colorado State University’s brand by pushing the boundaries of how a university president shows up online.

- - -
Connect With Our Host:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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 Higher Ed Pulse and Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO.

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

This podcast is brought to you by Element451 — the leading AI-enabled CRM for Higher Ed. Learn more about how Element451 can help you exceed your enrollment and marketing goals.

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Liz Harter, senior social media manager at the University of Notre Dame, to delve into the captivating world of social media management during times of crisis. In this candid conversation, we explore the unique challenges faced by social media professionals when navigating turbulent waters, and the profound impact it has on our mental well-being. From handling sensitive issues to maintaining a positive online presence, Liz shares strategies and experiences that shed light on the delicate balance between managing social media platforms and safeguarding our mental health.

This episode is brought to you by our friends at DD Agency:

DD Agency is a higher ed-specific marketing technology agency that has conducted countless SEO Audits for colleges and universities across the country.

In these audits, they detail where you currently rank, what you could be ranking for, exactly how copy should be tweaked on website pages, and much more.

If this sounds like something you could benefit from, give those folks a ping and be sure to mention that Enrollify sent you to claim a 10% discount on any of their SEO offerings.

Head on over to enrollify.org/ddaseo, or simply follow the link in the show notes below...that will guarantee you get a 10% discount off of your audit.

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, Corynn Myers, Dustin Ramsdell, Terry Flannery, 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:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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 Higher Ed Pulse and Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO.

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

This podcast is brought to you by Element451 — the leading AI-enabled CRM for Higher Ed. Learn more about how Element451 can help you exceed your enrollment and marketing goals.

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Wells, the social media communications officer at a large Canadian college, and discuss the differences between managing social for US institutions and Canadian institutions. This episode also explores platforms like Reddit, Threads, and TikTok and how they have become increasingly pivotal in higher ed social strategies, Sarah shares her insights into harnessing their unique features and algorithms to connect with the university's audience.

This Episode is Brought to You By Our Friends at Ologie

In higher education, it’s almost impossible to truly stand out. Ologie gets it. As a branding and marketing agency that focuses on education, they understand that what makes you authentic, is also what makes you distinct.

Ologie offers award-winning creative, smart strategy, innovative thinking, and expert digital marketing. Most of all, they’ll help you connect with your audiences, bring your stakeholders together, and achieve the results that matter most to you.

Want to find out more about how you can build a compelling brand or campaign? Visit ologie.com.

About the Enrollify Podcast Network

Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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, Eddie Francis, Dustin Ramsdell, Terry Flannery, 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:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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 Higher Ed Pulse and Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO.

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