Description
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 Highlights
02:03 – Transitioning into higher ed and culture shock
07:20 – Building trust through presence and authenticity
10:06 – Why the website redesign was necessary
12:00 – The real challenge, people not technology
13:30 – Creating buy-in across campus stakeholders
15:35 – Moving to a student-first website strategy
22:00 – Leadership growth during major transitions
24:30 – 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.
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