A Resource Guide for Student Affairs Marketing and Communication Pros

September 3, 2026

Student Affairs Marketing and Communications is a small but mighty corner of higher ed, and it’s not always easy to connect with a professional community in this space. Most of us found our people by chance: a LinkedIn comment here, a mid-conference hallway conversation there.

From where I sit, I talk directly with many Student Affairs communicators. I’ve noticed I keep pointing them all to the same handful of resources.

So I gathered those go-to support systems here, in one central guide for all of us to access easily — because this work matters, and we don’t have to do it alone.

Where to Find Community

Student Affairs Marketing Teams Group

An informal but active Microsoft Teams community for SA marcomm professionals to trade questions, templates, and moral support. Interested in joining? Contact Alice Maxwell, Director of Marketing and Communications, Florida State University, to request an invite.

Student Affairs Communicators Network

A growing network run by Jess Leggett, Director, Creative & Marketing Communications, Division of Student Affairs at UC Irvine, with weekly onboarding. Submit your interest, and you’ll be added to the email list.

NASPA Fundraising and Communications Knowledge Community

A LinkedIn group for conversation across the Student Affairs fundraising and communications space. You do not need to be a NASPA member. Join the Knowledge Community on LinkedIn.

MarComm Barbie

A Slack community built to connect and empower women in higher ed marketing and communications. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, it’s a space for networking, sharing knowledge, and celebrating each other’s wins. Submit your interest to join MarComm Barbie on Slack

HigherEdSocial

A Facebook community for higher education social media professionals to connect with colleagues across institutions, ask questions, share best practices, and stay up to date on the latest trends and tips. Join on Facebook.

Where to Learn

Digital Collegium 2026 Annual Conference October 18 to 21, 2026 | Online and Pittsburgh, PA

AMA Virtual Conference: Digital Marketing (FREE) October 28, 2026 | Online

2026 UCDA Design Conference November 4 to 7, 2026 | Kansas City, MO

2026 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education November 8 to 11, 2026 | Aurora, CO

NASPA Annual Conference March 6 to 10, 2027 | National Harbor, MD

CASE Annual Conference for Marketing and Branding Professionals June 28 to 30, 2027 | Chicago, IL

CASE Social Media and Community Conference Held annually in June | 2027 dates and location TBA

eduWeb Summit July 20 to 22, 2027 | Charleston, SC

Resources from Me

I’ve spent more than 15 years researching, teaching, and working alongside higher education leaders and communicators. Here are a few of my resources that may be especially useful for Student Affairs marketing and communications professionals.

Most Student Affairs communicators I meet are one or two people covering an entire division. If that’s where you are and the workload has outgrown the plan, I work with SA teams on training, marcom processes, and division-wide communications strategy. Tell me what you’re up against.

If you know of a community, conference, or account that belongs on this list, send it my way. This space is meant to grow. josie@josieahlquist.com

About Josie

I’m Dr. Josie Ahlquist — digital engagement and leadership strategist, researcher, author, and educator. I help higher education professionals and mission-driven organizations harness the power of digital communication to lead with authenticity, build thriving online communities, and tell their stories with purpose.

Through my consulting work, I offer tailored, hands-on support in marketing and communications strategy, executive coaching, upskilling for teams, and keynote speaking. My approach is grounded in research and fueled by empathy, helping clients lead online with clarity and confidence.

You can follow my insights and interviews on my blog and podcast, with content featured by EdTech Magazine, Inside Higher Ed, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. I’m also the author of Digital Leadership in Higher Education (2020), an Amazon #1 New Release.

Let’s connect! You’ll find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and Bluesky.

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