The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

In this bonus episode recorded live from EdTech Week 2025, Dustin chats with K. Rocco Shields, CEO of Genius Academy. They discuss the important work her and her team are doing partnering with institutions to create high quality, immersive learning content for a variety of disciplines. Rocco also shares a bit about her personal story that drives her work and underpins why it is so important.Guest Name: K. Rocco Shields - CEO at Genius AcademyGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: K. Rocco Shields, a celebrated filmmaker, has made a significant impact in both the film industry and education technology. She currently serves as CEO of Genius Academy which is an innovative educational platform that merges AI, cinematic storytelling, and immersive technologies to address the mental health crisis. Her transition from a successful filmmaker to an educational technology innovator was driven by a deep commitment to leveraging media for societal change and developing pioneering educational experiences. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if innovation didn’t require a stroke of genius—just a willingness to be a little “-ish”? In this episode, Dustin chats with Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden, co-authors of Innovation-ish, a new book that challenges the myths surrounding creativity and innovation. Drawing from years of teaching at Stanford and Harvard, Tessa and Rich share how higher ed pros can reframe innovation as accessible, iterative, and emotionally safe. This isn’t a startup pitch session—it’s a call to reclaim creativity as a teachable skill, one that’s essential for thriving in ambiguity.Guest Name: Dr. Tessa Forshaw - Researcher & Instructor at Harvard UniversityRichard Cox Braden - Founder & CEO at People RocketGuest Bio: Dr. Tessa Forshaw - As a founding scholar of the Next Level Lab at Harvard University, Tessa specializes in using cognitive science to explore how people best work, learn, and innovate. She draws upon her academic research as a cognitive scientist and extensive background as a former designer at IDEO CoLAb and Accenture to turn the cognitive processes involved in design, creativity, and innovation into practical insights that can be applied in the flow of work. These insights are also the foundations of what she teaches as a design educator at Stanford University and now Harvard University. Recognized for her impactful design projects, Tessa is the recipient of multiple design awards: a Fast Company Design Award for General Excellence, two Core77 Industrial Design Magazine Design Awards, and the Australian American Chamber of Commerce Innovation Awards.Richard Cox Braden - Rich Braden is the founder of People Rocket LLC, a strategic innovation firm based in San Francisco. With over 15 years of academic experience, Rich is a recognized thought leader in design thinking, leadership, and innovation. He is a design educator teaching at renowned institutions including Harvard University, Stanford University, Aalto University, and London Business School, helping shape future leaders. As CEO of People Rocket, he works with clients such as Airbnb, Google, the United Nations, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and the Red Cross to drive strategic innovation and responsible AI solutions. Rich holds degrees in Computer and Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and resides in the San Francisco Bay Area. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re pleased to have Faton Sopa from Manaferra back on the show this week (listen to his previous episode!) to discuss the recent research his team produced that unpacks new details about student search behaviors. Faton shares why traditional SEO tactics are no longer cutting it—and what institutions must do instead to gain visibility, build trust, and drive enrollment. Spoiler: it's time to ditch the one-channel strategy and embrace an omnichannel mindset rooted in real student data.Guest Name: Faton Sopa - Co-Founder and CEO at ManaferraGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Faton Sopa is the Co-Founder and CEO of Manaferra, a leading higher ed SEO agency helping universities and colleges grow enrollments. With 15+ years of experience in digital marketing, Faton has pioneered strategies that integrate data-driven insights with AI, Content and Analytics to deliver measurable results for universities and colleges in the US. Under his leadership, Manaferra has become a trusted partner for higher ed institutions looking to leverage SEO and Content to meet their enrollment goals. Passionate about transforming how institutions connect with prospective students in an increasingly competitive landscape, he frequently speaks on topics like AI, SEO, Analytics, and digital transformation in higher education. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this milestone 300th episode, Sophie Nguyen, Senior Policy Manager at New America, joins Dustin to unpack the newest findings from the new 2025 Varying Degrees report — a data-rich look at how Americans view the role, value, and future of higher education. From surprising bipartisan agreement to the communication failures of institutions, this episode reveals what colleges need to know and do to rebuild public trust and deliver on their promise.This episode includes a sponsored question in partnership with Brian LeDuc, founder of Learning, Designed — a consulting practice and newsletter focused on helping higher ed institutions design more student-centered systems and strategies.You can subscribe to the newsletter here.Guest Name: Sophie Nguyen - Senior Policy Manager at New AmericaGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Sophie Nguyen is a senior policy manager with the higher education team at New America. Her work focuses on college completion and public opinion in higher education. Nguyen leads Varying Degrees, New America’s annual survey that looks into how Americans perceive important higher education issues regarding value, funding, and accountability. Nguyen also manages the HigherEd Public Opinion Hub, an online repository of higher education surveys, and co-authors Public Insight, New America's monthly newsletter that provides analysis on survey findings. Her work on public opinion has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, Inside Higher Ed, Higher Ed Dive, and other news outlets. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re popping into your feed with a very special bonus episode to commemorate 300 weekly episodes of the podcast. Dustin shares some brief notes of gratitude and reflections on the journey, as well as thoughts on the future of the show. Thank you to all our listeners, guests, and of course many thanks to the wonderful teams at Enrollify and Element451 for their support of the show. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Samyr Qureshi, Co-Founder and CEO of Knack, returns to the podcast to unpack how his team is reshaping peer tutoring into a powerful engine for student success and workforce readiness. With a tech-enabled, Uber-style platform, Knack empowers high-achieving students to tutor peers while building soft skills and resumes. Samyr and Dustin explore the evolution of tutoring in higher ed, the role of AI in academic support, and how innovative partnerships are driving equitable outcomes across the student lifecycle.This episode includes a sponsored question in partnership with Brian LeDuc, founder of Learning, Designed — a consulting practice and newsletter focused on helping higher ed institutions design more student-centered systems and strategies.You can subscribe to the newsletter here.Guest Name: Samyr Qureshi, Co-Founder and CEO, KnackGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Samyr Qureshi is the Founder & CEO of Knack, the leading peer-to-peer learning platform partnering with top campuses such as Georgia Tech, University of Florida, University of Utah, University of Connecticut, and dozens of others. Knack has raised $20M in venture capital, most recently closing their Series B, from investors like New Markets Venture Partners, Jeff Vinik (Tampa Bay Lightning NHL Team Owner), Precursor Ventures, ETS (creators of GRE), Chegg, ASU Enterprise Partners, and many other well-known education venture investors and corporations. Currently based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Samyr previously worked as an Account Executive in the Emerging Technology division at Gartner and also formerly served as an iOS Advisor at Apple.Samyr was born in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and immigrated to the US with his mother and sister at the age of seven. Landing in Florida, he grew up in the Tampa Bay area, enrolled in and served as Student Body President at St. Petersburg College while in high school, and ultimately went on to University of Florida earning a Bachelor’s degree in Law & Criminology. Samyr has been named in Forbes 30 Under 30, honored as the Emerging Tech Leader of the Year by Tampa Bay Tech, has been featured in Tampa Bay Magazine’s Top 10 Under 40, Pi Kappa Phi’s Thirty under 30, and was also named in University of Florida’s 40 Gator Alumni Under 40 in 2021. When he’s not traveling, Samyr loves to play guitar, write music, and spend time outdoors. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Maria Toyoda, newly appointed president of the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), joins Dustin for a refreshingly candid conversation about the current and future state of accreditation in higher ed. She shares how accreditors can be powerful partners for institutional change, why student success—not compliance—is the true north, and what’s actually happening behind all the policy noise. From clarifying federal guidance to preparing for AI disruption, this episode offers a masterclass in leading with mission, metrics, and momentum.This episode includes a sponsored question in partnership with Brian LeDuc, founder of Learning, Designed — a consulting practice and newsletter focused on helping higher ed institutions design more student-centered systems and strategies.You can subscribe to the newsletter here.Guest Name: Dr. Maria Toyoda - President & CEO of WASC Senior College and University CommissionGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Maria Toyoda is president & CEO of WASC Senior College and University Commission, one of the seven formerly regional accreditors of institutions recognized by the US Department of Education. Previously, she served as executive vice president and provost at Western New England University; dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Suffolk University; and professor of political science and associate dean at Villanova University. She was a research scholar and associate director at Stanford University’s Institute for International Studies and the Asia-Pacific Research Center. She received her AB from Stanford University and her PhD from Georgetown University. Maria has held numerous fellowships and visiting appointments in the United States and Japan. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What do you do when your institution no longer needs acres of land and buildings? You sell it and build a more agile, student-centered future. In this episode, Dustin chats with Dr. Beth Martin, President of Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU), about the bold and forward-thinking decision to sell their historic campus and double down on serving adult learners. Beth shares what it takes to lead through transformation, why selling land can be a catalyst—not a collapse—and how other institutions might reimagine their own paths forward.Guest Name: Dr. Beth Martin - President of Notre Dame de Namur UniversityGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Beth Martin, Ph.D., is the 19th President of Notre Dame  de  Namur University, a role she has held since September 2021. A graduate of Brown University and Stanford University, Dr. Martin began her academic administrative career at NDNU as a faculty member and founding Dean of the School of Sciences, later serving in senior leadership roles at Holy Names University before returning to lead NDNU as its 19th President. Under her leadership, NDNU not only embraces mission-driven education rooted in the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur values, but has restructured its identity to focus on graduate and degree completion degree programs to ensure sustainable future growth. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Dustin sits down with Mike Stratta, CEO of Arcaléa, to unpack how AI is reshaping marketing strategies across industries—and what that means for higher ed. From his frustrations with top-line-only marketing to developing a data-powered product called Galileo, Mike shares how higher ed institutions can finally move beyond assumptions and start measuring what really works. They also reflect on key takeaways from the eduWeb Summit, where curiosity, collaboration, and AI-driven strategies took center stage.Guest Name: Michael Stratta, CEO, ArcaléaGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Mike Stratta is the founder and CEO of Arcalea, a firm that develops AI-driven marketing products and services for higher education and other industries. With more than 25 years of experience, Mike helps universities and C-Suite leaders transform complex data into actionable growth strategies. He has advised and lectured at the University of Chicago, Loyola’s Quinlan School of Business, and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, where Arcalea’s Galileo platform is also used to teach marketing optimization. A three-time Inc. 500 and Financial Times Fastest-Growing Companies honoree, Mike has launched multiple AI products in the past two years. He is a Vistage member, former Entrepreneurs’ Organization board member, and has worked with leading institutions and global brands alike. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it actually look like to teach with AI — and teach about it — in higher ed today? In this episode, Dustin chats with Dr. Evan Kropp, Executive Director of Distance Education at the University of Florida, about how AI is transforming course design, assessment strategies, and the student experience. Dr. Kropp offers practical examples and powerful insights on how institutions can embrace AI ethically, equitably, and intentionally.Guest Name: Dr. Evan Kropp, Executive Director of Distance Education, University of Florida’s College of Journalism and CommunicationsGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Evan Kropp is an experienced higher education administrator and communication scholar with a passion for digital learning innovation. As Executive Director of Distance Education at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, he leads undergraduate and graduate education initiatives focused on course quality, accessibility, engagement, and career readiness. With over a decade of leadership in online education, Evan has helped launch nationally ranked programs and cutting-edge digital courses that bridge academia and industry. He’s also a frequent speaker and writer on online teaching and learning, instructional design, and the evolving role of technology in higher ed. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if AI could make student writing more honest—not less? In this episode, Dustin sits down with Eric Wang, VP of AI at Turnitin, to talk about the launch of Turnitin Clarity: a new AI-powered document editor that helps students build critical thinking skills and helps educators better understand the process behind students’ assignment submissions. Eric unpacks the “why” behind Clarity, what makes it different from your typical chatbot, and how AI can actually strengthen student-teacher trust instead of eroding it.Guest Name: Dr. Eric Wang, Vice President of AI, TurnitinGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Eric Wang leads Turnitin AI, a global team of machine learning researchers and engineers with a mission to build AI-powered teaching and learning experiences that improve learning outcomes around the world. His mission is to create AI systems that analyze, enrich, accelerate and secure the work of students and educators globally. He led the creation of the most widely used, most rigorously tested, safest and highest performing AI writing detection system on the market. In 2023, Dr. Wang led the development of Turnitin’s AI writing detection feature, a tool that supports and enhances the learning process through facilitating academic integrity. In July 2024, his team took this one step further with the development of Turnitin’s AI paraphrasing detection feature. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amy Swank, Executive Director of Parent and Family Programs at the University of Oregon, joins Dustin to unpack the transformative potential of family engagement in higher ed. Drawing on two decades of experience and her work with CampusESP and AHEPPP, Amy shares how institutions can strategically cultivate meaningful, lifelong relationships with parents and families—not just for student support, but to boost philanthropy, increase retention, and foster belonging.Guest Name: Amy Swank - Executive Director of Parent and Family Engagement, Philanthropy, and Student Life at University of OregonGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Amy Swank brings over 20 years of experience in higher education and currently serves as the Executive Director of Family Engagement, Philanthropy, and Student Life at the University of Oregon. A nationally recognized leader in parent and family engagement, Amy has a deep understanding of what families expect and need throughout their students' college journeys. At Oregon, she has built innovative programs that connect families to campus life, foster philanthropic support, and directly enhance the student experience.Amy is known for building meaningful, lasting relationships with families through intentional communication, proactive support, and inclusive opportunities for involvement. Her work not only strengthens the university's connection with families—it creates tangible impact for students. Amy also served as Past President of AHEPPP: Family Engagement in Higher Education, where she helped shape the national conversation around best practices in family engagement. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tech support isn’t sexy—but it might be the most important thing your institution isn’t thinking enough about. In this episode, Dustin welcomes Christopher Schmidt, Global Director for Client Support at Transact, to unpack why support systems are breaking under pressure and what higher ed needs to do about it. With deep experience in both the military and campus technology, Chris shares a grounded, urgent perspective on how institutions can scale smarter, retain institutional knowledge, and build tech ecosystems that don’t crumble when a key player leaves.Guest Name: Christopher Schmidt, Director of Client Support at Transact CampusGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Christopher Schmidt is the Director of Client Support for Transact Campus, overseeing technical support operations across Higher Education, Healthcare, and Enterprise markets. With a career built at the intersection of technology, client success, and operational leadership, Christopher has redefined how support organizations can function as strategic drivers — not just reactive teams. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it actually look like to run a truly digital-first institution? In this episode, Dustin sits down with Erika Orris, Senior Vice President of Operations at American Public University System, to unpack how her team supports a fully online student body. From personalized program pathways to AI-powered outreach, Erika shares the tools, systems, and philosophies that make American Public University a model for adult learner success. If your institution is serious about student-centric innovation, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Guest Name: Erika Orris, Senior VP of Operations, American Public University SystemGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Erika Orris is the Senior Vice President of Operations at APUS, overseeing services such as Admissions, Academic and Financial Aid Advising, the Student Support Center, Military Assistance Team, and Student and Alumni Services. She has over 30 years of experience in marketing and enrollment management and joined APUS in October 2022.Her recent initiatives include straight-line degree plans, a net price calculator for non-traditional students, graduation-focused advising, a streamlined transfer process, and Career Link—an AI-powered career services platform.Previously, Ms. Orris was Executive Vice President at ThriveDX, where she implemented scalable systems to improve the student journey. She also served as Chief Enrollment and Marketing Officer at the University of Maryland Global Campus, leading its rebranding and launching the Student Success Coach program.Earlier roles include Vice President at DeVry University and President of a start-up branch campus. She holds an MBA from UMGC and a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What makes a tech stack work for people, not just processes? In this energizing episode, Dustin chats with Sarah Kotlinski, Director of Enrollment Systems and Analytics at Gettysburg College, about the real art behind edtech integration. Sarah shares her “three gates” framework for evaluating tools, how she turns everyday tech into superpowered solutions, and why she’s a firm believer in departmental independence with intentional collaboration. You’ll leave with practical ideas for managing your systems better—and maybe even rethinking how you define success in digital transformation.Guest Name: Sarah Kotlinski - Director of Enrollment Systems and Analytics at Gettysburg CollegeGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Sarah Kotlinski is the Director of Enrollment Systems and Analytics at Gettysburg College, where she is building a tech stack designed to engage, inform, and simplify every step of the enrollment journey. With over 35 years of experience in higher education, Sarah brings deep expertise and a collaborative spirit to her work.Beyond Gettysburg, she is a Technolutions Slate Community Ambassador and the founder and leader of the Slate Training user group. She also co-facilitates the Slate–Common App user group, mentors new Common App member institutions, and serves on both the CampusESP Customer Advisory Board and the College Board’s Enrollment Solutions Strategic Advisory Group. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit, Dustin sits down with Eric Butler from Modern Campus about how today’s content management systems are powering smarter, more personalized digital experiences for students. From AI-powered personalization to low-code flexibility for campus editors, Eric shares how Modern Campus is helping institutions turn their websites into dynamic, student-first platforms—without overwhelming their already stretched teams.Guest Name: Eric Butler - Senior Account Manager at Modern CampusGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Eric Butler currently serves on the Account Management team at Modern Campus. He has a deeply personal desire to improve the quality of relationships and overall performance of his clients. He helps customers launch new technology platforms, extend the use of their existing tools to reduce friction, and improve overall student satisfaction. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit, Dustin speaks with Thomas Steinman from Halda about how AI is reshaping the future of admissions and marketing—one prompt at a time. From demystifying AI in the hands-on “AI Studio” at the event to making the case for stronger data integration, Thomas breaks down what higher ed pros need to know about creating more personalized, scalable student experiences. The theme? Start small, stay curious, and let the data do the heavy lifting.Guest Name: Thomas Steinman - Director of Strategic Partnerships at Halda.AIGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: As Director of Strategic Partnerships at Halda, Thomas Steinman helps to transform the way higher education institutions engage with prospective students. He works with his teams to craft red-carpet web experiences that captivate and inspire. Thomas is proud to help schools reimagine their online presence, revolutionizing how they connect with students and showcase their value. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to design an institution around students who work full-time, raise kids, serve in the military, or all of the above? In this conversation, National University President Dr. Mark Milliron shares how NU has been built from the ground up to meet the needs of today’s learners—and why that's not a side hustle, it’s the whole hustle. With a laser focus on access, flexibility, and outcomes, Mark lays out a compelling vision for student success that’s as rigorous as it is human-centered.Guest Name: Dr. Mark D. Milliron, President, National UniversityGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Mark David Milliron is an award-winning leader, author, speaker, and consultant who works with universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, foundations, corporations, associations, and government agencies across the country and around the world.He serves as President and CEO of National University (NU), one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the United States. NU is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and has a 50-year history of innovating around the needs of military, working, and nontraditional students.In addition to his work with NU, Dr. Milliron helps catalyze positive change in education through his service on the boards and advisory councils of leading-edge education organizations, including the Trellis Foundation; Bennett College; the Global Online Academy; Civitas Learning; the Mastery Transcript Consortium; and ISKME/Open Education Resource Commons. He also holds an appointment as a Professor of Practice in the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit, Dustin sits down with Sean Fitzpatrick, CMO at Overit and former higher ed marketing leader, to unpack how AI is transforming the SEO landscape. From structured data to conversational content and zero-click search, Sean explains how institutions can stay visible and relevant in an AI-first web. The takeaway? It’s not about fighting the change—it’s about riding the wave with intention.Guest Name: Sean Fitzpatrick - Chief Marketing Officer at OveritGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Sean Fitzpatrick currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at Overit. He provides strategy and marketing program management for a range of clients at the agency. As an experienced marketing director and strategist, Sean’s strengths are his creativity, drive and leadership. He thrives on finding clarity within complexity and meeting ambitious business goals. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit, Dustin chats with Destinee Mack from Workzone about how project management is evolving to meet the unique demands of higher ed. From managing competing priorities to streamlining collaboration between teams and agencies, Destinee shares how WorkZone is helping colleges and universities work smarter—not harder—without needing a full-time project manager on staff.Guest Name: Destinee Mack - VP of Customer Success at WorkzoneGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Destinee Mack is an experienced customer experience and success executive with an extensive track record of customer value attainment and expansion. A passionate leader, wife, mother, mentor and friend, she believes that a detailed understanding along the customer journey is the key to developing a strategy that allows both customers and businesses to achieve their desired outcomes. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.