The Higher Ed Marketer

Hosted by Caylor Solutions

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255

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Higher Ed Marketer is centered around marketing professionals in the field of higher education. If you’re looking for real, practical advice on how to level up your marketing game, this is the show for you. Each episode features conversations with some of the best and brightest marketing minds in higher education, discussing the future of marketing, new technologies, and so much more. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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June 16, 202620 min

The Future of Higher Ed Branding, Authenticity and Alumni Stories

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 250 (2 of 4)In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor explores the intersection of faith and higher education through conversations with influential Christian university leaders from across the country. Recorded live at the 2026 CCCU International Forum.___This week they are joined by Jason Cook, Vice President for Marketing and Communications and Chief Marketing Officer at Baylor University. Jason shares how Baylor is building a distinctive brand through authentic storytelling, alumni engagement, community partnership, and intentional differentiation in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.___What We Cover in This Episode🔘Why authentic alumni stories are one of higher education’s most powerful marketing tools.🔘How institutions can differentiate themselves instead of blending into rankings-driven sameness.🔘The importance of intentionality in higher ed marketing and storytelling🔘How Baylor is helping shape the cultural identity and momentum of Waco, Texas.🔘Why brand clarity matters more than ever during the enrollment cliff.___Episode Highlights02:10 - How alumni shape brand perception through authenticity and outcomes05:30 - Finding and activating alumni stories through intentional storytelling08:40 - Balancing nostalgia with forward-looking student engagement12:05 - Why rankings can push institutions toward sameness15:18 - Building brand differentiation through clear institutional identity29:15 - Lessons for institutions of every size to influence their communities___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.

June 9, 202617 min

Leading with Priorities, Prayer, and Mission Clarity

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 249 (1 of 4)In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor explores the intersection of faith and higher education through conversations with influential Christian university leaders from across the country. Recorded live at the 2026 CCCU International Forum, each episode highlights how faith-driven leadership is shaping the future of higher education during a season of rapid change and innovation.___Christian higher education is navigating rapid cultural shifts, technological disruption, and growing pressure to stand apart in a crowded marketplace. Dr. Adam Wright, President of Dallas Baptist University, shares how DBU is embracing a mission-first approach rooted in authentic faith, intentional leadership, and a commitment to prayer. From creating a distinctive student experience to leveraging technology and AI for meaningful connection, this conversation offers practical insight for leaders seeking clarity and conviction in a changing higher education landscape.___What We Cover in This Episode🔘 Why distinctiveness matters more than ever in higher education marketing🔘 How DBU integrates faith into scholarships, recruitment and campus culture. 🔘 Using technology, video and AI to strengthen student connection and communication.🔘 Why prayer remains central to leadership and institutional decision-making. 🔘 How leaders can focus on priorities instead of chasing balance. ___Episode Highlights01:46 - Building a distinctive and mission-driven university identity04:55 - Telling an authentic story through marketing and digital communication08:47 - Leveraging AI and multilingual video for global student outreach10:30 - Operationalizing prayer across the university community14:41 - Leadership advice on wisdom, priorities, and spiritual focus___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.

June 2, 20265 min

A Summer Preview of the 2026 Faithful Leaders Series

One of The Higher Ed Marketer's most anticipated annual series is back. In this special summer preview, Zach Coffin shares what listeners can expect from the 2026 Faithful Leaders Series, recorded live at the CCCU International Forum in Dallas. This year's series explores leadership, institutional clarity, enrollment challenges, and the unique opportunities facing Christian higher education today.Zach also celebrates a major milestone for the Higher Ed Marketer community and offers a look ahead at additional summer programming designed to equip higher education professionals before the fall season begins. Whether you're planning strategy, preparing for recruitment season, or simply looking for leadership inspiration, this preview offers a glimpse of what's ahead.___What We Cover in This Episode🔘A preview of the 2026 Faithful Leaders Series🔘The higher education leaders featured throughout the series🔘An introduction to the upcoming NextGrad Summer Series🔘Encouragement for marketers and campus leaders heading into the fall___Episode Highlights01:02 – Celebrating Bart Caylor's Amazon #1 bestseller achievement02:17 – Announcing the return of the Faithful Leaders Series02:50 – Behind the scenes from the CCCU International Forum in Dallas03:06 – Meet this year's Faith Leaders guests03:48 – Preview of the NextGrad Summer Series04:25 – Summer encouragement for higher education professionals___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.

April 21, 20266 min

Big Announcements about the Summer

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.

April 14, 202634 min

Breaking Silos: Aligning Academics, Enrollment, and Innovation

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 Highlights02:50 – From faculty to collaborator, shifting perspective on enrollment and marketing07:05 – Why silos exist and how leaders can begin bridging the gap12:09 – What healthy collaboration actually looks like across teams16:12 – Why market demand must shape academic offerings22:58 – Navigating AI in the classroom and institutional strategy26:16 – How marketing and enrollment can influence what gets built next29:06 – 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.

April 7, 202631 min

Why Higher Ed Leaders Must Think Like CEOs

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 networksThe 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.

March 31, 202637 min

Launching a Brand New Website While Being New To Higher Education

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 Highlights02:03 – Transitioning into higher ed and culture shock07:20 – Building trust through presence and authenticity10:06 – Why the website redesign was necessary12:00 – The real challenge, people not technology13:30 – Creating buy-in across campus stakeholders15:35 – Moving to a student-first website strategy22:00 – Leadership growth during major transitions24:30 – 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.

March 24, 202646 min

How Journalists Are Transforming Higher Ed Marketing

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 Highlights03:10 – Why journalism naturally leads to purpose-driven higher ed work07:40 – The most valuable journalism skills marketers should adopt12:10 – How brand voice is shaped by audience perception and truth19:50 – Building authentic brands through storytelling and culture shifts33:20 – Advice for new marketers entering higher education38:20 – 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.

March 17, 202644 min

Video First. Story Wins. Stop Avoiding Video.

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 Highlights00:45 – A surprising YouTube insight02:45 – Vince’s journey from TV news reporter to higher ed marketing leader09:24 – How universities can uncover powerful stories across campus15:48 – Why higher ed teams must embrace a video-first mindset22:30 – Letting students lead the way with YouTube Shorts and vertical video41:00 – 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.

March 10, 202621 min

How to Align Higher Education Marketing with Enrollment Growth

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 Highlights02:15 – Recognizing enrollment decline and calling for an outside assessment08:05 – The limits of brand awareness without a call to action14:10 – Moving marketing from advancement to enrollment21:40 – Restructuring the team and adding digital expertise33:05 – Navigating cabinet politics and leadership vulnerability46:30 – Building and prioritizing a two-year tactical enrollment plan57:50 – 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 plan57:50 – Advice for presidents and VPs facing marketing misalignmentHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.