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’Why I Still Love Higher Ed’

Forget all the negativity. These marcomm pros explain why they still adamantly believe in the purpose of higher ed — and its future.

  • Features
  • September 17, 2025
  • Aaron Stern

Insights

Your brain matters more than ever

In the age of AI, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and lived experience are essential assets and key differentiators for higher ed marketers.

Insights /
By: Shane Baglini

One Approach: How we’re optimizing our content for AEO

Kean University’s marcomm team is using question-based heading structures, video content and faculty expertise to enhance visibility in LLM searches.

How can I create marketing materials that show inclusivity without being performative?

In her latest advice column, Jaime Hunt answers a question about authentic inclusive marketing and also counsels a leader whose team opposes a new project management tool.

Court settlement and executive order means big changes for NIL and university marketing

The ever-evolving landscape of Name, Image and Likeness seems to finally have some guardrails in place. But interviewed insiders say it’s still just the early framework for what’s ahead.

Resources

Case Study: Localist Events & Southern Utah University

Case Study: Localist Events & Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University partnered with Concept3D and Localist Events to centralize calendars and improve permissions management.

Case Study: Clive & Wilfrid Laurier University

Case Study: Clive & Wilfrid Laurier University

Wilfrid Laurier University partnered with Clive to personalize content that attracts and retains students and increases alumni donations.

Case Study: Campus Sonar & Duquesne University

Case Study: Campus Sonar & Duquesne University

Duquesne University’s partnership with Campus Sonar illustrates how sharing relevant data and building trust can lead to success.

The State of Student Support Services

Lindsay Daugherty unpacks how food insecurity, housing instability, and mental health challenges are reshaping higher ed’s responsibility to students — and why the future of enrollment depends on being “student ready.”

What the Exxon Valdez Teaches Us About Higher Ed Right Now

Paul Liebman, Chief Compliance Officer at Vanderbilt, shares lessons from the front lines of federal oversight and analyzes the bind that higher ed is in right now.

‘Let’s Get Back to The Work’: Starting the Year with Hope and Focus

As higher ed adjusts to a new normal of volatility, Teresa and Erin open Season 4 of Trusted Voices with a call to action: Keep your eye on the big picture and roll up your sleeves to get the work done.

Features

The NIL Top 10: Who are the highest-paid college athletes?

Growing collective contracts and sponsorship deals have university athletes — both men and women — raking in record paydays.

Marketing & Branding /
By: Chris Kudialis

Is Bill Belichick good for UNC’s bottom line?

His $50 million contract is balanced against record enrollment, sold-out season tickets and a potential boost in marketing revenue.

College has to be about more than just employability.

Graduate employability matters, but college is also where students will hone the soft skills needed for the future.

No Country for Young Men?

Higher ed is confronting its male enrollment crisis with new strategies rooted in purpose, belonging — and masculine imagery. But is it working?

Jobs

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2026 Presidents Institute

Independent colleges and universities are engines of opportunity, and their contributions to society have never been more needed. At the 2026 Presidents Institute, which will be held January 4–7, at […]

January 4, 2026 @ 12:00 am
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