University Presidents need to get their hands dirty

Good morning!

In this current higher education crisis this country faces, it is time for the presidents out there to get their hands dirty.  I think for far too long presidents have been stuck in meetings or in ivory towers not focused on marketing.  If you want to survive, that needs to change.

A great example I heard a few years back was a university president who lived in the dorm for 30 days to gain an experience of what it was like.  Think for a second how far this will go.  The president is in the “trenches” with students talking and chatting about the day’s experiences, he is seen as approachable and caring.  This was one of the best marketing ideas I had ever read in a higher education context.  After his experience, the president went back to his staff and recommended some positive changes in the dorm, which in turn has helped the student experience.  From what I understand, this school continues to see a growth of quality students.

The president also needs to be very visible out in the local business community, and there needs to be a purpose to it.  He/she need to be regularly communicating what is going on at the college including new courses, upcoming sporting events, and open house dates.

In dealing with higher education, your president needs to come out of the tower!

matt (marketmpb)

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