Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education

Jan 27 2025 17 ep. 36 mins 17

Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education Podcast artwork

Welcome to Higher Ed Leaders, hosted by Suzan Brinker, PhD, of Viv Higher Education. This podcast is for college and university professionals seeking actionable insights to amplify their impact. This season, we’re focusing on entrepreneurial leadership in higher education—exploring how to accelerate decision-making, navigate imperfect data, and focus on initiatives that truly align with institutional goals. Join us as Suzan and a range of leaders, including presidents and VPs of enrollment, advancement, strategy, and more, share their journeys and leadership strategies.

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SEASON 2, Ep. 2 Challenging the Status Quo: An Interview with Paul McGinnis, Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment at Bethel University

Jan 27 2025 32 mins

Paul McGinnis, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing at Bethel University, brings a fresh perspective to higher education with his background in business rather than academia. In this conversation, he shares his unique journey into the sector and his thoughtful approach to navigating its complexities. Paul highlights the importance of listening to diverse perspectives and chal

SEASON 2, Ep. 1 Redefining Education: An Interview with Catherine Whelburg, President of Athens State University

Jan 21 2025 23 mins

Catherine, president of Athens State University, reflects on her 30-year journey in higher education, moving from faculty roles to administration and eventually the presidency. Her early passion for assessment and its impact on teaching and learning guided her career. After positions at Stevens College and TCU, she joined Athens State as provost before stepping into her current rol

SEASON 2: Trailer - Higher Ed Leaders: The Entrepreneurial Campus sponsored by Viv Higher Education

Welcome to Higher Ed Leaders, the podcast for college and university professionals looking for real tools and real talk to amplify their impact. If you believe that higher ed is unparalleled in its ability to transform individual lives and society as a whole, you've come to the right place. On this show, you'll hear from presidents as well as VPs of enrollment, advancement, strateg

SEASON 1, Ep. 13 Brian Bruess & Kara Kolomitz, Joint President and COO of The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University

Apr 16 2024 51 mins

In this episode, Dr Brian Bruess, the inaugural joint president, and Dr. Kara Kolomitz, the inaugural joint COO of The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, share insights into devising a unified leadership structure for both institutions. They delve into their high-impact journey in Catholic higher education, emphasizing the significance of liberal arts, the tra

SEASON 1, Ep. 12 Jefferson Blackburn-Smith, Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Otterbein Enrollment Management Division, Otterbein University

Apr 09 2024 44 mins

Understanding the student life cycle, increasing diversity and inclusion the importance of curiosity in creating change are some of the topics Jefferson Blackburn-Smith, Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Otterbein University, discusses on the Higher Ed Leaders Podcast. Blackburn-Smith shares his wisdom from 12 years in higher education and has a strategic, inclu

SEASON 1, Ep. 11 Dr Walter Wendler, President, West Texas A&M University

Apr 02 2024 42 mins

Dr Walter Wendler, President of West Texas A&M University, discusses his work in academia and his role at West Texas A&M. He covers the importance of meeting students where they are and appreciating their value systems, representing minorities equitably in the university, putting the Texas Panhandle first, technology, mental health and community connections. Walter shares h

SEASON 1, Ep. 10 Danielle O'Neil, Chief Marketing Officer, University of New Hampshire

Mar 26 2024 35 mins

In this episode, Suzan interviews Danielle O'Neil, the CMO at the University of New Hampshire. O’Neill shares her journey in higher education and the challenges she has faced in her role. She highlights the importance of internal communication in the higher ed industry and the need for a centralized marketing and communications team. O’Neill also discusses the pace of decision-

SEASON 1, Ep. 9 Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Mar 19 2024 44 mins

Suzan and Audra speak with Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Phillips shares her journey from a career in television to higher education, driven by a desire to do 'work that matters'. As she discusses her role in the institution, she highlights the importance of people, programs, and place. Phillips talks abo

SEASON 1, Ep. 8 Dr. Mary Beth Williams, Vice President Of Student Affairs, Millersville University

Mar 12 2024 37 mins

Suzan and Audra interview Dr. Mary Beth Williams, Vice President for Student Affairs at Millersville University. Dr. Williams narrates her unique journey as a first-generation college student, emphasizing how her struggles and experiences significantly influence her current role in higher education. As VP for Student Affairs, Dr. Williams has a deep focus on mental health, student

SEASON 1, Ep. 7 Kimberly Zimmerman, Assistant Vice President of Admissions, Knox College

Mar 05 2024 37 mins

Kimberly Zimmerman, Assistant Vice President of Admissions from Knox College shares her own journey in higher education, how she ended up working in admissions, and her strategies in recruiting students with Suzan in this episode of the Higher Ed Leaders podcast. Zimmerman shares how her personal experiences as a first-generation college student have shaped her approach to supporti