Smarter Campus Podcast

In Episode 17 of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler sits down with AI integration specialist Maurie Beasley—veteran K–12 teacher, counselor, and tech coach—to explore the real-world steps of bringing AI into schools. They cover: Maurie’s tech roots, from building a Heathkit computer to co-creating Agnes, the K–12 AI toolbox Strategies for piloting low-cost AI ($6.97/month!) in districts to prove i...

In Episode 16 of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler welcomes Anna Shildrick—global education consultant, executive coach, and AI integration leader—to explore AI’s transformative role in education. They discuss: Anna’s journey into AI and pivotal moments that shaped her vision How personalized, long-term planning with AI can revolutionize teaching and learning The importance of philosophical and p...

In Episode 15 of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler sits down with AI policy consultant, debate coach, and author Stefan Bauschard to explore how AI is reshaping education and society. They dive into: Stefan’s journey from computer science teacher and debate champion to AI policy expert His eye-opening “aha” moment discovering ChatGPT’s potential to outpace Google Why the real conversation should...

In Episode 14 of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler speaks with Joe Sabado, long-time UC Santa Barbara IT leader and first-generation grad, about using AI to foster inclusive learning communities. They explore: Joe’s path from political science undergrad to co-directing campus AI communities of practice How early web experiments evolved into today’s AI-driven tools Strategies for intentional AI ad...

In Episode 13 of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler sits down with Victoria Davis—aka the Cool Cat Teacher—to explore how AI is rewriting the rulebook in education. Victoria shares her journey from writing code at age seven to shaping classrooms as a Computer Science and Digital Film teacher, IT director, and award-winning blogger. Together they discuss: How AI’s progression “goes viral” once it h...

Join host Zach Kinzler on Smarter Campus as he sits down with Ruth Slotnick, Director of Assessment at Bridgewater State University and a national thought leader in accreditation and assessment strategy. They explore: Ruth’s journey from personal tech solutions for her learning difference to leading campus-wide assessment initiatives The influx of new assessment practitioners from diverse fields,...

 In Episode 11 of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler sits down with Dr. Allison Lester from Arizona State University to explore how AI and action research can spark real-world impact. As an AI educator and action researcher, Dr. Lester shares how she weaves community-based projects into media literacy courses, secures grant funding, and champions collaborative structures in classrooms—drawing on h...

In this episode of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler sits down with Lara Taylor, Purdue Polytechnic doctoral candidate and instructional technologist at Mississippi State, to trace her journey from library stacks to AI frontlines. Lara shares how her master’s research on machine-learning chatbots and search algorithms in SEC libraries ignited her passion for generative AI—long before ChatGPT put...

 Join Zach Kinzler on Smarter Campus as he sits down with Joe Faith, Assistant Professor at Harding University and PhD candidate in AI & Machine Learning at George Washington University. They dive into Joe’s journey from “tinkerer” to AI educator—how a clever academic “loophole” fast‑tracked his rise, the launch of Harding’s brand‑new AI program, and his hands‑on approach to teaching Python, R...

Join host Zach Kinzler as he sits down with Dr. Tawnya Means, Assistant Dean for Educational Innovation at UIUC’s Gies College of Business, to explore how generative AI is reshaping teaching and learning. With over 15 years driving technology-infused pedagogy, Dr. Means shares: Her journey from designing K-12 and higher-ed learning systems to leading large-scale online innovation programs Why the...

 In this heartwarming episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast , 9-year-old AI enthusiast Emily joins Zach to show us why artificial intelligence isn’t as scary as it seems. Drawing on her brilliant “shadow” analogy—how a dark shape can feel frightening at first but soon becomes just another way to see yourself—Emily walks us through the simple steps anyone can take to get hands-on with AI. Tune in f...

 In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast , Zach sits down with Marc Watkins, Assistant Director for Academic Innovation at the University of Mississippi, to explore how AI is actually being used in the classroom today. Marc shares real-world best practices for integrating AI into teaching, from assignments to academic integrity. They also dive into what big AI companies are doing—what’s work...

In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast , Zach sits down with Davy Mbuto Nkurunziza to explore the powerful intersection of AI and education in Africa. From enhancing access and equity to rethinking how teachers and students engage with learning tools, Davy shares how AI is shaping the future of education on the continent. They dive into the real challenges and creative solutions emerging fr...

In this inspiring episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler engages with Dr. Sarah Gibson, Associate Professor of Communication at Lipscomb University, to explore the evolving landscape of education in the age of artificial intelligence. Dr. Gibson shares her insights on integrating AI into the classroom, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human-centered teaching practices am...

 In this engaging episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Dr. Manish Malik, a distinguished academic and technology innovator, shares his insights on the intersection of education and technology. He delves into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in reshaping learning environments and emphasizes the importance of integrating AI tools to enhance both teaching methodologies and student...

 ​In this insightful episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Nick Potkalitsky, Ph. D., founder of Pragmatic AI Solutions and author of AI in Education: A Roadmap for a Teacher-Led Transformation , discusses the integration of artificial intelligence in education. He emphasizes the importance of teacher-led initiatives in adopting AI technologies, advocating for a balanced approach that combines cau...

​In this engaging episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Dr. Michelle Kassorla, Associate Professor of English at Georgia State University, delves into the transformative role of AI in education. She shares her insights on integrating artificial intelligence into teaching methodologies, highlighting innovative strategies to enhance learning experiences. Dr. Kassorla also discusses the challenges a...