In this episode of Pulse Check: The Reputation Rethink, we turn to two areas where public skepticism about higher education becomes more pronounced: money and local community impact.
Ologie’s national study revealed that most people believe colleges and universities provide value to society, but when the conversation shifts to how institutions are funded and how they show up in their communities, confidence begins to waver.
Host Dayana Kibilds is joined by Doug Edwards, Chief Strategy Officer at Ologie, and Dr. Cassie Dutton, Research Director at Ologie, to unpack what the data tells us. Only 39% of respondents believe taxpayer dollars are being allocated to the areas they care most about. At the same time, only about half say they see meaningful benefits from their local colleges and universities.
Together, they explore where that skepticism comes from, what people actually want to see prioritized, and how institutions can respond in ways that feel clear, visible, and grounded in everyday life. This episode is about understanding the gap between value and visibility, and what it would take to close it.
Guest Bio (Doug Edwards): Doug is a seasoned professional who’s dedicated his career to helping brands do more good for the world. With 20 years of experience across healthcare, education, cultural institutions, and non-profits, Doug helps senior leaders and marketing teams navigate their toughest brand related challenges. He thrives at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and design and currently serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at Ologie where he leads the research and strategy team.
Guest Bio (Cassie Dutton, PhD): Cassie brings a unique perspective to her work, combining 10+ years of academic research and consumer insights experience. She’s conducted academic research on the immigrant experience, veterans perspectives on social issues, and public policy and worked with strategists and consumers at some of the world's largest brands. What ties this all together? A real passion for utilizing data to tell stories and get to the “so what.” As a qualitative and quantitative researcher, Cassie loves finding just the right methods and approach to get at the heart of a question. When she’s not drafting research design, analyzing data, or moderating, you can find Cassie at her local independent bookstore or stamping her passport on an international adventure.
Host Bio (Dayana Kibilds): With 15 years of experience, Dayana Kibilds has led award-winning work with universities around the world. An international keynote speaker and one of London, Ontario’s 20 Under 40, she is known for making complex ideas clear, practical, and possible. She loves to teach and share what she knows through her email book Mailed It!, as well as through her workshops, courses, her work with young professionals at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s Summer Institutes, and her weekly newsletter. A lifelong immigrant who grew up in six countries, Day is now happily Canadian and lives with her husband, Bruno, and son, Romeo.
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Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea
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