Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
Suzan Brinker, PhD
Welcome to Higher Ed Leaders, hosted by Suzan Brinker, PhD, of Viv Higher Education. This podcast is for college and university professionals seeking actionable insights to amplify their impact. This season, we’re focusing on entrepreneurial leadership in higher education—exploring how to accelerate decision-making, navigate imperfect data, and focus on initiatives that truly align with institutional goals. Join us as Suzan and a range of leaders, including presidents and VPs of enrollment, advancement, strategy, and more, share their journeys and leadership strategies.
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
SEASON 1, Ep. 2 Kerry Salerno, Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Babson College
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
01/30/24 • 36 min
Suzan and Audra speak to Kerry Salerno from Babson College, discussing her career journey, the role of marketing and strategy in higher education, leadership styles and content marketing. Salerno shares her transformative personal experiences at Bentley University and her time working at Northeastern University. Salerno shares her perspectives on how marketing and strategy play a significant role in her position as CMO at Babson. She particularly emphasizes leveraging brand differentiation, knowing your audience, and promoting innovation.
Salerno provides advice on effectively managing silos within an institution by harnessing the power of positive intent, collaboration, and a strong empathetic leadership style. She also discusses how her team has been successfully harnessing content marketing and brand storytelling to reach and engage their audiences in authentic ways. The episode wraps up with Salerno emphasizing the necessity for marketers to be included as strategic partners within institutions, offering valuable insights and perspectives.
About Kerry Salerno
Kerry Salerno is the Vice President of Marketing at Babson University, renowned for her seasoned and innovative approach to product marketing. A leader in building high-performance teams, Salerno has a proven track record of exceeding goals and scaling educational brands. She specializes in pioneering marketing measurement systems and data-driven strategy development.
Salerno's leadership style is characterized by an action-oriented and entrepreneurial approach, guiding teams to prioritize critical research insights that shape organizational marketing strategy. With expertise in implementing new channels and a "digital-first" mindset, she excels at presenting complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education
About Viv Higher Education
Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.
Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/
13. Brian Bruess & Kara Kolomitz, Joint President and COO of The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
03/16/24 • 51 min
In this episode, Dr Brian Bruess, the inaugural joint president, and Dr. Kara Kolomitz, the inaugural COO of The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, share insights into devising a unified leadership structure for both institutions. They delve into their high-impact journey in Catholic higher education, emphasizing the significance of liberal arts, the tradition of Benedictine values, and the critical role of strategic planning.
About Brian Bruess, Ph.D
Dr. Brian J. Bruess, Ph.D., assumed the historic role of president of both the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University in 2022, marking a distinguished career in academia. Prior to this groundbreaking appointment, he served as the 8th president of St. Norbert College, where he achieved remarkable milestones, including record enrollments and fostering a diverse student body. With a background spanning 22 years at St. Catherine University, Dr. Bruess excelled as the executive vice president and chief operating officer, earning accolades such as the 2017 Presidents’ Steward Award. He holds degrees from St. Norbert College and Ohio University, specializing in college student personnel and research.
Read more on the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University website.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bruess-41a39964/
About Kara Kolomitz, Ed.D
Dr. Kara Kolomitz is the inaugural Chief Operating Officer of The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. With over 25 years of experience in Catholic higher education, she previously served as COO at Regis College from 2016 to 2022, overseeing internal operations and strategy for the institution's 3,400 students. Dr. Kolomitz's leadership facilitated enrollment growth and implemented initiatives addressing systemic racism, earning recognition for diversity excellence. She bolstered athletic participation and improved retention rates by implementing innovative student support systems. Dr. Kolomitz holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University, a Master’s in Higher Education from Providence College, and a Bachelor’s in Communication Arts and Philosophy from Regis University. Her dedication to mission-driven leadership and commitment to student success make her a valuable addition to the CSB and SJU community.
Read more on the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University website.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karakolomitz/
This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education
About Viv Higher Education
Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.
Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/
SEASON 2, Ep. 9 HBCU Innovation: Shaping the Future from Monique Guillory, President of Dillard University
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
03/18/25 • 14 min
This episode features an interview with Monique Guillory, President of Dillard University, Louisiana's oldest HBCU. She discusses the challenges facing higher education, including the demographic cliff and the need to prove the value of a college degree. President Guillory outlines Dillard's strategy to address these challenges, focusing on a holistic liberal arts education, emphasizing fundamental skills like reading, writing, and critical thinking, and fostering an entrepreneurial campus. She highlights the Innovation Collective, a new residence hall designed to teach students about responsible social media use and content creation. The conversation also explores the importance of entrepreneurial leadership and adapting to the evolving needs of students and the workforce.
This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education
About Viv Higher Education
Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.
Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/
SEASON 2, Ep. 8 Healing Through Brand: Transforming Higher Education from Jenny Petty, VP of Marketing & Communications at the University of Montana
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
03/11/25 • 29 min
In this episode, Jenny shares her journey in higher education marketing, from her early days in the private sector to her current role as CMO at the University of Montana. She discusses the challenges of rebranding institutions, including navigating cultural tensions and internal skepticism, as exemplified by the "World Needs More Cowboys" campaign at the University of Wyoming. Jenny emphasizes the importance of community-driven branding, healing through brand, and cultivating a "flywheel" model that fosters long-term relationships with all audiences. She also provides valuable insights into entrepreneurial leadership in higher education, focusing on speed of implementation, ownership, and continuous improvement.
This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education
About Viv Higher Education
Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.
Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/
SEASON 1: Trailer- Higher Ed Leaders: Transforming and Innovating Higher Education in the US sponsored by Viv Higher Education
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
01/11/24 • 0 min
Join hosts Dr. Suzan Brinker and Audra DeLaney-Hall as they engage in candid conversations with higher education leaders, exploring strategic priorities and innovative approaches to higher education. Presidents, CMOs, VPs, and more share their experiences in pushing boundaries in education through strategic planning, brand strategy, academic innovation, and organizational culture. "Higher Ed Leaders" is not just a podcast; it's a journey into the heart of transformative leadership. Tune in weekly and subscribe to stay inspired. Let's elevate higher education together!
This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education marketing agency. Follow Viv on LinkedIn for updates and exclusive content.
This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education
About Viv Higher Education
Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.
Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/
SEASON 1, Ep. 13 Brian Bruess & Kara Kolomitz, Joint President and COO of The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
04/16/24 • 51 min
In this episode, Dr Brian Bruess, the inaugural joint president, and Dr. Kara Kolomitz, the inaugural joint COO of The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, share insights into devising a unified leadership structure for both institutions. They delve into their high-impact journey in Catholic higher education, emphasizing the significance of liberal arts, the tradition of Benedictine values, and the critical role of strategic planning.
About Brian Bruess, Ph.D
Dr. Brian J. Bruess, Ph.D., assumed the historic role of president of both the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University in 2022, marking a distinguished career in academia. Prior to this groundbreaking appointment, he served as the 8th president of St. Norbert College, where he achieved remarkable milestones, including record enrollments and fostering a diverse student body. With a background spanning 22 years at St. Catherine University, Dr. Bruess excelled as the executive vice president and chief operating officer, earning accolades such as the 2017 Presidents’ Steward Award. He holds degrees from St. Norbert College and Ohio University, specializing in college student personnel and research.
Read more on the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University website.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bruess-41a39964/
About Kara Kolomitz, Ed.D
Dr. Kara Kolomitz is the inaugural Chief Operating Officer of The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. With over 25 years of experience in Catholic higher education, she previously served as COO at Regis College from 2016 to 2022, overseeing internal operations and strategy for the institution's 3,400 students. Dr. Kolomitz's leadership facilitated enrollment growth and implemented initiatives addressing systemic racism, earning recognition for diversity excellence. She bolstered athletic participation and improved retention rates by implementing innovative student support systems. Dr. Kolomitz holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University, a Master’s in Higher Education from Providence College, and a Bachelor’s in Communication Arts and Philosophy from Regis University. Her dedication to mission-driven leadership and commitment to student success make her a valuable addition to the CSB and SJU community.
Read more on the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University website.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karakolomitz/
This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education
About Viv Higher Education
Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.
Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/
SEASON 1, Ep. 9 Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
03/19/24 • 44 min
Suzan and Audra speak with Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Phillips shares her journey from a career in television to higher education, driven by a desire to do 'work that matters'. As she discusses her role in the institution, she highlights the importance of people, programs, and place.
Phillips talks about how the university meets the needs of a diverse student body, which includes traditional, adult learners, and online students. She emphasizes a keen focus on providing support to students, including on-site social workers. Furthermore, Phillips discusses the critical roles that strategic planning, branding, mental health awareness, artificial intelligence, and change management play within the university's success, and how each individual within the institution contributes towards this. The episode provides valuable insights into the continuous evolution required in higher education for institutions to navigate the current challenges they face.
Carrie Phillips Ed.D.
Carrie Phillips Ed.D. is the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, with previous roles including Director of University Marketing and Communication at Arkansas Tech University and associate producer at WXII 12 News. She holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from Texas Tech University, along with a Master of Arts in Multimedia Journalism and Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Arkansas Tech University. Notable accolades include winning the highest in-house design team award from UCDA and a grand gold from CASE, with recognition as a CASE District IV Rising Star. Phillips is active in professional associations, holding the P-CM credential through the American Marketing Association and serving as Chair-elect for her CASE district.
Outside of work, she volunteers with HighEdWeb, shares insights on marketing and leadership through her website, and enjoys traveling with her puppy, Eleanor Belle.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriehphillips/
Website: https://andcarrieon.com/
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education
About Viv Higher Education
Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.
Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/
SEASON 1, Ep. 1 Leo Lambert, President Emeritus at Elon University
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
01/23/24 • 51 min
In this insightful episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with President Emeritus Leo Lambert, who led Elon University through a period of remarkable transformation. Lambert's personal journey into higher education, starting as the first in his family to earn a four-year college degree, is a testament to the power of mentorship and seizing opportunities. He shared his experiences in the "in-between spaces" of higher education, where he developed a passion for understanding how the system works.
Lambert emphasized the importance of maintaining a student-centered approach in institutional transformation. He discussed the significance of fostering a strong institutional identity and committing to long-term strategic planning. Lambert highlighted the value of growth, not just in numbers but in quality and infrastructure, to provide a superior educational experience.
One of the key takeaways from the conversation was the need for leaders in higher education to focus on the main thing. Lambert stressed the importance of reflection, deep thinking, and keeping the institution's mission at the forefront of decision-making. He also highlighted the significance of collaboration between presidents, boards, faculty, and staff to navigate the complexities of the industry and adapt to unforeseen events.
A notable aspect of Elon's transformation was its evolution into a multi-faith institution. Lambert discussed the university's commitment to religious diversity and dialogue, creating a climate of understanding and respect among different faiths.
As President Emeritus, Lambert continues to make an impact through teaching, writing, and consulting. His insights serve as a valuable guide for current and future leaders in higher education, emphasizing the importance of student-centered approaches, strategic planning, and fostering a culture of collaboration and reflection.
About Leo Lambert
Leo M. Lambert led Elon University from 1999 to 2018, focusing on creating a student-centered culture and developing students as global citizens and ethical leaders. Under his leadership, Elon gained national prominence and built a reputation for academic excellence. He currently holds the title of president emeritus and is a professor at Elon University.
Read more on the Elon website.
Books:
Relationship-Rich Education: How Human Connections Drive Success in College by Peter Felten and Leo M. Lambert
Connections Are Everything: A College Student's Guide to Relationship-Rich Education by Peter Felten, Leo M. Lambert, Isis Artze-Vega, and Oscar R. Miranda Tapia
This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education
About Viv Higher Education
Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.
Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/
SEASON 2, Ep. 3 Future-Ready Higher Ed: An Interview with Lisa Keegan, Vice President, Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Success at Bucknell University
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
02/04/25 • 32 min
In this episode, Lisa Keegan, VP of Enrollment at Bucknell University, shares her unconventional path in higher education—from starting in admissions at Elon University to briefly pursuing law before returning to the field. She discusses the challenges and opportunities facing institutions today, emphasizing mission-driven leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Lisa highlights Bucknell’s focus on access and student success, including the creation of a Center for Access and Success to support first-generation and underrepresented students. She also explores the evolving role of liberal arts education in the AI era, advocating for critical thinking and student-driven learning.
This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education
About Viv Higher Education
Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.
Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/
SEASON 2, Ep. 4 Thriving Amid the FAFSA Chaos: An Interview with Nathan Ament, Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admission at Knox College
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
02/10/25 • 31 min
Nathan, VP of Enrollment at Knox College in Illinois, shares his unique journey from high school band director to higher education administrator. He explains how Knox achieved a remarkable 60% enrollment increase despite nationwide challenges, crediting key strategies like partnering with EAB, streamlining operational processes, building a regional recruitment team, and introducing the innovative "Knox Box" admit package. This personalized approach, sent to both domestic and international students, helped triple international enrollment.
Nathan highlights the importance of focusing on yield, analyzing data, and understanding the perspectives of students and families. He also stresses the value of financial modeling, securing board support, and fostering a transparent, supportive team culture. Beyond his role at Knox, Nathan co-hosts The Admissions Director's Lunch cast, where he shares practical insights for admissions professionals and counselors.
This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education
About Viv Higher Education
Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.
Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education have?
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education currently has 26 episodes available.
What topics does Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education cover?
The podcast is about Higher Education, Marketing, Podcasts, Education and Business.
What is the most popular episode on Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education?
The episode title 'SEASON 1, Ep. 7 Kimberly Zimmerman, Assistant Vice President of Admissions, Knox College' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education?
The average episode length on Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education is 35 minutes.
How often are episodes of Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education released?
Episodes of Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education?
The first episode of Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education was released on Jan 11, 2024.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ