Energy and Humor in Higher Ed
June 13, 2024
I’ve long believed that universities that embrace spirit, fun and humor have an advantage over those who play it straight. I'm delighted to work for a boss who feels the same way. Read more.
Collegiate Advertising Awards Honor VCU
April 18, 2024
The Enterprise Marketing and Communications team earned four awards in the national competition, including two Golds, for projects that helped promote VCU and its Uncommon brand. Read more.
Be a Branding Rock Star
March 5, 2024
This past weekend, I was dancing on the floor of Sphere — the mind-blowing concert venue of the future in Las Vegas — as U2, my favorite band, played Mysterious Ways, one of my favorite songs. Read more.
A Surprise I’ve Never Forgotten
February 20, 2024
A year ago today (on President’s Day, fittingly), my friend and mentor, longtime UCF President John Hitt, passed away at age 82. This is one of my favorite UCF photos and Dr. Hitt stories. Read more.
When Coaching and the Boss Call
January 22, 2024
This photo recently popped up as a Facebook memory from when I coached Little League baseball and softball for my son and daughter. To get to practices and games with enough time to set up, I’d leave the office at 3 p.m. twice a week. Read more.
The Peril of Open Doors
January 16, 2024
One recent evening, my wife, brother and I decided to go to dinner. After we walked into our garage to get into the car, three things happened. None of them were good, it turned out. Read more.
Using AI in Marketing and Communications
August 12, 2024
Earlier this month, we finished an AI document with lots of practical advice for our work with VCU and VCU Health. What I appreciate most about the outcome is our guiding principles, copied below. Read more.
Let’s Retire These Phrases for Good
September 24, 2024
Last month, I asked my LinkedIn connections to share the "comms/marketing phrases that you wish would go away.” Of the more than 80 comments and suggestions, here are the four most relevant themes. Read more.
387 Steps (Faraway, So Close)
August 20, 2024
This week was my first freshman move-in experience of my higher ed career as both a parent and university administrator. What a difference that makes. Here's what I've learned and felt ... and how it will make me better at my job. Read more.
AI and the ‘Heston Hustle’
October 11, 2024
At our division retreat, the team surprised me by using AI to promote a hypothetical marketing book I “wrote.” We developed AI-generated press releases, marketing strategies and even tackled crisis communications due to fictional protests against my book! Read more.
AMA National Higher Ed Marketer of the Year
November 12, 2024
A career highlight happened when the American Marketing Association named me the national higher ed marketer of the year. It was a head-spinning honor and a 100 percent credit to our team. Read more.