2024 has been a transformative year for higher education, and the Enrollify Podcast Network has been at the forefront of the conversation.

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From groundbreaking discussions on AI in higher education to actionable strategies for boosting student success, our episodes have sparked insights, challenged the status quo, and empowered enrollment marketers to think differently. In this blog, we’re spotlighting some of the top episodes of the year — handpicked by the Enrollify team for their depth, impact, and ability to inspire. Whether you're catching up on missed gems or revisiting favorites, these episodes are your go-to guide for staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of higher education.

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Keep reading for key takeaways, can’t-miss moments, and why these episodes earned their spot on the best of 2024 list.

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Element451 Lands $175M, Signals AI's role in Higher Ed (Generation AI)

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In this special episode, Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla discuss Element451's recent $175 million strategic investment from PSG Equity. They break down how this investment shows the market's strong belief in AI-powered student engagement. The conversation covers Element451's growth from its early days at NYU to becoming a leading AI-first platform, and what this means for higher education institutions looking to use AI for better student experiences. This funding will speed up the development of AI tools that make staff more productive while giving students 24/7 support.

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Biggest Higher Ed Marketing Pet Peeves (Higher Ed Pulse)

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Mallory and Seth dive headfirst into a lively discussion about their biggest pet peeves in higher ed marketing. From websites serving too many audiences to overused mascots, they vent about the common pitfalls that institutions fall into and share their frustrations with generic taglines, fake diversity, and ineffective content strategies. Tune in for a candid and humorous rant session filled with some tips on how to avoid these marketing missteps.

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Mastering the Inbox (Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO)

Get ready to dive into the dynamic world of email marketing. Jaime sits down with Ashley Budd, Senior Director of Advancement Marketing at Cornell University, to unlock the secrets to crafting email campaigns that not only get opened, but also get results.

Ashley is a seasoned expert who’s been turning the humble email into a powerhouse of engagement and communication. Get set for an engaging session that’s like a mini-masterclass, packed with insights and practical tips you can start using right away.

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Get More Donors by Naming Squirrels on Giving Day (Talking Tactics)‍

If you could officially name a squirrel at your alma mater (or turtle, or goose, or whatever critters roamed your campus when you did), would you? The only correct answer is yes.

And that’s that Caty Allgood and Brooke Preston were counting on when they implemented a Squirrel Naming campaign for Ohio University’s Giving Day. After hearing about this idea from colleagues at Ole Miss, they figured out how to implement it themselves without any extra technology or investment.

And the results were incredible: In their first year with the Squirrel Campaign, they raised almost half a million dollars more than the previous year and had an increase of over 750 donors. They beat their own records again in year two. Plus, the campaign encouraged participation from current students, Ohio friends, and so many wholesome comments to keep it going for years to come.

At the end of the episode, Caty and Brooke surprise your host Day with her very own squirrel certificate! What an honor. Take a look.

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Reclaim Your Day with These Game Changing Time Management Tactics (Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager)

Ever feel overwhelmed by the growing list of tasks for managing social media channels? Jenny sits down with Maya Wesby of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, to discuss time management, the strategic use of platforms, and harnessing user-generated content (UGC). Maya also has a refreshing take that helps reduce audience fatigue and increase engagement. This episode is a must listen if you’re looking to streamline your work routine.

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Embracing AI with Dr. Janet Spriggs (AI For U)

In this episode of AI for U, BrianPiper sits down with Janet Spriggs, President of Forsyth Technical Community College, to explore:

• How AI is transforming the administrative side of higher education
• The importance of building a culture of curiosity
• How to overcome resistance to change
• The ethical considerations surrounding AI adoption

Janet also shares her insights on leveraging AI for personalized student support, predictive analytics in enrollment management, and operational efficiency.

Whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation offers valuable strategies and practical advice for higher ed administrators.

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Creating Memorable and Immersive College Visit Experiences (Mission Admissions)‍

In this episode, Jeremy and Dr. Matt McLendon from the University of Alabama talk about their new, state-of-the-art welcome center, and how the Crimson Tide works hard to create a memorable and immersive visit experience for prospective students and families.

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As we wrap up our roundup of the top Enrollify Podcast episodes of 2024, one thing is clear: the higher education landscape continues to evolve, and staying ahead requires bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and actionable strategies. These episodes have not only highlighted the challenges and opportunities in our industry but also provided practical insights to help you navigate them confidently.

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Whether you're reimagining enrollment marketing, exploring the power of AI, or redefining student success, these conversations are packed with inspiration and expertise to fuel your journey. We hope they ignite new ideas, spark innovative solutions, and empower you to champion meaningful change at your institution.

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Listen to these standout episodes in full, and explore even more transformative content across the Enrollify Podcast Network. Don’t miss out — your next big breakthrough might just be one play button away!