Show notes
What happens when a university website becomes a cluttered “junk drawer” instead of a clear, welcoming first impression? Paul Garner, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Western Carolina University, shares how his team transformed a confusing, overloaded website into a true digital front door that reflects the student experience and institutional story. This conversation unpacks how thoughtful leadership, trust, and alignment can turn a fragmented digital presence into something purposeful, intuitive, and mission-driven.___What We Cover in This Episode🔘 Why "attention is king" in modern higher ed marketing🔘 Lessons from transitioning into higher ed from the private sector🔘 Building trust across campus before launching major iniatives🔘Navigating website redesigns as change management, not just tech projects🔘 How to align stakeholders around a student-first digital experience.___Episode Highlights02:03 – Transitioning into higher ed and culture shock07:20 – Building trust through presence and authenticity10:06 – Why the website redesign was necessary12:00 – The real challenge, people not technology13:30 – Creating buy-in across campus stakeholders15:35 – Moving to a student-first website strategy22:00 – Leadership growth during major transitions24:30 – Post-launch challenges and holding the line___The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs. To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.___The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
