Higher Ed Pulse

In the debut episode of this new Pulse Check series on leadership in Higher Ed, listeners will learn about the difference between managing and  leading teams and how to navigate between the two as a leader. Additionally, leaders will learn strategies to support teams and learn from Jenny about how to balance this with the desire to build trust. We close with how to prioritize self care to be prese...

Mallory is joined by Winston Robert. Known as “Teacher in a Suit,” this innovative middle school teacher shares his journey from aspiring lawyer to influential educator. He discusses the integration of artificial intelligence in his classroom at KIPP New Jersey, and his exciting transition into UPenn’s Master’s in Education Entrepreneurship program. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interes...

Sharan Singh, VP of Strategic Partnerships from the Minerva Project, joins the Pulse to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on higher education. Recorded live at the ASU+GSV AIR Show, this discussion focuses on how Minerva is pioneering personalized learning experiences and shaping the future of educational models through strategic AI integration and partnerships. Key Take...

Recorded at the ASU+GSV inaugural AIR Show, Mallory chats with Obi Ogbanufe, a Professor at the University of North Texas. Obi shares her insights on the crucial role of ethics in artificial intelligence, particularly within educational technology. She explains and explores “FATE” — the importance of incorporating fairness, accountability, transparency, explainability, and privacy into AI systems....

Amid the bustling backdrop of the ASU+GSV Summit, Mallory and Seth dive into the event’s pressing topics like the current state of investment in educational technology and the real-world applications of artificial intelligence shaking up the industry. Key Takeaways: Venture Capital Challenges: Insights into how previous high investments are now struggling due to market downturns, affecting innovat...

In the 5th and final part of this Pulse Check series on Mergers and Acquisitions in Higher Ed, Kin Sejpal is joined by R. Ethan Braden and Kati Pratt, the brilliant minds behind the Comeback campaign, to explore the captivating brand development journey of Purdue Global following its acquisition by Purdue University in 2017. Discover the crucial role insights play in shaping a compelling brand nar...

President Nick Ladany of San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) shares his vision for higher education. Focused on disrupting traditional models, SFBU introduces modern approaches to faculty development, student wellness, and a restructured curriculum aimed at real-world success. Join us as Nick explains how SFBU’s strategies are set to redefine the academic landscape, ensuring affordability, accessi...

Recorded live at the ASU GSV Air Show, Mallory chats with Auryan Ratliff, Director of Creative and Emerging Technology at ASU Online. Auryan introduces us to a groundbreaking tool designed to alleviate choice paralysis among prospective students — ASU’s degree recommendation engine. Powered by generative AI, this tool personalizes degree selection based on a quiz that assesses a student’s preferen...

Live from the ASU GSV AIR Show and Summit, Mallory chats with Howard Purcell, President of New England College of Optometry. Howard shares his unique journey from industry to academia and discusses the innovative ways his institution is tackling challenges like student debt and diversity in the applicant pool. With a focus on integrating AI and telehealth into optometry education, Howard provides...

Recorded live at the ASU GSV AIR Show, guest Chris Edwards from Kanahoma shares his insights on the integration and impact of artificial intelligence in the education sector. From ethical dilemmas and administrative efficiencies to the real-world implications of AI on campuses, this episode covers the spectrum of challenges and innovations shaping the future of higher education. Chris also touches...

In this episode of The Pulse, Mallory catches up with Liz Gross live from Campus Sonar at the ASU GSV AIR Show in San Diego. Liz shares her measured insights on the integration and implications of AI in higher education, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices and maintaining the human element in academia. Whether you’re skeptical about AI or diving headlong into its potential, this discus...

Hosts Mallory and Seth examine the critical state of liberal arts education in America and the challenges facing liberal arts programs, including declining enrollments and financial pressures. Mallory and Seth passionately advocate for a rebranding of the liberal arts to highlight their enduring value in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability in an uncertain future. Episode High...

In Part 4 of this Pulse Check on Acquisitions and Mergers in Higher Education, guest host Kin Sejpal is joined by President Ian Mortimer as he delves into important considerations for exploring M&A strategies and innovative, alternative pathways for success. In this episode you will learn about: Reasons why certain mergers don’t pan out  The tradeoff of balancing rational and emotional facets of m...

In this special episode of Higher Ed Pulse, Mallory sits down with Ardis Kadiu, CEO and Founder of Element451 and co-host of the Generation AI podcast on Enrollify. Together, they discuss two new AI innovations — Bolt Assistants and Bolt Search. Bolt AI Assistants become an indispensable member of your team. They offer students tailored support while amplifying staff performance through sophistica...

Mallory and Seth celebrate National Community College Month by diving deep into the challenges and opportunities faced by community college students, especially when it comes to transferring to four-year institutions. With a focus on cultivating skills for the future, they unpack the concerning data around transfer rates and completion rates, and explore strategies to improve outcomes for these le...

In Part 3 of our latest Pulse Check series on Mergers and Acquisitions in Higher Ed, guest Robin Johnson provides applicable advice on managing change during an M&A process. Listeners will learn about: The four stages of processing change The integration of different teams and cultures Dealing with the uncertainty that comes with M&A Being an effective leader and manager through the process Guest...

In this April Fools' Day special of Higher Ed Pulse, Mallory and Seth explore the transformative potential of AI, the challenges of integrating it into educational settings, and the ethical considerations that come with its use. From AI-driven chatbots enhancing student engagement to the pitfalls of technology missteps, this episode unpacks the balance between leveraging AI's benefits and maintain...

In the second part of our Pulse Check series on Mergers and Acquisitions in Higher Education, guest host Kin Sejpal speaks with Seth Odell, CEO and founder of Kanahoma, to discuss the realm of marketing within higher education M&A, drawing from his firsthand experiences and expertise in leading such endeavors, as well as serving as an advisor for many others. Listeners can: Learn how to navigate t...

We're joined by Kevin Renton of Electric Kite and Volt, live from the 2024 CUPRAP conference. Mallory and Kevin talk about running content networks in higher education, with a focus on bringing marketing and enrollment professionals actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies.  Key Takeaways: Volt's Origin and Vision: Kevin discusses Volt's transition from an agency blog to a leading marke...

In this special episode of the Higher Ed Pulse, Mallory Willsea invites Aaron Blau, VP of Education at Primacy, to talk about all things March Madness. The excitement of March Madness extends beyond just the games, potentially impacting enrollment, marketing, and branding efforts in significant ways. From the visibility boost for lesser-known institutions to the strategies for leveraging athletic...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of our Pulse Check series on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in higher education, where we dive into the fascinating world of institutional partnerships and consolidations. In today's episode, host Kin Sejpal is joined by Kevin Cavanagh, a seasoned expert in the field, who provides us with a bird's-eye view of the M&A landscape. Whether actively involved in an M&A i...

In a special bonus episode recorded live at CUPRAP 2024, Mallory Willsea connects with Paul Redfern, VP for University Communications and Institutional Strategy at St. Lawrence University. They delve into the buzz around AI at the conference, strategies for attracting top talent to remote areas, and the innovative ways St. Lawrence University supports its hybrid workforce. This episode is a must-l...

After celebrating 100 years of the Wood Family maple production, Seth and Mallory examine the complex world of growing discount rates at private faith-based higher education institutions, revealing the challenges and strategic considerations schools face amid shifting market dynamics. This episode uncovers the realities of financial pressures, the importance of brand positioning between quality an...

In this special bonus episode of Higher Ed Pulse recorded live at CUPRAP 2024, Mallory Willsea sits down with Voltaire Santos Miran, Executive VP of Creative at Carnegie, to dive deep into the intersection of storytelling and artificial intelligence. Voltaire shares his perspective on AI as a crucial tool in the arsenal of modern storytellers, emphasizing its role in enhancing rather than replacin...

Welcome to our latest Pulse Check - Personalizing Prospective Student Journeys, hosted by Mallory Willsea In Part 3 of this series, Setting Students Up for Success, Dustin Ramsdell, Community Engagement Lead at Pathify, joins Mallory Willsea to discuss strategies for setting students up for success after they have committed to enroll. They delve into the responsibilities of institutions in prepari...