Higher Ed Pulse

By: Mallory Willsea and Seth Odell
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  • Summary

  • Higher Ed Pulse is your weekly spotlight on the latest in higher education marketing and enrollment. From headline news to social posts, insider insights to industry observations, join industry veterans Mallory Willsea and Seth Odell as they share their top stories from across the world of higher education. Each bite-sized, 15-minute episode is packed with personality and designed to bring what’s top of mind to the top of your feed. Perfect for the busy professional, our episodes blend sharp analysis with lively commentary, transforming complex topics into engaging, digestible insights. Get ready to be both informed and entertained, as Higher Ed Pulse offers a perspective that keeps you not just in the loop but always a step ahead in the ever-evolving world of higher education. Higher Ed Pulse is co-hosted by Mallory Willsea and Seth Odell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
    2024 Enrollify
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Economics Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • 2024 Hall of Fame: Joshua Charles

    2024 Hall of Fame: Joshua Charles
    Dec 20 2024
    Today's inductee into the 2024 Enrollify Hall of Fame is Joshua Charles. Josh has become a standout leader in higher education, recognized for his innovative approaches to collaboration, leadership, and breaking down institutional silos.In this highlight reel, Josh shares his top strategies for fostering campus-wide collaboration, building relationships with leadership, and leveraging teamwork to achieve better outcomes. Whether you're navigating cross-campus partnerships or refining internal team processes, Josh’s insights provide a roadmap for creating meaningful change in higher education.Key TakeawaysProactive Partnerships: Reach out to campus stakeholders directly, tailoring communication to their needs to foster collaboration and build trust.Understanding Leadership Priorities: Develop relationships with campus leaders to align your team’s work with the institution’s strategic goals.Focus on Audience-Centric Strategy: Identify your target audience, refine their journey, and differentiate your offerings by focusing on what you can control.Internal Team Collaboration: Build strong internal processes by fostering open conversations about roles, preferences, and workflows.Breaking Down Silos Across Institutions: Collaborate with peers at other institutions to share resources, align goals, and amplify collective impact.Building Campus Partnerships Josh highlights the importance of reaching out to key stakeholders across campus instead of waiting for collaboration to happen. By understanding how your work affects others and personalizing your communication to resonate with their goals, you can build trust and secure buy-in for future initiatives.For example, Josh emphasizes the need to understand the priorities and communication styles of campus leaders such as associate deans of finance, faculty, or international students. These relationships are critical in aligning team efforts with broader institutional strategies.Focusing on What You Can Control In discussing challenges unique to Rutgers Business School, Josh advocates for focusing on audience-centric strategies to overcome barriers. Rather than dwelling on institutional politics, teams should:Clarify target audiences and map their journeys.Differentiate offerings by tailoring content and campaigns to specific needs.Use collaboration to share resources and learn from peers in similar roles across campus or even at competing institutions.Josh’s advice centers on leveraging what is within your control—such as refining messaging or developing resourceful marketing strategies—to achieve impactful results.Internal Collaboration: Building a Strong Team Josh describes an intentional, hands-on approach to fostering collaboration within his team of 10. By organizing sessions focused on specific examples—such as marketing an MBA program—team members gain a clear understanding of each other’s roles, workflows, and needs.Key steps include:Open Conversations: Encourage team members to share their communication and workflow preferences.Document Processes: Create shared documents outlining tasks, responsibilities, and dependencies to ensure alignment.Reflect and Improve: Dedicate meeting time to reflect on what’s working and identify areas for improvement.These practices build trust and eliminate inefficiencies, ultimately creating a more cohesive team.Breaking Silos Across Institutions Josh also shares the value of connecting with staff at other institutions to foster a culture of collaboration. By understanding the scope of their resources, challenges, and strategies, teams can align efforts and learn from one another. For example, Rutgers Business School staff regularly engage with peers at Rutgers Camden, recognizing that cooperation benefits everyone—students, staff, and the institution at large.Final Thoughts Josh Charles’s commitment to fostering collaboration and creating meaningful change is a testament to his leadership in higher education. From breaking silos to strengthening internal processes, his insights inspire higher ed professionals to rethink how they work together to achieve better outcomes. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout 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.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to ...
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    13 mins
  • Reclaiming Free Speech, Democracy, and Discourse on Campus in America Post Election 2024 — Part 6

    Reclaiming Free Speech, Democracy, and Discourse on Campus in America Post Election 2024 — Part 6
    Dec 19 2024
    In this special episode of Reclaiming Free Speech, Democracy, and Discourse on Campus, host Dr. J. Cody Nielsen sits down with Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III, Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan and scholar of race, systems of oppression, and student activism. Together, they unpack the implications of Donald Trump’s re-election, the challenges of free speech on campus, and the broader societal forces shaping higher education. This episode delves deep into student activism, higher education’s colonial roots, and the ways administrators and educators must navigate the ongoing struggle for justice and equity.Key TakeawaysStudent Activism Reflects Broader Sociopolitical Realities: Campus movements—whether for Black Lives Matter or pro-Palestinian rights—mirror larger societal struggles, challenging higher education’s historical role as a site of exclusion and privilege.Higher Education and Systems of Power: Colleges have long been intertwined with colonialism, capitalism, and racialized oppression. Deconstructing these systems requires critical reflection and moral courage from institutional leaders.The Role of Administrators: University administrators must prioritize people over prestige and resist suppressive policies that target student activism, particularly around anti-democratic and oppressive issues.Self-Care in the Struggle for Justice: Individual and communal care are critical. Dr. Davis highlights the importance of collective healing, family, and finding spaces for joy and restoration amid ongoing activism.The Trump Administration’s Impact: A second Trump term amplifies existing tensions, but the struggle for justice and liberation remains constant—organizers must double down on efforts to improve material conditions for marginalized communities.What Role Does Student Activism Play in the Current Political Landscape?Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III outlines how campus activism has always reflected broader sociopolitical contexts. From the Black Lives Matter movement to pro-Palestinian organizing, students are at the forefront of confronting oppressive systems and demanding institutional accountability. Dr. Davis connects today’s student movements to historical activism, such as the Black Campus Movement of the 1960s and the role of ethnic studies programs in democratizing higher education. He highlights that institutions often resist meaningful change unless forced by organized collective action.How Has Higher Education Historically Maintained Systems of Oppression?Dr. Davis dives into higher education’s colonial roots, emphasizing how campuses were built on stolen land and the labor of enslaved Black individuals. These structures persist today, manifested in racialized exclusion, elitism, and suppression of dissent. Administrators must confront their complicity in upholding oppressive systems and commit to re-centering people over profits, productivity, and prestige. He challenges leaders to reflect on their roles and question whether they are truly serving students or perpetuating institutional harm.What Should Higher Education Leaders Do in the Face of Political Suppression?Reflecting on the Trump administration’s impact, Dr. Davis notes that institutions have increasingly adopted suppressive policies, weaponizing campus and municipal policing to silence student protests. He urges administrators to act with “moral and political courage,” protecting students rather than criminalizing their activism. By aligning with community values and rejecting reactionary policies, leaders can challenge anti-democratic behaviors and support a more just higher education system.How Do We Balance Activism with Personal and Collective Well-Being?Recognizing the emotional and physical toll of activism, Dr. Davis emphasizes the importance of collective care and healing. He advocates for communal approaches to self-care—rejecting individualism in favor of shared spaces for rest, reflection, and joy. Whether through family, community organizing, or physical activities like running, activists must prioritize well-being to sustain their long-term efforts.Guest Name: Dr. Charles H.F. Davis IIIGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hfdavis/www.campusabolition.orgGuest Bio: Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III is a third-generation educator, organizer, and artist committed to the lives, love, and liberation of everyday Black people. Named a 2020 Emerging Scholar by Diverse Issues in Higher Education and a 2021 NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Davis is currently an assistant professor in the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education at the University of Michigan. As director of the Campus Abolition Research Lab, Dr. Davis’ research broadly explores the racialized consequences of higher education on society. He has produced more than three dozen publications including research articles, books, and scholarly essays as well as several short and feature-length films. - - - -...
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    33 mins
  • 2024 Hall of Fame: Bart Caylor

    2024 Hall of Fame: Bart Caylor
    Dec 18 2024
    Today's inductee into the 2024 Enrollify Hall of Fame is Bart Caylor. The president of Caylor Solutions and host of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast, Bart is renowned for his forward-thinking approach to AI in higher education. This episode compiles highlights from Bart's appearances on various Enrollify network shows, showcasing his perspectives on AI literacy, overcoming resistance to innovation, and leveraging AI tools to revolutionize higher education. Dive into the transformative insights shaping the future of enrollment marketing and leadership in higher ed.Check out the full episodes Bart appeared on: AI For U - Episode 2 Mission Admissions - Episode 33 Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO - Episode 50Key TakeawaysAI Resistance and Adoption: Resistance to AI often stems from fear, misconceptions, and change fatigue. Education and AI literacy are crucial for overcoming these barriers.Transformative Potential of AI: AI is poised to revolutionize higher education more profoundly than any previous technological advancement, reshaping marketing, operations, and student engagement.Practical AI Strategies: Tools like ChatGPT can significantly enhance productivity, helping higher ed professionals achieve more in less time by mastering prompt engineering.Leadership in AI Era: With AI driving rapid changes, higher ed leaders must embrace innovation to navigate the enrollment cliff and emerging trends effectively.What Are the Biggest Challenges in AI Adoption in Higher Education? Bart Caylor identifies two primary challenges in AI adoption: fear and underutilization. Resistance often stems from fear of the unknown or ethical concerns, with many professionals skeptical about adopting new tools. Others fail to realize AI's full potential, using it only for simple tasks like rewriting emails.Bart emphasizes that these challenges can be overcome through AI literacy and hands-on education. By demystifying AI and showcasing its capabilities, professionals can shift from skepticism to informed adoption. For instance, understanding that AI is a learning tool, not just a content scraper, fosters trust and opens the door to meaningful integration.How Can AI Reshape Higher Education? Bart predicts that AI will have a more significant impact on higher education than the personal computer, internet, and social media combined. From enhancing marketing strategies to improving operational efficiency, AI tools like ChatGPT allow institutions to tackle problems quickly and effectively.For example, AI-driven assistants could soon be integrated into platforms like Siri, enabling natural, conversational interactions. As institutions leverage these advancements, they’ll be able to streamline processes, improve student engagement, and remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.What Role Will Leadership Play in AI-Driven Transformation? The accelerating pace of AI adoption and the looming enrollment cliff demand adaptive leadership. Bart warns of potential leadership fatigue, as senior leaders may retire rather than manage the rapid changes AI brings. This creates opportunities for younger, tech-savvy professionals to step into leadership roles.To succeed, future leaders must embrace AI literacy and understand how to use tools like ChatGPT to make data-driven decisions. By leveraging AI for strategic initiatives, institutions can overcome challenges and position themselves for long-term success.How Can Higher Ed Professionals Start Using AI Effectively? Bart recommends starting small to build confidence with AI. For instance, using ChatGPT to create a simple meal plan introduces users to prompt engineering and the tool’s capabilities. This approach helps professionals understand how to frame questions and maximize AI's utility.He also highlights that AI isn’t just a time-saver—it enables professionals to accomplish more within the same time frame. By integrating AI into daily workflows, higher ed marketers and administrators can focus on high-impact tasks without extending their work hours. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout 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.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the ...
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    16 mins

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