Overcoming a 5 Million Dollar Financial Challenge by Rethinking Strategy

Higher ed is under pressure, and the clock is ticking for leaders to make bold, strategic moves. In this episode, Dr. Jamie Caridi shares how he helped Bethany College overcome deep financial challenges, rebuild trust, and launch a high-impact strategic plan. From reaching economic equilibrium to forming unexpected partnerships, Caridi unpacks a leadership playbook grounded in clarity, innovation, and courage.

This conversation is a practical roadmap for campus leaders looking to rethink planning cycles, enrollment strategy, and cross-sector collaboration in a rapidly shifting landscape.

🎧 Join us as we discuss:

• Why three-year strategic plans are the new standard

• Redefining economic equilibrium in small colleges

• How to stop chasing "more" and start choosing mission

• Building innovation cultures in tradition-bound spaces

• When partnerships become survival strategies

• The courageous leadership higher ed needs now

🎙️ Inside the Episode

08:34 – Fixing a $5M deficit and building economic equilibrium

11:00 – Calling out the “enrollment cliff” excuse

14:03 – What innovation really looks like in higher ed

17:47 – Start, Stop, Continue: Creating space for new ideas

21:18 – Why marketers must have a seat at the innovation table

25:21 – Building revenue-positive partnerships with former competitors

36:58 – Rethinking cost models and corporate partnerships

38:25 – Demand excellence, not perfection

The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, AI expertise, and branding needs. 

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