Defining the Product: How Marketers Can Break the Higher Ed Sea of Sameness

Defining the Product: How Marketers Can Break the Higher Ed Sea of Sameness

In this episode of Higher Voltage, Tony Proudfoot, Vice President for Marketing and Strategic Communications at Western Michigan University, joins Kevin Tyler to explain why marketers must stop just designing the packaging and start shaping what is inside the box. From breaking out of the "sea of sameness" to achieving "ubiquitous excellence" through experience-driven learning, Proudfoot makes the case for campus CMOs to step out of the basement and claim their seat as the institution's chief strategist.

Tasty Branding: Inside Fordham’s Pop-Up Pizza Shop

In this episode of Higher Voltage, Justin Bell, Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Fordham University, joins Kevin to break down the strategy behind the Fordham Pizza Shop activation at NACAC. What looked like a creative stunt was actually a calculated move to build brand awareness, drive engagement, and create lasting impressions in a crowded space.

The Search Party is Over: Seth Odell on AEO and Life After SEO

In this episode of Higher Voltage, Seth Odell joins Volt to discuss how AI is transforming search and what it means for higher education marketers. As zero-click search results, AI-generated answers, and new discovery platforms change how prospective students find information, institutions must rethink traditional enrollment strategies. Odell shares insights on branding, digital visibility, and why colleges can no longer rely on conventional SEO alone to reach future students.

Breaking Down Silos: What It Really Takes to Build a Connected College

On this episode of Higher Voltage, Kevin Tyler sits down with higher ed strategist and author Elliot Felix to explore the concept of the connected college. From silo-busting strategy to integrating career development into the academic experience, Felix shares an evidence-based playbook for aligning teams, redesigning systems, and improving outcomes for all students.

What’s Fueling the Next Wave of HBCU Enrollment Growth

HBCU enrollment is gaining momentum—and strategy is driving the surge. In this episode of Higher Voltage, Kevin Tyler speaks with Tanya Clark of 3 Enrollment about record-breaking male enrollment, intentional digital marketing, and how data, capacity planning, and student-centered systems are shaping the future of HBCUs.