
Getting to Aha! with Darshan Mehta · 2025-07-04 · 28 min
On this episode of Getting to Aha! , host Darshan Mehta talks with Jeff Harmon, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, about the transformation of higher education marketing. Jeff unpacks how universities can effectively use platforms like TikTok, apply data-driven messaging, and integrate both traditional and digital strategies to reach Gen Z. He shares frameworks for authentic storytelling, building enrollment pipelines, and engaging local communities. Listeners will gain actionable insights into balancing innovation with institutional integrity, crafting relatable narratives, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving academic landscape. A must-listen for anyone in education marketing today. Jeff Harmon is a seasoned marketing and communications executive with a proven track record of driving revenue growth, elevating brands, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. With experience spanning higher education, health and wellness, software, and web development, Jeff excels in strategic marketing, brand management, and data-driven decision-making.