From Classroom to Consultancy: Jaime Hunt's Bold Leap into Higher Education Consulting

In an invigorating twist on the usual format of her show, Jaime Hunt, the spirited voice behind the much-loved podcast, took a seat on the other side of the mic to unveil her new venture, Solve Higher Ed. During the episode, Jaime shared her candid insights and the exciting journey from academia to her bold leap into consulting, with her husband and seasoned marketer, Dave Hunt, steering the conversation.

A New Chapter Begins

Jaime started by dropping a bombshell — her departure from Old Dominion University to launch her full-time consulting agency, Solve Higher Ed. This decision, driven by a blend of excitement and apprehension, marks a significant pivot in Jaime’s career, one that she describes as both exhilarating and terrifying. Her agency aims to offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to address the multifaceted needs of higher education institutions. These include strategic consulting, crisis communications, marketing services, and branding — all designed to enhance the operational and communicative effectiveness of these institutions.

The Motivation for Change

Reflecting on her two decades in higher education, Jaime discussed how her experiences had perfectly poised her for this transition. She shared poignant moments from her career that highlighted her deep concern for the future of higher education — a sector she believes is at a critical juncture. Her new slogan, "Solve Higher Ed Marketing, Save Higher Ed," encapsulates her mission to elevate marketing within the sector to better communicate its value and importance.

Challenges and Rewards of the Transition

Transitioning to consulting has not been without its challenges, from setting up the logistical aspects of a new business to grappling with the emotional implications of leaving a secure job. Yet, Jaime is optimistic about the rewards. She anticipates that helping other institutions succeed in their marketing efforts and seeing other leaders excel with her support will be profoundly fulfilling.

Looking Ahead

As Jaime looks to the future, she is open to various possibilities, including growing her team if it means amplifying her impact. Her commitment remains steadfast — to empower higher education institutions to thrive and, in doing so, help shape the futures of countless students and their families.

Key Takeaways:

• Jaime Hunt has embarked on a new journey with the launch of her consulting agency, Solve Higher Ed, aiming to transform marketing in higher education.
• Her diverse services cater to strategic operational needs, crisis management, and effective branding among others.
• Concerned about the future of higher education, Jaime believes in the power of enhanced marketing to reaffirm the sector's value.
• Transitioning from academia to consulting presents challenges, but the potential to significantly impact the industry keeps Jaime driven and optimistic.

Listen + Learn More

Intrigued by Jaime's story and her vision for the future of higher education? Listen to the full episode on the Enrollify podcast network. For further details on her consulting services, visit solvehighered.com and follow her journey to transform higher education.