

Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt
Enrollify
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is like a conference in a podcast, offering a blend of professional wisdom, innovative ideas, and personal anecdotes. Whether you're a higher ed marketer, a faculty member curious about the behind-the-scenes of university branding, or just someone with an interest in the intersection of education and marketing, the podcast is your gateway to the lesser-known narratives of higher education.
In each episode, host Jaime Hunt engages in candid and insightful conversations with leading minds in the field, exploring not just the nuts and bolts of marketing, but also the diverse and often unexpected challenges and stories that define higher education marketing.
Our guests, a mix of seasoned CMOs, innovative thinkers, and key influencers in the higher ed sector, don't just share their professional triumphs; they open up about their personal journeys and share their candid insights.. The podcast goes beyond the conventional, bringing to light the real stories behind campus campaigns, the evolving nature of student engagement, and the creative challenges in this unique field.
With a host renowned for establishing a warm and engaging rapport, each episode feels less like an interview and more like a conversation between old friends. The discussions are not only thoughtful and informative but sprinkled with moments of humor and fun, capturing the essence of what it's like to navigate the complex world of higher education marketing. Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is hosted by Jaime Hunt and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
In each episode, host Jaime Hunt engages in candid and insightful conversations with leading minds in the field, exploring not just the nuts and bolts of marketing, but also the diverse and often unexpected challenges and stories that define higher education marketing.
Our guests, a mix of seasoned CMOs, innovative thinkers, and key influencers in the higher ed sector, don't just share their professional triumphs; they open up about their personal journeys and share their candid insights.. The podcast goes beyond the conventional, bringing to light the real stories behind campus campaigns, the evolving nature of student engagement, and the creative challenges in this unique field.
With a host renowned for establishing a warm and engaging rapport, each episode feels less like an interview and more like a conversation between old friends. The discussions are not only thoughtful and informative but sprinkled with moments of humor and fun, capturing the essence of what it's like to navigate the complex world of higher education marketing. Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is hosted by Jaime Hunt and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 27, 2024 • 41min
Ep. 62: Beyond the Shoestring: Rethinking Marketing Budgets in Higher Ed
Marketing is an investment, not an expense. But too many universities don’t treat it as such. Instead, marketers find themselves with a budget that is not adequate for accomplishing goals and expectations. In this episode, Jaime sits down with Kristin Nichols, a seasoned higher education leader and consultant, to discuss this challenge – and what marketing leaders can do to solve it. Takeaways from this episode include:Insight into the long-term consequences of an inadequately funded marketing officeEffective ways marketing leaders can advocate for larger budgetsTips for creatively stretching existing dollarsIdeas around building a culture that supports marketing as an investment and not an expenseGuest Name: Kristin NicholsGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholskristin/Guest Bio: Kristin Nichols is a higher education marketing professional with a wealth of experience spanning over twenty years. Throughout her career, she has worked at several top-tier institutions in the Northeast region. Kristin's skills in market research, brand development, digital strategies, and enrollment marketing have made a lasting impact on the industry. Currently residing in suburban Boston with her husband Chris and their two young children, Kristin devotedly balances a dedication to both her career and family. As a strategist and leader, she continues to shape the landscape of higher education marketing by contributing to the growth and success of the institutions she guides.
- - - -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.

Sep 13, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 61: Pitch Perfect: Leveraging Faculty Expertise to Boost Your University’s Image
In this episode, Jaime sits down with Kim Hallman to talk about the role placing faculty experts can play in an integrated marketing communications strategy. By strategically integrating faculty experts into an overall marketing communications strategy, universities can leverage their knowledge and reputation to enhance the institution’s image, attract and retain students, and potentially impact rankings. Takeaways from this episode include:Advice on how to choose faculty members for strategic expert pitching – and how to train them to make the most of their interview opportunitiesInsight into ways colleges and universities can use earned media as part of a broad marketing strategyGuidance on how to craft a pitch that sells an expertInsight into trending topics – including the forthcoming electionStrategies for leveraging faculty expertise through short form videoGuest Name: Kim HallmanGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyhallman/Guest Bio: Now in season 10 at 160over90, Kim leads the agency’s institutional marketing practice, helping colleges and universities, research institutes, health enterprises, and cause-based organizations raise awareness and raise funds to support a core impact mission. A former journalist turned publicist now all-around communications strategist, she first penned bylines in The Post-Standard in upstate New York, then worked as an editorial assistant for the National Campaign for the Arts in London, before landing on the marketing scene 18+ years ago. Originally focused in retail and hospitality PR, Kim quickly found that education category work fulfills her deep desire for lifelong learning. She holds a BA in English from Bucknell University and a master’s degree in Print Journalism from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. These days, when Kim’s not working, she’s soaking up all the firsts of new motherhood (and still trying to make some time for sleep).
- - - -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.

Aug 30, 2024 • 50min
Ep. 60: From Layoff to Liftoff: Leveraging Your Professional Network in a Job Search
In this compelling episode of "Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO," Jaime talks with Joe Picini, who opens up about his personal journey of navigating a sudden layoff and the critical role his professional network played in finding new opportunities. Takeaways from this episode include:Advice for building a network that can help you land on your feet after an unexpected career setback – or when your just ready to make a changeInsight into how a great professional network can help you overcome imposter syndromeStrategies for connecting with colleagues, mentors, and LinkedIn connections when you need professional supportTips for protecting your mental health when dealing with life’s curveballsListen to Joe’s inspiring story and gather actionable insights on how to leverage your network, stay resilient, and navigate the challenges of a job search. Whether you're facing job uncertainty or looking to strengthen your professional connections, this episode offers valuable lessons for all.Guest Name: Joe PiciniGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-picini-02496429/Guest Bio: Joe Picini has over a decade of experience in higher ed marketing and enrollment strategy. He started his career at NYU as an admissions counselor before transitioning to NYU’s enrollment marketing team. He’s worked at a digital marketing agency as a strategist, a Director of Enrollment Marketing at an art school in Brooklyn, and currently serves as the Director of Recruitment Marketing at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) supporting their online portfolio. Throughout his career he’s had the chance to work with all student types (from precollege through masters programs) and all degree formats.
- - - -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.

Aug 16, 2024 • 50min
Ep. 59: Parent Power: How Gen Alpha Parents will Shape College Choice
In this episode, Jaime and Day Kibilds, VP for Strategy at Ologie, explore Ologie’s study on the parents of Gen Alpha, exploring the implications for higher education marketers and institutions. This episode examines the defining traits of Gen Alpha, the pivotal role of technology in their lives, and the profound impact of their parents on their educational choices.Key takeaways for this episode include:A look into the demographic and psychographics of Gen Alpha and their parents – and why that’s significant for higher ed marketers today.Insight into Gen Alpha’s parents, their influence on their children, and how their approaches to parenting and education differ from previous generations.An understanding of how Gen Alpha parents perceive the value of higher education and the factors influencing their attitudes towards affordability and necessity.Tips for reaching Gen Alpha’s parents – both from a channel perspective and a messaging perspective.Tune in to this episode for a comprehensive look at Gen Alpha and the evolving dynamics of higher education marketing. Whether you’re an educator, marketer, or parent, this discussion will provide valuable insights into engaging the newest generation of learners and their influential parents.Ologie’s Parents of Gen Alpha Study: https://ologie.com/gen-alpha-parents/To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO in your favorite podcast player.Guest Name: Dayana Kibilds, VP of Strategy for OlogieGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayanakibilds/Guest Bio: Dayana is VP of strategy at Ologie, an employee-owned marketing and branding agency built for education. Prior to Ologie, Day led enrollment and digital innovation work at Penn State, Cornell and Western (Canada). She regularly speaks about enrollment marketing, email strategy, productivity and stakeholder management at conferences worldwide. Day is the host of Enrollify's Talking Tactics podcast, and is co-authoring a book about email to be released in August 2024. As a lifelong immigrant who has lived in six different countries, equity and diversity are really important to her. She sees content as a tool for equity, and part of her motivation to work in higher ed is to help students access the educational institutions they deserve to be a part of.
- - - -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.

Aug 2, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 58: Revolutionizing Campus Life with AI
AI is not the future of technology. It’s the technology of today that is shaping the future. With that mantra in mind, Jaime sits down with Claire Brady, president of Glass Half Full Consulting and a former vice president for student affairs, to discuss how AI is shaping the student experience. Takeaways from this episode include:A look into some of the most innovative ways colleges and universities are using AI.Insight into what barriers keep people – and universities – from exploring AI and ideas for overcoming them.Guidance on how to upskill yourself and your team to best leverage AI.Tips for how campuses can create more cohesive strategies for deploying AI solutions.To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO in your favorite podcast player.Guest Name: Claire BradyGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairebradyedd/Guest Bio: Claire is a seasoned executive and recognized change agent and coalition builder with significant experience improving processes, leading digital transformations, building world-class teams, and achieving strategic goals. She is a proud graduate of Michigan State University (BA & MA), and the University of Central Florida (EdD). Claire has served in executive VPSA roles at Lake-Sumter State College in Florida and Ana G. Mendez University in Florida and Puerto Rico. Claire also has 10+ years of undergraduate teaching experience. Claire is a nationally recognized educator and passionate advocate for AI in higher education. She is leading the charge in AI literacy as a vocal advocate across higher education. Claire is dedicated to equipping executive teams and student affairs professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to leverage the immense potential of AI in their personal and professional lives. Claire is an active member of regional and national associations and is engaged in her local communities by serving within organizations and on boards. Claire, her partner Ben, and their son Fox (12) live in Orlando. When she’s not picking up LEGO or discussing the intricacies of Minecraft, she enjoys travel, reading, AI, TV, crafting, Broadway shows, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.Claire's work with AI Consulting:Dr. Claire Brady (she/her) is a nationally recognized educator and passionate advocate for AI in higher education. As a leading voice in AI literacy, Claire is dedicated to empowering executive teams and student affairs professionals with the tools and knowledge to harness AI's immense potential in both personal and professional contexts.Claire regularly consults with professional associations, university presidents & their executive teams, and vice presidents of student affairs (VPSAs) to determine how to ethically integrate AI technologies to advance the institutional mission and improve student outcomes. She also offers a variety of AI-focused professional development opportunities, including full-day in-person training, as well as virtual facilitated sessions. Claire is also launching a suite of AI courses later this summer. In partnership with NASPA and the Strada Educational Foundation, Claire will soon release a national report focused on emerging and forecasted AI use cases in Student Affairs in advising, career services, and student success. Website: www.drclairebrady.comSocials: IG @drclairebradyLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairebradyedd/Blogs: https://www.drclairebrady.com/blog
- - - -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.

Jul 19, 2024 • 49min
Ep. 57: Storytelling in Seconds: Getting Started with Short Form Video
In this episode, Jaime and John Azoni, founder and executive producer of UNVEILD, explore short-form video content and its potential for colleges and universities. Jaime and John discuss the transformative influence of platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels on the video content landscape and how these changes are reshaping marketing strategies across the board. Key takeaways include:Great ideas for topics to tackle with short form video.Insight into the key elements for developing a successful video content strategy.Guidance on the equipment and technical set up needed to create short form video.Actionable advice and examples to help you get started.Guest Name: John Azoni, founder and executive producer of UNVEILDGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnazoni/Guest Bio: John Azoni is a seasoned video producer having led a wide range of video projects over his 14-year career from documentaries and corporate videos, to commercials, social content, educational videos, and everything in between. He is the Founder and Executive Producer at UNVEILD, a video production company helping colleges and universities tell engaging human stories all year long through their subscription approach to video content creation.
- - - -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.

Jul 5, 2024 • 44min
Ep. 56: The Experience Economy: How Higher Ed Can Compete with Taylor Swift
In this episode of our podcast, Jaime Hunt is joined by Patricia Maben and Jim Rogers from 3 Enrollment Marketing to discuss the transformative power of the experience economy within higher education. Patricia and Jim provide actionable advice for institutions to reimagine their approach to student engagement, emphasizing the importance of every interaction on campus from the classroom to extracurricular activities.Topics discussed in this episode include:how institutions can create memorable and effective experiences that go beyond traditional recruitment methods.innovative strategies to enhance campus tours, engage students, and ultimately, increase retention and success rates. examples of schools that excel in creating dynamic environments that captivate students.the challenges and opportunities presented by the current shifts in higher education, including the need for schools to adapt to the rising expectations of the experience economy. Guest Names:Patricia Maben, President and Co-Founder of 3Enrollment MarketingJim Rogers, CEO and Co-Founder of 3Enrollment MarketingGuest Social: Patricia Maben - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciamaben/Jim Rogers - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrogers2022/Guest Bios: Patricia Maben - With 30 years of professional experience in higher education, it is Patricia Maben’s passion to support colleges and universities through the success of their students from recruitment to graduation. Her career in enrollment management has been fueled by the recognition, experience, and satisfaction that higher education has a transformational impact on individuals, communities, and society. She has served as an on-campus enrollment practitioner, an enrollment marketing consultant, and as a builder of innovative enrollment marketing solutions. Patricia is a subject matter expert in recruitment marketing. She co-founded 3 Enrollment Marketing to address the need she saw for a better solution in helping enrollment leaders meet student needs while also managing the growing complexities of recruitment.Jim Rogers - James (Jim) Rogers brings three decades of experience in modern marketing strategy and execution to the helm of 3 Enrollment Marketing. He has a unique ability to foresee future trends and evolve with technology—while always keeping it connected to core goals and strategy. Jim is passionate about the power of higher education to transform individual lives and society, and he brings his experience in harnessing the power of modern marketing to advance the cause of higher ed.
- - - -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.

Jun 21, 2024 • 53min
Ep. 55: Behind the Screens: J-S Stansel on Social in Higher Ed
In this episode, host Jaime Hunt sits down with J-S. Stansel, founder of Saturn 9 Media and former social media manager at the University of Central Arkansas, to explore the landscape of social media management both inside and outside higher education. In this episode, J.S. and Jaime discuss:The transition from higher ed to managing social media for major entertainment brands like Amazon Prime Video and the Avatar franchise.The complexities and nuances of using humor in social media, including the risks and rewards.The importance of social listening and how it can transform marketing strategies.The universal challenges faced by social media managers, such as dealing with silos, micromanagement, and the undervaluation of their roles.Listeners will gain valuable insights into how social media can be a powerful tool for engagement, the critical need for higher ed institutions to stay current with social trends, and the importance of empowering social media managers with the resources they need. Guest Name: Jon-Stephen Stansel, founder of Saturn 9 MediaGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsstansel/Guest Bio: Jon-Stephen Stansel is an award winning social media professional with over a decade of experience managing, building, and creating content for brand social media accounts. He has run social media accounts for Amazon Prime's Invincible animated series, Hyper RPG, Better Place Forests, the University of Central Arkansas, Texas State University, the Texas Department of Transportation, as well as consulting for many television series, films, and small businesses. As Director of Social Media for Chaotic Good studios, Jon-Stephen worked on social media strategy and content for AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER and Amazon Prime Video’s LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER among several other major entertainment franchises.In addition, he has taught courses in social media management and presented at many national and international conferences including HighEd Web, PSEWeb, the International Congress of Technological Innovation in Buenos Aires, and the Association of International Educators. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Radio and Television Production and a Master's degree in English both from Arkansas State 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.

Jun 13, 2024 • 2min
Enrollify.org Relaunch: More Content, More Community
In this Bonus announcement, join Mallory, Chief Strategist of Enrollify, as she introduces the newly relaunched Enrollify.org. This episode highlights the fresh features and content now available on the site, emphasizing Enrollify’s commitment to revolutionizing higher education. Learn about the variety of resources—from podcasts to ourses to webinars—that can help professionals make impactful changes in their careers and institutions.
- - - -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.

Jun 7, 2024 • 55min
Ep. 54: Signs Of Growth: How Environmental Graphics Help Build A Brand
Environmental graphics can play a critical role in not only improving campus aesthetics, but also in building a sense of community and brand on campus. In this episode, Adrienne King, associate vice president for marketing at Indiana University, discusses how IU has leveraged environmental graphics to transform the IU campuses and build pride in their community. Takeaways for this episode include:Guidance on the process of bringing a graphic concept from concept to completion.Insight into solving the challenges of integrating visuals within a university's unique architectural and cultural landscape.Ideas for measuring the effectiveness of environmental graphics in terms of student engagement and recruitment.Tips for ensuring the sustainability of environmental graphics.A glimpse into emerging trends and innovations in environmental graphics that are set to shape the industry.Whether you're a higher education marketer or just fascinated by the intersection of design and marketing, this episode is packed with valuable advice.To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO in your favorite podcast player.Guest Name: Adrienne KingGuest LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dradking/Guest Bio: Dr. Adrienne King joined Indiana University in June 2023 as the new Associate Vice President of Marketing. She leads the university’s marketing strategy in support of the institution’s strategic goals, focusing on delivering a unified, brand experience fueled by research, data, and integrated marketing communications. She has nearly 20 years of experience in higher education marketing and communications, advancement, and alumni and community engagement, having previously served in similar leadership roles at the University of Toledo, Murray State University, Idaho State University and West Virginia University Institute of Technology. She received her doctorate in higher education administration and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University, after earning bachelor’s degrees in graphic design and public relations from Marietta College. She also is a graduate of the 2018 Leadership America executive program and a 2021-22 American Council of Education Fellow.
- - - -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.