Avsnitt
-
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 Bio: Christine Looser is a behavioral scientist at Minerva, where she was initially the first faculty hire for the business college. Christine built the team, designed curricula, taught brand strategy, led the business college, headed up our professional learning partnerships, and she now works on the business development team. In her current role, Christine helps other institutions make their learning programs more effective, experiential, and relevant for today’s world. Her ultimate goal is to ensure that the way people teach aligns with the ways that brains learn.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
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 trusted advisor to university presidents and policymakers, Dr. Bridget Burns is on a mission to transform the way institutions think about and take action on behalf of low-income, first generation, and students of color. She is the founding CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, a multi-campus laboratory for student success innovation that helps university leaders dramatically accelerate the implementation of scalable solutions to increase the number and diversity of college graduates.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
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 take meaningful action.
Guest Name: Dr. Keith Edwards - Independent Speaker, Author, Consultant & Leadership Coach
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Dr. Keith Edwards empowers transformation for better tomorrows. He is an expert on leadership, learning, and equity. This expertise includes curricular approaches to learning beyond the classroom, allyship and equity, leadership and coaching, authentic masculinity, and sexual violence prevention. He is an authentic educator, trusted leader, and unconventional scholar.
Keith has consulted with more than 300 organizations, written more than 25 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and has more than 1,000 hours as a certified leadership and executive coach.
He is the author of the book Unmasking: Toward Authentic Masculinity. He co-authored The Curricular Approach to Student Affairs and co-edited Addressing Sexual Violence in Higher Education.
His TEDx Talk on preventing sexual violence has been viewed around the world. He is co-host of Student Affairs NOW, the premier podcast for student affairs and higher education.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
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 improve student engagement and success, this episode is a must-listen.
Guest Name: Dr. Paul Gordon Brown, Director of the Campus Experience, Roompact
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Dr. Paul Gordon Brown (he/him/his) is a scholar, consultant and speaker specializing in residential curriculum and curricular approaches, student learning and development’s intersection with technology, social media and design. Paul has 20 years of professional experience in higher education and student affairs, most recently as the Dean of Students at the Fashion Institute of Technology and as a faculty member in the Higher Education Programs at Boston College and Merrimack College. Paul currently serves as the Director of the Campus Experience for the higher education technology software company, Roompact. Paul was recognized for excellence in research by NASPA and was named a Diamond Honoree by ACPA. An experienced presenter, Paul has accepted and given over 100 presentations at international and regional conferences. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the State University of New York College at Geneseo, a Master of Science degree in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University, and a PhD in Higher Education from Boston College. Paul served on the Governing Board of ACPA and as a faculty member for the Institute on the Curricular Approach for multiple years. He is a contributing author to numerous books on technology and higher education.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
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 Compass Education Strategies
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Dr. Pamela Ellis is a highly sought-after speaker who empowers parents to guide their teens confidently into higher education. She has helped over 30,000 families navigate college admissions, ensuring teens find the right fit without overspending. Dr. Pamela's experience with the education system includes advising school districts, community organizations, and institutes of higher education. She is also the award winning author of the best-seller "What to Know Before They Go: College Edition."
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
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 of email (yes, email!), and the reality check on alumni platforms, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways.
Guest Name: Ryan Catherwood - Executive Vice President and Senior Consultant, Chris Marshall Advancement Consulting
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Ryan Catherwood currently serves as Executive Vice President and Senior Consultant at CMAC, and consulting partner with Washburn & McGoldrick LLC. Ryan specializes in engagement strategies for volunteer and donor pipeline development that are rooted in a digitally focused, content-based approach to advancement in support of education.
Before joining CMAC, Ryan led the Office of Alumni & Career Services at Longwood University. His early leadership roles in advancement included marketing and digital engagement responsibilities at the University of Virginia and W&L.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
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/Digital Content Coordinator, SUNY Oswego
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Kate DeForest is the Web/Digital Content Coordinator for State University of New York at Oswego. She updates and maintains the university’s primary website and trains campus personnel on web and digital accessibility best practices. Previous responsibilities have also included document remediation, website content strategy, and information architecture. As a member and former chair of the Workgroup on Accessibility Practices, Kate has worked on a number of campus accessibility initiatives, including building Oswego’s Digital Accessibility website and launching multiple Campus Accessibility Challenges. Kate is a member of IAAP and a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC). She has given accessibility-related presentations at numerous local, state, national, and international conferences, including Accessing Higher Ground, Digital Collegium (formerly HighEdWeb), AHEAD, and Higher Education Connect.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
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 Fraud
Digital Banking Services | BMTXGuest Name: Brian Suponcic - Sr. VP of Sales & Client Operations at BM Technologies (BMTX)
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Brian Suponcic currently holds the position of Vice President, Sales & Client Operations at BM Technologies, Inc. (BMTX), previously known as BankMobile. Prior to this, he served in a variety of roles at the company since he began there in 2014, which is part of a two decades long career in education.
Brian attended John Carroll University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing. He also pursued a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Phoenix.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
This week, Dustin is joined by Julian Alssid and Kaitlin LeMoine, founders of Work Forces, about the evolving landscape of workforce development and higher education's critical role in preparing learners for career success. Julian and Kaitlin share their wealth of experience in bridging education, industry, and government partnerships to close skill gaps and create sustainable, scalable programs. From marketing effective workforce initiatives to empowering institutions as hubs of transformation, this episode dives into actionable strategies for making career-connected learning a reality.
Guest Names:
Julian Alssid - Partner at Work Forces
Kaitlin LeMoine - Partner at Work ForcesGuest Socials:
Julian's LinkedIn
Kaitlin's LinkedInGuest Bios:
Julian L. Alssid is a nationally recognized strategist with over 35 years of experience in education and workforce development. He advises C-suite leaders on optimizing their organizations for transformational impact. Julian has held various leadership positions, including Vice President of Workforce Partnerships at the Community College of Rhode Island and leadership roles at Southern New Hampshire University and the Workforce Strategy Center which he founded. He is known for his expertise in competency-based education, career pathways, and building partnerships between industry and education. Julian is also a co-host of the Work Forces podcast.Kaitlin LeMoine is a recognized leader with 20 years of experience designing innovative learning solutions across higher education, workforce development, and K-12. She specializes in building strong cross-sector partnerships to create programs that bridge academic learning with workplace demands, emphasizing lifelong skill development. Notably, Kaitlin served as a founding member of the curriculum team for Southern New Hampshire University's College for America, where she designed competency-based degree programs in close collaboration with industry partners. Kaitlin writes and speaks on the future of work and learning, and co-hosts the Work Forces podcast. She holds degrees from Brown University and Harvard Graduate School of Education.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
In this episode, Dustin sits down with Dr. Michael Horowitz, Founder and Chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, to discuss the transformative power of collaboration in higher education. Dr. Horowitz shares updates on the system's expansion, its innovative governance model, and the critical role of shared infrastructure in fostering growth. Together, they explore how partnerships, technology, and bold thinking are key to thriving in a challenging higher ed landscape.
Guest Name: Dr. Michael Horowitz - Chancellor of The Community Solution Education System
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Dr. Michael Horowitz, Ph.D. is the founder and chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, a national nonprofit system of six colleges and universities, founded on the idea of radical cooperation to work collaboratively to increase student success and enhance community impact. Prior to founding The Community Solution, he served as president of The Chicago School for nearly a decade. Dr. Horowitz has more than 30 years of experience in higher education roles that include faculty member, program director, and dean. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern University and a B.A. in Psychology from Columbia University.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
For our kickoff episode of 2025, Dustin sits down with Rob Buelow, General Manager of Education at Vector Solutions, to unpack the seismic shifts in higher education over recent years, including financial aid disruptions and the rollback of affirmative action. Rob dives deep into the challenges—and opportunities—that are reshaping the sector. He also shares some recent research out of Vector measuring the impact of the affirmative action rollback on enrollment and insights into the “COVID Cohort” of students entering into higher education.
Guest Name: Rob Buelow, General Manager, Education at Vector Solutions
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Rob Buelow serves as General Manager for the Education sector at Vector Solutions. He is an award-winning public health professional with deep expertise in leveraging social and behavioral science to solve the most pressing challenges facing campuses, companies, and communities.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
This week, Dustin welcomes back Bill Zimmerman, a communications professor at Penn State and author of the new book, Understanding the Creator Economy, to discuss the transformative impact of the creator economy on higher education. They explore why understanding and supporting content creation is crucial for higher ed institutions—from improving student engagement to innovative marketing strategies. Bill shares insights on how universities can integrate creator economy principles into their curricula and campus culture, providing students with real-world skills and creating new channels for brand engagement.
Guest Name: Bill Zimmerman, Assistant Teaching Professor at Penn State University
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: With a career spent communicating through various mediums, Bill Zimmerman is fascinated with how messages are delivered and new ideas take hold in our hyper-connected world. A member of the Penn State faculty since 2017, Zimmerman is the faculty supervisor for CommAgency's social media division and runs the Bellisario College's social media/content creator camp for high schoolers in the summer. He’s also presented at various conferences such as eduWeb Summit, HighEdWeb, Social Media Strategies Summit: Higher Ed and The One Club for Creativity Educator Summit.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
We’re pleased to feature this conversation with podcasting veteran and seasoned educator Bonnie Stachowiak, host of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast, about the power of teaching, creativity, and vulnerability. Bonnie shares insights from over a decade of podcasting and reflects on how curiosity and empathy drive her approach to teaching. They discuss the evolving role of AI in education, how institutions can nurture a culture of learning, and why hope—combined with action—is crucial in shaping the future of higher ed. Bonnie’s reflections remind us that teaching is a joyful yet complex journey, where human connection, curiosity, and adaptability are key.
Guest Name: Dr. Bonni Stachowiak, Dean of Teaching & Learning at Vanguard University
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Bonni Stachowiak is the host of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast, which has been downloaded nearly 5 million times. She serves as dean of teaching and learning and professor of business and management at Vanguard University of Southern California. As the creator and host of Teaching in Higher Ed, Bonni explores the art and science of teaching, amplifying diverse educators' voices and fostering a global learning community. The podcast won the MERLOT Classics Award in 2016 and has been featured in publications like Inside Higher Ed and The Chronicle of Higher Education. Bonni holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. She frequently speaks at universities and conferences on effective teaching strategies and educational technology.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
Got a story to tell? An innovative idea to share? Fill out our guest nomination form, and let's chat!
This week, Dustin chats with Rasheed Behrooznia, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Transact, who discusses the game-changing role of digital student IDs in higher education. Rasheed shares how Transact’s pioneering work on mobile credentials has transformed campus operations, enhanced security, and elevated the student experience. Drawing from years of experience in defense and public transit, Rasheed emphasizes the importance of mobile-first solutions and environmental sustainability, while offering insights on how colleges can streamline student services. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of campus technology and student engagement.
Guest Name: Rasheed Behrooznia, SVP & General Manager at Transact Campus
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Rasheed Behrooznia, Senior Vice President and GM of Campus ID and Commerce for Transact Campus, is an accomplished engineering, product, and technology leader who has demonstrated a remarkable ability to deliver impactful technology solutions to universities across the globe. Rasheed’s Campus ID division has streamlined operations at more than 100 universities and has issued more than 2 million credentials, helping schools meet the rising technological demands of Gen Z students. Throughout his career, Rasheed has excelled in managing global teams, showcasing flexible leadership in both hardware and software development. His expertise spans embedded systems, payment technologies, firmware development, enterprise software, and cloud-based solutions. His journey toward enhancing the campus experiences of millions of students is a testament to the transformative power of engineering and innovation.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
Dustin sat down with Joel Podolny, CEO of Honor Education, to discuss his journey from founding Apple University to pioneering a new approach to digital education. Joel reflects on the importance of human connection in learning and how asynchronous tools can elevate collaborative experiences. He emphasizes that technology should enhance, not replace, the social and emotional dynamics of education. He shares how Honor Education aims to bridge the gap between traditional and digital learning environments by putting community at the heart of the learning process.
Guest Name: Joel Podolny, CEO of Honor Education
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Joel Podolny is the CEO and Co-Founder of Honor Education, a company that puts human connection at the center of how we learn, teach, and train online. Previously, Joel was handpicked by Steve Jobs to be the founding Dean of Apple University. As a Vice President at Apple, Joel oversaw management training and the development of Apple’s culture of learning for over a decade. Prior to Apple, Joel served as Dean and Professor of Management at the Yale School of Management. Joel previously held professorships at Harvard Business School and the Stanford Graduate School of Business where he researched status dynamics in a variety of industries and the role of social networks in mobility and information transfer within organizations. Joel is an accomplished speaker and educator who speaks regularly at corporate and academic events.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
This week, we’re featuring a conversation with Sara Leoni, CEO of Ziplines Education, about how her company partners with universities to offer industry-aligned certificate programs designed to upskill adult learners into tech-adjacent careers. Sara shares insights on the evolving workforce, the need for flexible, accessible education, and the importance of addressing regional disparities in education and employment opportunities. They also discuss the significance of building community through learning and the role of universities in providing career pathways for mainstream America.
Guest Name: Sara Leoni, CEO at Ziplines Education
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Sara Leoni is CEO and founder of Ziplines Education, a market-driven education company that partners with universities to deliver industry-focused certificate courses that prepare professionals for today’s digital-first workforce. The company recently announced its $6.4 million Series A funding to help close the skills gap. With a career spanning more than 20 years, Sara thrives on building, focusing, and motivating high-performing teams to solve big programs, while delivering significant growth in high-impact businesses. As a sought-after thought leader, she has been a speaker at industry-leading events and conferences, such as the ASU+GSV Summit; Dreamforce, Salesforce’s annual international event; and UPCEA Annual Conference, the premier event for thought leaders and practitioners in the fields of professional, continuing, and online education. Prior to launching Ziplines Education, Sara was CEO of Rafter, a $50 million course-material, technology-management company that served hundreds of colleges nationwide, where she spearheaded efforts saving students half a billion dollars.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
In this insightful conversation, Dustin speaks with Kat Liendgens, CEO of Hannon Hill, about the unique challenges international students face when navigating university websites and how institutions can enhance their online presence to attract and support global learners. Kat shares her personal experience as an international student, discusses the evolving role of marketing and IT in higher ed, and highlights key strategies for improving website usability. This episode is packed with practical tips on how universities can reduce friction for international students and create an inclusive, personalized digital experience.
Guest Name: Kat Liendgens, CEO at Hannon Hill
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Kat Liendgens has been the CEO of Hannon Hill since 2011, guiding the company to become a leader in web content management systems, particularly in higher education. Kat began her career at Hannon Hill as the Professional Services Manager and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming COO and later CEO within two years.
Before joining Hannon Hill, she held leadership roles in IT, including Associate Dean of IT and IT Manager. Under Kat’s leadership, Hannon Hill has achieved significant milestones, including the launch of the Cascade Cloud offering and a complete overhaul of the Cascade 8 user interface. She has also led the development of Clive, Hannon Hill’s web personalization platform, positioning the company at the forefront of web personalization long before it became a standard in the industry.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
In this special episode recorded live at EdTech Week 2024 in New York City, Kevin Harrington from Rize Education discusses the evolution of higher education, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among institutions, the integration of AI in curricula, and the need to adapt to changing student demands. He shares insights on how Rize Education aims to provide a high-quality educational experience while addressing the challenges faced by smaller regional colleges. The discussion highlights the significance of networking at events like EdTech Week and the potential for innovative partnerships to enhance educational offerings.
Guest Name: Kevin Harrington, Co-Founder & CEO at Rize Education
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Kevin Harrington co-founded Rize Education in 2019. After working on Wall Street for The Blackstone Group, Kevin moved to rural Michigan, along with Rize’s other co-founders, to learn first hand about the challenges facing higher education at Adrian College. His deep passion for expanding access to education and economic mobility is core to everything we do at Rize.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
This week, Dustin chats with Shawn Boom, CEO of Labster, about the transformative power of immersive learning technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Shawn shares how Labster is reshaping the educational landscape, particularly in STEM fields, by providing students with hands-on, immersive learning experiences. These technologies not only make learning more accessible and engaging but also help students gain the confidence they need to thrive in high-demand fields like healthcare and STEM. They discuss the challenges in education today, from shrinking student populations to the need for relevant, modern learning experiences.
Guest Name: Shawn Boom, CEO at Labster
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Shawn Boom currently serves as the CEO of Labster. Shawn’s prior roles in the edtech industry include working nine-plus years with Blackboard, the online learning management system (LMS) now part of Anthology, where he held the position of global vice president. He previously spent five-plus years as director of sales for The Active Network, with a focus on the higher education market. Most recently, he spent nearly six years with K12 and non-profit focused fintech provider Vanco, serving as CEO and Executive Chairman.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
-
In this episode, Dustin is joined by Tara Gilboa, a former educator and current Executive Director of Colorado's Tech Talent Partnership. Together, they explore the growing need for local workforce development, particularly in tech and cybersecurity, and how Colorado is addressing this challenge with innovative pathways for students. Tara shares insights on the importance of collaboration between educators, employers, and learners, and how this approach can make education more equitable and aligned with real-world job demands.
Guest Name: Tara Gilboa, Executive Director of Tech Talent Partnership
Guest Social: LinkedIn
Guest Bio: Tara is the Executive Director of The Tech Talent Partnership, where she strives to increase economic mobility for Coloradans through employer-led pipeline management solutions. She is a former Entrepreneur-in-Residence with the Techstars Workforce Development Accelerator and education leader for several public education institutions. Most recently as the Platform Programs Director at M13 Ventures, she supported the former executive team from Digital Ocean to launch playbooks for hiring and recruiting, organizational design, and OKR frameworks. She is committed to supporting Coloradan businesses thrive through best-in-class employer-ready talent and to championing education institutions to deliver streamlined pathways.
- - - -
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
- Visa fler
