Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt

In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Jeff Kallay, Senior Vice President of Enrollment Consulting at Echo Delta, to explore the often-overlooked role of parents in the college search and decision-making process. With experience consulting on over 300 college campuses, Jeff brings a unique and data-informed perspective on how institutions can better engage parents, families, and caregivers—not just during campus visits but throughout the student lifecycle. Tune in for a provocative conversation filled with actionable insights and storytelling that will change the way you think about parent engagement in higher ed.Guest Name: Jeff Kallay, Senior VP of Enrollment Consulting, Echo DeltaGuest Bio: Jeff Kallay is a nationally respected authority on campus visit experiences and student recruitment. Over the course of his career, he has worked with more than 300 college and university campuses across the country to create compelling visit experiences—the kind of experiences that align with strategic enrollment goals while also forging strong connections with best-fit students and their families. Jeff graduated from Lee College with a Bachelor of Science in 1986. Now, as Senior Vice President of Enrollment Consulting at Echo Delta, Jeff serves as an on-campus advisor and training facilitator, providing analysis, insights, and generational research to help our clients showcase themselves with authenticity and transparency. Outside of his agency responsibilities, Jeff remains an active thought leader in the higher education space and regularly commands speaking engagements at workshops and conferences nationwide. - - - -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 Mike Morris, Partner at the Ward Group, a leading executive search firm specializing in marketing and communications leadership roles. Together, they unpack how higher education marketers can position themselves for VP- and CMO-level roles—and how to build relationships with search firms that actually lead to job offers. This insightful conversation covers what presidents often misunderstand about the CMO role, how to craft a compelling resume, and why emotional intelligence may matter more than your title.Guest Name: Mike Morris, Director, The Ward GroupGuest Bio: Throughout Mike’s time at The Ward Group—a retained executive search firm that specializes functionally in marketing and communications leadership roles—he has focused primarily in the firm’s higher education portfolio. Working with presidents and search committees, from public research universities to liberal arts colleges and beyond, Mike brings a breadth of experience and insight to institutional partners across the country.Previously, Mike spent over a decade in higher education, namely college athletics recruiting. Working at schools such as Boston College, Harvard University, and Dartmouth College, he was heavily involved in the recruitment of prospective football student-athletes. In both college athletics and executive search, success is “all about the people.”Mike’s additional experience at TWG includes recruiting marketing and communications leaders for clients nationwide in categories like healthcare, financial services, and health tech.  For him, the natural synergy created by understanding clients’ values beyond the job description and getting to know candidates beyond the resume is the ultimate payoff. - - - -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 higher ed storyteller and communications strategist Kristin Hanson to unpack the strategic value of proactive storytelling. Together, they explore how colleges and universities can move from passive, transactional content to authentic, intentional narratives that deepen emotional connection, support enrollment and advancement goals, and highlight the real people behind the institution. If you're looking to elevate your storytelling game in higher education marketing, this conversation is your roadmap.Guest Name: Kristin Hanson, freelance writerGuest Bio: Kristin Hanson is an award-winning writer, editor, and communications strategist with 15+ years’ experience working with higher education institutions, independent schools, marketing firms, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes. - - - -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 Dale Leatherwood, Chief Marketing Officer at Columbia Southern University, to explore one of the most pressing issues in higher ed today: the public’s shifting perception of the value of a college degree. Together, they dig into the real drivers behind skepticism—not the return, but the investment—and unpack how institutions can better align academic offerings, improve cost transparency, and reclaim the narrative around higher ed's true impact.Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees and certificates. Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.Guest Name: Dale Leatherwood, Chief Marketing Officer, Columbia Southern UniversityGuest Social: linkedin.com/in/daleleatherwoodGuest Bio: Dale Leatherwood is the Chief Marketing Officer for Columbia Southern University, and is in his 27th year of marketing and executive experience in training and higher education. Prior to joining Columbia Southern University, Dale was the vice president of brand, public relations and communications for American Public Education and was VP of marketing for Rasmussen University before its acquisition by APEI. During his extensive career, Dale has been a marketing executive for both colleges and higher-education focused marketing agencies, and has developed and led two online college campuses. In addition, he has served as a consultant with several universities on marketing and distance-learning initiatives while co-founding an education concierge firm serving working professionals seeking an online degree. Dale earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Coker University and an MBA with a marketing concentration from Regis 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 Collegis Education’s Dan Antonson to unpack how artificial intelligence is transforming the entire student lifecycle—from initial inquiry to post-graduation. The conversation dives deep into how AI is enabling smarter personalization, unlocking insights from previously untapped data, and helping institutions move beyond guesswork to strategic student support. Whether you’re grappling with summer melt or thinking about AI ethics in higher ed, this one’s worth a listen.Guest Name: Dan Antonson, Associate Vice President of Analytics & Technology Solutions, Collegis EducationGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danantonson/Guest Bio: Dan Antonson helps higher education institutions leverage technology and analytics to tackle some of higher education's biggest challenges across the student lifecycle. Whether it is to grow and optimize enrollment or create a better learning experience, Dan has hands-on experience with higher education data and systems to drive meaningful use-cases that create real tangible impact. Dan has more than 15 years of experience in digital analytics, marketing attribution and measurement, and he has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. When he is not scribbling data and analytics systems on whiteboards, you’ll find him trying to stay upright on his mountain bike or tinkering with his home automation system (his robot lawn mower is his favorite gadget at the moment). - - - -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 energizing episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt chats with Daniel Andreani, Creative Director at Do Not Disturb, about the critical need for creative reinvention in higher education marketing. From dissecting branding stagnation to exploring the evolving role of AI in creativity, this conversation dives deep into how institutions can—and must—break free from outdated visuals and messaging to truly connect with today’s students. If you're feeling stuck in the same old admissions campaign loop, this one’s for you.Guest Name: Daniel Andreani, Chief Creative Officer, Do Not DisturbGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielandreani/Guest Bio: Daniel Andreani is a creative leader and brand strategist who thrives on building stellar teams and creating work that truly resonates. As founder of Do Not Disturb (donotdisturb.love), he brings a human-centric approach to campaigns that audiences actively seek out. His philosophy remains simple yet powerful: respect your audience through quality storytelling and flawless execution, an approach that consistently delivers measurable business results and ROI for his clients.Beyond crafting award-winning work for the beverage industry, consumer packaged goods, QSR, automotive and higher education clients, Dan embraces life's adventures, conquering marathons, cycling Centuries and GranFondos, mountain biking, playing hockey and battling through zombie apocalypses video games with his son. Full-on ADD and proud of it, so if he asks for your name twice, just roll with it. - - - -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, Jaime Hunt sits down with leadership coach, author, and longtime friend Melissa Farmer Richards to unpack her new book, The 30-60-90 Day Handbook. The conversation dives deep into how new and seasoned leaders alike can thrive in higher ed by mastering the fundamentals of trust, credibility, and commitment—while navigating modern leadership challenges like burnout, crises, and emerging AI tools. Whether you're stepping into a VP role or eyeing leadership from your current position, this episode offers actionable strategies to lead with authenticity and resilience.The 30-60-90-Day Handbook: Checklists for Communications and Marketing Leaders in Higher EducationGuest Name: Melissa Richards, Founder and Principal, iMarketingMixGuest Socials: LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/melissafarmerrichardsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/imarketingmix/Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/melissarichards.bsky.socialGuest Bio: Principal and founder of iMarketingMix LLC, Melissa Farmer Richards, MPA, APR is an author, teacher, consultant, facilitator, and leadership coach. Dubbed The Checklist Guru™, she authors The Weekly Leadership Checklist™ and designed The Three Fundamentals of Leadership™ proprietary coaching curriculum.Melissa’s 32-year career spans corporate industry, technology, small business start-ups, nonprofits, and higher education administration. She has held senior positions at start-up software companies and global technology organizations, and later led in such roles as chief of staff and vice president for communications, marketing, and enrollment, serving liberal arts colleges and a large public university. She also has founded two small businesses and co-founded two nonprofits, a children’s museum and a genetics research foundation.Melissa earned a Master of Public Administration at Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Virginia. She also achieved the Accreditation in Public Relations credential and the Association of Governing Boards Board Professional Certificate. Having led award-winning creative teams, she was nominated for the American Marketing Association Nonprofit Marketer of the Year 2022 and named one of 30 Vice Presidents to Follow in 2018 by Leadership in the Digital Age.A natural public speaker and experienced writer, Melissa has spoken at dozens of national conferences and authored more than 100 papers and articles. Her first book, “The 30-60-90 Day Handbook: Checklists for Communications and Marketing Leaders in Higher Education,” is now available from the Council of Advancement and Support of Education. She has collaborated to organize four major TEDx events — including pitching the event and mentoring dozens of speakers —and led numerous conference planning committees. Throughout her three decades of leading internal teams, she developed many small and large professional development events, including a 10-course brand ambassador certificate program. She has contributed her leadership of communications strategy to significant fundraising campaigns, the largest of which was $400 million.Melissa serves as chair of the Public Relations Society of America Northeast District and immediate past president of the Central New York Chapter. She is a part-time adjunct instructor at Aurora University and previously taught at Utica University and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.iMarketingMix LLC is a CASE Educational Partner, a Rising Team Channel Partner, and a CenterState CEO Member. As an entrepreneur, Melissa is a member of The Upside and the Central New York Women’s Network. As an adjunct teacher, Melissa is a member of UPCEA, the online and professional education association.Author of The 30-60-90-Day Handbook: Checklists for Communications and Marketing Leaders in Higher Education (Council for Advancement and Support of Higher Education, 2025). - - - -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 Ellen Whitlock Baker — executive coach, leadership consultant, and founder of EWB Coaching — for a candid, no-holds-barred conversation on what truly makes a good leader in higher education. They tackle toxic workplace norms, explore the role of empathy in leadership, and dig into how AI and generational shifts are reshaping leadership expectations. If you're rethinking what it means to lead well in this evolving higher ed landscape, this is your blueprint.Guest Name: Ellen Whitlock Baker, Wwner and Principal, EWB CoachingGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenwhitlockbaker/Guest Bio: Ellen Whitlock Baker is an executive coach, speaker, and leadership consultant who is passionate about challenging outdated workplace norms to create a more equitable, healthier work culture for all. A seasoned Advancement leader, Ellen has held leadership positions in alumni engagement at the University of Washington and Seattle University, and is active with CASE, most recently serving on the CASE Alumni Commission. Ellen is an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation and received her coaching certification through the Hudson Institute in Santa Barbara, CA. She is also a certified Everything DiSC practitioner. As the owner and principal of EWB Coaching, Ellen supports individual and team clients in managing transition, building healthy teams, getting unstuck, and setting boundaries that protect well-being. She speaks and writes about how to set boundaries to prevent burnout and how to get past resistance to change and move into action, among other topics. - - - -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 Cristina Lopez Yakimenko, marketing director at Florida International University’s Chapman Graduate School of Business, to explore the advantages of managing enrollment marketing entirely in-house. Cristina shares how her small but mighty team generates millions in ad spend, executes content marketing strategies, and drives enrollment growth—all without the help of an external agency. She also reveals how leveraging AI, optimizing real-time data, and fostering close collaboration with recruiters has been a game-changer. If you're curious about bringing digital marketing in-house or simply want to optimize your current strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights.Guest Name: Cristina Lopez Yakimenko, Associate Director of Marketing & Analytics, Florida International University Chapman Graduate School of BusinessGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinaly/Guest Bio: Cristina is a dynamic marketing leader and computer engineer with over a decade of experience in marketing, analytics, and web application development. As the Associate Director of Marketing & Analytics at the Chapman Graduate School of Business at Florida International University (FIU), she oversees the marketing strategy for more than 25 graduate programs, driving growth through data-driven, omnichannel campaigns.With a background in web applications development, Cristina integrates technology with marketing to enhance user experience, optimize digital strategies, and streamline analytics. She is passionate about customer journeys, marketing research, and content creation, leveraging her expertise to create impactful marketing solutions.Cristina holds a Master of Science in Marketing from Florida International University and a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from Technological University of Havana (CUJAE). Fluent in four languages, she brings a global perspective to her work, combining technical proficiency with strategic marketing leadership to elevate FIU’s graduate programs. - - - -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.

Social mobility is a defining mission for many regional public universities, but what does it take to truly move the needle? In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Ellen Neufeldt, President of Cal State San Marcos, to discuss how institutions can break down barriers for first-generation and underrepresented students. From innovative dual enrollment programs to rethinking enrollment marketing strategies, Neufeldt shares actionable insights on how universities can drive economic and social change.Guest Name: Ellen J. Neufeldt, President, California State University San MarcosGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-neufeldt/Guest Bio: Ellen J. Neufeldt was appointed CSU San Marcos’ fourth president in May 2019. She came to CSUSM from Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, where she served as vice president of Student Engagement and Enrollment Services from 2011 until her appointment at CSUSM.​Before joining ODU, Neufeldt served as vice president of Student Affairs at Salisbury University, where she oversaw 15 offices and programs, including admissions, athletics and campus recreation, career services and student activities. Her higher education experience also includes serving as assistant vice chancellor for Student Development and dean of Student Life at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. - - - -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.