AV/IT Amplifier

Ryan Gray discusses the recent ISE event in Barcelona with first-time attendees Dustin Myers and Troy Powers. They share their experiences, insights on the scale of the event, the value of attending, and the unique conversations that took place. The discussion also touches on the challenges of securing funding for international travel and the future of HETMA at ISE, emphasizing the potential for g...

Take a walk with Ryan around the HETMA Arizona Roadshow.  Recorded 1/21/2025 at Mesa Community College. Connect with Ryan:  https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ ryan@higheredav.com   Follow the Show: https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier http://higheredav.com/ryangray   Voiceovers by Chris Dechter: https://twitter.com/cdechter https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/   P...

We're back for week 2!  Ryan Gray and Dr. Kellie Campbell explore various themes surrounding technology, leadership, and personal growth. Dr. Campbell shares her journey into the IT and AV world, emphasizing the importance of people-centric technology and the need for self-care as an extroverted leader. They discuss navigating difficult conversations, community engagement, and the significance of...

Ryan Gray interviews Kellie Campbell, the Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Technology for the Vermont State College System. They discuss the evolving role of CIOs in higher education, emphasizing the importance of leadership, empathy, and relationship-building in navigating change and transformation within IT departments. Kellie shares her experiences in consolidating IT services ac...

We ring in the new year on the first day of 2025 with a look back at some memorable moments from 2024.  We revisit some gems from: Britt Yenser Chris Hewitt Ann Kelly Tim Albright Craig Underwood and Kameesha Jones Enjoy these clips and look forward to all new epiodes dropping every Wednesday in 2025!

A Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!  This week we bring you some voices from the past year of the show and their answer to the common question, "What is a question you wish people would ask you but no one ever does?"  There's some great similarities and differences in how people respond but theres alot of wisdom to be found as well!   You'll be hearing from: Tyran Payne Britt Yenser Tim Albrig...

We're back for week 2 and brothers Ryan and Evan Gray explore the significance of building relationships in education, the role of mentorship, and the balance between work and personal life. Evan shares his experiences in fostering connections among students and emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships over time. He reflects on his own journey in higher education and how it has shaped...

In this episode of the AV/IT Amplifier, host Ryan Gray speaks with Evan Gray about the importance of peer mentoring in higher education, particularly in online learning environments. Evan shares his journey in developing the Champs Peer Mentoring program at the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC), emphasizing the need for students to feel a sense of belonging and connection. The conversatio...

We're back with part 2 of this conversation with Dr. Punya Mishra.  We explore the multifaceted relationship between AI, ethics, education, and human interaction. The discussion explores the authenticity of AI, the ethical implications of its use, the biases inherent in AI systems, and the potential for AI to transform education. Dr. Mishra emphasizes the need for thoughtful regulation and the imp...

This week we bring you the first half of a conversation with Dr. Punya Mishra recorded for the Yavapai College WIN Coalition Speaker Series.  Dr. Mishra discusses the intersection of technology, learning, and design, focusing on the TPAC framework and its relevance in today's educational landscape. He explores the implications of AI as a cognitive partner in education, the societal impact of emerg...

Back for week 2, Ryan Gray and Samantha Powell explore the themes of advocacy, vulnerability, self-care, and the importance of setting boundaries. Samantha shares her experiences in the industry, her love for food, and her belief in the inherent goodness of people. The discussion emphasizes the significance of being genuine and open in relationships, as well as the need for self-care in order to e...

In this episode of the AVIT Amplifier, host Ryan Gray speaks with Samantha Powell, the Manager of Industry Advocacy at AVIXA. They discuss Samantha's role in advocating for the AV industry, the importance of Infocomm, and the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving AV technology landscape. Samantha shares insights on content creation, the size of the AV industry, and the need for new...

Ryan welcomes back Adeline Tatum for week 2 recorded live at Educause 2024.  They explore a variety of themes including cultural experiences, mentorship, personal growth, and philosophical views on good and evil. Adeline shares her journey from Honduras to the United States, discussing the cultural shocks she faced and her reflections on privilege and community. The discussion also delves into the...

This week Ryan welcomes Adaline Tatum, the AV/IT Training Coordinator at UCLA, who is on the verge of completing her doctorate. They discuss her dissertation focused on fostering critical reflection in leadership to include marginalized voices, her experiences at the EDUCAUSE conference, and the integration of technology and pedagogy in higher education. Adeline shares insights on supporting facul...

Brittney Grant is back for week two to explore the multifaceted world of audio-visual work, personal growth, and the unexpected paths that lead to fulfilling careers. Brittany shares her experiences as an AV specialist, her journey through introversion and extroversion, and how a life-changing event propelled her into a new career. She also delves into her newfound passion for baking, the influenc...

This week Ryan welcomes Brittney Grant of Aims Community College, who shares her experiences in both her full-time role and her passion as an assistant stage manager. They discuss the differences between community colleges and universities, the challenges of supporting multiple campuses, and the adrenaline rush of live events. Brittany also talks about her involvement in construction processes for...

Iffat is back for week 2 and dives into a bunch of topics including career journeys, the significance of interpersonal relationships in the workplace, the dynamics of introversion and extroversion, and the impact of music on their lives. Iffat shares her experiences from her first job at an airport to her current role in pre-sales and AV, emphasizing the importance of people over content in work....

Ryan speaks with Iffat Chaudhry, a prominent figure in the AV industry known for her advocacy in diversity, equity, and inclusion. They discuss the importance of shifting perspectives from negativity to proactive solutions through the 'What If?' concept. Iffat emphasizes the power of storytelling in advocacy, the significance of authenticity in communication, and the need for safe spaces for open...

We welcome back Lisle for week 2 and explore the intersection of technology, education, and human connection. Lislle shares his experiences as a multimedia and audio-visual manager, emphasizing the importance of creating magical user experiences in educational settings. They discuss the impact of technology on learning, Lisle's passion for aviation, and his philosophical views on human nature. The...

In today's conversation, Ryan Gray interviews Lisle Waldron, the multimedia and audio visual services manager for the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Lyle shares his journey into the AV field, discussing the challenges and cultural expectations he faces in higher education. He reflects on the importance of representation in the AV industry and the unique challenges of working in a Caribbean con...

We're back for week 2 with Dr. Lisa Rhine, the president of Yavapai College.  She discusses topics such as leadership, performance evaluation, introversion vs extroversion, gratitude, and the importance of meeting students' basic needs. She emphasizes the need for educators to support the whole person and provide second chances. Dr. Rhine also shares personal anecdotes about her first job, her fav...

This week Ryan welcomes his own President! Dr. Lisa Rhine, President of Yavapai College, discusses the challenges and rewards of being a college president and the importance of technology in higher education. She emphasizes the need for college leaders to stay on the cutting edge of technology and create a culture of innovation and risk-taking. Dr. Rhine also highlights the role of technology prof...

We're back for week 2 with Jordan Scales, live from the Arizona Audio Video expo.  We chat with Jordan about his role as an education liaison and his thoughts on various topics. We discuss the upcoming release of the new DMPS, the challenges of the supply chain crisis, and the importance of having good energy in relationships. Jordan shares his perspective on introversion, the impact of COVID-19 o...

Recorded live at the Arizona Audio Video Expo, we visit with Jordan Scales, an AV nerd and technologist who works for Crestron Electronics. They discuss the importance of building relationships in the AV industry, particularly in the education sector. Jordan emphasizes the need for trust, honesty, and genuine care for customers. They also talk about the role of a representative in being an ally to...

In this installment of the Gray Matter Moment, Ryan discusses the concept of known unknowns and the importance of acknowledging and valuing the work that is not directly seen. He draws parallels to the concept of dark matter in the universe, where there is something causing gravity that cannot be seen but its effects can be observed. Ryan emphasizes the need for leaders and managers to recognize a...