About the Episode
In this episode, Carrie Phillips shares her purpose as a higher ed leader, and what keeps her - and her team - going.
Key Takeaways
- Education as a Transformational Force
Carrie’s family history highlights how education creates generational impact, fostering personal and professional growth. - The Power of Access and Affordability
Institutions must prioritize access and affordability to remain true to their mission of serving diverse student populations. - Keeping Students at the Center
Engaging with students regularly, whether through campus interactions or collaborative initiatives, ensures that decision-making aligns with their needs. - Leadership Development is Critical
Universities must invest in training leaders to build a strong pipeline of capable, mission-driven administrators. - Collaboration Enhances the Student Experience
Marketing and communications teams can play a pivotal role in addressing “broken experience” moments by fostering cross-departmental collaboration.
How Did Carrie Phillips’ Family Inspire Her Career in Higher Education?
Carrie’s family story is deeply rooted in the transformative power of education. Her grandfather’s sacrifices during the Great Depression inspired her father and uncle to achieve advanced degrees and become university professors, demonstrating education’s ability to change lives and uplift families.
Why Did Carrie Transition from Television to Higher Ed Marketing?
After starting her career in television, Carrie felt a calling to return to the university setting. Her passion for creating opportunities for students led her to pursue a career in marketing and communications, where she found fulfillment in impacting the entire student population rather than just a classroom.
How Does Carrie Stay Connected to Her “Why”?
Carrie maintains her focus by engaging with students directly—whether it’s walking across campus, dining in the cafeteria, or involving students in university projects. These interactions keep her work grounded in the university’s mission of serving students.
What Role Do Marketing Teams Play in Enhancing the Student Experience?
Carrie sees marketing teams as key collaborators who can identify and address gaps in the student journey. By working with departments across campus, marketing professionals can help create seamless, positive experiences for students.
How Can Institutions Better Support Faculty and Staff?
Carrie emphasizes the importance of leadership development, cross-departmental collaboration, and improving internal communications. Investing in these areas ensures that faculty and staff feel valued and are better equipped to support students.
Practical Strategies for Higher Ed Leaders
- Engage Directly with Students
- Take time to interact with students on campus to understand their needs and experiences.
- Involve student representatives in decision-making processes for authentic insights.
- Foster Internal Collaboration
- Break down silos between departments to address gaps in the student experience.
- Partner with HR and other divisions to create comprehensive onboarding and development programs for faculty and staff.
- Invest in Leadership Development
- Establish leadership institutes or workshops to train staff for management roles.
- Equip leaders with the skills needed to inspire and support their teams.
- Promote Affordability and Success
- Highlight scholarships, financial aid, and other affordability initiatives in marketing campaigns.
- Collaborate with academic and support services to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed.
- Align Team Goals with Institutional Strategy
- Set individual and team goals that directly contribute to the university’s strategic plan.
- Encourage personal development goals that keep staff motivated and engaged.
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