When Dr. Dr. Amy Bragg Carey stepped into her role as president of Friends University, the institution was facing financial instability, mission drift, and uncertainty about its identity in Christian higher ed. Nearly a decade later, Friends has achieved record enrollment and reclaimed its Christian mission with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, Dr. Carey shares how small, consistent decisions have built trust, attracted donors, and re-centered the university on its founding values. From building student personas to implementing AI tools in recruitment, her leadership blends faith, data, and vision for the future.

🎧 Join us as we discuss:

Turning around a university in financial and mission crisis

Why small decisions shape institutional culture over time

Defining and articulating Christian identity in a diverse student body

Using student personas to inform recruitment

Leveraging AI for personalized marketing

Building trust as a new leader in times of change

🎙️ Inside the Episode 

02:00 -  Financial Challenges and Strategies

08:00 -   Revitalizing the Christian Mission 

15:00 -   Building Trust and Transparency 

21:00  -  Strategic Marketing and Personas

27:00  -  Maintaining Institutional Identity

33:00  -  Leadership Insights and Future Opportunities

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.