Higher Ed Pulse

In the 100th episode of Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory Willsea reunites with Seth Odell, CEO of Kanahoma, and Zach Busekrus, Founder of Enrollify, for a reunion-style retrospective packed with spicy takes, hard truths, and actionable wisdom. This milestone conversation explores what aged well, what flopped, and how higher ed marketers should be thinking about strategy, AI, and student trust in 2026. From brand refresh fatigue to the death of attribution, this is a must-listen for any enrollment marketer navigating today’s digital chaos. - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Carrie Phillips is joined by Janelle Holmboe, Chief Enrollment and Marketing Officer at McDaniel College, for a powerful conversation at the intersection of AI, innovation, and organizational leadership. This episode goes beyond the tools and tactics—it’s a masterclass in how to restructure teams, rethink priorities, and redefine innovation in higher ed. If you're a leader trying to manage change without burning out your people, this episode is essential listening.Guest Name: Janelle Holmboe, Executive Vice President for Constituent Engagement, McDaniel CollegeGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-holmboe-31b61427/Guest Bio: Enrollment professional with experience leading enrollment and communication teams in advancing the strategic goals of an institution. Professional experience includes enrollment, communications and marketing experience at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Currently serving as the chief enrollment officer and chief communications officer at McDaniel College, overseeing admissions, financial aid, and communications and marketing to further the institutional mission. Currently leading the development of the college's new constituent engagement model which includes institutional advancement and enrollment management. Previous position at Warren Wilson College and American International College included overseeing all aspects of undergraduate and graduate outreach, recruiting and admission, leading to record undergraduate and graduate applications and enrollment. - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mallory Willsea sits down with Erin Fields, Marketing Director at Ologie (and former Enrollify team member), to explore the shifting role of AI video in higher education marketing. Together, they dissect the creative possibilities, strategic risks, and trust considerations emerging from tools like Sora, while tackling how marketers should use AI video as an ideation engine—not a shortcut to storytelling. This conversation offers a grounded, forward-looking take on how higher ed marketers can responsibly and creatively integrate AI video into their workflows.#NotJustaCadburyAd with Shah Rukh Khan - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to our first Pulse Check of 2026. In this Part 1, Carrie Phillips sits down with Brian Berry, Vice Provost of Research and Dean of the Graduate School at UA Little Rock. Brian also chairs the university’s AI Council, where he's helping build responsible frameworks for AI governance, policy, and adoption. This isn’t a theoretical conversation—it’s a transparent and practical look at how institutions can integrate AI without losing their soul. From the risks to the opportunities, this episode is a must-listen for anyone shaping the future of AI in higher education.Guest Name: Brian Berry, Vice Provost of Research & Deam of Graduate School, UA Little RockGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-berry-6867039/Guest Bio: Dr. Brian Berry serves as the Vice Provost of Research and Dean of the graduate school at UA Little Rock. Dr. Brian Berry previously served as the department chair for the UA Little Rock chemistry department. He has also served as assistant professor of chemistry since 2008. Dr. Berry earned his Ph.D. in applied science and chemistry, as well as a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from UA Little Rock. He also completed a postdoctoral at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as well as a National Research Council postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Standards and Technology prior to returning to UA Little Rock as an assistant professor. - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mallory sits down with Dan Sanchez—creator, storyteller, and founder of the AI-Driven Marketer—to explore the limits of AI in higher education. As we step into 2026, this conversation is a timely gut-check on what artificial intelligence can’t do for enrollment leaders. From human judgment to authentic storytelling and culture-building, Mallory and Dan make the case that AI is a powerful tool, but it won’t replace the human element that builds trust, authority, and belonging on campus.Check out the AI Driven Marketer - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the final 2025 episode of Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory Willsea curates the most impactful AI-focused conversations of the year, featuring expert voices like Soup Campbell, Jeremy Tiers, Jason Smith, Mike Bell, Marina Cooper, and John Carrere. This mashup episode explores how AI reshaped the student journey, enrollment strategies, and campus operations. More than a tech trend, AI became a spotlight—revealing the cracks, contradictions, and opportunities institutions can no longer afford to ignore.Listen to the full episodes:Is Meta’s AI Rewriting the Future of Advertising?Is Your College Showing Up in AI Search?What High School Seniors Really Think About AIInside the 2025 AI Search Trends ReportWhat DC’s AI Executive Order Means for Higher Ed - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jake Tolman sits down with senior data scientist and founder of Between the Data, Ben Burke, to explore what it truly means for higher ed project managers to become AI-fluent. This episode unpacks the growing role of artificial intelligence in campus operations and how PMs can harness AI to boost productivity, improve communication, and stay future-ready without fearing replacement. If you’re navigating digital transformation on your campus, this conversation is a must-listen.Guest Name: Ben Burke, Senior Data Scientist, SlalomGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-burke-data/Guest Bio: Ben is a Sr. Data Scientist and AI Engineer consultant developing Generative AI solutions for Fortune 1000 companies. He’s known for his practical, human-centered approach to AI adoption, and for teaching professionals how to partner with AI to improve clarity, collaboration, and decision-making. His business, Between The Data, helps teams using AI 'build the right things'. You can find him on LinkedIn where he posts about AI, team formation, project management, and his family. - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mallory Willsea sits down with David Weil, SVP for Strategic Services and CIO at Ithaca College, to unpack a bold thesis from his recent EDUCAUSE article. The two dive deep into how AI’s most transformative potential in higher education isn’t found in flashy tools or automations — it’s in building a longitudinal view of the student experience. From data ethics and institutional silos to retention strategies and responsible design, this conversation challenges the status quo and outlines a human-first path forward for AI in higher ed.David's Article: Three Years In: Reflections and Considerations for the Next Chapter of 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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re closing out the 2025 Enrollify Hall of Fame series with a powerful and personal voice — Harrison Campbell, better known as Soup. A former dean of admissions, current VP of Campus Partnerships at Ardeo Education Solutions, and a parent who recently experienced the college search from the other side, Soup brings a rare blend of professional insight and personal empathy to the table.Across his appearances on Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager and Higher Ed Pulse, Soup has challenged the higher ed community to reexamine how we communicate with students and families — not just what we say, but how it feels to be on the receiving end.His message is the perfect way to end this year’s Hall of Fame series: technology should build trust, not walls — and student support starts with understanding the full human experience. - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Part 3 of this Pulse Check series, host Jake Tolman reveals the real prep work for effective project managment — the parts that never make it into the sales deck. You’ll learn how to identify your project manager, early risks to watch for, and effective change models to guide your people. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to look for in an effective project leader, what to prepare them for, and whether you need expert guidance to get there.  - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For our next inductee to the Enrollify Hall of Fame, we're celebrating the game-changing contributions of John Azoni, founder and executive producer at UNVEILD — a creative studio on a mission to help colleges and universities tell better stories through repeatable, student-centered video content. Across episodes of Talking Tactics, Mission Admissions, and Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO, John has consistently challenged institutions to think beyond one-off glossy video productions. His vision? A smarter, scalable system that helps enrollment and marketing teams meet Gen Z where they are — with authenticity, consistency, and strategy. In this special episode, we’ve compiled some of John’s most impactful clips across the Enrollify Podcast Network — a masterclass in both the craft and the strategy of video in higher ed. - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Today we spotlight Marina Cooper, Senior Associate Vice President for Integrated Marketing and Brand at Johns Hopkins University. Known for her strategic boldness and deep empathy, Marina shares insights on navigating AI in higher ed marketing, overcoming imposter syndrome, and leading with intentionality. From dynamic creative optimization to building supportive professional networks, this episode offers a masterclass in modern leadership for higher ed marketers. Tune in to discover how Marina blends curiosity with discipline and innovation with integrity. - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Part 2 of this Pulse Check series, Jake Tolman sits down with Kirsten Gallagher, founder of Kaizen Ninja and a process improvement expert, to explore how AI can be a powerful tool for refining operations and driving better student outcomes in higher ed. This episode dives deep into the messy middle of project implementation—where systems break down and process gaps become most apparent—and explores how AI can help campuses spot inefficiencies, adapt quickly, and scale with confidence. Whether you’re mapping out admissions workflows or figuring out how to better serve military students, this is a must-listen for higher ed PMs and campus leaders alike. - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meet the next inductee into Enrollify’s Hall of Fame: Sarah Russell, Vice President of Marketing at Education Dynamics. In this special edition episode, host Mallory Willsea explores Sarah’s most compelling insights pulled from her appearances on Higher Ed Pulse, EduData, and The Application. With 16+ years at the intersection of digital disruption and higher ed, Sarah dives deep into how AI is rewriting the rules of SEO, brand marketing, and enrollment strategy. This highlight-packed episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the messy middle of the student journey in 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mallory sits down with one of the youngest AI creators to grace the show—eight-year-old Cora Budd, a third grader at Division Street Elementary. Together, they explore how Gen Alpha is already using AI not just for learning, but for bold, imaginative storytelling. From building entire fictional universes to designing merch and comics, Cora shows how her generation is blending creativity and technology in remarkable ways. This episode offers a glimpse into the future of AI in education, through the lens of a curious, confident third grader.Related Links:Parent Survey Finds Half of Gen Alpha Students Using AIGen AI and Gen Alpha: The impacts of growing up in an innovation cycleChildren’s Mental Models of Generative Visual and Text Based AI Models  - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome back to the Enrollify Hall of Fame series, where we spotlight some of the most compelling voices and visionary thinkers in higher education marketing and enrollment. Today, we're featuring Carrie Pitts-Densmore, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing at Johnston Community College. Carrie’s fearless leadership style, her candor around AI and culture shifts, and her relentless focus on student-centered strategy make her a standout across multiple shows on the Enrollify Network. If you're grappling with how to implement tech, lead with equity, or build empowered teams, this Hall of Fame episode is a masterclass you won't want to miss. - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jake Tolman, CEO of MainForm Consulting, kicks off a four-part pulse check series from Enrollify with guest John Connolly of PMO Delivery Partners. Together, they explore how the traditional Project Management Office (PMO) in higher education is evolving amidst digital transformation and the rise of AI. With deep insights on project governance, organizational learning, and AI's growing role in project management, this episode sets the stage for how institutions can future-proof their project work and governance models.mainformconsulting.com  - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to Enrollify’s 2026 Hall of Fame series, where we resurface the most transformative conversations ever featured across the Enrollify Podcast Network. We’re kicking things off with none other than Faton Sopa, Co-Founder and CEO of Manaferra, whose groundbreaking insights have reshaped how enrollment marketers think about the college decision journey. In this highlight reel episode, pulled from his appearances on The Application with Allison Turcio, AI for You, Higher Ed Pulse, and Higher Ed Geek, Faton shares the game-changing role Reddit, TikTok, and AI now play in how students search, validate, and choose a college. - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mallory Willsea brings the Enrollify panel back together for a no-holds-barred reunion following their viral AMA session. Featuring Enrollify creator trio Jaime Hunt, Safaniya Stevenson, and Carrie Phillips, this episode revisits the spicy, unfiltered energy that turned heads at the 2025 AMA Symposium. From roasting overused marketing jargon to unpacking the real implications of AI hallucinations in fundraising campaigns, this conversation offers a pulse check on where higher ed marketing stands—and where it's headed. - - - -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.