One of my favorite posts each year is putting together a list of books to read in the upcoming year.
After finishing my doctorate (and being told what to read for four years), I was burned out on reading for some time. However, I teach that our industry is always changing, so it is important to continually learn. One way to do that is through reading. This post helps me stay accountable but also serves as a great list of options for the year.
With that, here are a few books on my reading list for the year!
I hope you enjoy, and of course, feel free to comment on your favorite reads as well.
Higher Ed Books
Heart Over Hype: Transforming Higher Ed Marketing with Empathy
Author: Jaime Hunt
Why I selected it: So much is asked of higher education marketers, and it is important to meet our students where they are. Being empathetic in our approach helps us recruit and retain students. However, as leaders, it also helps us to build strong teams and divisions that can help mitigate some of the challenges our profession faces.
Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You
Author: Jeffrey Selingo
Why I selected it: The college search process is scary for many students, especially first-generation students. Having met Jeffrey, I know this audience really matters to him. You see that in the book, and he does a nice job of helping students direct all the information that is thrown at them when making decisions about colleges. I also think it provides insights on how college marketing and admission teams can share information to prospective students and families in a way that is helpful and not overwhelming.
The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace after the Great Resignation
Author: Kevin McClure
Why I selected it: I’ve spent most of my career in higher education, and I care deeply about our profession. Our profession is changing and understanding how universities are different is needed. Being able to see industry changes and horizon issues helps ensure that we are able to do our best work in supporting students and our teams.
Chasing Mission Fit: A Marketing Guide to Fill Your Institution with Students Who Will Succeed
Author: Bart Caylor
Why I selected it: Every university is not right for every student. Fit and culture matter. I love this book because it emphasizes the role of student fit in the marketing cycle. It’s often so tempting to think of just growth, and this book challenges marketing leaders to also make sure we are recruiting students who are best suited to thrive. It’s a strong reminder of the culture work that we must do in our roles.
Professional Development Books
The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions
Author: Geoff Woods
Why I selected it: We read this book across campus this past year, and I found it incredibly helpful in thinking about AI from a leadership perspective. Because I’m not overly technical, sometimes I struggle with how to lead in projects that aren’t my strength. This book offered great advice about coaching our teams to use AI and how to create cultures that were open to AI use.
The New Leader’s 100 Day Action Plan
Author: George Bradt, Jayme Check, & John Lawler
Why I selected it: As a new leader, it can be tough to balance all of the competing interests on your time. Knowing where to focus your efforts is challenging and overwhelming. This book does a nice job of helping leaders cut through all the noise to focus on the items that will have the biggest impact or are the most pressing for the organization. If you’re a new leader, it’s a great place to start.
The 10 Principles of Effective Social Media Marketing: Strategies to Guarantee Impact
Author: Jon-Stephen Stansel
Why I selected it: I’ve known Jon-Stephen Stansel for more than a decade. His understanding of social media goals, platforms, and outcomes is phenomenal. I believe this book can help us all be better at using these platforms, both personally and professionally to achieve our goals.
Everybody Writes: Your New and Improved Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content
Author: Ann Handley
Why I selected it: Writing is a fundamental skill, and I love this book focuses on the value of being a good writer as a first step. With changes in search engines and AI, I think we are going to see a resurgence of content marketing. As content generation becomes more important, I think this book offers advice about how to prioritize this kind of work.
Fun Reads
Author: Richard Castle
Why I selected it: I love procedural dramas like NCIS. I was searching for a similar style book that doesn’t take much thought to read. I asked ChatGPT for some suggestions, and this series was one of the options. I’m only partway through the first book, but I really like the series.
Authors: Katie Heaney and Arianna Rebolini
Why I selected it: I love books that blend reality with fun. This book seems like it’s based in the work that I do as a MarComm expert but includes a fun twist of a novel about romance. I’m intrigued to see how this one plays out.
Justice for Emerson: A Murder Mystery
Authors: Karen E. Osborne
Why I selected it: Karen and I work together on the CASE Academy. Getting to hear from her about this book was really special. While it’s award-winning, it’s also based on the life of a development officer who works for a non-profit. It sounded similar to the book above in blending real life and fiction.
And Carrie On 
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