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Higher Education Consulting and Coaching

I help the higher education community create authentic digital strategies that foster connection, engagement, and meaningful impact.

Industry-Wide Marketing and Communications Support

My team and I take a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to higher education marketing and community-building. We partner with people across the higher ed ecosystem — from institutions and associations to campus leaders, student advocates, and the staff who make it all happen.

Institutions & Campus Units

Whether you’re refreshing your institution’s digital presence, expanding your division’s social media strategy, or launching a full-scale higher education marketing initiative, I offer hands-on consulting to help your team clarify goals, engage your audience, and build purpose-driven online communities.

Higher Ed Leaders

Through one-on-one coaching, we’ll develop a sustainable digital strategy that reflects your leadership style and supports your institution’s mission. Whether you’re a president, VP, or senior staff member, this personalized approach helps you lead online with clarity and confidence.

Social Media Managers

For professional communicators, as well as those handling social media as part of their “other duties as assigned,” my coaching offers personalized support to help you confidently manage your organization’s brand, outline strategies, and create an engaging, effective digital presence.

Managing student staff or interns? Enroll them in the Student Social Media Academy to hone their skills!

Associations

I partner with higher education associations to elevate their marketing, membership engagement, and digital strategy. From crafting compelling content to streamlining communications across channels, I’ll help your team amplify your mission and better serve your community — online and beyond.

Higher Education Marketing That Builds Real Community

When your online presence reflects your real-world values, managing it isn’t busy work — it’s a powerful way to amplify your institutional mission.

Through customized digital strategies, I’ll help you:

What's it like to work with Josie?

We began working with Josie because we were facing unique priorities and how to rethink our approach to student success, student support, and student engagement.

Josie is a true thought leader that inspires meaningful and intentional growth for change at all levels of an organization.
Chris Trudell
Chris Trudell
Assistant Dean of Students, San Francisco State University
We selected Josie to kick off the new and improved eduWeb Summit with a goal of forming a group of “attendees” into a community. She absolutely knocked it out of the park and set the perfect tone for the Summit. Josie knows how to blend solid scholarship and data with meaningful, heartfelt, and effective insights and strategies that inspired and delighted her audience in equal measure.
Stephanie Geyer
Stephanie Geyer
Associate Vice President for Marketing and Brand Strategy (University of Montana) and Program Chair (eduWeb)
Thank you to Dr. Ahlquist for providing a tailored video and discussion guide about digital leadership for student affairs professionals as part of a grant about cybersecurity.

Dr. Ahlquist responded well to our specific needs for the video and developed the material in a timely manner.
Patty Witkowsky
Patty Witkowsky, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Leadership, Research, and Foundations (University of Colorado, Colorado Springs)

Higher Education Consulting Services

I offer a range of research-driven services and programs designed specifically for higher ed professionals and organizations. Whether you’re seeking an alternative to a traditional higher education marketing agency, a long-term partner to elevate your brand, or quick support for your social media and communications efforts — I’m here to support your goals with strategy, creativity, and care.

Speaking & Facilitating

I deliver keynotes, workshops, and trainings that engage audiences both in-person and virtually — always grounded in real data, real strategy, and real results

Campus Consulting

Let’s level-up your institution’s digital presence — whether at the campus, division, or department level — through tailored, strategic support designed to meet your goals.

Association Consulting

Support your members and mission with specialized marketing, digital strategy, and engagement consulting designed for higher education associations.

Executive Coaching

Work one-on-one with me to build confidence and clarity in your digital leadership, aligning your online presence with your values and goals.

Social Media Coaching

Whether you’re a communications pro or managing social media for your department on the side, dedicated coaching will help you manage brand accounts with strategy and confidence.

Student Social Media Academy

Support your student employees with self-guided online lessons and resources to grow their digital skills. With a convenient asynchronous format, there’s no set schedule, and all experience levels are welcome.

Tailored Strategies for Meaningful Change

Need something more customized? My team and I will work with you to design a consulting package that aligns with your goals and fits your unique needs.

Rebekah Tilley

Assistant Vice President, University of Iowa Center for Advancement

Rebekah Tilley is the assistant vice president of communication and marketing for the University of Iowa Center for Advancement (UICA). In that role she supports fundraising and alumni engagement efforts for the university, including its CASE Gold winning Iowa Magazine, and serves UICA in a variety of strategic communication efforts.

Previously she was the director of strategic communication for the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, and the director of communication for the University of Kentucky College of Law. She is a Kentucky native and a proud alum of the University of Kentucky.

Connect with Rebekah

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