The Higher Ed Geek Podcast
The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
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Live at eduWeb 2026 with Dan Desrochers
<p>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.</p> <p>Guest Name: Dan Desrochers - Director of Communications in Student Affairs at Amherst College</p> <p>...
Episode #339: Creating Trustworthy AI-Powered Learning Environments
<p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>Guest Name: Dr. Dave Duke, Chief P...
Episode #338: Rethinking Learning Ecosystems for an AI-Driven World
<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.</p> <p>Guest Name: Dr. Cristi Ford - Chief Learning Officer at D2L</p> <p>Guest Social: LinkedIn</p> <p>Guest Bio: Dr. Cristi Ford is the Chief Learning Officer for D2L...
Episode #337: Building an AI-Ready Campus Infrastructure
<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>The conversation also highlights the need for unified data strategies, stronger institutional alignment, and clearer AI gove...
Episode #336: Building Smarter Transfer Pathways for Today’s College Students
<p>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.</p> <p>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...
Live at Engage Summit 2026 with Alex Russo
<p>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.</p> <p>Many thanks to Element451 for convening this great event and supporting the Enrollify Podcast Zone!</p> <p>Guest Name: Alex Russo - Director of Enrollment & Recruitment Strategy at Cape Cod Community College</p> <p>Guest Social: LinkedIn</p> <p>Guest Bio: Alex Russo is the Director of Enrollment & Recruitment Strategy at...
Live at Engage Summit 2026 with Drs. Ashlyn Wilson & KJ Askew
<p>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. </p> <p>Many thanks to Element451 for convening this great event and supporting the Enrollify Podcast Zone!</p> <p>Guest Names:<br> Dr. Ashlyn Wilson - Assoc. VP of Advising & Onboarding at Nash Community College<br> Dr. KJ Askew - Director of Marketing & Strategic Engagement at Nash Community College</p> <p>Guest Socials:<br>Ashlyn on LinkedIn <br>KJ on LinkedIn</p> <p><p><br>- - - -<br><br>Connect With Our Host...
Live at Engage Summit 2026 with Sara Custer
<p>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.</p> <p>Many thanks to Element451 for convening this great event and supporting the Enrollify Podcast Zone!</p> <p>Guest Name: Sara Custer - Editor in Chief at Inside Higher Ed</p> <p>Guest Social: LinkedIn</p> <p>Guest Bio: Sara Custer is editor in chief at Inside Higher Ed where sh...
Episode #335: The Case for Global Learning in a Changing World
<p>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.</p> <p>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...
Episode #334: Why EdTech Growth Requires a New Playbook
<p>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.</p> <p>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...
