Hosts Mallory and Seth explore the shifts in graduate education amidst the challenges of undergraduate enrollment pressures. As higher ed institutions pivot toward expanding graduate offerings, this conversation dives into the financial motives, the competitive landscape, and innovative strategies for attracting and retaining graduate students. Featuring insights from the NAGAP GEM Summit and perspectives from industry professionals, this episode is a must-listen for those involved in the strategic planning and marketing of higher education programs.

• Strategic Expansion: Many universities are expanding their graduate programs as a financial strategy to counterbalance undergraduate enrollment declines.
• Market Saturation: As more institutions turn to graduate offerings, the marketplace is becoming increasingly crowded, heightening competition.
• Financial Motivations: Behind the strategic shift to expand graduate programs lies a clear financial incentive, prompting institutions to rethink their program designs and marketing strategies.
• Operational Challenges: The rapid expansion of graduate programs is stretching resources thin, impacting faculty workloads and support services.
• Marketing Challenges: Marketing graduate programs is becoming more complex and costly, necessitating more strategic and targeted approaches.
• Flexibility and Innovation: Successful graduate programs are those that offer flexibility in learning formats to accommodate working professionals and leverage technology to enhance accessibility and engagement.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

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.

Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Mallory will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.

Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200! Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!

In Part 2 of this Pulse Check series on leadership, emerging leaders can learn about creating culture and setting vision at our institutions as Dr. Gann shares practical experiences from his own background, discusses strategies for setting culture and talks about how interconnected systems impact our work. Whether you’re a new leader or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you in your work to set culture, build trust, and define the strategic vision of your institution.

Guest Name: Dr. Matthew Gann

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgann/

Guest Bio: Dr. Matthew Gann is an accomplished leader in education and organizational intelligence, currently serving as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Marketing, Digital Strategy, and Public Relations at the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). With a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from Trevecca Nazarene University, his expertise is in enhancing educational outcomes and community engagement through strategic leadership and digital innovation.
Prior to his current role, Dr. Gann advanced through several key positions within TBR, including Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief Marketing Officer, where he directed significant improvements in digital communication and marketing strategies. His earlier tenure as Director of Web Services and Digital Strategy established foundational policies and practices that continue to benefit the institution.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Gann has been a prominent figure in community engagement, serving as President of the Tennessee College Public Relations Association, where he led initiatives to strengthen educational communications across the state. His career also includes impactful roles in the private sector, where he spearheaded marketing and web development initiatives, demonstrating a consistent ability to blend technical skills with strategic oversight.

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

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.

Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Mallory will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.

Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200! Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!

Lesley Mackey, a young professional stepping into a new graduate student recruiter role at Fort Hays State University, chats with the Pulse at the NAGAP Summit in Louisville. Fresh from his first trip to Hawaii, Les shares his journey as a new GEM professional, highlighting the unique challenges and breakthroughs of his new role in graduate recruitment.

• Role Exploration: Les discusses the intricacies of stepping into a newly created role in graduate recruitment and the challenges of establishing benchmarks without clear enrollment goals.
• Conference Insights: Insights from NAGAP conference sessions emphasize common challenges faced by small offices in higher education, showcasing varying perceptions of what constitutes a 'small' office.
• Future Aspirations: The conversation dives into future goals and the proactive steps being taken to define and achieve success in graduate recruitment.

Guest Name: Les Mackey, Graduate Student Recruiter, Fort Hays State University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lwmackey/

Guest Bio: As relatively new professional in higher education, Lesley W. Mackey finished his bachelor’s degree in Occupational Science (2022) from Eastern Kentucky University. In Summer 2022, him and his husband later found themselves moving to Hays, KS, to work on their respective master’s degrees at Fort Hays State University (FHSU). Within in his first academic semester of graduate coursework, he transitioned from a graduate assistantship into a newly created, full-time role in graduate enrollment management (GEM). As FHSU continues to explore what GEM means to them, this role has allowed him the opportunity to get involved in coordinating all aspects of graduate recruitment, retention, and marketing. He will finish his MBA later this year, is a member of the NASPA SAPAA Knowledge Community, and sits on the NAGAP Research Committee as a liaison to the Marketing Committee.

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

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.

Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Mallory will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.

Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200! Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!

Recorded at the NAGAP GEM Summit, Mallory chats with Spenser Smith, Director of Admissions for Graduate Business Programs at Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Spenser shares his insights on navigating the complexities of admissions in a post-affirmative action world, and introduces us to the innovative, holistic admissions process designed to foster diversity and inclusion at Haslam.

• Impact of Supreme Court Decisions: The team at Haslam quickly adapted their admissions strategies following the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling on affirmative action, reinforcing their commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all students.
• Holistic Admissions Process: Haslam College has introduced a revamped holistic admissions process that assesses applicants on more than just their academic and professional achievements, aiming for a more inclusive and diverse student body.
• Collaborative Decision Making: The admissions committee at Haslam includes representatives from various departments, ensuring multiple perspectives are considered during the admissions process.

Guest Name: Spenser Smith, Director of Graduate Admissions, Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Guest Bio: Currently the Director of Graduate Admissions at the Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Spenser Smith draws on a diverse background, including years in Admissions at both graduate and undergraduate levels in both the public and private sectors. With nearly a decade's immersion in enrollment management, he focuses on intentional communication to foster a sense of belonging for all, interweaving insights into personal growth and connections, which all began by guiding at-risk youth during high-ropes experiences.

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

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.

Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Mallory will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.

Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200! Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!

Live at the NAGAP GEM Summit, Mallory sits down with Ryan Taughrin, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management at the University at Buffalo's Graduate School of Education. Ryan shares his experiences and challenges of being a millennial manager, especially navigating the abrupt transition to remote work at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses his approach to leadership, emphasizing flexibility, servant leadership, and the importance of balancing work life with personal life to empower his team.

Key Takeaways:

• Adapting to Change: Ryan was thrust into remote management just days after starting his role, highlighting the importance of adaptability in leadership.
• Servant Leadership: Focus on prioritizing people over processes to foster a supportive team environment.
• Professional Growth: Encourages continuous learning and professional development outside traditional academic resources.
• Empowering Flexibility: Implements a hybrid work model to accommodate different working styles and life commitments, demonstrating trust and respect for team autonomy.
• Community and Connection: Underlines the importance of creating connection points for teams, even in remote settings.
• Balancing Roles: Ryan shares personal anecdotes to model work-life balance, encouraging his team to manage work without sacrificing personal responsibilities.

Guest Name: Ryan Taughrin, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management at the University at Buffalo's Graduate School of Education

Guest Bio: Ryan Taughrin is the Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management at the University at Buffalo's Graduate School of Education. He has spent the last decade working in graduate enrollment management. His primary focus areas are staff support and mentorship, recruitment practices for adult and non-traditional students, and developing programming to disenchant the hidden curriculum within graduate school admission. He has also spent the last seven years involved in NYGAP and NAGAP, hoping to build community with other folks across the GEM lifecycle. When he's not working, he loves spending time collecting records, enjoying bourbon with friends, riding his Peloton, and spending time with his family. And most important, Go Bills.

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

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.

Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Mallory will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.

Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200! Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!

Dr. Chris Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan, Flint, joins Mallory Willsea live from the NAGAP GEM Summit. They dive into the impact and insights from Dr. Lewis's extensive podcasting experience, both personally and professionally. With a focus on enhancing student engagement and recruitment, Dr. Lewis shares how his podcast, 'Victors in Grad School,' has become a strategic tool in connecting with and guiding prospective students.

• Podcasting as a Strategic Tool: Dr. Lewis leverages his podcast to answer frequent queries from students, effectively using it as a platform to guide and inform prospective and current students.
• Personal Journey to Professional Impact: Starting from a personal desire to share his experiences as a father, Dr. Lewis has expanded his reach to influence the higher education space, particularly in graduate studies.
• Content Utilization Across Platforms: Insights from podcast episodes are repurposed across digital channels, enhancing accessibility and engagement with university content.
• Success Through Storytelling: Sharing compelling stories, like that of a first-gen student turned physics professor in Australia, underscores the transformative power of education and mentorship.
• Sustaining Engagement: Consistency in content delivery and adapting to listener feedback are critical for podcast growth and impact.
• Measuring Impact: Dr. Lewis discusses the challenges of quantifying the direct impact of podcasts but highlights the importance of gradual growth and listener engagement as indicators of success.

Guest Name: Dr. Chris Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan - Flint

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchristopherlewis/

Guest Bio: Christopher A. Lewis, Ed.D serves as the Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan - Flint. He is also the host of the Victors in Grad School podcast, amongst a number of other podcasts, including SA Voices from the Field and Dads with Daughters. Christopher is the President of the Rotary Club of Williamston Michigan and is the Treasurer of the Williamston Community Schools Board of Education and was honored recently as a Pillar of the Profession from the NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Foundation. He also co-founded an international organization called Fathering Together which supports fathers in being engaged members of their children’s lives.

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

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.

Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Mallory will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.

Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200! Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!

Hosts Mallory and Seth tackle the critical and complex challenges facing faith-based institutions, particularly Christian colleges. With a special focus on the startling rate of institutional closures, the discussion dives into the shifting landscapes of enrollment, market demands, and religious affiliation.

• Enrollment Trends: Christian colleges are facing a notable decline in enrollment and school closures that have spiked post-pandemic.
• Market Dynamics: Shifts in market demand away from liberal arts to more career-oriented outcomes and increased price sensitivity are notably affecting faith-based institutions.
• Cultural Shifts: A national move away from religious affiliation is putting additional pressure on faith-based schools.
• Regional Influences: Geographic location plays a significant role, with institutions in the Bible Belt experiencing sustained interest compared to those in the Northeast facing severe declines.
• Strategic Responses: Successful strategies for growth include diversifying academic offerings, clarifying brand differentiation beyond just being a Christian institution, and innovative tuition models.

https://universitybusiness.com/after-exhausting-all-avenues-to-avoid-going-under-notre-dame-college-closes
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-21/notre-dame-s-tiny-namesake-shows-plight-of-religious-colleges?embedded-checkout=true
https://www.highereddive.com/news/are-faith-based-colleges-in-trouble-it-depends/690597/

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

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.

Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Mallory will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.

Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200! Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!

Brett DiMarzo, the Director of Graduate Enrollment Digital Strategy at Boston College, shares his extensive experience and unique strategies in enhancing digital engagement across various graduate programs. From leveraging advanced digital tools to crafting personalized communication across multiple platforms, Brett dives into the intricacies of creating a cohesive digital presence that caters to prospective students effectively.

• Strategic Integration: Brett emphasizes the importance of a coordinated digital strategy that integrates various communication channels—from social media to text messaging—to create a seamless student recruitment experience.
• Innovative Use of Technology: Exploring cutting-edge digital platforms and tools, such as AI and student engagement platforms, to improve interaction with students and streamline the enrollment process.
• Continuous Learning and Adaptation: The ongoing process of adapting to new digital trends and technologies to maintain a competitive edge in graduate recruitment.

Guest Name: Brett DiMarzo, Director of Graduate Enrollment Digital Strategy, Boston College

Guest Bio: Brett DiMarzo has been in the field of higher education for over 18 years and is currently the Director of Graduate Enrollment Digital Strategy at Boston College. After graduating from his bachelor’s degree program at Stetson University, he initially spent time as part of the management team within the Walt Disney Consumer Products division, enhancing his customer service and leadership skills. Returning to the field of higher education in 2003, he began his professional career in Financial Aid at MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, later moving to the Office of Admission as the Assistant Director of Admission. He also spent several years as Associate Director of Graduate Admission at Suffolk University and led the recruitment and admission efforts as Director of Graduate Admission for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Simmons University prior to coming to BC. He received his Master of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University in 2011, has served in several positions in the New England chapter of NAGAP, has presented at both national and regional NAGAP conferences, and currently sits on the NAGAP Leadership Cultivation and Elections Committee and the Education Committee.

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

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.

Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Mallory will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.

Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200! Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!