The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

Live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin sits down with team members from DIS-Study Abroad to unpack how digital transformation is reshaping the student experience abroad. From streamlining pre-departure logistics to embracing CRMs and AI for internal efficiency, this conversation explores how DIS is thoughtfully building a more connected, student-first journey. Plus, the team opens up about their own AI learning curves and what inspires them most about working at the intersection of tech and travel.

Guest Names: 
Asta Schantz-Conlon - Marketing & Campaign Manager at DIS-Study Abroad
Lena Friedman - Outreach and Communications Coordinator at DIS-Study A...

In this episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin sat down with Alison Cove, Founder and CEO at USEFULL, to discuss her company’s mission to make reusable containers the default—not the exception—on college campuses. What starts as a conversation about ditching plastic turns into a deeper exploration of how tech-forward systems can drive student behavior change, reduce operational costs, and spark cross-campus collaboration.

From stainless steel containers with library-style return systems to tackling the real cost of "compostable" packaging, Alison breaks down why convenience, accountability, and integration are the keys to making sustainability scalable.

Gues...

In this special live edition of the Higher Ed Geek podcast, recorded at the 2025 Engage Summit in Charlotte, host Dustin Ramsdell sits down with Brian Piper — AI integration consultant, author of Epic Content Marketing for Higher Education, and host of AI for U. Brian shares his insights on the future of AI in higher ed, the power of community in tech adoption, and why institutions must embrace change now. This episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring AI adoption, higher ed transformation, or marketing strategy in the age of automation.

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Live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin chats with Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and creator of Lessons in Leadership. Carrie unpacks her leadership philosophy, her personal and professional AI journey, and why curiosity and calendar discipline are her secret weapons. From building custom GPTs to managing data-driven strategy in higher ed, Carrie brings candor, creativity, and clarity to the conversation.

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify...

Live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin sits down with Devin Purgason, Associate VP of Student Experience, Marketing, and Outreach at Forsyth Technical Community College. In this insightful and energizing conversation, Devin shares how Forsyth Tech became an early adopter of AI, how they’re integrating it across departments, and why staying grounded in student needs is the key to meaningful tech adoption. From building AI literacy to faculty development and platform implementation, Devin gets real about what works—and what still needs work.

Guest Name: Devin Purgason, Associate Vice President for Student Experience, Marketing & Outreach, Forsyth Technical Comm...

This week, Dustin is pleased to welcome back higher ed design strategist and author Elliot Felix to discuss his forthcoming book, The Connected College. Together, they unpack what it takes to build institutions that work better together—from breaking down silos to smarter strategy execution. Elliot brings the wisdom of over 100 campus collaborations, offering a hopeful and highly practical roadmap for change. If your institution is wrestling with disconnection, dwindling resources, or just too many redundant tools and services, this episode is for you.

Guest Name: Elliot Felix, Partner, Buro Happold

Guest Social: LinkedIn

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In this episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin gets insights from Patrick Beirne who serves as Senior Director of Student Financial Services at Wayne State University. In this rare sit-down with a real-life bursar (finally!), Pat offers a front-line view of how digital transformation is changing the way institutions bill and collect payments—and why it matters more than ever.

From phasing out cash to embracing Apple Pay, Pat shares practical insight into building a student-centric (and parent-friendly) payment experience. Plus, he breaks down how integrations, centralization, and modernization are more than IT buzzwords—they’re make-or-break moves...

In this episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin chats with Read Winkelman from Transact about his unique dual lens of personal experience as a parent of college students and decades of professional experience. Read offers a compelling look at how mobile credentials are driving convenience, enhancing campus safety, and enabling smarter student support through real-time behavioral data.

From leveraging analytics to flag students who may need help, to imagining how AI and biometrics could soon personalize student services even further, this episode is packed with bold ideas and practical insights higher ed leaders need to hear.

In this week’s episode, Dustin chats with Jennifer Lonchar, co-founder of AmbioEDU and higher ed marketing veteran, about the future of enrollment marketing—spoiler alert: it's already in your living room. Jennifer breaks down why performance TV (think streaming ads with measurable ROI) isn’t just the “next big thing”—it’s the now big thing. From her early days at Carnegie to launching AmbioEDU, she shares how she’s building smarter, AI-backed streaming strategies that finally make TV work for higher ed. Plus, a sneak peek into what makes the eduWeb Summit different and why it’s a must-attend this...

In this episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin sits down with Mike Maxsenti, SVP of Product at Genea, to explore how higher ed is embracing digital transformation—specifically in the world of campus security. They unpack how mobile credentials, cloud-based access systems, and IoT sensors are changing what it means to create a safe, smart, and student-friendly campus.

From eliminating tailgating to managing dynamic commuter access, this conversation goes beyond buzzwords and surfaces actionable ideas for campus leaders ready to upgrade their infrastructure and student experience.

Guest Name: Mike Maxsenti, SVP of Product, Genea

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In this week’s episode, Dustin sits down with Kathleen deLaski — author of Who Needs College Anymore? — to explore why the traditional four-year degree is no longer the only path to career success. Kathleen shares insights from her research on alternative learning models, highlights innovative colleges embracing change, and lays out a vision for an experience-first approach to higher ed. They tackle everything from AI’s impact on entry-level jobs to the urgent need for affordability and new credentialing systems.

Guest Name: Kathleen deLaski - Founder & Board Chair at Education Design Lab

Guest Social: LinkedIn

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In this special bonus episode, Dustin sits down with Dr. Chris Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan-Flint, to unpack how creating strategic content like podcasts can serve as a dynamic enrollment and marketing tool in higher ed. Chris shares his multi-decade journey through higher education, his love for storytelling, and how he’s turned personal content-creation skills into professional wins. With the eduWeb Summit just around the corner, Chris also offers a preview of his upcoming talk and some candid truths about what it really takes to make podcasting work for institutions.

Guest Na...

In this special episode recorded on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin speaks with Ana Homayoun, executive functioning expert, author, and founder of Green Ivy Educational Consulting and Luminaria Learning. Ana has spent 25 years helping students develop the organization, planning, and adaptability skills they need to thrive in school, work, and life. She explains why higher ed institutions must start teaching executive functioning skills, how this can boost retention and student well-being, and why these abilities are just as critical as technical knowledge for career success.

Guest Name: Ana Homayoun - Author, Nonprofit Executive, & Independent Academic Advisor

In this episode, Dustin Ramsdell sits down with Scott Anderberg, CEO at Moodle, for a deep conversation on why open source matters more than ever in higher education. Scott shares how Moodle’s global reach, customizable architecture, and vibrant community are shaping more inclusive, creative, and scalable learning experiences. Plus, the duo gets real about AI’s potential—not as a threat, but as a tool to help educators and learners thrive.

Guest Name: Scott Anderberg, CEO, Moodle

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Scott Anderberg has dedicated his career to supporting universities around the wo...

In this special episode recorded on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin speaks with Dr. Yolanda Watson Spiva, President of Complete College America (CCA), a national advocacy organization dedicated to helping more students access, persist, and graduate from college on time. Yolanda shares CCA’s systems-level approach to student success, the importance of transfer-friendly policies, and how institutions must shift from being college-ready to student-ready. She also discusses CCA’s Council on Equitable AI and how AI can support, rather than hinder, student success. If you're passionate about higher ed reform, retention, and equity, this is an episode you won’t want...

In this special episode recorded on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin speaks with Diego Arambula, Vice President of Educational Transformation at the Carnegie Foundation. Diego discusses how higher education must evolve to remain a powerful engine for economic opportunity — especially for students who are furthest from it. He unpacks the need to rethink degree structures, the role of digital transformation, and how institutions can better prepare students for career success. Tune in to hear how the Carnegie Foundation is leading efforts to reshape college classifications and workforce connections for the next generation of learners.

Guest Name: Diego Ar...

In this special episode recorded on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin speaks with Halley Hoot from Summer Discovery. Halley shares how her team partners with top universities to offer transformative summer learning experiences for students as young as first grade through high school. She discusses how these programs not only expose students to college-level academics but also help them develop critical life skills and career clarity. Tune in to hear how experiential learning, AI-driven courses, and global education trends are shaping the future of pre-college programs.

Guest Name: Halley Hoot, Director of Domestic Recruitment & Customer Success at...

What does it look like when faculty lead the charge in building AI-powered learning tools—without losing their human-centered roots? In this live episode from the AI Show at the ASU+GSV Summit, Dustin speaks with UCLA professor Dr. Zrinka Stahuljak and PhD candidate Elizabeth Landers about their work developing a first-of-its-kind AI-assisted, human-guided textbook for a large general education class.

But this isn’t about replacing faculty—it’s about freeing them up. Freeing up time for deeper conversations. For more feedback. For actual teaching. You’ll hear how they partnered with Kudu to build an integrated...

In this special live episode recorded live at the AI Show at ASU+GSV, Dustin and guest Tara Gilboa unpack how her work at Zal.AI is helping higher ed institutions build real-time, skills-based pathways between education and employment.

Tara breaks down what it actually takes to align curriculum with workforce needs, how AI is the secret ingredient to faster, smarter decision-making, and why we need to ditch static PDFs for dynamic, collaborative systems. Plus, she offers a sneak peek into the groundbreaking Quantum Talent Partnership—one of the most ambitious workforce alignment initiatives in the country.

In this special live episode recorded live from the AI Show at ASU+GSV, Dustin sits down with Dr. Shalini Gopalkrishnan—AI strategist at San Francisco Bay University—for a thought-provoking and practical look at how AI is reshaping the university experience. From tutoring and enrollment to mental health support and empathy-driven VR, Shalini shares how she’s embedding AI into every corner of the campus ecosystem.

This conversation covers both the bold possibilities and the essential guardrails needed as higher ed steps into a rapidly evolving AI landscape. It’s a call to reimagine—not just digitize—t...

Julia Dixon, Forbes 30 Under 30 and founder of ESAI, joins Dustin live from the AI Show at ASU+GSV to unpack how her AI-powered platform is helping students craft authentic, compelling college essays—without crossing ethical lines.

Drawing from her years as an admissions advisor, Julia explains why storytelling is the ultimate soft skill in today’s AI-driven world—and how the right tools can empower students to own their narrative, impress admissions officers, and build a lifelong practice of self-expression.

Guest Name: Julia Dixon - Founder and CEO at ESAI

Guest Social: LinkedIn

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In this episode, Scott Marshall, President & CEO of Semester at Sea, joins the show to discuss the transformative power of study abroad. Scott shares his personal journey from faculty member to leading one of the most unique global education programs, including navigating the challenges of the pandemic. He also dives into the importance of experiential learning, the role of study abroad in student success, and why higher ed leaders should invest more in global education. If you’re passionate about innovative learning experiences, this episode is for you!

Guest Name: Scott Marshall, President and Chief Executive Officer at...

In this episode, Dustin sits down with Drs. LeeAnn Lindsey and Chad Geston of the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy for a powerful conversation on how AI is reshaping the entire P-20 landscape—from K-12 to higher ed to workforce development.

You’ll hear why Arizona has taken a leadership role in AI education, how schools can prepare for what's coming, and why higher ed can’t afford to move at “the speed of mud” anymore. This one’s a masterclass in pragmatic optimism, grounded strategy, and bold institutional rethinking.

Guest Names:
Dr. LeeAnn L...

In this energizing live episode, Dustin chats with Brian LeDuc—consultant, design strategist, and founder of Learning, Designed—about what it really takes to make higher ed more human-centered in an AI-drenched era. From the UC San Diego Design Lab to his own EDUxDesign Fellowship, Brian shares tangible ways schools can move beyond best practices and toward meaningful, student-first innovation.

Spoiler: It’s not about jumping on every AI tool. It’s about understanding the real problems you're solving—and who you're solving them for.

Guest Name: Brian LeDuc, Principal, Design Strategist + Education Consultant at Learning...

In this special live episode from the AI Show at the ASU+GSV Summit, Dustin sits down with Alejandra Acosta—Chief of Staff at JK K-12 and a longtime higher ed veteran—to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping education. But here’s the twist: it’s not just about tech. It’s about grounding innovation in human connection, staying true to institutional values, and using AI to spark the kind of transformation higher ed actually needs.

From real talk on AI literacy to the future of school partnerships, Alejandra shares a balanced, insightful take on what matters mo...

In this special episode recorded on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin chats with Annie Chechitelli, Chief Product Officer at Turnitin. Annie shares the exciting launch of Turnitin Clarity, a new tool designed to support both educators and students in navigating AI’s role in academic writing. From AI detection to responsible AI use in the classroom, this conversation unpacks the evolving challenges and opportunities in maintaining academic integrity.

Guest Name: Annie Chechitelli, Chief Product Officer, Turnitin

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Annie Chechitelli has spent the past two decades innovating with educators to ex...

In this live episode from Transact 360, we talk with Don Smith, General Manager of Integrated Payments at Transact, about the rapid evolution of student payments. Don shares insights on how unified payment systems improve the student experience, the growing demand for financial flexibility, and how institutions can remove friction from the payment process. We also explore AI, embedded finance, and the future of digital wallets on campus.

Guest Name: Don Smith - General Manager of Payments at Transact

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: With over 15 years of experience driving innovation in software and...

In this episode, Brady Colby, a market research expert at Validated Insights, joins the podcast to break down their latest report on the Online Program Management (OPM) market. Brady shares key insights on how institutions are moving away from revenue-share OPM models in favor of fee-for-service partnerships, why colleges now have more control over their online programs, and what this means for the future of digital education. If your institution is considering launching or scaling online programs, this episode is packed with data-driven takeaways you won’t want to miss!

Guest Name: Brady Colby - Head of Ma...

In this special live episode from Transact 360, we sit down with Taran Lent, SVP of Product Development and Technology at Transact. Taran shares insights on how cloud migration is transforming campus operations, why user experience is more critical than ever, and the role of biometrics and AI in the future of higher ed tech. He also reflects on lessons learned as an entrepreneur and how institutions can adapt to rapid technological change while keeping students at the center. 

Guest Name: Taran Lent - SVP of Product Development & Technology at Transact 

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Gu...

In this special live episode from Transact 360, we sit down with Taran Lent, SVP of Product Development and Technology at Transact. Taran shares insights on how cloud migration is transforming campus operations, why user experience is more critical than ever, and the role of biometrics and AI in the future of higher ed tech. He also reflects on lessons learned as an entrepreneur and how institutions can adapt to rapid technological change while keeping students at the center.

Guest Name: Taran Lent - SVP of Product Development & Technology at Transact

Guest Social: LinkedIn

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What if you could get the benefits of an OPM (Online Program Management) model without fully outsourcing control? That’s exactly what Augusta University Online did with its DIY+ approach in partnership with Collegis Education. In this episode, Cristina Raecke, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Enrollment at Augusta University Online, and Dan Antonson, AVP of Analytics and Technology Solutions at Collegis Education, walk us through how Augusta built a scalable, data-driven enrollment strategy—without a traditional OPM.

They discuss how they leveraged existing technology, optimized data access, and created a system that allowed for rapid grow...

In this bonus episode recorded at Transact 360, we’re hearing from a variety of individuals who attended the conference about what they were seeing, hearing, and excited about from this year’s event.

Here is everyone showcased:

We’re grateful to all of these individuals for being...

Higher ed is at a crossroads, and Christine Looser is here to challenge institutions to rethink everything—from curriculum design to digital transformation. As a cognitive neuroscientist and Senior Director at Minerva Project, Christine helps universities craft student learning experiences that are relevant, effective, and experiential. In this episode, she and Dustin dive into the intersection of neuroscience and education, the power of digital learning tools, and how institutions can adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Guest Name: Christine Looser - Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Minerva Project

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bi...

Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, joins Dustin for a candid conversation about the urgent need for higher ed to take a proactive role in shaping the future workforce. From talent shortages to AI’s impact on job readiness, Bridget shares why hope isn’t a strategy—and what institutions must do to stay ahead. She challenges universities to work together, rethink traditional learning models, and create real-world solutions that benefit students and society.

Guest Name: Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO at the University Innovation Alliance

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: As a t...

This week, Dustin sits down with Dr. Keith Edwards, a speaker, author, coach, and co-host of Student Affairs Now, to discuss the urgent need for transformational leadership in higher education. With the pace of change accelerating, institutions can no longer rely on outdated models of leadership. Keith shares powerful insights on why leaders must move beyond transactional thinking, embrace adaptability, and cultivate hope—all while being honest about the realities of today’s challenges. Whether you're a university president, enrollment leader, or department head, this conversation will provide simple, clear strategies to inspire you to rethink your leadership approach and...

Dustin chats with Dr. Paul Gordon Brown for this week’s episode, an expert in residence life technology and thought leadership, to explore how digital tools are reshaping the residential education experience. As the co-founder of Roompact, Paul shares insights on the evolution of res life tech, why AI is often misused in higher ed, and the importance of thoughtful, intentional technology adoption. They also dive into the broader challenges facing student housing, from balancing service vs. engagement to the risk of residential education becoming a luxury only accessible to the wealthy. If you're interested in how technology can im...

This week, Dustin sits down with Dr. Pamela Ellis to discuss how students and families can navigate the complex college admissions process with confidence. Drawing from her vast experience, Dr. Ellis shares insights on what truly makes a college the “right fit,” why independence is a key motivator for students, and how institutions can better support student success. From debunking myths about the application process to the growing need for authentic campus communities, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for both higher ed leaders and enrollment professionals.

Guest Name: Dr. Pamela Ellis - Founder & CEO at Comp...

How do you get alumni to actually engage? It’s the million-dollar question for higher ed advancement teams—and today, we’ve got answers. In this week’s episode, Ryan Catherwood, Senior Vice President at Chris Marshall Advancement Consulting (CMAC), Senior Consultant at Washburn & McGoldrick, and host of the Alumless podcast joins Dustin to break down the evolving landscape of digital alumni engagement.

Ryan brings decades of experience in alumni relations, fundraising strategy, and digital marketing, and he shares insights on what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next. From the shifting role of social media to the power...

In this episode, Dustin chats with Kate DeForest, Web and Digital Content Coordinator at SUNY Oswego, about the importance of digital accessibility in higher education. Kate shares her journey into accessibility work, the transformative lessons she’s learned along the way, and practical strategies for making these improvements less overwhelming. From leveraging James Clear’s Atomic Habits to launching campus-wide accessibility initiatives, Kate emphasizes the importance of small, consistent changes and fostering empathy in the digital realm. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to create more inclusive digital experiences.

Guest Name: Kate DeForest, Web...

In this eye-opening episode, Dustin chats with Brian Suponcic, Senior Vice President of Sales and Client Operations at BMTX, about the growing issue of enrollment fraud and its ripple effects on higher education institutions. From the rise of "ghost students" to the role of AI in both perpetrating and preventing fraud, Brian shares actionable insights for tackling these challenges head-on. Whether you're a higher ed leader or an enrollment professional, this conversation sheds light on a critical issue affecting the integrity of student enrollment processes and financial aid distribution.

Related Links: 
BMTX Identity Verification™ | Reduce Enrollment Fra...