Ep. 70: Fun, Strategy & Fur: Rethinking Mascot Rebranding in Higher Ed

What happens when a university mascot gets more than just a costume upgrade? In this episode of Talking Tactics, we unpack how a strategic mascot rebrand can fuel enrollment marketing, drive retail revenue, and build real campus tradition. From trademark governance to ESPN-level exposure, this isn’t fluff — it’s brand strategy with fur. If you think mascots are just for game day, think again.

Guest Names:
Megan Nash Milligan, Brand Marketing Strategist, Loyola Marymount University
Stephanie Teresi, Associate Director, Trademarks, Licensing, and Promotional Assets, Loyola Marymount University

Guest Socials:
Megan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-nash-milligan/
Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snwert/

Guest Bios:
Megan Nash Milligan is the Brand Marketing Strategist at LMU, where she leads integrated marketing planning and cross-functional rollout of key brand initiatives. A proud LMU alum, she earned her M.A. in Educational Studies while competing as a beach volleyball student-athlete & leading the team to their first conference championship. Before returning to LMU, Megan managed marketing and operations in the real estate industry, overseeing full-scale campaigns and a company rebrand. Originally from Toronto, Megan now calls Los Angeles home—where she tries new food across the city, plays beach volleyball, and spends too much time with her two dogs!

Steph Teresi runs LMU’s trademark licensing game—protecting, promoting, and powering up the university brand across merch, apparel, and swag. As LMU’s first full-time licensing lead, she’s built policies and partnerships with the goal to boost LMU pride and make our gear easier to find (and love). Pre-LMU, Steph repped over 100 East Coast schools at Campus Stop and designed store displays at Anthropologie. A proud University of Delaware grad with a BFA in visual communications (go Blue Hens!), she now calls Culver City home—where she cheers on the Eagles, spoils two bernedoodles, and paints watercolor masterpieces at the kitchen table.

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Connect With Our Host:
Safaniya Stevenson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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