After 18 episodes of Carolina Housing's Podcast: Campus Connection, the marketing team turned the microphones inward to spotlight the team usually behind the designs, posts, and digital content. Get to know Matt, Garett, and Emma, the trio that makes up the Carolina Housing Marketing team. From social media to merchandise, this team keeps students informed, engaged, and (hopefully) amused with the content they create.
The team also wanted to introduce themselves beyond their professional roles. Matt Bertram, the Assistant Director of Marketing, shares insights about how the Carolina Housing marketing team operates like an in-house agency and highlights the importance of teamwork and cross-campus collaboration. He explains that everything the team does stems from the need to communicate effectively. Matt also discusses his experience living in Arizona and his background in radio production before joining Carolina.
Garett Hozza, the Graphic Design and Digital Marketing Specialist and North Carolina native, brings a sharp design eye and a passion for branding, layout, and live event strategy. He describes how every week brings different challenges, from designing logos to installing physical signage in residence halls. Garett also shares his college experience producing a game show called Win Stuff (remarkably like a currently popular television game show), his involvement with a student-run marketing agency, and how these early experiences shaped his approach to storytelling through design.
Emma Larivee, the Social Media and Digital Content Coordinator and newest member of the team, shares her perspective as a recent college graduate who relocated from Connecticut to North Carolina in late December 2024. She brings fresh insights to student-centered content creation. From filming RA interview videos to developing pest prevention tips, Emma finds creative ways to make practical content engaging and fun. Her goal is to meet students where they are, whether through Instagram, email, or other digital platforms, ensuring content feels relevant, relatable, and authentic.
Carolina Housing's marketing extends far beyond digital signage and social media posts. The team provides comprehensive services to colleagues within the housing department, including social media and email campaigns, graphic design and branding, photography and videography, blog and web content creation, event marketing, and strategic communications.
This podcast episode offers more than team introductions, it provides insight into the purpose driving their work. Every campaign is rooted in connection: helping students understand housing options, feel at home on campus, and engage with their community. Matt emphasizes that each year brings a new audience of first-year students unfamiliar with the housing department. The marketing team's mission is to ensure these students feel welcomed, informed, and excited about living on campus.
The team also highlights their student marketing internship program, where Tar Heels gain hands-on experience in marketing, content creation, and communications. Interns collaborate with the professional staff on active campaigns, developing graphics, managing social media, writing blogs, filming videos, and more. It's a practical, fast-paced environment rich with learning opportunities.
Keep an eye on the Student Staff Opportunities page of the Carolina Housing website for updates on application openings. The Summer Resident Ambassadors position is currently hiring, with applications open until April 21!
Whether you're a student curious about housing options, someone interested in marketing, or simply want to hear from the voices shaping our campus community, this episode is worth a listen. You can check out this episode on Spotify, Apple Music, or by listening below!
Want to join the team? Apply to be a Summer Resident Ambassador HERE!