Higher Voltage

It’s Time to Treat Social Media as an Adult

Higher Voltage’s Kevin Tyler welcomes Jenny Li Fowler, MIT's director of social media strategy and recently published author, to discuss her book, “Organic Social Media: How to Build Flourishing Online Communities.” Fowler emphasizes the importance of elevating the role of social media managers and treating social media as a sophisticated industry.

Change and the Future of Higher Ed Marketing

In the first episode of 2024, host Kevin Tyler sits down with Bennie F. Johnson, the CEO of the American Marketing Association (AMA). As a self-proclaimed "marketing kid," Bennie understands the vulnerability of the marketing industry, especially in higher education. During the discussion, Kevin and Bennie address common misconceptions and emphasize the crucial role of expertise in the field.

Be Visible, Be Engaged, but Be Circumspect

Dr. William 'Brit' Kirwan, chancellor emeritus of the University System of Maryland, joins host Kevin Tyler to discuss university presidents' precarious position when they make or abstain from statements on emotionally charged issues.

What’s Your Institution’s McDonald’s Order?

Dr. Marcus Collins, author, professor and devoted cheeseburger lover, joins host Kevin Tyler to discuss the importance of understanding the cultural characteristics of a community and finding congruence between the values of the institution and the values of potential students.

The End of Affirmative Action: What Now?

Natasha Warikoo, Lenore Stern Professor in the Social Sciences Department of Sociology at Tufts University, rejoins host Kevin Tyler to discuss the recent SCOTUS decision and how institutions may move forward in the post-affirmative action era.

Degree Choices Hopes to Reduce U.S. News’ Dominance

David Levy, head of data for Degree Choices, joins Kevin Tyler to discuss how higher ed rankings are doing a disservice to Black applicants, the importance of comprehensive data collection to highlight topics such as underfunding, and why challenging U.S. News' dominance in the industry will help students make informed decisions.

How to Recruit More First-Gen and Underrepresented Students

Jonathan B. Williams, AVP for undergraduate admissions, access and pipeline programs at NYU joins host Kevin Tyler to talk about ways institutions can partner more with communities in their quest to recruit more diverse and first-gen students to their campuses.

The End of Affirmative Action?

The Supreme Court is weeks away from handing down a decision that will impact the future of affirmative action in higher education, with many court observers speculating the conservative-leaning court will rule that colleges can no longer consider race a factor when admitting students. Natasha Warikoo, the Lenore Stern Professor in the Social Sciences Department of Sociology at Tufts University, joins Higher Voltage host Kevin Tyler to discuss the potential implications of such a ruling.