Podcasts about enrollify

On this episode of Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory Willsea sits down with Carol Keese, VP for Communications and Chief Marketing Officer at the University of Oregon, to explore what happens when fear—not clarity—drives AI strategy. This conversation dives deep into the dangers of AI copycat culture, the hype cycle gripping higher ed, and the critical importance of grounding decisions in institutional values. Tune in to learn why now is the time for thoughtful, strategic adoption—not reactive moves.Related Articles:In the Room Where It Happens: Generative AI Policy Creation in Higher EducationMarketing and Enrollment Management AI Readiness Report 2025 - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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.

Jaime welcomes Camryn Simpson and Blake Mischley of MeetYourClass to break down insights from their newly released 2025 College Decision Playbook. The conversation dives deep into the shifting priorities of Gen Z students—from major-first decision-making to the critical importance of digital campus "vibes." If you're crafting a marketing strategy for student recruitment or aiming to improve yield, this is an episode you don't want to miss.The 2025 College Decision Playbook: https://colleges.meetyourclass.com/resources/2025-college-decision-playbookGuest Names: Blake Mischley, Co-founder and CEO, MeetYourClassCamryn Simpson, Head of Community, MeetYourClassGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camryn-simpson-1a9739194/https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-mischley/Guest Bio: Blake Mischley is the Co-Founder and CEO of MeetYourClass, a platform helping students build community from application through move-in. A recent graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Computer Science, Blake has been building in the social media space since middle school—first through content creation and later by working with top digital creators.He launched MeetYourClass while still in college after recognizing a disconnect between how students engage on platforms like Instagram and other popular social media platforms and the tools available to enrollment teams that meet students where they are. Today, MeetYourClass has grown to over 600,000 students and 20+ university partners, driven entirely by organic student adoption.Camryn Simpson is the Head of Community at MeetYourClass, where she leads marketing, community strategy, and partner engagement across a growing network of higher education institutions. As the company's first employee, she's helped shape both sides of the platform—building authentic peer-to-peer communities that students want to join, while supporting institutional partners in tracking connections and community growth, and embedding social communities more naturally into their enrollment strategies.Camryn graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2022 with a degree in Marketing. Prior to joining MeetYourClass, she built her marketing and community expertise through roles at companies like American Eagle Outfitters and Bumble—gaining hands-on experience creating authentic connections and engaging modern audiences. She's passionate about designing student experiences that feel personal and relevant, and bringing more empathy, transparency, and creativity into higher education marketing.  - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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.

Dan Giroux sits down with higher ed marketing trailblazer Terry Flannery to explore how advancement marketing communications teams can break free from reactive, order-taking roles and step into their rightful place as strategic partners. With decades of experience leading marketing and communications at top universities and now as EVP and COO at CASE, Terry offers a 360-degree view on the myths, opportunities, and mindset shifts needed to maximize impact. From debunking the “press release as pizza order” mentality to cultivating trust with advancement leaders, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to elevate advancement MarCom strategy. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Mallory Willsea  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/ https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Higher Ed Pulse 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.

In this episode of Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory Willsea sits down with Carrie Pitts-Densmore, VP of Enrollment and Marketing at Johnston Community College, to unpack the quiet chaos unfolding in higher ed teams. This timely discussion explores why proactive employees are losing patience, how AI inequity is disproportionately affecting women, and what institutional leaders must do now to retain top talent. If you're not thinking of AI strategy as a retention strategy, you're already behind.Related Links: Marketing and Enrollment Management AI Readiness Report 2025Research: The Hidden Penalty of Using AI at WorkRegister for PRIMA NC - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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 the final part of this Pulse Check series, Dave sits down with Anne Murphy, founder of SheLeadsAI and Empowered Fundraising Consulting, to explore the intersection of gender, leadership, and AI. Anne shares how a personal health crisis and a chance encounter with ChatGPT reshaped her professional life and ignited a movement to ensure women — particularly Gen X women — play a central role in the AI revolution. Tune in for a conversation packed with truth bombs, real-world insights, and inspiring takeaways for anyone navigating AI in higher education and beyond.Guest Name: Anne Murphy, Founder, She Leads AIGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/she-leads-ai/Guest Bio: Anne Murphy is the founder of She Leads AI, a movement bringing accomplished women together to advance AI for global prosperity. She's a leading AI operations consultant, helping organizations integrate AI responsibly through a focus on people, process, and culture  Anne has trained thousands of professionals in responsible AI deployment and serves on advisory boards shaping the future of ethical AI. She also brings decades of experience in fundraising, driving growth for STEM education and research in higher education, now serving the nonprofit sector throughfirm, Empowered Fundraiser Consulting.When she's not working at the intersection of AI, leadership, and impact, Anne is an avid backpacker and outdoor enthusiast, and a proud mom of three. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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.

Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Chelsey Holts, Director of Content Strategy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chelsey recounts her firsthand experience managing campus communications during not one—but two—active shooter incidents at UNC. This powerful conversation explores the evolving role of social media in emergency communications, the need for cross-functional collaboration, and how crisis preparedness can shape a content strategy that's both compassionate and clear. If you're responsible for social media in higher ed, this is a must-listen.Guest Name: Chelsey Holts, Director of Content Strategy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel HillGuest Socials:LinkedInInstagramGuest Bio: Chelsey Holts is the Director of Content Strategy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, overseeing the development and implementation of campus-wide communications content in support of the University's brand strategy and key messages. In her role, she advises leadership on strategy and reputation and works with a team to identify, produce and amplify impactful content for Carolina's various audiences on its website, social media channels and email newsletter. She consults with colleagues across campus on strategy and crisis management and leads collaborative initiatives with departments and schools. Previously, Chelsey served as the Director of Social Media for Carolina. Her experience in social media and digital marketing spans various industries, including automotive, entertainment, agricultural and higher education. Chelsey is a graduate of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media and has published several articles in the Journal of Education Advancement & Marketing. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jenny Li Fowlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/https://twitter.com/TheJennyLiAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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.

In this technical deep dive, Generation AI explores the evolution from prompt engineering to context engineering - a critical shift in how we build intelligent AI systems. Hosts Ardis Kadiu and Petar Djordjevic from Element451 break down why static prompts are no longer enough and how dynamic context management is the key to creating truly smart agents. They explain the technical architecture behind retrieval augmented generation (RAG), discuss the challenges of building multi-agent systems that coordinate effectively, and reveal how Element451's new bulk jobs feature represents the cutting edge of context engineering in higher education. The episode concludes with an analysis of Mark Zuckerberg's vision for "personal superintelligence" - always-on AI assistants that remember everything about you. This matters because institutions need to understand that the success of AI agents depends entirely on having rich, well-structured data and proper context management - not just smart models.Introduction and the Shift from Prompt to Context Engineering (00:00:00)Welcome back Petar Djordjevic as co-host for the third timeThe transformation from static prompt libraries to dynamic context systemsWhy GPT-4's evolution to reasoning models changed everythingHow agents use tools to gather real-time information instead of relying on frozen knowledgeDefining Context Engineering vs Prompt Engineering (00:04:11)Context engineering as managing dynamic information for AI tasksThe evolution from one-shot prompt problems to complex agent workflowsHow automation requirements drove the need for context engineeringWhy "it's their first day on the job every day" for AI modelsDeep Dive into RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) (00:17:17)The complete RAG pipeline: from user query to accurate responseBreaking down queries into multiple intents for better resultsVector databases and metadata attachment for information storageThe importance of combining keyword search with semantic searchAdvanced RAG Techniques and Challenges (00:21:08)Data preparation: parsing PDFs and extracting meaningful chunksWhy semantic search alone isn't enough - the CS101 problemRe-ranking and post-processing to get the most relevant resultsHow to handle citations and build user trust in AI responsesBuilding Complex Agent Systems at Element451 (00:33:08)Element451's new Bulk Jobs feature as a case studyThe research phase: gathering student data, interaction history, and contextWhy data-rich platforms are essential for successful agentsMoving from segment-based personalization to true "segment of one"Context Pruning and Tool Selection (00:41:31)Why you can't just throw all data into the context windowPerformance degradation with large contexts - the needle in haystack problemSelecting the right tools for each task (SMS vs WhatsApp example)How to compress and adapt content for optimal performanceMulti-Agent Coordination and State Management (00:46:48)The challenge of multiple agents working on the same studentContext writing: how agents remember what they did and whyPreventing redundant actions across different departmentsBuilding systems that coordinate like experienced teamsCommon Mistakes in Context Engineering (00:50:17)The danger of being "lazy about context" and assuming AI is smart enoughWhy domain expertise is crucial for building effective agentsThe importance of vertical-specific agents (Cursor, Harvey, Sierra examples)How Element451 leverages its CRM data for education-specific agentsThe Future: Personal Superintelligence (00:53:18)Mark Zuckerberg's vision of always-on, memory-rich personal AIMeta's glasses as the computing platform of the futureAndrej Karpathy's small model with massive context approachChallenges: ambient monitoring, recall/summary, lifelong memory files - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Ardis Kadiuhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/https://twitter.com/ardisDr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/https://twitter.com/jbonillxAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Generation AI 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.

Mallory Willsea sits down with Mike Bell, Chief Marketing Officer at Everspring, to explore the disruptive impact of AI search tools on college discovery and decision-making. Drawing from Everspring's just-released 2025 AI Search Trends report, they unpack how platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity are reshaping the higher education marketing funnel. With over 450,000 student interactions analyzed, the data reveals a major shift in student behavior—and a warning for marketers who aren't ready. If you're a higher ed CMO wondering where your institution stands in AI-generated search results, this episode is your wake-up call.Related Links: 2025 AI Search Trends Report by EverspringRegister for the Admission + AI Summit on August 21st - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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 episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Nikki Ferrell, Associate Director of Online Enrollment Marketing and Communications at Miami University, to explore how higher education institutions can adopt AI ethically and intentionally. They reflect on past tech disruptions—like the chaotic rollout of university websites and social media—and offer strategies to prevent similar pitfalls with AI. Nikki shares how Miami University is proactively building a responsible, inclusive AI implementation framework grounded in transparency and ongoing education. Whether you're just starting to think about AI or already experimenting with tools, this episode is packed with practical advice.Guest Name: Nikki Ferrell, Associate Director of Online Enrollment Marketing and Communications at Miami UniversityGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nferrell/Guest Bio: Nikki Ferrell is the Associate Director of Online Enrollment Marketing and Communications at Miami University, where she chairs a cross-departmental AI Steering Committee focused on research, policy, principles, and education. Inspired by her graduate work in composition and rhetoric, she champions ethical, transparent, and inclusive AI adoption across teams by fostering open dialogue, thoughtful experimentation, and ongoing learning. Nikki's current focus is expanding staff training and educational resources to ensure Miami's marketing practices evolve responsibly alongside the technology. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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 Part 3 of this Pulse Check series, Dave Hunt sits down with Maya Georgieva, Founding Senior Director of the Innovation Center and the XR, AI, and Quantum Labs at Parsons School of Design at The New School. Maya unpacks what it means to be a “narrative futurist” and explores how creative professionals can meaningfully engage with frontier technologies like spatial computing, generative AI, and quantum systems. The conversation dives deep into authorship, ethics, immersive storytelling, and how to maintain the human voice in an increasingly automated world.Guest Name: Maya Georgieva, Senior Director, Innovation Center - AI, XR (VR, AR, Spatial Computing) and Quantum Labs, The New SchoolGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayaig/Guest Bio: Maya Georgieva is a futurist, immersive storyteller, and global thought leader shaping the future of learning, creativity, and innovation. She is Senior Director of the Innovation Center and the XR, AI, and Quantum Labs at The New School, where she leads strategic work at the intersection of storytelling, emerging technologies, and design. At Parsons School of Design, Maya teaches the largest Immersive Storytelling course in the U.S., guiding students in building speculative worlds using VR, AR, and generative AI. A sought-after speaker and writer, Maya's work has been featured in the EDUCAUSE Review, The Economist, The Atlantic, and she has presented at the United Nations, UNESCO, SXSW, and more. Most recently, she co-authored several landmark reports on AI ethics, XR in education, and immersive learning. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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.

Generation AI explores two major AI developments reshaping our future. First, hosts Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla break down how OpenAI and Google DeepMind models achieved gold medal performance at the International Mathematical Olympiad - solving problems that require creativity and multi-hour reasoning that experts thought was years away. This marks a critical step toward AGI as AI demonstrates true mathematical reasoning beyond pattern recognition. Then they analyze America's new AI Action Plan - a 25-page roadmap positioning AI as a national priority with three core pillars: accelerating innovation through deregulation, building infrastructure, and establishing governance. For higher education, this means $10-12 billion in funding opportunities, new workforce training programs, and a shift toward AI literacy across all disciplines. Universities that move fast to create bootcamps and partner with industry will capture this once-in-a-generation opportunity.AI Achieves Gold Medal at International Mathematical Olympiad (00:00:00)OpenAI and Google DeepMind models solve 5 of 6 problems at IMORepresents multi-hour reasoning and creative problem-solving capabilityUses general-purpose reinforcement learning without external toolsSignals major progress toward AGI - what experts thought was years awayThe Math Behind the Breakthrough (00:04:22)Mathematical Olympiad requires reasoning, not memorizationParticipants are the most gifted mathematics students globallyAI learned through trial-and-error reinforcement learningNo calculators or Python - pure mathematical reasoning verified by IMO medalistsGPT-5 on the Horizon (00:11:23)Combines best of GPT-4 and O3 reasoning capabilitiesAutomatically decides how much "thinking" to apply to queriesSam Altman signals release may be imminentEarly testers report significant performance improvementsAmerica's AI Action Plan Overview (00:16:08)25-page document positioning AI as national security priorityThree core pillars: innovation, infrastructure, governanceFocus on maintaining dominance over ChinaEmphasis on private sector speed and deregulationPillar 1: Accelerating AI Innovation (00:19:20)Removes barriers for data center constructionSignals copyright won't block model training$200M defense contracts to OpenAI, Anthropic, xAIPromotes open-source AI developmentAddresses "woke AI" concernsHigher Education Opportunities (00:25:27)$10-12 billion in NSF funding for AI training programsFederal tax incentives for AI literacy programsFocus on bootcamps over traditional degreesUniversities can partner on compute infrastructureWorkforce Research Hubs (00:28:50)Studies AI's labor market effectsInvestment in upskilling current workforcePartnerships between universities and industryEarly career exposure and pre-apprenticeshipsUniversities as Data Partners (00:31:54)Frontier labs have consumed available internet dataUniversities hold valuable research datasetsOpportunity to participate in model trainingShift from teaching to coaching roleMilitary Colleges as AI Hubs (00:35:26)Senior military colleges positioned as AI research centersDirect curriculum integration mandatedModel for other universities to followFocus on AI applications in defenseImplications for Liberal Arts Schools (00:38:46)Opportunity to own AI literacy initiativesReframe AI through human contextPartner with technical institutionsFocus on ethics and societal impactKey Takeaways and Next Steps (00:40:47)Universities must move fast to capture fundingSpeed to value critical for successEcosystem approach needed for dominanceMajor shifts in education delivery coming - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Ardis Kadiuhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/https://twitter.com/ardisDr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/https://twitter.com/jbonillxAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Generation AI 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 episode of Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory Willsea is joined by David Weil, Senior Vice President and CIO at Ithaca College, for a conversation about one of the most urgent issues in higher education today: the disappearance of entry-level jobs due to AI automation. They explore how institutions can evolve curricula, redefine readiness, and support students in launching careers in a workforce being rapidly reshaped by artificial intelligence. This episode offers timely insights into AI literacy, human-centered skills development, and the future of work.Related Link: https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/career-advice/advancing-administrator/2024/02/01/key-questions-top-higher-ed-leaders-should - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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.

In Part 3 of this Pulse Check series, Dave Hunt sits down with Lori Mazor—architect turned author, innovator, and CEO of Synthetivity—to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity. Lori, author of TEMPERATURE, Creativity, and the Age of AI, breaks down how thinking differently about creativity, control, and collaboration with AI can lead to more human-centered, purpose-driven innovation. Whether you're a skeptic or an AI evangelist, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and reframe your role in a future shaped by intelligent tools. Perfect for creative professionals, higher ed leaders, and AI-curious marketers, this episode highlights how AI can be a partner in expanding—not replacing—our humanity.Guest Name: Lori Mazor, bestselling author and CEO of SYNTHETIVITYGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorimazor/Guest Bio: Lori is bestselling author of TEMPERATURE: Creativity in the Age of AI, and is a leading voice in artificial intelligence and creativity. She began her career as an architect focusing on cultural and academic projects, then quickly rose to become the first vice president for Planning and Design at New York University.Today, she's the CEO of SYNTHETIVITY, where she develops and delivers groundbreaking educational programs that equip leaders and creatives with hands-on skills to integrate AI into their workflows.Through her educational programs and Humans of AI newsletter, she fosters a vibrant community of professionals exploring the impact of AI on society and creativity. Lori is passionate about leveraging AI tools to help people become better humans, ensuring that technology enhances our humanity rather than diminishes it. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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.

Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Christina Garnett—fractional chief customer officer, online community strategist, and author of the upcoming book Transforming Customer Brand Relationships. Together, they dive deep into what it really means to build authentic relationships with your audiences online. From mourning the loss of Twitter to embracing fan-driven engagement, this episode explores the nuances of online connection, community building, and why higher ed institutions need to stop treating social media like a digital billboard. This is a must-listen for anyone shaping digital engagement strategies in higher ed.Guest Name: Christina Garnett, Fractional Chief Customer Officer, Customer experience strategist, and authorGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: I believe great brands aren't just experienced, they are felt.As a Fractional Chief Customer Officer, CX strategist, and communications advisor, I help brands design intentional customer journeys, build thriving communities, and tell stories that get noticed. I work at the intersection of customer experience, social strategy, and community-building, creating strategies that foster real connection and long-term loyalty.I also help agencies and in-house teams craft communications plans that celebrate their work, spotlight their wins, and earn industry recognition. Whether it involves preparing award submissions or amplifying customer success stories, I make sure impact gets the visibility it deserves.My insights are featured in HubSpot Academy, HeyOrca, and Semrush, and I've spoken at INBOUND, Digital Summit, and other leading industry events. You can also find my work in Adweek, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Campaign US.Transforming Customer-Brand Relationships, my book coming out with Kogan Page in September 2025, is a hands-on guide to building stronger connections and deeper loyalty through empathy and emotional intelligence. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jenny Li Fowlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/https://twitter.com/TheJennyLiAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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.

After two years and 55 episodes packed with practical, joyful, and wildly clever ideas, Talking Tactics comes to a close. In this final episode, host Dayana Kibilds reflects on the “why” behind the show, shares her personal favorite tactics from past guests, and celebrates the everyday enrollment pros doing exceptional work in higher ed.From transforming request forms and hacking Reddit to AI-powered emails and fundraising squirrels, this send-off is full of bite-sized brilliance you can still use — whether you're new to the podcast or have been tuning in since episode one.Because while we may not keep talking the tactics together, I know you'll keep walking the walk.Stay connected with Day on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayanakibilds/ - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dayana Kibildshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dayanakibilds/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

In this critical episode of Generation AI, hosts Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla examine how AI agents and new consumer behaviors are creating a "great content collapse" that threatens traditional digital marketing. They discuss the launch of Grok 4's multi-agent reasoning system and ChatGPT Agent's integration of deep research with browser automation. The conversation reveals shocking statistics: 70% of Google searches now end without clicks, ChatGPT has a 1500:1 page scraping to traffic ratio, and 61% of Americans use AI as their primary information source. The hosts provide concrete strategies for higher education marketers to adapt, including optimizing for AI citations instead of clicks, implementing comprehensive schema markup, and creating question-based content architecture. This episode is essential listening for anyone responsible for digital marketing or web presence in higher education, as it outlines both the immediate threats and the massive first-mover advantages available to institutions that adapt quickly.Breaking AI News: Grok 4 and ChatGPT Agent (00:00:00)Introduction to Grok 4's multi-agent reasoning system using 200,000 GPUsGrok 4 Heavy employs teams of specialized agents working in parallelChatGPT Agent combines Deep Research, Operator browser automation, and tool usageDiscussion of controversial AI companions Annie and Rudy launched with GrokHow these advances accelerate the shift away from traditional web browsingThe Great Content Collapse: Shocking Statistics (00:17:04)61% of American adults have used AI tools in the last 6 monthsChatGPT approaching 1 billion weekly active users77% of Americans now use ChatGPT as a search engine65-70% of Google searches end without a single clickGoogle's scraping ratio deteriorated from 2:1 to 18:1 (now potentially 150:1)ChatGPT's scraping ratio: 1500 pages scraped for every 1 click sentConsumer Behavior Transformation (00:20:14)Traditional model: Question → Search → Click → Read → AnswerNew model: Question → AI Agent → Instant AnswerWebsites, content, and ads removed from the equationProduct discovery and shopping decisions now happening within AI interfacesAI agents becoming primary gateway for all information discoveryBrand Visibility Crisis in AI Systems (00:28:08)26% of brands have zero mentions in AI overviewsOnly strongest web presences get meaningful AI visibilityShopping agents demo as standard in every AI platform40% of people discover products through ChatGPTAttribution models completely breaking downNumber one brands getting 10x visibility advantage over competitorsEconomic Impact on Different Industries (00:33:17)E-commerce: Product discovery through AI conversation, not visual browsingMedia publishers: AI extracts value without driving readershipLocal businesses: Only top-ranked establishments get AI recommendationsSubscription models threatened by AI summariesCloudflare offering tools to block/monetize AI scrapingImmediate Predictions: Next 6 Months (00:39:11)Google AI mode moving beyond experimental to default experienceShopping ads expanding into AI overviewsSpecialized AI ecosystems for verticals (finance, travel, education)Every major platform integrating AI agents as primary interfaceTraditional SEO becoming completely irrelevantAdaptation Strategies: From SEO to GEO (00:42:54)GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) replacing traditional SEOImplement comprehensive schema markups for AI systemsStructure content with clear question-based headingsFAQs making a comeback for AI parsingCreate answer-focused content architectureInject brand names throughout content for AI citationsMonitor use case scenarios instead of keywordsThree Actions to Take Today (00:52:29)Audit how your brand appears across ChatGPT, Claude, Google AIStructure highest-value content for AI optimization immediatelyDevelop media strategy for YouTube and social platformsTrack AI citation frequency as new success metricCreate 90-day adaptation planFocus on becoming authoritative source that AI systems trust - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Ardis Kadiuhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/https://twitter.com/ardisDr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/https://twitter.com/jbonillxAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Generation AI 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 episode of Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory Willsea sits down with Devin Purgason, AVP of Student Experience Marketing and Outreach at Forsyth Technical Community College, to dive into the behind-the-scenes of deploying AI on campus. From building better knowledge bases to turning karaoke into community-building, Devin shares key lessons from the 2024 Engage Summit, his takeaways as an AMA Symposium planning committee member, and his vision for a more human-centered, tech-enabled future in higher ed.If you're an enrollment marketer exploring AI in higher education or seeking practical student success strategies, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.Related Links: ‍Register for the 2025 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher EducationWatch all the sessions from the 2025 Engage Summit! - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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 episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Jeff Kallay, Senior Vice President of Enrollment Consulting at Echo Delta, to explore the often-overlooked role of parents in the college search and decision-making process. With experience consulting on over 300 college campuses, Jeff brings a unique and data-informed perspective on how institutions can better engage parents, families, and caregivers—not just during campus visits but throughout the student lifecycle. Tune in for a provocative conversation filled with actionable insights and storytelling that will change the way you think about parent engagement in higher ed.Guest Name: Jeff Kallay, Senior VP of Enrollment Consulting, Echo DeltaGuest Bio: Jeff Kallay is a nationally respected authority on campus visit experiences and student recruitment. Over the course of his career, he has worked with more than 300 college and university campuses across the country to create compelling visit experiences—the kind of experiences that align with strategic enrollment goals while also forging strong connections with best-fit students and their families. Jeff graduated from Lee College with a Bachelor of Science in 1986. Now, as Senior Vice President of Enrollment Consulting at Echo Delta, Jeff serves as an on-campus advisor and training facilitator, providing analysis, insights, and generational research to help our clients showcase themselves with authenticity and transparency. Outside of his agency responsibilities, Jeff remains an active thought leader in the higher education space and regularly commands speaking engagements at workshops and conferences nationwide. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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 Part 2 of this Pulse Check series, Dave Hunt sits down with Nick Gyani, Head of Higher Ed Sales at Canva, to explore how Canva is empowering campus marketers and creative teams through AI-driven tools and collaborative design workflows. Nick shares how Canva is not just simplifying visual communication but transforming the way higher ed institutions work—giving time back to creative pros and empowering non-designers to stay on brand. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about AI in higher education and what the future of design and content creation looks like on campus.Guest Name: Nick Gyani, Head of Higher Ed Sales, CanvaGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Nick Gyani currently leads Higher Ed sales for Canva.  Originally from New York City, he is currently based in Austin, Texas.  He has been with Canva for about 5 years and was one of the founding members of the Canva Enterprise team back in 2020.  His background is in a wide range of industries, but for the past 9 years, he has been focused on driving growth in high performing SAAS companies.  Nick is passionate about empowering educators and students through visual communication.  Outside of work, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 year old daughter, trying new restaurants in the Austin food scene, and playing golf. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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 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

Recorded live at the CASE Summit, host Carrie Phillips welcomes Becca Altimer to unpack powerful insights from the conference. Together, they explore the importance of collaboration across campus units, the emotional core of advancement work, and how institutions can cultivate courage and connection in uncertain times. Whether you're in enrollment, admissions, or advancement, this episode offers actionable takeaways and fresh perspectives to inspire your strategy. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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 compilation episode of Mission Admissions, host Jeremy Tiers sifts through his Season 4 conversations to bring you some important leadership reminders, as well as a handful of customer service strategies that will help you deliver a more memorable college search experience for prospective students and families.Guest Names:Ken Anselment, Vice President for Enrollment Management, RHB Stephanie Dickerson, Associate Director of Admission, University of Louisville Pasquale Romano Jr., Hospitality Expert & Accounts Manager, UrVenue Dr. Matt McLendon, Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Enrollment Management at The University of Alabama  McKenzie Sullivan, Admissions Counselor, The University of Akron  Reece Baines, Junior, Wilson High School, PA Mickey Baines, Partner and Technology Services Practice Leader, Kennedy & Company Guest Social: Ken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenanselment/Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-dickerson-m-a-a816779a/Pasquale: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasquale-romano-jr/Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mclendon/McKenzie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckenzie-sullivan-m-ed-36051b144/Mickey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeyb/Guest Bios: Ken Anselment is Vice President for Enrollment Management at RHB, a division of Strata Information Group. He joined RHB in May 2022 after serving as the Vice President for Enrollment at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where he worked for 18 years.Stephanie Dickerson is currently in her eighth recruitment cycle with UofL. She began her career there in 2017 as an Admissions Counselor and progressed into a Senior Admissions Counselor role, then the Coordinator of the Dual Credit Program & AP Summer Institute, and now her current role as Associate Director. A seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience in Las Vegas, working with renowned hotels and nightlife/daylife concepts, Pasquale Romano Jr. is now an advisor for UrVenue the leading hospitality technology solution working with well-known hospitality brands like Tao Group, Groot Hospitality, and Wynn Nightlife.Dr. Matthew B. McLendon leads the University of Alabama's enrollment efforts, providing strategic leadership for enrollment planning, implementation and assessment. He also has fiscal responsibility for all facets of enrollment management.McKenzie Sullivan currently serves as an admissions counselor at The University of Akron. In addition to her work at UA, she sits on the OACAC executive board as the Northeast Ohio Delegate and is a part of the NACAC NEXT leadership cohort for 2024-2025.Reece Baines is currently finishing up his junior year of high school in Pennsylvania. He's an avid drummer, also works part time for a local community organization, and he volunteers as an orientation counselor at his high school. As a consultant and former practitioner in higher education, Mickey Baines has over 25 years of experience building, implementing, and leading enrollment and student success systems and teams. In his current consulting role he leads the technology services practice for Kennedy & Company, helping colleges and universities with their design, implementation, and customization of CRM technologies.  - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jeremy Tiershttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremytiers/https://twitter.com/CoachTiersAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Mission Admissions 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!

In this technical deep-dive episode, Generation AI hosts Ardis Kadiu and Dr. JC Bonilla unpack Andre Karpathy's groundbreaking keynote on "Software 3.0" - the third revolution in how we tell computers what to do. They explore how we've moved from writing explicit code (Software 1.0) through neural networks (Software 2.0) to programming in plain English with LLMs (Software 3.0). The discussion reveals why LLMs represent a new computing paradigm comparable to the shift from mainframes to personal computers, and why Karpathy believes we're still in the "1960s era" of this revolution. Most importantly, they examine the massive opportunities this creates - from rebuilding infrastructure to creating agent-first applications - and why every software company needs to adapt or risk disruption. Whether you're a developer, entrepreneur, or education professional, this episode provides essential insights into the decade-long transformation ahead.Introduction and Context Setting (00:00:07)Decision to do a "geeky episode" after last week's personal discussionIntroduction to Andre Karpathy's Y Combinator keynote "Software is Evolving Again"Karpathy's background: Tesla self-driving, OpenAI co-founderSetting up the framework for understanding software evolutionSoftware 1.0: The Era of Explicit Instructions (00:03:55)Timeline: 1950s to 2010sProgramming with explicit instructions in languages like Python, C, COBOLDeterministic and predictable behaviorExample: Writing functions to classify spam emails with specific keywordsHow traditional developers were trained in this paradigmSoftware 2.0: Neural Networks as Programs (00:04:59)Timeline: 2010s to 2020sPrograms written as neural network weights instead of codeHumans become data curators rather than code writersTraining as the new form of "compiling" programsExample: Training neural networks on billions of emails for spam detectionThe shift from deterministic to probabilistic programmingSoftware 3.0: Natural Language Programming (00:07:00)Timeline: 2020s onwardProgramming in English through promptingLLMs as programmable computersEveryone becomes a programmerExample: Simply asking an LLM to "classify this email as spam or not"The democratization of programmingLLMs as the New Operating System (00:10:26)Three perspectives: utilities, fabrication plants, and operating systemsLLMs as utilities: like electricity, metered access, high reliabilityLLMs as fabs: enormous capital requirements, deep technical secretsLLMs as OS: new computing platform with CPU (LLM) and RAM (context window)Comparison to 1960s mainframe era - centralized, expensive computingThe Missing GUI for Intelligence (00:15:35)Current state: still in the "terminal phase" of AI computingNo graphical user interface for intelligence yetDiscussion on whether we'll skip to voice or need visual interfacesImportance of visual bandwidth for human information processingThe need for discoverability in interfacesDigital Spirits and AI Limitations (00:20:58)Karpathy's concept of LLMs as "people spirits"Superhuman abilities: perfect memory, instant processingCritical limitations: hallucinations, no long-term memoryThe "50 First Dates" problem - digital amnesiaJagged intelligence: superhuman at some tasks, terrible at othersExample: LLMs struggling with simple number comparisons (9.11 vs 9.9)Building Software 3.0 Applications (00:24:01)Four key features: context management, multi-LLM orchestration, application-specific GUIs, autonomy sliderThe cursor model as an exampleManaging complexity while making it simple for usersThe importance of the autonomy slider for user controlAI Agents and the Decade-Long Transition (00:27:42)"Agents are overrated" - not the year but the decade of agentsThe Iron Man suit analogy: augmentation vs replacementHuman-in-the-loop considerationsTesla Autopilot example: 10 years later, still not fully autonomousManaging expectations for the pace of changeVibe Coding Success Story (00:34:06)Real-world example from Engage conference presentationCIO builds prototype in 2 hours using LovableWeb-accessible syllabus database projectDramatic reduction in time and resources neededThe power of Software 3.0 for non-programmersInfrastructure Opportunities and Challenges (00:37:53)Three types of digital information consumers: humans, programs, AI agentsNeed for AI-accessible interfaces (LLM.txt files)Building infrastructure for agent consumptionMCP protocol for agent communicationThe massive rebuild opportunity for entrepreneursEducational Implications (00:39:12)Shift from information scarcity to abundanceKarpathy's approach: keeping student and teacher separate but working on same artifactNew skills needed: prompt engineering, context engineeringMoving from memorizing algorithms to understanding applicationDebugging AI reasoning vs debugging codeTraditional SaaS Transformation (00:47:19)The autonomy retrofit challengeDesigning UIs for both humans and agentsNeed for AI-accessible equivalents for every actionRisk of disruption from AI-first competitorsQuestions about human supervision and controlAction Items for Different Audiences (00:51:18)Developers: Learn all three paradigms, build partial autonomy, focus on human oversightEntrepreneurs: Identify migration opportunities, build infrastructure, design with autonomy sliderEveryone else: Start vibe coding, understand decade-long transition, develop human-AI collaboration skillsThe importance of starting now despite the long transition aheadClosing Thoughts and Call to Action (00:56:47)Karpathy's quote on the amazing opportunity aheadThe quest for autonomy and the 3.0 movementBeing part of a revolution in real-timeNeed for builders, thinkers, and creators in this new era - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Ardis Kadiuhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/https://twitter.com/ardisDr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/https://twitter.com/jbonillxAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Generation AI 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 of Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory Willsea sits down with Kyle James (again!) to tackle the deep divide between how startups and higher ed institutions adopt and implement AI. This conversation dives into why experimentation, failure, and iteration are the lifeblood of startup growth—and how higher ed can start borrowing from that playbook. From low-code/no-code AI tools to agile workflows and international student personalization, this episode is packed with actionable insights that challenge the higher ed status quo.Related Articles:AI Translation Platform Article: https://3sixtyinsights.com/from-afterthought-to-strategic-superpower-ais-expanding-role-in-translation-and-gtm/   Example - AI Agents to write Free Resources for Users: https://www.soundgtm.com/playbooks-and-agents  Kate Reed Interview - "No Code Builder": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3iQjMiQILA&list=PLd1KZs09PNgQZLpSDwUwJIcdqtCT9g5r9  - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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 the premiere episode of this new Pulse Check series, Ctrl + Create: AI for Creatives, host Dave Hunt sits down with Matt Owens, Co-founder and Chief Design and Innovation Officer at Athletics. With decades of experience in design, branding, and demystifying new tools, Matt shares how his team is using AI to push creative boundaries, streamline workflows, and preserve the magic of craft. This episode explores how creative studios—and higher ed marketers—can embrace AI with curiosity and confidence, not fear.Guest Name: Matt Owens, Chief Design and Innovation Officer & Founding Partner, Athletics - http://athleticsnyc.comGuest Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/volumeone/https://www.instagram.com/mattvolumeoneGuest Bio: Matt Owens is a New York-based designer, creative director, founder, and entrepreneur, and the author of the book A Visible Distance: Craft, Creativity, and the Business of Design, published by Set Margins. With 25 years of experience across all facets of creative practice, Matt works with ambitious leaders, strategists, designers, creative technologists, and marketers to bring rich multi-faceted creative ideas and experiences to life.A Texas native, Matt studied graphic design at the University of Texas at Austin and received a Master's Degree in graphic design from Cranbrook Academy of Art. He is a founding partner of Athletics, a brand innovation studio based in New York City, and serves as Chief Design and Innovation Officer. Founded in 2004, Athletics has grown through a commitment to design innovation and an ability to work with clients such as Major League Soccer, IBM, Citrix, Google, Amazon, and Square to meet the challenges of contemporary brand-building.Matt has helped teams leverage new tools and processes across disciplines and led projects for clients including Abbott, NYU, XQ, Guild, The Pulitzer Prizes, and Culligan. He has spoken internationally, and his work has been recognized by the Art Directors Club, The American Center for Design, and the AIGA. His thought leadership has been published in Print Magazine, Fast Company, Ad Week, and AdAge. His early experimental design work at volumeone.com was selected to be in SFMoMA's permanent collection. In his spare time, Matt can be found writing about design and entrepreneurship on Substack and Medium, experimenting in Cinema 4D, and developing new ventures like Kingston Standard and the creative and strategic foresight collective Preseason. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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

Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Grant Schol, Associate Director of Communication and Project Management for the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Together, they unpack the evolving meaning of authenticity in higher ed social media and why it's not as simple as just “being real.” Grant shares strategies for humanizing institutional accounts, empowering student voices, and creating content that speaks directly to your campus community. This conversation dives deep into community building, student-first messaging, and how to balance fun with institutional integrity—all through the lens of a social media manager's lived experience.Guest Name: Grant Schol, Associate Director of Communication and Project Management for the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of ArkansasGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: As Associate Director of Communications and Project Management for Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas, Grant leverages his multimedia storytelling skills to champion the incredible stories found on a university campus. With more than nine years of experience in public relations, social media, and photography, Grant has a passion for inspiring change and showcasing the stories of the U of A community.In his previous roles in higher education, Grant has been a full-time social media manager for the Sam M. Walton College of Business, also at the U of A, worked as the full-time campus photographer for the University of Central Arkansas, and directed a study abroad campus in Italy for his undergraduate alma mater, Harding University. Additionally, he has worked as a project manager and story producer for a corporate video production team and ran his own creative consultation and freelance photography business. He has also won multiple awards for his work in breaking news and sports photography, and published work in yearbooks, newspapers, art shows, and other digital and print materials. Grant holds a B.A. in public relations and is continuing his education at the U of A in the M.A. in communication program. He is always eager to learn new skills, explore new perspectives, and collaborate with others to deliver high-quality, meaningful, and impactful content. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jenny Li Fowlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/https://twitter.com/TheJennyLiAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager 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

Erin reconnects with Savanna Mcdede of Element451 to unpack one of the most buzzed-about sessions from the 2024 Engage Summit. Inspired by the powerful talk from Tom Andriola (UC Irvine) and Gary Moser (California Community Colleges), the conversation explores how higher ed institutions can move from AI pilots to true, strategic transformation. If you've ever asked, “But how do we actually do this AI thing?”, this is the episode you've been waiting for. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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

Recorded live at Engage 2025, host Carrie Phillips sits down with Katy Campbell of VisionPoint Marketing for a quick chat about how effective leadership intersects with AI innovation in higher ed. Together, they explore how human-centered leadership, strategic prioritization, and intentional tech adoption can help institutions confidently navigate the fast-evolving digital landscape. If you're leading a team through change, this episode is your roadmap. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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

Mallory Willsea sits down with Kyle James — startup founder, product leader, and former college webmaster — to explore how AI is fundamentally reshaping the way business gets done. This high-energy conversation challenges higher ed professionals to ditch the pilot phase and start thinking like a startup. From automated call transcripts to no-code development and the future of white-collar work, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about innovation in higher education.Related Articles: How AI Is Helping Students Find the Right CollegeHow Babson College went all-in on AI in higher education - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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 of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, host Jaime Hunt sits down with Mike Morris, Partner at the Ward Group, a leading executive search firm specializing in marketing and communications leadership roles. Together, they unpack how higher education marketers can position themselves for VP- and CMO-level roles—and how to build relationships with search firms that actually lead to job offers. This insightful conversation covers what presidents often misunderstand about the CMO role, how to craft a compelling resume, and why emotional intelligence may matter more than your title.Guest Name: Mike Morris, Director, The Ward GroupGuest Bio: Throughout Mike's time at The Ward Group—a retained executive search firm that specializes functionally in marketing and communications leadership roles—he has focused primarily in the firm's higher education portfolio. Working with presidents and search committees, from public research universities to liberal arts colleges and beyond, Mike brings a breadth of experience and insight to institutional partners across the country.Previously, Mike spent over a decade in higher education, namely college athletics recruiting. Working at schools such as Boston College, Harvard University, and Dartmouth College, he was heavily involved in the recruitment of prospective football student-athletes. In both college athletics and executive search, success is “all about the people.”Mike's additional experience at TWG includes recruiting marketing and communications leaders for clients nationwide in categories like healthcare, financial services, and health tech.  For him, the natural synergy created by understanding clients' values beyond the job description and getting to know candidates beyond the resume is the ultimate payoff. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO 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

Pulse Check: The Culture Code: Leading with Diversity — Part 5: Culturally Relevant Prospective Student Campus VisitsIn the final part of this Pulse Check Series, host Christian Ponce sits down with Dr. Ana Luz Williams to dive into the importance of cultural intelligence and authenticity in higher ed marketing. The conversation explores how universities can better connect with Hispanic families through intentional campus events, thoughtful messaging, and a deeper understanding of cultural nuances. Dr. Williams shares personal stories and actionable strategies for creating inclusive, welcoming environments for prospective students and their families. If your institution is serious about improving Latino student enrollment and retention, this is a must-listen.Guest Name: Ana Luz Williams, Associate Director of Enrollment, Old Dominion UniversityGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ana-luz-williams-aa9966236/Guest Bio: Dr. Ana Luz Williams is a seasoned, fully bilingual education professional with a background in communications, public relations, and educational leadership.  She is passionate about lifelong learning, equity, and building collaborative and inclusive communities.As Associate Director of Undergraduate Enrollment at Old Dominion University, she leads strategic communication and recruitment initiatives to support student success. Outside of her role, she is deeply involved in community leadership and advocacy, serving on several boards and speaking on topics such as education, cultural diversity, and social justice. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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 of The Pulse from the Engage Summit, host Erin sits down with Kylee Beasley, a Content Strategist at Southeast Missouri State University, to unpack her very first conference experience at Engage. As a newcomer to both higher ed and conferences, Kylee offers a refreshing, real-time perspective on the energy, insights, and takeaways that make Engage a standout event. From AI in higher education to breaking silos in communication teams, this conversation is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to say "yes" to bold professional growth. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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

Carrie Phillips chats with Claire Masterson, Director of Marketing at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), about the evolving role of AI in higher education and how leadership strategies can support meaningful change. Claire shares how her team is using automation tools to reduce burnout, enhance student engagement, and foster a culture of experimentation. If you're looking to turn AI anxiety into empowerment, this episode delivers. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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 of Higher Ed Pulse, host Carrie Phillips sits down with Michele Ehrhart, Chief Communications Officer at the University of Memphis, for a forward-thinking conversation on AI, leadership, and change management in higher education. Michele shares the mindset shifts and practical leadership skills needed to help teams embrace innovation in an era where transformation feels constant. It's a powerful dialogue about building a culture of experimentation and making the most of the tools you already have. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse 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

In this episode of Mission Admissions, host Jeremy Tiers chats with Conner Ellinghuysen about how becoming more self-aware and prioritizing self-reflection have made him a better leader.Guest Name: Conner Ellinghuysen, Director of Admissions, Buena Vista UniversityGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connerellinghuysen/Guest Bio: Conner Ellinghuysen has been the Director of Admissions at Buena Vista University since 2019. Before landing in Storm Lake he started his admissions journey at his alma mater, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Conner brings a blend of strategy, heart, and humor to the world of college admissions. He's an active member of Iowa ACAC and as President-Elect, Conner is focused on building community, creating opportunities for growth, and yes, sprinkling in the occasional Star Wars reference or dad joke. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jeremy Tiershttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremytiers/https://twitter.com/CoachTiersAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Mission Admissions 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!

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