The Higher Ed Marketer

Higher ed is under pressure, and the clock is ticking for leaders to make bold, strategic moves. In this episode, Dr. Jamie Caridi shares how he helped Bethany College overcome deep financial challenges, rebuild trust, and launch a high-impact strategic plan. From reaching economic equilibrium to forming unexpected partnerships, Caridi unpacks a leadership playbook grounded in clarity, innovation, and courage.This conversation is a practical roadmap for campus leaders looking to rethink planning cycles, enrollment strategy, and cross-sector collaboration in a rapidly shifting landscape.🎧 Join us as we discuss:Why three-year strategic plans are the new standardRedefining economic equilibrium in small collegesHow to stop chasing "more" and start choosing missionBuilding innovation cultures in tradition-bound spacesWhen partnerships become survival strategiesThe courageous leadership higher ed needs now🎙️ Inside the Episode 08:34 – Fixing a $5M deficit and building economic equilibrium11:00 – Calling out the “enrollment cliff” excuse14:03 – What innovation really looks like in higher ed17:47 – Start, Stop, Continue: Creating space for new ideas21:18 – Why marketers must have a seat at the innovation table25:21 – Building revenue-positive partnerships with former competitors36:58 – Rethinking cost models and corporate partnerships38:25 – Demand excellence, not perfectionThe Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs. To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When Dr. Dr. Amy Bragg Carey stepped into her role as president of Friends University, the institution was facing financial instability, mission drift, and uncertainty about its identity in Christian higher ed. Nearly a decade later, Friends has achieved record enrollment and reclaimed its Christian mission with clarity and confidence.In this episode, Dr. Carey shares how small, consistent decisions have built trust, attracted donors, and re-centered the university on its founding values. From building student personas to implementing AI tools in recruitment, her leadership blends faith, data, and vision for the future.🎧 Join us as we discuss:Turning around a university in financial and mission crisisWhy small decisions shape institutional culture over timeDefining and articulating Christian identity in a diverse student bodyUsing student personas to inform recruitmentLeveraging AI for personalized marketingBuilding trust as a new leader in times of change🎙️ Inside the Episode 02:00 -  Financial Challenges and Strategies08:00 -   Revitalizing the Christian Mission 15:00 -   Building Trust and Transparency 21:00  -  Strategic Marketing and Personas27:00  -  Maintaining Institutional Identity33:00  -  Leadership Insights and Future OpportunitiesThe Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs. To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How do you manage and elevate a brand across 19 campuses serving more than 200,000 students? In this episode, Kathie Fleck of Ivy Tech Community College shares how her team is building brand consistency across one of the largest community college systems in the country.From messaging and segmentation to staff mentorship and innovation, Kathie unpacks what it takes to lead with trust, strategy, and a people-first mindset in a highly decentralized environment.🎧Join us as we discuss:Building brand consistency across multiple campusesWhy research and listening come before messagingStrategies for audience-based segmentation at scaleEmbracing calculated risks in higher ed marketingUsing AI and innovation to stretch budget and impactThe power of internal mentoring and cross-campus collaboration🎙️ Inside the Episode 06:22 – Building Internal Assets for Brand Consistency14:33 – Leading Change with a People-First Approach24:17 – Segmenting by Audience, Not Region27:20 – Innovating on a Budget: Testing New Channels30:53 – Using AI to Scale Creative OutputThe Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs. To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When Kesha Boyce Williams joined USC Upstate, she inherited an eight-year dream deferred: a much-needed website redesign. But rather than treat it as a technical update, she led with strategy, relationship-building, and storytelling to turn the university’s website into a true enrollment driver.In this episode, Kesha shares how strategic leadership, cross-campus collaboration, and clear communication helped USC Upstate reimagine its digital presence. You’ll hear about the planning process, why outside expertise matters, and how to anchor web redesigns in data, user experience, and storytelling that moves prospective students to action.🎧 Join us as we discuss:Why websites should serve as your #1 enrollment toolLessons in change management and cross-campus collaborationHow storytelling connects prospective students to your brandThe importance of internal buy-in and executive leadership supportPractical advice for kicking off a website redesign the right way🎙️ Inside the Episode 08:07 – Why Your Website Is Your Front Door16:20 – Aligning Website Strategy With Enrollment Goals18:40 – Embedding Storytelling Into Web Strategy21:39 – Leadership Buy-In at Every Level24:11 – 10 Practical Steps to Kick Off a Website Overhaul35:52 – Collaboration Over Competition in Higher Ed38:20 – Engage Students Early, Learn From Their JourneyTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs. The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What does it take to lead a beloved institution through a name change without alienating stakeholders or losing sight of your values? In this episode, Dr. Mark Milioni, President of Mission University (formerly Baptist Bible College), shares the deeply intentional and strategic process behind one of higher ed’s most thoughtful rebrands.Dr. Milioni walks us through the financial and cultural challenges he faced upon taking leadership, why a name change wasn’t a silver bullet but rather the culmination of a larger transformation, and how he balanced tradition with vision to roll out Mission University. From legal protections to faculty engagement, from strategic partnerships to athletics and student recruitment, you’ll hear how courage, clarity, and collaboration shaped every step.🎧 Join us as we discuss:Why rebranding requires courageous leadership, not just clever marketingHow to roll out a new name without losing your baseThe role of partnerships in expanding program offeringsHow athletics and enrollment align with institutional missionThe importance of external validation and legal groundwork🎙️ Inside the Episode 02:15 - Mission Universities rebranding journey. 10:30 -  Financial challenges and the initial state of the institution. 18:45 -  The decision-making process behind the name change. 25:00 - Strategies for managing change and stakeholder engagement. 35:20 - The role of strategic partnerships in the transition. 45:10 - Athletics and its impact on the rebranding strategy. To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs. The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Fall is here and that means another great season of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast. Sneak Peak into Season 750,000+ downloads...WHAT?!?!? Thank you for helping shape this community. Next week - Season 7 Launched. The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This is the final episode of our Enrollment Rx: Strategies to Fill Your Funnel, a four-part series focused on diagnosing and treating common enrollment pipeline challenges. As fall reveals how well your funnel is performing, we’ll help you optimize lead generation, nurture flows, and student engagement. Tune in for essential tactics and insights to boost enrollment outcomes this cycle.Episode 217 - Originally aired April 2023Dr Kim Krull retired from Butler Community College in February of 2024Community colleges are the front door of higher education for hundreds of thousands of students annually. They may be smaller than their 4-year counterparts, but schools like Butler Community College are leading the charge in innovating classrooms and workforce development programs.How are they doing it? It’s simple — by listening to students and their future employers and pivoting to their needs.Butler’s former president, Dr. Kimberly Krull, and Director of College Relations and Marketing, Kelly Snedden, tell us how they’re committing to graduating each student in digital literacy.Join us as we discuss:– Powering “high-flex” classrooms with the tech of tomorrow (13:03)– Getting students job-ready in workforce development programs (21:09)– How Butler is addressing the demographic enrollment cliff (34:51)To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This episode is number three in our Enrollment Rx: Strategies to Fill Your Funnel, a four-part series focused on diagnosing and treating common enrollment pipeline challenges. As fall reveals how well your funnel is performing, we’ll help you optimize lead generation, nurture flows, and student engagement. Tune in for essential tactics and insights to boost enrollment outcomes this cycle.Episode 216 - Originally aired March 2024Dave Hunt is now the Executive Creative Director at Old Dominion. On November 30th, 2022, ChatGPT changed the world.Just months before, Dave Hunt, now Executive Creative Director of Old Dominion, had been developing a large-scale email marketing campaign at another university.Dave discovered that the months of work that went into creating it could all be done in minutes now. It hooked him into looking at how to use generative AI further to keep his new team at ODU doing the creative work instead of grunt work.This episode will change the way you think about using generative AI with your team and how it can shape the marketing of your college or university.Join Us As We Discuss- Focusing on the tasks AI can’t do [8:32]- Enhancing audience engagement with prospective students [22:38] - The challenge of authenticity with Gen-Z and Gen Alpha [28:34] - Achieving brand voice alignment when using AI [33:42]To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This episode (2 of 4) is part of Enrollment Rx: Strategies to Fill Your Funnel, a four-part series focused on diagnosing and treating common enrollment pipeline challenges. As fall reveals how well your funnel is performing, we’ll help you optimize lead generation, nurture flows, and student engagement. Tune in for essential tactics and insights to boost enrollment outcomes this cycle.Episode 215 - Originally aired Feb 2022Nate Jorgensen is now the Senior Director of Marketing at Miami University.Sometimes when marketers get all gung-ho about creating work, especially content that looks “professional,” it can blur the authenticity of the message. Members of Gen Z (who have highly sensitive BS filters) can prefer content that’s imperfect.In this episode, we spoke with Nate Jorgensen, Director of Marketing and Communications at the University of Cincinnati - College of Engineering and Applied Science, about when marketers do too much work and how to let their institutions sell themselves.Join us as we discuss:- Growing your institution’s footprint- Authentic communication strategies- How to use student-produced content that may not be all positive- The impact of video: from Nate’s engineering video series to candid iPhone filming–To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This episode (1 of 4) is part of Enrollment Rx: Strategies to Fill Your Funnel, a four-part series focused on diagnosing and treating common enrollment pipeline challenges. As fall reveals how well your funnel is performing, we’ll help you optimize lead generation, nurture flows, and student engagement. Tune in for essential tactics and insights to boost enrollment outcomes this cycle.Episode 214 - Originally aired March 2023Enrollment marketing teams face new challenges every day as they work tirelessly to attract prospective students. Despite those obstacles, Teresa MacGregor, Senior Vice President, Strategic Engagement & Enrollment at Jacksonville University, and her colleagues are celebrating increased first-time enrollment at their school. And it’s not just because of the campus’s beachfront view. They did it by actively engaging with their students on campus and encouraging them to share their stories with the community.Teresa shares how her school’s administration is leading from the front to elevate the student experience.   Join us as we discuss:Encouraging campus visits through a culture of storytelling (6:54)An individualized approach to student recruitment (18:42)The value narrative brewing around higher education (26:25)–To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Episode 213 ZeeMeeSummer Series - Week 4 of 4In this episode, we talk with Sacha Thieme, Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Admissions at Indiana University Bloomington. Sacha shares how her team is rethinking student engagement long before day one on campus. From building community at scale to partnering across departments like First Year Experience, Sacha walks us through how IU is creating connection and clarity for thousands of students. She also dives into how data and digital tools are shaping a more intentional admissions experience, and what it takes to lead a team with purpose in an ever-changing enrollment landscape.🎧 Listen to Learn:✅ Great admissions leadership begins with listening and a deep understanding of the student journey.✅ A clear, authentic institutional identity will help you stand out.✅ Connection and belonging should begin well before students set foot on campus.✅ The best strategies come from understanding student needs, not assumptions.✅ Technology can enhance human touchpoints and community.Join the Discussion:03:04 Leading with Purpose in Higher Education06:03 Empowering Admissions Teams08:56 Building Community at Scale11:44 Seamless Transitions for New Students14:38 Leveraging Data and Technology in Admissions20:36 Creating Meaningful EngagementZeeMee is the #1 student community app, used by millions worldwide. It’s where Gen-Z connects and where colleges drive 2x the apps, 3.6x the yield and half the melt.ZeeMee analyzes tens of millions of data points on each student in real time, giving colleges access to the largest set of student behavior data and the most accurate predictive model in Higher Ed today.”Join the movement at ZeeMee.com.–To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

ZeeMee Summer Series - Week 3 of 4Building community is your new enrollment strategy. In this episode, Bart Caylor sits down with Vanessa Didyk, CEO of ZeeMee, to explore how student-driven community is transforming the enrollment funnel. Vanessa shares the story behind ZeeMee’s evolution and why today’s students crave authentic peer connections long before they set foot on campus. From real-time behavioral signals to predictive modeling, the conversation reveals how community engagement isn’t just a feel-good initiative, it's a strategic, data-backed tool that boosts yield, reduces melt, and lightens the load for enrollment teams. If you’re looking for smarter ways to connect with Gen Z and convert intent into action, ZeeMee is for you!🎧 Listen to Learn:✅ Build authentic student communities that naturally drive enrollment and engagement✅ Use real-time behavioral signals to predict which students will apply, commit, or melt✅ Ease staff workload by shifting early engagement to peer-driven, self-sustaining communities✅ Treat community as a top-of-funnel strategy that delivers long-term yield results✅ Start small with predictive data and still see measurable impact on enrollment goalsJoin the Discussion:02:02 The Evolution of ZeeMee as a community building too05:25 Building Community Among Students10:09 Understanding Behavioral Signals for Enrollment14:40 The Impact of Recruitment Intelligence17:58 Mitigating Melt Risks with Data22:25 Community as a Top-of-Funnel InvestmentZeeMee is the #1 student community app, used by millions worldwide. It’s where Gen-Z connects and where colleges drive 2x the apps, 3.6x the yield and half the melt.ZeeMee analyzes tens of millions of data points on each student in real time, giving colleges access to the largest set of student behavior data and the most accurate predictive model in Higher Ed today.”Join the movement at ZeeMee.com.–To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

ZeeMeeSummer Series - Week 2Episode 211Dr. James Steen, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing at Houston Christian University, shares how his team is flipping the traditional admissions funnel on its head. We discuss the challenges facing enrollment leaders today, and why HCU launched a bold Guaranteed Admission Program to simplify access and better serve Gen Z students.Dr. Steen unpacks how storytelling, early community-building, and the right use of technology (like ZeeMee) are helping students feel a sense of belonging before they ever set foot on campus. It’s a conversation filled with forward-thinking strategies for anyone looking to grow enrollment with purpose and humanity.🎧 Listen to Learn:✅ Why direct admission initiatives are becoming more prevalent in higher education✅ How enrollment competition is intensifying, making it harder to maintain student numbers.✅ Explore how the Guaranteed Admission Program simplifies enrollment for students.✅ Why technology should enhance, not replace, personal relationships in enrollment.✅ How incremental innovation can lead to significant improvements in enrollment strategies.Join the Discussion:03:04 - The Role of Innovation in Enrollment Management08:54 - Guaranteed Admission Program: A New Approach12:00 -  Aligning with Gen Z Expectations14:54 -  Building Community Before Enrollment20:57 - Leveraging Technology for Relationship Building23:56 - 10,000 Students by 2030ZeeMee is the #1 student community app, used by millions worldwide. It’s where Gen-Z connects and where colleges drive 2x the apps, 3.6x the yield and half the melt.ZeeMee analyzes tens of millions of data points on each student in real time, giving colleges access to the largest set of student behavior data and the most accurate predictive model in Higher Ed today.”Join the movement at ZeeMee.com.–To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to the ZeeMeeSummer Series!Episode 210In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Dr. Jay Jacobs, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at the University of Vermont, shares how bold innovation and cross-campus collaboration are transforming the student journey. From launching the Vermont Pitch Challenge to building internal talent through the Emerging Leaders Academy, Dr. Jacobs outlines a vision for enrollment that’s strategic, student-centered, and digitally fluent. He also underscores the critical role of alignment between enrollment and marketing in driving institutional success.🎧 Listen to Learn:✅ Why innovation must be embedded in every aspect of enrollment strategy.✅ How the Vermont Pitch Challenge supports brand-building.✅ How redesigned orientation and retention programs improve student connection.✅ Why developing internal talent matters and how to do it. ✅ Why platforms like ZeeMee enhance student belonging before they step on campus.Join the Discussion:02:53 Cultural Shift Towards Innovation06:01 Change Management in Higher Education08:44 Redesigning Orientation and Retention Programs11:56 The Vermont Pitch Challenge26:07 Aligning Enrollment Leadership and Marketing31:14 Building Synergy Between Marketing and Enrollment36:07 Emerging Leaders Academy: Developing Internal TalentZeeMee is the student community platform that’s been shaping enrollment for over a decade. After 10 years of creating authentic student engagement, and analyzing student actions, ZeeMee knows exactly what signals lead to enrollment and they’re bringing that data to colleges to help prioritize the right students and drive real results. Students on ZeeMee are 2x more likely to apply, 3.5x more likely to commit, and 50% less likely to melt. Join the movement at ZeeMee.com.–The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Higher Ed Marketer is heating things up this summer with a special series you won’t want to miss. Powered by our friends at ZeeMee!We’re bringing you four fresh episodes featuring standout voices in higher ed: Jay Jacobs (University of Vermont), James Steen (Houston Christian University), Sacha Thieme (Indiana University Bloomington), and ZeeMee CEO, Vanessa Didyk. Whether you’re lakeside relaxing or road-tripping to recruit, these episodes are your perfect summer companion.We’ll dive deep into the challenge of summer melt and explore the digital “watering holes” where your mission-fit students are already gathering.Tune in each week this July to help you boost engagement and drive enrollment. Starting next week!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 209 (4 of 4) In the last episode of the Higher Ed Marketer podcast's Faith Leaders Series we speak with Dondi Costin, president of Liberty University, about the intersection of Christian faith and higher education. They discuss the importance of leadership in maintaining the mission of the university, the role of spiritual formation in education, and the need for clarity in mission to avoid drift. Costin shares insights from his military background and chaplaincy, emphasizing the significance of balancing mission and people in leadership. The conversation also touches on the infrastructure needed for spiritual growth and the hope for the next generation of leaders in Christian education.🎧 Listen to Learn:✅ Great leaders “mind the mission” through people and process✅ Spiritual formation requires intentionality at all levels✅ The G.R.A.C.E of a college President. ✅ Why personally engaging students matters for executive leadership✅ The future of Christian higher ed is bright Join the Discussion:02:08 - Minding the Mission: Leadership Insights08:02 - Why Spiritual Formation should be central to Higher Education12:24 - Building Spiritual Infrastructure at Liberty24:26 - The Future of Christian Education is bright30:00 - Hope for the Next Generation of students and leadersThe Faith Leaders Mini-Series is sponsored by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, an organization serving over 158 faith-based institutions, 72,000 across North America. ABHE seeks to Advance Biblical Higher Education for Kingdom Impact. Learn more at ABHE.org. –To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 208 (3 of 4)In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor and Zach Coffin (VP of The Higher Ed Marketer and Pastor) explore the intersection of faith and higher education. Each week they engage in meaningful conversations with Christian higher ed leaders from across the country.In this week's episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Dr. David Hoag, President of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), joins us to unpack the real story behind Christian higher education in 2025. From rising enrollment to the power of mission clarity, Dr. Hoag discusses how faith-based institutions are thriving by boldly embracing their identity. He breaks down affordability myths by revealing the average tuition and surprising discount rates, and shares how CCCU is advocating on Capitol Hill for policies that protect religious liberty and financial accessibility. Through strategic collaboration, courageous leadership, and a renewed commitment to the whole student, Christian colleges are proving to be more essential and more accessible than many believe.🎧 Listen to Learn:✅ How mission boldness is fueling enrollment growth across Christian colleges.✅ Why Christian higher education is often more affordable than families realize.✅ The role CCCU plays in defending religious liberty through advocacy in Washington, D.C.✅ What makes thriving Christian campuses different from those that are struggling.✅ How strategic collaboration and bold leadership are shaping the future of faith-based institutions.Join the Discussion:03:21 - Current State of Christian Higher Education07:32 - Defining Factors for Thriving Institutions14:37 - Misconceptions About Christian Education17:25 - Affordability of Christian Higher Education18:08 - CCCU's Priorities and Support for Members22:53 - Advocacy Work in Washington, D.C.29:35 - Engaging with Local Representatives32:03 - Hope for the Future of Christian EducationThe Faith Leaders Mini-Series is sponsored by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, an organization serving over 158 faith-based institutions, 72,000 across North America. ABHE seeks to Advance Biblical Higher Education for Kingdom Impact. Learn more at ABHE.org. –To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player. The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 207 (2 of 4)In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor and Zach Coffin (VP of The Higher Ed Marketer and Pastor) explore the intersection of faith and higher education. Each week they engage in meaningful conversations with Christian higher ed leaders from across the country.This week they’re joined by Dr. Phil Cook, President of the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP). With over 30 years of experience in enrollment and leadership, Phil shares how Christian colleges can balance performance with purpose—navigating enrollment pressures while staying rooted in mission and faith.The conversation explores the role of spiritual authenticity in the recruitment journey, the growing importance of clarity in institutional identity, and how Christian colleges can respond strategically to cultural, technological, and generational shifts in 2025.🎧 Listen to Learn: ✅ Why mission-fit matters more than ever in a competitive admissions landscape ✅ How “real recognizes real” is the new rule of enrollment marketing ✅ Why direct admissions and digital strategies aren’t enough without authenticity ✅ How Christian colleges can lead in a world shaped by AI and rising skepticismJoin the Discussion: 03:15 What is NACCAP and Who Does It Serve? 05:05 Mission-Driven Enrollment and Data-Driven Metrics 08:22 The Evolving Role of Faith in the Admissions Funnel 12:35 Real Recognizes Real: Why Authenticity Wins 16:25 How to Equip Staff for Faith-Centered, Relational Recruitment 25:15 The Role of Community in a Post-AI Admissions Landscape 31:56 What Keeps Christian Higher Ed Leaders Up at Night 34:32 Final Thoughts: Work While You Wait, Worship as You LeadThe Faith Leaders Mini-Series is sponsored by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, an organization serving over 158 faith-based institutions, 72,000 across North America. ABHE seeks to Advance Biblical Higher Education for Kingdom Impact. Learn more at ABHE.org. –To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player. The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 206 (1 of 4)In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor and Zach Coffin (VP of The Higher Ed Marketer) explore the intersection of faith and higher education. Each week of this series they have thoughtful discussions with a Christian Higher Ed leader from across the country. This week they are joined by Dr. Philip Dearborn, President of The Association for Biblical Higher Ed (ABHE).  Philip unpacks the evolving landscape of Christian higher education, emphasizing the importance of community, leadership, and adapting to change. He shares insights on the challenges faced by institutions, the unique value of discipleship, and the opportunities presented by AI and competency-based education. The conversation highlights the need for self-awareness in leadership and the importance of embracing generational differences to foster collaboration and innovation in education.🎧 Listen to Learn:✅ Higher education is not the same that it was 15 years ago.✅ It’s time we embrace flourishing, not just survival.✅ We need to learn to listen cross-generationally to thrive in the future.✅ As more people embrace AI, Christian campuses can be a leader for human connection.Join the Discussion:03:00 Understanding ABHE: A New Era in Biblical Higher Education05:58 Challenges in Christian Higher Education: A Race to the Bottom09:01 The Unique Value of Community in Christian Higher Ed11:57 Opportunities for Growth: Navigating Change in Higher Education18:07 Leadership and Self-Awareness: Understanding Your Role20:59 Generational Dynamics: Bridging the Gap in Education23:47 Competency-Based Education: Tailoring Learning to Individual Needs26:48 Harnessing AI: Transforming Online Education29:58 The Future of Leadership: Embracing Change and InnovationThe Faith Leaders Mini-Series is sponsored by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, an organization serving over 158 faith-based institutions, 72,000 across North America. ABHE seeks to Advance Biblical Higher Education for Kingdom Impact. Learn more at ABHE.org. –To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We’re thrilled to announce the Faith Leaders Mini Series—a special four-week series of episodes focused on the unique opportunities, challenges, and innovations within Christian higher education.Hosted by Bart Caylor and joined by guest co-host Zach Coffin, VP of The Higher Ed Marketer, this series features conversations with influential leaders from across the country and around the world. Together, they explore how faith and mission shape enrollment, advancement, leadership, and campus culture. Whether you serve in a faith-based institution or simply are curious about this unique perspective, these conversations blend rich insights with practical wisdom for your day-to-day work.And the summer at The Higher Ed Marketer is just getting started.We’ve got an incredible summer lineup ahead—packed with the latest marketing trends, real-world strategies, and fresh inspiration to help you gear up for a strong fall. With new voices, bold ideas, and a spirit of optimism, this is the perfect season to stay plugged in.Sneak Peak at the Summer of The Higher Ed Marketer: Faith Leader Mini-Series Zeemee Summer SeriesBest of SeriesSeason 7 drops September ➡️ Subscribe now, leave us a review, and connect with us on LinkedIn so you don’t miss a moment.The Faith Leaders Mini Series kicks off next week!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.