Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Brodie Johnson

Abstract

Many leaders of higher education institutions in the United States face changes in student demographics, tightened regulatory environments, and reduced state funding. University leaders have an opportunity to leverage targeted marketing strategies in order to increase their institutions' market share in the Latino student segment. The purpose of this study was to explore the strategies that some university leaders use to increase Latino student enrollment in higher education programs. The marketing mix and the Ps of marketing theory comprised the study's conceptual framework. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 3 marketing experts from the higher education sector, who were selected by purposive sampling. Data were audio recorded, transcribed, member checked, and then coded for themes. Emergent themes describe the elements to consider when implementing a comprehensive strategic marketing plan, the challenges marketers face when trying to increase Latino student enrollment, and the importance of selecting and engaging stakeholders during the recruiting process. Marketing managers and practitioners in higher education, organizational strategy leaders, and policy makers may use these findings to understand the needs of Latino students, which may contribute to the growth of Latino student enrollment and the financial viability of the institution. Implications for positive social change include increased educational attainment for Latinos and related impacts for students' communities and society.

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