Higher Ed Leaders: Transforming and Innovating Higher Education in the US sponsored by Viv Higher Education

In this insightful episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with President Emeritus Leo Lambert, who led Elon University through a period of remarkable transformation. Lambert's personal journey into higher education, starting as the first in his family to earn a four-year college degree, is a testament to the power of mentorship and seizing opportunities. He shared his experiences in the "in-between spaces" of highe...

Suzan and Audra speak to Kerry Salerno from Babson College, discussing her career journey, the role of marketing and strategy in higher education, leadership styles and content marketing. Salerno shares her transformative personal experiences at Bentley University and her time working at Northeastern University. Salerno shares her perspectives on how marketing and strategy play a significant role in her position as CMO at Babson. S...

The importance of adapting to ongoing challenges, student support and wellness and leveraging institutional strengths are some of the topics covered in this episode with Dr. Laurie Joyner. 

Joyner discusses her journey in higher education, from her transformative undergraduate experience at Loyola University in New Orleans to becoming a faculty member and eventually, the president of Wittenberg University, St. Xavier University, and...

The podcast episode features an engaging conversation between host Suzan and Jaime Hunt, Vice President for University Communications and Chief Marketing Officer at Old Dominion University, about the evolving landscape of higher education and the crucial role marketing plays in this sector. 

Hunt, a seasoned professional in higher education, chronicles her career journey, sharing insights about her previous roles, her approach to im...

Greg Weiner and Christina Graziano share their experiences and insights as part of the leadership team at Assumption University with hosts Suzan and Audra. They delve into the unique challenges and opportunities in higher education today, with a particular focus on the transformative strength and relevance of Catholic liberal arts education. 

They discuss their own journeys as well as culture on campus, mental health, and the impact...

Siena College grew its enrollment during the COVID years where other institutions saw enrollment fall. Assistant vice president for enrollment and marketing Allison Turcio shares how they did this. Turcio shares insights about being student-centric, the importance of personal communication and breaking the silos in higher education institutions. She discusses adopting the values of a Franciscan college in their marketing rather tha...

Kimberly Zimmerman, Assistant Vice President of Admissions from Knox College shares her own journey in higher education, how she ended up working in admissions, and her strategies in recruiting students with Suzan in this episode of the Higher Ed Leaders podcast. 

Zimmerman shares how her personal experiences as a first-generation college student have shaped her approach to supporting students through their higher education journey,...

Suzan and Audra interview Dr. Mary Beth Williams, Vice President for Student Affairs at Millersville University. Dr. Williams narrates her unique journey as a first-generation college student, emphasizing how her struggles and experiences significantly influence her current role in higher education. As VP for Student Affairs, Dr. Williams has a deep focus on mental health, student engagement, inclusion, and equity. She affirms the ...

Suzan and Audra speak with Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Phillips shares her journey from a career in television to higher education, driven by a desire to do 'work that matters'. As she discusses her role in the institution, she highlights the importance of people, programs, and place. 

Phillips talks about how the university meets the needs of ...

In this episode, Suzan interviews Danielle O'Neil, the CMO at the University of New Hampshire. O’Neill shares her journey in higher education and the challenges she has faced in her role. She highlights the importance of internal communication in the higher ed industry and the need for a centralized marketing and communications team. O’Neill also discusses the pace of decision-making and the challenges of bringing together var...

Dr Walter Wendler, President of West Texas A&M University, discusses his work in academia and his role at West Texas A&M. He covers the importance of meeting students where they are and appreciating their value systems, representing minorities equitably in the university, putting the Texas Panhandle first, technology, mental health and community connections. 

Walter shares his journey from New York up to becoming a universit...

Understanding the student life cycle, increasing diversity and inclusion the importance of curiosity in creating change are some of the topics Jefferson Blackburn-Smith, Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Otterbein University, discusses on the Higher Ed Leaders Podcast. 

Blackburn-Smith shares his wisdom from 12 years in higher education and has a strategic, inclusive and thoughtful approach in higher education, a...

In this episode, Dr Brian Bruess, the inaugural joint president, and Dr. Kara Kolomitz, the inaugural joint COO of The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, share insights into devising a unified leadership structure for both institutions. They delve into their high-impact journey in Catholic higher education, emphasizing the significance of liberal arts, the tradition of Benedictine values, and the critical role o...