Why We’re Here

About the Episode:

In this milestone 40th episode of The Higher Ed Pulse, hosts Mallory and Seth take a reflective turn as they explore why they, and so many others, choose to stay and work in the higher education space. The duo unpacks their personal motivations and the deeper sense of purpose tied to higher ed’s mission. The episode covers personal experiences, family legacies, and the sense of impact they’ve found in the industry.

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Key Takeaways

• Higher education offers a unique sense of purpose and mission, providing access to education and promoting social mobility.
• The industry fosters long-lasting personal and professional relationships that feel like family.
• Working in higher ed allows for creativity, innovation, and the opportunity to tackle real-world problems.
• The impact on students' lives, particularly through graduation, keeps many professionals dedicated to this field.
• Higher ed is not just a job, but a platform for continuous innovation and meaningful work.

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Episode Summary

Why do Mallory and Seth stay in higher education?
In this episode, Mallory and Seth reflect on why they’ve remained in higher education for over a decade. Both hosts admit they stumbled into the field but found lasting reasons to stay. For Seth, it’s a deeply personal family legacy—his grandfather was a college president, and education runs deep in his family. For Mallory, growing up in an economically challenged area instilled a passion for providing access to education and social mobility. Both agree that working in higher ed allows them to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives, making it far more rewarding than other industries they once considered.

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What kind of impact does working in higher ed have?
Seth emphasizes the tangible impact higher ed professionals can have on students, especially at graduation when the results of years of effort are fully realized. He shares how rewarding it is to maintain connections with students long after they graduate and see the ripple effects of their education. Mallory adds that higher ed tackles real-world problems, such as improving access to education for underprivileged communities, making the work feel purposeful and high-stakes. This sense of purpose, combined with creativity and innovation, keeps them both engaged and passionate about their work.

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What opportunities does higher education offer to professionals?
Seth talks about the unique professional opportunities the industry provides, including access to incredible people, from renowned scholars to inspiring students. He recalls highlights from his career, such as producing commercials and large-scale shoots for universities across the country. The industry, while not traditionally known for innovation, has given Seth countless chances to push creative boundaries and make a visible impact. Mallory echoes this sentiment, explaining that she is driven by the opportunity to innovate within a shrinking but evolving industry, where disruptive solutions are not just needed, but welcomed.

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Why is the higher ed community so important?
Both hosts agree that the relationships they’ve built within the higher ed space are one of the main reasons they continue to stay. Seth and Mallory reflect on their long-standing friendship, as well as the camaraderie and support they’ve found in the broader higher ed community. Whether it’s meeting colleagues at conferences, staying connected on social media, or collaborating on projects, the relationships they’ve formed in this industry feel more like family than just professional acquaintances. Mallory notes how these connections make working in higher ed not just fulfilling but fun, even recounting an impromptu trip to a tattoo shop with higher ed colleagues during a conference in LA.

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Connect With Our Hosts:

Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Higher Ed Pulse 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 and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

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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