#CMO May 9

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Today the theme for the 30-Day Podcast Coach4aday Challenge is learning about the role of CMO in Higher Education.

Just what does the acronym CMO stand for. It is Chief Marketing Officer, and the importance of this position is not lost on college and university presidents. My last three years of working full-time at a university allowed me to work alongside of a fantastic CMO named Jodi Phelps. At the end of 2021 Jodi left higher education to become the City of Fayetteville NC Corporate Communication Director. That move was Fayetteville’s gain and Higher Ed’s loss.

Last week Jodi posted on social media about former CMO colleague of hers named Jaime Hunt who had launched a podcast. The two of them both worked at UNC System Universities at the same time. Jaime is now at Miami University (OH).

Day 9 Podcast-Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO

Rarely has Jodi Phelps ever steered me wrong in exploring something to help me grow and learn. Recommending I listen to “a podcast titled “Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO” podcast was no exception. My episode choice was #1 called a “Seat at the Table” featuring Terry Flannery as her guest. Terry has authored a book called “How to Market a University”

CMO Takeaways

Universities may not want to admit it, but they need to sell, market, and promote their brand.

First, they have to understand just what their unique brand is. Next can they articulate and market it a way that is easy to understand but more importantly consistently demonstrated across all parts of the campus. That is no small feat. Accomplishing that requires the strategic and marketing expertise of the university’s CMO sitting at the table with the leadership team. The best college CEO’s get that.

Appreciate Jodi recommending Jaime’s podcast.