Higher Ed Coffee and Conversation

Did you know that nearly one-third of college students drop out after their first year? In this episode, Carey Duke, assistant professor at North Greenville University and author of A Guide to Thrive!, joins me to explore why so many students struggle and what we can do about it. Carey breaks down the six key variables he uses to measure college readiness, offering a framework that goes beyond academics to include a student's environment, mindset, motivation, and belief in their ability to succeed. Together, we unpack how these factors impact student retention and what educators, institutions, and families can do to better support students before and during their college journey. Bonus: Carey is offering a free copy of his book to anyone with an .edu email address. Just contact him directly to claim your copy at Carey@therci.netWhat you will learn:Why 1 in 3 college students drop out after their first yearThe six key factors Carey uses to assess college readinessWhy academic ability isn't the only predictor of successHow a student's background, mindset, and motivation influence persistencePractical strategies for improving first-year student success and retentionThanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram:@gradcommunicationsFacebook:@GradCommunicationsLinkedIn:@gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

Today's guest, Marcela Andrés, is the CEO and president of designEDengagement, PBC, a consulting firm built around the idea that education can be transformed by enhancing the connection between students, families, educators, and communities. Her book, Purposeful Educator Connections, discusses how educators can strengthen their relationships with students and highlights five principles that can enhance the culture of the classroom. Throughout our conversation, Marcela emphasizes the importance of family engagement at all education levels, providing practical advice and success stories from her experience and consulting work. The conversation also touches on overcoming barriers to family involvement in higher education, the need for systems that support teacher-family communication, and the impact of culturally responsive strategies. What you will learn:Why involving family and community in student education matters.Simple tools that teachers can use to integrate families into their students' education.Examples of how to overcome challenges when striving for more family and community engagement.Strengthening these connections can drive key goals, like student retention, while reducing uncertainty for first-generation student.Thanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram:@gradcommunicationsFacebook:@GradCommunicationsLinkedIn:@gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

There is a push and pull between an advertiser's desire to attribute advertisement spending to lead generation and their responsibility to respect consumer privacy. In this episode, Raj Sudra, the Chief Technology Officer at Gannett, joins me to discuss his role and the intricacies of digital marketing attribution. He explains the technology and systems used, such as LocaliQ's proprietary Capture technology, pixel tracking, and the importance of compliance and data privacy. The conversation emphasizes the balance between collecting meaningful data for effective marketing and adhering to privacy legislation like GDPR and CCPA. Raj also talks about what's changing in advertising platforms like Google and Facebook. He touches on why publishers prioritize first-party data as cookies become less reliable to them and how evolving technology such as AI enhances digital marketing strategies.What you will learn:What pixel tracking really means The impact of a cookie.Why data privacy and marketing don't have to work against each other.The importance of evaluating, storing, and tracking data ethically.The technical side of how leads are generated during visits to your websiteThanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram:@gradcommunicationsFacebook:@GradCommunicationsLinkedIn:@gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

Teege Mettille, Director of Enrollment Success at enroll ml, is joining me today to talk about the crucial topic of college admissions. Teege shares his personal journey from being a first-generation college student to a thought leader in admissions, emphasizing the transformative impact of higher education. The conversation explores his book, 'The Admissions Counselor Malaise,' which delves into the challenges facing admission staff morale, especially post-pandemic. Key issues include the corporatization of academia, the increasing application volumes, and the often-overlooked emotional toll on admissions counselors. Teege also discusses how AI and innovative technologies can alleviate these pressures by making the admissions process more efficient and targeted. What you will learn:● Why the FAFSA isn't a big indicator of enrollment.● How the college admissions ecosystem is changing.● Admissions counselors don't need to be sales reps.● Ways to bring joy back into the job of counseling students.Thanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram:@gradcommunicationsFacebook:@GradCommunicationsLinkedIn:@gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

Dr. Tina King, president of San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) joins me on the show today to talk about branding and how GradComm helped elevate the beauty already present in SDCCE to connect more with the community they served. We discuss the unique aspects of SDCCE as one of the largest non-credit institutions in the nation, focusing on its mission to provide free, accessible, high-quality education to a diverse student body, including undocumented students, immigrants, and refugees. Dr. King emphasizes the college's efforts to combat poverty and enhance workforce skills in the community. The conversation highlights the recent comprehensive branding project undertaken by SDCCE aimed at improving visibility and unifying the institution's identity under the tagline 'Forward Together.' Dr. King shares insights on the importance of community involvement, historical significance, and fostering a sense of pride among students and faculty through cohesive branding efforts. What you will learn:The power of having a unified brand.Why understanding who you serve matters.Preventing your school from becoming a hidden secret by enhancing the visibility of what you do.How building intentional branding can impact a community.Thanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram:@gradcommunicationsFacebook:@GradCommunicationsLinkedIn:@gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

What are the barriers that keep students from finishing an application or from completing their degree? Emily Coleman joins me today from HAI Analytics to discuss her company's work in building predictive models for higher education institutions. These models help predict student behavior to optimize critical processes like the allocation of financial aid. Emily explains the importance of retaining data, overcoming data silos, and incorporating both human and artificial intelligence in predictive analytics. She also provides insights into how predictive models can aid enrollment forecasting, retention strategies, and resource allocation for better student support. Additionally, real-world examples of schools implementing these models and the difference they made are shared. Emily highlights the benefits of data-driven decision-making in effectively managing enrollment and student success.What you will learn:How humans and AI can work together to handle data in the best way.Why predictive modeling is a great tool to help meet enrollment, headcount, and revenue goals.Examples of predictions that data models from HAI Analytics can make.The impact that comes when a college can understand the problems a student faces before they stop attending. Thanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram:@gradcommunicationsFacebook:@GradCommunicationsLinkedIn:@gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

The behavior of leaders in any organization is learned and passed down from team to team. With 89% of managers having no formal leadership training, today's episode is an important conversation on learning what being a good leader looks like. Elaine Gosden, CEO of Blue Gnu Consulting, joins me from England to discuss leadership development and creating happier workplaces. Elaine outlines her company's approach, which focuses on learning and development initiatives to equip leaders and teams with the necessary skills. She explains tools like Insights Discovery and Motivational Maps to help understand organizational behaviors and motivations. Elaine also touches on challenges specific to university leadership, the importance of addressing organizational silos, and the significance of constant improvement for leadership effectiveness.What you will learn:●Tackling the challenge of new leaders managing colleagues and friends.●How to prevent your leadership shadow from keeping feedback in the dark.●Why investing in happiness is important for driving performance indicators.●The benefits of trading independent teams for interdepartmental collaborationThanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram:@gradcommunicationsFacebook:@GradCommunicationsLinkedIn:@gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

The worst time to plan a response to a crisis is in the middle of a crisis. My guest on the show today is Stephanie Craig, the president of crisis management firm, Kith. In this episode, we talk about the importance of planning for a crisis ahead of time and how to practice the plan so that it's not forgotten when it's needed. Stephanie stresses the importance of speedily handling a crisis by knowing your core values and establishing trust in the process you create. Listen in as we talk about the tools you can use like simulations, “Oh Crap” conversations, and Gap Analysis to prepare for any crisis that may come your way.What you will learn:●The difference between crisis communication and crisis management.●Questions you should be asking to prep for a crisis.●Tips on exercising crisis plans during your regular meetings.●The impact that core values have on speedy crisis response.●Gap Reports: how they help find where you're doing well and where your crisis planning could improve.Thanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram:@gradcommunicationsFacebook:@GradCommunicationsLinkedIn:@gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

“How do I apply for financial aid?”, “When does the fall semester start?”, “Where can I change my class schedule?” Starting college comes with many questions. Our guest for this episode, Nick Martin, has developed a way for AI to help engage with prospective students while improving the experience of existing ones. Nick is the Co-Founder of Direqt, an organization that trains conversational AI chatbots on a school's website, data, and social media content. After developing an AI that is an expert in that school's user experience, it's integrated into its website as a handy tool. Having a specialized knowledge base enables this chatbot to be personable, provide unique information quickly, and locate unresolved problems through student usage patterns on the website. This episode is all about connecting with students and using cutting-edge technology to make their lives better!Thanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram:@gradcommunicationsFacebook:@GradCommunicationsLinkedIn:@gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

Today, I sit down with Beth Noel, a communicator dedicated to accessibility and inclusive design in higher education. Beth shares her journey into this field, which may have started with a challenge posed by an Office of Civil Rights letter regarding inaccessible PDFs. Still, it has resulted in a newfound commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging for students with disabilities. Beth and I discuss the steps taken to remediate accessibility issues, form a cross-college digital accessibility team, and discuss the importance of starting with accessibility in communications. Beth also provides practical tips on writing and designing with inclusivity in mind and shares insights on these practices' positive impact on student success and retention. These insights are particularly inspiring, as they demonstrate the tangible benefits of inclusive design. Join us for an inside glimpse into why accessibility and inclusive practices are important as a business decision and how to navigate introducing these new practices in fields where things have never been "done this way before." Beth Noel's NCMPR PresentationThanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram:@gradcommunicationsFacebook:@GradCommunicationsLinkedIn:@gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

In today's episode of Higher Ed Conversations, I talk with Christine Rose, the Regional Senior Marketing Director at Outfront, about the dynamic world of out-of-home (OOH) media. Christine shares her expertise in developing and executing marketing strategies across ten markets in the West region. Our conversation covers the tangible impact of OOH media, the importance of creative design, the use of data-driven insights for ad placement, and innovative ways to integrate digital strategies with OOH campaigns. Together, we delve into the subjects of sustainability efforts, audience targeting methods, and practical tips for maximizing the effectiveness of OOH advertising. Please tune in to discover how OOH media, with its unique and compelling nature, can elevate your brand and engage audiences in ways you've never imagined.Click here to view some of the billboards the GradComm team has designed.Thanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram:@gradcommunicationsFacebook:@GradCommunicationsLinkedIn:@gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

On this Higher Ed Conversations episode, I host a conversation with an Al expert and, more impressively, my sister-in-law, Suzi Boynton! Suzi is the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees for the San Marcos Unified School District, where she utilizes the tool of Al in her day-to-day work for the school system. In our conversation, we discussed Suzi's journey with AI and how its practical applications in her role enlightened her to its broader, more practical implications in education and the general workplace. We also tackle the subject of the importance of AI literacy, the ethical and responsible usage of Al, and its future applications. There's a lot to digest, so grab your coffee, sit back in your comfy chair, and join us as we focus on viewing AI through the lens of efficiency and its potential, not only for current educational needs but also for the future.Thanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram:@gradcommunicationsFacebook:@GradCommunicationsLinkedIn:@gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

In this episode, Keith Goodman, a direct mail marketing expert, discusses the resurgence of direct mail marketing across various industries, especially in education. Keith highlights direct mail's targeted approach, allowing for personalized messaging to different audiences, a significant advantage over digital ads' broad reach. He explains how direct mail utilizes detailed demographic and psychographic data, such as household composition, interests, and behaviors, to create highly effective campaigns. The discussion covers how colleges leverage direct mail for marketing programs like summer classes to parents of high school students and unique certificate programs. Keith shares insights on utilizing data like drive time, proximity, and specific interests to enhance targeting. Additionally, we explore how direct mail complements digital marketing efforts, attributing and measuring success, and the importance of continuous testing to improve campaign performance.Thanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram:@gradcommunicationsFacebook:@GradCommunicationsLinkedIn:@gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

Today, on Higher Ed Conversations, I embark on my first solo episode! And with a very good reason –I've just released my first ebook, "Why Your Community CollegeMarketing is Failing: Lessons From Online Dating," which has already hit number one in several online categories! So, I'm here to dive into the book's three themes and how they've helped hundreds of colleges dramatically improve their marketing results. In this episode, I give you a sneak peek of the book and share how I take the topic of community college marketing and turn it on its head by utilizing online dating techniques. Each of these three themes is packed with information on how to start improving your outreach today. If you stick it out to the end of the episode, there's also a fun story on how online dating has impacted my life. Be sure to grab your copy, and let me know what you think of the book by leaving a review!Link to survey here.Thanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram:@gradcommunicationsFacebook:@GradCommunicationsLinkedIn:@gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

 Many students cannot enroll in a two to four-year collegiate program, but they still desire access to professional skills that will allow them to obtain higher-earning jobs. This episode of Higher Ed Conversations features Linda Kurokawa, the Executive Director of Community Education & Workforce Development at MiraCosta College. Linda highlights the importance of community colleges investing in workforce development and employer relations, showcasing how MiraCosta has become a model through innovative and flexible offerings like brew-tech, machining, and phlebotomy programs. She explains the self-funded nature of her department, which allows for rapid response to industry needs and community demands, leading to high student success rates. Linda also discusses the marketing strategies employed to attract students to these programs, emphasizing word-of-mouth and social media as critical methods. Additionally, she shares advice with host Cheryl Broom about how colleges need to be future-thinking and entrepreneurial to remain relevant and meet the evolving needs of students and industry.Connect with GradComm: Instagram:@gradcommunications Facebook:@GradCommunications LinkedIn:@gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

As higher education continues to evolve and expand, the presidency of its institutions has become an ever-increasing, ever-taxing role. It's this issue that this month's guest, Jeff Julian, current Chief of Staff at Harper College and President of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations, shares his insights on this role. With an extensive résumé of various marketing positions such as Communications, Public Awareness, and Public Relations, Jeff discusses the catch-all yet crucial function of his role as Chief of Staff and that while delegation may vary between institutions, its core embodies servant leadership. He frequently works as the right man for the college president and offers a second, unbiased viewpoint on matters and decisions. Jeff additionally touches upon the value of volunteering and involvement, as this is how leadership is truly built; these skills, as he's learned from his time in the NCMPR and the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, come from experience, not innateness.Connect with GradComm: Instagram:@gradcommunications Facebook:@GradCommunications LinkedIn:@gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

It's undeniable that social media has transformed into an essential platform for both cultivating a presence and nurturing community bonds and connections. With the embrace of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for interaction and staying informed, organizations and businesses are compelled to have a stake in social media platforms to be relevant. Joined by Megan Ellisor, Director of NC State University's social media hub, we gain firsthand insight into the strategies and significance of a university's social media presence. Megan emphasizes cultivating genuine online relationships with students while upholding the university's overall voice and tone across various accounts. With an 11-member social media hub, discover how Megan empowers her team to create content that resonates with their students, followers, and the community. Megan highlights how NC State's accounts foster student connections through gamified fundraising initiatives, hashtags, and engaging "stories" that showcase student life. This episode is a must-listen for any PIO or college Marketing Director and offers a peek into the runnings of a large university's approach to creating successful social media content.Connect with GradComm: Instagram:@gradcommunications Facebook:@GradCommunications LinkedIn:@gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

Balancing children and a career may seem unachievable, but Letitia Clark, a seasoned Chief Communications Officer, elected official, and author, unveils the secrets to harmonizing professional life and motherhood. From her dynamic career path to her role on the Tustin City Council, Letitia delves into the intricacies of being a mother while excelling in the professional realm. She discusses her two books, with a particular focus on her latest book, 'Baby's Room to the Boardroom', where she emphasizes the intersectionality of motherhood and career pursuits. Discover Letitia's pearls of wisdom as she emphasizes the significance of positive self-talk, the support of a nurturing tribe, the celebration of personal victories, and the joy of pursuing one's passions. The conversation takes a deeper dive into fostering a better work environment for women and parents, healthily dealing with work-life transitions, the necessity of learning on the job, and the importance of recharging amidst a busy life schedule. This episode empowers working moms through invaluable workplace lessons and anecdotes taken directly from Letitia's parenting journey. Connect with GradComm: Instagram:@gradcommunications Facebook:@GradCommunications LinkedIn:@gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

In this month's episode, we sit down for a fascinating conversation with Jeff Bunch, a seasoned professional with a diverse background in journalism, marketing, and higher education. From being a storyteller at a young age to his pivotal role in managing the digital presence of Gonzaga University's basketball team, his journey and insights on integrating storytelling into marketing are something you won't want to miss. Jeff discusses the strategic world of content marketing and shares his experience leveraging SEO to address web traffic challenges and spotlight Gonzaga's academic excellence beyond its athletic acclaim. Tune in to gain insights into the dynamics of community college marketing and the unique challenges it presents.Connect with GradComm: Instagram:@gradcommunications Facebook:@GradCommunications LinkedIn:@gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

What's the best way to find a vendor vetted by other higher education organizations? Jeff Dillon, a former higher education professional turned entrepreneur, joins us on Higher Education Conversations to help answer that question. Jeff shares his journey from working in higher ed for over two decades to founding EdTech Connect, a crowd-sourced technology database designed to help colleges and universities find the right tech solutions for their unique needs. We discuss the challenges of selecting software in higher education, the power of AI and personalization in modern education, and how EdTech Connect is helping institutions discover and evaluate technology. EdTech Connect is a trusted solution for over 465 colleges worldwide and is free to sign up for anyone with a ".edu" email address.Connect with GradComm: Instagram:@gradcommunications Facebook:@GradCommunications LinkedIn:@gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

"Be a resource, not just a request, and then build a relationship." says our guest, Mark Bayer, on connecting with elected officials and press members. Mark is an international keynote speaker, consultant, former Chief of Staff, and podcast host. His podcast, "When Science Speaks," aims to help scientists, engineers, and executives communicate their complex ideas effectively. In this episode, Mark delves into his real-world experience and shares tips on how to turn your communication obstacles into opportunities. We discuss the art of explaining complex ideas in a way that's understandable and captivating. This information provides an invaluable guide for anyone looking to convey complex ideas compellingly. So, join us and learn how to simplify complex topics, connect with your audience by creating vivid imagery, and utilize relatable comparisons for better communication. You can hear more of Mark on his podcast, here.Connect with GradComm: Instagram:@gradcommunications Facebook:@GradCommunications LinkedIn:@gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

In this episode, I sit down with Brian Piper, a digital and content marketing expert who shares his transformative journey and explains how to leverage content marketing effectively. Brian emphasizes that content marketing is a strategy to cultivate lasting relationships with your audience rather than a quick sales pitch. We dive into the pivotal role of social media, with Brian urging marketers to prioritize content over channel and treat content marketing as a long-term investment. Finally, we discuss measuring success, emphasizing the importance of strategic goals, audience, and tactics. Make sure to tune in for this insightful exchange and check out the new second edition of Brian's book, "Epic Content Marketing."Order Epic Content Marketing, Second Edition Connect with GradComm: Instagram:@gradcommunications Facebook:@GradCommunications LinkedIn:@gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

In this episode of Higher Education Coffee and Conversation, I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Kyle Dalpe, the president of Western Nevada College. With a fascinating background as a journalist, chief of staff, and vice president of instruction at various community colleges, Dr. Dalpe brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. We delve into topics such as college promotion, reaching rural communities, and building infrastructure to support innovative programs while maintaining a healthy work environment for staff and faculty. One key theme emphasized by Dr. Dalpe is the significance of showing up, not just for the community and students, but also for faculty and staff. We also touch upon the significance of the chief of staff role, which Dr. Dalpe held previously. This episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for promoting education, engaging with communities, and fostering a collaborative environment within higher education institutions. Tune in to gain inspiration from President Dalpe's experiences and insights!Connect with GradComm: Instagram:@gradcommunications Facebook:@GradCommunications LinkedIn:@gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

On this episode of Higher Education Coffee and Conversation, I am thrilled to have a close friend and esteemed colleague as my guest, Dr. Mark Browning. Currently serving as the CEO and President at Blue Mountain Community College in Oregon, Mark brings a wealth of experience to the table. Before taking on his current role, Mark made significant contributions in marketing and communications at prestigious institutions such as the College of Western Idaho and North Idaho College.  In our conversation, Mark shares how he is navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic to start seeing a notable increase in enrollment numbers.  We'll delve into his professional journey, his thoughts on effective communication strategies in academia, and his vision for the future of higher education. So grab your favorite cup of coffee, sit back, and join us for this enlightening discussion.Connect with GradComm: Instagram:@gradcommunications Facebook:@GradCommunications LinkedIn:@gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

We have an incredibly exciting guest on this episode of the podcast: Alex Wedderburn, a senior leader at Hootsuite, shares his expertise on this indispensable platform for social media management. For those unfamiliar, Hootsuite is our go-to tool at GradComm for efficiently managing and measuring the impact of our clients' social media accounts. The focus of today's discussion is Hootsuite's groundbreaking new social media certification. We delve into its importance, the invaluable knowledge you can gain through the certification, and the benefits it offers. But that's not all. We also explore tips and strategies that will benefit all of you, even if you're not a Hootsuite expert, in successfully managing and growing your own social media presence. With Alex's wealth of experience, this episode promises to be a treasure trove of insights. I hope you enjoy!Connect with GradComm: Instagram:@gradcommunications Facebook:@GradCommunications LinkedIn:@gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

It's an advice-packed episode as Lisa Takami joins me to discuss her new book , Women in the Higher Education C-Suite: Diverse Executive Profiles.  Lisa has helped organizations, both private and public, to build brand messaging by leveraging partnerships that foster learner and organizational success.  Her book is such a valuable resource for both women and men to learn from the stories of others to become better leaders themselves.  In the episode, we dive into different topics, like the importance of mentorship, and Lisa gives listeners some advice on finding the right mentor to build a valuable relationship. Lisa also breaks down the definition of emotional intelligence and shares some thoughts on how to be more aware of your personal triggers.  I hope you enjoy the episode, and be sure to check out Lisa's book when it's released in July!Preorder Women in the Higher Education C-Suite: Diverse Executive Profiles: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Women+in+the+Higher+Education+C+Suite%3A+Diverse+Executive+Profiles-p-978139415023620% discount code: SSH23Connect with GradComm: Instagram:@gradcommunications Facebook:@GradCommunications LinkedIn:@gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

It's an exciting episode of Higher Ed Coffee and Conversation as we welcome our first-ever College President on the podcast!  Dr. Annebelle Nery is the President of Santa Ana College, where her strategic marketing approach has had an extremely impactful result.  In our conversation, we'll learn how Dr. Nery has used a data-based approach to marketing to increase enrollment by double digits semester after semester since the pandemic.  Dr. Nery also gives some great advice on surrounding oneself with superstars to achieve amazing results, and how she has applied this philosophy to her marketing team at Santa Ana College.  We'll also discuss dual enrollment programs and how to change the way people think about community colleges in general.  Dr. Nery also opens up about her impressive background and the key players that have inspired her career journey so far.  We had the pleasure of recording this episode on International Women's Day, making it all the more fitting to celebrate such an incredible woman!  Hope you enjoy!Connect with GradComm: Instagram:@gradcommunications Facebook:@GradCommunications LinkedIn:@gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

Sometimes the most exciting opportunities can happen when you least expect them…and my guest today can certainly attest to that notion! Emily Zimmer, Marketing & Events Coordinator for DCTC, was enjoying her Thanksgiving when she found out that the President of the United States would be visiting Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) to promote the passing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. Emily joins us today to talk about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with the Secret Service, the White House Communications Team, and a variety of college staff to plan the event. We'll discuss the behind-the-scenes details, challenges, and rewarding memories that come with having a role in hosting the President. We'll also talk about the importance of having relationships with the political delegates in your state and how fostering those relationships can lead to unique opportunities for students and the community at large.Connect with GradComm: Instagram:@gradcommunications Facebook:@GradCommunications LinkedIn:@gradcomm Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

In today's world where seemingly everything has gone digital, the concept of a printed class schedule may sound like a relic of the past. However, my guests today are here to debunk this myth through the lens of a project we did right here at GradComm with our partners at North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE). Here to discuss the project is Jennifer Perez, Director of Campus Communications at NOCE, and GradComm's own Jamie McNinch - who both worked hands-on to re-imagine NOCE's printed class schedule that gets sent out to over 350,000 households 3 times a year! We'll discuss all the ways we updated and improved the schedule to make it a more effective and persuasive marketing tool that ended up being a real showcase piece. We'll also discuss some of the under-looked benefits of community colleges who are able to offer the programs that their community members need most, often for little or no cost to the student. It's an episode you definitely won't want to miss!Connect with GradComm: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Send us a message: GradComm.com Thanks for listening!

On this special episode of the podcast, I am joined by some of our amazing GradComm team members for a 2022 Year-in-Review.  I'll speak to one of our Client Service Managers, Rocco, to learn what Mechatronics is and how our team utilized it to get impactful results for one of our clients.  Then I'll catch up with our Creative Director, Michael, to hear why great spontaneity requires great preparation and learn more about the GradComm creative process.  I'll also sit down with Jamie, our Director of Client Services, to get an inside look at a full brand identity project we were lucky enough to work on with a great client.  Last but not least, I'll hear how our team put together over 70 pieces of advertising in just 5 weeks for one client from our COO, Chris.  This is one of my favorite episodes of the show and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

Episode 31: Media buying is a scary term for a lot of us, myself included!  That's why we are extremely lucky to be joined by my guest Chuck Fetterly, who is an expert in all things media buying, to help us better understand this very important aspect of many marketing plans.  Chuck has spent the last two decades running and growing TEC Direct Media, Inc, a media buying company that has worked with brands, agencies, and music artists like Lady Gaga and Adele to successfully reach their audiences.  In our conversation Chuck and I discuss what questions colleges should ask when looking for the right media buying partner, and why outsourcing this specialized work is often the right decision.  Chuck also shares tips about what he has seen change in media over the years, and talks about some of his favorite campaigns he's gotten to work on (Spoiler Alert: it includes a giant guitar shooting out of a billboard!). 

Episode 30:  What do you want to be when you grow up?  It's a question we've all answered when we were young, but how many of us really knew what all of the options were back then?  The department of labor claims there are about 950 jobs that exist, some of them far beyond the imagination of a 5 year old.  My guest today, Dr. Kevin Fleming, is on a mission to broaden the imagination of people of all ages when it comes to career options so they can live lives that are both financially and emotionally fulfilling.  Kevin is a national speaker, best-selling author, and the CEO of Catapult, a company that offers dynamic and impactful professional development masterclasses for educational institutions.  In our conversation we touch on what it means to be underemployed vs. unemployed, and why a four-year college plan is not always the right educational choice for everyone.  We also discuss program marketing and Kevin's children's book There's a Hat for That!: Exploring Careers That Fit You Best, that encourages exploration towards activities that align with a child's personality and points them towards satisfying and meaningful careers.  It's a super fun episode that I think you will really enjoy!

Episode 29: David Ogul is my guest on this episode of Higher Education Coffee & Conversation, an extremely talented award-winning writer and editor who I have been lucky enough to work with for the better part of 17 years.  David started his career as a freelance reporter working for organizations like the LA Times and Baltimore Sun.  Our relationship began when David covered a few stories at MiraCosta College where I was serving as Director of Marketing & Communications at the time.  David's reputation as a stellar journalist and writer is what landed him his current role as Interim Director of College & Community Relations at Grossmont College, where he works on many different projects related to communication and marketing.  I learned a lot from this conversation where David and I discuss some of the challenges he has faced taking on tasks outside of his skillset as a journalist, such as buying ads and putting together strategic marketing plans.  David also drops some gems on overcoming writer's block and why it's important to do thorough research before you sit down to start writing.  I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!

Episode 28: Award-winning children's author, produced screenwriter, and GraduateCommunications' very own Sr. Communications Strategist are just some of the hats that Dr. Michael Mahin wears. On this episode of Higher Education Coffee & Conversation, Dr. Mahin and I address some of the important questions surrounding how we can do a better job as communicators and marketers to tell stories from diverse backgrounds in an effort to create more diverse campuses. Some of the topics that Dr. Mahin and I cover include; tactics and strategies to avoid tone deafness and bias, how storytellers can speak authentically to communities outside of their own, and how we can get more diverse students into college through the power of communication. It's an important, relevant, and sometimes even a little awkward conversation surrounding equity and inclusion that you really won't want to miss!

Episode 27 - Theft, embezzlement, cyber attacks - oh my!  In this episode of Higher Education Coffee & Conversation we're talking about the many different types of crises that can arise at any school, at any moment.  But don't panic!  My guest today, Scott Summerfield, Principal of SAE Communications and crisis communication expert is going to share his knowledge on navigating through even the most sticky of situations.  Scott is one of the most talented crisis communication experts I've ever had the pleasure of working with, and he's even helped me personally manage a few crises at a school that I worked at.  You can never be too prepared to manage crises when they happen, and this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in better preparing themselves to deal with crises when they do arise.  Enjoy!

We're going meta this time with a podcast episode all about podcasting!  When Lauren Milbourne and Christopher McGuinness were challenged with creating a podcast for the president of Allan Hancock College, they undertook important strategy and planning work before executing their vision. This approach resulted in a lot of success for their communications team, the president, and the school.  In this episode of Higher Education Coffee & Conversation, Lauren and Chris sit down with me to share takeaways from launching and producing a successful podcast that I found extremely helpful - and I think you will too.  I've even started applying some of their tips to this episode, which you'll hear towards the end of the show!  From theme and format options to production and planning strategies to branding and equipment - if you've ever thought about starting your own podcast you won't want to miss this super-informative conversation.   

If your school is thinking about launching an app, or already has one and you want to make sure it is designed to be effective, you won't want to miss my super informative conversation with Niall Adler, Director of Marketing at Mission College in Santa Clara, California. Niall led a nine-month process to build an app that has proven to be a useful tool for students and college communicators alike. One key lesson: function over form. “I know of a school that created an app for its athletic department that looked really pretty, but it was completely useless to students.  It needs to function. It needs to do something because you want students to come back to it.”  From designing an effective development process to the importance of research to the strategic relationship between your app and your website, Niall shares valuable lessons learned from a ground-level perspective.  

The volatile mix of alumni pride and shifting cultural sensitivities makes changing mascots a thorny challenge for schools and their communities.  My guest on this episode, Jennie McCue, lived through each tricky step of that process recently as Director of Marketing and Communications at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California.  Jennie has many enlightening and entertaining lessons to share about handling this change that can apply as well to other campus conflicts that are imbued with passionate advocates on all sides. Bottom line: an inclusive, patient, transparent process will produce the best results.  Check out this fun and deeply informative conversation for all the details, including whether or not it makes sense to work with outside agencies on these projects. 

Brad Phillips is a numbers guy, but he's the first to tell you they won't help you persuade your audience unless you use them the right way. “In the end human beings don't remember numbers. They remember how they feel. So, it's really important that you pick just a couple of key data points and focus on telling a story using the data.” Brad spent many years using data himself to help students succeed in California's community college system before founding the Institute for Evidence-Based Change. Through IEBC, he's helping education stakeholders throughout the country craft data-informed solutions to improve practice and increase student success. He and his team also counsel clients on the keys to storytelling based on years of experience, and the Disney storytelling formula. On top of all of that, he's created the increasingly popular Caring Campus initiative to help employees learn simple behaviors that can have a dramatic impact on a student's sense of belonging, which studies show is key to keeping them on their educational journey.  You'll leave this conversation with a new sense of the possibilities of data as a communications tool, and a new appreciation of the importance of each and every college employee making an effort to connect with students. 

If digital marketing is an essential piece of your student recruitment strategy but you aren't sure what NAP, EAT, PPC or SEM stand for, you'll want to listen carefully to my guest today who has great tips to make sure you are optimizing the impact of this approach.  Chris Barton is the Chief Product Officer at Gannet USA, and has run countless digital marketing campaigns over his two-decade career in the industry. He says many companies are not quite as savvy as they should be about what search engines are looking for. “There are a lot of basics that people just miss.” Prime examples include keeping your content fresh and consistent, and making sure your site loads quickly and looks good on mobile devices.  Chris also has great insights on what type of keywords can be ‘nuggets of gold', how to be smart about the use of negative keywords, the power of ad extensions and drip campaigns, and making sure you aren't limiting yourself to Google. We also take a fascinating look ahead at major changes in data privacy and the exciting opportunities that await communications pros in the ‘metaverse.' 

“Websites which try to be everything to everybody may end up being nothing to nobody.”  That's just one of the many great insights learned in the trenches of higher ed communications by today's guest Karen Norton, executive director of Integrated Marketing and Communications at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston.Karen's deep experience in web design and content strategy has been critical over the past year as we worked together to create a student-focused site for Bunker Hill that also meets the needs of faculty and staff. It's a challenging time to be revamping a website because, thanks to COVID-19, more people on campus than usual are invested in there being an effective online presence. That's where research comes in.  “Sometimes you have to say no. Having research gives you good reasons to back up your decision,” she shares. Karen is full of fresh tips on timelines, strategy, search, mobile-first design and how to use navigation to accommodate multiple audiences. If you're planning a website overhaul, or in the middle of one, this is a can't miss conversation.

Hundreds of community colleges across the nation have committed to the Guided Pathways approach to boost completion rates and student success, but there are various challenges to building a program and keeping stakeholders on board.  In this episode, I'm so happy to bring you a wisdom drop from Renee Craig-Marius, formerly the vice president of Student Services at Reedley College and now the executive vice president of educational programs at Gavilan College, who provides valuable insights into her institution's five-year journey with this model.  “It's been a paradigm shift in how we see and serve our students.  It's really ‘becoming the village' - as I call it -- for our students so they feel connected and supported and welcomed and engaged to complete their goals.” Tune in to hear Renee share lessons learned about getting stakeholders onboard early, establishing a solid foundation that will withstand change, and being comfortable with going slowly. Plus, she talks about the touchpoint opportunities Guided Pathways created that deepened connections with students. You're going to learn a lot.

One of the most valuable projects I've done involved hiring “secret shoppers” to pose as students so they could check out colleges known for their marketing prowess and learn what they do so well.  On this special episode of Higher Education Coffee & Conversation, you'll listen-in to a webinar presentation I recently did with Tony Teng, Dean of Advanced Technology and Applied Science at Saddleback College, during which we divulge some smart ways these institutions use marketing to rise above the clutter. Whether it's creating customized webpages for interested students, relying more on texting than email, or making the best use of Tik Tok, there's a lot to learn in this session including ideas you can implement right away. And while holiday shopping only happens once a year, you can do secret shopping anytime!

Today I talk to actor, producer, writer and director Andres Orozco who has taught Screen Arts and Communications at Pepperdine University for 20 years. Andres is also the co-founder and co-owner of the award-winning production company Novelas Educativas, which creates culturally-relevant digital content across all platforms. We talk about his approach to creating authentic content and culturally-resonant marketing campaigns and what the changing landscape of higher education means for students and for institutions. Andres believes messaging based on the prestige of higher education doesn't cut it in a world where young people are questioning the value of college relative to heavy student debt.  Instead, a message centered on self-determination is more effective. “I tell my students college is about giving you the power to say no and giving you the power to live your life the way you want to live it.  They understand that and they're like, ‘That's what I want.'” We also explore Latino subcultures and even swap a couple of casserole stories! If you're looking to spice up your own storytelling and make sure you reach the Latinx audience in an authentic way, then you'll love this conversation. 

“I was born to do public relations,” says my guest Nancy Marshall, and being an admirer of her work for many years, I'd have to agree.  Running her own successful marketing and PR agency for three decades is pretty good proof, too. As you'll hear in this episode, Nancy is a natural communicator with an infectious positivity, so it's easy to see why she's been able to build the kind of relationships with reporters that get results for clients of Marshall Communications. In this fun conversation, she eagerly shares her recipe for success, so be ready to take notes as she provides tips and tricks on everything from “newsjacking” to leveraging Twitter to handling crisis communications.  She also reflects on the ever-changing world of communications and the importance of public relations professionals recognizing that “we can be the media now.” And on top of all of that, she even divulges her “old school” secret weapon.  This is a great chance to learn from a master of the craft. 

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Graduate Communications becoming an agency, I thought it would be fun to interview some of my team members about their most interesting, challenging and rewarding projects and have them share lessons learned with you.  From strategic use of Tik Tok to managing major media buys, there are lots of useful tips to absorb in this episode as these amazing pros bring you behind the scenes of cutting edge higher ed marketing and communications.  I'm so fortunate to work with such a talented group (including my husband!) and I'm so proud of the value they've brought to our clients who turned to us for help this year with career education toolkits, campaign refreshes, reaching new audiences and much more. 

You have what you think is a great story: a first-generation student dreams of getting a college education, gets into your school, works hard and graduates. But to master storyteller and former Hollywood writer Andy Goodman, the reaction from the audience is likely to be ‘who cares?' “What makes stories interesting are the things that surprise us. If someone tells you a story and you know from the beginning exactly where it is going, it's just not interesting.”  Including unexpected wrong turns, bad moments and vulnerabilities not only make a story interesting, but they also allow the audience to enter the story and root for the main character.  The Goodman Center that he co-founded and leads has worked for decades with major companies and organizations around the globe -- including higher ed heavyweights such as MIT, USC and Michigan State -- to help them understand what makes for a good story and how to go about telling it.  In this fascinating conversation, Andy shares some of his key storytelling tips and techniques, and you'll also learn how to come away from an interview with the compelling details and emotions you'll need to keep your audience engaged and moved.  And, there's an unexpected twist near the end in which Andy shares one simple thing you can do to make your work life more productive.  (See what I did there…) This episode is packed with actionable advice that I know you will find useful.

Want your voice to be heard by senior leadersat your institution? Power Minds CEO Margo Turner says the best approach is to think about the issue from their perspective and learn how what you are advocating fits in with what they need to accomplish for the organization. The self-described serial entrepreneur believes the same shift in perspective would serve academic institutions well when working with employers to establish internships and otherwise advance their students' career prospects. “Instead of asking business leaders to help form your curriculum, offer to do ananalysis and determine how your students can help solve a problem their company might have.” As she shares with meon this episode of Higher Ed Coffee & Conversation, learning to speak the language of those you are trying to connectwith goes a long way in finding common ground and solutions. You won't want to miss this fun and valuable wisdom drop from a highly successful business ownerand higher ed communications pro.

I don’t know about you, but one of the things I’ve missed most during the pandemic is going to sports events. Whether it’s cheering on my son and his teammatesor attending a pro sports game, I feel a real sense of excitement and community that’s hard to find elsewhere. Colleges and their surrounding communities have felt this loss as well, and it’s interesting to think about what role sports can play in leading us back to a more normal life after the pandemic. It’s also a good time to take a look at the best ways to leverage the power of athletics to promote and strengthen your school. For wisdom on this, I turned to an old friend and colleague Steve Johnson, associate athletic director for media relations at Dixie State University, who brings a wealth of communications experience to our discussion and offers some great tips on how to promote your athletics programs to the benefit of the students, school and wider community.

If you’re one of the many people who would rather avoid confronting someone with criticism or bad news, then you need to check out this episode of Higher Ed Coffee and Conversation featuring acclaimed speaker and author Sarita Maybin.  A former college administrator, Sarita has shared her wisdom about the power of positivity and how to make difficult conversations more effective all over the U.S. and beyond, including on the TEDx stage, and has simple strategies to make it a better experience for everyone involved. She also offers key tips on accepting criticism and how to get people to read your emails, and she highlights two words you should always remember to include in any communication.  (Hint: your mom gave you the same advice.) 

This month’s Higher Education Coffee and Conversation podcast features Aubrey Kuan Roderick, who first came to the U.S. as an international student and now is the program manager for International students at College of San Mateo. She speaks about recruiting to an  unknown community college system and how COVID has impacted community college international students. Her program is in the heart of Silicon Valley and this podcast shines a light on yet another way community colleges serve a unique function in our society.