AI for U

How can higher education move beyond theory and actually adopt AI in ways that matter? In this episode, we talk with Allen Karns, Chief AI and Technology Officer at Vanderbilt’s Center for Generative AI, to unpack what it really takes to integrate AI across a university. Allen shares the story of Amplify, Vanderbilt’s homegrown AI platform, and explains why leadership buy-in is the single biggest factor in campus adoption. He discusses how his team built momentum by starting small, highlights creative use cases already transforming workflows, and offers advice for preparing marketing and admissions teams for AI’s growing role.Join us as we discuss: [7:21] The biggest challenge for AI in higher ed: leadership buy-in[10:18] How to build a curious, experiment-driven team[18:52] Why today’s AI already offers 10 years of learningCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Vanderbilt AmplifyEthan MollickTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.Episode prompt: I have an important meeting coming up and need help preparing comprehensively. Here are the details:**Meeting Details:**- Date/Time: [WHEN]- Attendees: [WHO - include roles/departments]- Meeting Purpose: [PRIMARY OBJECTIVE]- Meeting Type: [Budget planning, strategic planning, crisis response, project kickoff, etc.]- Expected Duration: [TIME ALLOCATED]**Background Context:**- Previous relevant meetings or decisions: [BRIEF HISTORY]- Current challenges we're facing: [KEY ISSUES]- Organizational priorities this relates to: [STRATEGIC GOALS]- Any tensions or concerns among attendees: [INTERPERSONAL DYNAMICS]Please help me prepare by creating:1. **Strategic Agenda** - Prioritized list of topics that maximizes our time2. **Key Questions** - Critical questions I should ask to drive productive discussion3. **Potential Obstacles** - Issues that might derail the meeting and how to handle them4. **Decision Framework** - Structure for making decisions if we reach key choice points5. **Success Metrics** - How to know if this meeting accomplished its purposeFocus on making this meeting outcome-oriented rather than just informational.Guest Name: Allen Karns, Chief AI and Technology Officer, Amplify Gen AI Innovation Center, Vanderbilt UniversityGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-karns-1888731/Guest Bio: Allen Karns is an accomplished IT professional with 25 years of extensive experience guiding organizations through the ever-changing technology landscape of cloud architecture, generative AI, infrastructure, and system administration. Currently, he serves as the Chief AI and Technology Officer for the Amplify Gen AI Innovation Center at Vanderbilt University leading Generative AI industry research and projects that drive process innovation as well as institutional applications of Amplify, the university's Open-Source Generative AI platform. In this role, he collaborates across the university to leverage Generative AI for solving institutional challenges. Prior to this, Allen was the Technical Leader of the Cloud Engineering and Architecture team, responsible for architecting, deploying, and maintaining solutions in AWS and Azure. His career has been marked by a strong focus on innovation, leadership, and customer satisfaction, boasting proficiency in cloud architecture and technologies, Infrastructure as Code, security frameworks, and cost optimization. With multiple industry certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional and Azure Administrator, Allen is committed to mentoring teams and driving successful project outcomes. Notable achievements include being named a Gartner Eye on Innovation finalist, recipient of Vanderbilt’s Pacesetter and multiple Kudos Awards for his contributions to innovation and customer satisfaction. Passionate about the future of technology, Allen continues to seek opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking projects. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Deperro, Michael Deperro, Senior Coordinator of Faculty Development & Professionalism at Case Western Reserve University, to uncover how AI is shaking up higher education. Michael pulls back the curtain on how his team is using AI to clear away the “digital laundry” of repetitive back-office work, build a retrieval-augmented generation hub that simplifies faculty processes, and make room for staff to focus on what really matters: people.Join us as we discuss: [5:45] Why legacy systems are one of the biggest hurdles to AI integration[10:33] “Boring AI” use cases that really work[16:38] Trust, transparency, and responsibility in AI adoptionCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:SmarterX.aiMAICONTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.Episode Prompt:Episode prompt: Initial Setup Prompt:I need to work through a strategic decision/challenge and want to use you as a thought partner. Here's my situation:**Challenge/Decision:** [DESCRIBE YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION OR DECISION]**My Current Thinking:** [OUTLINE YOUR PROPOSED SOLUTION OR APPROACH]**Context:** - My role: [YOUR POSITION]- Institution type: [E.G., PUBLIC UNIVERSITY, PRIVATE COLLEGE]- Stakeholders involved: [LIST KEY GROUPS AFFECTED]- Timeline: [WHEN DECISION NEEDS TO BE MADE]- Resources available: [BUDGET, STAFF, TIME CONSTRAINTS]I want you to act as a critical thought partner. Your job is to:1. Challenge my assumptions and reasoning2. Identify potential blind spots or risks I haven't considered3. Suggest alternative approaches or solutions4. Help me stress-test this idea before presenting it to stakeholdersPlease be direct in your feedback - I need honest analysis, not validation.Round 1: Devil's Advocate AnalysisNow I want you to play devil's advocate with my proposal. Assume you're a skeptical colleague who needs to be convinced this is a good idea.Push back on my reasoning by addressing:- What are the weakest points in my logic?- What could go wrong with this approach?- What am I not considering about implementation challenges?- How might different stakeholders react negatively?- What are the opportunity costs of pursuing this direction?- Where might I be overestimating benefits or underestimating costs?Be specific about potential problems and explain your reasoning.Round 2: Alternative SolutionsBased on our discussion, now help me brainstorm alternative approaches to this challenge.Consider:- What would a completely different solution look like?- How would someone with [SPECIFIC EXPERTISE - e.g., finance background, student affairs experience, technology focus] approach this differently?- What if we had unlimited resources? What if we had severely limited resources?- What are 2-3 entirely different ways to solve the underlying problem?- What would the "do nothing" option look like and what are its implications?Present these alternatives with brief pros/cons for each.Round 3: Implementation Reality CheckLet's get practical about implementation. Assume my organization decides to move forward with [CHOSEN APPROACH].Help me identify:- What are the first 3 concrete steps we'd need to take?- What resistance should I expect and from whom?- What metrics should we use to measure success?- What would "failure" look like and how would we know?- What contingency plans should we have ready?- How long should we expect this to take realistically?- What skills or resources do we need that we might not have?Be specific about potential roadblocks and mitigation strategies.Cross-Model Analysis Prompt (for use with different AI models):I've been working through a strategic decision with another AI model. Here's what I proposed and the feedback I received:**My Original Proposal:** [RESTATE YOUR IDEA]**Previous AI's Analysis:** [PASTE KEY FEEDBACK FROM OTHER MODEL]Now I want your perspective:1. Do you agree or disagree with the previous analysis? Why?2. What did the other model miss or get wrong?3. What additional considerations should I factor in?4. How would you refine or modify the previous recommendations?Feel free to challenge the other model's reasoning if you see flaws in its logic.Final Synthesis Prompt:I've now worked through this decision with multiple AI models and perspectives. Help me synthesize everything into a final recommendation.Based on all our discussions, provide:**Recommended Action:** What should I do and why?**Key Success Factors:** What are the 3 most critical elements for success?**Primary Risks:** What are the 2-3 biggest threats to watch for?**Communication Strategy:** How should I present this to stakeholders?**Decision Timeline:** What's the optimal sequence and timing for implementation?**Metrics for Success:** How will we know if this is working?Keep your final recommendation concise but actionable.Guest Name: Michael Deperro, Senior Coordinator, Faculty Development and ProfessionalismGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-deperro/Guest Bio: Michael DePerro designs and leads leadership development programs for faculty at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, where he's passionate about helping individuals and institutions think creatively, embrace change, and pursue bold ideas through innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. His approach combines practical leadership development with forward-thinking strategies that prepare academic leaders for an evolving landscape.Michael launched the first AI Council for Administration at Ohio University's College of Business and co-founded AI Woodstock Cleveland, a grassroots initiative bringing together technologists, business leaders, and problem solvers to explore AI's potential. He now helps higher education leaders build AI literacy, focusing on responsible and ethical implementation that enhances human expertise. His work spans healthcare education, business administration, and institutional leadership, always with an eye toward practical applications that solve real problems and elevate the unique skills educators bring to their work. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U 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.

The search landscape for prospective students is changing dramatically, and the shift to AI search optimization is now a critical part of any higher ed marketing strategy. In this episode, Faton Sopa, Cofounder and CEO at Manaferra, joins Brian to discuss new research on how prospective students are using AI in their college search journey. Faton shares his insights on what this new behavior means for institutions and how they can adapt their strategies to ensure they remain visible and competitive. Join us as we explore the future of student search and how to master AI's role in it.Join us as we discuss: [2:29] How prospective students are searching for schools in the Age of AI[10:09] Why not showing up in AI results can be a dealbreaker for certain demographics[17:18] Tools and metrics that schools should start auditing in their AI strategyCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:State of College Search 2025 ReportTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.Episode Prompt:First prompt - I prefer ChatGPT o3, Claude Opus 4.1, and Gemini 2.5 Pro for this promptYou are a higher education and SEO expert.I need to conduct an AI visibility audit for [INSTITUTION NAME and URL], a [TYPE OF INSTITUTION - e.g., public research university, private liberal arts college, community college] located in [LOCATION].I want to evaluate the institution's visibility across the student search journey in three stages:**Stage 1: Awareness/Discovery** - Broad searches when students are exploring options**Stage 2: Shortlisting** - Specific program comparisons and evaluations  **Stage 3: Decision-Making** - Final checks on requirements, outcomes, and fitFor each stage, I'll provide you with search queries, and I want you to respond as if you were a prospective student searching for this information. Please provide detailed, specific answers and note which institutions you mention and in what order.Let's start with Stage 1: Awareness/Discovery queries.Stage 1: Awareness/Discovery QueriesTest these broad discovery searches:"What are the best [FIELD/MAJOR] programs in [STATE/REGION]?""I'm looking for colleges with strong [FIELD] programs and good financial aid. What are my options?""Which universities have the best reputation for [SPECIFIC PROGRAM AREA] in [GEOGRAPHIC AREA]?""What colleges should I consider for [DEGREE TYPE] in [FIELD] if I want to work in [INDUSTRY/CAREER]?"Second prompt (remove any of the questions if the answers were included in the first query):Stage 2: Shortlisting QueriesTest these comparative searches:"Compare [YOUR INSTITUTION] vs [COMPETITOR 1] vs [COMPETITOR 2] for [SPECIFIC PROGRAM]""What are the admission requirements for [SPECIFIC PROGRAM] at top universities in [REGION]?""Which [DEGREE TYPE] programs have the best job placement rates and starting salaries?""I have a [GPA] GPA and [TEST SCORES]. What [FIELD] programs am I likely to get into?"Final prompt:Stage 3: Decision-Making QueriesTest these specific evaluation searches:"What is the total cost of attendance at [YOUR INSTITUTION] including room and board?""What are the specific admission requirements for [SPECIFIC PROGRAM] at [YOUR INSTITUTION]?""What career outcomes and job placement rates does [YOUR INSTITUTION] have for [PROGRAM] graduates?""What financial aid and scholarships are available at [YOUR INSTITUTION] for [STUDENT TYPE - e.g., out-of-state students, transfer students]?"Based on the responses you've provided, help me analyze:1. In which stage of the search journey does this institution have the strongest visibility?2. What are the most significant gaps or weaknesses in our AI presence?3. Which competitor institutions appear most frequently and prominently?4. What specific information about our programs or requirements was inaccurate or missing?5. What topics or program areas should we prioritize for improving our AI visibility?Please provide specific, actionable recommendations for improving this institution's presence in AI search results.Guest Name: Faton Sopa, Co-founder/CEO, ManaferraGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatonsopa/ - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Brian sits down with Nicole Brini, Head Manager of International Reputation at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, to talk about what it really takes to integrate AI into higher education. Nicole explains how a seemingly simple chatbot project uncovered deeper problems with data, communications, and processes, sparking a larger transformation of their student experience, website, and organizational mindset. She also shares why universities often struggle with change, how generative AI is raising student expectations, and what higher education can learn from road cycling (yes, really!). Join us as we discuss: [2:20] Why higher ed resists change and how to overcome it[10:36Treating your favorite AI application like a “wingman” instead of just another tool[23:03] Tips for starting with AI when leadership isn’t driving the chargeCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Element451To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.Episode Prompt:You are an expert in higher education content strategy, SEO for the zero-click search era, and natural language rewriting.Review the attached CSV files exported from Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Google Search Console (GSC), containing engagement, traffic, and query data for the university website, [provide URL].Your task is to perform deep research and analysis, and deliver a strategy to optimize the program and admissions content for the realities of modern search, where nearly 60% of queries end in zero-clicks, and users increasingly consult AI tools for answers.Follow these steps meticulously:Step 1 — Analyze & PrioritizeFrom GA4 & GSC data, identify the most critical program and admissions pages based on traffic, engagement, and queries.List the top 10–20 pages to prioritize for optimization.Step 2 — Gap AnalysisUsing the GSC query data, compare what students are asking for (queries) with the existing content of the top pages.Identify gaps where student questions are not directly or clearly answered on the page.Create a table with:| Student Question | Existing Content Answer (if any) | Gap Description |Step 3 — Rewrite for Students & AIFor each of the top pages, rewrite key sections of content:Use natural, conversational language students actually use, avoiding institutional jargon.Structure content clearly: with meaningful H2/H3 headings, bulleted lists where useful, and concise, direct answers to common questions.Optimize for featured snippets, AI scraping, and human readability.Step 4 — Recommend New ContentIf gaps cannot be addressed by revising existing pages, recommend entirely new page topics to fill unmet needs.Provide suggested page titles & descriptions for these.Step 5 — Metadata & SchemaFor each optimized or recommended page, suggest:Meta title (under 60 characters, compelling and keyword-aligned)Meta description (under 160 characters, clear and enticing)Appropriate structured data/schema (e.g., FAQ Page, How-To, Article)Output:Table of top prioritized pages.Gap analysis table as defined above.Rewritten content snippets for each prioritized page (student-centered and AI-friendly).List of recommended new pages with titles and brief descriptions.Suggested meta titles and descriptions, and schema markup types for each page.The goal: Make our content discoverable, accessible, and effective, whether consumed directly by students, displayed in featured snippets, indexed by AI models, or surfaced in zero-click results.Be explicit, precise, and actionable. Perform deep research, beyond simple keyword matching — consider search intent, competitive content, and conversational tone.Guest Name: Nicole BriniGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-brini-0675bb4/Guest Bio: Nicole Brini serves as the Associate Director for International Reputation at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy, Europe’s largest non-state university. Since joining the university’s Global Engagement and International Education Department in 2008, Nicole has played a pivotal role in enhancing its global engagement and visibility. She currently oversees strategic projects, including international university rankings, storytelling and communication strategies, social media, and CRM operations, designed to attract and engage both international and domestic students. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and European Integration and a specializing Master’s in Marketing and Communication Management. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U 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.

Everyone in higher ed knows that AI transformation is happening fast, and Tom Andriola, Chief Digital Officer at UC-Irvine, is helping lead the charge. Tom joins Brian to share how his institution is approaching generative AI not with hesitation, but with urgency. From chatbots in admissions to one-to-one learning in the classroom, Tom walks us through UC-Irvine’s strategy for scaling innovation across the institution. He also reflects on the broader sector challenges, such as rising regulation, student ROI concerns, and workplace readiness, and why AI can’t just be an efficiency tool, but a vehicle for transformational change.Join us as we discuss: [2:00] Letting innovators lead the charge in AI integration and change management [12:00] Why schools need to let their teams play with AI as a sparring partner[21:45] Kickstarting faculty conversations around building an AI strategyTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.Episode prompt: "You are a dual-domain expert: (1) a specialist in large language model (LLM) memory systems and (2) an experienced business strategist and planner.Your task is to create a structured, comprehensive document in canvas view that can serve as a foundational dataset for training an LLM to understand and represent my [personal brand/business] from scratch.Before writing the document, ask clarifying questions to gather any essential information you need.Deliverables:A detailed document containing all relevant, useful, and structured knowledge about my [personal brand/business].Include aspects such as brand voice, values, origin story, services/products, target audience, tone, visuals, positioning, messaging, and strategic goals.Organize this as if it were training data for onboarding a model unfamiliar with me or my brand.Treat this as a backup archive that should be detailed, high-fidelity, and long-lasting.Take your time to ensure accuracy and depth."Guest Name: Tom Andriola, Vice Chancellor and Chief Digital Officer, UC IrvineGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomandriola/Guest Bio: Tom Andriola is UC Irvine’s Vice Chancellor and Chief Digital Officer. His role is designed to ensure the strategic use of data and technology, drive interdisciplinary partnerships, and champion digital strategies that expand UC Irvine’s role as a leading research university, healthcare provider & community partner.  Some of his marquee programs under his offices have included the development of a curated AI-platform for innovation called ZotGPT,  the institution's data-driven student success initiative called Compass, and the development of the big healthcare data platform for healthcare, which exists under UC Irvine's Institute for Precision Health. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Spenser Smith of QS Quacquarelli Symonds joins Brian to explore how higher education institutions can adopt AI while staying grounded in ethics and purpose. With new tools emerging almost daily, Spenser explains why it is essential to pause, set clear goals, and stay focused on the real purpose behind adopting new technology. He shares how AI can support enrollment teams by streamlining research, enabling proactive outreach, and supplementing human expertise without replacing the critical personal connections that define higher education. Join us as we discuss:[7:24] Why higher ed pros need to adopt a student mindset with AI[13:55] Why AI agents won’t replace empathy, compassion, or context[19:43] How to use AI to proactively engage prospects at just the right timeTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.Episode prompt: You are a [target channel] growth expert.I'm going to ask you to make recommendations for content that will perform well on my channel based on best practices and previous performance data.Before you create the response, ask any questions that will help create a better output.Here is information about my [business/brand][attach, link, or paste your business description and differentiator], and my primary audience is [insert primary audience], and my business goals are [insert goals].Based on the attached data from past high-performing and engaging content, please come up with 20 ideas for potentially high-performing content that will [trigger desired outcome] on [channel of choice]. Take your time.Guest Name: Spenser Smith, Regional Director of Client Partnerships - Southeast US, QS Quacquarelli SymondsGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spenser-smith/Guest Bio: Spenser Smith is the Regional Director of Client Partnerships for the Southeast US at QS and a Ph.D. candidate in Higher Education Administration. With a background in graduate admissions and a research focus on AI and CRM systems in student success, he bridges the gap between technology and access in higher education.  - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of AI for U, recorded live at the Engage Summit 2025, host Brian chats with Michele Ehrhart, Chief Communications Officer at the University of Memphis. The conversation dives deep into the real-world uses of AI in higher ed communications, with a spotlight on AI’s role in crisis management and strategic messaging. Michele shares her candid views on AI adoption, leadership influence, and how Gen X communicators like herself are navigating the AI revolution. If you’re wondering how to ethically and effectively use AI in higher education communications, this episode is a must-listen. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of AI for U, recorded live at the Engage Summit 2025, Brian sits down with Dustin Ramsdell—veteran higher ed professional and host of the Higher Ed Geek Podcast. With nearly 300 episodes under his belt, Dustin shares his evolving views on artificial intelligence in higher education, from initial skepticism to cautious optimism. Together, they unpack the opportunities, hesitations, and practical applications of AI that are shaping the future of the higher ed ecosystem. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Erin Callihan, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Marketing & Campaign Communications at NYU, joins Brian to tackle one of higher education’s most pressing questions: Is AI cheating, or is it time to embrace it as a collaborator? Erin shares how her team integrates AI as a productivity partner, why starting small and grassroots matters, and how institutions can empower staff and students to work smarter, not fearfully, in an AI-driven world.Join us as we discuss: [5:19] The biggest AI challenges facing higher ed [13:04] Why it’s time to stop thinking of AI as “cheating”[22:42] Innovative AI implementations in higher ed and beyondTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.Episode Prompt: You are an AI and prompting expert who deeply understands teaching and educating. I will ask you to create a task to help me learn new AI skills every morning. Each day, based on what you know of me, personally and professionally [or provide information about your role and goals], please create a task, prompt, or assignment that you want me to complete to learn a new feature, function, or capability of generative AI. I want to use various models of ChatGPT but also other LLMs like Claude, Notebook LM, Gemini, and more. Do not repeat the same model on subsequent days. [include tools you have access to or specify particular versions or models, free, premium, etc.]Once I perform the task, please help me improve my work so that I understand the complexities and how to get the most out of the technology. Before we begin and before I start each assignment, I want you to ask me any relevant questions to improve the output and the learning.Guest Name: Erin Callihan, J.D., M.S., Assistant Vice President, Strategic Marketing & Campaign Communications, NYUGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erincallihan/Guest Bio: An award-winning higher education marketing and communications leader, Erin Callihan leverages emerging technologies to drive engagement, storytelling, and fundraising success. As Assistant Vice President, Strategic Marketing & Campaign Communications at New York University, she oversees strategic marketing, development and campaign communications, and crisis response, shaping initiatives to connect and engage NYU’s 700,000+ alumni and donors across 183 countries.Well-versed in GenAI strategy, Erin has built custom AI tools, developed GenAI training programs, and guided teams in leveraging AI to boost productivity, originality, and impact. A firm believer in AI’s transformative power in higher ed, she is passionate about helping digital professionals reclaim their time and unlock creativity with practical GenAI tools and strategies.Her career spans key leadership roles across higher ed admissions, student life, alumni relations, development, and digital experience, including spearheading NYU Abu Dhabi’s groundbreaking digital recruitment strategy—one of the most successful in higher education. Twice tasked with creating a new office to improve the student experience, she founded NYU’s nationally recognized Office of Interactive Media in 2012, which launched HashtagNYU—a social media brand that shared the NYU story with 60,000 students across six continents. In 2018, she established the Office of Student UX, Technology, and Engagement to further enhance student digital experiences and engagement.Her expertise in UX, technology-driven engagement, data-informed strategies, and multi-platform storytelling has earned her 5 CASE and 5 NASPA Excellence Awards, as well as AMA's Higher Education Marketer of the Year Award and HighEdWeb's (now Digital Collegium) coveted Red Stapler Award. In addition to her work in higher education, Erin is a skilled photographer whose portfolio includes global icons such as President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Roger Federer, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Jay-Z, and Alec Baldwin. She holds a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School, an M.S. in digital imaging and 3D design from NYU, and a B.A. in journalism and liberal studies from Pace University. She also holds multiple AI-related certifications, from institutions such as Harvard, NYU, UNESCO, and Berkeley Law. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U 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.

How can you bring AI into your work without overwhelming your team — or yourself? In this episode, Isaac Williams, Director of Multimedia and Digital Strategy at Daemen University, shares how Daemen is using AI to bridge resource gaps, streamline data analysis, and build campus-wide momentum from the admissions office to leadership. Isaac walks us through his practical approach to integrating AI tools: starting small, identifying pain points, and building internal champions to drive adoption. His insight teaches us that AI won’t replace you — it’ll make you better.Join us as we discuss:[4:45] How to prep data and protect privacy with AI tools[14:20] Where to begin: a pen, a whiteboard, and one good use case[20:17] Building allies and managing up to grow supportCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Ariadna Jacob InstagramTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.Episode prompt: You are a higher education SEO and content strategy expert. Analyze the content structure, discoverability, and strategic alignment of [insert university name]’s website (main domain: [URL]).Using publicly available data (such as sitemap structure, indexed pages, site hierarchy, and top-ranking content), and attached data [from Google Analytics, Search Console, SEMrush, etc.], generate a comprehensive content audit with these goals:Part 1: Content Performance OverviewIdentify the top-performing content by search traffic, backlinks, and engagement signals (estimated from titles and visible ranking pages).Highlight the most linked-to and most shared pages across academic, research, student life, and admissions sections.Note outdated or underperforming pages that likely have high strategic value (e.g., program pages with low visibility).Part 2: Content Gap IdentificationCompare existing content to user search intent around key themes: [enter your priority themes, maybe: undergraduate and graduate program discovery, faculty expertise and research output, career outcomes and ROI, etc.]Identify content gaps using People Also Ask, related search queries, and competitor comparisons (e.g., other peer institutions).Part 3: Strategic Priority MappingMap current content to these strategic goals:[specific goals or link to goals on your site]Identify missing or underrepresented content that could support those goals.Part 4: Quick Wins and Long-Term OpportunitiesSuggest at least five quick wins (e.g., meta updates, content reorganization, high-impact internal links).List 5–10 long-term opportunities for pillar content, multimedia storytelling, or SEO-driven campaigns that align with institutional priorities and target the following audiences [enter your key audiences].Recommend tools, data sources, and AI workflows that could automate and scale future audits for internal teams.Guest Name: Isaac Williams, Director of Multimedia and Digital Strategy, Daemen UniversityGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacwilliams/Guest Bio: Isaac is a self-motivated, results-driven marketing director with over a decade of experience leading integrated marketing campaigns and digital strategies. As the Director of Multimedia and Digital Strategy at Daemen University, he directs a team of communications professionals to develop and execute data-driven marketing initiatives that enhance brand visibility, drive engagement, and improve conversion rates.With expertise in digital advertising, web analytics, and AI-driven reporting, Isaac oversees strategic campaigns across platforms like Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. He leverages AI tools, including ChatGPT, to automate analytics reporting, transforming raw student data into actionable insights that inform advertising spend, optimize recruitment efforts, and measure the impact of marketing strategies on website traffic and event attendance.Isaac is skilled in cultivating partnerships with external media outlets, negotiating contracts for TV, streaming, radio, and print advertising to maximize brand exposure. He is also responsible for budget allocation, campaign performance tracking, and delivering detailed reports that guide data-driven decision-making.With a passion for innovation in marketing analytics, Isaac is dedicated to helping higher education institutions harness AI to improve efficiency, enhance outreach, and drive measurable results. His expertise in AI-assisted analytics and digital strategy makes him a valuable resource for professionals looking to leverage emerging technologies in marketing and communications. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U 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.

AI is here to stay, and now is the time to jump in. That’s the message of Allison Turcio, Assistant VP for Enrollment and Marketing at Siena College and Host of The Application podcast. In this episode, Brian and Allison explore how AI adoption is transforming the way higher ed professionals approach communication, marketing, and student engagement, all while keeping humanity at the core.From segmenting emails to pulling personalized essay quotes, Allison’s strategies show how AI can empower, not replace. She just might convince you that AI literacy is becoming a must-have skill — and why now is the time to get started.Join us as we discuss: [3:01] How to scale outreach without sacrificing authenticity[13:28] Why AI adoption feels so daunting[19:27] Steps you can take to get started with AI adoptionCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Allison’s four-part series on what AI can do for you during yield seasonThe Application podcastHaldaAllisonTurcio.comTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.Episode prompt: You are an expert conference attendee, presenter, and networker.I'll be asking you to help select sessions at an event and provide recommendations on who I should connect with.My role and interests are [provide your job description, title, interests, etc.]I'm attending [event name and, ideally, URL] and need help selecting the most valuable sessions and identifying key speakers to connect with. [If the following information isn't online, provide it here, otherwise, point to the URL]Here's information about the conference: - Conference theme: [theme] - Conference audience: [general description of the potential attendees] - My current priorities: [list 2-3 key priorities for yourself or your business] - My personal learning goals for this conference: [list 2-3 goals] [If the schedule isn't online, provide it here, otherwise, point to the URL]Below is the conference agenda with sessions and speakers: [paste conference agenda/schedule with session titles, descriptions, and speaker information] Create recommendations on a schedule of sessions for me at the event. Identify 3-5 key speakers I should try to connect with based on my priorities and my professional interests. For each recommended speaker, suggest 2-3 thoughtful conversation starter questions that go beyond basic introductions and demonstrate familiarity with their work. Suggest any potential scheduling conflicts I should be aware of and alternative sessions if I can't attend all your recommendations. Recommend specific networking opportunities (receptions, breaks, etc.) that would be particularly valuable for connecting with the speakers you've identified.Guest Name: Allison Turcio, Ed.D., Assistant VP for Enrollment and Marketing, Siena CollegeGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/Guest Bio: Allison Turcio, Ed.D., is  marketing professor, consultant, host of The Application Podcast, and publisher of the Higher Education Marketer's Digest. Allison frequently presents at industry conferences and serves on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Education Advancement & Marketing. She has led her team to win several accolades, including AMA's 2023 Emerging Marketer in Higher Education Award. Allison has been selected for Albany Business Review’s 40 Under 40 and Siena’s Excellence in Administration award. She holds a doctorate degree in higher education leadership from Northeastern University, a master’s in communications and bachelor’s in English. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Brian sits down with Joyce Peralta, Manager of Digital Communications at McGill University in Montreal, to explore the evolving role of AI in higher education. Joyce shares why AI integration is less about technology and more about transformation: one that requires emotional readiness, ethical reflection, and a willingness to experiment. We dive into the challenges of data quality, the importance of governance, and how institutions can foster a culture of learning over perfection in this new AI-enabled era.Join us as we discuss:[8:00] How to combine human and AI analysis for deeper insight[13:54] Organizational challenges — silos, coordination, and emotional comfort[20:50] How to let AI handle the average so humans can focus on the exceptionalTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.Episode prompt: You are an expert in [language] localization for higher education marketing. I'm going to be asking you to translate content from English to [language].Translate the following [type of copy - landing page copy, social media copy, etc.] for [target audience - prospective students, current faculty, knowledge seekers, etc.] in [target location - country, region, etc.]:- Use [define the tone - warm, professional, etc.] tone.- Adapt phrases and idioms to fit [culture or location].- Ensure culturally appropriate references.- Optimize for keywords related to [strategic keywords in quotes - "study abroad," "American universities," etc.].- Output in [target format - text for social post, HTML format for web integration, etc.].Here is the content:"""[copy/paste content here or attach to prompt]"""Guest Name: Joyce Peralta, Manager of Digital Communications, McGill UniversityGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyceperalta/Guest Bio: Joyce Peralta has been building websites and digital communities for over 20 years. Her experience includes strategic positions on communications and marketing, and information technology teams at the University of Victoria, Western University, and Kings University College.Joyce is currently the Manager of Digital Communications at McGill University, in Montreal, Canada. In this role, she initiates and leads strategic projects aimed at affecting institution-wide change in areas related to digital governance, awareness of strategic goals, adherence to related best practices, and community growth.Joyce is an award-winning speaker who has presented at DrupalCon, ContentEd, Digital Collegium (formerly HighEdWeb), SEMM Forum, Utterly Content, and #PSEWeb. She's also held leadership positions in various professional associations including, Digital Collegium, #PSEWeb, and the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE). - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U 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.

How can AI enhance student ambassador programs without replacing the human connection? In this episode, Brian sits down with Kathryn Thomas and Mus Ismail from Campus Threads to explore how AI is revolutionizing student recruitment. They discuss the power of AI-driven insights, strategies for scaling ambassador programs, and the importance of breaking down institutional silos. Whether you're in admissions, marketing, or student services, this episode offers practical takeaways on using AI to work smarter — not harder.Join us as we discuss: Why transparency is key when using AIHow AI can help you scale your ambassador programAn easy action step you can take to communicate across departmentsTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.Episode prompt: You are an expert builder of custom GPTs with a deep understanding of editorial style guides.Create a system prompt for a custom GPT to act as a style guide for [institution name and URL], that conforms to the institutional style guide: [upload the document or link to your online style guide if available],the brand identity: [upload or link to your online brand guidelines or any other resources that might be available].The custom GPT should put content into canvas mode and make changes to the attached or pasted content. When the changes are made, create a list of what was changed and why. After the content is generated, if the user asks for highlights, highlight the changes within the document and reference the specific resource that indicates why the change was needed.Guest Names:Mus IsmailKathryn ThomasGuest Socials:Mus - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mismail27/Kathryn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-thomas-1511950/Guest Bios: Mus - Mus is a Canadian software engineer with over a decade of programming experience. He’s worked on integrating AI systems at companies such as Samsung Research and Meta, and is now building CampusThreads - a one-stop shop for managing and connecting school ambassadors to prospective students using AI. Mus is passionate about making the feeling of belonging more accessible to more students. In his free time, Mus is probably jamming on his saxophone, or playing a game of pick-up basketball.Kathryn - Kathryn is a Canadian higher education professional with over a decade of experience working in admissions and recruitment. Some of her previous roles include: Manager of National Recruitment, and Coordinator of Special Projects: EDI Admissions - both at Western University. Kathryn enjoys working within the complexities of recruitment and admissions processes, ensuring that both prospective students and administrators can access the information they need. Kathryn is currently working with CampusThreads as an advisor; mentoring the team to hone the software into a cohesive ambassador management solution.  - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U 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.

Brian sits down with Michelle Tarby, Senior Director of Digital Engagement at Le Moyne College, to talk about how AI is transforming student engagement and content strategy. From using AI-driven personas to tailoring student communications, Michelle discusses the practical applications of AI that are making an impact in higher ed. She also explores the common challenges institutions face when implementing AI and how to ensure these tools provide real value and help solve real problems.Join us as we discuss: [1:36] Using AI tools to summarize content and boost student engagement[12:14] Shifting mindset from a place of comparison to one of admiration[16:59] Verifying outputs and filtering out tools that overpromiseCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Digital CollegiumTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.Link to JobsGPT (version 2):https://chatgpt.com/g/g-wg93fVwAj-jobsgpt-by-smarterx-ai/Episode prompt: You are an expert career planner and futurist. I’ll be asking you to help me plan my career path based on my current role and my ideal future role. Based on my current job title, [enter your job title and, ideally, paste in your job description] and my ideal future job, [paste in ideal future job title and description, either from JobsGPT or based on your own career plans], provide a list of skills and experiences that would help me become most qualified for this role. Take your time. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U 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.

Host Brian Piper sits down with Dayana Kibilds, VP of Strategy at Ologie, to explore AI’s growing role in email marketing campaigns. Dayana shares why AI was a driving force behind her book, Mailed It, and how institutions can use AI effectively — without sacrificing strategy or authenticity. She also discusses the challenges of training AI models, the evolution of custom GPTs, and the persistent stigma around AI in higher ed.Join us as we discuss: [6:10] Training custom GPTs and how they can help you refine emails[16:47] Personal use cases and the lingering stigma around AI tools[25:14] Advice to institutions dragging their feet on AI implementationCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Mailed It! By Ashley Budd and Dayana KibildsMailedIt GPTMidjourneyTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.Episode prompt: You are an expert email marketing copywriter and strategist.  Your goal is to create highly effective and personalized email subject lines that resonate with customers and increase open rates.Based on the data provided on previous subject lines and open rates, generate 3-5 compelling subject line options for the email below. These should be engaging, relevant to the customer, [describe your ideal customer here], and optimized for high open rates.Create 3-5 subject lines for testing, please. Take your time.Guest Name: Dayana Kibilds, VP of Strategy at OlogieGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayanakibilds/Guest Bio: Day is vice president of strategy at Ologie, the marketing and branding agency for education. For over a decade, Day has been leading innovative marketing work with universities worldwide, pushing institutions to use their communications as tools for equity and access. She is an international keynote speaker on enrollment marketing, email strategy, productivity, and stakeholder management. Day hosts Enrollify's Talking Tactics podcast, and co-authored Mailed It!: A Guide to Crafting Emails that Build Relationships and Get Results. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U 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.

Brian Piper sits down with Andrew Maynard, a leading expert on AI and its implications for higher education. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI, the existential challenges it poses for universities, and how institutions can embrace AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. From AI-driven research advancements to the shifting role of educators, this conversation explores what the future of learning might look like in an AI-powered world.Episode prompt: Create a table with columns [insert column names (identifiers like, text, email, id, date, etc)] and [number] rows.Guest Name: Andrew Maynard, Director of the Arizona State University Future of Being Human initiative and professor in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State UniversityGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyplayle/Guest Bio: Andrew Maynard is Director of the Arizona State University Future of Being Human initiative and is a professor in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. His research focuses on successfully navigating transitions at the nexus of emerging technologies, society, and the future — including the intersection of AI and education. He is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a member of the Research Council of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), and he currently serves on the selection committee for the World Economic Forum annual list of top ten emerging technologies. As well as publishing in the academic press, Andrew writes for a number of platforms, including the Substack The Future of Being Human.  He is also the author of the books Future Rising: A Journey from the Past to the Edge of Tomorrow, and Films from the Future: The Technology and Morality of Sci-Fi Movies, and co-host of the podcast Modem Futura.  Andrew has a BSc in physics from the Birmingham University, UK, and a PhD in physics from Cambridge University, UK. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U 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.

Host Brian chats with Tracy Playle, founder of Pickle Jar and the Content Ed community, about the role of AI in content strategy for higher education. Tracy shares how her team at Pickle Jar is using AI to enhance audience research, content co-creation, and administrative workflows. She also explores the biggest challenges institutions face when integrating AI and offers actionable advice on how schools can start experimenting with these tools. Whether you're a skeptic or an enthusiast, this episode provides a practical and thought-provoking look at AI’s impact on content and marketing in higher ed.While AI continues to improve, Tracy believes that its real impact will come from how institutions use it, not just how powerful the technology becomes. The key will be rethinking workflows, fostering AI literacy, and integrating AI into strategic priorities rather than treating it as a quick-fix tool.Episode prompt:https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mikekaput\_you-can-use-ai-to-level-up-your-speaking-activity-7288952513226031104--ST5https://aistudio.google.com/You are an expert public speaking coach specializing in delivery techniques. Your role is to provide detailed feedback on the delivery of a presentation, focusing on aspects such as intonation, tone, talking speed, cadence, clarity, body language (if visible), and audience engagement. You provide constructive criticism and actionable advice while highlighting strengths.I will provide you with a video or audio recording of my presentation. Your task is to analyze my delivery and provide expert feedback. Focus on the following elements:Intonation and expressiveness: Does my tone engage the audience?Cadence and talking speed: Is my pacing too fast, too slow, or just right?Clarity and articulation: Are my words easy to understand?Audience engagement: Does my delivery hold attention effectively?Professionalism: Do I come across as confident and credible?Your Response Should Include:Strengths: Highlight specific moments where my delivery shines and explain why they work well.Areas for Improvement: Point out specific moments or patterns that could use improvement. Provide actionable techniques or exercises to address these areas (e.g., breathing techniques, pacing drills).Overall Grade: Give a grade on a scale of 1–10 for my delivery, along with a brief explanation for the score.General Tips: Summarize a few tips or exercises to enhance my overall delivery.Example Format:Strengths: "Your intonation is excellent; it varied naturally and kept the audience engaged. For example, at 1:45, your tone became more dynamic as you introduced an important point, which emphasized its significance."Areas for Improvement: "Your speaking speed is slightly too fast between 2:00–3:00, which made it harder to follow. Try practicing deliberate pauses at the end of each sentence to improve pacing."Grade: 8/10.Tips: "Record yourself practicing with intentional pauses. Work on controlling your tone by practicing modulation exercises like reading aloud dramatically."Key Notes:Take your time and provide detailed, step-by-step feedback for each element of my delivery.If anything is unclear in the video or audio, let me know, and I'll clarify or provide more context.When you deliver the feedback, ensure it is constructive, specific, and actionable.Key TakeawaysAI enhances content strategy – AI can help process audience research, identify trends, and develop content architectures.Co-creation, not replacement – AI is best used as a collaborator, accelerating brainstorming and ideation rather than replacing human creativity.Overcoming barriers to AI adoption – The biggest challenges in higher ed include lack of time, slow policy development, and messy data.Change management is key – AI adoption requires leadership buy-in and a shift in mindset toward workflow transformation.Start small and iterate – Institutions new to AI should begin with low-risk tasks like reformatting documents or summarizing meeting notes before scaling up.Structured content is essential – AI-driven personalization requires highly structured content and robust taxonomy frameworks.AI literacy is a must – Institutions should invest in training and hiring for AI proficiency to fully leverage its potential.How Pickle Jar Uses AI to Enhance Higher Ed Content Strategy AI in Audience Research and Content StrategyTracy’s team at Pickle Jar heavily relies on AI for audience research—one of the most critical components of content strategy. AI tools help process vast amounts of data, from survey responses to interview transcripts, identifying key themes and trends more efficiently than manual analysis.One of the biggest advantages AI provides is the ability to generate audience personas and "motivational tribes." By analyzing patterns in student and stakeholder behaviors, AI helps marketers design content architectures that better align with user needs. This ensures that institutions are delivering the right messages to the right people at the right time.For higher ed marketers, AI offers an opportunity to shift from intuition-based decisions to data-driven strategies. Institutions that integrate AI into their research processes will be better equipped to create content that resonates with prospective students and stakeholders.The Power of AI in Content Co-CreationTracy describes her use of AI as a “second shower” for creativity—meaning it accelerates the ideation process much like those moments of inspiration that happen in the shower. Instead of waiting for the perfect idea to strike, AI tools can quickly generate options that Tracy and her team can refine.Rather than relying on AI to write content from scratch, she uses it as a collaborator. For example, when working on brand messaging for a client, Tracy briefed ChatGPT to generate multiple versions of the same message with different tones—bold, moderate, and subtle. This kind of AI-assisted content iteration speeds up the creative process and provides fresh perspectives.AI can also enhance storytelling. Tracy frequently uses it to find compelling anecdotes and case studies to strengthen her presentations and talks. This allows her to focus on crafting a narrative rather than spending hours searching for the perfect example.Overcoming AI Adoption Challenges in Higher EdDespite AI’s potential, higher education institutions often struggle with adoption. Tracy identifies three major barriers:Time and Space to Experiment – Staff are overwhelmed with growing workloads and shrinking resources, making it difficult to carve out time to explore AI tools. Ironically, AI could be the solution to these productivity challenges, but institutions need to invest time upfront to see the long-term benefits.Slow Policy Development – Universities tend to wait for formal policies before implementing AI. Tracy argues that this cautious approach stifles innovation. Instead, institutions should encourage hands-on experimentation to inform policy development, rather than delaying progress.Data Quality Issues – Higher ed has a wealth of data, but much of it is unstructured or outdated. AI works best with clean, well-organized data. Institutions must improve their data governance practices to fully capitalize on AI’s capabilities.Tracy also emphasizes the importance of educating senior leadership on AI’s potential and limitations. Many university leaders have unrealistic expectations about what AI can do, assuming that it can instantly create highly personalized content experiences. However, without structured content, robust taxonomies, and audience insights, AI-driven personalization simply isn’t possible.How Institutions Can Get Started with AIFor universities looking to integrate AI into their workflows, Tracy recommends starting small and focusing on six key task areas:Repetitive Tasks – Automate administrative work like formatting documents or summarizing meeting notes.Boring Tasks – Use AI for routine work that human employees find tedious, freeing them up for more strategic efforts.24/7 Availability – Implement AI chatbots to provide instant responses to FAQs for students and prospective applicants.Easily Trainable Tasks – Identify tasks that AI can be trained to handle quickly and efficiently.Low-Risk Activities – Begin with AI applications where errors won’t have significant negative consequences.Complex Data Analysis – Leverage AI to analyze large datasets and uncover insights that human analysts might miss.By identifying opportunities within these areas, institutions can ease into AI adoption without feeling overwhelmed.The Future of AI in Higher EducationLooking ahead, Tracy predicts that AI in higher education will evolve in three major ways:More Advanced Multimedia Capabilities – AI-driven video editing and voice synthesis will enhance content creation and accessibility, including seamless language translation for international students.Specialized AI Applications – Instead of generic AI models, institutions will see more AI tools tailored for specific higher ed functions like SEO optimization, student engagement, and course design.Agentic AI Growth – AI will shift from being a passive tool to an active assistant, capable of performing complex tasks and making decisions within defined parameters.Guest Name: Tracy Playle, CEO and Chief Content Officer, PickleJar CommunicationsGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyplayle/Guest Bio: Tracy is CEO and Chief Content Strategist at Pickle Jar Communications. She is also a public speaker and coach. Since founding Pickle Jar Communications she has worked with over 300 education institutions around the world to help them advance their approach to content strategy, content design and content marketing. The best version of Tracy comes out to play when she’s running workshops, training sessions, coaching individuals and teams or delivering presentations and conference keynotes. She dedicates herself to develop others to become powerful content profes

Host Brian Piper sits down with Dave Hunt, Executive Creative Director of Strategic Enrollment Management at Old Dominion University (ODU), to explore how AI is revolutionizing marketing, admissions, and advising. From AI-powered project management tools to the creation of custom GPTs, Dave shares how his team is integrating AI into daily workflows, saving time, and enhancing efficiency. They also discuss AI adoption trends in higher education, challenges institutions face, and what the future holds for AI-driven marketing and operations.Episode prompt:You are a higher education social media expert.I’m going to ask you to come up with post ideas for the month for [insert platform of choice here] targeting [insert target audience here]. Generate at least 20 post ideas for the month. Make them timely, valuable, and relevant to our target audience.Use the attached brand guidelines [or provide an online link], important dates and events, personas, key messages, and strategic priorities [use whatever examples, information, and resources you have that are relevant]. Look at the existing posts at [insert your social channel page URL] to better understand our brand voice for the channel.Generate the posts, please. Take your time.Key TakeawaysAI is already deeply embedded in marketing workflows – From design tools like Adobe Creative Suite to AI-powered project management in monday.com, automation is streamlining repetitive tasks.Custom GPTs are a game-changer for enrollment marketing – ODU’s brand-specific AI assistant helps with content creation, strategic planning, and even leadership tasks like performance management.Higher education is still in the early stages of AI adoption – While some institutions embrace AI, many face challenges due to procurement policies, IT concerns, and change resistance.AI can enhance—not replace—human roles – By automating routine tasks, AI frees up time for more strategic and human-centered work, such as personalization in student engagement.The future of AI in higher ed includes AI agents and deeper integration – AI-powered assistants could soon help manage workflows, track strategic goals, and provide real-time insights.How ODU is Integrating AI in Marketing and EnrollmentAI-Powered Tools Are Enhancing EfficiencyAt ODU, Dave Hunt and his team are leveraging AI to automate time-consuming tasks across marketing, admissions, and advising. AI-powered design tools like Photoshop and Canva are eliminating hours of manual work by enabling quick background removal and content generation. Similarly, AI features in monday.com help streamline project management by automating task creation for large-scale initiatives.The adoption of AI isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about freeing up time for more strategic work. As Dave points out, tools like generative AI allow designers and marketers to shift their focus from production work to more creative and high-impact projects. This shift is essential in an era where personalization and responsiveness are key to engaging students.The Rise of Custom GPTs for Enrollment MarketingOne of the most impactful AI innovations at ODU has been the development of a brand-specific GPT. By integrating ODU’s brand voice, messaging, and strategic priorities, this AI-powered assistant helps with everything from ad copy creation to leadership tasks like planning team retreats and setting performance goals.Dave explains that this custom GPT acts as a thought partner, offering insights and recommendations that align with ODU’s mission. Whether it’s brainstorming personalized marketing campaigns or structuring professional development plans, AI ensures that marketing efforts remain consistent and strategic.AI Adoption in Higher Education: Challenges and OpportunitiesWhile AI adoption is growing in higher ed, it’s not without challenges. Many institutions struggle with procurement hurdles, IT security concerns, and skepticism from staff who are hesitant to change long-standing workflows. However, Dave emphasizes that the key to successful AI integration is demonstrating its immediate value—starting with simple tools that save time and reduce manual work.At conferences, Dave and his peers have observed a wide spectrum of AI adoption levels. While some institutions are actively using AI for advanced marketing strategies, others are still in the early exploration phase. He predicts that AI-powered assistants and automation tools will soon become a standard part of the higher ed marketing tech stack, helping institutions personalize outreach and scale their engagement efforts.The Future of AI in Higher Ed MarketingLooking ahead, Dave sees AI evolving in several key ways:AI Agents Will Become More Powerful – With advancements in AI, institutions will likely see more AI-powered virtual assistants managing workflows, analyzing data, and providing actionable insights.More Seamless Integration Across Platforms – AI will become a built-in feature across marketing, admissions, and advising platforms, further streamlining processes.Greater Focus on Strategic and Creative Work – As AI handles routine tasks, marketers will have more time to focus on storytelling, relationship-building, and high-level strategy.For those just starting to explore AI in higher ed marketing, Dave’s advice is simple: start small, focus on time-saving tools, and remain open to experimentation.Guest Name: Dave Hunt, Executive Creative Director, Old Dominion UniversityGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-hunt-a343048/Guest Bio: Dave Hunt is a creative strategist with deep expertise in branding, design, writing, editing, marketing plan development, audio/video, print production, art direction and project management. He is currently the executive creative director for Old Dominion University’s Division of Digital Transformation and Technology. In his role, he oversees a team responsible for the creative expression of the ODUGlobal brand, as well as graphic design, content strategy, social media and digital marketing in support of student recruitment. Prior to his current role, he was the director of strategic digital marketing for Miami Online at Miami University, graphic design manager and art director for the Wake Forest School of Business, and director of communications for the Virginia Tech Alumni Association. A first-generation college graduate, Dave holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U 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.

Brian Piper sits down with Devin Purgason from Forsyth Tech to explore how the community college is strategically integrating AI to enhance student engagement, boost enrollment, and deliver better outcomes. Devin shares the innovative ways Forsyth Tech is leveraging tools like AI chatbots, automated workflows, and Microsoft Co-Pilot to create efficiencies while maintaining the human connection that drives student success. This conversation also tackles concerns like AI hallucinations, resource allocation, and how to balance automation with personal interaction to make a meaningful impact in higher education.Episode prompt: Using Claude.ai: Create an app for me that takes the attached spreadsheet and does X‍Key TakeawaysAI Can Enhance, Not Replace, Human InteractionsForsyth Tech uses AI to automate routine processes, freeing up staff to focus on more complex, human-centered student needs—ultimately increasing trust and connection.The Impact of AI Chatbots in EnrollmentBy integrating an AI chatbot, Forsyth Tech decreased call volume by 30%, increased call length by a minute (indicating deeper conversations), and saw a 10% rise in enrollment within six months.Human Oversight is Key to Managing AIForsyth Tech's success hinges on having a dedicated team member who constantly updates the AI knowledge base and monitors chat interactions to prevent errors.Start Small, Scale StrategicallyInstitutions new to AI should begin with small pilot projects to measure impact and refine processes before scaling larger initiatives.AI's Role in Personalization and AutomationAI tools are helping Forsyth Tech create tailored messaging, workflows, and content for prospective students, streamlining operations without losing the personal touch.How Forsyth Tech is Using AI to Meet Student Needs Forsyth Tech's integration of AI began in 2023 with the formation of an AI task force—a forward-thinking move for a community college. One of their most successful implementations has been an AI chatbot powered by generative AI and large language models (LLMs). The chatbot, customizable to the institution’s specific needs, provides students with real-time answers to questions like office hours or deadlines. This frees up staff to tackle more complicated issues, like FAFSA support, ensuring that high-need students get the attention they deserve.Beyond chatbots, AI has been incorporated into enrollment workflows using their CRM system. Prospective students are guided through personalized journeys based on their behavior and responses. For example, if a student completes an inquiry form, they receive automated emails or text messages tailored to their actions. What sets this apart is the integration of a student care team, which adds a human touch by personally reaching out to students during key points in their journey. This balance of AI and human intervention has been pivotal in driving enrollment growth.Addressing Concerns About AI Accuracy One of the top challenges institutions face when adopting AI is the risk of errors—so-called "AI hallucinations." Devin acknowledges these challenges but emphasizes that no system, human or AI, is immune to mistakes. To combat inaccuracies, Forsyth Tech monitors chat interactions in real time and uses triggers to notify staff when a chat requires human intervention. They also have a dedicated team member who updates the chatbot’s knowledge base regularly to ensure accuracy.Additionally, Devin advises that institutions shouldn't expect perfection when implementing AI. The focus should be on making incremental improvements that add value while mitigating risks. By taking this pragmatic approach, Forsyth Tech has reaped significant benefits without being derailed by occasional hiccups.The Future of AI in Higher Education Looking ahead, Devin predicts AI will drive greater personalization across all areas of higher education. From tailored academic content in learning management systems (LMS) to customized marketing messages, AI is poised to revolutionize the way colleges interact with students. Tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot, which summarizes emails and provides real-time assistance, are already helping Forsyth Tech's staff be more efficient in administrative tasks.For enrollment marketers, Devin believes AI will make A/B testing, process automation, and personalized campaigns more accessible and effective. The goal, he notes, isn’t just to attract students but to support them throughout their journey—from inquiry to graduation—with tools that reduce barriers and create meaningful engagement.Advice for Institutions New to AIFor institutions just starting their AI journey, Devin recommends the following steps:Define Objectives: Clarify what you want AI to achieve—whether it’s boosting enrollment, improving learning outcomes, or streamlining administrative tasks.Invest in Training: Equip staff with the skills to use and manage AI tools effectively.Pilot Projects: Start small, evaluate impact, and scale based on what works.Balance Automation and Human Touch: Always ensure that AI complements, rather than replaces, human interaction to maintain trust and connection with students. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U 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.

Brian Piper sits down with Ardis Kadiu, founder and CEO of Element451, to explore the transformative role of AI in higher education. From personalized student engagement tools to cutting-edge AI assistants, Ardis shares how AI is reshaping the student journey and breaking down barriers to success. Tune in for insights on AI adoption, overcoming institutional challenges, and the exciting possibilities ahead in 2025 and beyond.Episode prompt: Looker data studio dashboard template - https://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/bc82429a-f580-42de-b80f-d87e7eeeffadYou are a content marketing and data expert.I’m going to ask you to look at Google Search Console data and identify opportunities for me to optimize existing content or create new content that would be the most valuable for my target audience while also helping me meet my strategic business goals.My target audience consists of {describe target audience or upload persona resources}. And my strategic goals include {list company goals, upload a document, or point to a URL}.Give me a list of 10 existing pieces of content to optimize and a list of 10 new pieces of content to create. Take your time.Key TakeawaysTransforming Student Engagement: AI-powered tools like Element451 provide tailored solutions for prospect engagement, application management, and ongoing student support.AI Agents in Higher Ed: Multi-agent AI systems mimic campus staff roles, providing specialized support while improving efficiency and the student experience.Combatting AI Misconceptions: Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) ensures chatbots provide accurate, context-specific responses, addressing fears of misinformation.Leadership's Role in AI Adoption: Transformative AI adoption requires leadership-driven change management, not just grassroots experimentation.Future of AI in Higher Ed: By 2025, agent-based workflows and personalized discovery tools are poised to redefine administrative and academic processes.What is Element451, and how does it leverage AI for higher education?Element451 is an AI-first platform designed to enhance student engagement across the higher education lifecycle. From marketing to advising, its tools integrate AI to streamline processes and personalize experiences. The platform’s innovative multi-agent system simulates real-world campus roles, offering specialized assistance for admissions, financial aid, and beyond. This structure allows seamless handoffs between AI agents and human staff, ensuring students receive accurate, timely support.How does Element451 address chatbot challenges like misinformation?Ardis explained how modern AI systems combat "hallucinations" or inaccuracies through Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). By leveraging authoritative data sources such as institutional knowledge bases and websites, the AI ensures responses are contextually accurate and relevant. Educating institutions on these methodologies has been key to overcoming skepticism and building trust in AI tools.What are the biggest challenges in adopting AI in higher education?Despite AI’s potential, many institutions view it as a tool rather than a transformational technology. Leadership often delegates AI exploration to teams without equipping them with the tools for meaningful change management. Ardis emphasized that a shift in mindset, driven by leadership, is essential for realizing AI’s full potential.How can institutions get started with AI?Ardis advised institutions to focus on removing friction from the student experience. Start with areas like program exploration, application processes, or course catalog navigation. AI solutions can provide personalized recommendations and streamline workflows, enhancing both student satisfaction and institutional efficiency.Why has AI adoption been slower on the administrative side?Faculty often drive institutional innovation, with academic applications of AI gaining traction due to concerns about cheating and learning outcomes. Administrative areas like enrollment and marketing lag behind, partly due to a lack of urgency and purpose-driven leadership. However, Ardis predicts a shift as institutions recognize AI’s broader organizational value.What does the future of AI in higher education look like?Ardis forecasts 2025 as the "year of AI agents," with agent-driven workflows becoming mainstream in education and beyond. As AI models become cheaper and more powerful, institutions will move from experimentation to full-scale deployment. Personalized discovery tools, enhanced reasoning models, and advanced world models promise to revolutionize the higher education landscape.Guest Name: Ardis Kadiu, Founder and CEO of Element451Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/ Guest Bio: Ardis is the Founder and CEO of Element451, an EdTech company renowned for its AI-powered student engagement and CRM products. His expertise spans AI, technology, education, and design, making significant contributions to higher education. At Element451, Ardis has been instrumental in developing advanced personalization engines and AI features, demonstrating his deep understanding of AI's practical applications. As an educator at NYU, he has shared his knowledge in user experience design, web, and mobile development. A thought leader in the field, Ardis shares his insights on Generative AI, ChatGPT, and AI-enhanced engagement strategies at key industry events like AMA, NAGAP, EDUCAUSE, and NACAC. He also hosts the "Generation AI" podcast, exploring the impact of AI in education and marketing. Ardis Kadiu combines a rich academic foundation with professional acumen, holding an MBA in Innovation & Technology Management and Digital Media Innovation, an MS in Integrated Digital Media, and a BS in Computer Engineering, all from New York University. This educational blend underpins his practical and innovative approach in the EdTech sector. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U 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.