Associations, here’s your reminder: growth isn’t just about more sign-ups. The real work is creating connection that keeps members engaged long-term. Check out the latest Engaged Association blog:

The future of higher ed is being written: one letter, one hope, one voice at a time. 📬 Some have voiced that these letters should in classrooms and offices, even framed as daily reminders of why this work matters. Add your own hope to the mix: www.josieahlquist.com/letters-to-t...

I’ve been a fan of the "Hello FSU!" campaign for a while — and Alice Maxwell and her team at FSU continue to raise the bar for student success communications. It’s smart, strategic, & built to belong. Check it out: www.tandfonline.com/eprint/D7MVE...

4 months to go until NASPA WRC in Palm Springs!! As conference chair, I’ve seen this gathering take shape with so much thought and care — not just about what we do there, but how we’ll feel while we’re together. This is going to be special. naspa201.azurewebsites.net/events/2025-...

Letters to the Future. 💌 What do you want the next generation of higher ed leaders to know? Submit a short letter of encouragement here: forms.gle/T2PhZyras7wu...

Associations, turn your next event into a social media moment: 📸 Make it shareable with bold photo ops 📣 Add hashtags + handles where people can find them 💬 Repost attendee content in real time 🧰 Give speakers + sponsors a social media toolkit Read the latest:

I’m excited to emcee the September session of NASPA IV-West’s FLOWS Series — but before that, we’re kicking things off with a powerhouse panel of VPSAs and college presidents for Session 1 on July 8. You won’t want to miss it. Register here: lincolnu-edu.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Check out the latest from Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, @drmikemunoz.bsky.social, and myself in NASPA Leadership Exchange! A practical, purpose-driven guide for authentic & impactful leadership. Grateful to collaborate with such thoughtful change-makers. www.leadershipexchange-digital.com/leadershipex...

Now that summer’s here, take a sec to reset your digital strategy (and catch your breath). Quick tips to refine your goals, plan content, and recharge before fall: josieahlquist.com/soak-up-the-strategy-tips-to-recharge-your-higher-ed-digital-marketing-this-summer

May was Mental Health Awareness Month, but the need for care and reflection doesn’t end there. I asked friends and colleagues to share how they care for themselves and their teams during stressful seasons, and their answers were full of heart and soul:

When it comes to social strategy, guessing only gets you so far. Sprout Social just released a Social Media Benchmarking Toolkit that’s full of data, templates, and insights to help you plan better and lead smarter.

Huge thanks to @drkevinrmcclure.com for sending me a copy of The Caring University. Even just the title stopped me in my tracks. I've long been a fan of Kevin’s work — thoughtful, clear-eyed, and deeply grounded in care. Luna and I are ready to dive in! 🐾📘

Nominate a colleague or program for a NASPA Region V or VI Award! Submissions due June 20 at 11:59 PM PT. Awards will be presented at the 2025 Western Regional Conference in Palm Springs. naspa201.azurewebsites.net/events/2025-...

Want to deepen engagement in your association? Start with stories. I’m sharing 5 ways member storytelling can build connection and community. Read more:

Higher ed marcomm pros — this one’s worth your attention. NACADA is hiring a Director of Marketing and Communications, and I’ve had the honor of working alongside their incredible team. 📍 Manhattan, KS (remote/hybrid possible) 📅 Deadline: June 13 🔗

This time of year, I always try to slow down and ask: What’s actually working? What needs space? What kind of leader do I want to be online? If you’re asking yourself similar questions, I put together 6 ways to recharge your strategy this summer: www.josieahlquist.com/soak-up-the-...

Meet @daniellesewell.bsky.social — a strategist helping higher ed pros build purpose-driven digital strategies — and she's ready to help you this summer! Danielle meets you where you are and helps you move forward with clarity and care. Learn more ➡️ www.josieahlquist.com/higher-ed-so...

The little things matter. 🌿 This week we’re spotlighting the small-but-powerful rituals that higher ed leaders use to protect their mental health. www.josieahlquist.com/mental-healt... Calm app sleep stories. Midday walks. Taylor Swift scream sessions. What’s one thing grounding you right now?

Enhance your social media skills this summer! The Higher Ed Social Media Coaching: Summer of Social Strategy Program offers higher ed professionals personalized coaching to elevate digital engagement. 🔗 www.josieahlquist.com/higher-ed-so...

Higher ed associations: What if your social media was more than a megaphone? Our new post shows how to shift from transactional content to transformational connection. 💡 www.josieahlquist.com/from-transac...

Mental health isn’t just personal—it’s institutional. Leaders across higher ed are modeling what real support looks like, one intentional practice at a time. 🌱 Read more: www.josieahlquist.com/mental-healt...

Introducing The Engaged Association — a new offering to help higher ed associations connect with purpose across digital platforms. Learn more: josieahlquist.com/marketing-for-higher-education-associations

Building a clearer, stronger LinkedIn presence? Andréa Jones shares thoughtful takeaways from 10 real audits. Worth the listen! 🎧

One month left to submit your NASPA WRC proposal! ⏳ Pre-cons, SA Speaks, sessions —your voice belongs in the room. Learn more & submit: naspa.org/events/2025-...

AI can make your voice feel more like you. New blog on using AI personas to support exec presence + campus branding—with prompts, tips, and heart.✨

Not every request is strategic, accessible, or worth the ROI. This article is full of scripts to say no with clarity, care, and kindness. 🖇️

Ed Cabellon & @mallorywillsea.bsky.social's convo on AI as a teammate in higher ed is grounded, thoughtful, and honest. Real questions about culture, capacity, and care. AI is already reshaping teams. But what I love about this episode is how human it still feels. www.enrollify.org/episodes/epi...

“My job is to help people see beyond what they can see for themselves.” A great feature on past client, M State President Dr. Carrie Brimhall—on purpose, pivots, and people-centered leadership. 📰 fargomonthly.com/how-m-state-...

A Howard student created a social club to fight loneliness — no paperwork, no gatekeeping, just community. This is what student-led connection looks like. 💛

"What tools do you use?" A question I hear sometimes, so I'm spilling the tea in my latest blog post! I shared a few of my favorite tools for project management, social media, podcasting, community building, and more. Which ones are your favs?!

Photo booths are back — and Gen Z is making them cool again. As a millennial who lived for the mall booth era, I’m fully here for the return of tangible, fridge-worthy memories. 📸💖

What happens when you give students the strategy, support, and trust to lead? You get Reyn Smith. 💡 After going through the Student Social Media Academy, he went from content creator to strategist. Read more: josieahlquist.com/student-strategists-a-catalyst-for-purdue-daniels-social-media-growth

Dr. Shea Kidd Brown’s latest podcast episode is full of heart. In this episode of Kidd You Not, she shares her family’s adoption journey, work-life integration, and the power of embracing the middle. A must-listen. 🎧

Higher ed pros, let’s make Bluesky feel a little more like home. 💙 Whether you’re on campus, consulting, or supporting institutions, our community is stronger when we find & follow each other. That’s why I created Higher Ed Starter Packs—custom feeds & recommended follows to help you connect.

The best part of my career has been the people. 💙 The colleagues, mentors, and peers who made this work feel less lonely. Introducing @ahecc.bsky.social, co-created with @drclairebrady.bsky.social, Meghan Grace & Carrie Lovelace Petr. This is for you—higher ed coaches & consultants. 🔗: ahecc.org

ICYMI: The Higher Ed BlueSky Directory is live, and we’re already at 50+ professionals & institutions! Join the growing list & find your people: buff.ly/aysmuj0 💙 PS - Check out the Starter Packs created on my profile!

“Women supporting women isn’t just powerful—it’s unstoppable.” This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the power of possibility, partnership & building something bigger than ourselves. ⬇️

NASPA, New Orleans, and meaningful conversations—what more could you ask for? 🎷☕ Join @drclairebrady.bsky.social, Carrie Lovelace Petr, and me for a Connected Exec Meetup on March 16 at 2:30 p.m. in New Orleans! Real Convos. Real Connections. DM me for an invite. #NASPA25

Student affairs marketing is understaffed, underfunded, and overdue for a refresh. At #NASPA25, I’ll share research-backed strategies to help teams build a structure that actually works. 📆 March 17, 9:40 AM 📍 MCCNO 215-216

Kudos to @josieahlquist.bsky.social for putting this growing list of #higherEducation folks on BlueSky.

Higher ed pros, let's find each other again! 💙 I’ve put together a Bluesky Directory to help our community reconnect. https://buff.ly/4hUri6B Check it out and add your own info!

Leadership is about clarity, connection & community. At #NASPA25, I'll be joining Dr. Mordecai Brownlee and @drmikemunoz.bsky.social, diving into executive communication strategies that actually work. 📅 March 18, 2025 ⏰ 10:00 - 10:50 AM 📍 Hilton Riverside Grand Salon A6

Students trust students. Their voices shape campus culture in ways polished marketing never could. Join me, Tim Alexander & Sarah Mo at #ACPA25 to explore 3 models of student influencer programs! 📍 Room 203B, 2:30 - 3:30 PM Can't wait to share these insights with everyone later today.

Galentines 💖 Last weekend we celebrated, we laughed, we cried, we screamed and we empowered. This has turned into an annual and growing event; fitting this year’s theme was Wicked. I feel so lucky to have each of these women in my life — they will not be getting rid of me anytime soon.

Higher ed leaders—your input is needed! The 2025 NASPA Western Regional Conference is heading to Palm Springs in Nov., and we need your insights to shape it! If you're a dean, VP, or senior leader, take 10 min to share what matters most to you. 📝 Survey here: https://buff.ly/41e5U6k #NASPAWRC25

If you get a meeting request from me called a huggle, it’s because I am re-branding huddles to include hugs. Pass it on. 😉

Who's headed to ACPA in Long Beach?! Let’s connect! 🎉 Join me for a Connected Exec Community Meet-Up on Sunday, Feb. 16, from 2-3:30 PM at the Hyatt bar. First round and appetizers are on me! We’ll walk over to the opening session after. DM me with your details so I can send you an invite!

Plane was about to land then immediately took off again. Apparently we were going too fast. An analogy for my life.

💔

Don’t. Touch. Anything.