Lead17 - With Logo
Lead17 - With Logo
Lead17 - With Logo
www.josieahlquist.com
Realities of Higher Ed Leadership
in the Digital Age
The pace of change with social media can be near
impossible to keep up with for higher education leaders.
These platforms swiftly update multiple times in one
semester, andeach freshman class brings different
platforms. You keep seeing articles that say youth are no
longer on Facebook or that Snapchat is dead. You’ve lost
track of the number of people who have pushed you to
be more active online or create an Instagram page, blog,
or Twitter account.
But you desire to truly connect and help your students. You worry every
day about how to keep your students engaged with your campus through
graduation day and beyond. But yearly, your recruitment and retention
numbers waver. While your daily schedule may or may not have direct student
contact, they are the reason you work in higher education.
could social media tools fill the gap between your campus
leadership position and better serving your campus community?
These platforms can be intimidating! Instagram feeds look far too perfect for you
to start a platform. You might be confused if you should have a personal Facebook
account or create a branded page and what the heck is the difference?
These are all common questions and considerations for campus leaders as they
approach new technology and shifts to social media applications.
I back up my curriculum and coaching with grant-funded and award-winning research, found in
the Handbook of Student Affairs Administration textbook, The Journal of Leadership Studies, New
Directions in Student Services, New Directions in Student Leadership, and Contested Issues in
Student Affairs. I am currently writing a book with Stylus Publishing, set to release in 2019 on digital
leadership in higher education.
For the fourth year in a row, I have been named in the “Top 50 Must-Read Higher Education
Technology Blogs” by EdTech Magazine. My podcast, Josie & The Podcast, has been featured by
both The Chronicle of Higher Ed and Inside Higher Ed.
I know first-hand that defining your purpose on social media and navigating the waters of digital
leadership is not easy and likely uncharted territory.
I know you genuinely want to connect with your campus community, but it’s difficult to prioritize or
to even know where to start. From selecting and creating your own platforms and sharing content
to producing unique experiences on social media, it can be overwhelming. But that fear of the
unknown or idea that you can do it later is not a reason to wait.
Because if done right, with small strategic steps, you can shape your digital leadership presence
which I know will directly impact your campus community. I’ve seen it happen. I’ve helped make it
happen, across the globe.
I’m excited for you to continue to read this guide and help nudge you closer to plugging into the
exciting digital world of social media. Let’s get you connected!
Twitter is still one of the most intimidating platforms for new users to learn. I’ve lost count of
the number of campus professionals I’ve sat with for hours, helping them get set up and feel
comfortable tweeting. From the start, I had to really reflect on whether I wanted to be “found” by
students. I decided to try an experiment. I had two accounts: one was open and heavily focused on
education, and the second account focused on my personal life. After only a few months of trying
to share my life on two accounts, I discovered it was exhausting.
As a queen of efficiency, I declared what I was doing wasn’t necessary and a total waste of time.
I quickly deleted the second account. To this day on @josieahlquist, I have different pockets
of followers, from college presidents who tweet about my research, to a college student who
attended one of my keynotes, to 12-year-olds who are fans of my husband’s YouTube show Epic
Rap Battles of History.
It was through my own digital branding battle that I discovered the benefit of presenting a
unified self—not only for my own sanity but to role model what that should look like on a social
media platform like Twitter.
Because I had to come to terms with and embrace my digital reputation, I feel even more confident
to guide others on embracing all parts of their personalities, identities, and beliefs as they look to
develop their own social media presence and digital leadership influence.
Whatever concerns you are facing about why you should connect digitally or who to connect with
online are valid, especially when thinking about the current and future students on your campus.
With knowledge, experimentation, and customized support you have the opportunity to build your
influence and scale your leadership impact on your campus and in higher education.
80% of Americans 18-24 say they are still on Facebook. However, they are not posting
3. there as often. Student leaders especially use Facebook for groups they are involved in
some being required to read/respond to announcements and post updates. Facebook
events, both sharing and RSVPing, another way this group actively uses Facebook.
Those young adults who are active online don’t mind being asked questions, and they
4. are willing to connect and even give tutorials. However, don’t assume all young adults
and teens are digital experts nor active users. They aren’t all online…or on all applications
(Ahlquist, 2015).
There is more going on behind the screen, (harm, addiction, etc.). According to clinical
5. psychologist Marion Underwood, co-author of the #Being13 study, “They’re addicted to
peer connection and affirmation they’re able to get via social media.” Young adults want to
“know what each other are doing, where they stand, to know how many people like what
they posted, to know how many people followed them today and unfollowed them...that
I think is highly addictive.” (Fromm, 2017, p. 23). When asked how often they check their
phone, their average response is “too much.” What would your answer be?
Young adults know (and hear often) what adults don’t want them doing online. However,
6. when asked what they think adults want them posting or sharing, they may not actually
know (Ahlquist, 2015). They report that adults can be the worst users of social media, and
have few (if any) role models or teachers for social media. Especially starting in middle
school, their lists of digital role models are probably celebrities. But now as they enter
college, they are eager to find relatable mentors and role models…including you!
It’s all about relationships. Sharing content that features your colleagues,
family, friends, and what you’re doing helps your followers see the “real” side
of the way you lead. You don’t have to just stick with sharing your opinions or
purely academic content.
Add a pinch of pets and places. Do you have a pet, mascot or the cutest
campus squirrels? Research yes research shows that sharing this type of
content will increase engagement. Beyond boosting your likes, posting content
that features your cat, dog, or llama helps those leaders who don’t want to be
in front of the camera but still have that personal touch. Plus, pet photos are
the least controversial or political. No pets or fur friends? Share location-based
adventures like a visit to your favorite coffee shop or city museum.
Sprinkle in your hobbies. The final ingredient in the secret sauce isn’t multi-
colored sugar candies but the idea that sprinkling in your hobbies and what
you’re passionate about (besides your institution) can do wonders to helping
your followers get to know you as a person. Sharing your hobbies allows you to
build relationships online, open up for meaningful dialogue, and overall show
that you are approachable.
Some campus execs can share their true self in 280 characters or less or by posting
the perfect gif or instagram video. Others are amazing writers and interviewers. No
matter your skill set, your options for connecting with your students and sharing
authentic content can go beyond a Tweet or Instagram post. Regular internal or
external newsletters, blog posts, and podcasts are popular media types that will allow
you to build a digital connection in a new way.
Newsletter: When was the last time you sent a message directly to your
students that wasn’t the beginning or end of a term or in response to a campus
emergency? A regular newsletter filled with authentic content that is interesting
to students can be powerful.
Podcasts: Have you been featured on a radio show recently or do you regularly
chat with key stakeholders or alumni around the state and world? Podcasts
are one of the newest storytelling platforms popular among your students,
and are an easy way to share authentic content and connect with your campus
community. From chatting with your students, faculty, staff, community
stakeholders, or alumni, podcasts are a great way to capture a conversation and
share it with the masses.
Even the most skilled social media strategist has a hard time keeping up with social
media, especially the trends of young adults. In order to learn and enhance your ability
to connect online, you need to be a student of students especially their views,
usage, and experiences with social media. Check out the bonus six questions to ask
students that will help you better understand their social media and how they might
want to connect with you.
Use any of the questions below as prompts for both formal group interviews, as
well as informal 1-1 conversations.
Social Media Researcher Tip: Go in with an open mind and without intentions
to educate or judge. Listen to experiences, validate with empathy, and explore
further with additional questions.
1. What was your very first social media application, and when?
2. Who taught you how to use early platforms? How do you figure
them out today?
4. What platforms do you log into nearly every day or every hour?
Connected
THE
EXEC PROGRAM
Instead of just jumping in and guessing what to do online, campus executives
need to intentionally establish an executive brand and social media strategy that
aligns with your career goals, university needs, and your personality.
Skills and realistic strategy for thought leadership that includes digital
community formation, genuine and authentic online engagement, and
compelling digital storytelling content creation.
A brand clarity that aligns with your genuine persona, as well as career path/
position as an executive in education.
Post-Program Coaching
Support
At the end of the program, you’ll receive a
branding report that summarizes strategic
and genuine strategy, support systems,
and evaluation tools.
You recognize the value and power of social media in cultivating your brand.
You need help prioritizing your time and tech tools that align with your
position and even personality
Tonantzin Oseguera
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
California State University Fullerton
After you apply, I’ll email you to set up a call so you can learn more
about the program, ask any additional questions, and make sure it
is a good fit.
EXEC PROGRAM
Not ready to start the 90-day leadership program but want to connect with other
campus executives who are building a genuine online presence? Join my private
facebook community called The Connected Exec Community!
I have created this guide and The Connected Exec Program to teach you how you can immediately
make an impact on your community and empower you with confidence, creativity, and courage to fill
your cup and your social media feed.
I am excited for your willingness to put yourself out there; out of your office, out of your executive
cabinet, and out beyond the traditional walls of your campus. I know your students, alumni, parents,
faculty, staff, and stakeholders can’t wait to genuinely connect with you and more strongly identify as
members of your institution.
To see if The Connected Exec Program is a fit for you, APPLY HERE.
If you have any questions or would just like to connect, feel free to get in touch anytime at
josie@josieahlquist.com.
Ahlquist, J. (2016). The Digital Identity of Student Affairs Professionals. In E. Cabellon & J.
Ahlquist (Eds.), Engaging the digital generation (New Directions for Student Services, No.
155, 29 – 46). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Ahlquist, J. (2015). Developing Digital Student Leaders: A Mixed Methods Study of Student
Leadership, Identity and Decision Making on Social Media (Doctoral dissertation).
Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. (Accession Order No. 3713711).
boyd, d. (2014). It’s Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens. New Haven, CT: Yale
University Press.
Gross, L. (2018). The Higher Ed Social Listening Handbook. Madison, WI: Campus Sonar.
Junco, R. (2014). Engaging students through social media: Evidence-Based Practices for Use in
Student Affairs. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Zaiontz, D. (2015). #FollowTheLeader: Lessons in Social Media Success from #HigherEd CEOs. Saint
Louis, MO: EDUniverse Media.
Sheninger, E. (2015). Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times. Thousand Oaks,
CA: Corwin
Sheninger, E. & Rubin, T. (2017). BrandEd: Tell Your Story, Build Relations, and Empower Learning.
San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.
Qualman, E. (2011). Digital Leader: 5 Simple Keys to Success and Influence. New York, NY: McGraw-
Hill Education.
Ahlquist, J. (2018, April 25). Tweet the Veep: 30 Vice Presidents to Follow on Twitter. Retrieved from
http://www.josieahlquist.com/2018/04/25/tweettheveep/
Ahlquist, J. (2018, April 5). Secret Sauce of Social Media for Campus Executives. Retrieved from
http://www.josieahlquist.com/2018/04/05/secretsauce/
Ahlquist, J. (2017, December 7). 4 Missteps CEOs Make on Social Media. Retrieved from http://www.
josieahlquist.com/2017/12/13/ceosocialmistakes/
Ahlquist, J. (2017, November 27). 20 Higher Education Presidents to Follow on Instagram. Retrieved
from http://www.josieahlquist.com/2017/11/27/instapresidents/
Ahlquist, J. (2017, October 30). 25 Higher Education Presidents to Follow on Twitter. Retrieved from
http://www.josieahlquist.com/2017/10/30/25twitterpresidents/
Barnes, N. G., & Lescault, A. M. (2018). College presidents out-Blog and out-tweet
corporate CEO’s as higher ed delves deeper into social media to recruit students.
Dartmouth, MA: Center for Marketing Research, University of Massachusetts
– Dartmouth. Retrieved from https://www.umassd.edu/media/umassdartmouth/
cmr/studiesandresearch/CollegePresidentsBlog.pdf
Chatterton, P. (2018). The social campus report: 8 opportunities for higher ed in 2018.
Hootsuite. Retrieved from https://hootsuite.com/webinars/social-campus-report
Pew Research Center. (2018). Mobile fact sheet. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from http://
www.pewinternet.org/ fact-sheet/mobile/
Podcasts
Ahlquist, J. (2018, April 18). Bonus Episode // Coffee Talk with Walter Kimbrough at CASE Social
Media & Community Conference [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.josieahlquist.
com/podcast/casesmcwalterkimbrough/
Ahlquist, J. (2018, February 28). Kirk and Noel Schulz // #GoCougs First Family [Audio podcast].
Josie & the Podcast. Retrieved from http://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/firstfamily/
Ahlquist, J. (2018, January 24). Luoluo Hong: Putting Wheels Under Your Values
[Audio podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/luoluohong/
Ahlquist, J (2017, October 12). Digital Leadership at the Executive Level // Classroom Edition. [Audio
podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/
executivedigitalleadership/
Ahlquist, J (2016, December 5). Levester Johnson // Partnering with Students as Tech Experts,
Tweet Treats Programming, Parent Online Engagement & Living a #BringIt Mentality. [Audio
podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/levesterjohnson/
Ahlquist, J (2016, November 28). Tonantzin Oseguera // Troublemaker turned Dean of Students,
Social Media + Judicial Affairs & Understanding the student experience through
Snapchat. [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/
tonantzinoseguera/