The Higher Ed Marketer

How Journalists Are Transforming Higher Ed Marketing

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Drawing from their shared roots in journalism, Julia Ferrante and Rachel Colquitt reveal how storytelling, authenticity, and human connection are resh...

Video First. Story Wins. Stop Avoiding Video.

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Vince Slomsky, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Brand at the University of South Florida, brings a journalist’s mindset to university marke...

How to Align Higher Education Marketing with Enrollment Growth

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Enrollment decline rarely comes from a lack of effort. More often, it stems from misalignment. When marketing operates separately from enrollment stra...

Identity, AI and the Enrollment Advantages

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A return home, a thriving enrollment team, and a bold vision for serving the Central Valley.  Amanda Slaughter  joins the podcast live from the CCCU...

Why US News Rankings Still Matter in an AI-Driven College Search

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As college search behavior shifts under the weight of AI, generative search, and growing skepticism about traditional signals, one question keeps surf...

Breaking Down Silos and Telling More Human Stories in Higher Ed

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Higher education is filled with meaningful work, but too often the stories that bring it to life stay hidden behind silos, safe messaging, and interna...

Boldness, Relationships, and the Heart of Fundraising Leadership

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Terry Munday, former vice president for advancement at Indiana Wesleyan University, brings a candid and experience-driven perspective to the realities...

Bart Caylor’s New Book For All Higher Ed Leaders: Know What You Don’t Know

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live at the CCCU International Forum 2026In this special episode, Zach Coffin sits down with Bart Caylor to dive into the heart of Bart’s b...

The State of Christian Admissions and the Future of Enrollment Leadership

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Big News: Bart’s new book “Know What You Don’t Know: What Every Higher Ed Leaders Needs to Understand About Marketing” releases Jan 30th. On ...

Your Digital Front Door, Aligning Website Redesign With Strategy

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Your website is not just a marketing asset, it is the front door to your institution. In this Season 8 premiere, Meaghan Milliorn shares how the Unive...

Season 8 - Taking the Next Right Step

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Season 8 of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast opens with encouragement for higher ed leaders entering a new year with both opportunity and uncertainty ah...

Do Not Be Afraid: Merry Christmas from Caylor Solutions and The Higher Ed Marketer

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the year comes to a close, this short Christmas reflection offers a moment to slow down and take stock. Drawing from a familiar scene in A Charlie ...

Rethinking Higher Ed Marketing Teams

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A nimble, strategy-driven marketing team is no longer a luxury in higher ed, it is a necessity. Dave Gladson shares how Point Loma Nazarene University...

What’s Coming in 2026: Bart’s Higher Ed Marketing Predictions (It’s not all AI)

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Higher education is heading into one of the most pivotal seasons in decades, and the signals for 2026 are already here. In this special conversation, ...

Stewarding a Legacy Brand in a Modern Higher Ed Landscape

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it look like to lead marketing and strategy at an institution that spans education, media, and publishing? Sam Choy of Moody Bible Institute...

Leading Through Systems, Stewardship, and Strategic Alignment

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you lead with clarity when your work stretches across departments and expectations? Erick Klein, VP for Enrollment and Marketing at the Univers...

4 Big Things for 2026

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A short update from Zach Coffin sharing four important things happening inside The Higher Ed Marketer. 4 Big ThingsSpecial Episode Dec 9th - Bart sits...

Eventful Branding: How to Turn Campus Events into Living Brand Stories

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every event tells a story, but only the most intentional ones help people feel your brand. At Biola University, Tracey Harrison, Vice President for Co...

Rethinking Global Recruitment: Agility and Authentic AI

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you grow international enrollment in a world defined by volatility, technology and shifting global dynamics? Randy Byers, Vice President for In...

Small Budgets, Big Impact: Marketing Beyond the Constraints

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With rising competition and shrinking budgets, small colleges can feel squeezed out of the higher ed conversation. But Tom Kook, Vice President for En...

Leading in Niche Institutions: How being unique helps you stand out.

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

AI, Integrity, and the Next Generation of Learners

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education and each generation is approaching it differently. NYU’s Conor Grennan , alongside his Gen Z s...

Overcoming a 5 Million Dollar Financial Challenge by Rethinking Strategy

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 helpe...

A Higher Ed Comeback Story

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When Dr. Dr. Amy Bragg Carey stepped into her role as president of Friends University, the institution was facing financial instability, mission drift...

Leading Consistent Brand Strategy Across 19 Campuses

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Colle...

Turning Your Website Into a Recruitment Powerhouse

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Leading a University Rebrand with Purpose

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

Big Celebration and a Sneak Peep into Season 7

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 fo...

Your Students Will Tell You Everything: Power Your Innovation by Listening

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is the final episode of our Enrollment Rx: Strategies to Fill Your Funnel, a four-part series focused on diagnosing and treating common enrollmen...

Putting AI Tools to Work for Your Marketing Team

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is number three in our Enrollment Rx: Strategies to Fill Your Funnel, a four-part series focused on diagnosing and treating common enroll...

How to Leverage Student-Produced, Authentic Content

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 enrollmen...

Speak With One Voice: Getting Students Involved in Enrollment Marketing

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 enrollmen...

Scaling Connection: How Indiana University Builds Community Before Day One

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 213 ZeeMeeSummer Series - Week 4 of 4In this episode, we talk with Sacha Thieme, Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Admission...

Why Community is the New Conversion Tool in Higher Ed Marketing

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ZeeMee Summer Series - Week 3 of 4Building community is your new enrollment strategy. In this episode, Bart Caylor sits down with Vanessa Didyk, CEO ...

Flipping the Funnel: How Direct Admissions is Redefining Enrollment Strategy

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ZeeMeeSummer Series - Week 2Episode 211Dr. James Steen, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing at Houston Christian University, shares...

Stop the Melt: Enrollment Innovation

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the ZeeMeeSummer Series!Episode 210In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Dr. Jay Jacobs, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at the...

Hot Topics, Cool Guests: What's Happening this Summer Around The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 bring...

Building Spiritual Infrastructure: Minder of the Mission

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Affordable Faith: Rethinking the Cost and Impact of Christian Higher Ed

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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) exp...

The Calling to Recruit: Why Faith Still Matters in Higher Ed Marketing

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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) exp...

The State of Christian Higher Ed: Opportunities, Challenges, and a Path Forward

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 in...

Faith Leaders Mini-Series Next Week

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re thrilled to announce the Faith Leaders Mini Series—a special four-week series of episodes focused on the unique opportunities, challenges, a...

Lessons from a Rookie VP Navigating Higher Education Marketing: Endurance, Storytelling, and Enrollment

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, Jeff Salyer, shares insights from his recent transition into Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Lee University. He d...

Next Week: What Higher Ed Marketing Can Learn from Ultra Running

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bonus Episode Alert 🚨We’re closing out Season 6 with something special. In next week’s bonus episode, Dr. Jeff Salyer—VP for Enrollment and M...

Forged in Crisis: How Higher Ed Leaders Turn Adversity into Strength

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Season 6 - Episode 204In this episode, Dr. Gayle D. Beebe, President of Westmont College, joins us for a candid conversation about leading through adv...

Scaling AI in Higher Ed – Lessons from ASU’s AI Integration

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Season 6 - Episode 203In this episode, we sit down with Tina Miller from Arizona State University to explore how ASU is boldly embracing AI—not just...

Crisis Communication Strategies for Universities

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Season 6 - Episode 202Is your university truly prepared for a crisis—and is that plan ready to activate when it matters most? In this conversation, ...

Reclaiming Relevance: How Higher Ed Marketing Can Reconnect with a Changing World

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Season 6 - Episode 201In this episode, Carol Keese, VP and CMP at University of Oregon, challenges traditional higher ed marketing norms and invites i...

Rebranding a Giant — Ethan Braden’s Bold Vision for Texas A&M

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Season 6 - Episode 200What happens when one of the most respected voices in higher ed marketing takes on one of the country’s largest and most tradi...

Heart Over Hype: How Empathy-Driven Marketing Transforms Higher Ed

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Season 6 - Episode 199Is higher ed marketing building real connections, or just making a lot of noise? We sit down with Jaime Hunt, Founder & Pres...

Stop Sending Bad Emails! Higher Ed Marketing Insights from "Mailed It!"

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Season 6 - Episode 198Why does no one read your university emails? Ashley Budd and Dayana Kibilds, co-authors of Mailed It!, join us to break down the...

The Evolution of the Chief Revenue Officer and Enrollment

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Season 6, Episode 197Too often in higher ed, finance, marketing, and enrollment teams operate in silos, creating roadblocks to sustainable growth. Ste...

Your First 90 Days as CMO

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Session 6 - Episode 196In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Bryce Hoffman, VP and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Worcester Poly...

Inside the Enrollment Playbook: Data, Strategy, and Bold Moves

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Season 6 - 195How can colleges adapt to shifting demographics and enrollment challenges? In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Taylor, Vice Preside...

Building a Marketing Culture That Embraces Change

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Season 6 - Episode 194How do you foster a culture of innovation in higher ed marketing? In this episode, we sit down with Matt Metzger, Chief Marketin...

Mastering Organic Social Media: Secrets to Engagement & Growth

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Season 6 - 193 with Jenny Li FowlerWhat does it take to build a thriving, engaged social media presence—without relying on paid promotions? In this ...

Dueling Perspectives: Enrollment VP and Parent

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

~33 minutes (at 1.5x speed)Ed Wright, VP of Enrollment at Lebanon Valley College, explores the evolving landscape of higher education and the challeng...

Creative Solutions for Community College Marketing

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re joined by Jeff Ebbing, former NCMPR president and the current Director of Marketing and Communications at Southeastern Commun...

Kingswood Learn: Mission-Driven Innovation in Online Education with Dr. Steve Lennox, Kingswood University

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, we welcome Dr. Steve Lennox, President of Kingswood University, to explore the bold vision and mission that...

Life Skills, AI, and Innovation with Dr. Nido Qubein from High Point University

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Higher Ed Marketer, we’re honored to host Dr. Nido Qubein, President of High Point University, a visionary leader whose transformat...

FAFSA, Athletics and Tuition Reset with Dr. Bryan Gross from Hartwick College

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Bryan Gross, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Athletics at Hartwick Col...

GenAI for Teams with Bart Caylor and Zach Coffin

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast, we’re taking a look under the hood at Caylor Solutions and into the transformative power of gener...

Millennial President Nick Griffin: Bold Leadership, AI, and Bilingualism

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Griffin from Mid-South Christian College, who shares valuable insights on fostering creativity, collaboration, ...

Leading Bold Change Through Innovation: David Wright on the Future of Higher Education

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, we speak with David Wright, President Emeritus of Indiana Wesleyan University and Founder and President of ...

A Business-Like Approach: Bringing a CEO Mindset to Higher Ed

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Eric Hogue, President at Colorado Christian University, joins Bart to explore the benefits of applying a CEO mindset to higher education leadership. ...

How Generative AI Tools Can Help You Survive the Enrollment Cliff

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Gil Rogers, Founder and Principal of GR7 Marketing, talks about overcoming the fear of failure in higher education marketing and enro...

Building an In-House Agency: The Purdue Brand Studio Journey

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly Hiller, VP of Marketing and Communications at Purdue University, shares the story behind Purdue’s exciting rebrand, transforming their marketi...

Intentional Branding: A Messaging Strategy That Resonates

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bart and Troy return for a conversation with Janice Supplee, VP for Enrollment and Communications at Cedarville University, around intentional brandin...

Amplify Student Voices: Let Them Tell Their Stories

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How often do you find yourself wondering what your school’s marketing messaging should be?What are your prospective students interested in? What do ...

How to Include Donor Stories in Your Marketing Campaigns

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In 2021, Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, received a record-breaking $100 million gift from an anonymous donor.So how did Kenyon’s marketing departm...

Messaging Modalities, Personas, and Strategic Actions

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Take another trip back in time with us as we revisit another compelling episode of the Higher Ed Marketer Podcast.In 2022, Jay Baer, Business Growth a...

The Enrollment Cliff: Tim Fuller's Perspective

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In early 2023, Bart’s mentor and a dear friend of the show, Tim Fuller, joined us for an insightful conversation about the demographic enrollment cl...

Advancement as a Revenue Driver: Strategies for Alumni Engagement

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Advancement team often wears many different hats across multiple departments, but one common goal is building relationships and raising funds.By w...

Tackling the Enrollment Cliff Through Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the field of higher education changing day by day, it’s crucial to implement different strategies and initiatives to stay ahead of the enrollme...

Programmatic Advertising Tactics: Success Through Patience and Precision

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Programmatic advertising is more than just finding those “watering holes” — the places your prospective students typically hang out.It takes loc...

Admitted Student Research: Data Insights and Unexpected Encounters

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

By surveying attending students and students who decided to go elsewhere, your institution can give your admissions team additional data to help strea...

Generative AI at Vanderbilt

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Vanderbilt University is at the forefront of Generative Artificial Intelligence.AI is not going away, but it can be understood through intentional tim...

Strategic Collaborations: Advancing Higher Ed with Corporate Partners

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our colleges and universities are educating the workforce of tomorrow, so it’s important that they understand the mechanics of strategic initiatives...

Authentic Engagement in Multicultural Marketing

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Multicultural marketing means asking questions and being authentically involved in discovering and providing what different demographics need.It’s a...

Leadership at the Forefront: Secure Your Seat in Strategic Planning

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Being assertive about getting involved as a senior marketing leader is essential to the prosperity of your institution's strategic plan. It takes a c...

The Hospitality Playbook: Impactful Community Partnerships in Higher Ed

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is community outreach in higher ed really as simple as wearing your name tag?Taking a look at community needs through data can present partnerships yo...

Respect Students’ Time: Flexible Higher Ed for Diverse Life Experiences

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Now more than ever, students and families are shifting their focus toward the return on investment in higher education.With prospective students shift...

Understand Your Audience: Tailoring Content Across Communities

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Prospective students come from all sorts of backgrounds, communities, needs, and wants. A diverse audience means your content must be flexible to mee...

E-Commerce Tactics: Chase What Your Audience Is Looking For

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Some old-school higher ed professionals still balk at the idea of incorporating corporate e-commerce tactics into their digital marketing strategies. ...

Breaking Barriers: Mentorship and Development in Higher Ed Enrollment

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the enrollment cliff on the horizon, change might be just what your school needs to survive the drop.But switching up your enrollment strategy do...

Strategic Communication: Identify Your School’s Why

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s all too easy in higher ed marketing to get caught up in chasing the next shiny object. Sometimes, bouncing from tactic to tactic without taking...

Shoestring Budgets: Strategic Approaches to Authentic Engagement

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Authentic engagement means more than just editing a template and calling it a day.It’s about sitting down with stakeholders and talking through the ...

Social Media for GenZ College Search: ZeeMee's Impact on Recruitment

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Higher ed marketers, a digital watering hole has appeared on the scene that you should be taking advantage of.The ZeeMee app allows for authentic conn...

Team Integrations and Mergers in the Evolving Marketing Space

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With a marketing world that feels like it's shifting every day, our teams need to be agile. Having a team with a diverse background is paramount to h...

The Integrated Approach to Marketing and Communications in Higher Ed

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to switch from transactional to strategic.In an era where making your institution stand out is a top priority, raising the bar for Marketi...

Ownable Brand Ideas: Higher Ed Marketing Done Differently

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Generating ownable brand ideas can spark from unique qualities hidden in plain sight — not taking the little things for granted. What may seem like ...

Putting AI Tools to Work for Your Marketing Team

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On November 30th, 2022, ChatGPT changed the world.Just months before, Dave Hunt, Director of Digital Marketing Communications and Creative Director at...

Book Club: The Enrollment Cliff Is Real

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The enrollment cliff is real, and it will be here before you know it.If small and medium-sized higher ed institutions want to survive this drastic dro...

Why Curiosity and Innovation Are Part of the Higher Ed Promise

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Higher education has been known for its slower pace of adoption and for often resisting change. With approaching headwinds, including the enrollment c...

AI Chatbot Personalization: Augment the Student Experience

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Personalized AI chatbots used to be a muse for science fiction writers.But with the rapid rise of these sophisticated AI tools, the possibilities for ...

How the University of Kentucky is Trailblazing Financial Literacy

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for schools to embrace the big, audacious goals and put together a strategy to accomplish them. That’s what the University of Kentucky ...

Critical Thinking and Media Literacy in the Digital Age

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching critical thinking is the first step to media literacy in the digital age.With varying perspectives, social channels, media outlets, and techn...

Beyond the Price Tag: Dispelling Misconceptions Around Higher Ed’s Value

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When was the last time you were at a college fair and students immediately walked away after seeing your price tag?It’s time to be transparent, inte...

Digital Marketing Literacy and Best Practices for PPC

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Higher Ed marketing is not one size fits all.Each institution is unique and can’t be all things for all people.Finding what consistently works for y...

Chasing Mission Fit: A Pragmatic Guide for Higher Ed Marketing

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s hard to ask for help. Putting pride aside and leaning on others to enhance your knowledge is nothing to be ashamed of in the realm of higher e...