The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

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.

In this bonus episode recorded live from EdTech Week 2025, Dustin chats with Matt Stinson, CRO at Starbridge. They discuss Matt's journey to joining the team, and how their unique platform is enabling more efficient and effective partnerships to be forged between edtech companies and public institutions using AI.Guest Name: Matt Stinson - Chief Revenue Officer at StarbridgeGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Matt Stinson is currently building Starbridge, the GTM Intelligence Platform for businesses selling to government & education. Starbridge helps partners leverage industry-specific buying signals - such as strategic plans, board meeting notes, budgets, grants, competitor contract expiration dates, and more - to build a tailored, outbound strategy that drives pipeline.Before Starbridge, Matt led sales at Parchment on a journey to $100M in ARR selling to K12 districts, Higher Ed, and state governments before being acquired by Instructure. While at Parchment, he lived the challenge of selling to government and education entities. With the proliferation of spray-and-pray outbound, that challenge has only gotten harder. - - - -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 from EdTech Week 2025, Dustin chats with K. Rocco Shields, CEO of Genius Academy. They discuss the important work her and her team are doing partnering with institutions to create high quality, immersive learning content for a variety of disciplines. Rocco also shares a bit about her personal story that drives her work and underpins why it is so important.Guest Name: K. Rocco Shields - CEO at Genius AcademyGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: K. Rocco Shields, a celebrated filmmaker, has made a significant impact in both the film industry and education technology. She currently serves as CEO of Genius Academy which is an innovative educational platform that merges AI, cinematic storytelling, and immersive technologies to address the mental health crisis. Her transition from a successful filmmaker to an educational technology innovator was driven by a deep commitment to leveraging media for societal change and developing pioneering educational experiences. - - - -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 innovation didn't require a stroke of genius—just a willingness to be a little “-ish”? In this episode, Dustin chats with Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden, co-authors of Innovation-ish, a new book that challenges the myths surrounding creativity and innovation. Drawing from years of teaching at Stanford and Harvard, Tessa and Rich share how higher ed pros can reframe innovation as accessible, iterative, and emotionally safe. This isn't a startup pitch session—it's a call to reclaim creativity as a teachable skill, one that's essential for thriving in ambiguity.Guest Name: Dr. Tessa Forshaw - Researcher & Instructor at Harvard UniversityRichard Cox Braden - Founder & CEO at People RocketGuest Bio: Dr. Tessa Forshaw - As a founding scholar of the Next Level Lab at Harvard University, Tessa specializes in using cognitive science to explore how people best work, learn, and innovate. She draws upon her academic research as a cognitive scientist and extensive background as a former designer at IDEO CoLAb and Accenture to turn the cognitive processes involved in design, creativity, and innovation into practical insights that can be applied in the flow of work. These insights are also the foundations of what she teaches as a design educator at Stanford University and now Harvard University. Recognized for her impactful design projects, Tessa is the recipient of multiple design awards: a Fast Company Design Award for General Excellence, two Core77 Industrial Design Magazine Design Awards, and the Australian American Chamber of Commerce Innovation Awards.Richard Cox Braden - Rich Braden is the founder of People Rocket LLC, a strategic innovation firm based in San Francisco. With over 15 years of academic experience, Rich is a recognized thought leader in design thinking, leadership, and innovation. He is a design educator teaching at renowned institutions including Harvard University, Stanford University, Aalto University, and London Business School, helping shape future leaders. As CEO of People Rocket, he works with clients such as Airbnb, Google, the United Nations, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and the Red Cross to drive strategic innovation and responsible AI solutions. Rich holds degrees in Computer and Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and resides in the San Francisco Bay 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.

We're pleased to have Faton Sopa from Manaferra back on the show this week (listen to his previous episode!) to discuss the recent research his team produced that unpacks new details about student search behaviors. Faton shares why traditional SEO tactics are no longer cutting it—and what institutions must do instead to gain visibility, build trust, and drive enrollment. Spoiler: it's time to ditch the one-channel strategy and embrace an omnichannel mindset rooted in real student data.Guest Name: Faton Sopa - Co-Founder and CEO at ManaferraGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Faton Sopa is the Co-Founder and CEO of Manaferra, a leading higher ed SEO agency helping universities and colleges grow enrollments. With 15+ years of experience in digital marketing, Faton has pioneered strategies that integrate data-driven insights with AI, Content and Analytics to deliver measurable results for universities and colleges in the US. Under his leadership, Manaferra has become a trusted partner for higher ed institutions looking to leverage SEO and Content to meet their enrollment goals. Passionate about transforming how institutions connect with prospective students in an increasingly competitive landscape, he frequently speaks on topics like AI, SEO, Analytics, and digital transformation 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 milestone 300th episode, Sophie Nguyen, Senior Policy Manager at New America, joins Dustin to unpack the newest findings from the new 2025 Varying Degrees report — a data-rich look at how Americans view the role, value, and future of higher education. From surprising bipartisan agreement to the communication failures of institutions, this episode reveals what colleges need to know and do to rebuild public trust and deliver on their promise.This episode includes a sponsored question in partnership with Brian LeDuc, founder of Learning, Designed — a consulting practice and newsletter focused on helping higher ed institutions design more student-centered systems and strategies.You can subscribe to the newsletter here.Guest Name: Sophie Nguyen - Senior Policy Manager at New AmericaGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Sophie Nguyen is a senior policy manager with the higher education team at New America. Her work focuses on college completion and public opinion in higher education. Nguyen leads Varying Degrees, New America's annual survey that looks into how Americans perceive important higher education issues regarding value, funding, and accountability. Nguyen also manages the HigherEd Public Opinion Hub, an online repository of higher education surveys, and co-authors Public Insight, New America's monthly newsletter that provides analysis on survey findings. Her work on public opinion has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, Inside Higher Ed, Higher Ed Dive, and other news outlets. - - - -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.

We're popping into your feed with a very special bonus episode to commemorate 300 weekly episodes of the podcast. Dustin shares some brief notes of gratitude and reflections on the journey, as well as thoughts on the future of the show. Thank you to all our listeners, guests, and of course many thanks to the wonderful teams at Enrollify and Element451 for their support of the show. - - - -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.

Samyr Qureshi, Co-Founder and CEO of Knack, returns to the podcast to unpack how his team is reshaping peer tutoring into a powerful engine for student success and workforce readiness. With a tech-enabled, Uber-style platform, Knack empowers high-achieving students to tutor peers while building soft skills and resumes. Samyr and Dustin explore the evolution of tutoring in higher ed, the role of AI in academic support, and how innovative partnerships are driving equitable outcomes across the student lifecycle.This episode includes a sponsored question in partnership with Brian LeDuc, founder of Learning, Designed — a consulting practice and newsletter focused on helping higher ed institutions design more student-centered systems and strategies.You can subscribe to the newsletter here.Guest Name: Samyr Qureshi, Co-Founder and CEO, KnackGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Samyr Qureshi is the Founder & CEO of Knack, the leading peer-to-peer learning platform partnering with top campuses such as Georgia Tech, University of Florida, University of Utah, University of Connecticut, and dozens of others. Knack has raised $20M in venture capital, most recently closing their Series B, from investors like New Markets Venture Partners, Jeff Vinik (Tampa Bay Lightning NHL Team Owner), Precursor Ventures, ETS (creators of GRE), Chegg, ASU Enterprise Partners, and many other well-known education venture investors and corporations. Currently based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Samyr previously worked as an Account Executive in the Emerging Technology division at Gartner and also formerly served as an iOS Advisor at Apple.Samyr was born in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and immigrated to the US with his mother and sister at the age of seven. Landing in Florida, he grew up in the Tampa Bay area, enrolled in and served as Student Body President at St. Petersburg College while in high school, and ultimately went on to University of Florida earning a Bachelor's degree in Law & Criminology. Samyr has been named in Forbes 30 Under 30, honored as the Emerging Tech Leader of the Year by Tampa Bay Tech, has been featured in Tampa Bay Magazine's Top 10 Under 40, Pi Kappa Phi's Thirty under 30, and was also named in University of Florida's 40 Gator Alumni Under 40 in 2021. When he's not traveling, Samyr loves to play guitar, write music, and spend time outdoors. - - - -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.

Dr. Maria Toyoda, newly appointed president of the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), joins Dustin for a refreshingly candid conversation about the current and future state of accreditation in higher ed. She shares how accreditors can be powerful partners for institutional change, why student success—not compliance—is the true north, and what's actually happening behind all the policy noise. From clarifying federal guidance to preparing for AI disruption, this episode offers a masterclass in leading with mission, metrics, and momentum.This episode includes a sponsored question in partnership with Brian LeDuc, founder of Learning, Designed — a consulting practice and newsletter focused on helping higher ed institutions design more student-centered systems and strategies.You can subscribe to the newsletter here.Guest Name: Dr. Maria Toyoda - President & CEO of WASC Senior College and University CommissionGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Maria Toyoda is president & CEO of WASC Senior College and University Commission, one of the seven formerly regional accreditors of institutions recognized by the US Department of Education. Previously, she served as executive vice president and provost at Western New England University; dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Suffolk University; and professor of political science and associate dean at Villanova University. She was a research scholar and associate director at Stanford University's Institute for International Studies and the Asia-Pacific Research Center. She received her AB from Stanford University and her PhD from Georgetown University. Maria has held numerous fellowships and visiting appointments in the United States and Japan. - - - -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 you do when your institution no longer needs acres of land and buildings? You sell it and build a more agile, student-centered future. In this episode, Dustin chats with Dr. Beth Martin, President of Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU), about the bold and forward-thinking decision to sell their historic campus and double down on serving adult learners. Beth shares what it takes to lead through transformation, why selling land can be a catalyst—not a collapse—and how other institutions might reimagine their own paths forward.Guest Name: Dr. Beth Martin - President of Notre Dame de Namur UniversityGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Beth Martin, Ph.D., is the 19th President of Notre Dame  de  Namur University, a role she has held since September 2021. A graduate of Brown University and Stanford University, Dr. Martin began her academic administrative career at NDNU as a faculty member and founding Dean of the School of Sciences, later serving in senior leadership roles at Holy Names University before returning to lead NDNU as its 19th President. Under her leadership, NDNU not only embraces mission-driven education rooted in the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur values, but has restructured its identity to focus on graduate and degree completion degree programs to ensure sustainable future growth. - - - -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 sits down with Mike Stratta, CEO of Arcaléa, to unpack how AI is reshaping marketing strategies across industries—and what that means for higher ed. From his frustrations with top-line-only marketing to developing a data-powered product called Galileo, Mike shares how higher ed institutions can finally move beyond assumptions and start measuring what really works. They also reflect on key takeaways from the eduWeb Summit, where curiosity, collaboration, and AI-driven strategies took center stage.Guest Name: Michael Stratta, CEO, ArcaléaGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Mike Stratta is the founder and CEO of Arcalea, a firm that develops AI-driven marketing products and services for higher education and other industries. With more than 25 years of experience, Mike helps universities and C-Suite leaders transform complex data into actionable growth strategies. He has advised and lectured at the University of Chicago, Loyola's Quinlan School of Business, and Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, where Arcalea's Galileo platform is also used to teach marketing optimization. A three-time Inc. 500 and Financial Times Fastest-Growing Companies honoree, Mike has launched multiple AI products in the past two years. He is a Vistage member, former Entrepreneurs' Organization board member, and has worked with leading institutions and global brands alike. - - - -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.

What does it actually look like to teach with AI — and teach about it — in higher ed today? In this episode, Dustin chats with Dr. Evan Kropp, Executive Director of Distance Education at the University of Florida, about how AI is transforming course design, assessment strategies, and the student experience. Dr. Kropp offers practical examples and powerful insights on how institutions can embrace AI ethically, equitably, and intentionally.Guest Name: Dr. Evan Kropp, Executive Director of Distance Education, University of Florida's College of Journalism and CommunicationsGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Evan Kropp is an experienced higher education administrator and communication scholar with a passion for digital learning innovation. As Executive Director of Distance Education at the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications, he leads undergraduate and graduate education initiatives focused on course quality, accessibility, engagement, and career readiness. With over a decade of leadership in online education, Evan has helped launch nationally ranked programs and cutting-edge digital courses that bridge academia and industry. He's also a frequent speaker and writer on online teaching and learning, instructional design, and the evolving role of technology in higher ed. - - - -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.

What if AI could make student writing more honest—not less? In this episode, Dustin sits down with Eric Wang, VP of AI at Turnitin, to talk about the launch of Turnitin Clarity: a new AI-powered document editor that helps students build critical thinking skills and helps educators better understand the process behind students' assignment submissions. Eric unpacks the “why” behind Clarity, what makes it different from your typical chatbot, and how AI can actually strengthen student-teacher trust instead of eroding it.Guest Name: Dr. Eric Wang, Vice President of AI, TurnitinGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Eric Wang leads Turnitin AI, a global team of machine learning researchers and engineers with a mission to build AI-powered teaching and learning experiences that improve learning outcomes around the world. His mission is to create AI systems that analyze, enrich, accelerate and secure the work of students and educators globally. He led the creation of the most widely used, most rigorously tested, safest and highest performing AI writing detection system on the market. In 2023, Dr. Wang led the development of Turnitin's AI writing detection feature, a tool that supports and enhances the learning process through facilitating academic integrity. In July 2024, his team took this one step further with the development of Turnitin's AI paraphrasing detection feature. - - - -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.

Amy Swank, Executive Director of Parent and Family Programs at the University of Oregon, joins Dustin to unpack the transformative potential of family engagement in higher ed. Drawing on two decades of experience and her work with CampusESP and AHEPPP, Amy shares how institutions can strategically cultivate meaningful, lifelong relationships with parents and families—not just for student support, but to boost philanthropy, increase retention, and foster belonging.Guest Name: Amy Swank - Executive Director of Parent and Family Engagement, Philanthropy, and Student Life at University of OregonGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Amy Swank brings over 20 years of experience in higher education and currently serves as the Executive Director of Family Engagement, Philanthropy, and Student Life at the University of Oregon. A nationally recognized leader in parent and family engagement, Amy has a deep understanding of what families expect and need throughout their students' college journeys. At Oregon, she has built innovative programs that connect families to campus life, foster philanthropic support, and directly enhance the student experience.Amy is known for building meaningful, lasting relationships with families through intentional communication, proactive support, and inclusive opportunities for involvement. Her work not only strengthens the university's connection with families—it creates tangible impact for students. Amy also served as Past President of AHEPPP: Family Engagement in Higher Education, where she helped shape the national conversation around best practices in family engagement. - - - -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.

Tech support isn't sexy—but it might be the most important thing your institution isn't thinking enough about. In this episode, Dustin welcomes Christopher Schmidt, Global Director for Client Support at Transact, to unpack why support systems are breaking under pressure and what higher ed needs to do about it. With deep experience in both the military and campus technology, Chris shares a grounded, urgent perspective on how institutions can scale smarter, retain institutional knowledge, and build tech ecosystems that don't crumble when a key player leaves.Guest Name: Christopher Schmidt, Director of Client Support at Transact CampusGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Christopher Schmidt is the Director of Client Support for Transact Campus, overseeing technical support operations across Higher Education, Healthcare, and Enterprise markets. With a career built at the intersection of technology, client success, and operational leadership, Christopher has redefined how support organizations can function as strategic drivers — not just reactive teams. - - - -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.

What does it actually look like to run a truly digital-first institution? In this episode, Dustin sits down with Erika Orris, Senior Vice President of Operations at American Public University System, to unpack how her team supports a fully online student body. From personalized program pathways to AI-powered outreach, Erika shares the tools, systems, and philosophies that make American Public University a model for adult learner success. If your institution is serious about student-centric innovation, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.Guest Name: Erika Orris, Senior VP of Operations, American Public University SystemGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Erika Orris is the Senior Vice President of Operations at APUS, overseeing services such as Admissions, Academic and Financial Aid Advising, the Student Support Center, Military Assistance Team, and Student and Alumni Services. She has over 30 years of experience in marketing and enrollment management and joined APUS in October 2022.Her recent initiatives include straight-line degree plans, a net price calculator for non-traditional students, graduation-focused advising, a streamlined transfer process, and Career Link—an AI-powered career services platform.Previously, Ms. Orris was Executive Vice President at ThriveDX, where she implemented scalable systems to improve the student journey. She also served as Chief Enrollment and Marketing Officer at the University of Maryland Global Campus, leading its rebranding and launching the Student Success Coach program.Earlier roles include Vice President at DeVry University and President of a start-up branch campus. She holds an MBA from UMGC and a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. - - - -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.

What makes a tech stack work for people, not just processes? In this energizing episode, Dustin chats with Sarah Kotlinski, Director of Enrollment Systems and Analytics at Gettysburg College, about the real art behind edtech integration. Sarah shares her “three gates” framework for evaluating tools, how she turns everyday tech into superpowered solutions, and why she's a firm believer in departmental independence with intentional collaboration. You'll leave with practical ideas for managing your systems better—and maybe even rethinking how you define success in digital transformation.Guest Name: Sarah Kotlinski - Director of Enrollment Systems and Analytics at Gettysburg CollegeGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Sarah Kotlinski is the Director of Enrollment Systems and Analytics at Gettysburg College, where she is building a tech stack designed to engage, inform, and simplify every step of the enrollment journey. With over 35 years of experience in higher education, Sarah brings deep expertise and a collaborative spirit to her work.Beyond Gettysburg, she is a Technolutions Slate Community Ambassador and the founder and leader of the Slate Training user group. She also co-facilitates the Slate–Common App user group, mentors new Common App member institutions, and serves on both the CampusESP Customer Advisory Board and the College Board's Enrollment Solutions Strategic Advisory Group. - - - -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.

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit, Dustin sits down with Eric Butler from Modern Campus about how today's content management systems are powering smarter, more personalized digital experiences for students. From AI-powered personalization to low-code flexibility for campus editors, Eric shares how Modern Campus is helping institutions turn their websites into dynamic, student-first platforms—without overwhelming their already stretched teams.Guest Name: Eric Butler - Senior Account Manager at Modern CampusGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Eric Butler currently serves on the Account Management team at Modern Campus. He has a deeply personal desire to improve the quality of relationships and overall performance of his clients. He helps customers launch new technology platforms, extend the use of their existing tools to reduce friction, and improve overall student satisfaction. - - - -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.

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit, Dustin speaks with Thomas Steinman from Halda about how AI is reshaping the future of admissions and marketing—one prompt at a time. From demystifying AI in the hands-on “AI Studio” at the event to making the case for stronger data integration, Thomas breaks down what higher ed pros need to know about creating more personalized, scalable student experiences. The theme? Start small, stay curious, and let the data do the heavy lifting.Guest Name: Thomas Steinman - Director of Strategic Partnerships at Halda.AIGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: As Director of Strategic Partnerships at Halda, Thomas Steinman helps to transform the way higher education institutions engage with prospective students. He works with his teams to craft red-carpet web experiences that captivate and inspire. Thomas is proud to help schools reimagine their online presence, revolutionizing how they connect with students and showcase their value. - - - -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.

What does it take to design an institution around students who work full-time, raise kids, serve in the military, or all of the above? In this conversation, National University President Dr. Mark Milliron shares how NU has been built from the ground up to meet the needs of today's learners—and why that's not a side hustle, it's the whole hustle. With a laser focus on access, flexibility, and outcomes, Mark lays out a compelling vision for student success that's as rigorous as it is human-centered.Guest Name: Dr. Mark D. Milliron, President, National UniversityGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Mark David Milliron is an award-winning leader, author, speaker, and consultant who works with universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, foundations, corporations, associations, and government agencies across the country and around the world.He serves as President and CEO of National University (NU), one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the United States. NU is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and has a 50-year history of innovating around the needs of military, working, and nontraditional students.In addition to his work with NU, Dr. Milliron helps catalyze positive change in education through his service on the boards and advisory councils of leading-edge education organizations, including the Trellis Foundation; Bennett College; the Global Online Academy; Civitas Learning; the Mastery Transcript Consortium; and ISKME/Open Education Resource Commons. He also holds an appointment as a Professor of Practice in the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin. - - - -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.

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit, Dustin sits down with Sean Fitzpatrick, CMO at Overit and former higher ed marketing leader, to unpack how AI is transforming the SEO landscape. From structured data to conversational content and zero-click search, Sean explains how institutions can stay visible and relevant in an AI-first web. The takeaway? It's not about fighting the change—it's about riding the wave with intention.Guest Name: Sean Fitzpatrick - Chief Marketing Officer at OveritGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Sean Fitzpatrick currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at Overit. He provides strategy and marketing program management for a range of clients at the agency. As an experienced marketing director and strategist, Sean's strengths are his creativity, drive and leadership. He thrives on finding clarity within complexity and meeting ambitious business goals. - - - -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.

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit, Dustin chats with Destinee Mack from Workzone about how project management is evolving to meet the unique demands of higher ed. From managing competing priorities to streamlining collaboration between teams and agencies, Destinee shares how WorkZone is helping colleges and universities work smarter—not harder—without needing a full-time project manager on staff.Guest Name: Destinee Mack - VP of Customer Success at WorkzoneGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Destinee Mack is an experienced customer experience and success executive with an extensive track record of customer value attainment and expansion. A passionate leader, wife, mother, mentor and friend, she believes that a detailed understanding along the customer journey is the key to developing a strategy that allows both customers and businesses to achieve their desired outcomes. - - - -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.

In this final episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin chats with Derek Bierman, CIO at Doane University, for a candid, future-focused, and wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to lead digital transformation on campus. From AI overload to cloud sticker shock to the very real challenge of prioritizing hundreds of tech contracts, Derek offers a rare look behind the scenes of modern campus IT leadership.This is the episode for anyone who's ever tried to balance innovation with budget constraints—or wondered how CIOs are juggling AI, cybersecurity, and the relentless pressure to do more with less.Guest Name: Derek Bierman, Chief Information Officer at Doane UniversityGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Derek Bierman is a strategic technology leader and Chief Information Officer at Doane University, where he drives digital transformation to enhance student success, service excellence, and institutional efficiency. With a passion for innovation in higher education, he has led key initiatives, including an award-winning service center, a multi-institutional shared services consortium, and a Salesforce-powered student success platform recognized as a model for higher education. Under his leadership, Doane has modernized operations through enterprise service management, cloud transformation, and cybersecurity advancements, ensuring a future-ready institution. A frequent speaker on innovation, analytics, and digital transformation, Derek is particularly curious about the evolving role of AI in higher education and its potential to revolutionize learning, operations, and student success. He remains dedicated to bridging technology and strategy to create lasting impact in the 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this inspiring conversation, Dustin welcomes Dr. Siva Kumari, CEO of College Possible, to unpack how her team is rewriting the narrative for first-gen and low-income students. From helping students find their best-fit college to coaching them all the way to graduation (and beyond), College Possible proves that persistent, personalized support can change lives. Tune in to hear how they're blending human connection with AI innovation—and what higher ed leaders need to know to better serve today's learners.Guest Name: Dr. Siva Kumari, CEO, College PossibleGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Siva Kumari started as CEO of College Possible in May of 2023. College Possible is among the largest college access and success organizations in the U.S. It has grown from a single regional office in St. Paul, MN to eight regional sites nationwide, and a growing suite of programs designed to enable students from low-income families — and those who serve them — at every stage of the college journey.Prior to that, she has consulted with global educational projects that focus on equity and high academic standards. She also mentors C-level leaders worldwide. Siva has served and continues to serve on a wide range of local, national and international professional advisory boards and committees. - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this final episode recorded live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin spoke with Tanya Weigold and Kathryn Harris from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. They shared how their small team is using Element451 and AI agents to scale support for thousands of South Carolina students. From transforming an admissions platform into a scholarship gateway to increasing FAFSA completion rates, their story is proof that curiosity, collaboration, and courage go a long way in driving digital transformation.Guest Names: Kathryn Harris, Program Manager, Scholarships and Grants at South Carolina Commission on Higher EducationTanya Weigold, Program Coordinator, Scholarships and Grants at South Carolina Commission on Higher EducationGuest Socials: KathrynTanya Guest Bios: Kathryn Harris is a seasoned program and operations manager with over 15 years of experience in higher education and state government. As Scholarship & Grants Program Manager at the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, she oversees the administration of more than $160 million in state-funded aid, leads cross-agency initiatives, and supports legislative reporting and policy implementation. Katie is committed to streamlining processes, improving student access, and using data to drive meaningful change in education. She holds a Master's degree in Education and is currently pursuing the Certified Public Manager credential through the State of South Carolina.Tanya Weigold is a Program Coordinator at the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE), where she oversees several key state financial aid programs, including the Lottery Tuition Assistance Program, DAYCO Scholarship, Scholarship Enhancement Program, and the Scholarship Appeals process. With over seven years at CHE and a background in TRIO and campus life, Tanya brings a student-centered approach to her work. She also manages the knowledge base for the agency's CRM system, ensuring consistent, up-to-date information is shared across platforms. Tanya holds an MBA in Leadership from Adams State University and is passionate about using technology to modernize processes, improve communication, and increase retention among South Carolina's college 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this bonus episode recorded live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin chats with Dan Roberts, Special Projects Manager at San Diego Miramar College. Dan has one job: lead the implementation of Element451 across campus. With decades of experience in marketing and student engagement, Dan breaks down what it really takes to lead a CRM transformation: cross-campus buy-in, empathy for overworked staff, and relentless communication. This episode is a masterclass in change management, culture work, and why now is the moment for higher ed to rethink how it communicates with students.Guest Name: Dan Roberts, Special Projects Manager, San Diego Miramar CollegeGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dan Roberts boasts over two decades of experience with a remarkable skill set that includes strong relationship-building, open communication, and impeccable time management. His past work experience across multiple industries highlights his dedication to consulting and business growth. Dan excels in streamlining sales processes, aligning organizational goals with daily operations, implementing business process outsourcing, project management, and crafting effective marketing strategies, including social media and content marketing.  - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin sits down with team members from DIS-Study Abroad to unpack how digital transformation is reshaping the student experience abroad. From streamlining pre-departure logistics to embracing CRMs and AI for internal efficiency, this conversation explores how DIS is thoughtfully building a more connected, student-first journey. Plus, the team opens up about their own AI learning curves and what inspires them most about working at the intersection of tech and travel.Guest Names: Asta Schantz-Conlon - Marketing & Campaign Manager at DIS-Study AbroadLena Friedman - Outreach and Communications Coordinator at DIS-Study AbroadLucy Li - Digital Portfolio Manager at DIS-Study AbroadGuest Socials: AstaLenaLucyGuest Bios: Asta Schantz-Conlon is the Marketing and Campaign Manager at DIS – Study Abroad, based in Copenhagen. She crafts multimedia campaigns and digital strategies that inspire students to study abroad in Scandinavia. Born and raised in Copenhagen, Asta brings a global perspective shaped by her experiences living, working, and studying abroad. She holds a degree in Multimedia Communications, Film, and Media from the University of Copenhagen.Lena works at DIS – Study Abroad as the Outreach and Communications Coordinator in the North American Office, based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The North American Office partners with a network of 200+ universities and supports students preparing to study abroad. Lena develops pre-departure resources and assists with DIS's transition to new technology platforms, including Element451. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Whitman College in 2021. - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin sat down with Alison Cove, Founder and CEO at USEFULL, to discuss her company's mission to make reusable containers the default—not the exception—on college campuses. What starts as a conversation about ditching plastic turns into a deeper exploration of how tech-forward systems can drive student behavior change, reduce operational costs, and spark cross-campus collaboration.From stainless steel containers with library-style return systems to tackling the real cost of "compostable" packaging, Alison breaks down why convenience, accountability, and integration are the keys to making sustainability scalable.Guest Name: Alison Cove, Founder and CEO, USEFULLGuest Social: LinkedInGuest 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 on a mission. She created the USEFULL stainless steel reuse solution to solve a personal dilemma; like many others, she loves takeout food and drinks, but felt guilty about the trail of waste her habit was creating. In the research that led Alison to found USEFULL, one key takeaway emerged—you can't solve a plastic problem with more plastic. To galvanize reuse in the healthiest, most sustainable way possible, 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin sits down with Brian Piper—AI integration consultant, host of the AI for U podcast, and author of Epic Content Marketing for Higher Ed. Brian shares how his early embrace of AI tools shaped his thinking on content strategy and scalability in higher ed. From creating workflows with AI agents to reframing adoption as culture change, this episode explores how institutions can reimagine their future—and why starting today is the smartest strategy.Guest Name: Brian Piper, Author, Speaker, and ConsultantGuest Social: 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin chats with Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and creator of Lessons in Leadership. Carrie unpacks her leadership philosophy, her personal and professional AI journey, and why curiosity and calendar discipline are her secret weapons. From building custom GPTs to managing data-driven strategy in higher ed, Carrie brings candor, creativity, and clarity to the conversation. - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin sits down with Devin Purgason, Associate VP of Student Experience, Marketing, and Outreach at Forsyth Technical Community College. In this insightful and energizing conversation, Devin shares how Forsyth Tech became an early adopter of AI, how they're integrating it across departments, and why staying grounded in student needs is the key to meaningful tech adoption. From building AI literacy to faculty development and platform implementation, Devin gets real about what works—and what still needs work.Guest Name: Devin Purgason, Associate Vice President for Student Experience, Marketing & Outreach, Forsyth Technical Community CollegeGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: As AVP of Student Experience, Marketing and Outreach at Forsyth Tech, Devin brings a rich blend of visual creativity, technological innovation, and a deep commitment to education. Devin's evolution as a media professional enriches his innovative student-focused strategies in higher education marketing. He has been honored with the AMA's Emerging Higher Ed Marketer of 2024 Award, Winston Salem's Under 40 Leadership Award, NC Triad Business Journal's 40 under 40 and multiple CASE awards. Devin is a graduate of Southeastern Seminary and holds a graduate certificate from Duke 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

This week, Dustin is pleased to welcome back higher ed design strategist and author Elliot Felix to discuss his forthcoming book, The Connected College. Together, they unpack what it takes to build institutions that work better together—from breaking down silos to smarter strategy execution. Elliot brings the wisdom of over 100 campus collaborations, offering a hopeful and highly practical roadmap for change. If your institution is wrestling with disconnection, dwindling resources, or just too many redundant tools and services, this episode is for you.Guest Name: Elliot Felix, Partner, Buro HappoldGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Elliot Felix is a student success author, speaker, and consultant. He uses his background in design to create better connected colleges and universities by improving the spaces students learn and live in, the support services they rely on, and the technology they use. Over the last 20 years, he has spoken at events, taught courses on innovation, and worked with more than 100 universities including Carnegie Mellon, MIT, NYU, NC State, and the University of Virginia. brightspot, the higher education strategy consulting company he founded in 2011 was acquired by Buro Happold in 2020 where he now leads the higher education advisory practice.Elliot's book How to Get the Most Out of College was published in January 2022 and received a blue star from Kirkus Reviews, calling it “A knowledgeable, enthusiastic guide packed with strategies and encouragement.” His upcoming book The Connected College: Leadership Strategies for Student Success is arriving summer 2025.   - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin gets insights from Patrick Beirne who serves as Senior Director of Student Financial Services at Wayne State University. In this rare sit-down with a real-life bursar (finally!), Pat offers a front-line view of how digital transformation is changing the way institutions bill and collect payments—and why it matters more than ever.From phasing out cash to embracing Apple Pay, Pat shares practical insight into building a student-centric (and parent-friendly) payment experience. Plus, he breaks down how integrations, centralization, and modernization are more than IT buzzwords—they're make-or-break moves in the race to remain relevant and responsive in higher ed.Guest Name: Patrick Beirne, Senior Director, Bursar & Student Financial Services, Wayne State UniversityGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Patrick Beirne has worked in Student Financial Services for 16 years across three university campuses, the last six as the Senior Director; Bursar & Student Financial Services at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.  Patrick has extensive experience utilizing multiple Enterprise Resource Platforms and Integrated Payments solutions.   Patrick is a student centric, retention focused leader, and is most proud of the collaborative partnerships made across campus that have paved the way to creatively recruit, retain, serve, and graduate university students.  Patrick fosters an organizational vision that strives to “retain every student” and “collect every dollar”.  In addition to this student retention and A/R recovery focus, Patrick focuses on data-driven analysis and decision making and the consistent evolution of business process enhancement and efficiency. - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin chats with Read Winkelman from Transact about his unique dual lens of personal experience as a parent of college students and decades of professional experience. Read offers a compelling look at how mobile credentials are driving convenience, enhancing campus safety, and enabling smarter student support through real-time behavioral data.From leveraging analytics to flag students who may need help, to imagining how AI and biometrics could soon personalize student services even further, this episode is packed with bold ideas and practical insights higher ed leaders need to hear.Guest Name: Read Winkelman - Vice President of Market Development and Strategy at Transact + CBORDGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Read Winkelman has worked with colleges and universities to develop plans for student success for more than 30 years. As an executive at Transact + CBORD and a parent of 3 – (2 in college and one more headed) he is both an advocate and a consumer of our technology. When not visiting customers, Read enjoys coaching hockey, hiking, road cycling or generally being active. - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this week's episode, Dustin chats with Jennifer Lonchar, co-founder of AmbioEDU and higher ed marketing veteran, about the future of enrollment marketing—spoiler alert: it's already in your living room. Jennifer breaks down why performance TV (think streaming ads with measurable ROI) isn't just the “next big thing”—it's the now big thing. From her early days at Carnegie to launching AmbioEDU, she shares how she's building smarter, AI-backed streaming strategies that finally make TV work for higher ed. Plus, a sneak peek into what makes the eduWeb Summit different and why it's a must-attend this year.Guest Name: Jennifer Lonchar, Co-Founder, AmbioEduGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Jennifer Lonchar brings almost two decades of expertise in higher education to her leadership of AmbioEdu, having worked in various roles focused on strategic enrollment and marketing. For over 13 years she worked for Carnegie, and was instrumental in bringing digital marketing to higher education. Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector has made her a sought-after leader in developing innovative solutions for enrollment and student engagement. Driven by a passion for enhancing the student experience and optimizing recruitment strategies, Jennifer co-founded AmbioEdu in 2023. This venture reflects her commitment to transforming higher education marketing through advanced technologies, including Performance TV and integrated digital solutions. AmbioEdu, under her leadership, harnesses cutting-edge tools to help universities connect with prospective students more effectively and efficiently, setting new standards in the 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin sits down with Mike Maxsenti, SVP of Product at Genea, to explore how higher ed is embracing digital transformation—specifically in the world of campus security. They unpack how mobile credentials, cloud-based access systems, and IoT sensors are changing what it means to create a safe, smart, and student-friendly campus.From eliminating tailgating to managing dynamic commuter access, this conversation goes beyond buzzwords and surfaces actionable ideas for campus leaders ready to upgrade their infrastructure and student experience.Guest Name: Mike Maxsenti, SVP of Product, GeneaGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Mike Maxsenti is the Senior Vice President of Product at Genea, where he leads the product organization. As the co-founder of Sequr Access Control, acquired by Genea in 2019, Maxsenti leverages his expertise to drive customer-centric innovation, helping enterprise companies and commercial properties enhance security, efficiency, and user 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this week's episode, Dustin sits down with Kathleen deLaski — author of Who Needs College Anymore? — to explore why the traditional four-year degree is no longer the only path to career success. Kathleen shares insights from her research on alternative learning models, highlights innovative colleges embracing change, and lays out a vision for an experience-first approach to higher ed. They tackle everything from AI's impact on entry-level jobs to the urgent need for affordability and new credentialing systems.Guest Name: Kathleen deLaski - Founder & Board Chair at Education Design LabGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Kathleen deLaski is an education and workforce designer, as well as an author. She founded the Education Design Lab in 2013 to help colleges begin the journey to reimagine higher education toward the future of work. Her nonprofit has helped 1,200 colleges, orgs and economic regions design shorter, more affordable pathways for learners to achieve their economic goals. Stepping down after a decade as CEO of the Lab, Kathleen serves as board chair there and on the board of Credential Engine. She spends time as a senior advisor to the Project on Workforce at Harvard University and teaches human-centered design and higher ed reform as an adjunct professor in the Honors College at George Mason University, where she also served as an appointee to the Board of Visitors. Kathleen has long played a dual role as a philanthropist, managing the deLaski Family Foundation, which has been a 25-year grant maker in education reform, well-being, sustainable agriculture, and the arts. - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this special bonus episode, Dustin sits down with Dr. Chris Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan-Flint, to unpack how creating strategic content like podcasts can serve as a dynamic enrollment and marketing tool in higher ed. Chris shares his multi-decade journey through higher education, his love for storytelling, and how he's turned personal content-creation skills into professional wins. With the eduWeb Summit just around the corner, Chris also offers a preview of his upcoming talk and some candid truths about what it really takes to make podcasting work for institutions.Guest Name: Dr. Christopher Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs, University of Michigan-FlintGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Lewis currently serves as the Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan- Flint, where he has successfully increased enrollment, revitalized graduate admissions policies, and enhanced student engagement through innovative initiatives, including the creation of the Victors in Grad School and Law School Insider podcasts. His leadership extends beyond administration — he is a thought leader committed to elevating the graduate student experience. Dr. Lewis has held pivotal roles at institutions such as Lansing Community College, Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc, and Grand Valley State University. His expertise spans student services, enrollment management, strategic planning, and digital engagement—always with a focus on student success, equity, and access. - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this special episode recorded on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin speaks with Ana Homayoun, executive functioning expert, author, and founder of Green Ivy Educational Consulting and Luminaria Learning. Ana has spent 25 years helping students develop the organization, planning, and adaptability skills they need to thrive in school, work, and life. She explains why higher ed institutions must start teaching executive functioning skills, how this can boost retention and student well-being, and why these abilities are just as critical as technical knowledge for career success.Guest Name: Ana Homayoun - Author, Nonprofit Executive, & Independent Academic AdvisorGuest Social: LinkedInGuest 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this episode, Dustin Ramsdell sits down with Scott Anderberg, CEO at Moodle, for a deep conversation on why open source matters more than ever in higher education. Scott shares how Moodle's global reach, customizable architecture, and vibrant community are shaping more inclusive, creative, and scalable learning experiences. Plus, the duo gets real about AI's potential—not as a threat, but as a tool to help educators and learners thrive.Guest Name: Scott Anderberg, CEO, MoodleGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Scott Anderberg has dedicated his career to supporting universities around the world to develop and deliver better educational experiences online. He started this journey in the USA at the eCollege help desk, directly supporting educators and students in their teaching and learning activities and was instrumental in their product, sales and account management functions. Following the acquisition of eCollege by Pearson, Scott spent 15 years in roles spanning from market development across EMEA to establishing and launching Pearson's Online Program Management business in Australia and leading Pearson's Online Learning Services business in markets outside of North America.Scott joined Moodle in February 2024 to replace Moodle Founder Martin Dougiamas, who after 24 years as CEO, announced his transition to Head of Research. Scott is incredibly excited to be joining the Moodle community to continue to enable Moodle's impact for educators and students around the world. - - - -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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register