Marty Nemko and the First P
I mentioned that higher ed marketers can be divided between those who use Facebook and those who don’t. I think the same can be said for those who receive The Chronicle of Higher Education and those who actually read it.
If you read the July 4 issue of The Chronicle, you might have seen an article by Marty Nemko, who was a guest blogger for The Chronicle’s Brainstorm blog. Marty is, among many things, a higher ed policy writer and consultant to university presidents. He’s an out-of-the-box thinker and he has a lot to say about the first “P” of the marketing mix — product. I encourage you to read his online article “Utopia College.” In a marketplace where everyone is trying to be a prestige college, Nemko gives us a sobering reminder of what students really want and need. I don’t agree with everything he says, but I think it’s time we seriously reconsider our product offerings. When you’re done with this article read “An Open Letter To College Presidents.” When you’re done, let me know what you think.
I am the author of said articles and thank you for encouraging others to read them. I might also point people to my most recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education: America’s Most Overrated Product: The Bachelor’s Degree. Here’s the link: http://chronicle.com/free/v54/i34/34b01701.htm.
Glad to do it, Marty. You’re a unique voice in the higher ed conversation and more people need to take your ideas to heart. I plan to keep up with your site and hope others do, too.
Nemko is asking for accountability in higher ed. I have been feeling the same about Christian higher education specifically. There are many schools promising a Christian environment, spiritual development, faith integration, etc. What do the students think when they are finished with these programs? Are they better Christians? Have they grown in their faith because of their four years at the university that promised them spiritual growth? Basically, do these schools deliver what they promise? This information could be very helpful for parents and students when choosing a Christian school.