AI for U

In this episode, Spenser Smith of QS Quacquarelli Symonds joins Brian to explore how higher education institutions can adopt AI while staying grounded in ethics and purpose. With new tools emerging almost daily, Spenser explains why it is essential to pause, set clear goals, and stay focused on the real purpose behind adopting new technology. He shares how AI can support enrollment teams by stream...

In this episode of AI for U, recorded live at the Engage Summit 2025, host Brian chats with Michele Ehrhart, Chief Communications Officer at the University of Memphis. The conversation dives deep into the real-world uses of AI in higher ed communications, with a spotlight on AI’s role in crisis management and strategic messaging. Michele shares her candid views on AI adoption, leadership influence...

In this episode of AI for U , recorded live at the Engage Summit 2025, Brian sits down with Dustin Ramsdell—veteran higher ed professional and host of the Higher Ed Geek Podcast . With nearly 300 episodes under his belt, Dustin shares his evolving views on artificial intelligence in higher education, from initial skepticism to cautious optimism. Together, they unpack the opportunities, hesitations...

In this episode, Erin Callihan , Assistant Vice President of Strategic Marketing & Campaign Communications at NYU , joins Brian to tackle one of higher education’s most pressing questions: Is AI cheating, or is it time to embrace it as a collaborator? Erin shares how her team integrates AI as a productivity partner, why starting small and grassroots matters, and how institutions can empower staff...

How can you bring AI into your work without overwhelming your team — or yourself? In this episode, Isaac Williams , Director of Multimedia and Digital Strategy at Daemen University , shares how Daemen is using AI to bridge resource gaps, streamline data analysis, and build campus-wide momentum from the admissions office to leadership. Isaac walks us through his practical approach to integrating AI...

AI is here to stay, and now is the time to jump in. That’s the message of Allison Turcio , Assistant VP for Enrollment and Marketing at Siena College and Host of The Application podcast.  In this episode, Brian and Allison explore how AI adoption is transforming the way higher ed professionals approach communication, marketing, and student engagement, all while keeping humanity at the core. From s...

In this episode, Brian sits down with Joyce Peralta , Manager of Digital Communications at McGill University in Montreal, to explore the evolving role of AI in higher education. Joyce shares why AI integration is less about technology and more about transformation: one that requires emotional readiness, ethical reflection, and a willingness to experiment. We dive into the challenges of data qualit...

How can AI enhance student ambassador programs without replacing the human connection? In this episode, Brian sits down with Kathryn Thomas and Mus Ismail from Campus Threads to explore how AI is revolutionizing student recruitment. They discuss the power of AI-driven insights, strategies for scaling ambassador programs, and the importance of breaking down institutional silos. Whether you're in ad...

Brian sits down with Michelle Tarby , Senior Director of Digital Engagement at Le Moyne College , to talk about how AI is transforming student engagement and content strategy. From using AI-driven personas to tailoring student communications, Michelle discusses the practical applications of AI that are making an impact in higher ed. She also explores the common challenges institutions face when im...

Host Brian Piper sits down with Dayana Kibilds , VP of Strategy at Ologie , to explore AI’s growing role in email marketing campaigns. Dayana shares why AI was a driving force behind her book, Mailed It , and how institutions can use AI effectively — without sacrificing strategy or authenticity. She also discusses the challenges of training AI models, the evolution of custom GPTs, and the persiste...

Brian Piper sits down with Andrew Maynard, a leading expert on AI and its implications for higher education. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI, the existential challenges it poses for universities, and how institutions can embrace AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. From AI-driven research advancements to the shifting role of educators, this conversation explores what the future of lea...

Host Brian chats with Tracy Playle, founder of Pickle Jar and the Content Ed community, about the role of AI in content strategy for higher education. Tracy shares how her team at Pickle Jar is using AI to enhance audience research, content co-creation, and administrative workflows. She also explores the biggest challenges institutions face when integrating AI and offers actionable advice on how s...

Host Brian Piper sits down with Dave Hunt, Executive Creative Director of Strategic Enrollment Management at Old Dominion University (ODU), to explore how AI is revolutionizing marketing, admissions, and advising. From AI-powered project management tools to the creation of custom GPTs, Dave shares how his team is integrating AI into daily workflows, saving time, and enhancing efficiency. They also...

Brian Piper sits down with Devin Purgason from Forsyth Tech to explore how the community college is strategically integrating AI to enhance student engagement, boost enrollment, and deliver better outcomes. Devin shares the innovative ways Forsyth Tech is leveraging tools like AI chatbots, automated workflows, and Microsoft Co-Pilot to create efficiencies while maintaining the human connection tha...

Brian Piper sits down with Ardis Kadiu, founder and CEO of Element451, to explore the transformative role of AI in higher education. From personalized student engagement tools to cutting-edge AI assistants, Ardis shares how AI is reshaping the student journey and breaking down barriers to success. Tune in for insights on AI adoption, overcoming institutional challenges, and the exciting possibilit...

Join us as Kellie Campbell, CIO of Vermont State Colleges System, shares insights on building AI readiness across multiple institutions. Learn about creating system-wide approaches to AI adoption, preparing institutional data foundations, and developing strategies for workforce preparation. Episode prompt:  You are an experienced higher education HR professional specializing in job description dev...

Join us as Mike Miles, Director of Web Development at MIT Sloan, shares insights on integrating AI into development workflows, fostering team collaboration, and preparing for the future of AI-assisted coding. Learn practical approaches to using tools like GitHub Copilot and strategies for optimizing web content for AI consumption. Episode prompt: You are an SEO expert specializing in higher educat...

In this Enrollify webinar, Balancing Bites and Bonds: How AI Can Humanize Higher Ed , Mallory Willsea and an expert panel dive deep into how artificial intelligence is transforming student engagement in higher education. Featuring AI for U host Brian Piper, Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO host Jamie Hunt, Generation AI co-host JC Bonilla, and The Hidden Gem host Maya Demishkevich, the discussion ad...

In this episode of AI for U , live from the AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education, host Brian dives into the evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO) with Faton Sopa, co-founder and CEO of Manaferra. Specializing in SEO for higher education, Sopa discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping search behavior, SEO practices, and the student recruitment journey....

Got a story to tell? An innovative idea to share? Fill out our guest nomination form , and let's chat! Dr. Claire Brady shares insights from her groundbreaking report on AI integration in student affairs, offering practical frameworks for implementation, real-world use cases, and strategies for building institutional AI literacy. Learn how institutions are successfully adopting AI tools to enhance...

In this insightful episode of AI for U , Brian dives into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is reshaping creative communications at CU Boulder. Maria Kuntz, Director of Creative Communications and Services, shares real-world use cases of how AI tools streamline administrative tasks, enhance creative workflows, and transform storytelling. Recorded live at the AMA Symposium for the Marketi...

This episode of AI for U captures a lively discussion from the AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education with Scott Cline, an independent consultant for higher education institutions. The conversation dives deep into how AI is transforming administrative and strategic workflows in higher education, empowering professionals to focus on meaningful human interactions. Key Takeaways AI saves...

Join us as Allie Duffney shares how Elon University is implementing AI to streamline admissions processes, create test environments, and enhance student success. Learn practical approaches to AI adoption, from interview scheduling to data analysis, and discover how to address common concerns about AI integration. Episode prompt: You are a technical writer specializing in higher education operation...

In this episode of AI For You , recorded live at the AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education, host Brian dives into a thought-provoking conversation with Brandon Etheredge, Director of Digital Content Strategy at Auburn University. Brandon shares how AI has transformed his approach to content creation and digital strategy, offering insights into leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to stre...

In this episode of AI for You, host Brian interviews Laura Rudolph, founder and CEO of Square One Consulting, live from the AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education. Laura discusses how she uses AI to empower small schools in marketing, communications, and enrollment, making their processes more efficient and sustainable. By harnessing the capabilities of AI tools like ChatGPT, Meta AI,...