3 Questions for Karina Kogan of EducationDynamics
In the interconnected sphere of higher education, Karina Kogan and I share many mutual contacts. A recommendation from a mutual colleague sparked our conversation, which eventually led to this interview. I asked Karina to explain how her company, EducationDynamics, partners with colleges and universities, about her role as vice president of partnerships, and what guidance she would offer to those aspiring to leadership positions in this field.
Question 1: How does EducationDynamics collaborate with colleges and universities on online and other academic programs, and where does it fit within the broader landscape of university partners?
Karina explains that EducationDynamics partners with institutions that are eager to innovate beyond traditional marketing or enrollment tactics. The company helps schools reinvent their strategies—not just to boost enrollment but to enhance their overall brand and establish sustainable revenue growth. Instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all solution, EducationDynamics begins with thorough research. They assess the current market conditions, student behavior, and each institution’s unique standing in order to develop tailor-made strategies that align with enrollment priorities and reinforce the school’s reputation.
Modern students prioritize cost efficiency, convenience, and clear pathways to career success, and they demand an authentic reflection of who they are and what they need. This shift in student expectations has catalyzed a demand for a more integrated approach. By uniting brand development, communications, and enrollment strategy, EducationDynamics creates a cohesive plan that connects performance with purpose. Moreover, the company manages every element of the process—from running campaigns to handling enrollment outreach and boosting student engagement—with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
Karina notes that this comprehensive approach sets EducationDynamics apart from other partners whose efforts are often piecemeal. The company deliberately avoids being pigeonholed, choosing instead to merge traditionally separate functions in a way that supports institutional growth and reinforces a credible brand in the competitive higher education market.
Question 2: Can you describe your role at EducationDynamics, including your main responsibilities and the experiences that paved the way for your current leadership position?
In her role as vice president of partnerships, Karina is responsible for forging and nurturing strategic relationships with colleges and universities nationwide. Her day-to-day work involves collaborating with institutional leaders and internal teams to develop custom solutions that help schools not only meet but exceed their enrollment targets. This position requires both strategic thinking and hands-on execution, as every institution faces unique challenges that demand personalized responses.
Karina’s journey in higher education spans more than two decades. She began her career at the University of Phoenix, holding various leadership roles that honed her skills in enrollment strategy, team management, and cross-department collaboration. Her subsequent position as chief partnerships officer at a division of Excelsior University further deepened her expertise in launching and expanding online programs. This blend of on-campus experience and corporate-scale strategy has uniquely positioned her to bridge the gap between institutional needs and the dynamic world of higher education partners.
Question 3: What advice would you offer early and midcareer professionals who aspire to leadership roles in for-profit higher education and digital marketing?
Karina’s advice centers on cultivating a mindset of deliberate curiosity. She recommends developing a comprehensive understanding of both the educational mission and the operational mechanics of higher education institutions. One should focus on translating institutional objectives into scalable, market-responsive strategies—a process that requires not only technical proficiency but also empathy, flexibility, and a clear sense of purpose.
For those transitioning from the university side, it’s important to learn how the businesses serving higher education operate, including how success is measured and decisions are made. Conversely, professionals from corporate backgrounds should devote time to grasp the culture and pace found in educational settings. Karina emphasizes that effective leaders are those who can naturally balance and integrate the language of enrollment, marketing, analytics, and finance.
In addition to broadening your skill set, building a solid network is critical. Maintaining genuine relationships and engaging in meaningful follow-ups can open doors when you least expect it. Ultimately, Karina underscores the importance of staying connected to the impact of your work. By keeping a close eye on how strategic decisions affect students and institutions alike, leaders can remain grounded in purpose and drive meaningful change in a rapidly evolving sector.
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