Higher Ed Pulse

Welcome to this new Pulse Check series on the power of storytelling. On this Part 1: Reimagining the University as a “Big Brand”, guest Matt McFadden talks about embracing the fact that universities are mega brands and how this should influence the way we market to different audiences through a values-based brand platform. Case studies include Nike and three universities with very different use cases.

Guest Name: Matt McFadden, Simpson & Scarborough

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcfaddenwde/

Guest Bio: Matt is the senior vice president at Simpson Scarborough, where he works with their teams to turn insights into brand strategies, creative and content that create impactful results for their partner colleges and universities. With a career dedicated to higher education marketing, he helps universities bring their stories to life, fostering stronger connections with students, alumni, and communities. Matt's passion for education began during his college days as a tour guide, orientation counselor, and athletic host, where he learned the power of collective experiences and the influence of great people. Today, his work continues to shape transformative narratives in higher education.

- - - -

Connect With Our Co-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

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!

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.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register