The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

Study abroad is a high-impact experience, but too many students who want to participate never make it through the process. Brooke Roberts of Via TRM discusses new data on where students drop out of the study abroad funnel and why cost, while an important barrier, isn't the whole story. She explores how cumbersome applications, duplicated information, limited resources, and other forms of friction can prevent students from participating—and how institutions can use data, technology, and more intentional touchpoints to make study abroad more accessible.

Guest Name: Brooke Roberts - Senior Vice President of Global Strategy and En...

AI is forcing higher education to rethink what learning actually means—and how technology should support it. Dr. Marco Krcatovich of Cengage discusses the risks of cognitive offloading, why AI should function more like a coach than an answer machine, and how institutions can build better policies and practices around its use. He also explores the growing importance of workforce readiness, stronger partnerships between institutions and ed tech companies, and AI's potential to make learning more personalized, relevant, and engaging.

Check out Cengage’s 2025 Graduate Employability Report!

Guest Name: Dr. Marco Krcatovich - Sr. Dir. of R...

Higher education can’t predict every disruption—but it can prepare to respond without compromising the student learning experience. Kim Arnold, Director of the Teaching and Learning Community Program at EDUCAUSE, discusses the shift from instructional continuity to instructional resilience and why institutions need to build the capacity to maintain quality learning through disruptions ranging from cyberattacks to rapid advances in AI. 

She also explores the disconnect between students’ expectations for AI in their future careers and employers’ growing demand for AI competency, including how institutions can help learners demonstrate those skills. Her advice for higher ed leaders...

Higher education is navigating an era of rapid change and disruption, but institutions can’t respond to everything at once. Nicole Muscanell, Senior Researcher at EDUCAUSE, returns to the show to discuss how colleges and universities are adapting to AI and digital transformation, including growing scrutiny around data privacy, security, tool adoption, and redundancy. 

She also explores why students are becoming more skeptical of AI even as they continue to use it, the challenges faculty and staff face in keeping up with emerging technology, and what leaders can do to break out of reactive cycles. Her advice: ass...

What can acting, professional poker, and a nonlinear career teach us about the future of higher education? Christina Lindley, Founder & CEO of VPRG Consulting, shares her unconventional career journey and the transferable skills that shaped her approach to business, strategy, risk, and partnerships. She also discusses how AI is changing enrollment and student decision-making, why institutions need to rethink how they stay relevant to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and the emerging potential of gamification as a tool for engagement, rewards, and revenue.

Make sure to check out some of her current education partners, which include ScholarshipOwl...

In this bonus episode recorded as part of our virtual EDUCAUSE 2026 coverage, Dustin speaks with Ryan Lufkin from Instructure, about the inaugural EdTech Top 40: Inside the U.S. Higher Education Digital Learning Stack. Based on aggregated LTI launch data, the report offers a data-driven look at how institutions are actually using educational technology—and where the biggest gaps and opportunities remain. They discuss why enterprise-wide access to AI tools like Gemini, Copilot, Claude, and ChatGPT doesn't necessarily translate into meaningful course-level adoption; the importance of training, support, and implementation; and what an average of 28 unique LTI tools says about the...

Strategic planning in higher ed can easily become a long, complicated process that produces a rigid document that no one ends up really using. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Holtan, Associate Provost at Carroll University and host of the Get Down to College Business podcast, shares how her institution approached strategic planning as a collaborative, data-informed, and adaptable process. She discusses building a representative core team, narrowing dozens of ideas into a few signature commitments, using AI to identify themes, separating strategy from operations, and creating an action plan that can evolve as circumstances change.

Guest Name...

Higher education is currently navigating a “polycrisis” of enrollment pressures, financial uncertainty, digital transformation, AI, infrastructure challenges, and more. In this episode, Tracey Swift, editor-in-chief of Higher Ed Risk Magazine, explores all of this and makes the case for rethinking risk management as a strategic tool for institutional resilience. She shares why leaders need to move beyond reactive crisis planning, embrace enterprise risk thinking, and use risk management to make smarter decisions about innovation, technology, finances, and the future of their institutions. 

Guest Name: Tracey Swift - Editor-in-Chief at HigherEdRisk

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest...

What happens when higher education loses sight of its purpose—and what would it take to rebuild public trust? Teege Mettille, author of College Is Broken and host of the companion podcast, discusses the forces driving skepticism about higher education, from misleading college pricing and unrealistic enrollment expectations to institutions losing touch with their mission. He shares insights from interviews with more than 100 people and offers practical ideas for moving forward, including more sustainable budgeting, greater transparency, and a “high-tech, high-touch” approach to enrollment that puts students back at the center.

Guest Name: Teege Mettille - College Admiss...

In this week’s episode, Dustin speaks with Frank Steslow, CEO of SSP International, about how immersive summer STEM programs create meaningful opportunities for students while delivering strategic value for colleges and universities. They explore why the most successful partnerships go beyond simply renting campus space—bringing together faculty, student affairs, conference services, and institutional leadership to create experiences that help students build confidence, discover a sense of belonging, and envision themselves on campus. The conversation also highlights how these programs can strengthen recruitment, reinforce institutional mission, and remind higher education leaders that collaboration across campus is often the key...

For this week’s episode, we’re pleased to speak with Martin Kimmel, President & Co-Founder of Kimmel Architecture, about how thoughtful campus design can strengthen institutional identity in an era of financial constraints and evolving student expectations. They discuss why the most effective campus projects aren't necessarily the biggest or most expensive, but the ones that reinforce an institution's mission, improve the student experience, and make the smartest use of existing spaces. From reimagining libraries and aging facilities to balancing online education with the enduring value of physical campuses, Martin makes the case that authentic, mission-driven design helps colleges crea...

We’re proud to welcome Dr. Brooke Elliott, Dean of the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois to the show this week. She shares her perspective on leading with purpose during a time of rapid change in higher education.

Dean Elliott discusses how a mission-driven culture, intentional innovation, and a commitment to expanding access have helped Gies grow its impact while preparing students for an increasingly dynamic workforce. Rather than chasing trends, Dean Elliott makes the case for building durable systems that empower faculty, strengthen student outcomes, and ensure institutions remain adaptable while staying tr...

Ian Gibson, Dean of San Diego State University’s Global Campus, joins the podcast this week to discuss why higher education needs an "operating system upgrade" to meet the realities of today's learners, and how to achieve this structural reform and digital transformation. He shares how institutions can expand access through online learning, lifelong education, and global partnerships while maintaining academic rigor, mission, and supportive student experiences.

Rather than treating innovation as a threat, Ian makes the case for embracing thoughtful change as the best way to strengthen higher education's public mission for the future.

Gu...

In this week’s episode, Dustin speaks with Dr. Daniel Allen, President of La Salle University, about the institution's remarkable turnaround and the leadership principles behind its recognition as the "Comeback College." Rather than chasing flashy higher education trends, Dr. Allen shares how La Salle leaned into its core identity—prioritizing teaching excellence, student success, and a strong sense of community—to reverse enrollment declines and strengthen its financial position.

The conversation also examines how institutional leaders can navigate uncertainty by making disciplined, mission-driven decisions, investing in areas of genuine strength, and resisting the temptation to pursue every...

In this week’s episode, Dustin speaks with Omar Chihane, Global General Manager of TOEFL at ETS, about the evolving landscape of international student mobility and the growing importance of English proficiency in an AI-driven world. 

Drawing on his own international journey and global perspective, Omar explores how students are making increasingly pragmatic decisions about where to study, balancing factors like cost, visa certainty, career outcomes, and long-term opportunities.

Guest Name: Omar Chihane, General Manager for TOEFL at ETS

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: As the General Manager of TOEFL, Omar Chi...

We welcome Leslie Gale from CampusESP to the show this week to talk about the evolving role of parents and families in the higher education journey. Drawing on new survey data from more than 43,000 family members, they explore how institutions can better support student success by delivering timely, relevant information and embracing parents as partners throughout enrollment, persistence, and beyond.

Guest Name: Dr. Leslie Gale - VP of Customer Success & Account Management at CampusESP

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Dr. Leslie Gale is the Vice President of Customer Success & Account Management at CampusESP...

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Nick Ladany to the show, President of San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) and previous Enrollify Hall of Famer. He shares what it takes to fundamentally rethink higher education for today's learners. Dr. Ladany explains SFBU's student-centered approach to affordability, accelerated degree pathways, wraparound support services, and faculty development before diving into the launch of the university's new AI-powered MBA ProPlus program. Dr. Ladany challenges higher education leaders to move beyond incremental change, embrace bold innovation, and redesign institutions around what matters most: helping students graduate with the skills, experiences, and opportunities they need to...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the eduWeb Summit in Orlando, we speak with Laura Beth of CLYDE about how AI is reshaping higher education marketing, communications, and public relations. They discuss why institutions need to rethink their websites as content engines for generating perception by AI rather than just destinations for human visitors. Laura Beth also shares how earned media, press releases, and even Reddit have become increasingly valuable sources for showing up in AI-powered search, and why there's no single formula for succeeding in this new landscape.

Guest Name: Laura Beth Telep, Senior Vice...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the eduWeb Summit in Orlando, Dustin chats with Toni Marie Perilli from Fordham University about why retention marketing deserves a seat alongside enrollment and advancement as a core strategy for student success. They explore how institutions can better connect students with the resources, people, and opportunities already available to them by creating more intentional, coordinated communications throughout the student journey. The conversation also examines the balance between automation and authentic human connection, making the case that the future of higher education marketing isn't just about attracting students—it's about helping them thrive, pe...

For this week's episode, Dustin speaks with Jenny Maxwell of Superhuman about the evolving relationship between AI and academic integrity in higher education. They explore how institutions can move beyond viewing AI as a threat and instead embrace more transparent, collaborative approaches that help students learn with AI while maintaining trust, accountability, and meaningful assessment practices.

Jenny also highlights Grammarly Authorship, which provides visibility into how students create and revise their work, shifting the focus from AI detection to understanding the learning process itself.

Guest Name: Jenny Maxwell, GM/SVP, Superhuman for Education

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In this bonus episode recorded live at the eduWeb Summit in Orlando, Audrey Ward from Ologie joins the show to discuss how higher education marketers can navigate the AI era without losing the authenticity that makes their institutions stand out. She shares her perspective on how AI is changing search, content strategy, and digital visibility, while arguing that the fundamentals of great marketing—knowing your audience, telling clear stories, and building trust—matter more than ever.

Guest Name: Audrey Ward - Associate Digital Creative Director at Ologie

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Audrey Ward...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the eduWeb Summit in Orlando, Nathan Monk from Prospectus Plus jumps on to talk about why the traditional college viewbook is overdue for a digital transformation. They explore how personalized, interactive digital publications can better engage prospective students, alumni, and other audiences while providing institutions with valuable insights into what content resonates most. The conversation also challenges higher education leaders to rethink long-standing assumptions by truly imagining what is possible versus limiting ourselves by the past.

Guest Name: Nathan Monk - Co-Founder at Prospectus Plus

Guest Social: LinkedIn<...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the eduWeb Summit in Orlando, Dustin speaks with Dan Desrochers of Amherst College about what it means to serve as an embedded communications leader within student affairs and why context, process, and strong relationships are essential to effective higher education marketing. They discuss the value of building thoughtful communication strategies, leveraging AI to enhance workflows without sacrificing creativity, and resisting the urge to chase every new trend—whether it's social media platforms or emerging technologies.

Guest Name: Dan Desrochers - Director of Communications in Student Affairs at Amherst College

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This week, Dustin chats with Dr. Dave Duke, Chief Product Officer at McGraw Hill, about how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and academic integrity in higher education. He highlights some new product developments for their learning tools as well as the recently released Sharpen Advantage. 

Drawing on his background in psychology and product design, Dave explores how students make rational decisions about AI use, why traditional views of academic integrity are becoming more nuanced, and how institutions can better support students in developing meaningful AI proficiency for the workforce.

Guest Name: Dr. Dave Duke, Chief P...

This week we’re pleased to speak with Dr. Cristi Ford, Chief Learning Officer at D2L, about the evolving role of learning management systems in an AI-driven world. They explore how the LMS has grown from a simple repository for content into a broader learning ecosystem, and why institutions must rethink not just the technology they use, but how learning is designed, assessed, and supported.

Guest Name: Dr. Cristi Ford - Chief Learning Officer at D2L

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Dr. Cristi Ford is the Chief Learning Officer for D2L...

This week, we spoke with Joe Abraham of Intellicampus about the growing challenge of system fragmentation in higher education and why institutions must rethink their digital infrastructure in the age of AI. Joe recently contributed to articles on this topic in both Inside Higher Ed and Innovatus.

They explore how disconnected systems, expanding SaaS ecosystems, and siloed data create operational inefficiencies, security risks, and friction in the student experience—while also limiting AI’s potential to deliver meaningful value.

The conversation also highlights the need for unified data strategies, stronger institutional alignment, and clearer AI gove...

e welcome Drew Lurker to the podcast this week from CollegeSource. We discuss the evolving landscape of transfer credit evaluation, articulation agreements, and degree attainment in higher education. They explore how institutions are using technology, shared data systems, and statewide transfer initiatives to create more transparent, consistent, and student-centered pathways—while also reducing administrative burden and improving operational efficiency.

The conversation also examines the growing role of AI in transcript evaluation and transfer processes, highlighting both the opportunities and the risks of accelerating decision-making without losing critical human judgment and context. Ultimately, it’s a discussion about desi...

We’re pleased to share this bonus episode with Alex Russo recorded on site at the recent Engage Summit in Charlotte. He details the digital transformation journey his institution has been on evolving from hard copy processes to more modern, automated outreach for current and prospective students.

Many thanks to Element451 for convening this great event and supporting the Enrollify Podcast Zone!

Guest Name: Alex Russo - Director of Enrollment & Recruitment Strategy at Cape Cod Community College

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Alex Russo is the Director of Enrollment & Recruitment Strategy at...

We’re pleased to share this bonus episode with Drs. Ashlyn Wilson and KJ Askew recorded on site at the recent Engage Summit in Charlotte. 

Many thanks to Element451 for convening this great event and supporting the Enrollify Podcast Zone!

Guest Names:
Dr. Ashlyn Wilson - Assoc. VP of Advising & Onboarding at Nash Community College
Dr. KJ Askew - Director of Marketing & Strategic Engagement at Nash Community College

Guest Socials:
Ashlyn on LinkedIn 
KJ on LinkedIn

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We’re pleased to share this bonus episode with Sara Custer recorded on site at the recent Engage Summit in Charlotte. She shares her journey to becoming the Editor in Chief at Inside Higher Ed and what trendlines are grabbing her attention right now from her unique perspective.

Many thanks to Element451 for convening this great event and supporting the Enrollify Podcast Zone!

Guest Name: Sara Custer - Editor in Chief at Inside Higher Ed

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Sara Custer is editor in chief at Inside Higher Ed where sh...

This week we spoke with Jason Czyz, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE), about the evolving landscape of global education and international student mobility. They explore how scholarship programs, study abroad experiences, and academic exchange initiatives continue to play a critical role in building cross-cultural understanding, workforce readiness, and global collaboration.

The conversation also examines current enrollment and mobility trends, including shifts in international student enrollment in the U.S. and growing demand for experiential learning opportunities like internships abroad. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that international education is not just about travel—it’s...

In this episode, we talk with Sean Gannon of GTMppl about how go-to-market strategy in edtech is evolving in response to AI, changing buyer behavior, and tighter institutional budgets. They explore how traditional sales-led approaches are giving way to more data-driven, marketing-informed strategies—where being visible early in the buying journey is critical, and strong CRM, content, and intent data can determine whether a company even makes the shortlist.

The conversation also examines broader market dynamics, including increased scrutiny from institutions, the need for clear ROI, and the shifting role of funding models like patient capital. Ultimately, it...

This week we speak with Auryan Ratliff of Arizona State University about how AI—especially agentic AI—is transforming course design, assessment, and the broader student experience. They explore how moving beyond simple question-and-answer tools to more autonomous, action-oriented systems enables institutions to build more dynamic, personalized, and scalable learning environments.

The conversation also tackles the challenges AI introduces—particularly around academic integrity—and how institutions can respond by rethinking assessment itself. Through examples like AI-powered conversational language practice, they highlight a shift toward more authentic, interactive, and human-centered learning experiences. Ultimately, it’s a call for institutio...

We’re pleased this week to chat with Michael Betz of Covista about tackling the growing healthcare workforce shortage through scalable education and AI-driven innovation. They explore how Covista is leveraging its network of institutions—and a new partnership with Google Cloud—to build an AI-powered classroom that enables more personalized, adaptive learning experiences at scale. 

The conversation also highlights the importance of preparing students with practical AI skills through targeted credentials, ensuring graduates can not only use these tools responsibly but lead innovation in their fields. Ultimately, it’s a call for institutions to move beyond experimen...

In this week’s episode, we speak with Dr. Rachel Bowser of Agnes Scott College about redefining AI fluency as a core component of a liberal arts education. Rather than focusing on technical skills alone, they explore how teaching students to critically evaluate AI—understanding its biases, limitations, and role in learning—can strengthen their ability to think, question, and make meaning.

The conversation also highlights how embedding AI literacy alongside experiential learning—like global travel and workplace immersion—creates more equitable, high-impact opportunities for students. Ultimately, it’s a call for institutions to shift from gatekeeping knowledge to...

We welcome Montana Houston, founder of rYOUminate, to the show this week to chat about addressing the “hidden curriculum” of higher education—life skills like financial literacy, career readiness, and self-advocacy that many students are expected to know but are rarely taught. They explore how gaps in infrastructure and capacity have left institutions struggling to deliver this support at scale, and how personalized, tech-enabled solutions can help bridge the divide.

Guest Name: Montana Houston - CEO & Founder @ rYOUminate

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Montana Houston is the founder of rYOUminate, a life skills edtech...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV summit in San Diego, we chatted with Raghu Krishnaiah from the University of Phoenix about how AI is being used to identify and close skills gaps between education and the workforce. They explore how embedding skills-based learning, aligning employer needs with curriculum, and leveraging data-driven insights can better prepare students—especially working adults—for evolving career demands. 

The conversation also highlights broader implications for employers and institutions, emphasizing the need for continuous learning, faster adaptation, and greater collaboration across the ecosystem to ensure individuals aren’t left behind...

We’re pleased to welcome back Shai Reshef, founder of University of the People, to the show to talk more about his institution’s unique tuition-free, globally accessible model. We explore how aligning academic programs with workforce demand, while maintaining a strong foundation in critical thinking and general education, can create more equitable and sustainable pathways for students worldwide. 

The conversation also highlights the rise of stackable certificates, the importance of affordability and relevance, and why institutions must rethink traditional structures to better serve today’s learners and remain viable in a rapidly changing landscape.

Guest N...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV summit in San Diego, we sat down with Kate Valenti, CEO of Unicon, about how higher education institutions must evolve their digital infrastructure to meet changing learner expectations. They explore the growing importance of interoperability, skills data, and learner-centered design—especially as institutions work to connect education more seamlessly with workforce outcomes. 

The conversation also examines how AI is shaping both opportunity and noise in the market, emphasizing the need for a pragmatic, value-driven approach that balances emerging technology with human expertise, judgment, and long-term strategy.

G...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV summit in San Diego, we sat down with Kaitlin and Peter from Huron about their recent Rise 40 report, which highlights emerging edtech companies reshaping the student lifecycle—from recruitment and retention to career readiness. The report aims to help institutions cut through the noise of AI-driven solutions and make more informed, strategic decisions about digital transformation. 

The conversation also explores broader trends in the edtech landscape, emphasizing the need for experimentation, clearer proof of impact, and thoughtful adoption of AI as institutions work to improve student outcomes and...