About the Episode
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About the Episode:
Learn about the 2025 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education
In this episode of Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory Willsea sits down with Lindsay Nyquist, Chief of Staff at Occidental College, for a candid and insightful conversation about career growth in higher education—and what it really looks like to step into the president’s inner circle. Formerly a MarCom leader, Lindsay shares her leap into a role that touches everything from strategy and governance to AI planning and board communications. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about unconventional leadership paths in higher ed.
Key Takeaways
- The Chief of Staff role in higher education is growing and offers a unique, strategic path for MarCom professionals.
- Relationship-building and cross-campus collaboration are critical skills for stepping into senior leadership roles outside traditional marketing ladders.
- AI in higher education is an emerging institutional priority, and liberal arts colleges are uniquely positioned to lead ethical conversations around its use.
- The AMA Higher Ed Symposium is evolving, with new formats like lightning talks and even a fashion show to engage attendees.
- Proximity to presidential leadership offers new insights into institutional strategy, alignment, and influence.
Episode Summary
What is the Chief of Staff role in higher education?
Lindsay Nyquist breaks down what it means to serve as Chief of Staff in a college setting—hint: it’s far more than just executive support. The role acts as a strategic advisor, operations integrator, and connective tissue between departments and the president's office. While common in politics and corporate settings, higher ed is only beginning to see this role as essential, especially as institutions face increasing pressure and complexity. Lindsay describes how the position requires thinking institutionally, understanding governance structures, and guiding campus-wide communication—all areas where former MarCom professionals can thrive.
Why would a MarCom leader consider this role?
For many enrollment marketers, the traditional career ladder looks like manager → director → VP → CMO. But Lindsay’s journey proves there’s a parallel path that taps into many of the same core competencies—especially strategic planning, storytelling, and influence without authority. Her transition was sparked by a former president who saw potential in her leadership style and institutional thinking. The move required recalibrating her leadership from managing creative teams to managing up, out, and across the organization. It's a leap, but one that could be a game-changer for professionals seeking broader impact.
How can marketing and communications professionals build toward strategic leadership?
The skills that make someone a successful marketer—relationship building, campus engagement, narrative development—are precisely what allow a leader to influence institutional strategy. Lindsay recommends becoming deeply connected to institutional operations: attend cross-functional meetings, understand objectives and key results (OKRs), and build relationships with leaders outside your division. Her advice? Don’t wait for a title change—start acting like a strategic partner now.
What’s new at the 2025 AMA Higher Ed Symposium?
As part of the AMA Higher Ed Planning Committee’s "New Concepts" subcommittee, Lindsay previews some exciting programming updates. Expect shorter, high-impact sessions—like lightning talks—and even a first-ever AMA Fashion Show (yes, you read that right). The focus this year is on accessibility, fun, and highlighting new voices, including first-time speakers and Enrollify podcasters. This shift reflects a broader trend in higher education conferences: engaging content with dynamic delivery.
How is Occidental College preparing for AI in higher education?
AI isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a campus-wide conversation. Lindsay outlines Occidental’s early steps in preparing for AI adoption, from faculty-led lecture series to interdisciplinary research and potential policy development. The institution is thinking in three pillars: AI in research and ethics, AI skill development for students, and operational use of AI by faculty and staff. Although they’re still in planning stages, Oxy is already leveraging its liberal arts strength to lead thoughtful campus dialogue about the future of AI in education.
What’s Lindsay’s biggest lesson from the transition?
Embracing the unexpected. Lindsay encourages others to remain open to new roles, even if they don’t fit the traditional mold. Her journey is a powerful reminder that career growth in higher ed doesn’t have to follow a straight line. Sometimes, the seat with the greatest influence isn’t at the head of a department—but right next to the president.
Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea
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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