Podcasts I Wanna Work There Episode 15

Celebrating People as a Marketing and Recruitment Strategy

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About the Episode

The what's what...

When Elwood Robinson served as the chancellor of Winston-Salem State University, he saw an opportunity to celebrate the people who work hard to serve students. With the help of Jaime Hunt, host of Enrollify’s “Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO” who led marketing and communications under Robinson, WSSU created a brand ambassador program that started with the employees who had a passion for the university and the students. Robinson visited “I Wanna Work There!” to talk about why it was necessary to make faculty and staff a key part of the ambassador program. Robinson talks about folding employee engagement into the WSSU’s strategic plan, the importance of employee engagement for accreditation efforts, and why Historically Black Colleges and Universities can be models for successful employer branding efforts.

About the Enrollify Podcast Network:

I Wanna Work There is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam-packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jeremy Tiers, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Jamie Gleason, and many more.

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours.

About the Podcast

Host

Eddie Francis

Eddie Francis, a brand strategy consultant, award-winning broadcaster, podcaster, and speaker, is driven by the deep belief in the importance of being valued. As the founder of Edify Ventures, a consultancy focusing on personal and employer branding, Eddie hosts "I Wanna Work There!" on employer branding in higher education and "For Our Edification" on personal leadership. With a background in radio, including hosting the "HBCU Lifestyle Podcast," Eddie's contributions extend to various platforms, earning him recognition as one of New Orleans Magazine's "30 People to Watch." In higher education, he played pivotal roles in brand identity, communications, and enrollment growth. As a speaker, Eddie shares leadership insights with college students and has contributed to the book "Leadership to Letters." Eddie holds a Master of Professional Studies in strategic leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication. Proudly affiliated with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., he is the husband of Dr. Halima Leak Francis and the father of Stevie.

Interviewee

Elwood Robinson

Elwood L. Robinson served as chancellor at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) from 2015 to 2023. Kathleen Kelly, chair of WSSU’s Board of Trustees, referred to Robinson as “an inspirational, thoughtful and dynamic leader.” Under Robinson’s leadership, WSSU’s endowment increased from $30 million to $100 million, the university raised more than $164 million in research grants, WSSU invested more than $145 million in campus infrastructure, and the university landed a $30 million gift from MacKenzie Scott, the largest single gift in WSSU’s history. The Rams also won 16 championships in the storied Central Intercollegiate Athletic Assocation during Robinson’s tenure. Prior to leading WSSU, Robinson served as provost and vice president of Cambridge College where the teacher education program achieved national accreditation and the college forged partnerships with Granite State College to offer online programs, the first private/state partnership of its kind in New England. In addition, the American Council on Education awarded Cambridge a grant to establish an Innovation and Change Lab designed to increase the number of first-generation and nontraditional students earning college degrees.

I Wanna Work There

A great employee experience equals a great student experience. In a time where employee recruitment and retention is more challenging than ever, I Wanna Work There! takes a look at how colleges and universities can develop competitive, compelling employer brands. Join us for an honest and solutions-based look at the issues that surround institutions positioning themselves as employers of choice.