Advancing University Fundraising in the Digital Age with Kim Verstandig

03/14/25 • 27 min

Join us for a conversation with Kimberly Verstandig, Vice President for Fundraising and Senior Strategist at Mackey Strategies, as she shares her wealth of experience in higher education advancement.

In this episode, Kimberly takes us through her journey into the world of fundraising, highlighting the transformative role technology has played in reshaping donor engagement and institutional advancement.

From navigating the complexities of CRM systems to striking the delicate balance between technology and personal connection, Kimberly offers practical advice on how to foster meaningful donor relationships. She emphasizes the critical role of personalization in communications and reflects on lessons learned from both successes and failures in advancement technology.

Insights & Takeaways

Philanthropy is fundamentally about personal engagement.
Technology has dramatically changed the landscape of advancement.
CRMs are essential tools for effective fundraising.
Balancing technology with personal touch is crucial in donor relations.
Personalization in communication can significantly impact donor engagement.
Institutions need to take a holistic approach to technology.
Understanding the specific needs of your institution is key when choosing a CRM.
The relationship between IT and advancement has evolved over time.
Success in advancement often requires a blend of technology and human interaction.
Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Conversation Rundown

(00:00) The Journey into Fundraising

(04:37) The Impact of Technology on Advancement

(07:02) Navigating CRM Challenges in Higher Education

(09:31) The Challenges of finding the Best Tool

(12:29) the Importance of Partners and Consultants to Help Decision Making

(14:31) Balancing Technology and Personal Touch in Donor Relations

(20:03) Successes and Flops in Advancement Technology

(23:09) Choosing the Right CRM for Advancement

Dig Deeper

Kimberly Verstandig LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-verstandig-78b852b/

Mackey Strategies

https://mackeystrategies.com/

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

Explore More on EdTech Connect

For more insights on innovative teaching strategies, the role of technology in education, and the future of learning, visit EdTech Connect. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and conversations in educational technology or visit https://edtechconnect.com.

Join us for a conversation with Kimberly Verstandig, Vice President for Fundraising and Senior Strategist at Mackey Strategies, as she shares her wealth of experience in higher education advancement.

Insights & Takeaways

Philanthropy is fundamentally about personal engagement.
Technology has dramatically changed the landscape of advancement.
CRMs are essential tools for effective fundraising.
Balancing technology with personal touch is crucial in donor relations.
Personalization in communication can significantly impact donor engagement.
Institutions need to take a holistic approach to technology.
Understanding the specific needs of your institution is key when choosing a CRM.
The relationship between IT and advancement has evolved over time.
Success in advancement often requires a blend of technology and human interaction.
Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Conversation Rundown

(00:00) The Journey into Fundraising

(04:37) The Impact of Technology on Advancement

(07:02) Navigating CRM Challenges in Higher Education

(09:31) The Challenges of finding the Best Tool

(12:29) the Importance of Partners and Consultants to Help Decision Making

(14:31) Balancing Technology and Personal Touch in Donor Relations

(20:03) Successes and Flops in Advancement Technology

(23:09) Choosing the Right CRM for Advancement

Dig Deeper

Kimberly Verstandig LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-verstandig-78b852b/

Mackey Strategies

https://mackeystrategies.com/

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

Explore More on EdTech Connect

Previous Episode

Insights into Search, SEO and Social Media for Higher Ed with Maya Demishkevich

In this episode, we sit down with Maya Demishkovich, a seasoned higher education marketing strategist, to explore the rapidly changing world of digital marketing and student engagement. Maya shares her expertise on how students search for information today and why it’s critical for colleges and universities to optimize their websites for search engines to stay competitive.

From the power of social media in recruitment and retention to the unique challenges faced by community colleges, Maya offers actionable strategies for institutions looking to enhance their digital presence. She also delves into the essential skills future marketers will need to thrive in the higher education space, providing a roadmap for staying ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.

Whether you’re a marketing professional in higher ed or simply curious about the intersection of technology and student engagement, this episode is packed with practical advice and forward-thinking insights. Tune in to learn how to effectively connect with today’s students and future-proof your institution’s marketing strategies.

Insights & Takeaways

Maya's journey into Higher Ed marketing was shaped by her personal experiences as an international student.
Students prefer to search for information directly on Google rather than browsing college websites.
Optimizing websites for search engines is crucial for both prospective and current students.
Social media serves as a discovery tool, while search engines are used for retrieving specific information.
Community colleges face challenges due to limited resources and a lack of understanding of marketing's strategic role.
Maya's College Crusader aims to support community colleges with digital strategy and social media.
Using data analytics is essential for understanding student behavior and improving marketing efforts.
AI tools are becoming increasingly important in how students find information online.
Experimentation and curiosity are vital skills for future Higher Ed marketers.
Colleges should prioritize optimizing their websites and using social media effectively for engagement

Conversation Rundown

(00:00) Introduction to Higher Ed Marketing

(03:44) Understanding Student Search Behavior

(08:23) Optimizing Websites for Student Needs

(16:58) The Role of Social Media in Higher Ed

(23:11) Challenges for Community Colleges

(26:26) Skills for Future Higher Ed Marketers

Dig Deeper

Elevate Your Social Media Game

https://mycollegecrusader.com/

Social Media Calculator

http://mycollegecrusader.com/social-media-calculator

Hidden Gems Podcast

https://mycollegecrusader.com/hiddent-gem-podcast-community-colleges/

Find Maya Demishkovich here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayademishkevich/

Carroll Community College

https://www.carrollcc.edu/

Explore More on EdTech Connect

Next Episode

The Evolution of EdTech and the LMS with Phil Hill

Show Notes

In this episode of the EdTech Connect Podcast, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Phil Hill, a prominent figure in the EdTech consulting world.

Phil shares his journey from starting out in EdTech consulting nearly 25 years ago to becoming a well-known market analyst and thought leader in the industry. They dive into the evolution of Learning Management Systems (LMS), the impact of AI on education technology, and the challenges institutions face when adopting new technologies.

Phil also discusses the significance of his famous LMS market share graphics and the shifting dynamics in the EdTech landscape. Whether you're an educator, technologist, or just curious about the future of education, this episode offers valuable insights into the trends and challenges shaping higher education today.

Key Takeaways

The Evolution of EdTech Consulting: Phil Hill's journey from consulting to market analysis and how he became a prominent figure in the EdTech industry.
The Rise of Online Education: How online education has shifted from being a niche offering to a mainstream strategy for most colleges and universities.
The Role of LMS in Higher Ed: The importance of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and how they have evolved over the years, with a focus on market leaders like Canvas, Blackboard, and D2L.
AI in EdTech: The growing role of AI in education technology, including how different LMS providers are integrating AI into their platforms.
Challenges in Tech Adoption: The financial and regulatory challenges institutions face when adopting new technologies, and the importance of strategic decision-making.
The Future of OPMs: The uncertain future of Online Program Management (OPM) companies and how the market is becoming more fragmented.
The Butterfly Graph: The significance of Phil Hill's "butterfly graph," which compares LMS market share by the number of institutions versus enrollment size.
The Impact of Regulatory Changes: How the current regulatory environment and financial pressures are shaping the future of higher education.

Conversation Rundown

Introduction and Phil Hill's Journey (0:00)
The Evolution of LMS and Online Education (04:41)
What is the Future of OPMs? (09:39)
The Role of AI in EdTech (12:05)
LMS Market Share and How Many Students Are Served (16:30)
Challenges in Adopting New Technologies (19:38)
The Future of OPMs and LMS Market Dynamics (22:38)
Red Tape and Delays in Decision Making (26:39)
Looking Ahead: Regulatory Changes and Financial Pressures (29:44)

Dig Deeper

This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and education, offering a deep dive into the trends and challenges shaping the future of higher education.

Interesting Links:

State of Higher Ed LMS Market for US and Canada: Year-End 2024 Edition

https://onedtech.philhillaa.com/p/state-of-higher-ed-lms-market-for-us-and-canada-year-end-2024-edition

Find Phill Hill here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phildhill/

Phil Hill & Associates

https://philhillaa.com/

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web:https://edtechconnect.com/