Insights from the Higher Ed Experts

BY Anthony Campisi | July 29th, 2025

Always On. Always Engaged: How ReadyRecruit.AI Is Transforming Enrollment

In a world where student expectations are 24/7, your recruitment strategy can’t clock out at 5 p.m. That’s where ReadyRecruit steps in — your AI-powered recruitment associate that never takes a break. Developed by GPRS, ReadyRecruit isn’t just another chatbot — it’s a fully autonomous digital teammate that helps institutions meet today’s demand for intelligent, immediate, and personal engagement.

Why ReadyRecruit? Because Every Prospect Deserves a Real-Time Response

When a prospective student reaches out — whether it’s midnight or midday — ReadyRecruit is there. Its AI Agents deliver real-time, personalized communication across email, text, phone, and chat. That means no lag in response time, no missed opportunities, and no warm lead turning cold.

Immediate Engagement
24/7 Multi Channel Support
Personalized, Thoughtful Follow-Up

Whether it’s a first inquiry or a reactivated lead from two years ago, every student gets the attention they deserve — when they need it most.

Engineered for Enrollment Teams

What sets ReadyRecruit apart is its Agentic AI framework, which enables each digital agent to think, plan, and act toward your specific enrollment goals.

Smart Automation That Works for You:

Reactivates Stalled Leads with tailored messages
Schedules Appointments at the perfect moment in a prospect’s journey
Communicates in 50+ Languages to reach a global, diverse student audience
Scales Effortlessly to handle campaigns and spikes in inquiry volume
Integrates Seamlessly with Slate, Salesforce, HubSpot, and more

These aren’t plug-and-play bots. They’re trained by enrollment experts and fully customizable to reflect your institution’s tone, programs, and priorities.

More Than Just Efficiency — It’s Empowerment

With ReadyRecruit handling routine communications and initial qualification, your admissions staff can focus on what they do best: building relationships with your best-fit students.

Frees Up Staff Time
Boosts Morale
Drives Better Outcomes, Faster

And with a real-time dashboard, your team has complete oversight and control — monitoring conversations, tracking performance, and making adjustments on the fly.

Built by Enrollment Strategists. Powered by Advanced AI.

At its core, ReadyRecruit is powered by GPRS and built on a foundation of deep enrollment expertise. It understands the nuances of student decision-making — and it’s designed to guide every prospect toward your desired outcomes, whether that’s inquiry, application, or enrollment.

This is intelligent engagement that works for you, with you, and around the clock.

Ready to See ReadyRecruit in Action?

Let ReadyRecruit be your Always On partner in driving enrollment success.

Schedule a demo to explore how ReadyRecruit can help you convert more prospects — with less effort.

Insights from the Higher Ed Experts

BY Anthony Campisi | July 15th, 2025

Beyond the Traditional: How Flexible Learning Models Are Reshaping Higher Education

The pandemic may have accelerated online learning, but it didn’t stop there. Today’s students — whether they’re 18 or 48 — expect flexibility. From asynchronous courses to HyFlex classrooms, higher education is undergoing a fundamental transformation in how it delivers value.

One Model Doesn’t Fit All

More learners are juggling careers, caregiving, and other responsibilities alongside their studies. Institutions are responding with a portfolio approach:

Online programs for anywhere, anytime access.
Hybrid formats combining online convenience with in-person engagement.
HyFlex delivery offering real-time choice between in-person or remote participation.

This flexibility isn’t just a student perk — it’s becoming a competitive necessity.

Quality Is the New Differentiator

Flexibility without quality leads to disengagement. That’s why institutions are investing in instructional design, faculty training, and digital platforms that prioritize interaction, accessibility, and engagement.

Strategic use of learning analytics and adaptive tools are also helping educators personalize content and support diverse learning needs.

Operational Shifts for a Flexible Future

Embracing flexible learning requires more than a new tech platform. It means rethinking:

Scheduling and classroom space
Faculty support and workload
Assessment strategies
Student services designed for virtual touchpoints

Done right, it opens doors to new populations — adult learners, working professionals, and those historically underserved by traditional models.

Leading Through the Shift

At GPRS, we help institutions evolve with intention. Flexible learning isn’t just about modality — it’s about meeting students where they are while delivering on the promise of quality, access, and engagement.

Insights from the Higher Ed Experts

BY Anthony Campisi | June 26th, 2025

What’s Next for DEI? How Higher Ed is Evolving its Commitment to Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has long been a pillar of progress in higher education — but recent legal, political, and cultural shifts have pushed institutions to rethink their approach. Rather than stepping back, many are stepping forward in new ways.

From Policy to Purpose

While some race-based practices have been challenged legally, the underlying purpose of DEI — creating an environment where all students can succeed — remains. Institutions are shifting focus from traditional frameworks to inclusive pedagogy, belonging-centered initiatives, and broader access strategies.

Rethinking Recruitment and Support

With changes to affirmative action policies, colleges are finding new ways to foster diversity. This includes:

Investing in outreach to first-gen and low-income students.
Strengthening transfer pathways.
Expanding need-based financial aid.
Building data-informed support systems to close equity gaps.

These efforts may look different on paper, but their mission remains the same: expanding opportunity.

Inclusion Beyond Admissions

DEI now extends deeper into the student experience — embedding cultural competency into curriculum, building inclusive leadership pipelines, and fostering respectful dialogue across differences. The emphasis is increasingly on outcomes, not just inputs.

A More Nuanced Conversation

Institutions are also navigating how to communicate their DEI efforts effectively — balancing transparency, legal compliance, and stakeholder expectations. There’s a growing emphasis on evidence-based impact and the language of belonging, persistence, and student success.

At GPRS, we help institutions adapt without losing sight of their values. In this evolving landscape, the question isn’t whether DEI matters — it’s how we lead it forward.

Insights from the Higher Ed Experts

BY Anthony Campisi | June 17th, 2025

Reimagining the Classroom: How AI is Transforming Teaching and Learning

Higher education is no stranger to innovation, but the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating change at a pace few could have imagined. From personalized learning experiences to AI-powered tutoring, the classroom is evolving — and so is the role of the educator.

Teaching with AI, Not Replacing It

Contrary to some fears, AI isn’t here to replace faculty. It’s augmenting their ability to teach more effectively. Tools like AI teaching assistants can answer routine student questions, freeing up faculty time for deeper instruction and mentoring. Natural language tools like ChatGPT are also helping students refine ideas, explore content more deeply, and receive immediate feedback.

Personalization at Scale

AI excels at pattern recognition, and when applied thoughtfully, it enables personalized learning paths. Adaptive platforms can now identify a student’s strengths and gaps in real time, offering customized content, assessments, and pacing. For institutions, this means improving outcomes while addressing equity and access.

The New Digital Literacy

As AI becomes more integrated into education, understanding how to use it responsibly is becoming a key skill — for both students and faculty. Institutions are revisiting academic integrity policies and offering training on ethical AI use, ensuring learners are prepared for a workforce where AI is ubiquitous.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Integrating AI is not without challenges. Bias in AI models, data privacy, and equitable access to tools are all real concerns. But for forward-looking institutions, these challenges are opportunities — to lead, to innovate, and to reimagine the student experience.

At GPRS, we help institutions make sense of the shifting higher ed landscape. AI in the classroom is just the beginning—how you lead through it makes all the difference.

Insights from the Higher Ed Experts

BY Anthony Campisi | May 29th, 2025

Don’t Sleep on Summer: Quick SEO Moves That Deliver for Schools

While it’s tempting to shift into summer slowdown mode, there’s still time to capture high-intent traffic from students actively searching right now. Summer is just starting — and that means opportunity is still on the table.
From last-minute decision-makers to transfer students and adult learners looking for July or August starts, many prospects are deep in comparison mode. Your organic strategy still matters — and might even matter more right now.

3 Fast SEO Wins to Use Right Now

1. Add Time-Sensitive Keywords

Update headlines, meta descriptions, and hero text with language like:

“Still time to enroll for summer”
“Fall programs with spots open”
“Online certificates you can start this month”

These tweaks help you capture the urgency of late-stage prospects still searching.

2. Post (or Re-share) Quick-Hit Content

If you don’t have time to start fresh, re-share or lightly update useful blog content like:

“How to Enroll Late (Without Falling Behind)”
“Best Fast-Track Certificates You Can Start in July”
“Yes, You Can Still Transfer This Summer — Here’s How”

Short, action-focused posts like these get attention from high-intent users — and help convert them.

3. Refresh Top-Performing Pages

Find your highest-traffic program or blog pages and add fresh calls to action like:

“Classes begin soon — secure your spot now.”
“Late enrollment available through July.”

Even minor updates can signal that your content is current — and that you’re still accepting students.

Start-of-Summer Advantage

Here’s the secret: your competition may have gone quiet. That’s your signal to get louder — strategically. Summertime is a great time to pick up organic traffic and stay top of mind for prospects still in motion.

Need help making SEO updates that drive results? GPRS helps higher ed partners move fast — and smart — when it matters most.

Insights from the Higher Ed Experts

BY Anthony Campisi | May 15th, 2025

Neuromarketing in Higher Ed: What the Brain Tells Us About Decision-Making

What if you could tap into how the brain actually works to improve your marketing performance? Neuromarketing — the application of neuroscience and cognitive psychology to marketing strategy — helps higher ed marketers do just that. By understanding how prospective students process information, make choices, and form emotional connections, we can create campaigns that are not only compelling but also conversion-optimized at a subconscious level.

Here’s how you can start using brain science to refine your messaging, structure your content, and build deeper trust with your audience.

Emotion Drives Decision-Making — Not Logic

While higher education decisions feel like they’re rooted in reason, studies in neuroscience say otherwise: emotions play a primary role in decision-making. Emotion is often the filter through which logical information is interpreted.

What does that mean for your messaging?

Highlight emotional benefits (growth, belonging, purpose) before you list features (program details, rankings, job outcomes).
Use storytelling to trigger empathy and aspiration — two high-impact emotional states tied to engagement.
Lead with visuals and copy that make the prospect feel something, not just know something.

Brain Tip: Use narrative arcs that include tension and resolution — our brains are wired to pay attention to stories because they mirror real-life decision pathways.

Color, Structure, and Simplicity = Cognitive Ease

The brain loves shortcuts — and when your marketing is too cluttered, complicated, or color-clashing, it subconsciously creates friction. On the other hand, cognitive fluency — the ease with which your content can be processed—leads to higher trust and conversion.

How to apply this:

Use color psychology strategically: blue for trust, green for growth, and orange for optimism. Avoid overstimulation.
Apply clean, intuitive visual hierarchy: make your CTA stand out, group related elements, and limit font styles.
Less is more: Chunk text into digestible pieces. Make decisions (like scheduling a tour or applying) feel effortless.

Brain Tip: A simple layout with clear visual cues reduces cognitive load and increases action. When we feel mentally comfortable, we’re more likely to engage.

Trust Is Built in Microseconds — and Easily Broken

A user’s first impression of your website or campaign happens in less than 500 milliseconds. And once skepticism sets in, it’s hard to reverse. The good news? Certain elements can instantly increase trust.

Make it brain-friendly by:

Featuring real students — not stock photos.
Including third-party credibility markers: rankings, badges, alumni quotes.
Highlighting transparency: deadlines, costs, and expectations should be easy to find and clear.

Brain Tip: The amygdala — the part of the brain associated with fear and risk — lights up when people sense uncertainty. Reduce ambiguity to keep the trust response strong.

Marketing That Resonates Because It’s Wired That Way

At GPRS, we help colleges and universities not only tell their stories but tell them the way the brain wants to hear them. From messaging hierarchies built on psychological principles to design systems that minimize friction and increase emotional connection, we bring a science-backed lens to every project.

Our strategies are:

Emotionally intelligent
Cognitively streamlined
Visually optimized for trust and clarity

Because when you understand how the mind works, you can create marketing that works.

Want to unlock the science of better messaging and smarter engagement? Let’s talk. GPRS can help your institution reach the right students by reaching their hearts and minds.

Insights from the Higher Ed Experts

BY Anthony Campisi | April 30th, 2025

Beyond the Acceptance Letter: How Yield Marketing Builds Connection and Converts Admits into Enrollments

In the competitive landscape of higher education, getting a student to apply and even accept an offer is only part of the journey. The real challenge lies in yielding that student—nurturing their interest and securing their commitment to enroll. This critical phase is where Yield Marketing comes into play.

What Is Yield Marketing in Higher Education?

Yield marketing refers to the targeted strategies institutions use to convert admitted students into enrolled students. While traditional marketing often focuses on awareness and lead generation, yield marketing zeroes in on persuasion, connection, and reinforcement after the acceptance letter has been sent.

It’s not just about making the case why a student should choose your institution — it’s about making them feel that they belong.

Why Yield Marketing Matters More Than Ever

With increasing competition, the rise of test-optional admissions, and more students applying to multiple schools, enrollment is far from guaranteed — even for your most qualified admits. Add to that the cost and effort of acquiring each applicant, and the importance of yield becomes clear.

This is especially true in graduate and professional programs, where students are balancing career decisions, family life, and a financial investment. Yield communications must be deeply intentional and tailored.

The Emotional and Rational Drivers of Enrollment

Effective yield marketing recognizes that admitted students are now in the decision-making phase. They’ve narrowed down their choices. They’re comparing aid packages, asking friends, visiting Reddit threads, and re-reading emails. Here’s where your brand promise needs to shine—not with broad strokes, but with clarity and personalization.
Emotional drivers include:

A sense of belonging or community
Confidence in support systems (academic, financial, career)
Personal recognition from staff or faculty

Rational drivers include:

Clarity on outcomes (career advancement, ROI, networking)
Competitive financial aid
Program flexibility and structure

Tactics That Work: Turning Acceptance Into Enrollment

Segmented, Personalized Communications Send tailored messages based on major, geography, career goals, or application motivations. Use their first name, reference their interests, and show them a path forward.
Student and Alumni Spotlights Share stories from current students or recent graduates who “chose you” and are thriving. Use video and authentic voice.
Yield Events and 1:1 Touchpoints Virtual or in-person meet-and-greets, coffee chats with faculty, or personalized Zoom calls with advisors can make a huge impact—especially for professional students balancing multiple commitments.
Smart Automation with a Human Feel Use drip campaigns that reinforce community, celebrate next steps, and offer clear guidance—without sounding robotic.
Reinforce Outcomes and Value Use data and storytelling to re-emphasize the value of the degree. Career support, alumni networks, and leadership development are all part of the ROI students need to see.
Be Ready with Objection Handling Whether it’s financial aid, housing, or fit, make sure your admissions team is prepared to answer the tough questions—and has the flexibility to act when necessary.

Closing the Loop

Yield marketing isn’t about pushing students across the finish line—it’s about walking with them to it. It’s the difference between being one of many accepted schools and becoming their school.

For institutions focused on transforming lives, yield marketing is where that transformation begins—with trust, connection, and clarity.

Let GPRS help you turn admitted students into enthusiastic enrollees by making every message matter.

Insights from the Higher Ed Experts

BY Anthony Campisi | April 15th, 2025

The Power of Storytelling in Higher Education Marketing

In a crowded marketplace, facts and figures alone aren’t enough to stand out. Prospective students are looking for more than programs and tuition rates—they want to know what it feels like to be part of your institution’s community. This is where storytelling in higher education marketing comes in.

Compelling narratives can transform your marketing efforts by humanizing your institution, fostering emotional connections, and inspiring action. Here’s how to harness the power of storytelling in higher education marketing.

Craft Student Success Stories

Nothing resonates with prospective students more than seeing real people achieve their dreams. Student success stories provide a window into the transformative experiences your institution offers.

Focus on Relatable Journeys: Highlight diverse students and their unique paths—whether they’re first-generation college-goers, career-changers, or international learners.
Show, Don’t Tell: Use vivid details to bring stories to life. For example, instead of saying a student became a leader, share how they launched a campus initiative or made an impact in their field.
Keep It Outcome-Oriented: Prospective students want to see results. Tie the narrative back to career advancement, personal growth, or community contributions.

Use Video and Interactive Content to Engage Audiences

Storytelling doesn’t have to live solely in text. Video and interactive media provide dynamic ways to captivate audiences and make your narratives more accessible.

Short-Form Videos: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram thrive on short, impactful storytelling. Share quick vignettes of students’ day-to-day lives or “behind-the-scenes” campus experiences.
Interactive Timelines: Create digital experiences where prospective students can explore a student’s journey from orientation to graduation.
Live Streams: Host Q&A sessions or virtual tours where current students, alumni, or faculty share their stories in real-time.

Incorporate Faculty and Alumni Voices

Faculty and alumni are integral parts of your institution’s story. Featuring their voices adds credibility, depth, and aspirational value to your messaging.

Faculty Highlights: Showcase faculty who are innovators in their fields or deeply committed to mentorship. Pair profiles with anecdotes about how they’ve impacted students.
Alumni Success: Share stories of alumni who’ve gone on to achieve significant milestones, tying their success back to the education and experiences they gained at your institution.
Community Impact: Highlight alumni who are using their education to give back—whether through social initiatives, entrepreneurial ventures, or groundbreaking research.

GPRS: Your Partner in Storytelling

At GPRS, we understand that storytelling is more than just marketing — it’s about capturing the heart of what makes your institution unique.

We’ve helped institutions across the globe craft narratives that resonate with their audiences. From developing authentic student profiles to producing engaging video campaigns, we specialize in bringing stories to life.

The power of storytelling in higher education marketing is the bridge that connects your institution’s values and mission to the aspirations of prospective students. By sharing authentic, impactful narratives, you can humanize your brand and inspire your audience to take the next step.

Ready to craft compelling stories that make an impact? Let GPRS help you uncover and amplify the voices that make your institution shine.

Insights from the Higher Ed Experts

BY Anthony Campisi | March 26th, 2025

Proven Strategies to Attract and Retain Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education

As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, non-traditional students—including adult learners, career-changers, and part-time students—are becoming a critical focus for institutions. These students bring diverse experiences, clear goals, and a strong desire for programs that fit their unique needs.
To attract and retain this demographic, institutions must implement strategies that prioritize flexibility, career-focused messaging, and personalized support. Below are key approaches to successfully engaging today’s non-traditional learners.

Offer Flexible Program Structures

Non-traditional students often juggle work, family, and other responsibilities alongside their studies. Providing flexible learning options can significantly impact their decision to enroll and persist.

Online and Hybrid Programs: A combination of online and in-person learning allows students to tailor their education to their schedules.
Asynchronous Learning: Recorded lectures and self-paced modules enable students to learn on their terms.
Accelerated Paths: Condensed courses and stackable credentials allow students to earn valuable qualifications faster without sacrificing quality.

Craft Marketing Messages That Highlight ROI

Non-traditional students are not just seeking education—they want clear outcomes. Your marketing efforts should emphasize how your institution can help them achieve career growth and personal success.

Focus on Career Advancement: Use testimonials and data to showcase how graduates have secured promotions, career shifts, or salary increases.
Cost and Value Transparency: Provide a clear breakdown of tuition costs, financial aid options, and expected return on investment.
Personalized Messaging: Implement targeted campaigns that address specific needs, such as career transitions, skill updates, or degree completion.

Address Unique Pain Points

Non-traditional students face challenges that differ from traditional undergraduates. Recognizing and addressing these challenges fosters trust and engagement.

Support for Life Transitions: Career changers may need help translating prior experience into new opportunities. Career counseling and skill alignment workshops can bridge that gap.
Accessible Resources: Ensure easy access to academic advising, financial aid assistance, and tutoring services to remove barriers for busy students.
Community and Belonging: Create opportunities for non-traditional students to connect with peers through online forums, networking events, or dedicated student organizations.

GPRS: Helping Institutions Empower Non-Traditional Learners

Non-traditional students are an essential and growing segment of higher education. By offering flexibility, career-focused outcomes, and targeted support, institutions can foster lasting relationships with this motivated audience.
At GPRS, we help institutions attract and retain non-traditional students through tailored strategies. From crafting value-driven marketing campaigns to implementing flexible learning solutions, we understand what it takes to increase engagement and enrollment.

Want to boost non-traditional student enrollment? Contact GPRS today to discover how we can help your institution attract, support, and retain non-traditional learners for long-term success.

Insights from the Higher Ed Experts

BY Anthony Campisi | March 11th, 2025

Digital Marketing Strategies That Drive Enrollment in 2025

Digital marketing is no longer just a supporting tool for higher education — it’s the driving force behind enrollment success. Students today expect more than just information; they want experiences that resonate, inspire, and guide them toward their goals. To meet these expectations, institutions must embrace innovative strategies that align with rapidly shifting digital behaviors.

Here are the top strategies shaping enrollment marketing in 2025 and how you can leverage them to attract and engage prospective students.

Short-Form Video: Capturing Attention, Building Trust

In a world where scrolling is endless and attention spans are short, short-form video has become the ultimate engagement tool. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are dominating student engagement because they deliver content in a way that feels immediate and authentic.

Student-Led Stories: Prospective students trust their peers. Highlight authentic, student-created content that showcases campus life, study tips, or even fun traditions.
Quick, Value-Packed Clips: Short videos explaining how to apply, meet deadlines, or access financial aid can remove barriers and drive action.
Interactive Moments: Use polls, challenges, or “Ask Me Anything” sessions to build a two-way connection with your audience.

Emerging Ad Formats: Think Beyond the Basics

Traditional digital ads still have value, but reaching students in 2025 means tapping into emerging platforms and ad formats that speak their language.

Diversified Platforms: While Instagram and Facebook remain relevant, platforms like TikTok Ads, Spotify, and even Reddit offer fresh opportunities to engage new audiences.
Interactive and Immersive Ads: Carousel ads, 360-degree experiences, and shoppable formats make your programs stand out in a crowded feed.
Smarter Targeting: With advancements in analytics, you can zero in on high-potential prospects based on their goals, browsing behaviors, or even predicted interests.

Mobile-First Marketing: Meeting Students Where They Are

For most prospective students, their mobile device isn’t just a tool — it’s their lifeline. If your digital presence isn’t designed with mobile-first engagement in mind, you risk losing leads before they even get to know your institution.

Speed is Everything: Ensure your website and landing pages load quickly on mobile devices. Delays can mean drop-offs.
Simplify Navigation: A clutter-free, mobile-optimized site that offers clear pathways to essential information (like programs, tuition, and application steps) is key.
Effective CTAs: Use bold, easy-to-click calls-to-action like “Apply Now,” “Request Info,” or “Schedule a Virtual Tour” to keep engagement high.

The Competitive Edge: GPRS and Digital Marketing

At GPRS, we understand that keeping up with digital trends can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. Our expertise helps institutions create meaningful, measurable connections with prospective students.

Whether you’re looking to amplify your reach on emerging platforms or optimize your current strategies, GPRS can develop a tailored plan that drives enrollment and sets your institution apart in 2025.

Digital marketing in 2025 is all about innovation, authenticity, and connection. By embracing these strategies, your institution can meet students where they are and lead them toward where they want to go. Ready to take your digital marketing to the next level? Contact GPRS today to create a strategy that works for you.