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Zach Coffin is excited to share some big news with you as The Higher Ed Marketer approaches its 250th episode! We celebrate our co-host Troy Singer and his transition into a new industry. Troy, you will be deeply missed and we are forever grateful for you.  There are big plans for The Higher Ed Marketer this summer including the return of the beloved Faith Leaders series.  The Higher Ed Marketer Network is adding a brand new show and The Higher Ed Marketer Press will be releasing a brand new book very soon. With deep gratitude for everything we've built together and clarity about the future, we invite you to hear about the continued momentum of our network and community. Thank you for being a part of this journey as we remain committed to serving higher ed well. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘The journey to 250 episodes and what it represents for the community 🔘Honoring Troy Singer’s impact and leadership transition 🔘The return of the Faith Leaders series and summer content lineup 🔘 A new podcast launching within The Higher Ed Marketer Network 🔘Expansion of The Higher Ed Press with an upcoming book release ___ 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.

Silos are one of the biggest barriers to growth in higher education, yet they persist across academics, enrollment, and marketing. Dale Lemke, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Tabor College, brings a refreshing, collaborative perspective shaped by experience in both faculty and leadership roles. He shares how institutions can move from isolation to alignment by fostering intentional relationships, embracing shared ownership, and staying anchored to mission while navigating change. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘 Breaking down silos between academics, enrollment, and marketing 🔘 Why faculty should adopt a learner mindset across departments 🔘 How to evaluate and evolve academic program portfolios 🔘 The human side of making difficult program decisions 🔘 Creating space for innovation while staying mission-aligned --- Episode Highlights 02:50 – From faculty to collaborator, shifting perspective on enrollment and marketing 07:05 – Why silos exist and how leaders can begin bridging the gap 12:09 – What healthy collaboration actually looks like across teams 16:12 – Why market demand must shape academic offerings 22:58 – Navigating AI in the classroom and institutional strategy 26:16 – How marketing and enrollment can influence what gets built next 29:06 – A simple but powerful step to start collaborating today ___ 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.

Deep Gratitude for Troy Singer: Bart has an important announcement. Our beloved co-host Troy Singer is stepping into a new opportunity after nearly six years and almost 250 episodes of co-hosting The Higher Ed Marketer podcast. Bart and the entire team at The Higher Ed Marketer are beyond grateful for Troy and wish him the very best.  ___ Special Fan Favorite Episode: In this reply conversation, Eric Hogue, President of Colorado Christian University, offers a bold perspective on leadership that challenges traditional thinking and calls institutions to rethink how they operate, fund their mission, and prepare for what’s ahead as financial pressures continue to rise. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘Why adopting a CEO mindset is critical for institutional survival 🔘The role of net tuition revenue in long-term sustainability 🔘How to approach donor relationships as strategic partnerships 🔘Building a multi-year strategy for growth and innovation 🔘Creating a distinct institutional identity that attracts the right students and supporters___ Episode Highlights --Why higher ed presidents must think like CEOs --A donor-centric approach that prioritizes input over asking --A three-part strategy for sustainable growth --Where transformation starts, aligning with your board chair --The power of building relationships, not just networks 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.

What happens when a university website becomes a cluttered “junk drawer” instead of a clear, welcoming first impression? Paul Garner, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Western Carolina University, shares how his team transformed a confusing, overloaded website into a true digital front door that reflects the student experience and institutional story. This conversation unpacks how thoughtful leadership, trust, and alignment can turn a fragmented digital presence into something purposeful, intuitive, and mission-driven. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘 Why "attention is king" in modern higher ed marketing 🔘 Lessons from transitioning into higher ed from the private sector 🔘 Building trust across campus before launching major iniatives 🔘Navigating website redesigns as change management, not just tech projects 🔘 How to align stakeholders around a student-first digital experience. ___ Episode Highlights 02:03 – Transitioning into higher ed and culture shock 07:20 – Building trust through presence and authenticity 10:06 – Why the website redesign was necessary 12:00 – The real challenge, people not technology 13:30 – Creating buy-in across campus stakeholders 15:35 – Moving to a student-first website strategy 22:00 – Leadership growth during major transitions 24:30 – Post-launch challenges and holding the line ___ 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.

Drawing from their shared roots in journalism, Julia Ferrante and Rachel Colquitt reveal how storytelling, authenticity, and human connection are reshaping how institutions communicate, build trust, and inspire action in a rapidly changing landscape. Their conversation highlights how marketers can move beyond surface-level messaging to uncover deeper stories, create meaningful connections, and lead with clarity in an increasingly complex and AI-influenced world. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘 The transition from journalism to higher ed marketing and why it matters 🔘 How storytelling and qualitative research shape authentic brand voices 🔘 Why asking better questions leads to stronger marketing outcomes 🔘 Balancing AI adoption with human-centered communication 🔘 Strategies for gaining buy-in and leading brand change across campus ___ Episode Highlights 03:10 – Why journalism naturally leads to purpose-driven higher ed work 07:40 – The most valuable journalism skills marketers should adopt 12:10 – How brand voice is shaped by audience perception and truth 19:50 – Building authentic brands through storytelling and culture shifts 33:20 – Advice for new marketers entering higher education 38:20 – Staying human in an AI-driven world ___ 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.

Vince Slomsky, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Brand at the University of South Florida, brings a journalist’s mindset to university marketing, blending storytelling, data, and video strategy to create content that resonates with modern audiences. From leveraging YouTube as a discovery engine to empowering students as creators, his approach challenges the traditional marketing playbooks and encourages teams to think like media organizations. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘How a background in broadcast journalism shapes Vince's marketign approach 🔘Why video-first storytelling is a nonnegotiable for higher ed marketing teams 🔘The surprising rise of YouTube viewing on TV screens 🔘Practical ways to uncover authentic stories across campus 🔘How student creators can power a university’s content strategy ___ Episode Highlights 00:45 – A surprising YouTube insight 02:45 – Vince’s journey from TV news reporter to higher ed marketing leader 09:24 – How universities can uncover powerful stories across campus 15:48 – Why higher ed teams must embrace a video-first mindset 22:30 – Letting students lead the way with YouTube Shorts and vertical video 41:00 – Why every institution can build a strong video strategy with the tools they already have ___ 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.

Enrollment decline rarely comes from a lack of effort. More often, it stems from misalignment. When marketing operates separately from enrollment strategy, even strong branding and storytelling can fail to move the needle. Live from the CCCU International Forum in Dallas, Stacey Berggren shares the candid journey of moving marketing under enrollment leadership at Northwest Nazarene University and rebuilding strategy after several years of decline. From costly brand awareness campaigns that produced little measurable impact to restructuring teams, redefining priorities, and focusing on clear calls to action, this conversation unpacks what actually changes when marketing is held accountable to enrollment outcomes. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘Why brand awareness alone does not drive enrollment growth 🔘The strategic decision to move marketing under enrollment leadership 🔘How to restructure a marketing team for recruitment impact 🔘When to outsource critical marketing functions 🔘Leading institutional change with vulnerability and clarity ___ Episode Highlights 02:15 – Recognizing enrollment decline and calling for an outside assessment 08:05 – The limits of brand awareness without a call to action 14:10 – Moving marketing from advancement to enrollment 21:40 – Restructuring the team and adding digital expertise 33:05 – Navigating cabinet politics and leadership vulnerability 46:30 – Building and prioritizing a two-year tactical enrollment plan 57:50 – Advice for presidents and VPs facing marketing misalignment ___ 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. 46:30 – Building and prioritizing a two-year tactical enrollment plan 57:50 – Advice for presidents and VPs facing marketing misalignment Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 International Forum to share why Fresno Pacific University  is leaning into its identity as its greatest enrollment advantage. At a time when many institutions are scrambling to chase new markets, Fresno Pacific is doubling down on mission, community, and innovation. With 74 percent of students identifying as students of color, the university reflects the region it serves and backs that clarity with strategic use of AI to strengthen outcomes, messaging, and momentum. ___What We Cover in This Episode 🔘Leading an enrollment team that is already exceeding goals 🔘Why institutional identity creates competitive advantage 🔘Marketing authentically as a Hispanic Serving Institution 🔘Engaging first-generation families with transparent financial conversations 🔘Using AI to multiply productivity and sharpen enrollment strategy ___ Episode Highlights 02:15 – Amanda’s return to California and Fresno Pacific 06:40 – Stepping into a strong enrollment operation 11:05 – What 74 percent diversity means for recruitment strategy 18:30 – Reaching families who never thought college was possible 27:45 – AI as a force multiplier for enrollment leaders 35:20 – The future of personalized, data-informed strategy ___ 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.

As college search behavior shifts under the weight of AI, generative search, and growing skepticism about traditional signals, one question keeps surfacing for higher ed leaders. Do rankings still matter? In this conversation, Nate Mouttet of U.S. News and World Report unpacks the evolution of college rankings, the methodology behind them, and why they continue to function as a powerful trust signal for students, parents, and institutions. From data journalism roots to today’s AI-informed discovery environment, this episode connects rankings, visibility, and strategy in ways enrollment and marketing leaders cannot afford to ignore. ___What We Cover in This Episode 🔘How U.S. News college rankings were created and why they still shape decision-making 🔘What has changed in ranking methodology, including social mobility, outcomes, and test optional data 🔘Why trusted third-party platforms matter more in an AI and GEO landscape 🔘How institutions can use U.S. News profiles to amplify visibility and credibility 🔘The intersection of rankings, SEO, GEO, and AI-driven college search behavior ___ Episode Highlights 02:39 – The origins of U.S. News rankings and the role of data journalism 06:35 – Methodology shifts, graduation rates, social mobility, and outcomes 09:27 – Why rankings remain a trusted signal for families and students 10:49 – How U.S. News helps institutions gain visibility beyond the rankings list 18:45 – U.S. News as a traffic driver and third-party credibility engine 21:37 – What student research behavior reveals about AI and college search 25:37 – The opportunities and risks AI creates for higher ed marketers 30:23 – Practical advice for aligning rankings, visibility, and AI today ___ 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.

Higher education is filled with meaningful work, but too often the stories that bring it to life stay hidden behind silos, safe messaging, and internal complexity. Kristen Eaton, Interim Vice President of External Relations at the University of Maine at Augusta, joins the podcast to share what she has learned transitioning from nonprofit fundraising into higher ed leadership. Drawing on her background in development and communications, Kristen explains why belief, trust, and authentic storytelling are essential across enrollment, advancement, and alumni relations. She offers a candid look at how institutions can connect people, teams, and messages across the full student lifecycle and tell stories that truly resonate. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘What higher ed can learn from nonprofit storytelling and relationship building 🔘Why belief and trust matter more than tactics in enrollment marketing 🔘How silos form across marketing, advancement, and alumni relations 🔘Practical ways to start working cross-functionally without overhauling everything 🔘Why authentic, human-centered storytelling resonates more than polished messaging ___ Episode Highlights 01:41 – Parallels between nonprofit fundraising and higher ed marketing 03:48 – Key differences, scale, stakeholders, and complex audiences 07:38 – Using impact storytelling across enrollment, alumni, and donors 10:12 – Practical and relational strategies for breaking down silos 14:32 – The risk of disconnected messaging across the student lifecycle 18:45 – Starting small with cross-functional collaboration 22:26 – Marketing with humanity and rejecting safe, generic imagery ___ 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.

Terry Munday, former vice president for advancement at Indiana Wesleyan University, brings a candid and experience-driven perspective to the realities of fundraising and advancement leadership. Drawing from more than 35 years in higher education, Terry shares what he learned by sitting knee to knee with donors, navigating early career uncertainty, and building systems that sustained generosity over time. This conversation focuses on the discipline of relationship-building, the leadership habits that matter most in advancement, and why patience, consistency, and trust are essential to long-term fundraising success. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘How Terry transitioned into advancement leadership without formal fundraising training 🔘What decades of donor relationships reveal about trust & timing 🔘Why effective fundraising depends more on consistency than charisma 🔘Leadership habits that separate sustainable advancement programs 🔘How to navigate early-career pressure, uncertainty, and credibility gaps 🔘The strategic role of the annual fund in building future major and planned gifts ___ Episode Highlights 02:02 Learning fundraising by doing it and why early discomfort matters 07:34 The discipline of relationship-building and why assumptions derail trust 10:17 What donor behavior teaches leaders about patience and stewardship 15:27 Why successful fundraising careers are built over decades, not cycles 27:37 Managing ego, rejection, and momentum in early fundraising years 32:15 How the annual fund supports institutional flexibility and growth 36:53 Turning routine donor outreach into long-term institutional impact ___ 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.

Recorded live at the CCCU International Forum 2026 In this special episode, Zach Coffin sits down with Bart Caylor to dive into the heart of Bart’s brand-new book, Know What You Don't Know. They discuss why marketing literacy is no longer optional for the C-suite and how leaders can stop outsourcing judgment and start leading with curiosity. From the cautionary tale of a $1,200 keyword to reframing AI as "institutional electricity," Bart provides a wake-up call for leaders navigating the enrollment cliff and a rapidly shifting landscape. Order Your Copy: Get the insights you need to lead with confidence. Purchase Know What You Don't Know on Amazon here:http://knowwhatyoudont.com/___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘Closing the literacy gap between leadership and marketing teams. 🔘Strategic AI adoption that accelerates human judgment rather than replacing it. 🔘Courageous decision-making rooted in data rather than tradition or ego. 🔘Optimizing the enrollment funnel to move beyond "static" recruitment tools ___ 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.

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 today’s episode we are joined by Keith Ramsdell, the new president of the North American Coalition for Christian Admission Professionals (NACCAP).  From mounting pressure and constant change to the growing importance of mission clarity and storytelling, Keith shares what he’s hearing from campuses across the country and what he believes will matter most in the years ahead. This episode explores how colleges can navigate uncertainty, support their teams well, and stay rooted in purpose while adapting to a rapidly shifting enrollment landscape. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘The current state of admissions and why the pressure feels different now 🔘Why mission clarity is outperforming mission dilution at Christian institutions 🔘What admissions teams are carrying emotionally, spiritually and professionally 🔘How graduate and adult enrollment is reshaping admissions structures 🔘The evolving role of NACCAP in supporting enrollment leaders. ___ Episode Highlights 02:24 - A new level of pressure in admissions and why this season feels different 05:18 - Why leaning into mission is outperforming trying to be everything to everyone 09:02 - The emotional and spiritual weight admissions teams are carrying right now 11:45 - Why real student stories matter more than buildings, amenities, and facts 16:29 - How graduate and adult enrollment is reshaping admissions leadership 22:51 - Building trust with faculty and turning silos into partnerships 24:39 - What NACCAP is becoming and how it plans to serve leaders better 32:48 - The skills and mindsets admissions leaders need for what’s next ___ 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.

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 University of Arkansas at Little Rock approached a massive website redesign with strategy, accessibility, and governance at the center. From reducing thousands of pages to aligning the site with institutional goals, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for higher ed marketers navigating complex digital ecosystems. ___ 🎧 What We Cover in This Episode 🔘Why your website is the most important marketing tool in higher education. 🔘How to align website redesigns with institutional strategic plans 🔘Managing content chaos across thousands of pages 🔘Building accessibility and governance into web strategy 🔘Measuring post-launch success beyond aesthetics ___ Episode Highlights 02:13 – When the website stops working and the redesign becomes unavoidable 04:01 – The website as the digital front door with prospective students 06:49 – Letting institutional strategy, not trends, shape the redesign 10:04 – Convincing campus that this change actually matters 17:54 – Facing content chaos and deciding what truly belongs 21:12 – Building rules that protect the site after launch 25:29 – Proving the redesign worked through real student behavior 31:45 –Starting small when a full redesign feels out of reach ___ 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.

Season 8 of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast opens with encouragement for higher ed leaders entering a new year with both opportunity and uncertainty ahead. This season is grounded in the belief that progress does not require a perfect plan, only clarity, trust, and the willingness to move forward one step at a time. Through thoughtful conversations shaped by real leadership experience across higher education, Season 8 helps leaders ask better questions, avoid costly missteps, and stay aligned with mission as they work to reach the students they are called to serve. ___ 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.