Eric Stoller is the vice president of digital strategy at GeckoEngage. You may know him from his articles on Inside Higher Ed, his speaking engagements and his consulting work around digital engagement. He’s always loved doing marketing and public relations, but never wanted to work for an agency. Eric’s experiences in student development services at University of Illinois Chicago and enrollment management at Oregon State University really cemented interest in the intersection of technology and student success. He’s had an incredible and unique journey through the world of higher education. 

Links to cool stuff

• Eric on Twitter
• Eric on LinkedIn
• GeckoEngage

On this week’s episode, we talk sit down with John Delony, the Associate Provost and Dean of Students at Belmont University. John talks about how his own mental health challenges proved to be an important turning point in his life. Those events inspired him to take counseling classes at Texas Tech and join a crisis team to help grieving families. All of these experiences have profoundly shaped his approach to working with students. 

Get ready for a VERY lively episode this week. Lougan and Jackie talked with the hilarious Andy Shaw, director of enrollment communications at York College of Pennsylvania. Andy loves his job because he makes stuff that get students to come to his college. He also teaches a class about comedy for freshmen to help them build confidence in public speaking. Andy is a new father, and that’s become a very important part of his life. He has an upcoming book titled The New Mom’s Guide to New Dads which helps new mom’s understand the minds of new dads. We talk about that and his experiences being a dad!

Links to cool stuff: 

• Andy on Twitter
• Andy on LinkedIn
• Andy’s Website Instafather
• Read an excerpt from his new book

Peyton Lipscomb is the retention initiatives coordinator at University of West Florida. Her undergraduate advisor in economics suggested her pursue a career a higher education since she loved serving the campus of Mississippi State. She oversees an initiative called Anchor Down for freshmen. Their events are focused around a theme and it issues stickers to professors and students with questions to ignite conversation.

Links to cool stuff: 

• Peyton on Twitter
• Rap and Wrestling Connection Podcast