insights

Ideas, Insights, and Perspectives

Expert perspectives and practical guidance designed to help higher education leaders navigate today’s challenges while preparing for what’s next—so institutions, and the students they serve, can thrive.

  • Blog
    Institutional Strategy
    Expanding Carnegie’s Strategic Communications Capabilities for Higher Education
    Colleges and universities are operating in one of the most complex communications environments the sector has faced in decades. To meet this need, Carnegie has expanded its Strategic Communications practice, strengthening our ability to support colleges and universities with senior-level counsel in higher education public relations, crisis communications, media relations, internal communications, executive visibility, and change management.
  • Blog
    Digital Advertising
    How Better Information Architecture Wins Over Humans and AI Alike
    By now, higher education marketers understand that institutional visibility in AI-driven search is no longer optional—it’s a critical touchpoint in the student’s evaluation process. However, focusing narrowly on AI visibility risks forgetting the primary audience: the frustrated 17-year-old just trying to find a tuition calculator on a complex and disorganized site. Here’s the reality: If a human can’t navigate your site, an AI won’t advocate for it. The best way to rank in an AI overview isn’t to hack the algorithm—it’s to finally make your website usable.
  • On-Demand Video
    Enrollment
    The Next Gen Learner: What’s Changed and What to Do About It
    On-Demand Video The Next Gen Learner: What’s Changed and What to Do About It Students aren’t outright rejecting higher ed, but they are asking different questions.
  • Case Study
    Digital Advertising
    Rice University
    See how Carnegie’s Answer Engine Optimization strategy helped Rice Business increase AI search visibility by 49%, reach #1 share of voice, and grow AI-driven engagement.
  • Blog
    Institutional Strategy
    Mission-Driven Messaging: Writing Advancement Copy That Connects
    Writing compelling copy for advancement campaigns is a critical component of effective higher education communication, but striking the balance between sounding authentic versus sales-y, transparent versus desperate, is no small feat. 
  • Case Study
    Institutional Strategy
    Ohio Wesleyan University
    A unified institutional strategy—centered on student experience, leadership development, and data-informed decision-making—accelerated retention gains, strengthened institutional alignment, and reshaped the university’s impact years ahead of schedule.

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