Does your institution have a unique niche like Ringling College of Art and Design? For Dr. John Chopka, standing out in a niche starts with listening, builds on trust, and is fueled by storytelling. With more than 35 years of enrollment experience, Dr. Chopka shares practical strategies for recruiting in niche markets, managing institutional change, and creating momentum without losing mission.
From redefining outcomes through portfolio-based admissions to embracing servant leadership and transparency, this episode offers timely wisdom for leaders guiding campuses through growth, disruption, and transformation. Whether you serve at a faith-based college, an art school, or a liberal arts institution, these insights apply across the board.
🎧 Join us as we discuss:
Recruiting and marketing in niche higher ed settings
Why outcomes storytelling is more effective than stats alone
The role of servant leadership in driving lasting change
How to balance innovation with institutional identity
Communicating transparently without losing optimism
The importance of peer networks for professional resilience
🎙️ Inside the Episode
07:15 – How recruiting for niche institutions shapes marketing strategy
11:30 – Shattering the starving artist myth with storytelling
14:00 – Using experiences, not just facts, to engage Gen Z
20:10 – Prioritizing change with patience and servant leadership
25:30 – Staying grounded as a leader during uncertainty
27:40 – Communicating truthfully while building trust
32:40 – Why leaders should never go it alone
The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs.
To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.
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