Struggling to make the leap into online education? How about mastering your institution's branding?
Ashish Fernando
Founder & CEO @iSchoolConnect | Empowering Global Student Admissions + Enrollment with AI-driven Excellence
Higher education is evolving at a breakneck pace. Institutions aren’t just competing for students—they’re competing for attention, engagement, and long-term relevance.
Few people understand this challenge better than Toby McChesney , Vice Provost for Graduate Programs at Santa Clara University . Before the pandemic forced institutions to rethink online learning, Toby was already leading the charge, building SCU’s online programs from the ground up.
In our latest Edu Unlocked episode, Toby shares how early investments in online education paid off, why branding is critical for universities today, and how his journey—from working in Georgia to shaping SCU’s graduate programs—has fueled his passion for creating meaningful student experiences.
One key takeaway? Branding isn’t just about logos and taglines—it’s about storytelling. Institutions that clearly define their value and communicate it effectively attract the right students, faculty, and partners. So yes, Toby loves to wear his Santa Clara red, but he also shares stories of his institution's success, their campus culture and their involvement in the local community in San Jose.
If you’re navigating online program expansion or thinking about how to position your institution for success, this episode is for you.
Listen now:
Youtube: https://youtu.be/TGrAvq_ZdNc
What’s one challenge you’ve faced in branding or launching an online program? Let’s discuss!
Amazing episode. The expansion of online education is the future. Great to see institutions like Western Governors University, National University and Santa Clara University working hard on this.