About the Episode
About the Episode: In this episode, "The Marketing-Savvy President," Dr. Anthony Cruz discusses his successful use of marketing strategies and social media to boost enrollment and community engagement at Miami Dade College's Kendall Campus. He highlights the role of strategic marketing and communications in higher education, particularly through the challenges of the pandemic, and shares insights on the impact of his initiatives. Read more about the IMPACT Framework mentioned in the episode.
The Vital Role of Marketing in Community Colleges
Dr. Cruz's journey in higher education, which started in enrollment management at Florida International University over three decades ago, has imbued him with a profound appreciation for the pivotal role of marketing in academia.
His experiences underscore the necessity for colleges to adapt to changing landscapes and leverage marketing to amplify their value propositions. Particularly during the pandemic, the urgency to maintain clear and effective communication channels with students, faculty, and staff became paramount, driving Dr. Cruz to further prioritize innovative marketing strategies.
A Strategic Approach to Marketing at Miami Dade College
At Miami Dade College, one of the nation's largest higher education institutions, marketing is orchestrated through a synergistic blend of district-wide initiatives and campus-specific campaigns.
Each campus, with its unique demographic and cultural nuances, is empowered to express its individuality, while still aligning with the overarching brand identity of the college. Dr. Cruz's approach - emphasizing the integration of a Chief Digital Officer within the campus leadership - facilitates responsive and tailored marketing strategies that resonate with the specific needs and aspirations of their diverse student body.
Marketing as a Catalyst for Community and Engagement
Under Dr. Cruz's leadership, Miami Dade College has harnessed social media and other digital platforms to foster a sense of community and belonging among students and staff.
Initiatives like "Cafecito with Cruz" not only offer a personal touch but also serve as a testament to the college's commitment to building meaningful connections within its community.
This strategy extends beyond traditional marketing campaigns, utilizing social media to highlight available student services, showcase campus events, and celebrate the achievements of the college community.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Marketing is Essential: Effective marketing strategies are crucial for community colleges to navigate the challenges of enrollment and engagement in today's digital age.
- Engagement Beyond Traditional Advertising: Miami Dade College leverages social media and digital platforms to foster a sense of community, highlight student services, and promote campus events.
- Leadership Involvement Amplifies Impact: Dr. Cruz's active participation in marketing initiatives underscores the importance of leadership engagement in reinforcing the strategic role of marketing communications.
About the Show: The Hidden Gem podcast is dedicated to empowering community college presidents, executive team members, enrollment, marketing and communication leaders with the knowledge and insights they need to harness the full potential of strategic marketing and communications within their institutions. This podcast aims to shed light on the often-overlooked aspects of marketing, emphasizing its vital role in shaping an institution's overall strategy and success.
By showcasing real-world examples, case studies, and interviews with experienced community college leaders and industry experts, the podcast will inspire its audience to view marketing and communication as integral components of their leadership toolkit, not an ancillary service. It aims to elevate the importance of these functions and empower leaders to make more informed and strategic decisions in their roles.
Connect With Our Host:
Maya Demishkevich
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayademishkevich/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Hidden Gem: Marketing Community Colleges 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 Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook and Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Maya will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $99! This early bird pricing lasts until March 31.
Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
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