Lessons from a Rookie VP Navigating Higher Education Marketing: Endurance, Storytelling, and Enrollment

In this conversation, Jeff Salyer, shares insights from his recent transition into Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Lee University. He draws parallels between ultra running and the challenges of enrollment, emphasizing the need for effective communication and listening to stakeholders. Jeff also highlights the significance of engaging with external partners and the power of storytelling in shaping the university's brand and connecting with prospective students. 

🎧 Listen to Learn:

✅Enrollment is a long game — it takes endurance, not quick wins.

✅Storytelling helps students see themselves in your institution’s journey.

✅Video is one of the most effective ways to connect with prospective students.

✅Authentic communication matters more to students than polished marketing.

✅Listening to your campus and community builds better strategy.

Join the Discussion:

02:47 Leadership Surprises in Higher Education

05:52 The Endurance of Enrollment: An Ultra Runner's Perspective

11:56 Engaging with External Partners

15:05 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing

18:00 Rhetoric and Storytelling: Insights from Pixar

20:57 Innovative Use of Video in Higher Education

26:05 Building Community Through Digital Platforms

32:25 Leadership Insights for Enrollment Marketing

Today’s episode is sponsored by ZeeMee—the student community platform that’s been shaping enrollment for over a decade. After 10 years of creating authentic student engagement, and analyzing student actions, ZeeMee knows exactly what signals lead to enrollment—and they’re bringing that data to colleges to help prioritize the right students and drive real results.

Students open ZeeMee an average of 13 times a day, making it the place where Gen-Z finds friends, explores colleges, and builds a sense of belonging—before they ever step on campus. And it works: students on ZeeMee are 2x more likely to apply, 3.5x more likely to commit, and 50% less likely to melt.

Ready to make recruitment smarter and more effective? Join the movement at ZeeMee.com.

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The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.

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