The Enrollment Clinic

Épisodes

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  The High School Hallway, Higher Ed's Last Untapped Channel | Harrison "Soup" Campbell, NextGrad 25.08.2026 48min

  Harrison "Soup" Campbell went from Bible college and a high school social studies classroom to running growth at NextGrad — the ad network that's turned high school hallways into higher ed's newest, and most contested, media market.In this episode of The Enrollment Clinic, Soup traces his path from teaching and coaching to pioneering social media recruiting in the MySpace era — including the time a room full of college leaders told him "we will never get on the Facebook" — through a decade in college admissions, seven years building ZeeMee, and now leading growth at NextGrad.We dig into what NextGrad is actually selling: exclusive digital and print advertising placed inside high schools, reaching students up to nine hours a day in an increasingly phone-free, bot-free environment. Soup makes the case that "real eyeballs" matter more than ever as ad fraud costs the industry over $150 billion a year, walks through how NextGrad proves ROI without traditional attribution, and explains why the company turned down a partnership with Mr. Beast to protect the trust it's built with high schools.We also cover what's wrong with most in-school advertising creative right now, why QR codes are a dead end in phone-free schools, the tension between flagship universities and the high schools that still want to see them on screen, and where Soup thinks AI in higher ed marketing is more hype than substance.If you work in enrollment, admissions, or higher ed marketing, this is a look inside a channel most institutions haven't figured out yet — and a reminder that in a small industry built on trust, reputation still travels faster than any ad.
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  Al, Higher Ed Policy, and the Future of International Student Recruitment | Sanjay Laul, MSMUnify 11.08.2026 32min

  Sanjay Laul, founder of MSM Unify and Laul Global, and one of the most influential builders in student mobility today sits down with Gjergj Dollani, host of The Enrollment Clinic to discuss his views on Higher Education.His path into higher ed wasn't a straight line. It was fraught with challenges, set backs and even failure. One observation in the streets of Delhi eventually grew into a global education company now operating across 50+ countries.This conversation goes past the usual talking points into where the industry is actually headed.What we cover:→ Why Sanjay sees AI as the biggest shift in higher ed since the internet, and why every new MSM hire has to pass an AI capability test before they start→ MSM Aventra, the integrated CRM, SIS, and LMS platform built to run the full student lifecycle→ MSM Campus OS, the "education process outsourcing" model already deployed across 15 institutions→ The real story behind the Canada and US policy shifts, and why Sanjay is still betting on the US to stay the #1 destination→ How China is quietly pulling ahead as the world's top country in student mobility, both sending and receiving→ The growth markets most enrollment leaders are sleeping on: Southern Europe and all 54 countries across Africa→ The uncomfortable truth Sanjay says the sector still refuses to face...Enrollment, recruitment, higher ed leadership, this one's worth your time.
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  Why Gen Z Chooses Colleges Out of Fear, Not Hope | Gjergj Dollani 31.07.2026 41min

  Gjergj Dollani joins the Education Marketing Leader Podcast to unpack why fear — not prestige — now drives college choice, and what it means for higher ed marketing.Today's students aren't chasing the "best" college anymore — they're trying to avoid picking the wrong one. In this episode, originally recorded for Chris Raposo's Education Marketing Leader Podcast, Gjergj Dollani (ClearCourse Advisory) breaks down why fear — not hope — now drives the enrollment decision, and what that means for how universities need to market themselves.Gjergj and Chris dig into why college closures and mergers are spooking prospective students, how Gen Z's later independence (drawing on Jonathan Haidt's research) is pushing students to stay closer to home, and why a "subscription model" for higher ed — lifelong access to retooling and micro-credentials — may be where the industry is headed. They also tackle the trade school vs. college debate, how AI is already reshaping entry-level hiring, and why higher ed marketers rarely benchmark outside their own industry. Gjergj closes with lessons from running his own chocolate shop and what it taught him about ownership, P&L thinking, and outcome-driven marketing.Connect with Gjergj Dollani on LinkedIn or at ClearCourseAdvisory.co.
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  Direct Admissions, Faith-Based Growth, and Engineering Enrollment Wins | James Steen, HCU 17.06.2026 37min

  What if the enrollment KPI you've been optimizing for is the wrong one?James Steen, VP of Enrollment, Admissions, and Marketing at Houston Christian University, joins host Gjergj Dollani on The Enrollment Clinic to challenge some of the field's most deeply held assumptions — and share what's actually driving growth at HCU.With 33 years in higher education enrollment, James breaks down:Direct admissions as both a recruitment strategy and a brand awareness play — and why lower yield rates can coexist with enrollment growthHow HCU nearly doubled its engineering program in a single year through a transformational donor partnershipAligning admissions and marketing KPIs under one leadership structure when their timelines rarely matchGrowing a faith-based institution in an era when many are closing — and what HCU's diverse, majority-Hispanic student body says about the future of Christian higher edWhy 75-80% of online students live within 150 miles of campus — and what that means for your recruitment strategyPreparing students for an AI-disrupted workforce by launching new programs fast enough to matterWhether you're navigating the demographic cliff, rethinking your funnel metrics, or leading enrollment at a tuition-dependent institution, this conversation delivers hard-won perspective from someone who's been doing it since before the internet existed.
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  Speed, Authenticity, and the Future of Higher Ed Marketing 07.05.2026 41min

  In this episode of The Enrollment Clinic, Gjergj Dollani sits down with Rob Clark and Chris Rapozo, co-authors of The Attention Gap, to unpack why so many colleges struggle to break through online despite spending heavily on marketing.The conversation dives into the growing disconnect between how universities market themselves and how students actually discover schools today. Rob shares how he helped generate over 5 billion social media views, while Chris explains how years in higher ed marketing and podcasting led him to co-write a book challenging the industry’s traditional approach to content, branding, and speed.They discuss why polished institutional marketing often underperforms, why authenticity now beats perfection, and how slow approval processes are quietly killing relevance. The episode also explores student behavior, parent influence, AI tools, content repurposing, and why many schools are still treating social media as an afterthought instead of a primary discovery engine.If you work in enrollment, admissions, or higher ed marketing, this episode is a direct challenge to rethink how your institution earns attention in a world moving faster than higher education is built for.
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  Scaling the Impossible: How University of the People Grew from 137 to 150,000 Students in Just 15 Years 14.11.2024 34min

  How do you scale a university from 137 students to 150,000—all without tuition? In this episode of The Enrollment Clinic, Gjergj Dollani interviews Asaf Wolff, Senior VP of Enrollment at University of the People, to explore the groundbreaking strategies behind this incredible growth story. Learn how higher education institutions can disrupt traditional models with innovative approaches like eliminating outdated admissions requirements, leveraging volunteer-driven education, and creating “blue ocean” opportunities in enrollment. Asaf shares actionable insights on content marketing, data-driven decision-making, and scaling higher ed on a budget. Whether you’re in higher education admissions, online learning, or looking for non-traditional growth strategies, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to transform your institution. Tune in now for cutting-edge insights on scaling and disrupting higher ed!
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  Beyond Rankings: How Manaferra Is Redefining Higher Ed SEO 07.05.2025 46min

  In this episode of The Enrollment Clinic, host Gjergj Dollani sits down with Faton Sopa and Granit Doshklaku, the founders of Manaferra—an award-winning digital agency laser-focused on SEO for higher education. Recorded in Manaferra’s offices in Kosovo, this conversation explores why most universities misunderstand SEO, how organic search outperforms paid ads in student recruitment, and what an omnichannel SEO strategy actually looks like.The episode also dives into:Why higher ed institutions are obsessed with PPC—and why that's a problemThe rise of platforms like Reddit and ChatGPT in the student decision-making journeyHow universities can build trust through content that actually resonatesWhat makes Manaferra different from full-service agenciesHow AI and SEO intersect (and what not to automate)Whether you're an enrollment leader, digital marketer, or higher ed strategist, this episode delivers actionable insights on building a sustainable, high-converting digital presence—without burning through ad budgets.
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  Understanding the Emotional Journey: Mental Health and Enrollment Insights with Dr. Raquel Bermejo 03.12.2024 31min

  How does mental health impact student enrollment? In this episode of The Enrollment Clinic, host Gjergj Dollani interviews Dr. Raquel Bermejo, Associate Vice President of Market Research and Planning at RNL, to explore how prospective students' emotional well-being shapes their college decision-making process. Uncover data-driven insights into Gen Z’s evolving priorities, including fears about admissions interviews, choosing the wrong school, and safety concerns. Dr. Bermejo shares groundbreaking research and actionable strategies for higher education professionals in admissions, marketing, and student services to create a more student-centered recruitment approach. Topics include: The connection between mental health and the college search process Key statistics on prospective students’ fears and anxieties Addressing transparency, safety, and institutional outreach gaps Research-driven strategies to optimize student recruitment Whether you're focused on admissions or enrollment marketing, this episode delivers essential insights for higher education professionals. Subscribe now and stay ahead in crafting effective, student-centered enrollment strategies!
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  Higher Ed SEO & Digital Strategy: What Universities Get Wrong (and How to Fix It) with Paula French 11.02.2025 36min

  Higher education marketing is evolving, and universities that fail tooptimize for SEO are missing out on thousands of potential students.In this episode ofThe Enrollment Clinic, I sit down withPaula French, Director of Sales and Marketing atSearch Influence, to break down howsearch engine optimization (SEO) can drive enrollment growth for universities.We cover:✅Why 51% of universities lack an SEO strategy (despite 84% of leaders saying it's crucial)✅The biggest SEO mistakes in higher education and how to fix them✅How prospective students search for online and adult learning programs✅Google, AI, and the future of university search marketing✅The role of SEO in university enrollment strategyIf you’re involved inhigher ed marketing, admissions, or enrollment management, this episode is packed withactionable SEO strategies to help youincrease visibility, boost applications, and optimize digital recruitment.
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  Unlocking Higher Ed Success: ChatGPT's Take on Enrollment, International Students, and the Future 18.09.2024 17min

  What’s next for higher education? In this episode of The Enrollment Clinic, host Gjergj Dollani engages in an insightful conversation with ChatGPT to tackle some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in higher ed today. Explore actionable strategies to boost adult learner enrollment, improve the quality of international student applications, and enhance overall university performance. This episode provides practical solutions for higher education institutions looking to stay competitive in today’s evolving landscape. The conversation concludes with a thought-provoking discussion on a critical yet often-overlooked issue in higher ed that demands attention. If you’re in higher education or higher ed admissions, this episode is packed with insights to help drive institutional growth and success. Subscribe, tune in, and share!
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  11 - Sorry, No Budget - Conferencing on a budget 18.06.2024 51min

  Welcome to Episode 3 of the "Sorry, No Budget" podcast! 🎙️ Join your hosts Sam Fleischmann and Gjergj Dollani as we dive into the art of attending higher education conferences without breaking the bank. Whether you're a seasoned academic or new to the world of higher ed, we've got tips, tricks, and strategies to help you make the most of your conference experience on a tight budget. In this episode, we cover: Finding affordable conferences and maximizing early-bird discounts Tips for cost-effective travel and accommodation Networking on a budget: making meaningful connections without expensive dinners Creative ways to access conference content and resources for free But that's not all! As usual, we veer off into some entertaining tangents, sharing personal anecdotes and unexpected insights from our own conference adventures. Don't miss out on this fun and informative episode! Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update from "Sorry, No Budget." Listen on: [Spotify] [Apple Podcasts] [Google Podcasts] Got questions or topic suggestions? Drop them in the comments or reach out to us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! #HigherEd #Conferences #BudgetTravel #AcademicLife #SorryNoBudget #Podcast
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  Unlocking the Latin American Market: Insights from Global Study Partners with David Arango 17.10.2022 23min

  How can higher education institutions tap into the diverse and dynamic Latin American market? In this episode of The Enrollment Clinic Podcast, Gjergj Dollani sits down with David Arango, Director of Recruitment for Latin America and Europe at Global Study Partners (GSP), to explore the opportunities and challenges of recruiting students from this region. Discover insights into: The cultural and regional intricacies of the Latin American market. How Global Study Partners connects students with institutions worldwide. What higher education institutions should expect when partnering with GSP. Strategies to optimize the pre-enrollment experience for international students. With study destinations including the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and more, GSP’s unique platform offers game-changing opportunities for universities and education agents. Tune in for actionable tips and strategies to grow your international student recruitment efforts.
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  Unlocking International Enrollment: Strategies for Success with Samira Pardanani 22.11.2022 22min

  In this episode of The Enrollment Clinic, I’m joined by Samira Pardanani, Associate Vice President of International Education & Global Engagement at Shoreline Community College. Samira shares her journey from being an international student to leading international enrollment efforts. We explore how community colleges, like Shoreline, serve as key pathways for international students to transition to 4-year institutions, along with her strategies for entering new markets, identifying opportunities, and her top tools for recruiting and retaining international students. This episode is full of actionable insights! #InternationalEducation #CommunityColleges #StudentRecruitment #HigherEd http://www.theenrollmentclinic.com
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  Global Trends in International Student Enrollment: Insights from MSM’s George Kacenga 24.10.2022 38min

  What’s shaping the future of international student enrollment? In this episode of The Enrollment Clinic Podcast, Gjergj Dollani chats with George Kacenga, VP of University Partnerships for M Square Media (MSM) and MSM Unify, to discuss global trends in higher education recruitment and marketing. Explore insights on: Shifts in international student communication preferences with universities. The marketing and enrollment support services MSM provides to institutions worldwide. How MSM’s global reach and in-country representation open doors in 20+ international markets. The role of academic partnerships in driving international enrollment growth. Whether you're looking to expand your institution's international reach or improve enrollment strategies, this episode delivers practical takeaways for success in higher ed recruitment.
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  Revolutionizing Enrollment: How Halda is Transforming Student Engagement with Dallin Palmer 30.10.2024 46min

  In this episode of The Enrollment Clinic, I sit down with Dallin Palmer, co-founder of Halda, an AI-driven platform that’s changing the way higher education institutions engage with prospective students. Dallin reveals how Halda shifts from traditional “Request for Information” forms to dynamic, student-focused interactions that drive higher conversions and deliver a more meaningful enrollment experience. We explore the critical role of personalization in recruitment, the impact of AI on higher ed, and what the future holds as the industry faces shifting demographics and increasing competition. Whether you’re in enrollment marketing or curious about how technology can transform student engagement, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this episode useful! #EnrollmentMarketing #AI #HigherEducation #StudentEngagement #TheEnrollmentClinic
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  Higher Ed Leadership, Accreditation, and the Future of Education with Dr. Linda Robertson 14.03.2025 38min

  In this episode of The Enrollment Clinic, I sit down with Dr. Linda Robertson, a seasoned higher education leader and former director at Kent State University, to discuss the evolving landscape of higher ed leadership. We explore key topics such as accreditation, institutional transformation, and the challenges facing universities today. Drawing from her book, Bullshit with Cream on It, Dr. Robertson shares how leadership lessons from her Wyoming ranch upbringing shaped her approach to guiding universities through accreditation, faculty engagement, and strategic decision-making.We also tackle the future of higher education: What must institutions do to remain relevant in the age of AI and rapid technological change? How can universities shift from reactive to proactive leadership? And what’s missing in today’s conversations about education reform?If you’re involved in university administration, enrollment management, or higher ed strategy, this episode is packed with insights to help navigate the shifting terrain of higher education.
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  Enrollment Trends in Medical Schools: Diversity, Policy Changes, and Mental Health with John McLoughlin 06.09.2024 36min

  Looking to boost medical school admissions or improve higher education recruitment? In this episode of The Enrollment Clinic, host Gjergj Dollani interviews John McLoughlin, Executive Director of Enrollment Partnerships at St. George's University, to uncover the latest trends in medical school enrollment and admissions. Learn proven strategies for increasing diversity in student recruitment, navigating changes in medical education policies, and tackling the growing challenge of student mental health. This episode delivers expert insights for higher education professionals, medical school administrators, and healthcare admissions leaders. Stay ahead in student recruitment and enrollment—listen now for actionable tips to transform your admissions strategy!
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  Cracking the Code of Medical School Enrollment with John McLoughlin 06.01.2023 26min

  In this episode of The Enrollment Clinic, we dive deep into the unique challenges and strategies of enrolling students in the highly specialized field of medical education. Our guest, John McLoughlin, Director of Onshore Recruitment & Strategic Affiliations at St. George's University School of Medicine, shares his expertise in building and managing a global admissions team. Tune in as we discuss the complexities of recruiting future doctors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and explore innovative strategies for expanding into new markets. John reveals the simple yet effective approach he uses to keep his team aligned with their mission, regardless of their geographical location. We also cover essential topics like budget management, the best tools for driving enrollment, and the last five minutes are packed with actionable insights on recruiting, training, and developing top-notch admissions personnel. Don't miss this insightful conversation—so much so that a Part 2 might be in the works!
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  International Enrollment Agents 101: Boosting Your Higher Education Recruitment Strategy 02.08.2024 19min

  In this inaugural episode of the Enrollment Clinic Podcast, I explore the world of student enrollment agents, agencies, and platforms. As a seasoned admissions expert, I'm frequently approached by university admissions officers seeking guidance on collaborating with enrollment agencies. This episode is designed to answer those questions and provide actionable insights. Topics Covered: The Pros of Working with Enrollment Agents: Discover how partnering with agents can enhance your recruitment strategy and boost international student enrollment. The Cons: Understand potential challenges and pitfalls when working with agents and how to mitigate them effectively. How to Vet Agents: Learn essential tips and criteria for evaluating and selecting reputable enrollment agents. Onboarding Strategies: Explore best practices for successfully onboarding agents and integrating them into your admissions process. Whether you're an admissions officer looking for collaboration tips or simply interested in the dynamics of student recruitment, this episode offers valuable insights for higher education professionals. Listen in and share your thoughts on the topic or the content presented. If you find this episode helpful, please share it with friends or colleagues who might benefit. Keywords: Student Enrollment, Higher Education, Enrollment Agents, Student Recruitment, University Admissions, International Students, Education Agencies, Recruitment Strategies
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  Blendi Salaj: From U.S. Student Life to Higher Ed Leadership and Gen Z Mentorship 09.10.2024 43min

  Join us on this episode of The Enrollment Clinic as we chat with Blendi Salaj—media personality, former Director of Communications at Marin Barleti University, and a thought leader in education and stoicism. Blendi shares his eye-opening experience as an international student in the United States, where he encountered the disconnect between admissions processes and the actual student experience after enrollment. We also discuss the challenges he faced in his role in higher education communications, and dive deep into Gen Z's "crisis of meaning." Discover how Blendi’s stoic leadership and mentorship are empowering young people to find purpose and navigate life's complexities.