AI for U

What does it really mean to be an AI-first institution? In this episode, Kyle Campbell, Founder and Managing Director of Education Marketer, joins Brian to break down how higher education can move beyond surface-level innovation. Kyle shares how to make AI part of the system, not just a shortcut. He also explains why leaders need the most AI education and how technology can make university messaging sound more human. This conversation pushes past buzzwords and shows what real transformation looks like.Join us as we discuss: [2:32] Why content is no longer a differentiator in higher ed marketing[1-:25] How to avoid the “better trap” by creating new systems instead of faster old ones[17:38] The end of the knowledge worker and the rise of creative catalystsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:VirtuousAIExponential View Category PiratesTo 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 content strategy expert. I'm going to analyze my content performance data against our strategic priorities to identify gaps and misalignments. Conduct a comprehensive audit that reveals where we're missing opportunities.Content Data to Analyze: [PASTE YOUR EXPORTED CONTENT DATA - social posts, blog titles, email subjects, etc.]Platform: [SPECIFY: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Instagram, Blog, etc.]Time period: [DATE RANGE]Engagement metrics: [INCLUDE IF AVAILABLE]Institutional Context:Institution type: [PUBLIC/PRIVATE, SIZE, RESEARCH LEVEL]Strategic priorities: [LIST YOUR TOP 3-5 INSTITUTIONAL GOALS]Brand values: [CORE VALUES YOUR INSTITUTION PROMOTES]Target audiences: [PRIMARY AUDIENCE SEGMENTS]Desired reputation: [WHAT YOU WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR]Analysis Requested:Content CategorizationCategorize all content by theme/topicCalculate the percentage of content in each categoryIdentify dominant themes vs. neglected areasStrategic Alignment AssessmentMap content categories to our strategic prioritiesCalculate what % of content supports each priority and how much content doesn't support any current strategic prioritiesIdentify priorities with minimal content supportAudience-Content MatchAnalyze if content themes match audience interestsIdentify content getting engagement from the wrong audiencesSpot missed opportunities with existing followersGap IdentificationList strategic priorities with <20% content supportIdentify audiences we're not effectively reachingHighlight brand values not reflected in contentActionable RecommendationsSuggest specific content topics to increaseRecommend content to reduce or eliminatePropose content calendar adjustmentsOutput Format: Provide results in a clear report format with:Executive summary of key findingsData visualized as percentagesTop 3 critical gaps to address immediately90-day action plan for alignmentFocus on patterns and insights I might miss in manual review, but flag any categorizations that seem questionable for human verification.Guest Name: Kyle Campbell, Founder, Managing Director, Education MarketerGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyledavecampbell/Guest Bio: Kyle Campbell is a higher ed marketing consultant and the managing director of Education Marketer, an insights and consultancy firm for higher ed. Every week on a Tuesday, he publishes The Education Marketer Newsletter, an accessible (yet hard-hitting) overview of the state of the sector and what matters to education marketers. He brings over a decade of experience for university professionals looking to build and engage student audiences. - - - -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.

Worried about falling website traffic? You’re not the only one. In this episode, Megan Andrews, Digital Strategy Consultant at Squiz, joins us to talk about why fewer clicks do not necessarily mean less engagement, and how conversational AI is changing how students find and interact with information online. She also shares why it’s time to stop obsessing over visitor counts and start measuring real value, how AI-powered search can reveal what students are really thinking, and why there’s no better time to experiment than right now.Join us as we discuss: [2:45] What a dip in organic website traffic really means[10:01] The real challenge: starting before it is perfect[16:34] Why higher education’s culture of sharing is a superpowerTo 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: Replace the items in brackets [] with the specifics for your institution. You may need to focus this prompt down to look for one strategy for one audience depending on the results you get.You are an expert in higher education marketing and AI search discoverability.Your task is to analyze how [institution name], [institution URL], appears in AI-generated search results.Based on the following, generate a list of conversational searches that audiences might run to learn about the school that could be used to test the visibility in ChatGPT around strategic priorities for their target audience.Strategic Priorities: [insert institution’s strategic priorities here or link to URL]Mission Statement: [insert institution’s mission statement here or link to URL]Primary Audiences: [insert institution’s key audiences for reaching strategic priorities]Examples:“Is [institution name] a good school for [priority program/field]?”“What is [institution name] known for?”“Best colleges for business in [state].”“Student experience at [institution name].”“How much does it cost to attend [institution name]?”Run these conversational searches in ChatGPT.For each, capture whether the institution appears in the AI-generated results.Provide a narrative summary that answers:Where and how does the institution appear across AI platforms?What information (facts, claims, rankings, or highlights) do the AI results display?What links, if any, are included (official site, third-party rankings, Wikipedia, etc.)?How well does this representation align with the institution’s strategic priorities, mission, and key audiences?What gaps or risks are present in the current AI search presence? (e.g., outdated info, missing strengths, unfavorable comparisons)Output a single narrative summary, connecting the institution’s visibility back to its mission and strategic goals, and highlighting areas where content or visibility could be improved.Guest Name: Megan Andrews, Digital Strategy Consultant at SquizGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganandrews/Guest Bio: Megan Andrews is a seasoned digital consultant with deep expertise in content strategy, brand development, and user experience. In her role at Squiz, she partners with higher education institutions to modernize their digital presence and create student-centered experiences that drive engagement and outcomes. Her recent work emphasizes the use of AI-powered conversational search tools to help universities better understand user behavior and deliver more intuitive, impactful digital interactions. Previously, Megan worked in content and channel strategy at Stanford University, shaping communications for one of the world’s leading academic brands. With nearly two decades of experience across industries, she brings a unique ability to bridge storytelling, technology, and strategy to help organizations build stronger connections with their audiences. - - - -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 Carrie Pitts-Densmore, VP of Enrollment and Marketing at Johnston Community College, to talk about how higher ed can embrace AI as a partner rather than a threat. Carrie shares how her team built ten AI agents inside their CRM to handle student inquiries, scale enrollment communications, and free staff to focus on more complex, human-centered work. From saving 120,000+ human minutes in one year to envisioning AI as a personal assistant, Carrie’s insights show how institutions can move from hesitation to hands-on experimentation and success.Join us as we discuss:[2:12] How Johnston saved 120,000 human minutes with automation[12:36] Why AI is a teammate, not a replacement[17:25] How higher ed jobs are evolving with AI, not disappearingCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Higher Ed Pulse, episode 77To 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 writer.I'm going to ask you to help me overcome writer's block that I'm experiencing with a piece of content I need to create. Instead of writing it for me, I want you to help me work through this creative obstacle as a collaborative partner.**What I'm Working On:**- Content type: [Email, blog post, social media, website copy, etc.]- Target audience: [Who will read this]- Main purpose/goal: [What I want to accomplish]- Key message: [The core point I want to make]- Approximate length: [How long this should be]- Deadline pressure: [Timeline I'm working with]**Where I'm Stuck:**- What I've tried so far: [Any drafts, notes, or approaches attempted]- Specific obstacle: [Can't find the right opening, don't know how to organize ideas, struggling with tone, etc.]- What's making this challenging: [Complexity of topic, multiple audiences, sensitive subject matter, etc.]Help me diagnose what's causing my block and suggest 3-4 specific strategies to move forward, but don't write the content for me.Guest Name: Carrie Pitts-Densmore, M.S., APR, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing, Johnston Community CollegeGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pittscarrie/Guest Bio: Carrie Pitts-Densmore serves as Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing at Johnston Community College, bringing more than 25 years of communications expertise to her role. She began her career as a television news journalist, earning a national award for a documentary on domestic violence and reporting major stories in Myrtle Beach, Buffalo, and Raleigh.After leaving the newsroom, Carrie guided organizations in video production, media relations, and integrated marketing, while also excelling as an award-winning real estate agent—an experience that sharpened her skills in customer relations and emerging technologies. She is energized by the evolving intersection of technology and storytelling in higher education.Carrie holds Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and a Master of Science in Communications from Purdue University. Beyond her professional life, she is mom to Archer and wife to Shawn. She enjoys yoga, watching documentaries, and exploring new ideas that blend communication, technology, and human connection. - - - -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 Mark Lee, Director of Web User Experience and Digital Strategy at Colorado College, to unpack the promises and the pitfalls of bringing AI into higher education. Mark reveals how he treats AI as a coworker instead of a content machine, why fear and resistance remain the biggest roadblocks on campus, and how schools can win buy-in by starting small with low-risk, high-reward use cases. From AI-powered tutors and chatbots boosting student success to the radical shift from SEO to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), this conversation explores what it takes to truly future-proof higher ed in an AI-driven world.Join us as we discuss:[5:30] Where to start with change management and why tedious tasks matter[14:35] AI in student success: virtual TAs and chatbots that improve grades[19:51] The “avalanche” analogy and how to stay flexible in an era of disruptionTo 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 strategic advisor and critical thought partner.I’m going to ask you to help me test a plan I'm developing. Your role is to challenge my thinking, identify blind spots, and push back on assumptions, not to validate or agree with me.Before you create a response, ask any questions that will create a better output.**My Initiative/Plan:**[DESCRIBE YOUR STRATEGY, CAMPAIGN, OR INITIATIVE]**Context & Background:**- Institution type: [PUBLIC/PRIVATE, SIZE, LOCATION]- Target audience: [WHO YOU'RE TRYING TO REACH]- Primary goals: [WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO ACHIEVE]- Timeline: [WHEN THIS NEEDS TO HAPPEN]- Budget/Resources: [CONSTRAINTS YOU'RE WORKING WITHIN]- Key stakeholders: [WHO NEEDS TO BUY IN OR BE INVOLVED]**My Current Thinking:**[OUTLINE YOUR PROPOSED APPROACH, STRATEGY, OR SOLUTION]Now, please challenge this plan by addressing:1. **Assumption Testing**: What assumptions am I making that might be wrong?2. **Gap Analysis**: What important factors am I not considering?3. **Risk Assessment**: What could go wrong that I haven't planned for?4. **Stakeholder Blind Spots**: Whose perspectives might I be missing?5. **Alternative Approaches**: What completely different strategies might work better?Be direct and critical—I need honest analysis, not encouragement.Guest Name: Mark Lee, Director of Web User Experience & Digital Strategy, Colorado CollegeGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarklee/Guest Bio: Mark Lee is a higher ed web technologist, digital builder and a lifelong learner who is currently obsessed with learning everything he can about AI and how it intersects with the future of the web and higher education.He's worked in higher ed web since the early 2000s, starting as a full-stack developer and moving slowly over the years more towards user experience, though he still loves to write code. - - - -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 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.