Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt

Jaime Hunt sits down with Tamalyn Powell, SVP of Higher Education at BVK, to discuss the groundbreaking national campaign Proud Sponsor of America at Its Best. Designed to reshape public perception around the value of higher education, this initiative tackles rising skepticism head-on. Through data-driven messaging and a non-partisan approach, this campaign offers marketing leaders a powerful tool to advocate for higher ed’s relevance and societal impact. If you’re wondering how to counter declining trust in higher ed and drive collective impact, this episode is a must-listen.Guest Name: Tam Powell, Senior Vice President, BVKGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamalyn-powell-850a323/Guest Bio: Tam focuses her efforts on how she and the higher education team can help clients break through the clutter. Tam is an expert in brand positioning and is responsible for all aspects of marketing, communications, planning and strategy on behalf of BVK’s broad portfolio of higher education clients across the country. As BVK’s higher education brand champion, her latest endeavor  - in partnership with BVK’s non-profit sister agency Serve Marketing - is producing and launching a national campaign highlight the impact of higher education in the United States to combat the negative narrative around the value of college. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

Jaime Hunt sits down with Joseph Brennan, Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Montclair State University, for a raw and riveting conversation on what it really means to counsel a university president. With over three decades in higher ed and experience advising 13 university presidents, Brennan shares how the role of CMO has evolved from tactician to trusted strategic advisor—and why communication professionals must develop executive presence, business fluency, and emotional intelligence to lead in today’s high-pressure environment.Guest Name: Joseph A. Brennan, Vice President for Marketing and Communications, Montclair State UniversityGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoebrennan/Guest Bio: Joseph A. Brennan is Vice President for Communications & Marketing at Montclair State University, where he's proven that authentic storytelling works. He and his team have built a warm and genuine brand and brought it to life with narratives delivered across paid, earned, social and owned media, and designed innovative, data-driven campaigns that produced ROAS of nearly 7 to 1. Their award winning work has contributed to record enrollment for 4 successive years. Over three decades as a higher education communications and marketing executive, Joe has learned to put people first, because when team members feel seen and respected, they produce outstanding results. He's counseled 13 presidents, navigated major crises from international social media incidents to nationally publicized controversies, and directed high profile statewide campaigns to influence higher education policy in two states, but he's equally passionate about the quieter daily work of building teams where people want to stay and grow. His leadership philosophy? Treat mistakes as learning opportunities, not firing offenses. Create psychological safety so that innovation can flourish. Use humor appropriately. Show up as a whole human being, not just a job title. Meet people where they are, not where you think they should be. This approach extends beyond the office. Joe is a registered yoga teacher and meditation guide who believes mindfulness practices make leaders more effective, not less focused. He's currently earning his executive coaching certification, building on years of mentoring colleagues through career transitions and workplace challenges. Joe's mission is simple: help leaders create workplaces where talented people thrive, not just survive. When people feel valued and supported, everything else gets better. He's authored nearly 20 articles, been elected to the PRSA College of Fellows, and won national awards for "public relations campaign of the year" and "best website overhaul." - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

Jaime sits down with Jenny Li Fowler, host of Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager, for a no-holds-barred conversation packed with hot takes on higher education marketing, leadership dysfunction, and the systemic cultural habits holding institutions back. Drawing from decades of experience, Jaime and Jenny bring a sharp, refreshingly honest lens to some of higher ed’s most persistent challenges—from siloed departments and underfunded marketing teams to presidents chasing prestige at the expense of authenticity. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

Jaime Hunt chats with Justin Bouldt, Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Nevada, Reno, about an innovative yield-boosting initiative—the College Town Pass. Designed to enhance campus visits by giving prospective students a curated way to explore the city of Reno and nearby Lake Tahoe, the College Town Pass has delivered impressive results, including a 74% yield rate among users. Tune in to hear how a Pokémon Go-inspired concept turned into a high-impact enrollment marketing strategy.Guest Name: Justin Boult, Assistant Director of Admissions, University of Nevada, RenoGuest Social: linkedin.com/in/justinbouldt/Guest Bio: Justin Boult is the assistant director of admissions at the University of Nevada, Reno. He earned both of his degrees – a bachelor of business and a master’s in educational leadership at UNR. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

Brandy Kift, Assistant VP of Marketing Strategy at Bucknell University, shares her expertise in breaking down barriers between marketing and admissions. With a rich background spanning over two decades, she details how Bucknell redefined their enrollment strategies. Topics include aligning content with recruitment goals, using data and AI for personalized engagement, and creating dynamic, student-driven social media channels. Brandy also stresses the importance of celebrating team wins and adapting to evolving student behaviors, ensuring a collaborative environment thrives.

Jaime Hunt sits down with Kerry Salerno, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Babson College, to explore the power of data-driven marketing. Together, they dive into how Kerry's team leverages impact reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) to align marketing strategies with institutional goals. From agile team structures to quarterly dashboards and annual reports, this episode is packed with insights on building a high-performance marketing culture. If you’ve ever struggled to quantify the impact of your marketing work—or convince leadership it matters—this episode is a must-listen.Guest Name: Kerry Salerno, Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Babson CollegeGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrysalerno/Guest Bio: Kerry Salerno serves as Babson College’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, overseeing brand, reputation and enrollment marketing and communication strategies. She is responsible for building brand awareness, engagement, adoption, and advocacy for the institution and each of its revenue generating programs, as well as overseeing institutional communications strategies. Prior to Babson, Kerry was at Northeastern University where she served in a variety of roles related to enrollment marketing and communications, most recently as Vice President of Enrollment, Marking and Recruitment for the Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network. Kerry received her B.S. in Marketing and her M.B.A from Bentley University. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

‍In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Anne Peters, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at UTSA, to explore what it really means to “raise the profile” of a university. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about rankings. From community-driven branding campaigns to strategic data storytelling, Anne shares a wealth of insights on how institutions of any size can authentically build visibility and credibility. Whether your campus has a football program, a medical school, or neither, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas for enrollment marketers. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

Jaime Hunt welcomes back data strategist and higher ed consultant Joshua Dodson for a candid and practical discussion on data analytics in higher education. From redefining what makes data “good” to debunking common misinterpretations in marketing reports, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better leverage data for enrollment and institutional strategy. The duo also explores the democratizing power of AI in data analysis, offering actionable tips on how even resource-constrained teams can get smarter with their data starting today.Guest Name: Joshua Dodson, CEO and consultant at Honed ConsultingGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuadodson/Guest Bio: Joshua Dodson is a strategic marketing leader who knows higher education inside and out. With nearly 20 years of experience, he brings a unique perspective from working both inside institutions and as an outside consultant helping universities transform their marketing approach.Joshua's career spans roles as an instructor, university AVP of digital marketing, web analytics strategist, and former Vice President of Marketing & Innovation at VisionPoint, where he led integrated marketing and web teams. He's known for consistently anticipating market trends, building consensus, and delivering measurable ROI on every project.His track record speaks for itself—Joshua has helped modernize enrollment and marketing programs at major institutions including Bentley University, where his work generated the most marketing-generated leads in the university's history, plus Southern New Hampshire University, Eastern Kentucky University, and Lincoln Memorial University.Beyond consulting, Joshua is a passionate educator and sought-after speaker who has delivered keynotes at national higher education marketing conferences and taught over 500 students as a faculty member with HigherEdExperts. He continues sharing his expertise through Dodson Academy (https://dodsonacademy.com), where he teaches professional development classes in marketing mix modeling, SEO, web analytics, and strategic marketing planning.As CEO and consultant at Honed Consulting (https://honed.agency), Joshua works across multiple industries but specializes in higher education and non-profit marketing, helping organizations strengthen their performance marketing capabilities. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

Jaime welcomes Camryn Simpson and Blake Mischley of MeetYourClass to break down insights from their newly released 2025 College Decision Playbook. The conversation dives deep into the shifting priorities of Gen Z students—from major-first decision-making to the critical importance of digital campus "vibes." If you're crafting a marketing strategy for student recruitment or aiming to improve yield, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.The 2025 College Decision Playbook: https://colleges.meetyourclass.com/resources/2025-college-decision-playbookGuest Names: Blake Mischley, Co-founder and CEO, MeetYourClassCamryn Simpson, Head of Community, MeetYourClassGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camryn-simpson-1a9739194/https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-mischley/Guest Bio: Blake Mischley is the Co-Founder and CEO of MeetYourClass, a platform helping students build community from application through move-in. A recent graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Computer Science, Blake has been building in the social media space since middle school—first through content creation and later by working with top digital creators.He launched MeetYourClass while still in college after recognizing a disconnect between how students engage on platforms like Instagram and other popular social media platforms and the tools available to enrollment teams that meet students where they are. Today, MeetYourClass has grown to over 600,000 students and 20+ university partners, driven entirely by organic student adoption.Camryn Simpson is the Head of Community at MeetYourClass, where she leads marketing, community strategy, and partner engagement across a growing network of higher education institutions. As the company’s first employee, she’s helped shape both sides of the platform—building authentic peer-to-peer communities that students want to join, while supporting institutional partners in tracking connections and community growth, and embedding social communities more naturally into their enrollment strategies.Camryn graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2022 with a degree in Marketing. Prior to joining MeetYourClass, she built her marketing and community expertise through roles at companies like American Eagle Outfitters and Bumble—gaining hands-on experience creating authentic connections and engaging modern audiences. She’s passionate about designing student experiences that feel personal and relevant, and bringing more empathy, transparency, and creativity into higher education marketing.  - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Nikki Ferrell, Associate Director of Online Enrollment Marketing and Communications at Miami University, to explore how higher education institutions can adopt AI ethically and intentionally. They reflect on past tech disruptions—like the chaotic rollout of university websites and social media—and offer strategies to prevent similar pitfalls with AI. Nikki shares how Miami University is proactively building a responsible, inclusive AI implementation framework grounded in transparency and ongoing education. Whether you're just starting to think about AI or already experimenting with tools, this episode is packed with practical advice.Guest Name: Nikki Ferrell, Associate Director of Online Enrollment Marketing and Communications at Miami UniversityGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nferrell/Guest Bio: Nikki Ferrell is the Associate Director of Online Enrollment Marketing and Communications at Miami University, where she chairs a cross-departmental AI Steering Committee focused on research, policy, principles, and education. Inspired by her graduate work in composition and rhetoric, she champions ethical, transparent, and inclusive AI adoption across teams by fostering open dialogue, thoughtful experimentation, and ongoing learning. Nikki’s current focus is expanding staff training and educational resources to ensure Miami’s marketing practices evolve responsibly alongside the technology. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.