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.

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

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confe...

Jenny welcomes Tony Sheridan, a social media storytelling expert currently working at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. Tony shares his inspiring career journey from Ireland to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the transformative power of authentic storytelling in social media. The conversation dives deep into strategies for lifting underrepresented voices and making a meaningful impact through thoughtful and inclusive content creation.

Key Takeaways

• Authentic Storytelling Wins: Storytelling isn’t just about information—it's about creating narratives that resonate emotionally and authentically.
• Diversity Drives Engagement: Inclusive content that authentically reflects diverse voices performs better and avoids common pitfalls.
• Leadership Without Authority: Even without formal power, you can lead initiatives by aligning with core values and presenting actionable strategies.
• Strategy Is Everything: Simple frameworks, like “strategy pillars,” can clarify goals and ensure content aligns with organizational values.
• Cultural Adaptation Matters: Recognizing and respecting cultural differences enhances storytelling impact without losing universal human connection.

Episode Summary

How Did Tony Sheridan Transition from Ireland to Saudi Arabia?

Tony’s journey began unexpectedly with a LinkedIn notification during the summer of 2020. With a decade and a half of experience at the University of Limerick, Tony had established himself as a pioneer in social media, leading award-winning campaigns on platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. Encouraged by a supportive manager to "spread his wings," Tony took a leap of faith to join KAUST. His decision wasn’t without hesitation, but the opportunity to expand his storytelling expertise on an international stage proved transformative.

How Does Culture Influence Social Media Strategies at KAUST?

KAUST, as a mixed-gender, international university in Saudi Arabia, presented unique opportunities and challenges. Tony noted that while Saudi culture and Islam influenced societal norms, the evolving openness of the country under Vision 2030 allowed for unprecedented storytelling opportunities. For example, highlighting female graduates and staff became a priority, reflecting KAUST's diverse and inclusive ethos. His approach emphasized leveraging these cultural shifts to showcase untold stories, ensuring that representation was at the forefront of every campaign.

What Strategies Help Amplify Marginalized Voices?

Tony adopted a systematic approach to ensure inclusivity in campaigns:

1. Establish Strategy Pillars: By creating a clear list of campaign values—like diversity, inclusivity, and authenticity—he gained buy-in from leadership and ensured alignment across teams.
2. Shift to Narrative Storytelling: Rather than simply stating facts, Tony focused on “intention and obstacle” as storytelling elements, drawing inspiration from screenwriting principles.
3. Lead with Influence: Even without formal authority, Tony championed meaningful change by presenting well-structured plans and aligning them with organizational goals.

Which Platforms Are Best for Representation?

Tony believes the platform matters less than the authenticity of the story. At KAUST, alumni-focused campaigns like "Changemakers" and student-led initiatives thrived across platforms, including Instagram and LinkedIn. The key wasn’t high production value but meaningful narratives that resonated with audiences. Tony encouraged using platforms strategically, tailoring content to each channel’s strengths.

What Advice Does Tony Have for Aspiring Social Media Storytellers?

• Start with Simplicity: Ask, “Is this good storytelling?” Strip away distractions and focus on the core narrative.
• Write It Down: Document your values and use them as a guide for decision-making.
• Tell Stories Internally: Use the power of storytelling to communicate and advocate within your organization, not just on social channels.

Practice Leadership: Take initiative to push boundaries and advocate for change, even if you lack formal authority.

Guest Name: Tony Sheridan, Marketing and communications manager for the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Tony Sheridan is the Marketing and Communications Manager at KAUST, one of the top-ranked research universities in the world, on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. After leading Social Media and Digital Content at University of Limerick to award-winning success for many years, he left his native Ireland and joined KAUST in April 2021. Since then he h...

Mallory Willsea guest-hosts a candid conversation with Jenny, host of Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager and author of a book celebrating its one-year anniversary. Jenny reflects on the evolution of social media in higher education, how her book has resonated with professionals worldwide, and offers insights into the future of the industry. From navigating leadership dynamics to platform shifts like Blue Sky, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for marketing and social media professionals alike.

Key Takeaways

• Social Media as a Professional Role: Social media management is no longer a junior-level role but a strategic, high-impact position deserving recognition.
• Managing Up with Grace: Practical tips for educating leadership and advocating for better social media practices while maintaining professionalism.
• Emerging Trends in Platforms: Platforms like Blue Sky offer a refreshing sense of experimentation, but preferences differ across generations.
• The Future of Content: With AI increasing content creation efficiency, the focus will shift to less frequent but higher-quality, human-centered, and authentic content.

Episode Summary

Reflecting on a Year of Growth

Jenny opens up about the whirlwind year following her book release, sharing how it has opened doors to speaking engagements, global travel, and meaningful connections with social media professionals worldwide. Her insights reveal a profession still grappling with recognition challenges despite its critical role in brand strategy. Jenny notes that social media management has grown into a billion-dollar industry, yet the perception of the role lags behind.

She also addresses the evolving platforms, mentioning how the rapid rebranding of Twitter to X was a notable moment. Her platform-agnostic approach to strategy has ensured her book remains relevant despite the fast-paced nature of social media.‍

Managing Up in Social Media
One of the most practical segments of the conversation involves Jenny’s advice for social media managers navigating upward communication with leadership. From addressing unrealistic content requests to advocating for strategic alignment, Jenny emphasizes the importance of turning educational moments into opportunities.

For example, she advises responding to poor content requests with phrases like, “I’m happy to take a look at it,” which deflects immediate commitment while leaving room for constructive feedback. This strategy has helped professionals across industries maintain boundaries while fostering better collaboration.

Blue Sky and Generational Platform Shifts
The conversation transitions to Blue Sky, a platform gaining traction among higher ed marketers seeking a fresh start away from X. Jenny and Mallory note the nostalgia Blue Sky evokes for early Twitter users—offering a linear feed and space for creativity. However, Jenny highlights an intriguing generational divide: while Millennials and Gen Xers appreciate Blue Sky’s simplicity, Gen Z finds the lack of algorithmic curation unappealing.

Jenny predicts continued migrations away from polarizing platforms like X, with groups finding new digital homes in waves as platform dynamics shift.

The Future of Social Media Content
Jenny’s bold prediction for 2025 centers on AI’s impact on content strategy. As AI accelerates content creation, the demand for less frequent but higher-quality, human-centered content will rise. Authenticity and meaningful engagement will remain paramount, pushing brands to focus on building deeper connections with their audiences rather than chasing volume.‍

Giveaway Announcement!
Exciting news! We’re giving away a copy of Jenny’s transformative book. To enter, simply comment on one of Enrollify’s LinkedIn or Blue Sky posts about this episode. Let us know you’d love a copy, and we’ll select one or two winners at random after the holiday break.

Guest Name: Mallory Willsea, Chief Strategist and Producer at Enrollify

Guest Socials:
LinkedIn
@mallorywillsea.bsky.social

G‍uest Bio: Mallory Willsea is the Chief Strategist and Producer of Enrollify — higher ed’s largest podcast network. Her insights on best practices and new trends are informed by her sector research and more than 16 years of experience. Mallory has held executive leadership roles in ed tech and at agencies spanning customer success, marketing, and business development. Her superpower is building media brands to reach, educate, and inspire forward-thinking higher education leaders.

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Connect With Our Host:
Jenny Li Fowler
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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
X

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.

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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.

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