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The Hidden Gem: Amplifying Community College Success

In today's fast-paced educational landscape, effective marketing and communication strategies are crucial for not only student recruitment but also for fostering a thriving and engaged community. The Hidden Gem is dedicated to empowering community college presidents, leaders, and marcomm professionals with the knowledge and insights they need to harness the full potential of strategic marketing and communication within their institutions.
Episode #21: Top 10 Truths About Higher Ed Marketing That Drive Success

Episode #21: Top 10 Truths About Higher Ed Marketing That Drive Success

Host Maya Demishkevich sits down with Ryan Morabito, a higher education marketing expert known for his popular LinkedIn insights.

listen now

November 18, 2024

Live at AMA: Elevating Social Media to a Strategic Leadership Tool

Live at AMA: Elevating Social Media to a Strategic Leadership Tool

Maya Demishkevich interviews MIT's social media director, Jenny Li Fowler, discussing the evolving role of social media in higher education and offering practical advice for leveraging these platforms for institutional growth.

listen now

November 15, 2024

Live at AMA: Streamlining College Onboarding with AI

Live at AMA: Streamlining College Onboarding with AI

Host Maya Demishkevich interviews Brian Messer of Archer Education live from the AMA conference in Las Vegas, discussing how AI can improve community college onboarding for adult and first-generation students.

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November 12, 2024

Episode #20: How Program-Specific Marketing Can Drive Enrollment

Episode #20: How Program-Specific Marketing Can Drive Enrollment

Maya Demishkevich welcomes Alana Villemez, CEO of Most Likely to Succeed, to discuss the growing importance of program-specific marketing for community colleges.

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November 4, 2024

Episode #19: How to Bring Adults Back: Research-Driven Enrollment Strategies at WCTC

Episode #19: How to Bring Adults Back: Research-Driven Enrollment Strategies at WCTC

Maya Demishkevich speaks with John McGreal, Dean of Enrollment Services at Waukesha County Technical College, about the college’s research-driven approach to improving adult student enrollment.

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October 21, 2024

Episode #18: How Lion Statues Are Building Campus Pride at Community College of Philadelphia

Episode #18: How Lion Statues Are Building Campus Pride at Community College of Philadelphia

Maya Demishkevich speaks with Eve Markman, Assistant Vice President for Brand Management and Operation from the Community College of Philadelphia about their ambitious rebranding journey.

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October 7, 2024

Episode #17: Streamlining Internal Communications to Improve Engagement and Efficiency

Episode #17: Streamlining Internal Communications to Improve Engagement and Efficiency

In this episode of The Hidden Gem, Maya Demishkevich talks with Carrie Pitts-Densmore, VP of Enrollment and Marketing at Johnson Community College about transforming internal communications.

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September 23, 2024

Episode #16: How Waukesha County Tech Simplified Student Registration to Boost Enrollment

Episode #16: How Waukesha County Tech Simplified Student Registration to Boost Enrollment

Host Maya Demishkevich speaks with Kaylan Gaines from Waukesha County Technical College, about the college's innovative approach to in-person registration events.

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September 9, 2024

Episode #15: Crafting Meaningful and Memorable Experiences for Community College Constituents

Episode #15: Crafting Meaningful and Memorable Experiences for Community College Constituents

In this enlightening episode, we welcome Rob Zinkan, Vice President for Marketing Leadership at RHB, to discuss the pivotal role of constituent experiences in higher education marketing.

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August 26, 2024

Episode #14: Mastering Strategic Enrollment Marketing: Top 10 Focus Areas (Part 2)

Episode #14: Mastering Strategic Enrollment Marketing: Top 10 Focus Areas (Part 2)

In this two-part episode of Hidden Gem, Maya Demishkevich interviews Diane Burkett, Executive Director of Marketing and Public Affairs at College of the Mainland.

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August 12, 2024

Episode #13: Mastering Strategic Enrollment Marketing: Top 10 Focus Areas (Part 1)

Episode #13: Mastering Strategic Enrollment Marketing: Top 10 Focus Areas (Part 1)

In this two-part episode of Hidden Gem, Maya Demishkevich interviews Diane Burkett, Executive Director of Marketing and Public Affairs at College of the Mainland.

listen now

July 29, 2024

Episode #12: Mascot Magic: Strengthening College’s Brand Identity and Spirit

Episode #12: Mascot Magic: Strengthening College’s Brand Identity and Spirit

In this episode of Hidden Gem, Maya Demishkevich sits down with Dr. Stephanie Erdmann, CEO and Dean of Great Falls College, to discuss the college's innovative journey to strengthen its brand identity.

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July 15, 2024

Episode #11: How to Build a Marketing Dream Team at a Community College

Episode #11: How to Build a Marketing Dream Team at a Community College

In this episode of Hidden Gem, Maya interviews Lilian Clemente, the Executive Director of Strategic Marketing Communications and Interim VP for Strategy and Innovation at Front Range Community College.

listen now

July 1, 2024

Episode #10: From Data to Advocacy: Shaping the Future of Community Colleges Nationwide

Episode #10: From Data to Advocacy: Shaping the Future of Community Colleges Nationwide

About the Episode: In this enlightening episode, we welcome Dr. Martha Parham, the Senior VP of Public Relations for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), to discuss the pivotal role community colleges play in the higher education landscape.

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June 17, 2024

Episode 9: Cultivating Partnerships: The Role Of Community Colleges In Workforce Development

Episode 9: Cultivating Partnerships: The Role Of Community Colleges In Workforce Development

In this episode, the guests from Palm Beach State College discuss community colleges’ essential role in workforce development and economic support. Join Maya and her three guests, Edward Willey, Belinda Mouradian, and Matt Lenihan, as they explore the strategies and challenges of building robust partnerships with local businesses and the community. Learn how to stay connected to your community’s needs and how to promote colleges existing programs and custom training opportunities to support local employers. This episode is a must-listen for educators, community leaders, and anyone interested in the symbiotic relationship between educational institutions and economic growth.

listen now

June 3, 2024

Episode 8: Strategies for Strengthening Regional Workforce Development and Partnerships

Episode 8: Strategies for Strengthening Regional Workforce Development and Partnerships

In this enlightening episode, Blair Lee, the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement at the Community College of Aurora.

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May 20, 2024

Episode 7: Why Every Community College Needs to Care About Their Employer Brand

Episode 7: Why Every Community College Needs to Care About Their Employer Brand

About the Episode:This eye-opening episode dives into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of higher education success - employer branding and employee satisfaction within community colleges. Joined by Eddie Francis, the voice behind the 'I Wanna Work There' podcast, Maya and Eddie explore

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May 6, 2024

Episode 6: From Chairs to Buildings: Visualizing the Impact of Integrated Marketing and Communications

Episode 6: From Chairs to Buildings: Visualizing the Impact of Integrated Marketing and Communications

About the Episode:This podcast episode tackles the essential unity of marketing and communications, advocating for a seamless Marcomm strategy that encompasses all channels, both digital and traditional, under a singular, well-defined brand identity. The dialogue underscores that marketing

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April 22, 2024

Episode 5: Business-Savvy Approach to Transforming Marketing and Enrollment Strategies

Episode 5: Business-Savvy Approach to Transforming Marketing and Enrollment Strategies

About the Episode: In this episode, we delve into a County College of Morris journey to transform its marketing and enrollment management strategies. The discussion offers an insider's look at the bold decision to hire from outside the traditional higher ed path, which sparked a significant

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April 8, 2024

Episode 4: Brand Building in Community Colleges: The Power of Perception

Episode 4: Brand Building in Community Colleges: The Power of Perception

About the Episode: In this insightful episode, host Maya Demishkevich engages in a deep conversation with branding expert Nancie McDonnell Ruder. They delve into the unique challenges and opportunities of branding for community colleges, emphasizing its crucial role in reshaping perceptions

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March 25, 2024

Episode 3: Beyond Promotion: Marketing's Crucial Role in Shaping Community College

Episode 3: Beyond Promotion: Marketing's Crucial Role in Shaping Community College

About the Episode: Dive into the heart of community college marketing, where hosts Maya Demishkevich, Dan Baum, and Keith Paul illuminate the expansive role of marketing within community colleges. This episode transcends traditional notions of marketing, revealing its significance far

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March 11, 2024

People in this episode

Alana Villemez

Alana Villemez is the founder & CEO of Most Likely to Succeed.

Interviewee

Anthony Cruz

Dr. Cruz currently serves as the Campus President of the Miami Dade College - Kendall Campus in Florida. During his twenty-seven years of higher education experience, Dr. Cruz has used his expertise to increase educational opportunities, enhance the student experience and bolster student success. Dr. Cruz is a native of Chicago, Illinois who grew up in Miami, Florida. Dr. Cruz works collaboratively with community partners to build pathways and remove barriers for students to thrive academically,

Interviewee

Anthony J. Iacono

Dr. Anthony J. Iacono became the third president of County College of Morris in September 2016. He is committed to the mission of community colleges because of their ability to change lives and strengthen communities. Dr. Iacono is convinced that the keys to success are rooted in faith, life-long learning, strong community partnerships, and understanding the responsibility of caring for others.

Interviewee

Blair Lee

Blair Lee is a higher-ed creative strategist, administrator and professor. By day he leads the Community College of Aurora’s marketing, public affairs and digital strategy efforts as the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement. He is also the host of the monthly education podcast Fulfilled: Your Inside Glimpse Into Higher Ed. Mr. Lee regularly lectures on funding disparities in higher education and writes frequently on institutional access, brand advancement and student success initiatives. Blair is a proud two-time alumnus of the University of Baltimore. He is currently pursuing his PhD within the School of Education at Notre Dame of Maryland University. You can follow him online on all social platform @TheHIgherEdCreative

Brian Messer

Brian Messer brings over 20 years of experience in overseeing various facets of university administration.

Interviewee

Dan Baum

Dan Baum serves as executive director of Strategic Communications at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), a nationally recognized two-year college near Annapolis, Md. Dan leads an award-winning team of marketing communications professionals who have helped strengthen the college’s reputation by developing and delivering integrated marketing communications that support student engagement and success.

Interviewee

Devin Purgason

⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Purgason, is the Executive Director of Marketing & Student Care at Forsyth Technical Community College. He is passionate about students, equity, learning, and a nice cup of coffee.

Diane Burkett

Diane L. Burkett serves as the executive director of marketing and public affairs at College of the Mainland. Her diverse professional career, spanning across the public and private sectors in both higher education and software.

Dr. Melissa Curtis

Melissa Curtis brings a unique perspective to higher education consulting.

Dr. Stephanie Erdmann

Dr. Stephanie Erdmann is a higher education veteran with more than 20 years of experience in private, tribal, and public two-year and technical colleges in Wisconsin and Montana.

Interviewee

Edward Willey

Dean Edward Willey began his affiliation with Palm Beach State College in 1987 as a community education representative from Boca Raton Community Hospital (now Boca Regional) and as a member of the first Allied Health Advisory Committee on the Eissey Campus in Palm Beach Gardens. In 1989 he was hired as the first program clinical coordinator. During his almost 35-year tenure with Palm Beach State College, he has held numerous positions of leadership, including the positions of Coordinator with full time instructional responsibilities, Program Manager, Division Chairman, Associate Dean, Dean of Academic Affairs, Interim Dean of Health Sciences and Interim Provost. He was appointed Dean of Academic Affairs in 2000 and currently serves all five campuses as the District Dean of Health Sciences. He has earned both a graduate degree and undergraduate degree in Allied Health Science and Health Services Administration respectively and is a Ph.D. candidate in Education Administration and Leadership. At Palm Beach State College, he has served on numerous committees, including the PBSC Dental & Medical Sciences Project, Leadership Palm Beach County, Professional Development Committee, District Equity Committee, Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, Council of Instructional Affairs with memberships in National Council of Instructional Administrators, Florida Deans and Directors of Allied Health.

Eve Markman

Eve Markman is the Assistant Vice President for Brand Management and Operations at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP).

Interviewee

John McGreal

John McGreal currently serves as the inaugural Dean of Enrollment Services.

Kaylan Gaines

Kaylan Gaines is a higher education professional with over a decade of experience.

Interviewee

Keith Paul

Keith Paul joined Northern Essex Community College (NECC) as Chief Marketing Officer in 2022 after serving as Director of Marketing and Communications at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC). He considers marketing a “contact sport” and brings more than 25 years experience to NECC spanning both the public and private sectors.

Lilian Clemente

Lilian Clemente is a marketing and communications executive with 15+ years of experience in higher education.

Interviewee

Lisa Slappy

Lisa Slappy is the Chief Communications Officer at Carroll Community College and began working at Carroll in 2022. In this capacity, she is responsible for building internal and external support, conducting public and community relations activities, and enhancing the visibility, image, and reputation of the College.

Martha Parham

Dr. Martha M. Parham is the senior vice president, public relations for the American Association of Community Colleges.

The Host

Maya Demischkevich

Maya Demishkevich is the Chief Marketing Officer at Carroll Community College and the host of The Hidden Gem.

Interviewee

Melissa Albright

Melissa Albright has over 10 years of successful experience in both sales and marketing in private industry and has 10 years of experience as an educator. As a community college graduate, she knows first-hand the positive impact community colleges can have on students and their families. She is dedicated to ensuring communities are aware of the life-changing benefits of attending a community college such as CCM. Through teaching and serving, she has grown to understand that everyone has their own life story and Melissa makes it her mission to create and cultivate a positive culture that leads to strong and effective team results. In August of 2020, Melissa joined CCM as the first Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

Interviewee

Nancie McDonnell Ruder

Nancie McDonnell Ruder has dedicated her career to strengthening brands and the people who build them. With over 25 years of experience in marketing strategy, marketing training, branding and consumer research, Nancie has vast experience accelerating growth for companies by helping build their internal marketing strength – so external marketing efforts are focused and most effective. Nancie began her professional career with the Leo Burnett Company in Chicago, Illinois, where she spearheaded Leo Burnett’s global new business efforts. Since launching Noetic Consulting, a marketing and leadership consultancy in 2002, Nancie has provided strategic guidance to clients large and small, including: AT&T, Discovery Channel, Georgetown University, Nike, Vail Resorts, Samsung Electronics, SC Johnson, Mayo Clinic, the Walt Disney Company and others. Noetic is proudly female owned and WBENC-Certified as a diversity owned business.

Interviewee

Peter Toran

As idfive’s Lead Strategist, Peter applies his extensive experience in education marketing, nonprofit positioning and development, and institutional branding to various client projects. Before joining idfive, Peter served as the Vice President of Communications and Planning at the University of Baltimore for 13 years. While at the university, Peter supervised the university’s marketing, advertising, web relations, social media, public and media relations, crisis management, and special events.

Interviewee

Rob Zinkan

Rob brings 25 years of experience in higher education leadership to the table.

Interviewee

Ryan Morabito

Ryan is a brand marketing expert with over two decades of higher education experience. He has partnered with 125+ colleges and universities in the development and implementation of long and short-term branding and marketing initiatives. He currently serves as a Senior Vice President at 5 Degrees Branding and runs his own consultancy, MarkEd, on the side. He’s an intentional and creative thinker, and a proven leader at delivering high quality market research initiatives, optimizing brand awareness, and developing strategic models that focus operational efforts and drive results.

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