Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt

Jaime Hunt explores the transformative potential of AI in higher education with Ardis Kadiu, CEO and Founder of Element451. They discuss how AI is reshaping student engagement, administrative efficiency, and the overall educational experience, showcasing Element451's leading role in this revolution. The discussion reveals the challenges facing higher education and how AI solutions, such as personalized content creation and AI-assisted advising, can address these issues, ultimately leading to a more empowered and successful student body. This conversation covers:AI's Role in Education: Focus on teaching, learning, and improving the student experience through technology.Bolt AI Assistant Unveiling: A new AI assistant aimed at enhancing student Q&A and administrative tasks, revealing the potential for real-time personalized content creationChallenges in Higher Education: The need for better student experiences amidst resource constraints and the importance of personalized communication.Implementation and Adoption: The simplicity of integrating AI assistants into existing platforms and the importance of AI literacy among higher education leadership for successful adoption Future of AI in Higher Ed: The necessity for institutions to embrace AI to stay competitive and meet student expectations - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Teresa Valerio Parrot discusses supporting college presidents in crisis, handling PR crises, media portrayal, and setting up presidents for success in higher education communication. Insights into leadership, transparency, emotional challenges, and supporting women of color in leadership roles are also highlighted.

In this special episode recorded live at CUPRAP 2024, Jaime sits down with Georgy Cohen, Director of Digital Strategy at OHO, to dive into the ever-evolving landscape of higher education websites. With a focus on governance, measurement, DEI, and refining publishing processes, Georgy advocates for a proactive and intentional approach to digital strategy in higher education.Key Takeaways:The Evolution of .Edu Websites: Georgy outlines the journey from a basic online presence to audience-tailored content and the latest push towards conversion-driven strategies.Four Pillars of a Strong Digital Strategy: Governance, measurement, DEI, and publishing processes are identified as crucial areas for intentional development.Challenging Legacy Processes: Georgy discusses the importance of questioning and revising outdated practices to align with current institutional goals.Bridging Silos in Higher Ed: Georgy highlights how digital strategy can foster cross-departmental collaboration and break down institutional silos.Guest Name: Georgy Cohen, Director of Digital Strategy, OHO interactive - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Guest Rachel Reuben Senor discusses organizational structures in higher education, highlighting centralized, center-led, and decentralized models. They explore breaking down silos, leveraging storytelling, developing key roles, and fostering teamwork. The conversation includes practical advice on choosing the best model for an institution and strategies for collaboration.

In this special bonus episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO recorded live at CUPRAP 2024, Jaime Hunt sits down with Joe Master, Vice President of CUPRAP and Managing Director of Brand and Marketing Strategy at RW Jones Agency. The episode is filled with insights on the evolution of higher ed marketing, the importance of professional development, and the promising intersection of AI technology and education.Key Takeaways:Insights into the role of professional development in the career progression of savvy higher ed marketers;Ideas around the current and potential impact of AI technology in marketing and education and the ways these tools encourage a collaborative approach across disciplines.A discussion on integrating AI responsibly into marketing strategies and the ways to avoid ethical pitfalls by leveraging technology for automation and innovation.Guest Name: Joe Master, Managing Director, RW Jones Agency - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this edition of "Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO," Jaime talks with Devin Purgason, the Executive Director of Marketing and Student Care at Forsyth Technical Community College. The conversation is centered around the unique opportunities that smaller educational institutions present as incubators of marketing creativity, offering a breadth of freedom to explore and innovate in marketing strategies. Takeaways from this episode include:Tips for building a case to expand the oversight of a marketing department to include areas not traditionally within the marketing foldIdeas for explore the unique integration of student care and marketingWays to use AI tools to augment student services and address some of the inherent challenges facing non-traditional studentsInsights into marketing to adult learners in ways that address their unique needsGuidance on how marketing can impact retention and graduation ratesTips for tracking and analyzing your marketing effortsGuest Name: Devin Purgason, Executive Director of Marketing and Student Care at Forsyth Technical Community CollegeGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinpurgason/Guest Bio:  Devin brings a unique blend of creativity and advocacy to his role as the Executive Director of Marketing and Student Care at Forsyth Technical Community College. With a background rich in media, he has seamlessly transitioned his artistic passions into impactful marketing strategies. Devin's dedication to education and community development is highlighted by his selection for the American Association of Community College Future Leaders Institute. His academic journey is marked by a degree in theology from Piedmont International University, a master's of divinity in historical theology from Southeastern Seminary, and a graduate certificate in digital media and marketing from Duke University. At the heart of his work lies a commitment to empowering lives and transforming communities, resonating deeply with Forsyth Tech's vision. - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this episode of "Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO," Jaime engages in a compelling conversation with Andrew Careaga, a retired chief marketing officer with over 30 years of experience in higher education marketing at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Careaga shares insights from his extensive career, reflecting on the evolution of higher ed marketing and the impact of technological advancements like the internet, social media, and AI.Takeaways from this episode include:How to navigate a long-term career with humble beginnings that conclude with a CMO roleTips for maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal interestsTips for staying adaptable and open to growth over the course of your careerInsight into making the transition from individual contributor to leaderA peek into the ways an institution changes over three decadesGuest Name: Andrew Careaga, retired CMO at Missouri University of Science and Technology CARRYAGAGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcareaga/Guest Bio: Andrew Careaga is the retired chief marketing and communications officer for Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), a STEM-focused public research university in Rolla, Missouri. During the university's name change from the University of Missouri-Rolla to Missouri S&T, Careaga was instrumental in managing communications and branding initiatives. In 2009, he was named International Brand Master of the Year by Educational Marketing Group Inc., primarily in recognition of his role in coordinating Missouri S&T's name change communications effort. More recently, he led a campus-wide market research effort and brand identity update for the university. The resulting "Miners Dig Deeper" campaign received a Gold Award from CASE, District VI, in 2016.His professional involvement includes service with CASE as a trustee (2016-2018) and formerly as chair of CASE District VI (1998-2000) and a three-year term on the CASE Communications and Marketing Commission (2002-2005). He presents frequently on branding, marketing, social media marketing, crisis communications, change management and related subjects at various conferences and workshops, including events sponsored by the American Marketing Association, CASE, Academic Impressions, Higher Ed Experts, Higher Ed Hero, HighEdWeb Arkansas and AACRAO, among others. - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Managing social communities requires marketing savvy, diplomacy, excellent judgment, and a finger on the pulse of your audience.  In this episode, Jaime brings on Jenny Li Fowler, author of “Organic Social Media: How to Build Flourishing Online Communities” to discuss the key fundamentals for building an engaging and welcoming digital space for your university’s biggest fans. Takeaways for this episode include:What it means to cultivate a “flourishing online community” Insight into what audiences are truly seeking in online communitieStrategies for keeping followers engaged and returning for moreGuidance on how to bring authentic and inspiring content to your audiencesTips for navigating the ever-evolving array of platforms and channelsInsight into maintaining well-being Tune in for an episode that’s not just about the mechanics of social media, but the heart and soul of digital community building.Guest Name: Jenny Li Fowler, Director of Social Media Strategy at MIT, Author of ‘Organic Social Media’Guest LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/Guest Bio:  Jenny Li Fowler is the director of social media strategy at MIT. Jenny is in charge of developing and executing Institute-wide social media initiatives and campaigns; provides social media consultation and direction for more than 200 departments, labs, and centers; and manages the Institute’s main Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts. Jenny also leads the Social Media Working Group which has 160 members. Prior to coming to MIT, Jenny was the web editor and social media manager at Harvard Kennedy School. Jenny is also the author of “Organic Social Media.” - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

This episode features a conversation with Erik K. Rueter, Senior Project Manager for the American Marketing Association and Founder and President of Human-Centered Success. Take a deep dive into the concept of human-centered project management, a transformative approach that's reshaping how we tackle projects.We begin by exploring the critical question: Is there really a difference between project management and project leadership? Our discussion will unravel the nuances between the two, revealing how leadership plays a pivotal role in successful project management.Takeaways include:How project management shares many parallels with marketingInsight into how to make project management more effective – and empatheticWays to apply design thinking to the project management processGuidance on how to use tools like empathy maps to be better project leaders and build better teamsTips for being a more human-centered leaderWhether you're a seasoned project manager, a leader looking to refine your skills, or someone curious about the evolving landscape of project management, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice.Guest Name: Erik K. Rueter, Senior Project Manager for the American Marketing Association and Founder and President of Human-Centered SuccessGuest LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikrueter/Guest Bio:  Erik K. Rueter, PMP, PMI-ACP (he/him) has over 20 years of professional experience across diverse industries. He worked for tech start-ups, colleges and universities, a Grammy®-award-winning production company, and healthcare organizations. He has been a public policy analyst, professional photographer, marketing and public relations director, and now a senior project manager at the American Marketing Association. He has co-authored two papers on health inequity in oncology nursing, lectured at Boston and Emerson Colleges, and been a guest speaker on diversity and inclusion at, among others, Medtronic, VSP, and the San Antonio Spurs. He recently founded Human-Centered Success LLC, a consulting organization focused on creating more inclusive spaces through servant leadership. - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Get ready to dive into the dynamic world of email marketing. Jaime sits down with Ashley Budd, Senior Director of Advancement Marketing at Cornell University, to unlock the secrets to crafting email campaigns that not only get opened, but also get results. Ashley is a seasoned expert who’s been turning the humble email into a powerhouse of engagement and communication. Get set for an engaging session that’s like a mini-masterclass, packed with insights and practical tips you can start using right away. Takeaways include:A deeper understanding of why email is still a crucial tool for higher ed marketingA look into the art of crafting effective emails – including subject lines that really workInsight into how to craft content that connects and drives actionIdeas for measuring the effectiveness of your email campaignsThis episode is your go-to guide for elevating your email campaigns. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just getting started, there’s something here for everyone. - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register