Join hosts Dr. Suzan Brinker and Audra DeLaney-Hall as they engage in candid conversations with higher education leaders, exploring strategic priorities and innovative approaches to higher education. Presidents, CMOs, VPs, and more share their experiences in pushing boundaries in education through strategic planning, brand strategy, academic innovation, and organizational culture. "Higher Ed Leaders" is not just a podcast; it's a journey into the heart of transformative leadership. Tune in weekly and subscribe to stay inspired. Let's elevate higher education together!

This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education marketing agency. Follow Viv on LinkedIn for updates and exclusive content.

This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education

About Viv Higher Education

Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.

Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/

In this insightful episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with President Emeritus Leo Lambert, who led Elon University through a period of remarkable transformation. Lambert's personal journey into higher education, starting as the first in his family to earn a four-year college degree, is a testament to the power of mentorship and seizing opportunities. He shared his experiences in the "in-between spaces" of higher education, where he developed a passion for understanding how the system works.

Lambert emphasized the importance of maintaining a student-centered approach in institutional transformation. He discussed the significance of fostering a strong institutional identity and committing to long-term strategic planning. Lambert highlighted the value of growth, not just in numbers but in quality and infrastructure, to provide a superior educational experience.

One of the key takeaways from the conversation was the need for leaders in higher education to focus on the main thing. Lambert stressed the importance of reflection, deep thinking, and keeping the institution's mission at the forefront of decision-making. He also highlighted the significance of collaboration between presidents, boards, faculty, and staff to navigate the complexities of the industry and adapt to unforeseen events.

A notable aspect of Elon's transformation was its evolution into a multi-faith institution. Lambert discussed the university's commitment to religious diversity and dialogue, creating a climate of understanding and respect among different faiths.

As President Emeritus, Lambert continues to make an impact through teaching, writing, and consulting. His insights serve as a valuable guide for current and future leaders in higher education, emphasizing the importance of student-centered approaches, strategic planning, and fostering a culture of collaboration and reflection.

About Leo Lambert

Leo M. Lambert led Elon University from 1999 to 2018, focusing on creating a student-centered culture and developing students as global citizens and ethical leaders. Under his leadership, Elon gained national prominence and built a reputation for academic excellence. He currently holds the title of president emeritus and is a professor at Elon University.

Read more on the Elon website.

Books:

Relationship-Rich Education: How Human Connections Drive Success in College by Peter Felten and Leo M. Lambert

Connections Are Everything: A College Student's Guide to Relationship-Rich Education by Peter Felten, Leo M. Lambert, Isis Artze-Vega, and Oscar R. Miranda Tapia

This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education

About Viv Higher Education

Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.

Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/

Suzan and Audra speak to Kerry Salerno from Babson College, discussing her career journey, the role of marketing and strategy in higher education, leadership styles and content marketing. Salerno shares her transformative personal experiences at Bentley University and her time working at Northeastern University. Salerno shares her perspectives on how marketing and strategy play a significant role in her position as CMO at Babson. She particularly emphasizes leveraging brand differentiation, knowing your audience, and promoting innovation.

Salerno provides advice on effectively managing silos within an institution by harnessing the power of positive intent, collaboration, and a strong empathetic leadership style. She also discusses how her team has been successfully harnessing content marketing and brand storytelling to reach and engage their audiences in authentic ways. The episode wraps up with Salerno emphasizing the necessity for marketers to be included as strategic partners within institutions, offering valuable insights and perspectives.

About Kerry Salerno
Kerry Salerno is the Vice President of Marketing at Babson University, renowned for her seasoned and innovative approach to product marketing. A leader in building high-performance teams, Salerno has a proven track record of exceeding goals and scaling educational brands. She specializes in pioneering marketing measurement systems and data-driven strategy development.
Salerno's leadership style is characterized by an action-oriented and entrepreneurial approach, guiding teams to prioritize critical research insights that shape organizational marketing strategy. With expertise in implementing new channels and a "digital-first" mindset, she excels at presenting complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

Read more on LinkedIn.

This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education

About Viv Higher Education

Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.

Website: https://vivhied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/