My guest today is Maria Kuntz, Director of Creative Communications and Services for University Advancement at University of Colorado, Boulder.

In this episode, Maria shares her personal and professional journey, discussing her experiences as a student, single parent, and higher education professional. She provides insights on storytelling in higher education marketing, the challenges faced by students and caregivers, and the importance of understanding individual student needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal experiences shape our approach to storytelling and marketing in higher education
• The importance of understanding and addressing the diverse needs of students, including caregivers
• The power of language and framing in shaping narratives and perceptions
• The potential of AI in higher education marketing and student support

Topics Discussed:

• Maria's background in theater, French, and international studies
• Challenges faced as a student and single parent pursuing graduate education
• The importance of time and support for caregivers in higher education
• Approaches to storytelling that respect individual experiences and avoid assumptions
• The concept of universal design in student support services
• The use of AI in higher education marketing and student support

Strategies and Examples Discussed:

• Asking students what's important to them when telling their stories
• Using AI for qualitative analysis of interview transcripts
• Exploring different storytelling constructs beyond the hero's journey
• The potential of custom GPTs for brand-aligned content creation

Connect With Maria:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariakuntz/
  
  

Connect With John:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnazoni
• Website: https://unveild.tv
• Newsletter: https://unveild.tv/newsletter