Finding Meaning as a Higher Ed Partner

In this episode, Jaime Hunt emphasizes the need for those in higher ed adjacent roles to stay connected to the mission of higher education and offers advice on finding fulfillment and making a broader impact.

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Key Takeaways

• Higher Ed Needs Saving, Not Just Solving
  Declining public perceptions and alternative learning modalities threaten higher education. Jaime believes we must urgently convey the sector’s value to students and society.
• Rediscovering Mission in Marketing
  Higher ed marketing isn’t just about recruitment—it’s about transforming lives, communities, and economies.
• Leaning into Mentorship and Teaching
  Jaime emphasizes that teaching and mentoring help professionals reconnect with their purpose while fostering the next generation of leaders.
• The Joy of Working in Higher Ed
  Despite challenges, working in higher education offers unmatched opportunities to make a meaningful impact on students and society.
• Consider Alternative Contributions to Higher Ed
  From consulting to coaching and thought leadership, there are many ways to stay connected to the mission of higher education, even from outside the campus environment.

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What Drew Jaime Hunt to Higher Ed?

Jaime first envisioned working on a college campus as a student at the University of Minnesota. Though she initially pursued journalism, a PR coordinator role at a university in 2004 set her on the path to becoming a higher ed marketing leader.

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Why Did Jaime Transition to Consulting?

After nine years as a CMO, Jaime founded Solve Higher Ed to address the unique challenges higher ed marketing leaders face. Her goal is to provide tailored solutions, keynote workshops, and a broader effort to advocate for the value of higher education.

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What Does “Save Higher Ed” Mean to Jaime?

Jaime sees higher ed as critical to democracy, the economy, and societal progress. She’s focused on supporting institutions in demonstrating their value to prospective students and the public while addressing internal operational challenges.

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How Does Jaime Stay Connected to Students?

Jaime now teaches in the graduate program where she earned her master’s degree. Teaching allows her to mentor aspiring higher ed marketers, stay connected to students, and gain insights into faculty perspectives in a post-pandemic world.

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What Advice Does Jaime Offer to Higher Ed Professionals?

Jaime urges professionals to stay mission-focused by mentoring students or teaching, embracing roles that directly impact student success, and considering the broader influence of their work on individuals and society.

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Leadership Lessons from Jaime Hunt

1. Stay Mission-Driven
   Higher ed’s purpose is transformative. Reconnect with this mission to find meaning in your work, even during tough times.
2. Mentor and Teach
   Whether through student worker programs, internships, or formal teaching, direct engagement with students can reignite your passion.
3. Advocate for Higher Ed’s Value
   The industry needs champions who can articulate its importance to democracy, the economy, and individual growth.
4. Embrace Alternative Roles
   Consider ways to support higher ed beyond campus-based work, such as consulting, advocacy, or thought leadership.
5. Find Your “Why” Through Reflection
   Take time to assess what fulfills you and aligns with your skills—whether that’s staying on campus, pivoting roles, or moving into adjacent opportunities.

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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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Element451 is hosting the AI Engage Summit on Oct 29 and 30. Register now for this free, virtual event.The future of higher ed is being redefined by the transformative power of AI. The AI Engage Summit brings together higher ed leaders,  innovators, and many of your favorite Enrollify creators to explore AI’s impact on student engagement, enrollment marketing, and institutional success.

Experience firsthand how AI is improving content personalization at scale, impacting strategic decision-making, and intuitively automating the mundane tasks that consume our time. The schedule is packed with real examples and case studies, so you leave knowing how to harness AI to drive meaningful change at your institution.

Whether you’re looking to enhance student outcomes, optimize enrollment marketing, or simply stay ahead of the curve, the AI Engage Summit is your gateway to the next level of higher education innovation. Registration is free, save your spot today.