In this episode of The Hidden Gem, Maya Demishkevich welcomes Alana Villemez, CEO of Most Likely to Succeed, to discuss the growing importance of program-specific marketing for community colleges. With extensive experience working with over 100 colleges, Alana shares insights into why colleges should prioritize marketing specific programs over broad awareness campaigns and how to effectively allocate limited resources to those efforts.

Key Takeaways:

• Hear why program-specific marketing is becoming more important than ever, especially as students increasingly search for specific career pathways rather than general college options.
• Learn about how student needs have shifted post-pandemic, with growing interest in certificates, micro-credentials, and career-oriented programs.
• Discover how to prioritize marketing efforts by using a product lifecycle framework to determine which programs need the most attention based on their stage of development.
• Find out how to package and market programs effectively, focusing on unique benefits like job placement rates, time to completion, and industry demand.
• Get tips on how to balance program marketing with overall brand awareness, leveraging digital channels like pay-per-click advertising and video content to target prospective students.

Product Lifecycle: https://theproductmanager.com/topics/product-life-cycle-management/

Community College Mission Pillars: https://www.mltsucceed.com/insights/

PESO Model: https://spinsucks.com/communication/pr-pros-must-embrace-the-peso-model/

Guest Name: Alana Villemez, CEO, Most Likely to Succeed

Guest Bio: Alana Villemez is the founder & CEO of Most Likely to Succeed, an advisory firm focused on community college enrollment marketing. With over a decade of experience, Alana has worked with more than 100 community colleges to drive enrollment through strategic marketing and communications.
Alana created Most Likely to Succeed with the mission to make community colleges the number one choice for students across the nation. Most Likely to Succeed helps community colleges deliver on their promises by optimizing their enrollment strategies to better attract and support students, communities and local workforces.
As the creator of the Community College PROMISE Framework, Alana employs tailored methodologies—developed from her extensive experience working with community colleges— to empower community college professionals to drive meaningful change and redefine success within their institutions.

www.mltsucceed.com

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Connect With Our Host:
Maya Demishkevich
https://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.

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

In this episode of The Hidden Gem, Maya Demishkevich speaks with John McGreal, Dean of Enrollment Services at Waukesha County Technical College, about the college’s research-driven approach to improving adult student enrollment. John shares insights from a recent study funded by a grant, exploring the barriers adults face in returning to school and how targeted marketing and operational changes have led to a significant increase in enrollment. Learn how WCTC is helping adult learners succeed in their educational journeys.

Key Takeaways:

• Hear about the research WCTC conducted to better understand why adult learners were not enrolling, and how they used both quantitative and qualitative data to gain insights.
• Learn how adult students want to go from application to enrollment in as little as 4-8 weeks, and how this insight reshaped WCTC's enrollment processes to accommodate this fast-paced decision-making.
• Discover the impact of combining in-person focus groups with AI-driven qualitative analysis to identify key motivations for adult students, such as career pivots and second chances.
• Find out how WCTC leveraged digital marketing, targeted messaging, and in-person experiences to better engage adult learners and increase enrollment by 7%.
• Get practical advice on using grant funds to experiment with new approaches, offering flexible enrollment options, and tailoring marketing strategies to meet adult learners where they are.

Guest Name: John McGreal, Dean of Enrollment Services, Waukesha County Technical College

Guest Bio: John McGreal currently serves as the inaugural Dean of Enrollment Services at Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee, WI. He received his Masters of Arts in Higher Education Administration from the University of Alabama. Previously, John has worked for Rockford University, the University of Alabama, and Bellin College. He has also served as the President of the Wisconsin ACAC, chair of the WACAC government relations committee, and numerous other roles related to conference planning and professional development. John's passion is using data to make informed decisions, process improvement, and college access. He is also a husband and father, a runner and a book lover, and enjoys finding the best burger in every city.

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Connect With Our Host:
Maya Demishkevich
https://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.

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

In this episode of The Hidden Gem, Maya Demishkevich speaks with Eve Markman, Assistant Vice President for Brand Management and Operation from the Community College of Philadelphia about their ambitious rebranding journey. Eve shares insights into how the college's new branding, including the introduction of lion statues, has revitalized campus life, created a sense of pride, and driven student engagement. Learn how these changes are making an impact beyond just a new logo.

Key Takeaways:

• Hear about the comprehensive rebranding process at Community College of Philadelphia, from new logos and marketing materials to creating a dynamic campus environment that reflects the college's new identity.
• Learn why the college chose the lion as its mascot and how they integrated it into the campus through statues and branding, creating a unifying symbol of pride and courage for students.
• Discover how the lion statue installation and other environmental branding efforts are designed to boost student engagement, campus spirit, and a sense of belonging.
• Find out how the college plans to sustain excitement and build traditions around the new mascot, aiming to create long-lasting, meaningful experiences for students.
• Get practical advice on thinking holistically about branding and creating impactful experiences on campus, even with a limited budget.

Guest Name: Eve Markman | Assistant Vice President for Brand Management and Operations | Community College of Philadelphia

Guest Social: linkedin.com/in/eve-markman-501564a5

Guest Bio: Eve Markman is the Assistant Vice President for Brand Management and Operations at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP). Eve has been with CCP for just over 30 years working her way up through various roles in Marketing at the College, most of which was spent as the Executive Director of Creative Services. Eve is also on the Executive Board of the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations, an association for community college marketing and communications professionals. Eve has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Trinity College in CT and a professional certification in Brand Management from Cornell University.
www.ccp.edu

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Connect With Our Host:
Maya Demishkevich
https://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.

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

In this episode of The Hidden Gem, Maya Demishkevich talks with Carrie Pitts-Densmore, VP of Enrollment and Marketing at Johnson Community College about transforming internal communications. Carrie shares her experience over the last three years in centralizing communication efforts, enhancing transparency, and building trust across departments. Discover how these initiatives have shaped a more informed and engaged campus community.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how Carrie tackled decentralized communicatios by conducting audits and centralizing efforts, leading to a more streamlined and efficient communication process across campus.
• Hear about the introduction of a weekly president's newsletter and a new faculty newsletter, which have significantly reduced redundant emails and improved overall communication flow.
• Discover the tools and systems used to manage internal communications, such as ticketing systems, digital monitors, and a consistent branding approach through Canva.
• Find out how creating a culture of trust, rather than just seeking "buy-in," has allowed the college to implement new processes and systems effectively.
• Get insights on breaking down communication silos with cross-departmental committees, open-door policies, and new initiatives like the "Johnson Community College 101" guide.

Guest Name: Carrie Pitts-Densmore, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing, Johnston Community College

Guest Bio: Carrie Pitts-Densmore serves as the Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing at Johnston Community College. With 25 years of experience in communications, including 13 years focused on integrated marketing and public relations, Carrie has built a diverse and impactful career. She began as a television news journalist, earning a national award for a documentary on domestic violence and covering significant news events in Myrtle Beach, Buffalo, and Raleigh. Transitioning from news, she became a consultant, advising organizations on video production, media relations, strategic communications, and marketing. Carrie also excelled as a real estate agent for a few years, where she developed her customer relations and technology skills, winning multiple awards. Today, she thrives in higher education, embracing the dynamic intersection of technology and storytelling. Carrie holds an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and a Master of Science in Communications from Purdue University. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, the ocean, watching documentaries, and spending time with her family, including her son Archer and her husband Shawn.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pittscarrie?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

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Connect With Our Host:
Maya Demishkevich
https://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.

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

In this episode of The Hidden Gem, host Maya Demishkevich speaks with Kaylan Gaines, Director of Recruitment and Engagement at Waukesha County Technical College, about the college's innovative approach to in-person registration events. Kaylan shares the story behind the creation of the "Admission Accomplished" event—a one-stop enrollment experience designed to simplify the registration process for students, streamline their journey, and ensure they receive the necessary support to start their college education confidently.

Key Takeaways:

• Addressing Challenges in Registration: Hear about how Waukesha County Technical College created a one-stop registration event to simplify the enrollment process and address common student challenges.
• Design and Execution of the Event: Learn how the event involves collaboration across departments, offering students comprehensive support from application to enrollment, all in one day.
• Significant Impact on Enrollment: Discover the impact of the "Admission Accomplished" event, which boosted attendance and now contributes to 25% of fall enrollments.
• Effective Marketing Strategies: Find out about the targeted marketing strategies—like email and text messaging—that successfully attract students to the event.
• Advice for Other Institutions: Get insights on how other colleges can streamline their registration process, reduce barriers, and create a more student-friendly experience.

Access the Admission Accomplished Checklist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v3Y-2ZXHyWXEh5ePFSuQS1_eQAvaidM6/view?usp=sharing

Guest Name: Kaylan Gaines, Director of Recruitment and Engagement, Waukesha County Technical College.

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylan-gaines/

Guest Bio: Kaylan Gaines is a higher education professional with a decade of experience specializing in admissions & student recruitment. He currently is the Director of Recruitment & Engagement at Waukesha County Technical College located in southeastern Wisconsin where he develops and implements the recruitment strategy of the college's Enrollment Services unit and oversees recruitment operations and initiatives.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Maya Demishkevich
https://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.

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