Admissions and marketing/communications pros from Kentucky’s independent colleges learned how to improve their marketing efforts at their joint spring meeting May 16 at Bellarmine University in Louisville.

Ryan Morabito, senior advisor for 5 Degrees Branding, led a workshop on his popular LinkedIn posts, “Higher Ed Marketing Truths.” The interactive session allowed participants to evaluate their institution’s marketing gaps and opportunities. Morabito was joined by Lee Insko, founder of 5 Degrees.

Morabito shared 10 marketing truths related to higher education, which can be found in his blog.

“5 Degrees Branding is well regarded in higher ed marketing circles, and it was great to have Ryan and Lee spend time with this group,” AIKCU President Mason Dyer said. “AIKCU appreciates 5 Degrees for its support of Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities.”

Dyer said that one of AIKCU’s most important roles is providing opportunities for AIKCU Affiliate Groups to meet in person and online to share experiences and best practices with their colleagues at AIKCU’s 18 member campuses.

In addition to the 5 Degrees Branding workshop, both AIKCU Affiliate Groups held separate breakout sessions.

The admissions officers discussed several topics, including projecting fall enrollment, direct admit programs, and new federal overtime rules. They also discussed the biggest issue currently facing higher ed, which is how the delayed and faulty release of the new FAFSA form – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – is affecting students and campus enrollments.

In a separate session, the marcomms officers shared their ideas on navigating support for marketing programs, collaboration and communication in hybrid work environments, favorite tech tools, cost-saving ideas, best practices for magazine production, and how current challenges facing higher ed around the country are being felt (or not) on Kentucky campuses.