November 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM
November 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM
The Future of Higher Ed: Leadership, Strategy and Marketing in a Time of a Change
Higher education is being challenged like never before.
The strategies that once sustained institutions—steady enrollment pipelines, predictable funding, and traditional student outreach—are no longer enough. From declining domestic enrollment to international visa uncertainty and shrinking budgets, the landscape is forcing university leaders to confront deep structural change. This event brings together two university presidents, a higher ed marketing expert, and a business operating coach to explore how institutions can realign their teams, sharpen execution, and adopt more modern, student-centered engagement strategies. The future belongs to those who lead with clarity, agility, and discipline.
Expert Panel
Mark Scheinberg
President and Founder, Goodwin University
Mark E. Scheinberg is the founding and longstanding President of Goodwin University in East Hartford, Connecticut, a transformation he led from its roots as a private career school to a nonprofit, four-year university. Under his leadership since 1999, the university has focused on empowering “undiscovered students” — including working adults, first-generation scholars, and learners from diverse backgrounds — through career-aligned degree programs and community-centered services. A respected civic leader, he has held numerous community and educational board positions and received various honors for his contributions to higher education and local development.
Danielle Wilken
President, University of Bridgeport
Dr. Danielle Wilken, Ed.D., assumed leadership as the 12th President of the University of Bridgeport in May 2021. A seasoned higher-ed administrator, she brings nearly 25 years of experience—from program director to Provost at Goodwin University. She holds a B.S. in Biology and Clinical Laboratory Science and an M.S. in Health Policy and Management from SUNY Stony Brook, and earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Hartford. Since taking the helm at UB, Dr. Wilken has driven a bold campus transformation—adding new academic programs and research facilities, expanding athletics, enhancing student life spaces, and strengthening inter-institutional partnerships—resulting in significant enrollment increases and a renewed community focus.
Chris Getman
Director of Digital Marketing, Vital Design
Chris Getman serves as the Director of Digital Marketing at Vital Design, where he leads a team of strategists and specialists focused on driving measurable client success across active retainer accounts—especially within the higher education sector. With roots in account management dating back to 2007, Chris has been instrumental in shaping Vital’s approach to ROI-driven digital tactics such as content marketing, SEO, and lead generation. He also guides the firm’s higher education strategy and contributes thought leadership through conference presentations (e.g., UNH Digital Marketing Conference, NH UXPA) and guest articles for HubSpot and Convince & Convert. Beyond the office, Chris shares his insights on agency culture via his blog, The Agency Arsenal, and is an avid musician, balancing his professional work with family life.
Rick Fawcett
CEO and Founder, Outpace
Rick Fawcett is the CEO and Founder of Outpace, the world’s largest firm of EOS Implementers, where he and his team have guided more than 200 companies to greater clarity, execution, and results. Before founding Outpace, Rick spent 28 years in high-tech, leading multiple ventures where seven of his start-ups achieved successful exits. Personally trained by EOS co-founder Don Tinney, Rick has become one of the most sought-after business coaches in the field, building a firm that delivers an 82% success rate in helping clients achieve their Best Year Ever.
Agenda – 1:00 to 3:00PM
- Welcome
- Presidential Conversation: Navigating Today’s Higher Ed Landscape
- Roundtable with Mark and Danielle, moderated by Rick
- University Marketing in a Changed World
- Presentation by Chris
- Q&A
- Mark, Danielle and Chris, moderated by Rick
- Close
The Right Audience
This content is designed for the senior leadership teams of higher education institutions. It is most relevant to decision-makers such as University Presidents, Provosts, Heads of Enrollment, Chief Operating Officers, and Chiefs of Staff.
Take Away
Leave with 3 questions to take to your next cabinet meeting
One of the most valuable aspects of this event is its focus on practical application. Rather than adding to the noise of higher education commentary, our panel will equip you with three thought-provoking, actionable questions to bring directly to your next cabinet meeting. These questions are designed to spark meaningful dialogue among your leadership team, challenge assumptions, and drive clarity around the issues most critical to your institution’s future—whether that’s enrollment, financial sustainability, or organizational alignment. You’ll leave with not just insights, but a concrete tool to advance strategic conversations on your campus.
Registration is Required
The book about the management framework being used by every organization speaking, Traction, and additional materials will be sent to all registrants.