The Higher Ed Marketer

Hosted by Caylor Solutions

Business EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn Facebook

Episodes

265

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 18, 202652 min

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

Encore Episode: Originally Aired November 2025 ___ Every event tells a story, but only the most intentional ones help people feel your brand. At Biola University , Tracey Harrison , who now serves as Senior Advisor to the President, shares how she redefined campus events through a framework called Eventful Branding.. This philosophy turns events from logistical tasks into meaningful, mission-driven experiences that embody the heart of an institution. Through storytelling, hospitality, and collaboration, universities can design moments that make guests feel seen, valued, and connected to something greater. Drawing from Biola’s innovative approach, this conversation explores how to transform everything from campus tours to groundbreaking ceremonies into living expressions of your brand identity. You’ll learn how to unite marketing and events under one story, foster emotional connection with Gen Z, and build brand belief through authentic, human-centered design. ___ Join us as we discuss: 🔘What Eventful Branding means and how to apply it across campus 🔘Creating immersive events that communicate mission through emotion 🔘Why hospitality is a marketing strategy, not just an act of service 🔘Building cross-departmental alignment through shared storytelling 🔘How to surprise and delight students with purpose and creativity 🔘Practical ideas for smaller institutions to elevate their event experience ___ Inside the Episode 04:37 – Defining eventful branding and how it came to life at Biola 07:44 – How a film school groundbreaking became a storytelling moment 11:16 – Bringing “unreasonable hospitality” to higher ed 33:59 – How smaller schools can create big emotional impact 37:58 – Transforming campus visits into emotional brand experiences 46:48 – Building brand belief through meaningful human connection ___ 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.

August 11, 202638 min

Summer Rewind : Launching a Brand New Website While Being New To Higher Education

Encore Episode: Originally Aired March 2026 ___ 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 initiatives 🔘 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.

August 4, 202635 min

Enrollment Innovation Before the Funnel: NextGrad Summer Series

This summer series of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proudly sponsored by NextGrad. NextGrad helps colleges and universities reach students where they already are, inside the high school itself. With a network of over 2,500 schools across North America, NextGrad puts your institution's message in front of future students every single day. Be the school they remember when it's time to decide. NextGrad.com — Where students see you first. ___ Enrollment growth rarely comes from one big idea. James Steen , Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing at Houston Christian University , shares how HCU grew from 268 freshmen to a trajectory of more than 1,100 by methodically improving every stage of the enrollment funnel. He explains how the university's name change expanded its reach, how direct admission partnerships flip the traditional recruitment process, and why media in local high schools create a new opportunity to build awareness before students ever inquire. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘Why sustainable enrollment growth depends on improving hundreds of small details across the funnel 🔘What Houston Christian University learned from changing its name after 60 years 🔘How guaranteed admission partnerships turn qualified high school seniors into applicants 🔘Why in-school media helps institutions reach students before the traditional funnel begins 🔘How to measure brand awareness through applications, conversions, admits, and enrollment ___ Episode Highlights 05:10 How HCU grew from 268 freshmen toward a class of more than 1,100 13:40 Why Texas' school phone restrictions made in-school digital billboards more valuable 18:40 Creating motion ads and dedicated landing pages for students walking between classes 22:36 Connecting early brand awareness to application growth and downstream enrollment 24:28 Why more inquiries only matter when conversion and completion rates improve 28:29 Using school-level STEM data to target engineering scholarship campaigns 30:07 Why enrollment leaders must keep testing, measuring, and pivoting 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.

July 28, 202621 min

Why Trust Is Your Enrollment Strategy - NextGrad Summer Series

This summer series of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proudly sponsored by NextGrad. NextGrad helps colleges and universities reach students where they already are, inside the high school itself. With a network of over 2,500 schools across North America, NextGrad puts your institution's message in front of future students every single day. Be the school they remember when it's time to decide. NextGrad.com — Where students see you first. ___ As technology continues to transform how students search for colleges, trust has become higher education's greatest competitive advantage. Derek Riordan , Digital Marketing Strategist at Southeast Missouri State University , shares how institutions can build authentic brand influence through strategic storytelling, AI-ready content, and meaningful student experiences that earn confidence long before application season. ___ 🎧 What We Cover in This Episode 🔘Why trust is becoming the foundation of higher education marketing 🔘How early brand influence shapes enrollment decisions years before students apply 🔘The growing role of AI, SEO, and Answer Engine Optimization in college search 🔘Why storytelling and student outcomes must work together to strengthen enrollment marketing 🔘Practical strategies for creating authentic campaigns that resonate with students, parents, and AI search tools ___ 🎙️ Episode Highlights 01:10 Why universities must build trust in an AI-driven enrollment environment 11:32 How SEMO is preparing for AI search with SEO-focused content and blogs 13:55 Creating highly specific content that matches how students search with AI 15:20 Using AI as a productivity tool without sacrificing authentic human connection 25:38 Why authentic student experiences must match institutional marketing promises 27:21 Derek's advice for enrollment marketers, build brand awareness early and create integrated campaigns ___ 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.

July 21, 202633 min

What Higher Ed Communications Can Learn From the Newsroom - NextGrad Summer Series

This summer series of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proudly sponsored by NextGrad. NextGrad helps colleges and universities reach students where they already are, inside the high school itself. With a network of over 2,500 schools across North America, NextGrad puts your institution's message in front of future students every single day. Be the school they remember when it's time to decide. NextGrad.com — Where students see you first. ___ Higher education has no shortage of great stories, but too many institutions struggle to tell them in ways that capture attention and build long-term trust. Dave Murray , Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Ferris State University , shares how his career as a press secretary and journalist shaped a newsroom mindset that has transformed how Ferris communicates with prospective students, alumni, and the media. From creating one newsworthy story every day to building authentic relationships with reporters, Dave explains why consistent storytelling is one of the most powerful enrollment and reputation strategies an institution can adopt. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘Why higher education should think like a newsroom instead of a press office. 🔘How daily storytelling strengthens institutional reputation over time. 🔘The role of photography, human interest, and career outcomes in effective storytelling. 🔘How NextGrad and other marketing channels reinforce earned media and enrollment success. ___ Episode Highlights 08:20 The newsroom formula for stories reporters will publish 13:55 Why one quality story every day changes institutional visibility 19:10 Building reputation before a crisis happens 22:05 Connecting storytelling, enrollment marketing, and the NextGrad strategy 26:10 Building trusted relationships with local media 29:20 Why the best stories happen outside your office ___ 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.

July 14, 202630 min

Reaching Students Before The Funnel - NextGrad Summer Series

This summer series of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proudly sponsored by NextGrad. NextGrad helps colleges and universities reach students where they already are, inside the high school itself. With a network of over 2,500 schools across North America, NextGrad puts your institution's message in front of future students every single day. Be the school they remember when it's time to decide. Nextgrad.com — Where students see you first. __ What if the biggest opportunity to influence prospective students happens long before they ever become an inquiry? Harrison “Soup” Campbell , Chief Growth Officer at NextGrad , joins us to discuss why colleges and universities need to rethink traditional enrollment marketing strategies. Drawing on his experience in admissions leadership and his new executive role at NextGrad, Soup explains why building brand awareness inside high schools is becoming one of the most effective ways to connect with future students. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘Why colleges should begin building relationships with students well before their junior and senior years. 🔘How in-school media is creating new opportunities for authentic brand awareness. 🔘Why digital marketing alone is no longer enough in an AI-driven landscape. 🔘How NextGrad helps colleges reach students where they spend their time every day. 🔘Practical Advice for building a long-term enrollment marketing strategy. ___ Episode Highlights 01:15 - Soup shares his unconventional journey from educator to higher education leader. 08:00 - Why colleges need to prioritize awareness before the inquiry stage. 11:20 - Research showing how early brand awareness influences college applications. 16:00 - How NextGrad's in-school media network helps colleges reach students every day. 19:00 - Why high schools remain one of the most valuable environments for student engagement. 22:15 - The growing impact of AI on digital advertising and why marketers should diversify their outreach. ___ 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.

July 7, 20265 min

NextGrad Summer Series Preview

This summer series of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proudly sponsored by NextGrad. NextGrad helps colleges and universities reach students where they already are, inside the high school itself. With a network of over 2,500 schools across North America, NextGrad puts your institution's message in front of future students every single day. Be the school they remember when it's time to decide. Nextgrad.com — Where students see you first. ___ The Higher Ed Marketer community has reached an incredible milestone, 250 podcast episodes and more than 125,000 downloads. In this special update, Zach Coffin celebrates the people who have made the podcast possible while sharing an exciting look ahead at what's coming this summer and fall. From a sneak peek at NextGrad's upcoming summer series to new resources tailored for higher education leadership, this episode offers a look ahead at the future of The Higher Ed Marketer . Join us as we share an exciting preview. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘 Celebrating 250 podcast episodes and 125,000 downloads. 🔘A preview of the upcoming NextGrad Summer Series. 🔘How NextGrad is helping institutions reach prospective students inside high schools. 🔘A first look at a brand new Higher Ed Marketer podcast launching this fall. 🔘An introduction to an upcoming Higher Ed Press book focused on institutional renewal and leadership. ___ 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 website 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 30, 202619 min

Being Distinct in a Crowded Market

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 252 (4 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. ___ Dr. Drew Flamm , President of Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary , shares how Grace is leaning into execution, team dynamics, and the distinct identity of Winona Lake, Indiana, to build enrollment momentum. From reducing unnecessary meetings to using technology for human connection, Drew offers a practical look at how Christian colleges can stop chasing sameness and start making their local context a core part of their brand. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘Why execution matters just as much as strategy in enrollment growth. 🔘How creative marketing and operational discipline can strengthen each other. 🔘Why local community engagement can become a powerful differentiator. 🔘How technology can free teams to focus on human connection. 🔘What strong cabinet teams do to better support the president and institutional goals. ___ Episode Highlights 02:30 - Drew’s journey from advancement and enrollment to the presidency 06:10 - How execution, planning, and the right people are driving enrollment growth 09:20 - Selling what is unique instead of trying to attract everyone 16:10 - Using technology to protect meaningful human connection 18:40 - How Grace moved from town-and-gown distance to community partnership 26:10 - Centers of excellence and research that creates local impact 30:20 - How cabinet leaders can best support their president ___ 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 23, 202617 min

Becoming President of Your Alma Mater

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 251 (3 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 CCCU International Forum, each episode highlights how faith-driven leadership is shaping the future of higher education. ___ Phil Cook , President of Lee University , shares what it has been like returning to his alma mater to serve in the presidency after years of enrollment leadership and national service in Christian higher education. From his “Presidential Uber” golf cart rides to conversations about mission clarity and spiritual hunger among today’s students, Phil offers a candid look at leadership rooted in authenticity, calling, and deep care for students. ___ What We Cover in This Episode 🔘Why mission clarity is essential for thriving Christian institutions. 🔘How authentic leadership builds trust with students and campus communities. 🔘Why today’s students are hungry for genuine spiritual formation. 🔘The role enrollment leadership plays in presidential leadership. 🔘How storytelling and visibility can strengthen Christian higher education. ___ Episode Highlights 02:15 - Returning to lead your alma mater and navigating presidential transition 06:40 - The story behind Lee University’s “Presidential Uber” 11:05 - Why authentic leadership matters more than performative leadership 14:18 - Bringing enrollment passion and student focus into the presidency 19:10 - How podcasting and storytelling help strengthen institutional visibility 23:42 - Why students are hungry for authentic spiritual formation 27:15 - Mission clarity, message consistency, and thriving institutions 31:20 - Leadership advice on handling difficult decisions with conviction and grace ___ 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 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 Highlights 02:10 - How alumni shape brand perception through authenticity and outcomes 05:30 - Finding and activating alumni stories through intentional storytelling 08:40 - Balancing nostalgia with forward-looking student engagement 12:05 - Why rankings can push institutions toward sameness 15:18 - Building brand differentiation through clear institutional identity 29:15 - 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.