

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

May 24, 2024 • 58min
Ep. 53: Mapping the Student Journey With Human-Centered Design
As Joey Schmit, Associate VP of Global Marketing & Communications at New York University, pointed out in our insightful conversation, higher ed institutions often prioritize departmental needs over their students.That realization motivated Joey and his peers at NYU to elevate the student experience through human-centered design, a framework that creates solutions using an empathic lens.Joey shares how NYU is mapping the student journey by putting students first and addressing the internal cultural dynamics that impact strategic outcomes. Join us as we discuss:[4:38] Mapping the student journey through human-centered design[18:51] The initial research phase and getting buy-in from stakeholders[37:49] Internal dynamics and cultivating empathic storytellingCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:IDEONYU’s 5th Annual Storytelling Summit RecapTo 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.
- - - -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.

May 10, 2024 • 46min
Ep. 52: Making Memories: How Traditions Enhance the Student Experience
Homecoming. Orientation. Welcome Week. Fall Fest. Family Weekend. Ring Dance. Our students experience so many traditions during their four (or more) years on our campuses, but what makes these events create lasting memories? That’s the question that Jaime poses to Alison Paz, associate director of marketing and communications for Louisiana State’s Division of Student Life. In her position, Alison plays a key role in both creating and marketing these events. Takeaways from this episode include:Insight into why campus traditions are an important part of the student experience – and tips for how to recapture the enthusiasm that was lost during the pandemicIdeas for engaging students in ways that create memories and build nostalgia for their student experience long after graduationTips for engaging students in the process of both creating and marketing campus eventsGuidance on collaborating with other campus partners to build experiences that cut across silosGuest Name: Alison Paz, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, Louisiana State University Student LifeGuest LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonpaz/Guest Bio: Alison Paz is a marketer and communicator with extensive experience handling complex marketing strategies, public relations, large-scale events, new media ventures, publishing, advocacy, non-profits, and community outreach. Her career spans diverse sectors including higher education, entertainment, publishing, business-to-business, retail, and health.Throughout her career, Alison has demonstrated a keen aptitude for embracing emerging technology to enhance customer experiences and drive organizational success. She started her career in the photo industry, where she launched the industry’s first online magalog and interactive forums. Her ability to merge marketing technology with operations led to the development of Turner Entertainment Group’s first entertainment and commerce portals. As the founding partner of Paz New Media, she served a diverse international client base, including CNN en Español, CNN International, Cartoon Network Latin American, Turner Network Television, National Scientific, Equifax, and numerous Atlanta regional companies. Upon relocating to Louisiana, Alison worked with the University of Louisiana System, promoting its economic impact and the value of online degree programs. She has worked extensively with non-profits on community development and volunteer efforts including Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge, Alliance for a Livable Lavista, and Girl Scouts Louisiana East. Currently serving as the Associate Director for LSU Campus Life, Alison oversees marketing and communications for some of the university's most prominent traditions.
- - - -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.

May 7, 2024 • 40min
Jaime’s Big Pivot: Solving Higher Ed Marketing to Save Higher Ed
After a 20-year career working in higher education marketing, Jaime is making a big pivot and launching a full-time higher education consulting firm: Solve Higher Ed. In this episode, the tables are turned and Jaime is the interviewee. Listen as she shares:What prompted her to quit her dream job to launch a consulting firmWhy she thinks that higher education marketing can save higher educationWhat challenges she has faced making this transitionHow her years of experience have prepared her for this big changeWhat challenges she sees facing higher education leaders todayHer advice for higher education marketers given today’s higher ed landscapeGuest Name: Jaime Hunt, President of Solve Higher EdGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/
- - - -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.

Apr 26, 2024 • 42min
Ep. 51: Thriving with Disability: A Guide for Leaders and Teams
Living with a disability presents a unique set of challenges, especially when it intersects with professional life. In this special and insightful episode, Jaime has an engaging conversation with RJ Thompson, who is the Manager of Digital Strategy in Pitt Health Sciences. RJ shares his personal experiences of working and thriving in a professional setting while living with cystic fibrosis, offering a valuable perspective on this often-overlooked aspect of the workplace.In this episode, listeners can expect to gain several key takeaways:Insights into Navigating a Career with a Disability: RJ opens up about the strategies he uses to manage his work while dealing with cystic fibrosis, providing listeners with real-life examples and practical advice. This segment is particularly enlightening as it delves into how individuals with disabilities can navigate their career paths effectively.Ideas for Supporting Colleagues with Disabilities: Jaime and RJ discuss the roles and responsibilities of supervisors and coworkers in creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. This part of the conversation aims to foster greater understanding and empathy, offering tangible ways in which people without disabilities can be allies and supporters in the workplace.Leadership Tips for Unseen Disabilities: This episode also sheds light on the challenges faced by leaders in recognizing and accommodating staff members with non-visible disabilities. Listeners will learn how to create an inclusive culture that respects privacy while offering the necessary support.Remote Work as an Equity Issue: The conversation also explores how remote work arrangements can play a crucial role in promoting equity in the workplace. We delve into the benefits and challenges of remote work, especially for people with disabilities, highlighting how flexible working arrangements can be a game-changer in terms of accessibility and inclusivity.Guest Name: RJ Thompson, Manager of Digital Strategy in Pitt Health SciencesGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/studentofdesign/Guest Bio: RJ Thompson, MFA, is an award-winning marketing and graphic design professional. Currently, RJ is the Manager of Digital Strategy in Pitt Health Sciences. He was most recently the Director of Digital Marketing in the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and College of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburgh.Before joining Pitt, he was a tenured Assistant Professor of Graphic + Interactive Design in the Department of Art at Youngstown State University. Previous to Youngstown State, RJ taught at Carnegie Mellon University, La Roche University, and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Continuing his career in education, RJ has been an Adjunct Professor of Graphic & Interactive Design at Point Park University since 2019 where he was responsible for writing and teaching the interactive design curriculum. In 2020, he began teaching at the Community College of Allegheny County.Outside of marketing, design, and teaching, RJ is also the Co-Principal and Creative Strategist for +Public, a Pennsylvania-based social enterprise that focuses on cultivating community and economic development impact through the creation of branded communication platforms, creative place-making, and storytelling initiatives for communities-in-revival.Throughout his career, RJ has received many accolades for his creative works: In 2015, he was one of several recipients of the National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant, valued at $100,000, for the INPLACE (“Innovative Plan for Leveraging Arts & Community Engagement”) project. In 2017, RJ received a “Best of Marketing Award” from the Ohio Economic Development Association for his efforts in rebranding the City of Youngstown, Ohio. In 2018, RJ was accepted into the prestigious Cohort 2 of the National Arts Marketing Project, a program supported by Americans for the Arts and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. In 2019, RJ also received a scholarship to join the National Arts Strategies Executive Program in Arts & Culture Strategy through the School of Public Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2019, RJ was honored with the Ohio Governors Award in the Arts in Community Development, the state of Ohio’s highest recognition in the arts sector.Recently, RJ was the recipient of a certification scholarship from the National Institute for Social Media and received accolades from GDUSA and the University & College Designers Association for "Pitt Business Backstory" and "Business.Pitt.Edu" websites. RJ is presently the President of the Pittsburgh chapter of the American Marketing Association.
- - - -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.

Apr 17, 2024 • 38min
Beyond the Buzz: Real Stories of DEI Impact in Higher Education
This special cross-over episode features clips from Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, Talking Tactics, and The Application with Allison Turcio. These discussions highlight the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education marketing. Through these carefully selected clips from several podcasts within The Enrollify Network, this episode illuminates the multifaceted approach needed to authentically represent and engage a diverse student body.Key takeaways include:The Importance of Diverse Leadership and Marketing: An engaging story from Jaime Hunt and Kevin Tyler reveals the impact of having openly gay and black leaders in higher education. This segment underscores the pivotal role diverse leadership plays in shaping inclusive marketing strategies and fostering an environment where all students feel represented.Amplifying Voices through Authentic Stories: Dayana Kibilds and Mikki Collins delve into how the University of Chichester's podcast initiative succeeded in significantly boosting social media engagement by sharing real, unfiltered stories from minority and underrepresented groups. This discussion highlights the power of authentic narratives in enhancing a university's reach and its commitment to DEI.Accessibility as a DEI Pillar in Digital Marketing: The conversation between Allison Tucio and Raman Bhalla explores the often-overlooked aspect of DEI - web accessibility. It offers practical insights into how a systematic approach to making digital content accessible can serve as a form of advocacy for inclusivity, demonstrating the crucial role marketers play in ensuring all students have equal access to information.Listen to the Full Episodes Featured:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO - Episode 42: Authentic Allyship: Crafting Campaigns That Support LGBTQIA+ Students Year-RoundTalking Tactics - Episode 17: Walk The Walk On DEI And Amplify Reach With Raw Authentic StoriesThe Application - Episode 34: Roadmap To Web Accessibility Success For Higher Ed 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.

5 snips
Apr 12, 2024 • 60min
Ep. 50: The Art of Attraction: Balance Brand and Lead Generation
Bart Caylor, President of Caylor Solutions, and author, discusses attracting 'mission fit' students, stretching marketing budgets, balancing brand awareness with lead generation, and future trends in higher education marketing with host Jaime Hunt. They provide tips for identifying the right students, prioritizing marketing spending, and leveraging AI solutions for success.

Apr 5, 2024 • 36min
From Chatbots to Assistants: The Next Evolution of AI
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 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.

Mar 29, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep. 49: The Presidency in Crisis: A Guide for Higher Ed Marcom Leaders
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.

Mar 22, 2024 • 17min
Live from CUPRAP: Converting Clicks to Actions — How Higher Ed Websites Drive Results
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 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.

Mar 15, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 48: Beyond Silos: Organizational Structures that Make Sense
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.