Can You Handle the Truth (About Your Brand)?
Too often, branding myths prevent universities from creating and investing in their brands in ways that influence outcomes.
A Valentine’s Day Letter to my Team
It's been a busy, stressful 2025 so far ... so I sent this message to the Enterprise Marketing and Communications division today. If only I had time to rhyme ...
VCU’s Brand: Built with Art and Science
As the headline says, brand building is art and science … and I've always been attracted to the science part, the data. That's why the results of our recent independent survey of Richmond-area residents about Virginia Commonwealth University are so exciting.
Big, Bold and Gold at VCU
At VCU, we’re proud of the sophisticated, data-informed work we do every day to grow and protect one of the nation’s most innovative public university brands. But every now and then, it’s the simple things that make the biggest impact.
AMA Higher Ed Marketer of the Year
A career highlight happened when the American Marketing Association named me the national higher ed marketer of the year. It was a head-spinning honor and a 100 percent credit to our team.
AI and the ‘Heston Hustle’
At our division retreat, the team surprised me by using AI to promote a hypothetical marketing book I “wrote.” We developed AI-generated press releases, marketing strategies and even tackled crisis communications due to fictional protests against my book!
Let’s Retire These Phrases for Good
Last month, I asked my LinkedIn connections to share the "comms/marketing phrases that you wish would go away.” Of the more than 80 comments and suggestions, here are the four most relevant themes.
387 Steps (Faraway, So Close)
This week was my first freshman move-in experience of my higher ed career as both a parent and university administrator. What a difference that makes. Here's what I've learned and felt ... and how it will make me better at my job.
How We Will—and Will Not—Use AI in Marketing and Communications
Earlier this month, we finished an AI document with lots of practical advice for our work with VCU and VCU Health. What I appreciate most about the outcome is our guiding principles, copied below.
Energy and Humor in Higher Ed
I’ve long believed that universities that embrace spirit, fun and humor have an advantage over those who play it straight. I'm delighted to work for a boss who feels the same way.