Josie Ahlquist
LightNews LightNews
banner
josieahlquist.bsky.social
Josie Ahlquist
@josieahlquist.bsky.social
370 followers 150 following 84 posts
🙋🏻‍♀️ Fun-sized digital consultant, executive strategist & keynote speaker
🌎 Chief Connection Officer, Dr. Josie, Inc
🫶 In my Auntie Era
Posts Replies Media Videos
josieahlquist.bsky.social
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-...
Group of individuals posing for a photo at the NASPA Western Regional Conference 2025 planning retreat, outdoors with a pergola and palm trees in the background. Promotional poster for NASPA Western Regional Conference in Palm Springs, dated November 15-18, 2025, featuring stylized palm trees and mountains against a teal background.
July 15, 2025 at 7:47 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
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...
Graphic with the title "Letters to the Future: Hopes for Higher Ed." Below is an envelope icon with a heart, and the question: "What would you say to the next generation of higher ed leaders?" On the right, Dr. Josie Ahlquist is pictured with her hand over her heart, wearing a pastel-colored dress, set against a blue-to-beige gradient background with decorative dot patterns.
July 11, 2025 at 12:34 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
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...
Promotional poster for a leadership and financial strategy session featuring Dr. Josie Ahlquist, titled 'Leadership and Financial Strategy for Student Success', scheduled for September 25, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Eastern, 12:00-4:00 PM Pacific. Includes logos for NASPA IV-West and Flows 2025 NASPA IV-W. More panelists to be announced.
July 7, 2025 at 7:34 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
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! 🐾📘
Person smiling and holding a book titled "The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace After The Caring Resignation. A book titled "The Caring University" by Kevin R. McClure, laid on a textured, multi-colored rug. The book cover features bold, geometric shapes in shades of blue, orange, and yellow. A small dog is resting on a plush white mat in a cozy room filled with books. In the foreground, a book titled "The Caring University" by Kevin R. McClure is prominently displayed.
June 18, 2025 at 10:49 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
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
josieahlquist.bsky.social
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...
Promotional image featuring Danielle Sewell, Senior Digital Strategist at Dr. Josie Ahlquist, Inc., for the Higher Ed Social Media Coaching, Summer of Social Strategy Coaching Program. The image shows a smiling individual in a park setting with text detailing the coaching program.
May 21, 2025 at 12:34 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
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?
Graphic for Mental Health Awareness Month titled 'Everyday Practices That Support Mental Health,' featuring portraits of eight higher education leaders. Each leader is associated with a different academic institution and shares a personal mental health practice.
May 19, 2025 at 7:34 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
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...
A graphic promoting a program titled “Higher Ed Social Media Coaching.” The main text is displayed in bold white font on a coral pink background. Below it, a white banner reads “Summer of Social Strategy Coaching Program” in dark blue text. In the bottom right corner is the logo for Dr. Josie Ahlquist. The background includes geometric shapes in shades of pink and a vertical row of upward arrows along the right edge.
May 15, 2025 at 2:19 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
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...
Promotional image for Mental Health Awareness Month titled 'Mental Health is a Leadership Practice'. Features Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, Dr. Job Duraj, Myla Edmond, Dr. Yvonne Hernandez Friedman, Maria Kuntz, and Dr. Eddie Martinez. Includes text about real leaders building mental health into their culture.
May 13, 2025 at 7:34 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
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
Promotional poster for "The Engaged Association" featuring Dr. Josie Ahlquist. The poster includes a logo with a heart and hands, and text highlighting the mission of helping higher education communities with purpose and building up their marketing. Dr. Ahlquist is smiling and seated, dressed in a blue floral dress, against a light blue background decorated with red dotted patterns.
May 8, 2025 at 10:00 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
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-...
Promotional graphic stating 'Now Open! Call for Programs' with submissions accepted through June 6. The design features stylized desert scenery with cacti under a night sky and a full moon.
May 7, 2025 at 12:34 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
Higher ed pros, let’s make Bluesky feel a little more like home. 💙 Whether you’re on campus, consulting, or supporting institutions, our community is stronger when we find & follow each other.

That’s why I created Higher Ed Starter Packs—custom feeds & recommended follows to help you connect.
Promotional image for Building Community on BlueSky, Higher Ed Edition featuring a smartphone displaying the BlueSky app with various user interactions. The smartphone screen shows posts from Dr. Josie Ahlquist.
March 13, 2025 at 12:34 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
The best part of my career has been the people. 💙 The colleagues, mentors, and peers who made this work feel less lonely.

Introducing @ahecc.bsky.social, co-created with @drclairebrady.bsky.social, Meghan Grace & Carrie Lovelace Petr.

This is for you—higher ed coaches & consultants. 🔗: ahecc.org
Josie Ahlquist standing in front of a decorative wall with oversized floral designs, dressed in a denim jacket with floral embroidery, smiling at the camera. Logo of the Association of Higher Education Consulting Centers (AHECC) featuring a geometric graphic above the acronym 'ahecc' followed by its full name, positioned over a caption that reads "A professional home for experts like you." The background includes abstract multicolored hexagonal shapes.
March 11, 2025 at 7:34 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
“Women supporting women isn’t just powerful—it’s unstoppable.”

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the power of possibility, partnership & building something bigger than ourselves.

⬇️
Meghan Grace and Claire Brady stand beside and behind Carrie Lovelace Petr and Josie Ahlquist, who are sitting in a chair. They are in a kitchen, smiling and laughing together.
March 6, 2025 at 2:10 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
NASPA, New Orleans, and meaningful conversations—what more could you ask for? 🎷☕

Join @drclairebrady.bsky.social, Carrie Lovelace Petr, and me for a Connected Exec Meetup on March 16 at 2:30 p.m. in New Orleans! Real Convos. Real Connections.

DM me for an invite. #NASPA25
Promotional poster for the NASA 2025 Community Meet Up, featuring details about the event on March 16 from 2:30 to 4:45 p.m., including a graphic of a logo for the conference in New Orleans, and a stylized globe above. Text invites direct messages for invites. Background is purple.
March 5, 2025 at 8:34 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
Student affairs marketing is understaffed, underfunded, and overdue for a refresh.

At #NASPA25, I’ll share research-backed strategies to help teams build a structure that actually works.

📆 March 17, 9:40 AM
📍 MCCNO 215-216
Promotional banner for 2025 NASPA conference featuring speakers Josie Ahlquist, Erin Carroll, and Alice Maxwell. The session titled 'Growing Pains: Is Your Division’s Marketing Strategy and Structure Stuck in the Past?' is scheduled for March 17 from 9:40 AM to 10:30 AM.
March 3, 2025 at 1:34 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
Leadership is about clarity, connection & community. At #NASPA25, I'll be joining Dr. Mordecai Brownlee and @drmikemunoz.bsky.social, diving into executive communication strategies that actually work.

📅 March 18, 2025
⏰ 10:00 - 10:50 AM
📍 Hilton Riverside Grand Salon A6
Promotional banner titled 'Building an Executive Communications Strategy for the Next Generation of Campus Leaders' featuring portraits of Josie Ahlquist, Mike Muñoz, and Mordecai Brownlee against a blue background with futuristic graphics.
February 25, 2025 at 8:34 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
Students trust students. Their voices shape campus culture in ways polished marketing never could.

Join me, Tim Alexander & Sarah Mo at #ACPA25 to explore 3 models of student influencer programs!

📍 Room 203B, 2:30 - 3:30 PM

Can't wait to share these insights with everyone later today.
ACPA 2025 session promo graphic for Josie Ahlquist, Tim Alexander, and Sarah Mo. session is titled “is student affairs ready for influencer marketing?”
February 18, 2025 at 1:04 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
Galentines 💖

Last weekend we celebrated, we laughed, we cried, we screamed and we empowered.

This has turned into an annual and growing event; fitting this year’s theme was Wicked.

I feel so lucky to have each of these women in my life — they will not be getting rid of me anytime soon.
February 13, 2025 at 6:39 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
Higher ed leaders—your input is needed!

The 2025 NASPA Western Regional Conference is heading to Palm Springs in Nov., and we need your insights to shape it! If you're a dean, VP, or senior leader, take 10 min to share what matters most to you.

📝 Survey here: https://buff.ly/41e5U6k #NASPAWRC25
February 12, 2025 at 11:25 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
Who's headed to ACPA in Long Beach?! Let’s connect! 🎉

Join me for a Connected Exec Community Meet-Up on Sunday, Feb. 16, from 2-3:30 PM at the Hyatt bar. First round and appetizers are on me!

We’ll walk over to the opening session after. DM me with your details so I can send you an invite!
A-C-P-A convention connected exec meet-up invitation for February 16 at 2:00 pm pacific time in the Hyatt Regency Long Beach Bar. Josie smiles off to the side with her badge wrapped around her head in a playful manner, while Keith Edwards stands beside her smiling at the camera. Josie Ahlquist hugs Kristen Abell tightly as they smile at the camera. They are in an indoor setting. Josie Ahlquist and Tim Alexander pose together and smile in an indoor setting.
February 7, 2025 at 8:34 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
💔
January 12, 2025 at 3:19 AM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
Don’t. Touch. Anything.
December 30, 2024 at 6:01 PM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
Me and my girls!!! ❤️♥️❤️
December 29, 2024 at 12:55 AM
josieahlquist.bsky.social
Josie explained 🐾
December 17, 2024 at 3:36 PM