Viv Higher Education Featured in Forbes: Why Our Work Matters Now More Than Ever
By Suzan Brinker, PhD Co-founder & CEO at Viv Higher Education
When Forbes recently featured Viv Higher Education, I felt two things at once: gratitude and urgency.
Gratitude, because it is not every day that a small, women-owned higher education agency is recognized in both Forbesand Fortune. And urgency, because the challenges we are helping colleges and universities solve continue to grow more complex.
The article highlighted what drives us at Viv: a deep love for education, a belief in the power of human stories, and a focus on measurable results. Our team has partnered with more than 95 institutions in 15 countries. Our mission is to help each one of them adapt, evolve, and lead in an era of constant change.
Here are a few takeaways worth reflecting on:
1. Strategy should never be one-size-fits-all.
Colleges and universities are incredibly diverse in mission, audience, and resources. A templated solution is not going to cut it. At Viv, we ask better questions, do deeper research, and align strategy with each institution’s unique goals and strengths.
2. The humanities still have a seat at the table.
In the article, I shared how a literature course changed the course of my life. I believe that moment speaks to something bigger. In an age shaped by artificial intelligence and automation, the ability to think critically, reflect ethically, and collaborate meaningfully is more important than ever. Colleges can blend career-aligned programming with the human questions that define us.
3. Your story is your strategy.
One of the most valuable things a college can do right now is own its story. That means having clarity about what makes the institution distinct, and ensuring that message reaches the right people. Storytelling is not fluff. It is a key part of enrollment, retention, and fundraising strategies.
What’s next
My new book, Pass/Fail: The Urgent Need for Strategic Leadership in Higher Education, is now available. It expands on many of the ideas we live every day at Viv and serves as a call to action for higher ed leaders who want to stop reacting and start leading with clarity, strategy, and courage.
Being featured in Forbes is an honor. But what matters most is the work ahead.
Higher education remains one of the most powerful tools we have to shape lives and communities. And we are committed to helping it thrive.

Need Help?
Not sure where to start with your institution’s marketing strategy? Viv Higher Education is a full-service agency built for colleges and universities. Whether you’re looking to boost enrollment, refine your brand, or build a campaign that actually converts, we are here to help.
Reach out to our team or schedule a call to explore solutions tailored to higher ed. This is what we do, and we do it well.