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Higher Ed Pulse

Higher Ed Pulse

Mallory Willsea and Seth Odell

Higher Ed Pulse is your weekly spotlight on the latest in higher education marketing and enrollment. From headline news to social posts, insider insights to industry observations, join industry veterans Mallory Willsea and Seth Odell as they share their top stories from across the world of higher education. Each bite-sized, 15-minute episode is packed with personality and designed to bring what’s top of mind to the top of your feed. Perfect for the busy professional, our episodes blend sharp analysis with lively commentary, transforming complex topics into engaging, digestible insights. Get ready to be both informed and entertained, as Higher Ed Pulse offers a perspective that keeps you not just in the loop but always a step ahead in the ever-evolving world of higher education. Higher Ed Pulse is co-hosted by Mallory Willsea and Seth Odell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

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Top 10 Higher Ed Pulse Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Higher Ed Pulse episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Higher Ed Pulse 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 Pulse episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

We are thrilled to announce that Jenny Li Fowler, who is the Director of Social Media Strategy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and author of a brand new book called “Organic Social Media”, will be joining Enrollify as host of Season 2 of our podcast, Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager.

Jenny has spent her career working in social and is currently in charge of developing and executing institute-wide social media initiatives for more than 200 departments, labs, and centers. She also manages MIT’s flagship Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts. Before MIT, she served as Social Media Manager and Web Editor for the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Jenny is a recurring correspondent for Hubspot's INBOUND and a recognized voice across the social media marketing space.

In this new season, Jenny covers the do's, don'ts, and dynamics of the complex, challenging, and changing social media ecosystem. Together with other higher ed social media managers, she’ll bring on the podcast, she’ll analyze the successes and failures of those in the higher education social space — what went right, what went wrong, and what are the lessons learned. You can also expect novel and actionable steps so you can push past the pitfalls others have faced. No matter if you're on a team of 20 or a team of one, you’re bound to find something of value in this podcast.

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About the Show:

Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager covers the do's, don'ts, and dynamics of the complex and challenging social media ecosystem. We analyze the successes and failures of those in the higher education social space — what went right, what went wrong, and what are the lessons learned. We’ll share actionable steps so you can push past the pitfalls others have faced. No matter if you're on a team of 20 or a team of one, we've got you covered.

Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is hosted by Jenny Li Fowler and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

- - -
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

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

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How should colleges and universities measure the impact of branding and marketing? In Episode 7 of How to Market a University, Terry Flannery answers this question by introducing listeners to short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures of results, progress, and ROI.

Furthermore, Terry unpacks the KPIs that Higher Ed CMOs should be held accountable to, she discusses who from leadership should be involved in marketing goal setting, and she offers a couple of unique frameworks for how to think about funding the marketing function at an institution effectively.

Register for Enrollify’s Mastercourse on How to Market a University with Terry Flannery.

Learn more about this episode in our show notes.

More About the Series:

The How to Market a University Podcast series features vignettes of Dr. Teresa Flannery’s book, How to Market a University.

Terry Flannery has spent her entire career in higher education. She was the first marketing director and chief marketing officer at the University of Maryland, the first Vice President of Communications at American University, and most recently the interim vice president for marketing and communication at Stony Brook University.

At a time of declining public support, a shrinking pipeline of traditional college-bound students, and a steady rise in tuition and discount rates, higher education leaders have never been under more pressure.

How can they ensure steady or growing enrollments while cultivating greater philanthropic support, increasing research funding, and diversifying revenue streams?

In How to Market a University, Terry argues that institutions can meet all of these goals by implementing strategic integrated marketing in ways that are consistent with academic culture and university values.

Enrollify and Terry have joined forces to produce Enrollify’s first-ever Mastercouse that mirrors the robust learnings and deep insights packed into Terry’s book. Over the next eight weeks, this special podcast series will give you a taste of what you can expect in the Mastercourse.

But that’s it...just a taste! To unpack all of the language, frameworks, tools, and tactics that CMOs or aspiring CMOs will need to lead the work of marketing in higher education, we invite you to register for the Mastercourse on How to Market a University at www.enrollify.org/mastercourse.

This Mastercourse features guest experts like Seth Odell, Jenny Petty, Jaime Hunt, Ethan Braden, Michael Stoner, Angela Polec, Binty Harvey, Bob Johnson, and many more. It’s also filled with downloadable templates and worksheets to help you retain the course material.

And last but certainly not least, this course was made possible by the leading agencies in higher education marketing who came together to support this effort.

We want to thank SimpsonScarborough, Mindpower, DD Agency, and Ologie for their incredible guidance and partnership.

Register for the Mastercourse on How to Market a University here.

- - -
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

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...

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In this special episode of the Higher Ed Pulse podcast series, recorded live at the American Marketing Association (AMA) conference, Mallory Willsea speaks with Dan Giroux, AVP of Advancement Communications & Stewardship at Drexel University. With a focus on personalized engagement, operational efficiency, and AI-powered predictive analytics, Dan shares insights on leveraging technology to enhance advancement efforts and build meaningful relationships with donors.

Key Takeaways

  • AI’s Role in Advancement: AI tools, like ChatGPT, offer efficiency and personalization opportunities in advancement, filling gaps for teams with limited resources.
  • Predictive Analytics Potential: AI can transform donor engagement by analyzing data to inform outreach strategies, predict giving patterns, and improve campaign development.
  • Institutional AI Integration: The higher education sector awaits seamless AI integration within existing platforms, which will likely drive widespread adoption in advancement.
  • Practical Use Cases for AI in Advancement: From drafting content to strategic donor engagement, AI provides practical solutions to ongoing challenges in advancement.
  • Continuous Learning with AI: For advancement professionals, embracing AI through regular exploration and experimentation is essential to staying ahead in the evolving higher ed landscape.

Why Does AI Matter in Advancement?
The podcast opens with Dan explaining the importance of AI in advancement efforts, especially as these teams face increasing demands and limited resources. AI provides ways to automate tasks, personalize engagement, and support decision-making—all critical in the alumni and donor relations space. By using AI tools, advancement teams can streamline workflows and communicate more effectively with constituents, enhancing overall efficiency without adding headcount. This is especially useful for content creation, such as personalized donor thank-yous, targeted emails, and solicitations, which often require a consistent tone of voice and branding.

Addressing Resource Constraints with AI
Mallory and Dan discuss a significant challenge in advancement: open positions and budget constraints. Dan notes that Drexel University’s advancement team has faced unfilled positions for two years. For teams stretched thin, AI serves as a valuable tool to tackle basic but essential tasks, like generating first drafts of communications or tailoring messages to different donor levels. This capability not only relieves pressure on understaffed teams but also ensures a more personalized experience for constituents. AI allows smaller teams to handle large volumes of content and maintain a cohesive voice, a function once dependent on extensive editorial guidelines.

Current AI Tools in Advancement: Are We There Yet?
Mallory inquires about AI’s integration into existing tech stacks within advancement. Dan explains that while some AI features are starting to appear in niche tools, broader integration into major platforms like Salesforce or Anthology Encompass is still in its early stages. Institutions are beginning to explore AI’s potential, with tools like “AI gift officers” gaining attention, though the landscape is still developing. Without comprehensive institutional support, many professionals are experimenting with AI independently, often without clear guidance. As more universities form task forces to evaluate ethical AI use, these technologies will likely become better integrated into the advancement workflow.

Predictive Modeling and Donor Engagement
The conversation turns to predictive analytics as a promising AI use case in advancement. Dan suggests that AI’s potential for donor engagement lies in analyzing donor history to create targeted outreach and even develop customized offers. By understanding constituent patterns, advancement teams can make strategic decisions about where to invest their time and resources. While true AI-driven predictive modeling in advancement may not yet be fully realized, this approach could transform campaign development and improve ROI by identifying the most promising donor segments.

Preparing for Strategic Shifts in Advancement Marketing
Looking ahead to his AMA session, Dan previews how he plans to address ongoing strategic shifts in advancement marketing. Drawing on his experience at Drexel, he’ll discuss how teams can stay adaptable and evolve even as industry changes continue to accelerate. Attendees can expect insights on managing advancement amidst shifting priorities and learning to position advancement as a strategic university partner. These themes resonate across advancement, university marketing, and college-based roles, making them applicable for a broad audience seeking to elevate their strategies.

The Value o...

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In episode one of this special four part series on branding in higher ed, Zach and Ian Evenstar (founder and CEO of Unincorporated) unpack the importance of brand manifestos.

This episode is chalked full of knowledge and advice for higher ed. Some key topics covered include...

  • Defining brand in simple terms
  • Exploring the core components of a brand manifesto
  • Examining successful brands outside of and inside of higher ed
  • Presenting a framework for how folks should develop a brand manifesto

Brand Camp is made streamable by Unincorporated - a higher education agency committed to building engagement, growing enrollments, and solving major challenges facing universities, schools, and academies.

Brand Camp 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 Mickey Baines, Jeremy Teirs, Jaime Hunt, Corynn Myers, 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 Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

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

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Higher Ed Pulse - Why Every EDU Pro Should Build Their Personal Brand
play

06/10/24 • 25 min

Mallory and Seth dive into the significance of personal branding, especially in today's volatile job market. They share personal stories and actionable advice on how to build and maintain a personal brand that stands out. From leveraging LinkedIn to the power of newsletters and speaking engagements, this episode is packed with tips for higher ed professionals at any stage of their career.

Key Takeaways

  • Audit Your LinkedIn Profile: Ensure it reflects your current skills and professional image.
  • Identify Your Expertise: Define what you want to be known for and focus your content around these themes.
  • Engage in Content Creation: Start posting on LinkedIn or other platforms to share your knowledge and insights.
  • Build Relationships: Networking and personal branding go hand-in-hand; invest in building meaningful connections.
  • Embrace Conflict: Don't shy away from sharing controversial or challenging opinions; it can drive engagement and growth.
  • Use Tools: Leverage analytics tools like Shield App to optimize your LinkedIn strategy.

Related Links:

https://engage.element451.com/register

https://hbr.org/2024/05/your-personal-brand-needs-a-refresh-heres-where-to-start

https://www.shieldapp.ai/

https://mailchi.mp/ashleybudd/inbox?mc_cid=f252eae153&mc_eid=481c140c8a

- - -
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

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

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Higher Ed Pulse - Live at AMA: AI’s Role in Smarter KPIs
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11/13/24 • 17 min

In this live episode from the American Marketing Association (AMA) conference in Las Vegas, Mallory sits down with Christian Ponce, AVP for Marketing at Old Dominion University. They discuss the powerful intersection of AI and KPI development in higher education marketing. Christian shares how AI tools like Elephant AI streamline KPI generation, offering marketers valuable insights and efficiency. This episode dives into the practical applications of AI for setting and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), particularly in campaign planning and execution, to maximize productivity and foster a sense of belonging within teams.

Key Takeaways

  • AI in KPI Development: AI can expedite the traditionally time-consuming process of creating and tracking KPIs, transforming hours of work into mere minutes.
  • AI as a Support Tool, Not a Replacement: AI is meant to enhance your strategic thinking, not replace it, by providing structured guidance and suggestions.
  • Enhanced Productivity and Learning: Engaging with AI tools can reduce research time, educate users on key metrics like NPS, and offer solutions for campaign optimization.
  • Cultivating Belonging in Remote Teams: The keynote on inclusivity highlights the impact of fostering belonging within teams, which can directly affect productivity and satisfaction.

Why Inclusivity Matters in Marketing Teams
Christian reflects on the keynote's emphasis on inclusion, noting the scientific evidence that humans are wired for belonging. This biological need for inclusion impacts productivity and job satisfaction. For remote and distributed teams, creating a culture where every member feels valued and connected is essential, particularly in high-stakes environments like higher education marketing. Christian stresses that understanding the neurological effects of rejection helps drive home the importance of inclusive marketing and team dynamics.

AI-Powered KPI Development in Higher Education
Christian shares how AI tools are transforming the process of KPI development. Traditionally, setting KPIs required significant time, involving deep dives into institutional goals, marketing objectives, and strategic planning. With AI, marketers can streamline this process by inputting basic campaign information and receiving immediate, actionable insights. Christian uses Elephant AI to prompt the tool with campaign goals and in seconds receives recommendations for brand awareness, perception tracking, and conversions. This shift saves time and allows for a greater focus on refining strategic priorities.

How AI Can Assist, Not Replace, Strategic Thinking
In a role like Christian's, AI serves as a productivity booster rather than a replacement for strategic input. He explains that, rather than generating ideas independently, AI supports tasks by eliminating the “blank page” problem and speeding up ideation. For example, he uses AI to produce sample KPIs and adjust them as necessary. AI also offers tools and methods to measure metrics like Net Promoter Score (NPS), including recommendations for survey platforms and calculation techniques. This level of assistance allows Christian to focus on strategic adjustments, while AI handles the administrative legwork.

Real-Life Examples of AI-Driven Campaign Iteration
Christian emphasizes how AI can assist in ongoing campaign management, especially in situations where a campaign isn’t performing as expected. When faced with underwhelming results, he can input current data into the AI tool and receive suggestions, such as tweaking headlines or adjusting messaging to boost engagement. This approach allows Christian to iterate on campaigns more efficiently, testing new ideas and refining strategies based on real-time insights from AI suggestions.

The Importance of Starting with AI, Even with Time Constraints
Mallory shares her experience of using AI for KPI exercises at Enrollify. By inputting detailed data on past performance and desired outcomes, she received insights that would have otherwise taken hours to develop. For marketers on the fence about learning AI due to time constraints, Christian and Mallory agree that investing time to familiarize oneself with AI tools pays off in the long run. The efficiency gained from AI not only saves time but also enhances one’s strategic approach, empowering higher education marketers to achieve more with less effort.

- - -
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/

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If you're like Zach, you may have never even clicked on a YouTube Short before. But in this week's episode, we break down how YouTube Shorts complement your YouTube channel and could even help you grow a massive following.

Tune in to hear what these three think is the golden ticket for awareness generation on YouTube Shorts.

This episode is brought to you by Doubletake - Doubletake is a team of experts in swag for higher education. From acceptance packages, to prospective student mailers, to admitted students gifts, to admissions fair takeaways, to branded student care packages, Doubletake provides all the creative promotional products and branded merchandise colleges and universities need to elevate your brand, make an impression on students, combat summer melt, and promote school spirit. Convert prospects into applicants, applicants into students, students into raving fans, and alumni into lifelong brand ambassadors with the help of Doubletake.

The Brewstorm 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 Mickey Baines, Jeremy Teirs, Jaime Hunt, Corynn Myers, 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 Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

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

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Higher Ed Pulse - Live at AMA: It’s About Impact
play

11/11/24 • 16 min

In this episode, live from the American Marketing Association (AMA) Symposium in Las Vegas, Mallory dives into the insights shared by AMA co-chairs Teresa Valerio-Parrot, Principal of TVP Communications, and Stephen Jendraszak, AVP for Marketing at Emory University. They discuss the record-breaking attendance, the importance of community, and how higher ed marketing has evolved over the years to make a real impact.

Key Takeaways

  • The AMA Symposium hit a milestone this year, with nearly 1,800 attendees, making it the largest event in the organization's history.
  • Higher ed marketers now focus less on "earning a seat at the table" and more on leveraging their influence to benefit students, communities, and institutions.
  • Building a strong community is key, both during the symposium and throughout the year, encouraging collaboration over competition.
  • The symposium introduced new formats, like fireside chats, to foster genuine dialogue and connection among peers.
  • Networking tips for first-time attendees include participating in organized meal groups, taking advantage of shared moments, and stepping out of comfort zones to form meaningful connections.
  • Transparency and accessibility are focal points, with committee-led sessions offering insights on proposals and processes, ensuring inclusivity and encouragement for all members.

What makes the AMA Symposium significant this year?

This year’s AMA Symposium is historic, with nearly 1,800 attendees—the highest number ever recorded in AMA’s 35-year history. The co-chairs emphasized that higher ed marketers need a space to recharge and gain fresh perspectives, especially given the challenging years the industry has faced. The symposium is also the first event to combine both national and symposium-level programming, highlighting the strength and influence of higher education within AMA's network.

What are the main themes and goals for this year’s conference?

Reflecting on past symposiums, Teresa and Steven noted that marketing conversations have shifted dramatically. Initially focused on "getting a seat at the table," today’s discussions center on maximizing the influence that higher ed marketers already have. This year’s theme encourages marketers to prioritize students, communities, and institutional values over personal recognition. The goal is to foster a culture of purpose-driven impact rather than focusing on individual credit.

How does AMA promote community-building throughout the year?

The co-chairs emphasized the importance of fostering community within the higher ed marketing industry, not only during the symposium but year-round. They encouraged attendees to look for opportunities to connect beyond formal sessions, such as meeting in informal settings like the gym or at meals organized by institution type. This emphasis on community is seen as vital for long-term support and collaboration in a field that often presents challenges.

What unique session formats were introduced this year?

One of the unique formats introduced was the fireside chat, which allows participants to engage in casual yet insightful conversations. Unlike traditional presentations, fireside chats bring industry peers together to discuss shared experiences, fostering a "fly on the wall" perspective where attendees can witness organic exchanges. This format aims to provide attendees with real-world perspectives and strengthen the connections within the community.

How can first-time attendees make the most of their experience?

For newcomers, the symposium can feel overwhelming due to the large number of sessions and networking opportunities. Steven and Teresa advised first-timers to participate in organized tables during meals and actively introduce themselves to others. Attendees were also encouraged to make the most of unexpected networking moments, such as chats in elevators or brief encounters in shared spaces. For introverted attendees, they suggested finding familiar faces in common spaces as a way to break the ice and build connections.

What ongoing support and opportunities does AMA offer to its community?

Beyond the conference, AMA continues to support its community through accessible resources and initiatives that encourage engagement throughout the year. Teresa highlighted a recent podcast episode aimed at helping marketers develop strong proposals and previewed upcoming "ask the committee" sessions designed to increase transparency. AMA’s goal is to provide consistent opportunities for marketers to participate, learn, and share their unique strengths with peers, ensuring the community’s growth and support year-round.

- - -
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/

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Higher Ed Pulse - Pulse Check: The Future of Student Search — Part 5
play

10/10/24 • 36 min

Heather Daniels, Executive Director of Admission at Colorado State, shares insights on how CSU has revolutionized its student search approach. By leveraging data analytics and strategic adjustments, the institution has effectively maximized resources and focused on building a strong inquiry pool that has led toward stronger enrollment. This episode explores the importance of questioning traditional methods, adopting a collaborative leadership approach, and prioritizing a human-centered approach to student search.

Key Takeaways:

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Analyze data to identify trends, optimize resource allocation, and make informed decisions.
  • Strategic Adjustments: Question traditional methods and make data-driven adjustments to meet evolving student needs and expectations.
  • Collaborative Leadership: Foster a collaborative environment where team members contribute to decision-making and strategy development.
  • Continuous Evaluation: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of student search strategies and make necessary adjustments.
  • Personalized Communication: Leverage personalized messaging through text and in-app messaging to enhance engagement.
  • Parent Engagement: Engage parents through webinars and other channels to create a sense of connection and involvement.
  • Human-Centered Approach: Foster a sense of community and personal connection to attract and retain prospective students.

Guest Name: Heather Daniels, Executive Director of Admissions, Colorado State University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-daniels-5a19838/

Guest Bio: Heather Daniels is the Executive Director of Admissions at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Prior to coming to CSU, Heather spent 11 years at Willamette University, in Salem, Oregon, in both the Undergraduate Admissions Office and the Graduate School of Education.
In her role at Colorado State, Heather serves as a key member in the Division of Enrollment & Access which includes Admissions, Financial Aid and the Registrar’s Office. Heather earned a bachelor’s degree at Edgewood College, and a Master of Education in Organization, Leadership, Performance and Change at Colorado State University.

Pulse Check Host:
Trent Gilbert - VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentgilbert/
Having served as Vice President for Enrollment at three different institutions, Trent Gilbert understands the challenges and pressures modern-day enrollment managers face at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to serving as a former VPEM, Trent also co-founded and served as an industry leader of Render Experiences, which put him at the table of enrollment strategy conversations at over 250 institutions. As the VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie, Trent is uniquely positioned to work with clients and create tailored solutions that creatively engage students while keeping the experience of human connection at the forefront of the process. pressures modern-day enrollment managers face at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to serving as a former VPEM, Trent also co-founded and served as an industry leader of Render Experiences, which put him at the table of enrollment strategy conversations at over 250 institutions. As the VP of Student Search Solutions at Carnegie, Trent is uniquely positioned to work with clients and create tailored solutions that creatively engage students while keeping the experience of human connection at the forefront of the process.

LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentgilbert/

- - -
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

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 ...

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TikTok advertising today is basically what Facebook Advertising was in 2014 — organic reach is incredible, generating quality impressions is a given, and competition (in higher education anyway) is low. So why aren't more schools allocating resources to developing their TikTok strategy?
According to Enrollify subscribers, it's "because we aren't sure how to get started." Well, buckle up folks because on this week's episode, Zach shares detailed insight into why enrollment marketers should up their TikTok game today, and tangible ideas for how they can do so.
Watch this video to understand the various advertising options available on the platform, which colleges and universities are currently slaying their TikTok game, and what investment your school should be ready to make when starting out.

Learn more about this episode and about our sponsors in our show notes.

- - -
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

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!
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FAQ

How many episodes does Higher Ed Pulse have?

Higher Ed Pulse currently has 477 episodes available.

What topics does Higher Ed Pulse cover?

The podcast is about How To, Podcasts, Education and Business.

What is the most popular episode on Higher Ed Pulse?

The episode title 'Introducing Jenny Li Fowler as Host of Enrollify's Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Higher Ed Pulse?

The average episode length on Higher Ed Pulse is 34 minutes.

How often are episodes of Higher Ed Pulse released?

Episodes of Higher Ed Pulse are typically released every 3 days, 13 hours.

When was the first episode of Higher Ed Pulse?

The first episode of Higher Ed Pulse was released on Jul 25, 2019.

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