In this episode, Dustin sits down with Mike Stratta [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstratta/], CEO of Arcaléa [https://arcalea.com/], to unpack how AI is reshaping marketing strategies across industries—and what that means for higher ed. From his frustrations with top-line-only marketing to developing a data-powered product called Galileo, Mike shares how higher ed institutions can finally move beyond assumptions and start measuring what really works. They also reflect on key takeaways from the eduWeb Summit [https://www.eduwebsummit.com/], where curiosity, collaboration, and AI-driven strategies took center stage.

Guest Name: Michael Stratta, CEO, Arcaléa

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstratta/]

Guest Bio: Mike Stratta is the founder and CEO of Arcalea, a firm that develops AI-driven marketing products and services for higher education and other industries. With more than 25 years of experience, Mike helps universities and C-Suite leaders transform complex data into actionable growth strategies. He has advised and lectured at the University of Chicago, Loyola’s Quinlan School of Business, and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, where Arcalea’s Galileo platform is also used to teach marketing optimization. A three-time Inc. 500 and Financial Times Fastest-Growing Companies honoree, Mike has launched multiple AI products in the past two years. He is a Vistage member, former Entrepreneurs’ Organization board member, and has worked with leading institutions and global brands alike.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Episode #296: How AI Can Optimize Marketing Attribution

What does it actually look like to teach with AI — and teach about it — in higher ed today? In this episode, Dustin chats with Dr. Evan Kropp [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drevankropp/], Executive Director of Distance Education at the University of Florida [https://www.ufl.edu/academics/online-distance-learning/], about how AI is transforming course design, assessment strategies, and the student experience. Dr. Kropp offers practical examples and powerful insights on how institutions can embrace AI ethically, equitably, and intentionally.

Guest Name: Dr. Evan Kropp, Executive Director of Distance Education, University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drevankropp/]

Guest Bio: Dr. Evan Kropp is an experienced higher education administrator and communication scholar with a passion for digital learning innovation. As Executive Director of Distance Education at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, he leads undergraduate and graduate education initiatives focused on course quality, accessibility, engagement, and career readiness. With over a decade of leadership in online education, Evan has helped launch nationally ranked programs and cutting-edge digital courses that bridge academia and industry. He’s also a frequent speaker and writer on online teaching and learning, instructional design, and the evolving role of technology in higher ed.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Episode #295: How to Redesign and Optimize Course Development with AI

What if AI could make student writing more honest—not less? In this episode, Dustin sits down with Eric Wang [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericxwangai/], VP of AI at Turnitin [https://www.turnitin.com/], to talk about the launch of Turnitin Clarity [https://www.turnitin.com/products/feedback-studio/clarity]: a new AI-powered document editor that helps students build critical thinking skills and helps educators better understand the process behind students’ assignment submissions. Eric unpacks the “why” behind Clarity, what makes it different from your typical chatbot, and how AI can actually strengthen student-teacher trust instead of eroding it.

Guest Name: Dr. Eric Wang, Vice President of AI, Turnitin

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericxwangai/]

Guest Bio: Dr. Eric Wang leads Turnitin AI, a global team of machine learning researchers and engineers with a mission to build AI-powered teaching and learning experiences that improve learning outcomes around the world. His mission is to create AI systems that analyze, enrich, accelerate and secure the work of students and educators globally. He led the creation of the most widely used, most rigorously tested, safest and highest performing AI writing detection system on the market. In 2023, Dr. Wang led the development of Turnitin’s AI writing detection feature, a tool that supports and enhances the learning process through facilitating academic integrity. In July 2024, his team took this one step further with the development of Turnitin’s AI paraphrasing detection feature.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Episode #294: Reimagining Student Assignments with AI and Transparency

Amy Swank [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-swank-3a21551b/], Executive Director of Parent and Family Programs [https://giving.uoregon.edu/s/1540/22-it/interior.aspx?sid=1540&gid=2&pgid=13629&cid=36687&ecid=36687&crid=0&calpgid=2113&calcid=4773] at the University of Oregon, joins Dustin to unpack the transformative potential of family engagement in higher ed. Drawing on two decades of experience and her work with CampusESP [https://www.campusesp.com/] and AHEPPP [https://www.aheppp.org/], Amy shares how institutions can strategically cultivate meaningful, lifelong relationships with parents and families—not just for student support, but to boost philanthropy, increase retention, and foster belonging.

Guest Name: Amy Swank - Executive Director of Parent and Family Engagement, Philanthropy, and Student Life at University of Oregon

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-swank-3a21551b/]

Guest Bio: Amy Swank brings over 20 years of experience in higher education and currently serves as the Executive Director of Family Engagement, Philanthropy, and Student Life at the University of Oregon. A nationally recognized leader in parent and family engagement, Amy has a deep understanding of what families expect and need throughout their students' college journeys. At Oregon, she has built innovative programs that connect families to campus life, foster philanthropic support, and directly enhance the student experience.

Amy is known for building meaningful, lasting relationships with families through intentional communication, proactive support, and inclusive opportunities for involvement. Her work not only strengthens the university's connection with families—it creates tangible impact for students. Amy also served as Past President of AHEPPP: Family Engagement in Higher Education, where she helped shape the national conversation around best practices in family engagement.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Episode #293: How Institutions Can Turn Parents into Advocates, Donors, and Mentors

Tech support isn’t sexy—but it might be the most important thing your institution isn’t thinking enough about. In this episode, Dustin welcomes Christopher Schmidt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-schmidt-8387231ba/], Global Director for Client Support at Transact [https://www.transactcampus.com/], to unpack why support systems are breaking under pressure and what higher ed needs to do about it. With deep experience in both the military and campus technology, Chris shares a grounded, urgent perspective on how institutions can scale smarter, retain institutional knowledge, and build tech ecosystems that don’t crumble when a key player leaves.

Guest Name: Christopher Schmidt, Director of Client Support at Transact Campus

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-schmidt-8387231ba/]

Guest Bio: Christopher Schmidt is the Director of Client Support for Transact Campus, overseeing technical support operations across Higher Education, Healthcare, and Enterprise markets. With a career built at the intersection of technology, client success, and operational leadership, Christopher has redefined how support organizations can function as strategic drivers — not just reactive teams.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Episode #292: Redefining Tech Support for the Modern Higher Ed Institution

What does it actually look like to run a truly digital-first institution? In this episode, Dustin sits down with Erika Orris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikaorris/], Senior Vice President of Operations at American Public University System [https://www.apus.edu/], to unpack how her team supports a fully online student body. From personalized program pathways to AI-powered outreach, Erika shares the tools, systems, and philosophies that make American Public University a model for adult learner success. If your institution is serious about student-centric innovation, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Guest Name: Erika Orris, Senior VP of Operations, American Public University System

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikaorris/]

Guest Bio: Erika Orris is the Senior Vice President of Operations at APUS, overseeing services such as Admissions, Academic and Financial Aid Advising, the Student Support Center, Military Assistance Team, and Student and Alumni Services. She has over 30 years of experience in marketing and enrollment management and joined APUS in October 2022.

Her recent initiatives include straight-line degree plans, a net price calculator for non-traditional students, graduation-focused advising, a streamlined transfer process, and Career Link—an AI-powered career services platform.

Previously, Ms. Orris was Executive Vice President at ThriveDX, where she implemented scalable systems to improve the student journey. She also served as Chief Enrollment and Marketing Officer at the University of Maryland Global Campus, leading its rebranding and launching the Student Success Coach program.

Earlier roles include Vice President at DeVry University and President of a start-up branch campus. She holds an MBA from UMGC and a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Episode #291: Evolving from a Map to GPS - Building Seamless Student Journeys

What makes a tech stack work for people, not just processes? In this energizing episode, Dustin chats with Sarah Kotlinski [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahkots/], Director of Enrollment Systems and Analytics at Gettysburg College, about the real art behind edtech integration. Sarah shares her “three gates” framework for evaluating tools, how she turns everyday tech into superpowered solutions, and why she’s a firm believer in departmental independence with intentional collaboration. You’ll leave with practical ideas for managing your systems better—and maybe even rethinking how you define success in digital transformation.

Guest Name: Sarah Kotlinski - Director of Enrollment Systems and Analytics at Gettysburg College

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahkots/]

Guest Bio: Sarah Kotlinski is the Director of Enrollment Systems and Analytics at Gettysburg College, where she is building a tech stack designed to engage, inform, and simplify every step of the enrollment journey. With over 35 years of experience in higher education, Sarah brings deep expertise and a collaborative spirit to her work.

Beyond Gettysburg, she is a Technolutions Slate Community Ambassador and the founder and leader of the Slate Training user group. She also co-facilitates the Slate–Common App user group, mentors new Common App member institutions, and serves on both the CampusESP Customer Advisory Board and the College Board’s Enrollment Solutions Strategic Advisory Group.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Episode #290: Creating Connection, Not Chaos, with Your Enrollment Tech Stack

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit [https://www.eduwebsummit.com/], Dustin sits down with Eric Butler [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-butler-strategic-account-manager/] from Modern Campus [https://moderncampus.com/] about how today’s content management systems are powering smarter, more personalized digital experiences for students. From AI-powered personalization to low-code flexibility for campus editors, Eric shares how Modern Campus is helping institutions turn their websites into dynamic, student-first platforms—without overwhelming their already stretched teams.

Guest Name: Eric Butler - Senior Account Manager at Modern Campus

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-butler-strategic-account-manager/]

Guest Bio: Eric Butler currently serves on the Account Management team at Modern Campus. He has a deeply personal desire to improve the quality of relationships and overall performance of his clients. He helps customers launch new technology platforms, extend the use of their existing tools to reduce friction, and improve overall student satisfaction.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Live at eduWeb: Why Getting Smart with Website Personalization Pays Off

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit [https://www.eduwebsummit.com/], Dustin speaks with Thomas Steinman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-steinman-1b57491b0/] from Halda [https://www.halda.ai/] about how AI is reshaping the future of admissions and marketing—one prompt at a time. From demystifying AI in the hands-on “AI Studio” at the event to making the case for stronger data integration, Thomas breaks down what higher ed pros need to know about creating more personalized, scalable student experiences. The theme? Start small, stay curious, and let the data do the heavy lifting.

Guest Name: Thomas Steinman - Director of Strategic Partnerships at Halda.AI

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-steinman-1b57491b0/]

Guest Bio: As Director of Strategic Partnerships at Halda, Thomas Steinman helps to transform the way higher education institutions engage with prospective students. He works with his teams to craft red-carpet web experiences that captivate and inspire. Thomas is proud to help schools reimagine their online presence, revolutionizing how they connect with students and showcase their value.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Live at eduWeb: Why Data Integration Is Higher Ed’s Secret Superpower

What does it take to design an institution around students who work full-time, raise kids, serve in the military, or all of the above? In this conversation, National University [https://www.nu.edu/] President Dr. Mark Milliron [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmilliron/] shares how NU has been built from the ground up to meet the needs of today’s learners—and why that's not a side hustle, it’s the whole hustle. With a laser focus on access, flexibility, and outcomes, Mark lays out a compelling vision for student success that’s as rigorous as it is human-centered.

Guest Name: Dr. Mark D. Milliron, President, National University

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmilliron/]

Guest Bio: Dr. Mark David Milliron is an award-winning leader, author, speaker, and consultant who works with universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, foundations, corporations, associations, and government agencies across the country and around the world.

He serves as President and CEO of National University (NU) [https://www.nu.edu/], one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the United States. NU is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and has a 50-year history of innovating around the needs of military, working, and nontraditional students.

In addition to his work with NU, Dr. Milliron helps catalyze positive change in education through his service on the boards and advisory councils of leading-edge education organizations, including the Trellis Foundation; [https://www.trellisfoundation.org/] Bennett College; [http://www.bennett.edu/] the Global Online Academy; [http://globalonlineacademy.org/] Civitas Learning; [http://www.civitaslearning.com/] the Mastery Transcript Consortium; [http://mastery.org/] and ISKME/ [http://www.iskme.org/]Open Education Resource Commons [https://www.oercommons.org/]. He also holds an appointment as a Professor of Practice in the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin. [https://education.utexas.edu/departments/educational-leadership-policy/graduate-programs/executive-edd-higher-education-leadership]


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Episode #289: From Access to Impact - How Opportunity Universities Change Lives

This show will be exploring all of the nuances of higher education with a focus
on innovative technology and practices from professionals all across the
country. Hosted by Dustin Ramsdell.

Dustin Ramsdell

Shows