About the Episode
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About the Episode:
In this special bonus episode, Dustin sits down with Dr. Chris Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan-Flint, to unpack how creating strategic content like podcasts can serve as a dynamic enrollment and marketing tool in higher ed. Chris shares his multi-decade journey through higher education, his love for storytelling, and how he’s turned personal content-creation skills into professional wins. With the eduWeb Summit just around the corner, Chris also offers a preview of his upcoming talk and some candid truths about what it really takes to make podcasting work for institutions.
How can podcasting become a strategic tool for student recruitment and success?
Chris Lewis breaks down how he launched institutionally-backed podcasts that do more than tell stories — they serve as tools for enrollment marketing, student onboarding, and alumni engagement. His “Victors in Grad School” podcast at UM-Flint gives students an inside look at grad school success by spotlighting alumni journeys and faculty insights. By blending personal storytelling with professional insight, Chris has created a podcasting model that humanizes institutional branding and offers value far beyond traditional marketing tactics.
What does it take to start a successful higher ed podcast?
Chris shares the real talk: podcasting is not a “plug-and-play” solution. It takes intention, education, and buy-in across departments. At his former institution, he had to pitch the value of podcasting to leadership — comparing it to the early days of blogging. He encourages higher ed marketers to think of podcasting as an extension of their content strategy, and to be prepared for the full production cycle: from interviews to editing to promotion. A strong podcast strategy can offer long-term ROI if you're willing to invest the time and energy.
Why is podcasting such a powerful channel for enrollment marketing?
Podcasting lets institutions meet prospective students where they are — in their earbuds and on their commutes. It also builds brand affinity and trust by featuring authentic voices: faculty, alumni, current students. According to Chris, podcasting is an underutilized but high-impact tactic that offers intimate, value-driven storytelling. Whether you're recruiting grad students or building community post-enrollment, audio content can help students visualize their place in your institution.
What’s coming up at the EduWeb Summit?
Chris previews his upcoming session at the 2024 EduWeb Summit, where he’ll unpack how higher ed institutions can use podcasting to tell their stories at scale. He’s excited to connect with fellow marketers, share what works (and what doesn’t), and offer tools for others to replicate his success. With a focus on personalization, storytelling, and creative data use, Chris hopes to leave attendees with actionable insights — and a reality check about the commitment podcasting demands.
How are higher ed leaders grappling with enrollment and tech disruption?
Chris doesn’t sugarcoat the current state of play: the demographic cliff is here, DEI policies are shifting, and AI is rewriting student expectations. From an enrollment management perspective, staying informed and agile is critical. Whether it’s redefining the application process in light of AI tools or responding to federal policy changes, leaders must remain student-centered while building adaptive infrastructures.
What advice does Chris offer other higher ed leaders right now?
Stay student-centered — and be unapologetically adaptive. According to Chris, now is not the time to cling to tradition. It’s a moment to rethink how your institution communicates, recruits, and supports students. Lead with empathy, embrace experimentation, and don’t be afraid to collaborate across silos. That’s how you future-proof your institution and make a real impact.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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