Branding the Student Experience: Enrollment Marketing in Higher Ed
Changing Higher Ed
With 98% of higher education institutions looking the same and offering similar programs, the challenge for any single institution to stand out is immense. This episode of Changing Higher Ed, features Allen Adamson, co-founder of MetaForce, discussing the importance of branding and marketing in differentiating higher education institutions in an oversaturated homogeneous market. Adamson shares his insights from his vast experience in branding across various industries, emphasizing the need for higher education institutions to stand out to attract enrollment. Key Discussion Points ...
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Grow Veteran Enrollment and Retention in Higher Ed: Insights from WSP
Changing Higher Ed
In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Cassie Sanchez, Director of Education at (WSP). They discuss how WSP supports veterans in successfully transitioning to higher education. The conversation highlights the benefits these programs offer both to veterans and the institutions they attend, focusing on enhancing enrollment strategies, supporting veteran success, and leveraging the unique strengths veterans bring to academic environments. This episode provides valuable insights for university leaders aiming to improve veteran enrollment and...
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Strategies to Attract and Enroll Nontraditional Modern Students
Changing Higher Ed
In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, host Drumm McNaughton is joined by Chris Gilmore, VP of Education Dynamics Enrollment Management. With extensive experience in online higher education and various leadership roles, Chris shares valuable insights into the evolving landscape of student demographics and the strategic approaches institutions need to adopt to effectively engage nontraditional students. Key Discussion Points The Changing Definition of Nontraditional Students Evolving Definitions: Chris elaborates on how the term "nontraditional students" has...
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Beyond Career and Job-Ready Graduates: Beating the Underemployment Odds
Changing Higher Ed
Empowering Students for Career Success: Villanova's Innovative Approach In this episode of Changing Higher Ed, Dr. Drumm McNaughton talks with Kevin Grubb, Associate Vice Provost for Career and Professional Development at Villanova University, about the innovative ways Villanova is preparing students for a successful start to their careers and setting them up to beat the odds of 43% under employment for many college graduates. Learn how Villanova embeds career readiness skills into the curriculum and prioritizes student well-being throughout the process. Key Discussion Points ...
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Washington Update: Neg Reg March 2024 Review
Changing Higher Ed
Program Integrity and Institutional Quality Committee: A Focus on Distance Education and the Return of Title IV Funds. In this episode, host Drumm McNaughton is joined by Tom Netting, president of 10 Government Strategies, to discuss the recent Neg Reg 2024 proceedings and their implications for higher education institutions. They explore the key issues addressed during the negotiations, including distance education, accreditation, cash management, and more. The discussion highlights the importance of staying informed and engaged in the regulatory process to ensure the best outcomes for...
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Lifelong Learning Models for a Changing Higher Ed Marketplace
Changing Higher Ed
In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is joined by Amrit Ahluwalia, the incoming Executive Director for Continuing Studies at Western University. They discuss the evolving role and models of higher education institutions and the need for transformative change to remain relevant and sustainable in the evolving marketplace. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds and unique vantage points, they explore how continuing education divisions can play a broader role in shaping the university's impact. Key Discussion Points The Shifting Models of Higher Education: ...
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Employability and Future-Proofing Graduates: Pathways to Success at MDC:
Changing Higher Ed
In this transformative era for higher education, institutions are at a crossroads, balancing traditional academic rigor with the urgent need for graduates who are immediately employable and adept at upskilling to meet rapidly changing business demands. Miami Dade College (MDC), under the visionary leadership of President Madeline Pumariega, stands out as a beacon of innovation and adaptability. In this podcast, Pumariega offers a compelling model for aligning curriculum with industry needs, embracing technological advancements, and fostering strategic partnerships to secure students'...
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NYU’s Alternate Pathways to A Top-Tier Degree – Part 2
Changing Higher Ed
NYU is flipping the script on many traditional educational models and mindsets, embracing a strategic shift to offer alternative pathways to top-tier degrees. This strategic evolution reflects a profound commitment to access and flexibility, directly addressing the needs of an expanded demographic of students. Dr. Harrison shines a light on the practical implementations and thought processes behind such forward-thinking initiatives, aiming to demonstrate the successful delivery of education to a larger, non-traditional population. In Part 2 of this two-part podcast, Drumm McNaughton and Doug...
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NYU’s Alternate Pathways to A Top-Tier Degree - Part 1
Changing Higher Ed
NYU is responding to the large U.S. population that needs and wants affordable and flexible higher education that meets them where they are by creating unconventional pathways to top-tier degrees. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton is joined by Dr. Doug Harrison, the head of New York University’s Applied Undergraduate Studies program at its School for Professional Studies, to discuss how NYU has built structures and processes that create alternative pathways for first-gen and low socioeconomic students that enable them to get an NYU degree. Podcast...
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A Win-Win Partnership for Universities and Older Adults: Engage Seniors, Enrich Your Community
Changing Higher Ed
This episode of Changing Higher Ed explores the win-win partnership between universities and organizations like The Oasis Institute, which is dedicated to lifelong learning and community engagement for older adults. Host Drumm McNaughton interviews Paul Weiss, President of The Oasis Institute, about the benefits of engaging seniors in higher education, from enriching classrooms to fostering community connections. Key Points: The growing need for lifelong learning: As the population ages, universities face a crucial opportunity to cater to older adults seeking to continue...
info_outlineStrategies for Seamless K-12 to Higher Ed Transitions, Embracing Online Learning, and Building Strong Institutional Foundations
The second half of this two-part series with Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU)’s Chancellor Terrence Cheng explores the strategy CSCU uses to better communicate to high schoolers how connected K-12 is to higher ed to ensure equity and accessibility for all students. Cheng also shares how his system is revolutionizing its online learning model to better serve local businesses and CSCU’s students across numerous campuses.
Evolving Online Learning Beyond COVID-19 Specifications
Although in the early stages, CSCU is working to deliver online learning that’s effective, accessible, and cost-efficient. Cheng communicates to his presidents that the system-wide implementation of the online program does not have to be the same at every campus. These online programs need to amplify each institution’s unique offerings, assets, and stakeholders rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.
Creating a Clear Pathway to Community College
Using the Common App, CSCU created a legislature-driven, GPA-calibrated automated admission program that will be implemented at the state’s 17 technical schools and CSCU’s 17 community college campuses. Upon graduation, students will be automatically accepted at their local community college.
CSCU is also bringing its IBM P-Tech partnership with Norwalk Community College and Norwalk High School to scale. The goal is to effectively convey that there's a very clear bridge to higher education after 12th grade, almost like a “13th grade.”
Five Recommendations for Higher Education Leaders and Boards
Trust your instincts. Remind yourself that you got to be where you are today by doing things a certain way, so it’s okay to rely on your instincts. However, it’s still important to listen.
Make changes sooner rather than later. If you know that you need to make some staff or organizational changes, give yourself enough time to gather the data. But don’t take too long because that can have detrimental effects.
Own the narrative of your story. Don't let others tell your story for you. Get out there. Be upfront. Be ruthlessly honest with the data. Have integrity in what you say. But make sure you say what needs to be said.
Have a good mentor. It’s helpful to have current and/or past presidents and chancellors who can provide support for you and even suggest what to steer clear of. This advice is critical, regardless of whether you’ve been a president or chancellor before. Every campus is different.
Build a strong relationship with your board chair. This is probably one of, if not the most critical, relationship a university president can have. It doesn't mean that you tell him or her what to do, or vice versa, but if the two of you can be joined at the hip, it's going to make things far smoother for you in the long run.
At a Glance
- How higher ed is not meeting 21st-century students and what can be done to remedy this.
- What higher ed needs to start destigmatizing to truly succeed.
- Why having a “winning team” mentality is so important for higher ed.
About Our Guest
Terrence Cheng
Terrence Cheng is president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, which oversees 12 community colleges, four state universities, and Charter Oak State College and serves more than 72,000 students.
About the Host
Dr. Drumm McNaughton, host of Changing Higher Ed® podcast, is a consultant to higher education institutions in governance, accreditation, strategy and change, and mergers.
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