The Application with Allison Turcio

Hosted by Allison Turcio

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138

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Oct 2026

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About the show

The Application is your playbook for the ever-evolving world of higher education enrollment marketing. This podcast zeroes in on the niche, often-unexplored areas of the field, delivering a potent mix of actionable insights, practical strategies, and cutting-edge perspectives. Host Allison Turcio, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Siena College, tackles the topics others aren't – from empowering student influencers to harnessing AI. The Application is where uncharted territories in marketing get mapped out, designed to arm higher education enrollment marketers with tools to stay ahead of the curve. This podcast isn’t just about keeping pace with the market – it's about leading the charge. We're here to provoke thought, encourage innovation, and foster a community of forward-thinkers. Whether you're crafting your next campaign or redefining your institution’s marketing strategy, The Application is your essential resource for fresh, innovative approaches in higher education marketing. Get ready to be inspired, educated, and transformed with each episode. The Application is hosted by Allison Turcio and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

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60 recent

October 20, 202623 min

Ep. 107: Indiana State’s Playbook for Double-Digit Growth

Indiana State University welcomed its largest freshman class in six years while growing transfer and graduate enrollment by 13%. How? Christian Ponce , Executive Director of University Marketing at Indiana State University , joins us to break down the mindset behind their success: "Marketing doesn't support enrollment. Marketing is enrollment." Christian shares how Indiana State ditched higher-ed clichés for organic, outcome-driven student stories that address key audience fears around cost, career outcomes, and personal fit. Plus, he breaks down how to align campus leaders, bridge brand and performance marketing, and completely overhaul traditional recruitment collateral. Join us as we discuss: [1:53] How Indiana State addressed anxieties around ROI and affordability [9:28] Why marketing and enrollment management should operate as twins under one roof [18:31] How to elevate brand pride through environmental graphics and campus presence To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or our website , or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 6, 202627 min

Ep. 106: Why Bethel University Uses a Job Guarantee in Higher Education to Drive Enrollment

Students pursue higher education to launch successful careers, yet many institutions hesitate to tie their enrollment strategy directly to post-graduation job outcomes. Allison speaks with Paul McGinnis , VP of Marketing & Enrollment at Bethel University , to discuss the university's bold “Bethel Career Commitment.” Launched in September 2025, this initiative promises qualifying undergraduate students that they will secure a job offer or graduate school acceptance within six months of graduation, or Bethel will step in with free graduate credits or up to six months of temporary full-time employment at the university. Paul walks through how Bethel transformed a core institutional strength into an authentic enrollment driver, overcoming negative public perceptions surrounding higher ed ROI and transparent pricing. Join us as we discuss: [1:45] How students qualify for the Bethel Student Commitment and what happens when it triggers [12:41] The program’s rollout and initial reactions from prospective students and families [19:53] Encouraging ROI in enrollment numbers and projecting the program’s future Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: The Bethel Career Commitment To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or our website , or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 22, 202630 min

Ep. 105: How Brandeis is Revolutionizing Cost Transparency

What if prospective students could know the real sticker price of their school’s tuition before they even applied? In this episode, Allison talks with Jennifer Walker , Vice President for Enrollment Management at Brandeis University , and Alan Mlynek , Chief Product Officer at Noodle , about Faye, an AI-powered tuition agent designed to give prospective students a personalized estimate of their cost of attendance before they even apply or file a FAFSA. Jennifer and Alan share what it took to turn an idea that initially seemed impossible into a new approach to college cost transparency. They explore how Faye differs from traditional net price calculators, how AI can create a more personalized and conversational experience for families, and why the project required more than just innovative technology. Join us as we discuss: [2:07] The cultural disruption behind Faye’s forward-thinking tech [12:23] How to turn tuition transparency into a student recruitment tool [19:05] Real stories around Faye’s early engagement and results Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Faye To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or our website , or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 8, 202628 min

Ep. 104: How Kennesaw State Built a 40-Student Influencer Team on a Shoestring Budget

Traditional higher education advertising is losing its cutting edge, and prospective students are tuning out polished, corporate-sounding enrollment pitches. Allison sits down with Cinnamon Dowd , Director of Enrollment Services Marketing & Communications, and Emily Williams , Social Media Specialist at Kennesaw State University , to explain how to tap into the most authentic channel on your campus: your own students. Cinnamon and Emily reveal the inner workings of KSU’s highly successful, social media-based student brand ambassador program, which has scaled to a strategic team of 35 to 40 student content creators. Join us as we discuss: [2:11] Why social media is KSU’s primary recruiting ground for student ambassadors [7:38] Where schools should start planting seeds on-campus to grow an effective program [14:48] Providing clarity for student ambassador guidelines and professional development [29:24] Redefining the metrics for success in a student-centered ambassador experience To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or our website , or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 25, 202628 min

Ep. 103: How to Design Student Experiences That Build Confidence

Most colleges say they're personalizing the student experience, but what if they're just making their marketing more relevant? Nathan Monk , Co-founder at Prospectus Plus , argues that higher education has confused personalization with relevance. In this episode, he explores why that distinction matters and shares practical ideas for creating recruitment experiences that help prospective students navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives with confidence. Join us as we discuss: [1:48] What behavioral science teaches us about helping students feel understood [13:58] Why trust gives engagement meaning and why it starts with your website [20:49] The missed opportunity after campus visits and recruitment events Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: eduWeb Summit To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or our website , or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 11, 202631 min

Ep. 102: Building a Transfer-Affirming Institution

Transfer students represent one of the biggest enrollment opportunities in higher education, yet many institutions still treat them as an afterthought. In this episode, Allison sits down with Jaime Smith , author of The Complete Guide to College Transfer , to discuss what transfer students actually need from colleges and universities. Jaime explains why institutions should move beyond being merely "transfer-friendly" and instead strive to become transfer-affirming , creating experiences that support students from application through graduation. Join us as we discuss: [2:15] What criteria truly makes a college transfer-friendly [8:20] How transfer students evaluate colleges differently than first-year applicants [13:42] Messaging that resonates with prospective transfer students [19:02] The importance of transfer-specific communication Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: NACAC To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or our website , or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 28, 202629 min

Ep. 101: Why Strategy Should Come Before Tools

Artificial intelligence is changing how higher education teams work, but successful AI adoption is about much more than choosing the right tools. In this episode, Allison sits down with Tina Miller , Executive Director of Creative and Communications at Arizona State University's Enterprise Technology Division and founder of the AI Beacon Network . Tina shares how her team achieved 100% AI adoption, why most organizations approach AI implementation backwards, and what leaders can do to help their teams move from experimentation to meaningful adoption. Join us as we discuss: [3:06] How ASU benchmarks their AI usage and how they achieved 100% adoption [9:11] Laying the foundation for ASU’s AI adoption framework [16:55] Higher ed leaders modeling their teams’ AI usage and behavior [21:57] Why schools must have an AI-forward mindset to remain competitive Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: AI Beacon Network EduWeb The AI-Driven Leader by Jeff Woods To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or our website , or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. Guest Name: Tina Miller, Executive Director of Creative and Communications, Arizona State University’s Enterprise Technology (IT) division Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinamiller3/ Guest Bio: Tina Miller is the Executive Director of Creative and Communications at Arizona State University’s Enterprise Technology (IT) division, where she leads a future-focused team shaping the role of AI in marketing, communications, and digital strategy. A passionate advocate for innovation and storytelling, Tina is also the founder of the AI Beacon Network, a global consortium of 175+ higher education institutions working together to build AI literacy, leadership, and community. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 14, 202627 min

Ep. 100: What 99 Conversations Taught Me About Enrollment Marketing

For the 100th episode of The Application, Allison Turcio isn't looking back. She's looking at the assumptions shaping enrollment marketing and asking whether they're still true. After 100 conversations with enrollment leaders, marketers, researchers, financial aid experts, student affairs professionals, and higher education innovators, four themes kept resurfacing. They challenge some of the most common beliefs in our industry: Is enrollment marketing really about communication? Do institutions build trust, or do people? Should students have to figure out how higher ed works? And does more information actually lead to better decisions? Drawing on lessons from 100 episodes of The Application, Allison offers a practical framework for creating experiences that build trust, reduce friction, and help students move forward with clarity and confidence. Join us as we discuss: [3:24] Assumption #1: Enrollment Marketing Is About Communication [9:46] Assumption #2: Institutions Build Trust [14:46] Assumption #3: Students Will Figure It Out [19:39[ Assumption #4: More Information Leads to Better Decisions Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Student Fans: Using Taylor Swift’s Playbook for Higher Ed Success Student-Shaped Storytelling: Why Real Voices Outperform Polish Marketing People Remember: Inside Fordham’s Experiential Pizza Pop-Up How ODU Boosted Admitted Students Day Attendance by 30% in One Year Rethinking Search Marketing and How to Help Students Find Right-Fit Colleges Empowering First-Gen College Students: Enhancing Website User Experience Why Clear Communication is a Top Enrollment Tactic How to Unlock the Power of Your .Edu Strategies for Reaching Hispanic Students and Families Inclusive Strategies for Marketing to International Students If Financial Aid Is an Afterthought, Your Marketing Strategy Is Broken The Roosevelt Pledge: How a Free Tuition Promise Drives Enrollment and Revenue Turn FAQs into Strategy: The Power of a Blog for Admissions Cost, Clarity, and Connection: The Case for a Parent-First Strategy To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or our website , or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 30, 202630 min

Ep. 99: Stay Dangerous: How to Build an Enrollment Team That’s Ready for Tomorrow

Enrollment teams are being asked to do more than ever before, but many institutions are still operating with structures designed for a very different era of higher education. In this episode, Allison talks with Jack Corby , VP at Stevens Strategy , to explore what happens when enrollment teams outgrow their organizational structure. From data fluency and systems thinking to project management and team design, Jack shares what modern enrollment operations need to succeed and where many institutions are getting stuck. They discuss the growing tension between relationship-driven recruitment and increasingly technical enrollment work, how leaders can tell the difference between being understaffed and misstructured, and why curiosity, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration matter more than ever in higher ed today. Join us as we discuss: [2:13] What “stay dangerous” means and how to learn your team’s strengths [14:30] Early warning signs that your internal departments aren’t aligned [20:31] Understaffed or misstructured? How leaders can tell the difference To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or our website , or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 16, 202628 min

Ep. 98: Building Healthy Creative Cultures that Deliver Authentic Student Stories

In this episode, Allison sits down with Webb Lewis , Assistant Director, Marketing & Brand Strategy at the University of Mississippi , for a thoughtful conversation about burnout, creativity, purpose, and remembering your why in higher education marketing. They explore what happens when marketing becomes more transactional than transformational, why authentic storytelling matters more than ever, and how staying connected to students can bring fresh energy and meaning back to the work. Join us as we discuss: [2:20] Why pressure on enrollment teams drives transactional marketing [10:48] How Ole Miss scaled its ambassador model across campus [22:01] Why student-centered content is the key to breaking through the noise Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: EduWeb Smart Brevity To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or our website , or search for “The Application with Allison Turcio” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Allison Turcio https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/ https://twitter.com/allisonturcio About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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