What happens when your workplace values aren’t just posted on the wall, but actually shape how people lead, teach, and show up every day?In this inspiring conversation, Cheryl Broom talks with Andy Vaughn, President &amp; CEO of Alliant University, about what it takes to build a campus culture of authenticity, inclusion, and mental wellness from the inside out.Andy shares his personal journey as a leader in higher ed, how Alliant’s impact values were created by faculty and staff, and why that grassroots approach matters. The discussion also explores the mental health challenges facing today’s students, staff, and leaders, and how Alliant’s community clinics and telehealth services are making care more accessible across California.What you’ll learn:<ul><li>The surprising 100-year history behind Alliant’s inclusivity roots</li><li>Why codifying values with your team builds trust and accountability</li><li>How to support faculty and staff mental health without burning them out</li><li>Why vulnerability is one of the most underrated leadership traits</li><li>How Alliant’s low-cost clinics provide real-world experience and real support</li></ul>If you&apos;re in San Diego or LA County, visit <a href='http://alliantclinics.org/'>alliantclinics.org</a> for information on low-cost mental health services. Learn more about Alliant University at <a href='http://alliant.edu/'>alliant.edu</a>.Thanks for listening! Connect with GradComm: Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/gradcommunications/'>@gradcommunications</a> Facebook: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/GradCommunications'>@GradCommunications</a> LinkedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradcomm/'>@gradcomm</a> Send us a message: <a href='https://gradcomm.com/contact/'>GradComm.com</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;What happens when your workplace values aren’t just posted on the wall, but actually shape how people lead, teach, and show up every day?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this inspiring conversation, Cheryl Broom talks with Andy Vaughn, President &amp;amp; CEO of Alliant University, about what it takes to build a campus culture of authenticity, inclusion, and mental wellness from the inside out.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Andy shares his personal journey as a leader in higher ed, how Alliant’s impact values were created by faculty and staff, and why that grassroots approach matters. The discussion also explores the mental health challenges facing today’s students, staff, and leaders, and how Alliant’s community clinics and telehealth services are making care more accessible across California.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;What you’ll learn:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;The surprising 100-year history behind Alliant’s inclusivity roots&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why codifying values with your team builds trust and accountability&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How to support faculty and staff mental health without burning them out&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why vulnerability is one of the most underrated leadership traits&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How Alliant’s low-cost clinics provide real-world experience and real support&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you&amp;apos;re in San Diego or LA County, visit &lt;a href='http://alliantclinics.org/'&gt;alliantclinics.org&lt;/a&gt; for information on low-cost mental health services. Learn more about Alliant University at &lt;a href='http://alliant.edu/'&gt;alliant.edu&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks for listening!&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect with GradComm:&lt;br/&gt;Instagram: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/gradcommunications/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@gradcommunications&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Facebook: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/GradCommunications'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@GradCommunications&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;LinkedIn: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradcomm/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@gradcomm&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Send us a message: &lt;a href='https://gradcomm.com/contact/'&gt;GradComm.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

What happens when your workplace values aren’t just posted on the wall, but actually shape how people lead, teach, and show up every day? In this inspiring conversation, Cheryl Broom talks with Andy Vaughn, President &amp; CEO of Alliant University, about what it takes to build a campus culture of authenticity, inclusion, and mental wellness from the inside out. Andy shares his personal journey as a leader in higher ed, how Alliant’s impact values were created by faculty and staff, and why th...

Leading With Values: How Alliant Builds Belonging from the Inside Out

In this thought-provoking episode, Cheryl Broom sits down with Leslie Vargas, Senior Public Affairs Officer at Riverside Community College District, to explore how implicit bias and microaggressions quietly influence higher ed marketing and what communications teams can do about it.Leslie shares candid insights on how seemingly small choices, like which photo you use, or how you describe a student, can send powerful messages about who belongs. She introduces a practical framework, the Three R’s, to help every higher ed communicator: Recognize, Respond, and Revise.Drawing from real-world examples, pop culture moments, and her work with college marketers across California, Leslie challenges us to look beyond performative representation and build marketing that truly reflects our students’ identities and lived experiences.Whether you&apos;re building a campaign or writing a welcome letter, this episode is packed with tools to help you create more inclusive, authentic messaging without the fear of “getting it wrong.”What You’ll Learn:<ul><li>Why inclusivity in marketing starts with self-awareness</li><li>How to use the “Three Rs” framework: Recognize, Respond, Revise</li><li>Practical ways to identify and correct bias in campus communications</li><li>Why small, intentional choices in tone, visuals, and language matter</li><li>How inclusive messaging builds belonging and boosts engagement</li></ul>You can connect with Leslie on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/whynotleslie/'>LinkedIn</a> or via email at <a href='mailto:leslie@whynoteleslie.com'>leslie@whynotleslie.com</a> or <a href='mailto:leslie.vargas@rccd.edu'>leslie.vargas@rccd.edu</a>.  Thanks for listening! Connect with GradComm: Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/gradcommunications/'>@gradcommunications</a> Facebook: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/GradCommunications'>@GradCommunications</a> LinkedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradcomm/'>@gradcomm</a> Send us a message: <a href='https://gradcomm.com/contact/'>GradComm.com</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this thought-provoking episode, Cheryl Broom sits down with &lt;b&gt;Leslie Vargas&lt;/b&gt;, Senior Public Affairs Officer at Riverside Community College District, to explore how implicit bias and microaggressions quietly influence higher ed marketing and what communications teams can do about it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Leslie shares candid insights on how seemingly small choices, like which photo you use, or how you describe a student, can send powerful messages about who belongs. She introduces a practical framework, the Three R’s, to help every higher ed communicator: &lt;b&gt;Recognize, Respond, and Revise&lt;/b&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Drawing from real-world examples, pop culture moments, and her work with college marketers across California, Leslie challenges us to look beyond performative representation and build marketing that truly reflects our students’ identities and lived experiences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you&amp;apos;re building a campaign or writing a welcome letter, this episode is packed with tools to help you create more inclusive, authentic messaging without the fear of “getting it wrong.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;What You’ll Learn:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why inclusivity in marketing starts with self-awareness&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How to use the “Three Rs” framework: Recognize, Respond, Revise&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Practical ways to identify and correct bias in campus communications&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why small, intentional choices in tone, visuals, and language matter&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How inclusive messaging builds belonging and boosts engagement&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can connect with Leslie on &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/whynotleslie/'&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt; or via email at &lt;a href='mailto:leslie@whynoteleslie.com'&gt;leslie@whynotleslie.com&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href='mailto:leslie.vargas@rccd.edu'&gt;leslie.vargas@rccd.edu&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks for listening!&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect with GradComm:&lt;br/&gt;Instagram: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/gradcommunications/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@gradcommunications&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Facebook: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/GradCommunications'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@GradCommunications&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;LinkedIn: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradcomm/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@gradcomm&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Send us a message: &lt;a href='https://gradcomm.com/contact/'&gt;GradComm.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this thought-provoking episode, Cheryl Broom sits down with Leslie Vargas, Senior Public Affairs Officer at Riverside Community College District, to explore how implicit bias and microaggressions quietly influence higher ed marketing and what communications teams can do about it. Leslie shares candid insights on how seemingly small choices, like which photo you use, or how you describe a student, can send powerful messages about who belongs. She introduces a practical framework, the Three ...

Confronting Implicit Bias and Building Belonging in Higher Ed Marketing

What happens when your marketing office feels more like a sandwich shop, cranking out whatever people order, than a strategic partner on campus?That’s exactly the challenge Rachel McClelland faced when she stepped into her role at Pellissippi State. In this episode, Rachel joins Cheryl to discuss how she helped her team transition from being overwhelmed Subway “order takers” to becoming a strategic communications office aligned with the college’s mission.From rebranding the college logo to navigating ransomware aftermath, Rachel’s story is packed with insights for any higher ed marketer who wants to build stronger boundaries, earn trust, and deliver work that really matters.What you’ll learn in this episode:<ul><li>How her background in journalism and student media shaped her leadership style</li><li>Why the “Subway sandwich shop” model doesn’t work for marketing offices</li><li>The three priorities she set to keep her team focused (recruitment, retention, and fundraising)</li><li>Tactics for saying “no” without damaging trust across campus</li><li>Real examples of tough conversations that reshaped culture and built credibility</li></ul>Thanks for listening! Connect with GradComm: Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/gradcommunications/'>@gradcommunications</a> Facebook: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/GradCommunications'>@GradCommunications</a> LinkedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradcomm/'>@gradcomm</a> Send us a message: <a href='https://gradcomm.com/contact/'>GradComm.com</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;What happens when your marketing office feels more like a sandwich shop, cranking out whatever people order, than a strategic partner on campus?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That’s exactly the challenge Rachel McClelland faced when she stepped into her role at Pellissippi State. In this episode, Rachel joins Cheryl to discuss how she helped her team transition from being overwhelmed Subway “order takers” to becoming a strategic communications office aligned with the college’s mission.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From rebranding the college logo to navigating ransomware aftermath, Rachel’s story is packed with insights for any higher ed marketer who wants to build stronger boundaries, earn trust, and deliver work that really matters.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What you’ll learn in this episode:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;How her background in journalism and student media shaped her leadership style&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why the “Subway sandwich shop” model doesn’t work for marketing offices&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The three priorities she set to keep her team focused (recruitment, retention, and fundraising)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Tactics for saying “no” without damaging trust across campus&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Real examples of tough conversations that reshaped culture and built credibility&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks for listening!&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect with GradComm:&lt;br/&gt;Instagram: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/gradcommunications/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@gradcommunications&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Facebook: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/GradCommunications'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@GradCommunications&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;LinkedIn: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradcomm/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@gradcomm&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Send us a message: &lt;a href='https://gradcomm.com/contact/'&gt;GradComm.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

What happens when your marketing office feels more like a sandwich shop, cranking out whatever people order, than a strategic partner on campus? That’s exactly the challenge Rachel McClelland faced when she stepped into her role at Pellissippi State. In this episode, Rachel joins Cheryl to discuss how she helped her team transition from being overwhelmed Subway “order takers” to becoming a strategic communications office aligned with the college’s mission. From rebranding the college logo to ...

Saying No with Purpose: Building a Mission-Driven Marketing Office

What does it take to pass a $600 million bond measure in a politically divided community? In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Alex Breitler, Director of Marketing and Communications at San Joaquin Delta College, to unpack the strategy, stress, and surprising joys of leading a successful bond campaign. Alex shares how his background as a journalist helped him shape compelling, transparent messaging, why polling data became the campaign’s “North Star,” and how his team balanced day-to-day marketing with after-hours campaigning. From tackling community skepticism to creatively using enrollment marketing alongside bond messaging, this conversation is packed with practical insights for higher ed leaders considering a funding measure of their own.What you’ll learn in this episode:<ul><li>Why clear messaging about how bond funds can (and can’t) be used builds community trust</li><li>The role of polling in shaping strategy, targeting undecided voters, and keeping campaigns on track</li><li>How marketing leaders can support both institutional enrollment and external bond efforts simultaneously</li><li>Lessons learned about community engagement, campaign restrictions, and balancing the dual hats of PIO and volunteer</li></ul>Thanks for listening! Connect with GradComm: Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/gradcommunications/'>@gradcommunications</a> Facebook: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/GradCommunications'>@GradCommunications</a> LinkedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradcomm/'>@gradcomm</a> Send us a message: <a href='https://gradcomm.com/contact/'>GradComm.com</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;What does it take to pass a $600 million bond measure in a politically divided community? In this episode of &lt;em&gt;Higher Ed Conversations&lt;/em&gt;, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Alex Breitler, Director of Marketing and Communications at San Joaquin Delta College, to unpack the strategy, stress, and surprising joys of leading a successful bond campaign. Alex shares how his background as a journalist helped him shape compelling, transparent messaging, why polling data became the campaign’s “North Star,” and how his team balanced day-to-day marketing with after-hours campaigning. From tackling community skepticism to creatively using enrollment marketing alongside bond messaging, this conversation is packed with practical insights for higher ed leaders considering a funding measure of their own.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What you’ll learn in this episode:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why clear messaging about how bond funds can (and can’t) be used builds community trust&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The role of polling in shaping strategy, targeting undecided voters, and keeping campaigns on track&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How marketing leaders can support both institutional enrollment and external bond efforts simultaneously&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Lessons learned about community engagement, campaign restrictions, and balancing the dual hats of PIO and volunteer&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks for listening!&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect with GradComm:&lt;br/&gt;Instagram: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/gradcommunications/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@gradcommunications&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Facebook: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/GradCommunications'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@GradCommunications&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;LinkedIn: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradcomm/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@gradcomm&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Send us a message: &lt;a href='https://gradcomm.com/contact/'&gt;GradComm.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

What does it take to pass a $600 million bond measure in a politically divided community? In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Alex Breitler, Director of Marketing and Communications at San Joaquin Delta College, to unpack the strategy, stress, and surprising joys of leading a successful bond campaign. Alex shares how his background as a journalist helped him shape compelling, transparent messaging, why polling data became the campaign’s “North Star,” a...

The Higher Ed Roadmap to Passing a Bond: Marketing, Messaging, and Community Trust

What happens when a university doesn’t just adopt AI, but bakes it into its DNA? In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, Cheryl sits down with two transformational leaders from American University&apos;s Kogod School of Business to explore how AI is reshaping everything from curriculum design to campus marketing and student support. David Marchick and Angela Virtu pull back the curtain on AU’s groundbreaking AI integration, an effort so comprehensive that Poets&amp;Quants called it “The most consequential AI transformation in business education.” With over 45 courses infused with AI, an AI-powered writing tutor, and marketing workflows redesigned by machine learning tools, AU isn’t dabbling; they’re redefining. If you’re a higher ed marketer or campus leader wondering where to start with AI, or how to do it responsibly, this episode delivers a masterclass in AI-enabled transformation. What You’ll Learn <ul><li>How American University&apos;s Kogod School of Business achieved a 40% spike in applications through AI-powered outreach</li><li>The surprising ways students and faculty are using AI as a learning partner</li><li>Tips for fostering faculty trust and experimentation with new tools</li><li>How AI is impacting enrollment marketing, change management, and student success strategies</li></ul>Thanks for listening! Connect with GradComm: Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/gradcommunications/'>@gradcommunications</a> Facebook: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/GradCommunications'>@GradCommunications</a> LinkedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradcomm/'>@gradcomm</a> Send us a message: <a href='https://gradcomm.com/contact/'>GradComm.com</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;What happens when a university doesn’t just adopt AI, but bakes it into its DNA? &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, Cheryl sits down with two transformational leaders from American University&amp;apos;s Kogod School of Business to explore how AI is reshaping everything from curriculum design to campus marketing and student support. David Marchick and Angela Virtu pull back the curtain on AU’s groundbreaking AI integration, an effort so comprehensive that Poets&amp;amp;Quants called it “The most consequential AI transformation in business education.” &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With over 45 courses infused with AI, an AI-powered writing tutor, and marketing workflows redesigned by machine learning tools, AU isn’t dabbling; they’re redefining. If you’re a higher ed marketer or campus leader wondering where to start with AI, or how to do it responsibly, this episode delivers a masterclass in AI-enabled transformation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;What You’ll Learn&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;How American University&amp;apos;s Kogod School of Business achieved a 40% spike in applications through AI-powered outreach&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The surprising ways students and faculty are using AI as a learning partner&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Tips for fostering faculty trust and experimentation with new tools&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How AI is impacting enrollment marketing, change management, and student success strategies&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks for listening!&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect with GradComm:&lt;br/&gt;Instagram: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/gradcommunications/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@gradcommunications&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Facebook: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/GradCommunications'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@GradCommunications&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;LinkedIn: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradcomm/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;@gradcomm&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Send us a message: &lt;a href='https://gradcomm.com/contact/'&gt;GradComm.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

What happens when a university doesn’t just adopt AI, but bakes it into its DNA?  In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, Cheryl sits down with two transformational leaders from American University's Kogod School of Business to explore how AI is reshaping everything from curriculum design to campus marketing and student support. David Marchick and Angela Virtu pull back the curtain on AU’s groundbreaking AI integration, an effort so comprehensive that Poets&amp;Quants called it “The ...

AI Isn’t Coming, It’s Here: How American University Embedded AI into Every Corner of Campus

Join host and CEO of GradComm, Cheryl Broom as she sits down with higher education experts to discuss trends in marketing, communications, advancement and student success.&nbsp;

Higher Ed Conversations

Details

Recent Episodes