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.
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Top 10 Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education Episodes
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SEASON 2, Ep. 13 Faith, Innovation, and the Future of Higher Education with Michael Hammond, President of Gordon College
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
04/22/25 • 25 min
In this episode, President Michael Hammond of Gordon College shares his unconventional path into higher education leadership. His journey was not the result of a set career plan, but rather a desire to combine intellectual inquiry with meaningful community engagement.
He reflects on Gordon’s founding mission to provide education to marginalized individuals and to integrate Christian service with rigorous academic and professional preparation. As he discusses the current challenges facing Christian higher education, including the demographic cliff and evolving job markets, President Hammond emphasizes the importance of innovation, adaptability, and a clear Christian identity. He also highlights the value of giving faculty and deans greater autonomy to lead program development.
Throughout the conversation, he speaks to the importance of trust, collaborative leadership, and in-person connection in building a strong campus culture. He closes with optimism, believing institutions that offer both moral grounding and professional excellence will continue to be relevant. He also shares how the principle of “Unreasonable Hospitality” shapes his leadership, encouraging a culture of empathy, generosity, and care.
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: Trailer - Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
01/21/25 • 0 min
Welcome to Higher Ed Leaders, the podcast for college and university professionals looking for real tools and real talk to amplify their impact. If you believe that higher ed is unparalleled in its ability to transform individual lives and society as a whole, you've come to the right place. On this show, you'll hear from presidents as well as VPs of enrollment, advancement, strategy, academic affairs, student affairs, finance, and more about their higher ed journeys and what they're doing to lead at their respective institutions.
This season, we're focusing specifically on entrepreneurial leadership. We'll explore how to:
- Pick up the pace: Navigate the complexities of higher education with greater speed and agility.
- Make decisions with imperfect data: Learn to make informed choices in an environment of uncertainty.
- Say no to initiatives that don't align: Focus your efforts on the most impactful opportunities for your institution.
Join us as we delve into the challenges and opportunities facing higher education leaders today and discover how to lead with innovation, impact, and a focus on the future.
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/
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/
SEASON 2, Ep. 11 Beyond the Status Quo with Jeffrey Senese, President of Caldwell University
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
04/08/25 • 36 min
This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Jeff, a seasoned leader in higher education, currently serving as the president of Caldwell University. Jeff shares his unique and extensive career journey, moving from a faculty role to various administrative positions across diverse institutions, including large public universities, liberal arts colleges, and professional-focused schools. He details his approach to leadership, emphasizing transformation, strategic growth, and responsiveness to market demands. The discussion highlights Caldwell University's strategic priorities, including expanding professional programs in healthcare and technology, enhancing online learning, and increasing international student enrollment. Jeff also discusses the importance of building community partnerships, alternative revenue streams, and fostering a culture of action and engagement.
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. 14 Building Trust and Driving Change with Thom D. Chesney, President of Southwestern College (NM)
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
04/29/25 • 35 min
In this episode of Higher Ed Leaders, Thom D. Chesney, President of Southwestern College, offers an in-depth look at his 40-year journey through higher education and the leadership lessons he has learned along the way. Now in his third presidency, Thom reflects on his path from faculty roles to executive leadership, the influence of his humanities background, and the value of servant leadership and curiosity in building a strong campus culture. He explains how Southwestern College's mission to transform consciousness through education shapes every part of its graduate programs, including art therapy, counseling, and visionary leadership.
Thom also discusses the college’s strategic focus on sustainable growth, the expansion of its continuing education offerings, and the ways it supports students and staff through a values-driven model centered on partnership, empowerment, mindfulness, and love. With a clear commitment to maintaining a sense of belonging while managing growth, Thom shares what it means to lead a purpose-driven institution in today’s higher education environment. This episode is filled with insights for anyone interested in leadership, campus culture, and creating meaningful impact in higher education.
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 2, Ep. 2 Challenging the Status Quo: An Interview with Paul McGinnis, Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment at Bethel University
Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education
01/27/25 • 32 min
Paul McGinnis, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing at Bethel University, brings a fresh perspective to higher education with his background in business rather than academia. In this conversation, he shares his unique journey into the sector and his thoughtful approach to navigating its complexities. Paul highlights the importance of listening to diverse perspectives and challenging traditional assumptions to foster meaningful change. A key focus of the discussion is Bethel’s bold decision to significantly reduce its tuition sticker price—a move aimed at aligning costs with value and improving accessibility for students. He also underscores the critical role of entrepreneurial leadership, emphasizing agility, decisiveness, and execution in addressing the challenges higher education faces today.
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/
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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 30 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 34 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.
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