Josie Ahlquist
@josieahlquist.bsky.social
🙋🏻♀️ Fun-sized digital consultant, executive strategist & keynote speaker
🌎 Chief Connection Officer, Dr. Josie, Inc
🫶 In my Auntie Era
🌎 Chief Connection Officer, Dr. Josie, Inc
🫶 In my Auntie Era
Associations, here’s your reminder: growth isn’t just about more sign-ups. The real work is creating connection that keeps members engaged long-term.
Check out the latest Engaged Association blog:
Check out the latest Engaged Association blog:
From Broadcast to Belonging: Simple Tactics for Engaging Member Communications - Josie Ahlquist
Most of the time, we think of conversion as the focal point for professional association marketing. We’re constantly striving for membership growth — more sign-ups, more event registrations…
www.josieahlquist.com
September 17, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Associations, here’s your reminder: growth isn’t just about more sign-ups. The real work is creating connection that keeps members engaged long-term.
Check out the latest Engaged Association blog:
Check out the latest Engaged Association blog:
The future of higher ed is being written: one letter, one hope, one voice at a time. 📬
Some have voiced that these letters should in classrooms and offices, even framed as daily reminders of why this work matters.
Add your own hope to the mix: www.josieahlquist.com/letters-to-t...
Some have voiced that these letters should in classrooms and offices, even framed as daily reminders of why this work matters.
Add your own hope to the mix: www.josieahlquist.com/letters-to-t...
Letters to the Future: Hopes for Higher Ed - Josie Ahlquist
A new academic year is upon us, and with it, the familiar mix of excitement and challenge. Across higher education, the realities are undeniable: enrollment pressures, budget cuts, political…
www.josieahlquist.com
September 5, 2025 at 7:34 PM
The future of higher ed is being written: one letter, one hope, one voice at a time. 📬
Some have voiced that these letters should in classrooms and offices, even framed as daily reminders of why this work matters.
Add your own hope to the mix: www.josieahlquist.com/letters-to-t...
Some have voiced that these letters should in classrooms and offices, even framed as daily reminders of why this work matters.
Add your own hope to the mix: www.josieahlquist.com/letters-to-t...
I’ve been a fan of the "Hello FSU!" campaign for a while — and Alice Maxwell and her team at FSU continue to raise the bar for student success communications.
It’s smart, strategic, & built to belong.
Check it out: www.tandfonline.com/eprint/D7MVE...
It’s smart, strategic, & built to belong.
Check it out: www.tandfonline.com/eprint/D7MVE...
August 11, 2025 at 7:34 PM
I’ve been a fan of the "Hello FSU!" campaign for a while — and Alice Maxwell and her team at FSU continue to raise the bar for student success communications.
It’s smart, strategic, & built to belong.
Check it out: www.tandfonline.com/eprint/D7MVE...
It’s smart, strategic, & built to belong.
Check it out: www.tandfonline.com/eprint/D7MVE...
4 months to go until NASPA WRC in Palm Springs!!
As conference chair, I’ve seen this gathering take shape with so much thought and care — not just about what we do there, but how we’ll feel while we’re together.
This is going to be special. naspa201.azurewebsites.net/events/2025-...
As conference chair, I’ve seen this gathering take shape with so much thought and care — not just about what we do there, but how we’ll feel while we’re together.
This is going to be special. naspa201.azurewebsites.net/events/2025-...
July 15, 2025 at 7:47 PM
4 months to go until NASPA WRC in Palm Springs!!
As conference chair, I’ve seen this gathering take shape with so much thought and care — not just about what we do there, but how we’ll feel while we’re together.
This is going to be special. naspa201.azurewebsites.net/events/2025-...
As conference chair, I’ve seen this gathering take shape with so much thought and care — not just about what we do there, but how we’ll feel while we’re together.
This is going to be special. naspa201.azurewebsites.net/events/2025-...
Letters to the Future. 💌 What do you want the next generation of higher ed leaders to know? Submit a short letter of encouragement here: forms.gle/T2PhZyras7wu...
July 11, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Letters to the Future. 💌 What do you want the next generation of higher ed leaders to know? Submit a short letter of encouragement here: forms.gle/T2PhZyras7wu...
Associations, turn your next event into a social media moment:
📸 Make it shareable with bold photo ops
📣 Add hashtags + handles where people can find them
💬 Repost attendee content in real time
🧰 Give speakers + sponsors a social media toolkit
Read the latest:
📸 Make it shareable with bold photo ops
📣 Add hashtags + handles where people can find them
💬 Repost attendee content in real time
🧰 Give speakers + sponsors a social media toolkit
Read the latest:
Designing Association Events for Attention, Not Just Attendance - Josie Ahlquist
Higher ed association events are central to the member experience. From the annual conference to monthly webinars, they offer opportunities for professional development, networking…
www.josieahlquist.com
July 8, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Associations, turn your next event into a social media moment:
📸 Make it shareable with bold photo ops
📣 Add hashtags + handles where people can find them
💬 Repost attendee content in real time
🧰 Give speakers + sponsors a social media toolkit
Read the latest:
📸 Make it shareable with bold photo ops
📣 Add hashtags + handles where people can find them
💬 Repost attendee content in real time
🧰 Give speakers + sponsors a social media toolkit
Read the latest:
I’m excited to emcee the September session of NASPA IV-West’s FLOWS Series — but before that, we’re kicking things off with a powerhouse panel of VPSAs and college presidents for Session 1 on July 8.
You won’t want to miss it.
Register here: lincolnu-edu.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
You won’t want to miss it.
Register here: lincolnu-edu.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
July 7, 2025 at 7:34 PM
I’m excited to emcee the September session of NASPA IV-West’s FLOWS Series — but before that, we’re kicking things off with a powerhouse panel of VPSAs and college presidents for Session 1 on July 8.
You won’t want to miss it.
Register here: lincolnu-edu.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
You won’t want to miss it.
Register here: lincolnu-edu.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Check out the latest from Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, @drmikemunoz.bsky.social, and myself in NASPA Leadership Exchange! A practical, purpose-driven guide for authentic & impactful leadership.
Grateful to collaborate with such thoughtful change-makers. www.leadershipexchange-digital.com/leadershipex...
Grateful to collaborate with such thoughtful change-makers. www.leadershipexchange-digital.com/leadershipex...
July 3, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Check out the latest from Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, @drmikemunoz.bsky.social, and myself in NASPA Leadership Exchange! A practical, purpose-driven guide for authentic & impactful leadership.
Grateful to collaborate with such thoughtful change-makers. www.leadershipexchange-digital.com/leadershipex...
Grateful to collaborate with such thoughtful change-makers. www.leadershipexchange-digital.com/leadershipex...
Now that summer’s here, take a sec to reset your digital strategy (and catch your breath).
Quick tips to refine your goals, plan content, and recharge before fall: josieahlquist.com/soak-up-the-strategy-tips-to-recharge-your-higher-ed-digital-marketing-this-summer
Quick tips to refine your goals, plan content, and recharge before fall: josieahlquist.com/soak-up-the-strategy-tips-to-recharge-your-higher-ed-digital-marketing-this-summer
Soak Up the Strategy: Tips to Recharge Your Higher Ed Digital Marketing This Summer - Josie Ahlquist
For higher ed marketers and communicators, summer isn’t always a relaxing break following graduation. While most of our students and faculty head off-campus for a few months, many staff members…
josieahlquist.com
July 1, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Now that summer’s here, take a sec to reset your digital strategy (and catch your breath).
Quick tips to refine your goals, plan content, and recharge before fall: josieahlquist.com/soak-up-the-strategy-tips-to-recharge-your-higher-ed-digital-marketing-this-summer
Quick tips to refine your goals, plan content, and recharge before fall: josieahlquist.com/soak-up-the-strategy-tips-to-recharge-your-higher-ed-digital-marketing-this-summer
May was Mental Health Awareness Month, but the need for care and reflection doesn’t end there.
I asked friends and colleagues to share how they care for themselves and their teams during stressful seasons, and their answers were full of heart and soul:
I asked friends and colleagues to share how they care for themselves and their teams during stressful seasons, and their answers were full of heart and soul:
Mental Health Month: The Real, the Woo, and What’s Getting Us Through - Josie Ahlquist
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I want to hold space for more than just hashtags and hotlines (though those are important, too). This month on the blog, I’ll be spotlighting the real…
www.josieahlquist.com
June 24, 2025 at 12:34 PM
May was Mental Health Awareness Month, but the need for care and reflection doesn’t end there.
I asked friends and colleagues to share how they care for themselves and their teams during stressful seasons, and their answers were full of heart and soul:
I asked friends and colleagues to share how they care for themselves and their teams during stressful seasons, and their answers were full of heart and soul:
When it comes to social strategy, guessing only gets you so far.
Sprout Social just released a Social Media Benchmarking Toolkit that’s full of data, templates, and insights to help you plan better and lead smarter.
Sprout Social just released a Social Media Benchmarking Toolkit that’s full of data, templates, and insights to help you plan better and lead smarter.
The Complete Social Media Benchmarking Toolkit
This free collection of social media benchmarking tools and resources will help you evaluate what’s working for your brand's audience.
sproutsocial.com
June 23, 2025 at 7:34 PM
When it comes to social strategy, guessing only gets you so far.
Sprout Social just released a Social Media Benchmarking Toolkit that’s full of data, templates, and insights to help you plan better and lead smarter.
Sprout Social just released a Social Media Benchmarking Toolkit that’s full of data, templates, and insights to help you plan better and lead smarter.
Huge thanks to @drkevinrmcclure.com for sending me a copy of The Caring University.
Even just the title stopped me in my tracks. I've long been a fan of Kevin’s work — thoughtful, clear-eyed, and deeply grounded in care.
Luna and I are ready to dive in! 🐾📘
Even just the title stopped me in my tracks. I've long been a fan of Kevin’s work — thoughtful, clear-eyed, and deeply grounded in care.
Luna and I are ready to dive in! 🐾📘
June 18, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Huge thanks to @drkevinrmcclure.com for sending me a copy of The Caring University.
Even just the title stopped me in my tracks. I've long been a fan of Kevin’s work — thoughtful, clear-eyed, and deeply grounded in care.
Luna and I are ready to dive in! 🐾📘
Even just the title stopped me in my tracks. I've long been a fan of Kevin’s work — thoughtful, clear-eyed, and deeply grounded in care.
Luna and I are ready to dive in! 🐾📘
Nominate a colleague or program for a NASPA Region V or VI Award! Submissions due June 20 at 11:59 PM PT. Awards will be presented at the 2025 Western Regional Conference in Palm Springs. naspa201.azurewebsites.net/events/2025-...
June 14, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Nominate a colleague or program for a NASPA Region V or VI Award! Submissions due June 20 at 11:59 PM PT. Awards will be presented at the 2025 Western Regional Conference in Palm Springs. naspa201.azurewebsites.net/events/2025-...
Want to deepen engagement in your association? Start with stories.
I’m sharing 5 ways member storytelling can build connection and community.
Read more:
I’m sharing 5 ways member storytelling can build connection and community.
Read more:
The Power of Storytelling: How Associations Can Use Member Stories to Build Community - Josie Ahlquist
As someone who’s been both a member and leadership volunteer in higher ed associations since graduate school — and who now supports professional associations through consulting and coaching — I’ve…
www.josieahlquist.com
June 5, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Want to deepen engagement in your association? Start with stories.
I’m sharing 5 ways member storytelling can build connection and community.
Read more:
I’m sharing 5 ways member storytelling can build connection and community.
Read more:
Higher ed marcomm pros — this one’s worth your attention.
NACADA is hiring a Director of Marketing and Communications, and I’ve had the honor of working alongside their incredible team.
📍 Manhattan, KS (remote/hybrid possible)
📅 Deadline: June 13
🔗
NACADA is hiring a Director of Marketing and Communications, and I’ve had the honor of working alongside their incredible team.
📍 Manhattan, KS (remote/hybrid possible)
📅 Deadline: June 13
🔗
Director of Marketing and Communications for NACADA - Manhattan, Kansas, United States
About This Role The Director of Marketing and Communications provides strategic organization-wide leadership around marketing, branding, and communications efforts for NACADA: The Global Community…
careers.k-state.edu
June 3, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Higher ed marcomm pros — this one’s worth your attention.
NACADA is hiring a Director of Marketing and Communications, and I’ve had the honor of working alongside their incredible team.
📍 Manhattan, KS (remote/hybrid possible)
📅 Deadline: June 13
🔗
NACADA is hiring a Director of Marketing and Communications, and I’ve had the honor of working alongside their incredible team.
📍 Manhattan, KS (remote/hybrid possible)
📅 Deadline: June 13
🔗
This time of year, I always try to slow down and ask: What’s actually working? What needs space? What kind of leader do I want to be online?
If you’re asking yourself similar questions, I put together 6 ways to recharge your strategy this summer: www.josieahlquist.com/soak-up-the-...
If you’re asking yourself similar questions, I put together 6 ways to recharge your strategy this summer: www.josieahlquist.com/soak-up-the-...
Soak Up the Strategy: Tips to Recharge Your Higher Ed Digital Marketing This Summer - Josie Ahlquist
For higher ed marketers and communicators, summer isn’t always a relaxing break following graduation. While most of our students and faculty head off-campus for a few months, many staff members…
www.josieahlquist.com
May 28, 2025 at 12:44 AM
This time of year, I always try to slow down and ask: What’s actually working? What needs space? What kind of leader do I want to be online?
If you’re asking yourself similar questions, I put together 6 ways to recharge your strategy this summer: www.josieahlquist.com/soak-up-the-...
If you’re asking yourself similar questions, I put together 6 ways to recharge your strategy this summer: www.josieahlquist.com/soak-up-the-...
Meet @daniellesewell.bsky.social — a strategist helping higher ed pros build purpose-driven digital strategies — and she's ready to help you this summer!
Danielle meets you where you are and helps you move forward with clarity and care.
Learn more ➡️ www.josieahlquist.com/higher-ed-so...
Danielle meets you where you are and helps you move forward with clarity and care.
Learn more ➡️ www.josieahlquist.com/higher-ed-so...
May 21, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Meet @daniellesewell.bsky.social — a strategist helping higher ed pros build purpose-driven digital strategies — and she's ready to help you this summer!
Danielle meets you where you are and helps you move forward with clarity and care.
Learn more ➡️ www.josieahlquist.com/higher-ed-so...
Danielle meets you where you are and helps you move forward with clarity and care.
Learn more ➡️ www.josieahlquist.com/higher-ed-so...
The little things matter. 🌿
This week we’re spotlighting the small-but-powerful rituals that higher ed leaders use to protect their mental health. www.josieahlquist.com/mental-healt...
Calm app sleep stories.
Midday walks.
Taylor Swift scream sessions.
What’s one thing grounding you right now?
This week we’re spotlighting the small-but-powerful rituals that higher ed leaders use to protect their mental health. www.josieahlquist.com/mental-healt...
Calm app sleep stories.
Midday walks.
Taylor Swift scream sessions.
What’s one thing grounding you right now?
May 19, 2025 at 7:34 PM
The little things matter. 🌿
This week we’re spotlighting the small-but-powerful rituals that higher ed leaders use to protect their mental health. www.josieahlquist.com/mental-healt...
Calm app sleep stories.
Midday walks.
Taylor Swift scream sessions.
What’s one thing grounding you right now?
This week we’re spotlighting the small-but-powerful rituals that higher ed leaders use to protect their mental health. www.josieahlquist.com/mental-healt...
Calm app sleep stories.
Midday walks.
Taylor Swift scream sessions.
What’s one thing grounding you right now?
Enhance your social media skills this summer!
The Higher Ed Social Media Coaching: Summer of Social Strategy Program offers higher ed professionals personalized coaching to elevate digital engagement.
🔗 www.josieahlquist.com/higher-ed-so...
The Higher Ed Social Media Coaching: Summer of Social Strategy Program offers higher ed professionals personalized coaching to elevate digital engagement.
🔗 www.josieahlquist.com/higher-ed-so...
May 15, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Enhance your social media skills this summer!
The Higher Ed Social Media Coaching: Summer of Social Strategy Program offers higher ed professionals personalized coaching to elevate digital engagement.
🔗 www.josieahlquist.com/higher-ed-so...
The Higher Ed Social Media Coaching: Summer of Social Strategy Program offers higher ed professionals personalized coaching to elevate digital engagement.
🔗 www.josieahlquist.com/higher-ed-so...
Higher ed associations: What if your social media was more than a megaphone? Our new post shows how to shift from transactional content to transformational connection. 💡 www.josieahlquist.com/from-transac...
From Transactional to Transformational: Rethinking Higher Ed Association Social Media - Josie Ahlquist
For many higher education professional organizations, social media has become a source of both inspiration and frustration. With a variety of platforms available to support your community…
www.josieahlquist.com
May 14, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Higher ed associations: What if your social media was more than a megaphone? Our new post shows how to shift from transactional content to transformational connection. 💡 www.josieahlquist.com/from-transac...
Mental health isn’t just personal—it’s institutional. Leaders across higher ed are modeling what real support looks like, one intentional practice at a time. 🌱
Read more: www.josieahlquist.com/mental-healt...
Read more: www.josieahlquist.com/mental-healt...
May 13, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Mental health isn’t just personal—it’s institutional. Leaders across higher ed are modeling what real support looks like, one intentional practice at a time. 🌱
Read more: www.josieahlquist.com/mental-healt...
Read more: www.josieahlquist.com/mental-healt...
Introducing The Engaged Association — a new offering to help higher ed associations connect with purpose across digital platforms.
Learn more: josieahlquist.com/marketing-for-higher-education-associations
Learn more: josieahlquist.com/marketing-for-higher-education-associations
May 8, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Introducing The Engaged Association — a new offering to help higher ed associations connect with purpose across digital platforms.
Learn more: josieahlquist.com/marketing-for-higher-education-associations
Learn more: josieahlquist.com/marketing-for-higher-education-associations
Building a clearer, stronger LinkedIn presence? Andréa Jones shares thoughtful takeaways from 10 real audits. Worth the listen! 🎧
What Ten LinkedIn Audits Revealed - OnlineDrea
LISTEN ON MOBILE VIEW TRANSCRIPT Think your LinkedIn profile is doing its job? After auditing 10 accounts during the annual LinkedIn Challenge in the Mindful Marketing Lab, I found clear…
onlinedrea.com
May 8, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Building a clearer, stronger LinkedIn presence? Andréa Jones shares thoughtful takeaways from 10 real audits. Worth the listen! 🎧
One month left to submit your NASPA WRC proposal! ⏳ Pre-cons, SA Speaks, sessions —your voice belongs in the room.
Learn more & submit: naspa.org/events/2025-...
Learn more & submit: naspa.org/events/2025-...
May 7, 2025 at 12:34 PM
One month left to submit your NASPA WRC proposal! ⏳ Pre-cons, SA Speaks, sessions —your voice belongs in the room.
Learn more & submit: naspa.org/events/2025-...
Learn more & submit: naspa.org/events/2025-...
AI can make your voice feel more like you.
New blog on using AI personas to support exec presence + campus branding—with prompts, tips, and heart.✨
New blog on using AI personas to support exec presence + campus branding—with prompts, tips, and heart.✨
Empowering Digital Strategy with AI-Generated Personas - Josie Ahlquist
The pressure to connect meaningfully with diverse audiences has never been greater. Higher education leaders are being called to not only lead institutions but also embody authentic…
www.josieahlquist.com
May 5, 2025 at 7:34 PM
AI can make your voice feel more like you.
New blog on using AI personas to support exec presence + campus branding—with prompts, tips, and heart.✨
New blog on using AI personas to support exec presence + campus branding—with prompts, tips, and heart.✨