The Higher Ed Marketer

A short update from Zach Coffin sharing four important things happening inside The Higher Ed Marketer. 4 Big ThingsSpecial Episode Dec 9th - Bart sits down with Troy and Zach to look into 2026 and what trends he sees coming in marketing in 2026. It’s not all AI. Caylor Solutions GenAI Masterclass for Teams: Bart and Zach have taken almost 2000 higher ed professions through this 6hr AI Masterclass. Find out more at ai.caylor-sololutions.comWelcome to The Biblical Higher Ed Podcast to The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Check out this fantastic podcast wherever you listen.Bart’s New Book Drop Feb 2026. Know What You Don’t Know: What Every Higher Ed Leader Needs to Understand About Marketing by Bart E. CaylorToday’s higher education landscape is louder, faster, and more complex than ever before. But you don’t need to become a marketing expert to lead your team with confidence. You just need to know enough to ask the right questions. This guide helps presidents, cabinet members, and advancement leaders build the literacy needed to evaluate marketing strategies, challenge assumptions, and make decisions that move today’s students from interest to enrollment. Based on real-world insight, decades of experience, and tactical clarity, this book is your field guide to leading through change and connecting with today’s students.The 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Every event tells a story, but only the most intentional ones help people feel your brand. At Biola University, Tracey Harrison, Vice President for Communications and Brand Marketing, is redefining what campus events can be through a framework called Eventful Branding. This philosophy turns events from logistical tasks into meaningful, mission-driven experiences that embody the heart of an institution.Through storytelling, hospitality, and collaboration, universities can design moments that make guests feel seen, valued, and connected to something greater. Drawing from Biola’s innovative approach, this conversation explores how to transform everything from campus tours to groundbreaking ceremonies into living expressions of your brand identity. You’ll learn how to unite marketing and events under one story, foster emotional connection with Gen Z, and build brand belief through authentic, human-centered design.🎧 Join us as we discuss:What Eventful Branding means and how to apply it across campusCreating immersive events that communicate mission through emotionWhy hospitality is a marketing strategy, not just an act of serviceBuilding cross-departmental alignment through shared storytellingHow to surprise and delight students with purpose and creativityPractical ideas for smaller institutions to elevate their event experience🎙️ Inside the Episode 04:37 – Defining eventful branding and how it came to life at Biola07:44 – How a film school groundbreaking became a storytelling moment11:16 – Bringing “unreasonable hospitality” to higher ed33:59 – How smaller schools can create big emotional impact37:58 – Transforming campus visits into emotional brand experiences46:48 – Building brand belief through meaningful human connectionThe 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How do you grow international enrollment in a world defined by volatility, technology and shifting global dynamics? Randy Byers, Vice President for International Affairs at Dallas Baptist University, brings over 20 years of global education leadership to unpack what it takes to build sustainable, ethical, and agile international recruitment strategies.In this wide-ranging conversation, Randy shares how institutions can move beyond short-term recruitment goals to create long-term cultural alignment and student success. From the misconceptions that derail global partnerships to the transformative potential of generative AI in communication and translation, he outlines a new vision for internationalization that balances innovation with integrity. 🎧Join Us As We DiscussWhy "easy money" thinking has hurt international recruitment, and what to do instead.How to build authentic cross-cultural relationships that lead to trust and retentionWhere generative AI can enhance translation, evaluation and engagement (without losing humanity)The ethical implications of automation and the need for AI literacy in higher ed leadershipPreparing globally minded graduates who value peace, humility and critical thinking🎙️Inside the Episode02:29 - The biggest misconceptions about international recruitment06:09 - Practical ways to build cross-cultural understanding on campus08:42 - Global market shifts and why diversity of countries matter12:51 - The role of AI in translation and personalized communication17:40 - Ethics, transparency and "human in the loop" leadership26:00 - Why technology must serve community, not replace it34:11 - The next five years of global higher educationThe 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

With rising competition and shrinking budgets, small colleges can feel squeezed out of the higher ed conversation. But Tom Kook, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Emmaus University, shares how thinking small can actually be a strategic advantage. From mission-first messaging to building nimble teams that punch above their weight, Tom unpacks how smaller institutions can thrive without trying to be everything to everyone.Through creativity, collaboration, and clear focus, Tom reveals the high-impact strategies that help Emmaus stand out in a crowded market while staying true to its roots.🎧 Join us as we discuss:How small colleges can leverage constraints to fuel innovationWhy authenticity is the most powerful marketing toolBuilding cross-functional teams that are lean but high performingThe role of brand clarity and internal buy-inStrategies to compete with large universities on a modest budget🎙️ Inside the Episode 02:15 – Tom’s path from large institutions to a small college mission06:52 – Why constraints create creative momentum09:37 – Building a high-trust, cross-functional marketing team13:21 – Translating mission into a distinct brand story16:48 – Getting buy-in across campus for a unified brand strategy19:42 – Practical tips for marketing with limited resources27:45 – Advice for marketers trying to do more with lessThe 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Does your institution have a unique niche like Ringling College of Art and Design? For Dr. John Chopka, standing out in a niche starts with listening, builds on trust, and is fueled by storytelling. With more than 35 years of enrollment experience, Dr. Chopka shares practical strategies for recruiting in niche markets, managing institutional change, and creating momentum without losing mission.From redefining outcomes through portfolio-based admissions to embracing servant leadership and transparency, this episode offers timely wisdom for leaders guiding campuses through growth, disruption, and transformation. Whether you serve at a faith-based college, an art school, or a liberal arts institution, these insights apply across the board.🎧 Join us as we discuss:Recruiting and marketing in niche higher ed settingsWhy outcomes storytelling is more effective than stats aloneThe role of servant leadership in driving lasting changeHow to balance innovation with institutional identityCommunicating transparently without losing optimismThe importance of peer networks for professional resilience🎙️ Inside the Episode 07:15 – How recruiting for niche institutions shapes marketing strategy11:30 – Shattering the starving artist myth with storytelling14:00 – Using experiences, not just facts, to engage Gen Z20:10 – Prioritizing change with patience and servant leadership25:30 – Staying grounded as a leader during uncertainty27:40 – Communicating truthfully while building trust32:40 – Why leaders should never go it aloneThe 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education and each generation is approaching it differently. NYU’s Conor Grennan , alongside his Gen Z son, Finn, explores how AI is influencing academic integrity, workforce readiness, and the way students engage with learning.Rather than approaching AI with fear or hype, Conor calls institutions to engage with it from a place of curiosity, conviction, and intentionality. This episode challenges assumptions and offers a hopeful, practical framework for integrating AI into both academic and personal formation.🎧 Join us as we discuss:How AI is changing the way we teach, learn, and leadThe role of discipleship in shaping tech ethicsWhy Gen Z students expect transparency, not perfectionCreating campus-wide AI literacy with joy and curiosityUsing storytelling to make tech feel less intimidating🎙️ Inside the Episode 06:14 – What it means to disciple students in the age of AI08:50 – The danger of seeing AI as “just a tool”13:22 – How higher ed should position itself as a moral compass16:09 – The three pillars of AI literacy at NYU Stern30:03 – Faith, imagination, and the opportunity aheadThe 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 on 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 on 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 on 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 on 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 on 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 on 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 on 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 on 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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.