Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO — with Jaime Hunt

Jaime Hunt sits down with Dr. Allison Steinke to unpack what it really takes to build a believable brand in higher education. Drawing from research with CMOs and Gen Z audiences, Steinke introduces a practical framework for brand believability rooted in authenticity, consistency, and emotional connection. The episode challenges traditional enrollment marketing approaches and reframes branding as a co-created, institution-wide effort. If you’re navigating trust, differentiation, or AI in higher ed marketing, this conversation is a must-listen.

Guest Name: Allison Steinke, Teaching Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Comm...

Jaime Hunt sits down with higher education journalist and bestselling author Jeff Selingo to unpack insights from his newest book, Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You. Drawing from two years of research—including surveys of more than 3,000 parents—Selingo explains how families are redefining what makes a “good college.”

The conversation explores the evolving role of prestige, the growing importance of outcomes and ROI, and what enrollment marketers must understand about parents, counselors, and the modern college search process. For higher ed professionals, this episode is a powerful lens into the shifting expectations shaping en...

Jaime Hunt sits down with Jason Smith, Founder and Managing Director of OHO, to unpack how AI in higher education is fundamentally changing the way students search for colleges. As AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini increasingly shape the student journey, institutions must rethink their approach to SEO for higher education and digital visibility.

Jason introduces OHO’s new AI Visibility Scorecard and shares eye-opening insights into where AI models pull information from—and why that matters for enrollment marketers. This conversation challenges higher ed leaders to move beyond traditional search strategies and prepare for an AI-driven futu...

Jaime Hunt sits down with Jennifer Umberger, VP and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Kettering University. They unpack what it really takes to break out of higher ed’s “sea of sameness” and build an enrollment marketing engine that actually moves the needle. Jennifer shares how Kettering’s distinct co-op model became the center of a sharper brand story—and how tight alignment between marketing and enrollment helped drive major growth. If you’re looking for a marketing strategy for student recruitment that’s built for today’s expectations (ROI, outcomes, and relevance), this one’s a must-listen.

Guest Name: Jenn...

Jaime Hunt is joined by Clara Schwager, Director of Institutional and Advancement Marketing at Johnson & Wales University, for a much-needed conversation on the evolution of alumni magazines. Clara shares the behind-the-scenes story of a major redesign of JWU’s alumni magazine—one that transforms the publication from a static print piece into a dynamic, multi-channel storytelling engine. If you're still treating your alumni magazine like a mailbox-only moment, this is your wake-up call.

Guest Name: Clara Schwager, Director of Institutional and Advancement Marketing at Johnson & Wales University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clara-schwager/

Jaime Hunt welcomes Adam Stoltz, Director of Enrollment Marketing at the University of Idaho, for a candid conversation on one of higher ed’s toughest challenges: marketing academic programs in a decentralized, siloed environment. From tackling the “order taker” mentality to building partnerships between colleges, admissions, and marketing teams, Adam shares how he’s helped bridge institutional gaps to drive strategic enrollment growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck translating institutional priorities into student-centric campaigns, this episode is packed with the real talk and actionable strategies you need.

Guest Name: Adam Stolz, Director of Enrollment Marketing, University of Idaho<...

Jaime Hunt sits down with Kelly Hiller, Chief Marketing Officer at Purdue University, to explore a revolutionary idea: integrating soft skills into performance management. Hiller shares how Purdue's Brand Studio is not only delivering exceptional marketing but also cultivating a high-performing, emotionally intelligent team culture. This episode is a must-listen for higher ed marketers looking to future-proof their teams and foster stronger leadership pipelines.

Guest Name: Kelly Hiller, Chief Marketing Officer, Purdue University

Guest Social: www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-hiller

Guest Bio: Kelly Hiller serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at Purdue University...

In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Jen Brock, Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Mount Holyoke College. Together, they explore the evolving role of marketing leaders in higher ed during politically charged times, what it means to be radically mission-driven, and how inclusive, gender-diverse institutions like Mount Holyoke navigate a fraught national landscape. Brock shares candid insights on balancing bold storytelling with institutional responsibility—and why staying true to your values is non-negotiable in today’s higher ed climate.

Guest Name: Jen Brock, Vice President for Mark...

Jaime Hunt sits down with Meaghan Milliorn, Senior Director of Web Strategy and Operations at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, to unpack the web redesign process that earned national recognition. From overhauling outdated pages to building authentic buy-in through internal communications, Meaghan shares how a multi-year strategy helped UA Little Rock redefine its web presence—without losing the campus community along the way. If you're staring down the barrel of a major website overhaul, this episode is a must-listen.

Guest Name: Meaghan Milliorn, Senior Director of Web Strategy at the University of Arkansas at Little Ro...

Jaime Hunt sits down with Tamalyn Powell, SVP of Higher Education at BVK, to discuss the groundbreaking national campaign Proud Sponsor of America at Its Best. Designed to reshape public perception around the value of higher education, this initiative tackles rising skepticism head-on. Through data-driven messaging and a non-partisan approach, this campaign offers marketing leaders a powerful tool to advocate for higher ed’s relevance and societal impact. If you’re wondering how to counter declining trust in higher ed and drive collective impact, this episode is a must-listen.

Guest Name: Tam Powell, Senior Vice President, BVK

Jaime Hunt sits down with Joseph Brennan, Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Montclair State University, for a raw and riveting conversation on what it really means to counsel a university president. With over three decades in higher ed and experience advising 13 university presidents, Brennan shares how the role of CMO has evolved from tactician to trusted strategic advisor—and why communication professionals must develop executive presence, business fluency, and emotional intelligence to lead in today’s high-pressure environment.

Guest Name: Joseph A. Brennan, Vice President for Marketing and Communications, Montclair State University

Guest Soci...

Jaime sits down with Jenny Li Fowler, host of Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager, for a no-holds-barred conversation packed with hot takes on higher education marketing, leadership dysfunction, and the systemic cultural habits holding institutions back. Drawing from decades of experience, Jaime and Jenny bring a sharp, refreshingly honest lens to some of higher ed’s most persistent challenges—from siloed departments and underfunded marketing teams to presidents chasing prestige at the expense of authenticity.

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Connect With Our Host:
Jaime Hunt
https://www.linkedin.com...

Jaime Hunt chats with Justin Bouldt, Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Nevada, Reno, about an innovative yield-boosting initiative—the College Town Pass. Designed to enhance campus visits by giving prospective students a curated way to explore the city of Reno and nearby Lake Tahoe, the College Town Pass has delivered impressive results, including a 74% yield rate among users. Tune in to hear how a Pokémon Go-inspired concept turned into a high-impact enrollment marketing strategy.

Guest Name: Justin Boult, Assistant Director of Admissions, University of Nevada, Reno

Guest Social: linkedin.com/in/jus...

In this energizing episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Brandy Kift, AVP of Marketing Strategy at Bucknell University, to unpack how her team has successfully broken down the silos between marketing and admissions. Brandy shares the inside story of how Bucknell transformed their approach to enrollment marketing by fostering mutual trust, aligning content strategy with recruitment goals, and leveraging data and AI for meaningful student engagement. If you're searching for strategies to build better collaboration across departments and increase application numbers, this is a must-listen.

Guest Name: Brandy Kift...

Jaime Hunt sits down with Kerry Salerno, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Babson College, to explore the power of data-driven marketing. Together, they dive into how Kerry's team leverages impact reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) to align marketing strategies with institutional goals. From agile team structures to quarterly dashboards and annual reports, this episode is packed with insights on building a high-performance marketing culture. If you’ve ever struggled to quantify the impact of your marketing work—or convince leadership it matters—this episode is a must-listen.

Guest Name: Kerry Salerno, Vice President and Chief Market...

‍In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Anne Peters, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at UTSA, to explore what it really means to “raise the profile” of a university. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about rankings. From community-driven branding campaigns to strategic data storytelling, Anne shares a wealth of insights on how institutions of any size can authentically build visibility and credibility. Whether your campus has a football program, a medical school, or neither, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas for enrollment marketers.

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Jaime Hunt welcomes back data strategist and higher ed consultant Joshua Dodson for a candid and practical discussion on data analytics in higher education. From redefining what makes data “good” to debunking common misinterpretations in marketing reports, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better leverage data for enrollment and institutional strategy. The duo also explores the democratizing power of AI in data analysis, offering actionable tips on how even resource-constrained teams can get smarter with their data starting today.

Guest Name: Joshua Dodson, CEO and consultant at Honed Consulting

Guest Social: https://www...

Jaime welcomes Camryn Simpson and Blake Mischley of MeetYourClass to break down insights from their newly released 2025 College Decision Playbook. The conversation dives deep into the shifting priorities of Gen Z students—from major-first decision-making to the critical importance of digital campus "vibes." If you're crafting a marketing strategy for student recruitment or aiming to improve yield, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

The 2025 College Decision Playbook: https://colleges.meetyourclass.com/resources/2025-college-decision-playbook

Guest Names: 
Blake Mischley, Co-founder and CEO, MeetYourClass
Camryn Simpson, Head of Community, MeetYourClass

Guest...

In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Nikki Ferrell, Associate Director of Online Enrollment Marketing and Communications at Miami University, to explore how higher education institutions can adopt AI ethically and intentionally. They reflect on past tech disruptions—like the chaotic rollout of university websites and social media—and offer strategies to prevent similar pitfalls with AI. Nikki shares how Miami University is proactively building a responsible, inclusive AI implementation framework grounded in transparency and ongoing education. Whether you're just starting to think about AI or already experimenting with tools, this...

In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Jeff Kallay, Senior Vice President of Enrollment Consulting at Echo Delta, to explore the often-overlooked role of parents in the college search and decision-making process. With experience consulting on over 300 college campuses, Jeff brings a unique and data-informed perspective on how institutions can better engage parents, families, and caregivers—not just during campus visits but throughout the student lifecycle. Tune in for a provocative conversation filled with actionable insights and storytelling that will change the way you think about parent engagement in higher ed...

In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Mike Morris, Partner at the Ward Group, a leading executive search firm specializing in marketing and communications leadership roles. Together, they unpack how higher education marketers can position themselves for VP- and CMO-level roles—and how to build relationships with search firms that actually lead to job offers. This insightful conversation covers what presidents often misunderstand about the CMO role, how to craft a compelling resume, and why emotional intelligence may matter more than your title.

Guest Name: Mike Morris, Director, Th...

In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with higher ed storyteller and communications strategist Kristin Hanson to unpack the strategic value of proactive storytelling. Together, they explore how colleges and universities can move from passive, transactional content to authentic, intentional narratives that deepen emotional connection, support enrollment and advancement goals, and highlight the real people behind the institution. If you're looking to elevate your storytelling game in higher education marketing, this conversation is your roadmap.

Guest Name: Kristin Hanson, freelance writer

Guest Bio: Kristin Hanson is an...

Jaime Hunt welcomes Dale Leatherwood, Chief Marketing Officer at Columbia Southern University, to explore one of the most pressing issues in higher ed today: the public’s shifting perception of the value of a college degree. Together, they dig into the real drivers behind skepticism—not the return, but the investment—and unpack how institutions can better align academic offerings, improve cost transparency, and reclaim the narrative around higher ed's true impact.

Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees and ce...

In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Collegis Education’s Dan Antonson to unpack how artificial intelligence is transforming the entire student lifecycle—from initial inquiry to post-graduation. The conversation dives deep into how AI is enabling smarter personalization, unlocking insights from previously untapped data, and helping institutions move beyond guesswork to strategic student support. Whether you’re grappling with summer melt or thinking about AI ethics in higher ed, this one’s worth a listen.

Guest Name: Dan Antonson, Associate Vice President of Analytics & Technology Solutions, Collegis Educatio...

In this energizing episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt chats with Daniel Andreani, Creative Director at Do Not Disturb, about the critical need for creative reinvention in higher education marketing. From dissecting branding stagnation to exploring the evolving role of AI in creativity, this conversation dives deep into how institutions can—and must—break free from outdated visuals and messaging to truly connect with today’s students. If you're feeling stuck in the same old admissions campaign loop, this one’s for you.

Guest Name: Daniel Andreani, Chief Creative Officer, Do Not Disturb<...

In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, Jaime Hunt sits down with leadership coach, author, and longtime friend Melissa Farmer Richards to unpack her new book, The 30-60-90 Day Handbook. The conversation dives deep into how new and seasoned leaders alike can thrive in higher ed by mastering the fundamentals of trust, credibility, and commitment—while navigating modern leadership challenges like burnout, crises, and emerging AI tools. Whether you're stepping into a VP role or eyeing leadership from your current position, this episode offers actionable strategies to lead with authenticity and resilience.

The 30-6...

Jaime Hunt sits down with Ellen Whitlock Baker — executive coach, leadership consultant, and founder of EWB Coaching — for a candid, no-holds-barred conversation on what truly makes a good leader in higher education. They tackle toxic workplace norms, explore the role of empathy in leadership, and dig into how AI and generational shifts are reshaping leadership expectations. If you're rethinking what it means to lead well in this evolving higher ed landscape, this is your blueprint.

Guest Name: Ellen Whitlock Baker, Wwner and Principal, EWB Coaching

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

Gues...

Jaime Hunt sits down with Cristina Lopez Yakimenko, marketing director at Florida International University’s Chapman Graduate School of Business, to explore the advantages of managing enrollment marketing entirely in-house. Cristina shares how her small but mighty team generates millions in ad spend, executes content marketing strategies, and drives enrollment growth—all without the help of an external agency. She also reveals how leveraging AI, optimizing real-time data, and fostering close collaboration with recruiters has been a game-changer. If you're curious about bringing digital marketing in-house or simply want to optimize your current strategy, this episode is packed with acti...

Social mobility is a defining mission for many regional public universities, but what does it take to truly move the needle? In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Ellen Neufeldt, President of Cal State San Marcos, to discuss how institutions can break down barriers for first-generation and underrepresented students. From innovative dual enrollment programs to rethinking enrollment marketing strategies, Neufeldt shares actionable insights on how universities can drive economic and social change.

Guest Name: Ellen J. Neufeldt, President, California State University San Marcos

Guest Social: https...

Jaime Hunt sits down with Brittney Westbrook to discuss the nuances of working with graphic designers and managing creative teams. They dive into the challenges of balancing creative freedom with strategic goals, the importance of giving actionable feedback, and how marketing leaders can foster stronger partnerships with designers. Whether you’re leading a creative team or collaborating with designers on marketing projects, this episode is packed with insights on how to improve workflows, enhance communication, and ultimately create more effective marketing materials.

Key Takeaways

In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with enrollment marketing expert Will Patch to tackle a critical issue in higher education—summer melt. They explore the key reasons why admitted students fail to enroll in the fall and share actionable strategies to combat melt before it happens. From financial aid misunderstandings to social anxieties, they discuss how institutions can proactively support students and improve yield. If you’re looking for ways to refine your enrollment marketing and retention strategies, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.

Key Takeaways

In this lively episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, Jaime Hunt sits down with Robin Oliver, Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Ohio University, to discuss how creativity can break through the traditional boundaries of higher ed marketing. Robin shares the story behind Ohio University’s wildly successful "Name a Squirrel" campaign, her approach to fostering a culture of trust and creativity on her team, and the lessons she's learned about leading with boldness in an industry often bogged down by bureaucracy. If you're looking for inspiration to bring fresh, innovative thinking to your higher ed ma...

In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, Jaime Hunt sits down with Eric Hollenbeck from Washington State University’s Carson College of Business to unpack the findings of the 2024 Ethical Marketing Survey. This groundbreaking research highlights public perceptions of ethical practices in marketing, including AI usage, misinformation, and the need for transparency. Together, they discuss actionable strategies for higher education marketers to build trust, address generational differences, and navigate the evolving ethical landscape of marketing in the AI era.

Key Takeaways

Jaime Hunt speaks with Jenny Petty about a pressing issue few are discussing: the “Search Cliff.” While the “Demographic Cliff” has been a hot topic for years, the Search Cliff highlights a significant shift in the availability of prospective student data, fundamentally altering how higher education institutions attract and enroll students. Tune in as Jenny breaks down this emerging challenge, its implications, and strategies institutions can adopt to stay ahead of the curve.

Key Takeaways

In this episode of the Higher Ed CMO Podcast, host Jaime Hunt welcomes Jennifer Lonchar, founder of Ambio, to explore the transformative potential of Performance TV for higher education marketing. Jennifer breaks down how this technology provides the reach of traditional TV with the precision of digital advertising, delivering measurable ROI and enabling schools to craft highly targeted campaigns. From personalized storytelling to integrating AI for advanced analytics, this episode is packed with actionable insights for enrollment marketers, advancement professionals, and beyond.

Key Takeaways

In this Enrollify webinar, Balancing Bites and Bonds: How AI Can Humanize Higher Ed, Mallory Willsea and an expert panel dive deep into how artificial intelligence is transforming student engagement in higher education. Featuring Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO host Jamie Hunt, Generation AI co-host JC Bonilla, AI for U host Brian Piper, and The Hidden Gem host Maya Demishkevich, the discussion addresses the dual challenge of automating processes while maintaining meaningful, human connections. Through innovative examples, insights, and lively conversation, this episode provides a roadmap for leveraging AI to create more personalized and efficient student experiences.

Got a story to tell? An innovative idea to share? Fill out our guest nomination form, and let's chat!

Host Jaime Hunt speaks with Shaun Carver, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the International House at the University of California, Berkeley, about the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for better supporting international students in higher education. The discussion sheds light on the cultural and economic benefits international students bring, the need to foster inclusivity and free speech, and how universities can adapt to societal and political changes to create a more welcoming environment.

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Host Jaime sits down with Christian Cardona, Social Media Manager for ODU Global, to explore the unique challenges and opportunities in managing social media for online learners. As a first-time attendee at the AMA conference, Christian shares his reflections, dives into strategies for building digital communities, and highlights the critical role of storytelling in fostering engagement among non-traditional students. This engaging conversation sheds light on how social media can effectively amplify the experiences of online learners, even when separated by distance.

Key Takeaways

As higher ed faces increasing headwinds, hiring a Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) is no longer a luxury—it's a strategic necessity. As demographic shifts, escalating costs, and growing competition put more pressure on institutions, a CRO's role in unifying revenue-generating efforts becomes critical. 

In this episode, Jaime sits down with Steven Rutt, the Chief Revenue Officer for Abilene Christian University, to tackle this topic. This episode includes insights about:

Host Jaime Hunt reconnects with Bryce Hoffman live from AMA to explore his remarkable career evolution. From an unexpected layoff to his newly appointed role as Vice President and Chief Marketing Communications Officer at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Bryce shares insights on resilience, professional growth, and building meaningful connections in the higher ed marketing world.

Bryce Hoffman’s journey from career uncertainty to becoming a higher ed CMO is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. In this episode, Bryce reflects on the challenges of navigating setbacks, the value of leveraging your network, and the importance of embracing ne...