In Part 1 of this two-part episode of Hidden Gem, Maya Demishkevich interviews Diane Burkett, Executive Director of Marketing and Public Affairs at College of the Mainland. Diane shares her comprehensive approach to strategic enrollment marketing, focusing on ten key areas that have driven significant growth and success for her institution. From optimizing websites and creating seamless student experiences to shaping public perceptions and leveraging innovative technologies, Diane offers valuable insights and practical strategies for higher education leaders. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of enrollment marketing and build a cohesive and impactful brand identity.Key Takeaways:Strategic Growth: Learn how College of the Mainland has grown significantly through strategic marketing and enrollment efforts.Website Optimization: Discover the role of website optimization in enrollment marketing and learn effective changes made by community colleges to enhance user experience, accessibility, and functionality.Seamless Student Experience: Understand the steps taken to improve the prospective student experience, from application to enrollment.Integrated Marketing Strategy: Gain insights into developing a strategic and judicious integrated marketing strategy across various channels.Public Perception Management: Shaping Public Perceptions: Learn how to shape public perceptions and enhance your college's brand image through consistent messaging and community engagement.Personalized Enrollment Marketing: Discover examples of how personalization in enrollment marketing enhances student recruitment through personalized email campaigns, tailored content, and targeted outreach.Guest Name: Diane L. Burkett / Executive Director of Marketing and Public Affairs / College of the MainlandGuest Bio: Diane L. Burkett serves as the executive director of marketing and public affairs at College of the Mainland. Her diverse professional career, spanning across the public and private sectors in both higher education and software. She possesses a broad experience in marketing, communications and public relations, including expertise in higher education marketing, omni-channel marketing, digital marketing, brand strategy, public affairs, and crisis communications.During her tenure as executive director of marketing and public affairs at COM, she successfully led efforts to pass a $250 million general obligation bond, which will enable the college to fully complete its 10-year long-range plan to transform its facilities, expand academic offerings and optimize the student experience.Prior to joining COM, Burkett served as a director of marketing for SnapStream, inc. She also spent eight years at the University of Houston, serving in a variety of roles and progressive marketing / recruitment positions for the C.T. Bauer College of Business, School of Continuing and Professional Education and the College of Optometry. She began her professional career in software, with cPanel, Inc.Burkett has a master's degree in Instructional Technology and a bachelor's in communications with an emphasis in public relations from Mississippi State University. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Maya Demishkevichhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mayademishkevich/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Hidden Gem: Marketing Community Colleges 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 Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook and Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO. 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.Element451 is hosting the AI Engage Summit on Oct 29 and 30Register 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.
