In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader, I had the pleasure of talking with Jaime Hunt, an award-winning CMO and host of the Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO podcast.

Jaime recently announced that she has a thrilling new venture, launching her own consulting firm:

Solve Higher Ed

🔑 Key Insights from my conversation with Jaime:

• Transition from CMO to Consultant: After a distinguished career, Jaime felt the pull to start her own firm to amplify her impact across multiple institutions, tackling pressing challenges like the enrollment cliff and the need for improved student retention strategies.
• AI in Higher Education: Jaime shares practical tips for integrating AI tools into higher-ed marketing strategies, pushing beyond the hype to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Student Retention Focus: One of Jaime's primary missions is enhancing student retention through strategic communications and robust journey mapping, areas often overlooked in traditional recruitment-focused marketing efforts.

Jaime's shift from a CMO to a consultant is both a career change and a strategic move to foster broader improvements in the higher education sector.

Her agency aims to deliver high-value, cost-effective solutions, especially for institutions that might not have the budget for larger agencies but still need to innovate and improve.

Jaime's journey offers insights into navigating career transitions with strategic foresight and unwavering passion.

Whether you're a marketer in the trenches or a leader looking to reshape your institution's future, there's plenty to learn from her bold moves and visionary approaches.

🔗 Listen to the full episode by following the link in the comments below.

Connect with Jaime for collaboration or consultation.

🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review. 🙏

Until next time. ✌

#HigherEdMarketing #EducationMarketing #CareerTransition #Marketing #StudentRetention #MarketingLeadership

This week's Education Marketing Leader podcast episode concludes our community college series hosted in honor of Community College Month.

I'm excited to share my conversation with Jeff Ebbing, Director of Marketing and Communications at Southeastern Community College and former National Council for Marketing & Public Relations president.

I first met Jeff at NCMPR's National Conference in Orlando last year and got to know him better during a fun run through the streets of Seattle at this year's conference.

Our conversation centered around practical strategies for higher-ed marketers.

We explored how to craft messages that reach, resonate, and inspire action among audiences, providing tangible steps for implementation.

Episode Highlights:

Strategic Messaging: Jeff shared how simplifying complex messages like their "Get Paid to Go to Nursing School" campaign dramatically increased engagement and conversions. This practical approach cuts through the noise, reaching students where they're most attentive.

Audience Engagement: We discussed the importance of directly engaging with students to gather feedback, utilizing programs like the Blackhawk Ambassadors. This real-time input shapes more relevant and impactful campaigns.

Innovative Media Use: From traditional billboards to digital platforms, Jeff emphasized the need to constantly adapt and experiment with media channels to keep messages fresh and effective.

Adapting to Change: Highlighting the evolution from traditional to digital tactics, Jeff provided insights on staying ahead in the rapidly changing landscape of digital marketing in education.

This episode is a must-listen for all higher-ed marketers looking to sharpen their strategies and push the envelope on their campaigns.

🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review. 🙏

Until next time. ✌

P.S. Be sure to connect with Jeff and follow Southeastern Community College social to see the strategies in practice.

Resources mentioned during the episode: SCC Ad: Erin Wagner: "I know you can do this"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCReC9t6u1c

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maya Demishkevich, the Chief Marketing Officer at Carroll Community College.

Maya shared groundbreaking strategies on how her team uses social media to help Carroll Community College retain its students.

One of the insights shared were the five key pillars affecting student retention:

💲 Financial Burden: Engaging content that informs students about scholarships, financial aid, and budget management tips.

🎓 Academic Challenges: Promotions for tutoring services and study groups to bridge knowledge gaps.

👶 🛠️ Balancing Commitments: Support resources for adult learners and working students, showcasing flexible learning options.

🧘‍♂️ Mental Health: Awareness campaigns focusing on wellness resources and support systems available on campus.

🤝 Student Assistance Resources: Highlighting campus services like career counseling and health services, ensuring students know how to access these resources.

💡 Why It's Crucial:

These pillars represent students' core challenges, and addressing them through social media can significantly enhance their college experience and likelihood of success.

Strategic Takeaways for Marketers:

1️⃣ Targeted Campaigns: Each piece of content is tailored to address specific student needs, making social media a critical touchpoint for support.

2️⃣ Faculty Involvement: Empowering faculty to participate in social media efforts amplifies reach and authenticity.

3️⃣ Student Ambassadors: Leveraging student voices to relate and resonate, making the message more impactful.

Tune in to the full conversation on the Education Marketing Leader podcast today.

🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review. 🙏

Until next time. ✌

P.S. Be sure to connect with Maya and follow Carroll Community College on social to see how they put the advice Maya shared into practice.

#HigherEducation #Marketing #StudentRetention #SocialMediaStrategy #Podcast