The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

In this bonus episode recorded live at the Collegis Education DisruptED summit in Phoenix, we spoke with Nathan Grawe from Carleton College about the realities behind higher education's enrollment decline and the looming demographic “cliff.” They explore how shifting birth rates and declining enrollment trends are creating real challenges—especially for tuition-dependent institutions—while also highlighting how retention, student experience, and institutional strategy play a critical role in long-term sustainability.  The conversation emphasizes that there's no single solution, but institutions that listen to students, adapt their culture, and stay aligned with their mission are better positioned to navigate change. Ultimately, it's a call for leaders to approach this moment with urgency, empathy, and a renewed focus on serving students effectively. Guest Name: Nathan Grawe - Professor of Economics at Carleton College Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Nathan Grawe is a labor economist whose work studies connections between family background and education acquisition.  In addition to serving on Carleton's faculty since 1999, Nathan served as Associate Dean of the College from 2009 to 2012.  His recent book, Demographics and the Demand for Higher Education (Johns Hopkins University Press) explores the coming effects of recent demographic changes, adjusting headcount data for the probability of attending institutions of various types. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this bonus episode recorded live at the Collegis Education DisruptED summit in Phoenix, we spoke with Michael Koskinen from St. John's University about the evolving strategy behind online education and institutional growth. They discuss the challenges of expanding online programs in a competitive market, including shifting away from traditional OPM models toward more flexible, fee-for-service partnerships that allow institutions to stay agile.  The conversation highlights the need for higher ed leaders to rethink long-standing structures—like the four-year model and classroom-based learning—while staying grounded in their mission and focused on student needs. Ultimately, it's a call for institutions to move faster, embrace experimentation, and adapt to changing expectations around flexibility, technology, and the value of a degree. Guest Name: Dr. Michael Koskinen - Chief Online Learning Officer at St. John's University Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Dr. Michael Koskinen is an educator with over 20 years of experience adapting traditional collegiate course material into cutting-edge electronic teaching tools for delivery in traditional, hybrid, and online settings. He has demonstrated success managing multi-million-dollar technology budgets, high-profile software deployments, and staff development. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this kickoff episode recorded live at the Collegis Education DisruptED summit in Phoenix, we spoke with Dan Antonson and Jeff Certain from the Collegis team about the growing need for better data integration in higher education. They introduce “Connected Core,” a data platform designed to unify siloed systems and create a more complete, actionable view of the student journey.  The conversation explores how tools like the “student digital twin” and AI-powered workflows can transform everything from recruitment to student success by enabling more personalized, efficient, and data-informed experiences. Ultimately, it's a call for institutions to treat data as a strategic asset—investing in governance, integration, and long-term strategy to meet rising student expectations and stay competitive. Guest Names:  Dan Antonson - Associate VP of Analytics & Tech. Solutions at Collegis Education Jeff Certain - Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Solutions at Collegis Education Guest Socials: Dan on LinkedIn Jeff on LinkedIn Guest Bios:  Dan Antonson proudly helps higher education institutions leverage marketing technology to grow enrollment. Dan is an expert in higher education data and the technology systems that create and drive insight — and his role at Collegis allows him to connect and activate data. Dan has more than 15 years of experience in digital analytics, marketing attribution and measurement, and he has a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota. In addition, he holds several Google and Ensighten certifications and is a guest lecturer for the University of Minnesota's Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Jeff Certain leads marketing strategy and solution architecture at Collegis, helping colleges and universities translate institutional ambition into measurable growth across the student lifecycle. In his role as Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Solutions, Jeff oversees cross-functional teams responsible for B2B marketing, sales enablement, partnership solution design, and data-informed program research. Prior to Collegis, Jeff held multiple marketing leadership roles at Rasmussen University, where he led regional marketing strategy and enterprise digital advertising initiatives across paid search, display, affiliate marketing, and emerging digital channels. Jeff holds an MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Indiana University Bloomington.   - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we spoke with several attendees to get their immediate reflections and experiences from the event as it happened. They shared a variety of interesting perspectives on the work being done right now at institutions as they navigate ongoing digital transformation journeys.  Many thanks to everyone who spoke with us:  Toneal Alford, Alcatraz Thomas Butler, TransferMate Jenn Pontes, Western University Harlan Howard, University of Vermont Isaidys Davis, Genea Ernest Burton, Morgan State University Emily Oliver, Illumia Dan Mele, MyVenue - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this final bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we talked with Jennifer Chellew from Illumia about their rebrand, how they managed the transition, and the detailed process that went into to everything from choosing a name, choosing colors, to building consensus in a large community of stakeholders. Guest Name: Jennifer Chellew - SVP of Marketing at Illumia Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Jennifer Chellew is SVP of Marketing at Illumia, where she leads brand, demand generation, analytics, and marketing operations for a high-growth B2B SaaS company. With more than 25 years of experience across healthcare technology, financial services, and B2B SaaS, Jennifer is known for building marketing organizations that drive pipeline growth and earn executive buy-in through a data centered and operationally sound approach. Her career includes senior marketing leadership roles at Sallie Mae and JP Morgan Chase. Jennifer holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Delaware and is an active community leader in the Delaware area. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we chatted with Jeff Koziol from Allegion about the digital evolutions necessary for institutions to better manage campus security as well as align with current student preferences. Guest Name: Jeff Koziol, Business Development Manager, Allegion Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Jeff Koziol works for Allegion as the Vertical Market Leader & Business Development Manager for Higher Education.  He has worked with Allegion (Ingersoll Rand) for 33 years in three different separate businesses with various assignments in Project Management, Product Management, Marketing, Sales, and Business Development.   Jeff is a member of NACCU – the National Association of Campus Card Users – and is a CWNP Certified Wireless Sales Specialist.  He has a passion for working with Higher Education clients and partners to improve campus security while improving the student experience in this area. He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from WPI in Worcester (MA) and an MBA from RPI in Troy (NY).  He resides in Westfield, Massachusetts with his family. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we spoke with Maydee Ehster from Florida State University about how her and her team have been navigating regulatory changes as well as continued challenges balancing security and convenience for students. Guest Name: Maydee Ehster - Associate Director of Financial Systems at Florida State University Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Maydee Ehster is Associate Director of Financial Systems in the Controller's Office at Florida State University. She leads a team that is responsible for administering and supporting enterprise financial systems, including Transact, Concur, Jaggaer, Transcepta, and PaymentWorks. Maydee's responsibilities include oversight of systems integrations, compliance requirements, audit support, and process improvements.  She works closely with campus stakeholders and external vendors to support and enhance efficiencies across our systems. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

For this episode, Dustin speaks with Kristen McMullen to explore how the “Designing Your Life” framework is being embedded at the College of Charleston to help students navigate uncertainty, make intentional decisions, and align their education with their goals and values. Kristen explains how the design thinking approach—centered on curiosity, experimentation, and action—empowers students to prototype career paths, build confidence, and reduce anxiety about the future. Guest Name: Kristen McMullen, Executive Director of Student Success, the College of Charleston School of Business Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Kristen McMullen has dedicated nearly 20 years of her life to higher education, spearheading career service initiatives, creating programs that connect students with the resources they need to succeed, and bolstering various universities' alumni relations at the likes of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn State University and Duke University. She has earned her masters in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology from the University of East London with the goal of extending Success Center services related to our students' wellbeing. Kristen's presidential leadership has elevated organizations including the Junior League, the Jaycees, Penn State's Commission for Women, the Volunteer Center's Community Volunteer in Action organization, and the Penn State Charleston Alumni Chapter. She also founded the Delaware Women's Leadership Summit and the Volunteer Leadership Organization Council of Southwestern Connecticut. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we spoke with returning guest Alison Cove from USEFULL about her ever evolving (and award winning!) work enabling tech enabled sustainability efforts at institutions all over the country. Guest Name: Alison Cove, Founder and CEO, USEFULL Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Alison Cove is the founder and CEO of USEFULL, the only tech-enabled, plastic-free takeout container solution for college and university campuses. USEFULL provides the tracking technology and durable containers that schools need to operate a successful zero-waste takeout program that eliminates waste, saves water, and reduces emissions to meet sustainability goals. Alison is committed to eliminating plastic and single-use packaging from the takeout stream at college dining operations, protecting students from microplastics, and driving lasting behavior change around reuse. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we chatted with returning guest Don Smith from Illumia about his work with institutions as they modernize their campus payment systems. He shares his experiences with the movement toward digital wallets and how this cultural shift for institutions is well worth the effort. Guest Name: Don Smith -  Senior Vice President, General Manager of Integrated Payments at Illumia Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Don Smith, is Senior Vice President, General Manager of Integrated Payments for Illumia. With over 15 years of experience driving innovation in software and financial services, Don is a seasoned product leader specializing in building high-performing teams. Skilled in talent development and cross-functional collaboration, Don creates cultures of excellence in both startups and established corporations across diverse industries, including education, financial services, nonprofits, and commercial real estate. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we talked with Laura Newell-McLaughlin from Illumia about the increased utilization of tuition payment alternatives like sponsor payments and payment plans; how we got here and what institutions need to do to continue to adapt in order to provide high quality experiences for their students. Guest Name: Laura Newell-McLaughlin - Chief Commercial Officer at Illumia Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Laura Newell-McLaughlin is an influential leader in the higher education sector, currently serving as the Chief Commercial Officer at Illumia, a leader in innovative credential and payment solutions for connected campuses. With a career spanning 30 years, Newell-McLaughlin has built a reputation for her expertise in payments strategy and performance, particularly within the higher education domain. Laura Newell-McLaughlin's comprehensive experience and deep understanding of payment solutions in the education sector position her as a dynamic leader and key contributor to Illumia's ongoing success and innovation in providing solutions for campuses. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we spoke with Chris Setcos from Illumia to get his perspective on how institutions are grappling with increasingly complex digital infrastructure and tech stacks as well as strategies for successfully integrating these ecosystems. Guest Name: Chris Setcos - SVP of Partnerships at Illumia Guest Social: LinkedIn  Guest Bio: Chris Setcos is Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Mergers & Acquisitions at Illumia, responsible for strategic alliances, ecosystem development, and partnership models that drive long-term enterprise value. With deep expertise across technology, software, payments, and fintech, Chris builds collaborative teams and trusted partner relationships that align external capabilities with enterprise strategy to unlock innovation and scale. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

For this week's episode, Dustin and Dr. Aviva Legatt from EdGenerative discuss how higher education must urgently and intentionally integrate AI into learning and strategy. Aviva highlights the risks of unstructured AI use, the need to balance AI skills with critical thinking and domain expertise, and the growing pressure on institutions to align with workforce demands. Ultimately, it's a call for leaders to take proactive steps—rather than avoid or ban AI—to better prepare students for an AI-driven future. Check out Aviva's awesome resource for AI Use Cases in Higher Education! Guest Name: Dr. Aviva Legatt - Founder & Principal at EdGenerative Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Dr. Aviva Legatt is a nationally recognized education expert who bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI research and practical implementation in educational settings. With deep expertise in organizational dynamics and educational technology, she helps institutions navigate the complex landscape of AI adoption while maintaining their core educational mission and values. Her approach combines rigorous academic research with hands-on consulting experience, enabling educational leaders to make informed decisions about AI integration that serve their students and communities. Through her work with EdGenerative, she empowers institutions to move beyond AI anxiety toward confident, ethical implementation that amplifies human potential rather than replacing it. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we sat down with Zach Tussing from Ellucian about his perspective on the importance of effective ERP integrations and how institutional IT leaders are navigating many different stages of modernization and digital transformation. Guest Name: Zach Tussing, Lead of Technology Partnerships, Ellucian Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Zach Tussing is the Lead of Technology Partnerships at Ellucian, where he drives strategic alliances that expand the company's ecosystem and accelerate innovation across higher education. With a focus on identifying and scaling high-impact partnerships, Zach works at the intersection of product, strategy, and go-to-market to deliver integrated solutions that enhance institutional outcomes. He brings a blend of technical expertise and business acumen, enabling him to translate emerging technologies into meaningful value for customers and partners alike. Passionate about collaboration and growth, Zach is committed to building durable partnerships that support Ellucian's mission to power education and drive student success. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this final episode recorded at SXSW EDU, Dustin chats with George Phillip (“GP”) LeBourdais, a fellow FOHE member and Head of Learning at Edvisor.AI. He details the work his team does enabling faculty members to be more effective and efficient with their efforts. GP also shares his perspective on how AI can have positive impacts on achieving greater equity in the classroom. Guest Name: Dr. George Philip LeBourdais, Head of Learning, Edvisor.AI Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Dr. George Phillip (“GP”) LeBourdais is a trained art historian who believes the best learning happens when humanistic inquiry meets technological innovation. His PhD from Stanford taught him to look carefully, to analyze how people see and make meaning. That slow, interpretive work is key to designing how students interact with AI. Currently, GP serves as Head of Learning (Special Advisor) at Edvisor.ai, leading academic strategy for an AI-powered platform transforming how college students engage with course content. GP embeds evidence-based pedagogy into product development and design multi-institutional efficacy studies. His team's early data shows the largest gains for at-risk students, - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this special episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin speaks with Ana Homayoun, executive functioning expert, author, and founder of Green Ivy Educational Consulting and Luminaria Learning. They catch up on things since her interview last year and explore the power of career exploration for young people to help them find postsecondary success. She also teases her forthcoming book, Getting In Is Not Enough: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades, Test Scores and College Admission. Guest Name: Ana Homayoun, Author, Nonprofit Executive, & Independent Academic Advisor Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Ana Homayoun is a noted author, academic advisor, and early career development strategist. Her work focuses on helping students develop executive functioning skills in today's technology and social media world. Her latest book, Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admissions, underscores the fundamental skills needed for academic success, emotional well-being and long-term workforce development. Ana is the founder of Green Ivy Educational Consulting, a Silicon Valley-based academic advising firm that helps students, parents and educators with crucial executive function and life-management skills. She is also the founder and executive director of Luminaria Learning Solutions, a non-profit initiative developing the Life Navigator School Advisory Program, an executive function skills curriculum rooted in social and emotional well-being that aims to prepare students for success in and outside of the classroom. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this special episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin chats with Tanner Jackson from ETS. He explains the ways his team integrates AI and why transparency is increasingly important for edtech companies to foster. Tanner also highlights the recently launched Center for Responsible AI that ETS created as a new resource for higher ed leaders. Guest Name: Dr. Tanner Jackson, Head of AI Products, ETS Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Tanner Jackson is the Head of AI Products at ETS, overseeing the development and deployment of AI capabilities across the global enterprise. His work spans two core areas: integrating AI into product and platform development, and building scalable AI solutions that deliver measurable business and/or educational impact.  With over a decade of experience at ETS-including roles in the Research Institute, Language Learning and Assessment Business, and the Office of the CEO-Tanner's work has consistently focused on helping people achieve their potential. A respected voice on AI, Tanner is a sought-after speaker at top industry forums, including the SHRM Talent Annual Conference, Zoom Educator Summit, and ASU+GSV and has been featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education and Education Week as a subject matter expert. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this special episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin chats with Greg Smith from Britebound about their recent rebrand and their expanding work helping young learners explore potential careers and the ways to navigate the postsecondary landscape. He highlights how his team's work impacts higher ed during a time of increased scrutiny about value and relevance. Guest Name: Greg Smith, Vice President of Marketing, Britebound Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: As Vice President of Marketing at Britebound, Greg Smith is responsible for translating annual business objectives into strategic marketing plans and leading the marketing team to concept, create and execute the digital campaigns that impact millions of students each year. Greg brings over 25 years of corporate strategy, brand development and global marketing experience with a career that has spanned the technology, banking and financial services industries. In prior agency and client roles, Greg partnered with executives at companies such as American Express, EMC and Citizens Commercial Bank to envision how their marketing organizations must evolve to embrace the digital world and to transform their go-to-market strategies as the power shifted from companies to consumers. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin spoke with Ashley Beckner from Lemnis about their unique funding model that sits at the intersection of a variety of diverse stakeholders focused on enabling student success. She also provides context on their recent acquisition of InsideTrack and the vision Lemnis has for the future. Guest Name: Ashley Beckner, Managing Director, Lemnis Collective Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Ashley Beckner is managing director of the Lemnis Collective. She brings experience across impact investing, philanthropy, finance and operations to Lemnis. She has spent over a decade as an investor and operator in the education sector.  Most recently, Ashley co-led the US education investment team at Imaginable Futures, a venture of The Omidyar Group. She led the team's strategy for driving systemic impact in early childhood leveraging investments in early-stage companies, grants, policy and advocacy, strategic communications, and more. She managed a portfolio of 30+ investments, serving as a strategic advisor to her companies and organizations. Ashley has an MBA from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania and is based in Austin, TX. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this special episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin chats with Angelique Albert, CEO of the Native Forward Scholars Fund. She returns to the show after a handful of years to provide updates on her team's work, the holistic support they provide native students, and how they're navigating this turbulent moment in higher ed. Guest Name: Angelique Albert - CEO at Native Forward Scholars Fund Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Angelique Albert is the CEO of Native Forward Scholars Fund, the largest provider of direct scholarships to Native students in the United States. She is a mission-driven leader with expertise in public service, philanthropy, social justice and ensuring that Native students have the resources and support to fulfill their academic and professional aspirations. Raised on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Angelique is a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Since assuming leadership in 2017, Angelique has transformed Native Forward into a national force, surpassing $350 million in total scholarships to over 20,000 students from 500 Tribes in all 50 states. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this special episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin chats with Enyi Okebugwu from Imaginable Futures about his work creating effective support structures for student parents. He explains how states are leaning in here and why this work is becoming increasingly important for institutions to focus on. Guest Name: Enyi Okebugwu - Senior Program Manager at Imaginable Futures Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Enyi Okebugwu is the senior program manager at Imaginable Futures. His work focuses on supporting field building and systems change for student parents in the US through nonprofit investments and partnerships. In addition, he supports the development and implementation of IF's learning and impact practices. Prior to joining Imaginable Futures, he worked on the investment team at Village Capital, and spent time as an Impact Fellow with New Globe, where he drove the development process for New Globe's first cohort of primary schools in Nigeria. Enyi began his career by founding a social enterprise, Legendary Tutors, focused on providing high-quality test prep and college admissions consulting to underserved high school students in the south side of Chicago. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this bonus episode recorded live at SXSW EDU, Dustin talked with Caroline Casagrande from VectorEDU about the impacts of an active year of federal policymaking. She also details how new public funding opportunities are poised to shape the future of higher education. Guest Name: Caroline Casagrande - CEO at VectorEDU Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Caroline Casagrande is the founder of VectorEDU where she guides companies through the intersection of education technology, workforce innovation, AI, and public funding. Her work focuses on go-to-market strategy, Workforce Pell and WIOA alignment, regulatory navigation, and mapping public funding pathways to accelerate adoption in K–12, higher education, and workforce systems. Caroline helps companies understand how public dollars flow, who controls access, and what it takes to win government markets. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this special episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin sits down with Shaun Carver, Executive Director of the International House at UC Berkeley as well as President of the International House Association. He shares his experience creating opportunities for his students from all over the world to connect with one another and why it is more important now than ever. He also explains how recent federal government actions on visas have created uniquely difficult situations for his students. Guest Name: Dr. Shaun Carver - Executive Director & CEO of the International House at UC Berkeley Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Shaun Carver is a global education leader and nonprofit executive with over 20 years of experience advancing institutions at the intersection of international engagement, academic innovation, and mission-driven impact. He has proven success leading complex organizations, stewarding institutional transformations, and expanding global networks. Shaun is currently serving as Executive Director and CEO of the International House at UC Berkeley, and President of the revitalized International House Association—a global movement originally supported by the Rockefeller family. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

What does “free tuition” actually mean — and why isn't it enough? In this episode, Dustin sits down with Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health and host of the WorkforceRx podcast, to unpack how her organization is tackling the healthcare workforce shortage by helping adults earn debt-free credentials in allied health fields. From redesigning incentives around completion (not just enrollment) to supporting adult learners with real-life constraints, this conversation challenges traditional higher ed funding models and offers a bold blueprint for workforce-aligned education. The takeaway? Free tuition alone doesn't drive success. Smart design, accountability, and intentional support do. Guest Name: Van Ton-Quinlivan - CEO at Futuro Health Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Van Ton-Quinlivan is a nationally recognized workforce development leader with a career spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. As CEO of Futuro Health, she's building the nation's largest network of allied healthcare workers. In 2022, she was appointed by Governor Newsom to help shape California's healthcare workforce education and training. Van is the author and podcast host of WorkforceRx, promoting agile, multicultural solutions for employers, educators, and workers.  Featured in major media and a sought-after keynote speaker, she's been named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Healthcare (2024) and among the 100 Most Influential Higher Education Leaders (2025). She serves on several national boards and holds an MBA and MA in Education Policy from Stanford University. Born in Vietnam and raised in Hawaii, Van now lives in California. A new empty nester, she enjoys morning coffee walks with her husband, and recently took up taiko drumming. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this podcast swap episode, Dustin sits down with Ashish Fernando, Founder and CEO at EDMO as well as the host of the EDU Unlocked podcast, to unpack how AI is reshaping admissions and enrollment. From fixing broken transfer credit processes to building AI systems that prioritize both speed and student experience, Ashish shares what he's learned from years of conversations with presidents and CIOs. The big idea? AI shouldn't replace humans in higher ed — it should remove friction so institutions can deliver a better, more affordable experience for students. Guest Name: Ashish Fernando - Founder & CEO at EDMO Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Ashish Fernando is the Founder and CEO of EDMO and iSchoolConnect, companies dedicated to revolutionising student admissions through artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions. Mr Ashish obtained a Master's degree in business administration at Bentley University in Massachusetts, USA, having achieved a first Master's, in biotechnology, at Sathyabama University in India. At EDMO, his mission is to empower enrolment and admissions teams to make a profound impact with more students, guide students to align their educational choices with career aspirations and bridge the gap between education and the workforce for real-world success. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this forward-looking conversation, Dustin sits down with Andy Morgan, Chief Partnerships Officer at 2U, to unpack what digital education looks like in 2026—and where it's heading next. From the maturation of online learning to mounting regulatory pressure and the rapid acceleration of AI, Andy outlines the three major forces reshaping higher ed strategy today.The big takeaway? Moving a program online isn't innovation anymore. Institutions that thrive will build integrated, learner-first strategies that blend modality, rethink marketing, and use AI to enhance—not replace—human connection.Guest Name: Andy Morgan, Chief Partnerships Officer, 2UGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Andy Morgan is 2U's Chief Partnerships Officer overseeing all aspects of 2U's partner relationships, including strategy, growth, and performance, as well as 2U's enterprise business. A long-time leader at 2U, Morgan has held a variety of strategic roles critical to the company's growth and expansion, including Head of Corporate Development and, most recently, Interim Head of the Alternative Credential Segment. With over 15 years of experience in edtech, Morgan brings a wealth of industry knowledge that has been instrumental in molding 2U into one of the world's leading edtech companies.Prior to joining 2U in 2018, Morgan spent seven years at Pearson managing merger and acquisitions and global business transformation across Pearson's media and education businesses. Earlier in his career, Morgan worked in the London office of Ernst & Young in several transaction advisory and consulting roles serving private equity clients.Morgan lives in Bethesda, Maryland, with his wife and two children. He holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Warwick. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this episode, Dustin chats with Michelle Craig, Director of Marketing at AppsAnywhere, about how institutions can better support today's digitally fluent, mobile-first students. They explore the critical need for flexibility in how students access learning tools and why digital equity isn't just a nice-to-have — it's a must. From device agnosticism to smarter infrastructure investments, this conversation gives IT leaders and enrollment pros alike actionable ways to align tech strategy with student realities.Guest Name: Michelle Craig - Director of Marketing at AppsAnywhereGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Michelle Craig is the Senior Director of Marketing and Commercial Operations at AppsAnywhere. With a focus on innovative go-to-market strategies and cross-functional leadership, she brings a results-oriented approach to connecting AppsAnywhere's solutions which help universities simplify software access for over three million students across 300 institutions worldwide. She brings two decades of EdTech experience from senior roles at Blackboard, QS Unisolution, JobTeaser, and Solutionpath. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

What if the path to transforming higher ed isn't about radical reinvention—but about finally using the tools we already have? In this episode, Dustin chats with Kelly Rogan, COO of Ellucian, about how AI and data can revolutionize student experiences, institutional operations, and leadership decisions—if we're brave enough to modernize. Drawing from her background at Microsoft and her deep dive into higher ed, Kelly unpacks how institutions can move from resistance to action, without losing the human touch.Guest Name: Kelly Rogan - Chief Operating Officer at EllucianGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: As Chief Operating Officer, Kelly Rogan drives acceleration and enhancement of Ellucian's SaaS delivery strategies and customer experience, leading the Global Professional Services, Managed Services, Services Strategy and Innovation, and Customer Success and Support organizations. Kelly has more than 20 years of impressive experience in driving cloud transformation in the technology industry, a deep understanding of transformational change, and a proven ability to scale organizations effectively. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this thought-provoking episode, political philosopher and Penn GSE professor Dr. Sigal Ben-Porath joins host Dustin to unpack one of higher ed's most pressing—and polarizing—topics: the future of free speech and academic freedom on campus. Drawing from her books Free Speech on Campus and Cancel Wars, Dr. Ben-Porath makes the case for a more inclusive vision of free expression in higher education, while warning against rising government overreach in curricula. She also highlights the important work happening on this topic at the SNF Paideia Program, where she is Faculty Director.Together, they explore how colleges can stay true to their democratic mission even as they navigate growing political pressure and cultural division.Guest Name: Dr. Sigal Ben-Porath - Professor & Faculty Director at University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of EducationGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Ben-Porath has been teaching at Penn GSE since 2004. She is an associate member of the political science department and the philosophy department at Penn. She also currently serves as the faculty director of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Paideia Program. She served as a special assistant to the university president, and as chair of the faculty advisory board to Penn Press, and as executive committee member of the Andrea Mitchell Center for the Study of Democracy. In 2010 she was a fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies at Princeton, in 2012–2013 she was affiliated with the Safra Center for Ethics at Tel Aviv University, and in 2020–2021 she was a fellow in residence at the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this week's episode, Dustin sits down with Brian Hartnack, Founder and CEO of Archer Education, for a rich conversation about the evolution of digital marketing and enrollment management in higher ed. Brian shares the origin story behind Archer, his thoughts on the shifting landscape of online education, and what institutions should really be doing right now to stay competitive in an AI-powered world. This isn't just a history lesson—it's a roadmap for modern marketing leaders in higher education.Guest Name: Brian Hartnack, Founder & CEO, Archer EducationGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Brian Hartnack is the CEO and co-founder of Archer Education, a leader in higher education marketing and enrollment growth. With more than 20 years of experience in online education, Brian has spent his career helping institutions navigate the evolving demands of online and adult education. He is passionate about developing practical, innovative solutions that expand access, improve enrollment outcomes, and support long-term institutional capacity. Brian believes that thoughtfully designed online learning plays a critical role in making higher education more accessible, affordable, and engaging for today's learners. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

Most students aren't dropping out because they're disengaged—they're falling behind because your tech isn't meeting their needs. In this energizing episode, Dustin chats with Shana Holman, Head of Strategic Engagement and Alliances at Pathify, about the results of Pathify's 2025 Student Digital Experience Survey. They unpack why digital friction is far more than an IT problem—it's a barrier to academic success, mental health, and student belonging.From the mounting demand for unified platforms to the hidden equity issues plaguing your tech stack, this episode makes a compelling case for why the student experience must be reimagined—and what institutions can do today to make real progress.Guest Name: Shana Holman, Head of Strategic Engagements & Alliances, PathifyGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: As Pathify's Head of Strategic Engagement and Alliances, Shana Holman partners with university leadership teams and Pathify's customer advisory board to navigate the complex challenges facing higher education today.With extensive experience in both higher education and EdTech partnerships, she brings practical insights on how universities can leverage integrated technology solutions to create more connected campus experiences while maximizing their existing technology investments.Shana lives in Denver, Colorado and enjoys the Colorado mountains with her family and 2 yellow labradors. She is also a parent to two students navigating higher education. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

What do Montenegro, Gen Z protests, and open educational resources have in common? According to Julia Sherwin, everything. In this episode, Dustin Ramsdell sits down with Julia—Executive Director of the Global Education Initiative at Global Post Media—to explore why global literacy isn't just a “nice to have” anymore. They unpack how free access to high-quality international journalism can transform classrooms, inspire student activism, and better prepare learners for a truly interconnected world.This conversation is a must-listen for faculty who want to level up their teaching, institutions looking to champion open resources, and anyone passionate about empowering the next generation of globally competent citizens.Guest Name: Julia Sherwin, Executive Director of the Global Education Initiative, GlobalPost MediaGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Julia Sherwin is a communications professional and storyteller at heart, with experience across journalism, public relations and higher education. She is a former Philadelphia-area radio host, where she developed two highly engaging interview-style shows that each ran for five years. Julia was also an adjunct instructor in Temple University's Department of Journalism. Today, she is a PR consultant and the executive director of GlobalPost's Global Education Initiative. She loves connecting with like-minded professionals, students and educators, so please feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this premiere episode of the 2026 season, Dustin welcomes back Taran Lent, now CTO of the soon to be rebranded Illumia (formerly Transact + CBORD), for a candid conversation about the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in higher ed. They dig into the rationale behind the rebrand, the creation of the Higher Ed Innovation Index report, and how institutions can sustainably modernize their operations while staying student-centric.From embracing AI to fostering digital upskilling, Taran offers grounded advice from the frontlines of transformation—advice shaped by both internal change and direct collaboration with campuses nationwide.Listen to Taran's previous episode on the podcast here!Guest Name: Taran Lent - CTO at Transact + CBORDGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Taran Lent has been building and operating payment technology companies his entire professional career. He is an accomplished entrepreneurial leader with experience in start-up, growth and public organizations. His specialty is forming and motivating high-performance teams to focus and execute on major new product ideas. Taran currently serves as CTO at Transact + CBORD. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this final episode of the year, Dustin talked with Ruth Bauer, President at InsideTrack, who shared how the organization's new Coaching Lab is expanding access to coaching far beyond traditional college students. Ruth reflects on 12+ years of building human-centered, tech-supported student success systems and explores how flexible, scalable coaching can support everyone from GED earners to returning adult learners.Guest Name: Ruth Bauer, President, InsideTrackGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Ruth Bauer is a purpose-driven leader, executive, and lifelong learner who is currently serving as the President of InsideTrack, a student success coaching nonprofit that has served over 3.6 million learners since 2001.Over the past two decades, she has devoted her career to education and personal development at every level -- from early childhood education to higher education and corporate learning and development. As a proud first-generation college student and public school mom, Ruth has seen the transformative potential of expanding educational opportunity in my own life, which sparked a lifelong passion for working at the intersection of education, social impact, and leadership. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

What if launching a business was a graduation requirement? At Paul Quinn College, that's exactly what students are doing. In this episode, Dustin sat down with Jeff Meade from Paul Quinn College (PQC), who shares how this HBCU is integrating entrepreneurship into the student experience—not as an elective or a club, but as a campus-wide, curriculum-infused mission. You'll hear how students from every discipline are learning to think like founders, pitch real ideas, and even secure funding.Guest Name: Jeff Meade - Assistant Professor & Founding Director of Entrepreneurship at Paul Quinn CollegeGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Jeff Meade is the Founding Director of Entrepreneurship at Paul Quinn College, where he is leading a bold initiative: Every Quinnite is an Entrepreneur. The program ensures every student launches a venture before graduation, making entrepreneurship a core life skill rather than an extracurricular option.With over 20 years of experience growing companies and advising businesses, Jeff has scaled agencies to multimillion-dollar revenues and built client-side marketing programs that gained national recognition. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Today, Jeff is pioneering venture-based learning, a model that equips students with an entrepreneurial mindset, creativity, and real-world experience to thrive as founders, innovators, and intrapreneurs in any field. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this episode, Dustin chats with Sabih Bin Wasi, Founder and CEO of Stellic, about rethinking course registration, degree planning, and the broader student experience. What started as a tool to help Sabih navigate his own college journey as a first-gen student has evolved into a platform used by over a million students worldwide. Together, they unpack why registration is more than a transactional task—it's a pivotal point that shapes academic, personal, and professional futures.Whether you're a registrar, advisor, or enrollment leader, this conversation will challenge you to question outdated systems and consider how better tech (and mindset shifts) can improve both the student and institutional experience.Guest Name: Sabih Bin Wasi - Founder and CEO at StellicGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Sabih Bin Wasi is the founder and CEO of Stellic, a student success platform transforming how universities help students plan and achieve their academic goals. As a student at Carnegie Mellon University, Sabih experienced firsthand how complex and confusing the higher education system can be for students trying to make the right choices about their paths. What started as a personal frustration with course planning evolved into a drive to reimagine how institutions support students through their most consequential years.Under Sabih's leadership, Stellic has grown from a student-built prototype at CMU to a comprehensive enterprise platform used by over 80 universities to streamline degree planning, advising, and academic operations. Sabih is energized by Stellic's mission to enable 10 million student success stories, and as a lifelong learner at heart, he continues to approach every challenge with curiosity, creativity, and a deep belief in the power of higher education to transform lives. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

What if your student success team had AI-powered tools that could prep meeting notes, flag at-risk students in real time, and prove the ROI of your campus programs—all without needing “perfect” data? In this episode, Civitas Learning CEO Will Ballard breaks down how their platform makes this possible.From demystifying data integration to showcasing real-world use cases of predictive and generative AI, Will shares a refreshingly honest and technical take on what higher ed institutions can (and should) be doing right now to increase student retention and graduation outcomes.Guest Name: Will Ballard - CEO at Civitas LearningGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: An accomplished technology company executive and engineering leader who first joined Civitas Learning as chief technology officer in 2020, Will Ballard has more than twenty years of experience managing large technical and engineering teams as well as supporting customer success for enterprise technology customers. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

Shai Reshef, founder of University of the People, joins Dustin to share how his radically accessible, tuition-free, accredited online university is scaling globally and rewriting the rules of what college can be. From refugee learners in conflict zones to first-generation students from all over the world, University of the People is serving 170,000+ students with a bold vision: higher ed should be affordable, flexible, and job-relevant. This episode is a masterclass in educational innovation, AI integration, and mission-driven leadership.Guest Name: Shai Reshef - Founder & President of University of the PeopleGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Shai Reshef is the President of University of the People (UoPeople). Reshef has over 25 years of experience in the international education market. Reshef has been widely recognized for his work with UoPeople, including being awarded the 2023 Yidan Prize for Educational Development, referred to as the Nobel Prize for Education; an honorary doctorate from the Open University, named one of Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business; awarded an Ashoka fellowship; joined UN-GAID as a High-level Adviser; granted an RSA Fellowship; selected by The Huffington Post as the Ultimate Game Changer in Education; nominated as one of Wired Magazine's 50 People Changing the World; and selected as a Top Global Thinker by Foreign Policy Magazine.An expert on the intersection of education and technology, Reshef has spoken internationally at conferences, including DLD, TED, World Economic Forum, EG5 Conference, Google's Higher Education Summit, ASU+GSV, SXSW, The Economist's Annual Human Potential Summit, Financial Times' Innovation Conference, and the Schools for Tomorrow Event for the New York Times. He has also lectured at Yale, Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford, among others. Reshef's TED Talk and Nas Daily video about the University have over 30M views combined. Reshef holds an M.A. in Chinese Politics from the University of Michigan. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this bonus episode, Dustin caught up with Annie Chechitelli, Chief Product Officer at Turnitin. After recording earlier this year at SXSW EDU, they reconnected to unpack the biggest myths and realities around AI in higher ed. Building upon her recent blog post as well as the prior conversation Dustin had with Annie's colleague, Eric Wang, this conversation dives into the evolving role of AI tools—like generative writing assistants and detection software—and how institutions and instructors can embrace transparency, not panic. Annie shares sharp insights on what AI literacy really means, why “zero AI” policies may backfire, and how faculty can empower students without sacrificing trust or learning outcomes.Guest Name: Annie Chechitelli, Chief Product Officer at TurnitinGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Annie Chechitelli has spent the past two decades innovating with educators to expand access to education, meet the quickly changing needs of learners, and empower students to do their best, original work. As the Chief Product Officer at Turnitin, Annie oversees the Turnitin suite of applications which includes academic integrity, grading and feedback, and assessment capabilities. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this final bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin chatted with Jenny Maxwell, Head of Grammarly for Education at Superhuman (formerly Grammarly), fresh off the announcement of their exciting rebrand. This timely conversation dives into the evolution of AI writing tools in higher education and how intentional product design is key to ethical, effective use. Jenny breaks down the power of their new “Authorship” tool, the growing demand for transparency in student work, and how AI can actually foster better teaching and learning—when it's done right.Guest Name: Jenny Maxwell - Head of Grammarly for Education at SuperhumanGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Jenny Maxwell is the head of Grammarly for Education at Superhuman (formerly Grammarly). Jenny has more than 15 years of experience in the education/ed-tech space and over 20 years of experience in sales and leadership. Before joining Grammarly, Jenny led the higher education team at Pearson, the world's largest education content provider. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this episode, Dustin chats with Shannon McDonald and Brandon Chavez from the Division of Extended Studies at UC San Diego about how continuing education can be a powerful catalyst for institutional resilience and workforce transformation. With decades of experience between them, Shannon and Brandon share how their team builds agile, data-informed, employer-driven programs that deliver value to both learners and local industries. From stackable credentials to custom corporate partnerships, this conversation is full of practical insights on how to make higher ed more accessible, responsive, and sustainable. Guest Names: Shannon McDonald - Director of Custom Training & Leadership Programs at UC San Diego Division of Extended StudiesBrandon Chavez - Assistant Director, Industry Engagement & Partnership Development at UC San Diego Division of Extended StudiesGuest Socials: Shannon on LinkedInBrandon on LinkedInGuest Bios: Shannon McDonald is the Director of Corporate Education and Leadership Programs at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, where she leads strategic partnerships with organizations to design and deliver custom training that addresses evolving workforce needs. A UC San Diego alumna, Shannon has been with Extended Studies since 2001 and has extensive experience shaping programs that respond to shifting economic, technological, and industry demands. She is actively involved with the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), where she has held multiple leadership roles, and she engages with San Diego's professional community through associations and service on UC San Diego councils. With a strong focus on workforce development, Shannon is passionate about building learning solutions that help organizations innovate, remain competitive, and invest in the long-term success of their employees.Brandon Chavez is Assistant Director of Industry Engagement & Partnership Development at UC San Diego Extended Studies, where he helps employers connect with the university's talent, research, and custom training resources. With more than 15 years of experience in higher education strategy, marketing, and workforce partnerships, he focuses on building solutions that align with employer priorities while advancing UC San Diego's mission. Beyond his local work, Brandon contributes nationally through UPCEA as a Peer Learning Leader, sharing insights on employer engagement and credential innovation. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin sat down with Nicole Muscanell from the Research and Insights team at EDUCAUSE. Nicole shares insights from EDUCAUSE's latest research outputs—like the Horizon Report on Teaching and Learning as well as the annual Top 10 IT Issues—while offering a grounded perspective on how institutions are evolving their digital strategies. From shifting student preferences in learning modalities to the real risks of overinvesting in flashy tech, this episode explores how higher ed leaders can chart a sustainable, student-centered path forward in a rapidly changing landscape.Guest Name: Dr. Nicole Muscanell - Researcher at EDUCAUSEGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Nicole Muscanell serves as a researcher at EDUCAUSE. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology and has more than a decade of experience in higher education, including roles in research, instruction, and academic advising. Her recent work explores faculty and student technology use, workforce issues, data and analytics, and emerging trends shaping teaching, learning, cybersecurity, and privacy in higher education. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin chatted with Larry Tumblin of Ohio University for a fascinating look at how dual enrollment is being reimagined for today's learners. Larry breaks down the College Credit Plus initiative and how Ohio U is bringing college courses directly into high school classrooms using cost-effective, easy-to-deploy video conferencing tech. With 15 high schools already in the program and more on the way, this is a story about access, scalability, and the power of keeping it simple (but smart). For institutions thinking about dual enrollment, this conversation is a blueprint worth bookmarking.Guest Name: Larry Tumblin - Director of IT & Learning Spaces Manager at Ohio UniversityGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Larry Tumblin serves as Director of Information Technology for Regional Campuses and Learning Spaces Manager for the Office of Information Technology at Ohio University. With more than 30 years of experience in higher education, Larry has led initiatives spanning educational technology, IT infrastructure, and campus operations. A U.S. Army veteran and Russian linguist, he brings a unique perspective to leadership and service. Larry holds a B.A. in Political Science from Ohio University and is known for fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across campuses. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin sits down with Justin Price, VP of Global Customer Experience at StarRez, to unpack the evolving residential student experience—and how tech is rising to meet the moment. With 20+ years in higher ed housing and over a decade at StarRez, Justin brings a uniquely grounded view of what students and institutions really need. From supporting the on- to off-campus transition, to leveraging unified platforms for deeper insight and safer data practices, this episode spotlights the vital (and growing) role of housing in student success.Guest Name: Dr. Justin Price - Vice President of Global Customer Experience at StarRezGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Justin Price is the Vice President, Global Customer Experience at StarRez.  He has worked at StarRez for over 13 years in a variety of roles.  He has overseen the Global Services Team, Global Support, as well as Learning & Content.  He works closely with customers in the community to ensure success and satisfaction with StarRez.  Prior to his work at StarRez, Justin spent 20 years working in University Housing at several institutions including: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Boston College, and the University of Denver.  He is passionate about Higher Education on how technology can improve the student and staff experience. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin speaks with Nicole Engelbert, VP of Product Strategy at Oracle, about how institutions can future-proof their tech stacks and focus on what really matters—helping students thrive. Nicole unpacks Oracle's latest certification milestone for PeopleSoft Campus Solutions and shares what it means for digital transformation and student experience. From the critical importance of interoperability to why 2 AM student questions should guide your tech decisions, this episode is a must-listen for leaders navigating the next wave of higher ed infrastructure.Guest Name: Nicole Engelbert - VP of Higher Education Product Strategy at OracleGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Nicole Engelbert is Vice President of Higher Education Development at Oracle.  In this role, Nicole works closely with a broad range of stakeholders, including institutions, implementation partners, and industry associations to ensure that Oracle's products and services meet the current and future needs of the higher education industry.  Nicole joined Oracle from Ovum, a leading market research and consulting firm, where she served as the Director of Research & Analysis and launched its higher education technology coverage in 2005.  Over the last decade, Nicole has advised institutions globally on critical areas such as cloud migration, legacy modernization, emerging technologies, and student experience.  Prior to Ovum, Nicole has held numerous positions in education technology and college administration.  She holds a BA in Classics from Union College and a MEd in Educational Administration and Policy Analysis from Columbia University. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

What happens when your institution has too many systems—and none of them talk to each other? In this episode, Dustin chats with Justin Beck, CEO of Gravyty, about how colleges and universities can stop tech creep from derailing the student experience. Drawing from his background at Apple, Blackboard, Salesforce, Instructure, and now Gravyty, Justin shares hard-earned insights on how schools can create a more connected, intuitive digital journey for students, staff, and alumni. From the power of omnichannel engagement to surprising AI-driven fundraising wins, Justin breaks down how to work smarter with the tech you already have—and how to stop chasing perfection at the expense of progress.Guest Name: Justin Beck - CEO at GravytyGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Justin Beck is the Chief Executive Officer of Gravyty, a leading provider of AI-driven engagement solutions for higher education and nonprofit institutions. With over two decades of experience in SaaS and education technology, Justin has built and led high-performing global teams across sales, customer success, revenue operations, marketing, and product enablement. He is driven by a deep belief in the power of technology to improve outcomes across the student and constituent lifecycle—from recruitment and retention to alumni engagement and fundraising. Prior to Gravyty, he served as Chief Commercial Officer at Xplor Technologies, a global, multi-vertical SaaS and embedded payments company serving over 100,000 customers in more than 30 markets.Justin's earlier leadership roles include SVP of Global Sales at Instructure (makers of Canvas), and senior positions at Salesforce, Kaltura, EverFi, Blackboard, and Apple. Across each organization, he has played a pivotal role in scaling revenue, entering new markets, and driving strategic transformation. A frequent advisor on go-to-market strategy in mission-driven sectors, Justin brings a blend of operational rigor and customer-centric thinking to every role. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with his wife and their three sports-loving teenage children.  - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin spoke with Ryan Lufkin, VP of Global Academic Strategy at Instructure, about the current crossroads in higher ed, technology, and workforce readiness. The conversation touches on findings from the latest State of Learning and Readiness report, the real (and perceived) gaps in student skill preparedness, and why now is the time for institutions to embrace AI—not fear it. Ryan also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Canvas Career and how Instructure is broadening its mission beyond just a learning management system.Guest Name: Ryan Lufkin - VP of Global Academic Strategy at InstructureGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Ryan Lufkin is the VP of Global Academic Strategy at Instructure (makers of Canvas, the leading education technology used by schools across the country). Ryan has been working with colleges and universities in the educational technology space for over 20 years, beginning with Utah-based start-up Campus Pipeline, the first html portal for higher education. He has worked for large ERP solutions like SungardHE and Ellucian helping evolve those systems to the Cloud, driven mobile adoption in teaching and learning technology, and developed curriculum for both corporate and higher education institutions. Ryan has helped lead Canvas' evolution from an LMS to a full learning management platform to support the challenges facing colleges and universities of all sizes. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin chats with Gaurav Bradoo from Logitech about how colleges and universities can embrace hardware innovation to enhance teaching and learning—without overcomplicating things. From lecture capture and audio solutions to flexible classroom design and accessibility, Gaurav shares Logitech's approach to creating simple, scalable, and human-centered tech environments that meet students where they are—whether that's in the classroom, online, or somewhere in between.Guest Name: Gaurav Bradoo - Head of Product & Portfolio of Education at LogitechGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Gaurav Bradoo is the Head of Product and Portfolio of Education at Logitech. He is an advocate for designing education products for and with students as a way to boost student engagement and outcomes. Gaurav works at the nexus of human-centered design, engineering and business strategy to create delightful experiences that span physical and digital realms. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin sits down with Crista Copp and Mark McCormack from EDUCAUSE to unpack their just-released 2026 Top 10 List. From AI and digital literacy to resilience and community building, the conversation explores the critical shifts happening in higher ed technology. The theme? Intentionality and connection—both between people and across systems. This is the episode for campus leaders navigating change and looking for clarity amid complexity.Guest Names:Mark McCormack - Senior Director of Research and Insights at EDUCAUSE Crista Copp - Vice President of Research at EDUCAUSEGuest Socials:Mark McCormack Crista CoppGuest Bios:Mark McCormack, Ph.D., serves as the EDUCAUSE Senior Director of Analytics & Research, overseeing the association's member-facing data and analytics services (Core Data Service, ETRAC) and portfolio of original research projects. Before coming to EDUCAUSE, Mark served in leadership and research positions for professional associations and other non-profit organizations across a variety of spheres, including higher education, K-12 education, youth development, performing arts, and community development. Crista Copp leads research and data initiatives at EDUCAUSE that empower higher education leaders to make informed decisions about technology, strategy, and the student experience. Her work connects data with purpose—translating complex trends into actionable insights that support innovation, equity, and institutional resilience. Together with a talented team, Crista is shaping a research agenda that is not only informative, but transformative. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin has an energizing conversation with Jeff Dinski and Mike Wulff from Ellucian. They discuss the evolving role of technology in higher education—from designing intuitive student-first systems to closing the gap between academic credentials and real-world workforce needs. They unpack what it really takes to build agile, data-driven institutions, and highlight Ellucian's latest innovations that aim to transform student outcomes.Guest Names: Michael Wulff - Chief Product and Technology Officer at EllucianJeff Dinski - Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer at EllucianGuest Socials:Mike WulffJeff DinskiGuest Bios:Mike Wulff - As Chief Product and Technology Officer, Mike Wulff leads Ellucian's engineering and product management teams, driving growth initiatives focused on digital transformation and cloud adoption. Mike has more than 25 years of experience in the software industry, architecting and developing complex industry-focused solutions. Previously Mike served as a Senior Vice President of R&D at Ellucian, leading the teams responsible for the development of Ellucian's ERP and SIS solutions.Jeff Dinski - As Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer, Jeff Dinski is responsible for driving Ellucian's growth strategy with a focus on market expansion, strategy and insights, corporate development, competitive intelligence, and analyst relations. He brings deep knowledge and expertise in market analysis and strategy to this newly created role. With more than 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and operator in the education technology and media sectors, Jeff has delivered extraordinary results for both large conglomerates and startups. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.

Stephen Laster, CEO of Panopto and a 25-year veteran in the edtech space, joins Dustin to talk about how smart technology—and especially AI—can elevate educators rather than overshadow them. From his early days pioneering blended MBA programs to leading at institutions like Harvard Business School and McGraw-Hill, Stephen shares how technology should be applied to serve pedagogy, not the other way around.In this episode, you'll hear why seamless digital ecosystems matter, how institutions can build effective AI strategies, and why empowering faculty is the key to meaningful innovation. With a refreshingly human-centered view, Stephen helps us rethink what's possible when tech meets intention.Guest Name: Stephen Laster - CEO at PanoptoGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: A passionate advocate for technology's role in human progress, Stephen Laster combines deep expertise with pragmatic innovation to help shape the future of formal and informal learning delivered through state-of-the-art technology. With more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of education and enterprise transformation, Stephen has championed advancements in learning technology. At D2L, where he served as President, he played a pivotal role in scaling digital learning platforms for institutions and organizations across the globe. His background also includes forward-thinking roles at McGraw-Hill Education, Ellucian, Harvard Business School, and Babson College, where his teams worked closely with customers to transform learning globally. Stephen holds a Bachelor's degree from Bowdoin College and an MBA from the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek 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.