The Application with Allison Turcio

Ep. 64: Purdue Brand Studio: Redefining Higher Ed Marketing

Episode Summary

In this episode, Allison dives into the launch of Purdue Brand Studio, a bold and innovative initiative at Purdue University that’s redefining higher education marketing. Guests Bailey Leffler, Director of Brand, and Katie Ellis, Senior Director of Marketing Strategy, share the strategies, successes, and lessons learned behind their groundbreaking campaigns and their approach to storytelling that sets Purdue apart in the crowded higher ed landscape. From leveraging bold campaigns like the In Our STEM Era activation to engaging Gen Alpha through peer-to-peer ambassador programs, this conversation explores how Purdue is rewriting the playbook for enrollment marketing and brand strategy.

Episode Notes

In this episode, Allison dives into the launch of Purdue Brand Studio, a bold and innovative initiative at Purdue University that’s redefining higher education marketing. Guests Bailey Leffler, Director of Brand, and Katie Ellis, Senior Director of Marketing Strategy, share the strategies, successes, and lessons learned behind their groundbreaking campaigns and their approach to storytelling that sets Purdue apart in the crowded higher ed landscape.

From leveraging bold campaigns like the In Our STEM Era activation to engaging Gen Alpha through peer-to-peer ambassador programs, this conversation explores how Purdue is rewriting the playbook for enrollment marketing and brand strategy.

Guest Names: 
Kate Ellis, Senior Director of Marketing Strategy, Purdue Brand Studio
Bailey Leffler, Director of Brand, Purdue Brand Studio

Guest Socials: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/baileyleffler/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiewellis/

Guest Bios: 
Bailey Leffler, a results-driven marketing professional, leverages her MBA to power strategic decision-making and elevate brands to new heights. With an undergraduate degree from Purdue University as her foundation. Bailey is dedicated to amplifying and authentically representing a brand’s values and strengths on a global scale. At Purdue, Bailey leads a dynamic team in crafting compelling narratives that align with the university’s vision and goals, collaborating with key stakeholders to create campaigns that showcase Purdue’s institutional excellence. An ambitious and passionate marketing leader, Bailey works to unite and inspire team members to aim higher and deliver exceptional results.

Katie Ellis is a seasoned marketer with a diverse background spanning from tech startups to Fortune 500 companies. Fueled by an MBA-driven strategic mindset, Katie excels in directing marketing strategy at Purdue University and has spearheaded brand initiatives across various industries throughout her career. With a talent for crafting campaigns rooted in insights and delivering tangible ROI, Katie thrives on driving innovative initiatives that engage audiences and elevate brand reputation. Her career reflects a commitment to strategic excellence, where she leverages data-driven insights to create compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, fostering lasting connections between brands and their customers.

Key “How-Tos” You’ll Learn in This Episode

  1. Embrace Boldness in Higher Ed Marketing
  2. Foster an In-House Agency Mindset
  3. Engage Prospective Students Through Storytelling
  4. Use Metrics to Improve Campaigns
  5. Focus on Strategic Prioritization