The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

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 . They explore how disconnected systems, expanding SaaS ecosystems, and siloed data create operational...

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 a...

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. Many thanks to Element451 for convening this great event and supporting the Enrollify Podcast Zone! Gu...

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.  Many thanks to Element451 for convening this great event and supporting the Enrollify Podcast Zone! Guest Names: Dr. Ashlyn Wilson - Assoc. VP of Advising & Onboarding at Nash Community College Dr. KJ Askew - Director of Marketing & Strategic Engagement at Nash...

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. Many thanks to Element451 for convening this great event and supporting the Enrollify Podcast Zone! Guest Name: Sara Cust...

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 col...

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 da...

This week we speak with Auryan Ratliff of Arizona State University about how AI—especially agentic AI—is transforming course design, assessment, and the broader student experience. They explore how moving beyond simple question-and-answer tools to more autonomous, action-oriented systems enables institutions to build more dynamic, personalized, and scalable learning environments. The conversation...

We’re pleased this week to chat with Michael Betz of Covista about tackling the growing healthcare workforce shortage through scalable education and AI-driven innovation. They explore how Covista is leveraging its network of institutions—and a new partnership with Google Cloud—to build an AI-powered classroom that enables more personalized, adaptive learning experiences at scale.  The conversation...

In this week’s episode, we speak with Dr. Rachel Bowser of Agnes Scott College about redefining AI fluency as a core component of a liberal arts education. Rather than focusing on technical skills alone, they explore how teaching students to critically evaluate AI—understanding its biases, limitations, and role in learning—can strengthen their ability to think, question, and make meaning. The conv...

We welcome Montana Houston , founder of rYOUminate , to the show this week to chat about addressing the “hidden curriculum” of higher education— life skills like financial literacy, career readiness, and self-advocacy that many students are expected to know but are rarely taught. They explore how gaps in infrastructure and capacity have left institutions struggling to deliver this support at scale...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV summit in San Diego, we chatted with Raghu Krishnaiah from the University of Phoenix about how AI is being used to identify and close skills gaps between education and the workforce. They explore how embedding skills-based learning, aligning employer needs with curriculum, and leveraging data-driven insights can better prepare students—especially...

We’re pleased to welcome back Shai Reshef, founder of University of the People, to the show to talk more about his institution’s unique tuition-free, globally accessible model. We explore how aligning academic programs with workforce demand, while maintaining a strong foundation in critical thinking and general education, can create more equitable and sustainable pathways for students worldwide. ...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV summit in San Diego, we sat down with Kate Valenti , CEO of Unicon , about how higher education institutions must evolve their digital infrastructure to meet changing learner expectations. They explore the growing importance of interoperability, skills data, and learner-centered design—especially as institutions work to connect education more seam...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV summit in San Diego, we sat down with Kaitlin and Peter from Huron about their recent Rise 40 report , which highlights emerging edtech companies reshaping the student lifecycle—from recruitment and retention to career readiness. The report aims to help institutions cut through the noise of AI-driven solutions and make more informed, strategic dec...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV summit in San Diego, we spoke with Melissa Morgan , Co-Founder of Coraltalk , about rethinking student assessment in the age of AI. As written work becomes easier to generate with AI, they explore how spoken assessments—like oral defenses and real-time questioning—can better demonstrate true understanding, critical thinking, and authentic learning...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV summit in San Diego, we sat down with David Harris about new initiatives from the event organizers aimed at helping higher ed leaders navigate rapid change—from AI disruption to financial and student wellbeing challenges. They discuss the launch of a Higher Education Insights Board and new research into Gen Z’s evolving attitudes toward AI, highli...

This week, Dustin chats with Andy MacIsaac of Laserfiche about how automation, content management, and smarter workflows are reshaping the student experience in higher education. They explore how reducing operational friction—through faster processes, better data visibility, and improved transparency—can build trust with students while also driving enrollment and retention. The conversation highli...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV summit in San Diego, we spoke with Geordie Hyland from the American College of Education about building a higher ed model centered on affordability, efficiency, and student outcomes. They explore how a fully online, in-house curriculum approach—combined with a focus on employer alignment and continuous improvement—can deliver high-quality educatio...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV summit in San Diego, we sat down with David McCool of Muzzy Lane about how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and assessment through interactive simulations and role-play experiences. They explore how these tools can move beyond traditional content recall to help students practice real-world skills in more engaging, dynamic ways.  The conversatio...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV summit in San Diego, we chatted with Joseph Thibault of Cursive Technology about the evolving challenge of academic integrity in the age of AI. They explore how traditional approaches to assessment are no longer sufficient, and why institutions must shift their focus from detecting plagiarism to verifying authentic authorship and ensuring learning...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV summit in San Diego, we spoke with Sara Leoni * of Ziplines Education about how higher education institutions can stay relevant in a rapidly changing skills landscape. They explore the growing importance of non-credit, career-aligned programs—especially in areas like AI—and how partnerships can help institutions deliver timely, workforce-ready tra...

In this episode, Dustin speaks with Brock Price of Terra Dotta about the evolving landscape of global education and the growing complexity behind study abroad and international student programs. They explore how institutions can better support these experiences through smarter systems, improved data visibility, and more coordinated, campus-wide strategies. The conversation highlights why global en...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the Collegis Education DisruptED summit in Phoenix, we spoke with Dan White from NJIT about the evolution of online education and how institutions can build more effective, integrated digital programs. They explore how shifting away from rigid OPM models toward more flexible, capacity-building partnerships enabled NJIT to refine its recruitment strategy and s...

In this bonus episode recorded live at the Collegis Education DisruptED summit in Phoenix, we spoke with Marc Austin and Reamer Bushardt to explore how partnerships between higher education institutions and employers can drive more relevant, workforce-aligned learning experiences. Through examples from healthcare and university initiatives, the conversation highlights how co-designed programs, con...