In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal is joined by Jennifer Pridemore, Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual, for a practical and compassionate conversation about financial wellness for live-in housing professionals. Together, they explore how living on campus shapes financial habits, the importance of planning early, and ways to build healthy, realistic money practices. This episode encourages listeners to approach financial goals with flexibility and confidence. 

ResEdChat Ep 166: Money Matters for Live-In Professionals

In this thought-provoking episode, political philosopher and Penn GSE [https://www.gse.upenn.edu/] professor Dr. Sigal Ben-Porath [https://www.gse.upenn.edu/faculty/sigal-ben-porath] joins host Dustin to unpack one of higher ed’s most pressing—and polarizing—topics: the future of free speech and academic freedom on campus. Drawing from her books Free Speech on Campus [https://www.pennpress.org/9780812250077/free-speech-on-campus/] and Cancel Wars [https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/C/bo185875213], Dr. Ben-Porath makes the case for a more inclusive vision of free expression in higher education, while warning against rising government overreach in curricula. She also highlights the important work happening on this topic at the SNF Paideia Program [https://snfpaideia.upenn.edu], where she is Faculty Director.

Together, they explore how colleges can stay true to their democratic mission even as they navigate growing political pressure and cultural division.

Guest Name: Dr. Sigal Ben-Porath - Professor & Faculty Director at University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sigal-ben-porath-8196ab12/]

Guest Bio: Dr. Ben-Porath has been teaching at Penn GSE since 2004. She is an associate member of the political science department and the philosophy department at Penn. She also currently serves as the faculty director of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Paideia Program [https://snfpaideia.upenn.edu/]. She served as a special assistant to the university president, and as chair of the faculty advisory board to Penn Press, and as executive committee member of the Andrea Mitchell Center for the Study of Democracy. In 2010 she was a fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies at Princeton, in 2012–2013 she was affiliated with the Safra Center for Ethics at Tel Aviv University, and in 2020–2021 she was a fellow in residence at the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard.


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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].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #315: Higher Ed, Free Speech, and the Future of Democracy

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, we we are joined by Marcus Zacarias (UC Berkeley) to solve the puzzle of low attendance and low energy. The secret? It doesn’t require a massive budget or hours of planning. We dive deep into the art of micro-programming and intentional conversations. Discover how RAs and student staff members can maintain community momentum even...... Continue Reading → [https://blog.roompact.com/2026/01/rachat-ep-165-beyond-the-bulletin-board-meaningful-engagement-in-the-mid-semester-slump/#more-36673]

RA*Chat Ep 165: Beyond the Bulletin Board: Meaningful Engagement in the Mid-Semester Slump

In this week’s episode, Dustin sits down with Brian Hartnack [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianhartnack], Founder and CEO of Archer Education [https://www.archeredu.com/], for a rich conversation about the evolution of digital marketing and enrollment management in higher ed. Brian shares the origin story behind Archer, his thoughts on the shifting landscape of online education, and what institutions should really be doing right now to stay competitive in an AI-powered world. This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a roadmap for modern marketing leaders in higher education.

Guest Name: Brian Hartnack, Founder & CEO, Archer Education

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

Guest Bio: Brian Hartnack is the CEO and co-founder of Archer Education, a leader in higher education marketing and enrollment growth. With more than 20 years of experience in online education, Brian has spent his career helping institutions navigate the evolving demands of online and adult education. He is passionate about developing practical, innovative solutions that expand access, improve enrollment outcomes, and support long-term institutional capacity. Brian believes that thoughtfully designed online learning plays a critical role in making higher education more accessible, affordable, and engaging for today’s learners.


- - - -

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].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #314: Why Faculty Are Your Secret Marketing Weaponf

On this episode of ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague and guest Ben Williams as they talk about the needs of residential LGBTQIA+ students and the role of Residence Life Staff in supporting this population. While no student population is a monolith, especially when we are talking about marginalized students; LGBTQIA+ students have unique situations, supports, and joys that are crucial to consider and unpack, especially for live in staff. Join Ben and Noah as they explore these, share stories of their own experiences, and provide practical advice to Residence Life Staff.

ResEdChat Ep 164: Creating Communities of Belonging: Strategies for Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students

Most students aren’t dropping out because they’re disengaged—they’re falling behind because your tech isn’t meeting their needs. In this energizing episode, Dustin chats with Shana Holman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanaholman/], Head of Strategic Engagement and Alliances at Pathify [https://pathify.com/], about the results of Pathify’s 2025 Student Digital Experience Survey [https://pathify.com/lp/2025-student-digital-experience-survey/]. They unpack why digital friction is far more than an IT problem—it's a barrier to academic success, mental health, and student belonging.

From the mounting demand for unified platforms to the hidden equity issues plaguing your tech stack, this episode makes a compelling case for why the student experience must be reimagined—and what institutions can do today to make real progress.

Guest Name: Shana Holman, Head of Strategic Engagements & Alliances, Pathify

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

Guest Bio: As Pathify’s Head of Strategic Engagement and Alliances, Shana Holman partners with university leadership teams and Pathify’s customer advisory board to navigate the complex challenges facing higher education today.

With extensive experience in both higher education and EdTech partnerships, she brings practical insights on how universities can leverage integrated technology solutions to create more connected campus experiences while maximizing their existing technology investments.

Shana lives in Denver, Colorado and enjoys the Colorado mountains with her family and 2 yellow labradors. She is also a parent to two students navigating higher education.


- - - -

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].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #313: Why Your Institution Needs to Elevate Its Digital Student Experience

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Graduate Residence Hall Coordinator Mckenzie Howard at Eastern Kentucky University will share what's proven to be best practices to provide ongoing care, taking the time to debrief, and creating a culture that prioritizes well-being after critical incidents for student staff. Howard developed a "Comprehensive Care Plan" that she and other co-workers have used throughout the academic year to maintain the standard of care that has been set for her department. Let's discuss!

ResEdChat Ep 163: Supporting Student Staff Well-Being with McKenzie Howard

What do Montenegro, Gen Z protests, and open educational resources have in common? According to Julia Sherwin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasherwin/], everything. In this episode, Dustin Ramsdell sits down with Julia—Executive Director of the Global Education Initiative [https://globalpost.com/education/] at Global Post Media [https://globalpost.com]—to explore why global literacy isn’t just a “nice to have” anymore. They unpack how free access to high-quality international journalism can transform classrooms, inspire student activism, and better prepare learners for a truly interconnected world.

This conversation is a must-listen for faculty who want to level up their teaching, institutions looking to champion open resources, and anyone passionate about empowering the next generation of globally competent citizens.

Guest Name: Julia Sherwin, Executive Director of the Global Education Initiative, GlobalPost Media

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

Guest Bio: Julia Sherwin is a communications professional and storyteller at heart, with experience across journalism, public relations and higher education. She is a former Philadelphia-area radio host, where she developed two highly engaging interview-style shows that each ran for five years. Julia was also an adjunct instructor in Temple University's Department of Journalism. Today, she is a PR consultant and the executive director of GlobalPost's Global Education Initiative. She loves connecting with like-minded professionals, students and educators, so please feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasherwin/].


- - - -

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].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #312: Empowering Students to Understand and Influence the World

In this episode of Roompact’s ResEdChat, Crystal is joined by her mentee, Leya Deickman, Associate Director of Residence Life at William & Mary, for an honest conversation about mentorship in housing and residence life. Together, they reflect on timing, expectations, boundaries, and accountability, encouraging listeners to think about how mentorship might support their own growth and leadership.

ResEdChat Ep 162: What Mentorship Can Look Like in Housing with Leya Deickman

In this premiere episode of the 2026 season, Dustin welcomes back Taran Lent [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taranlent/], now CTO of the soon to be rebranded Illumia [https://www.transactcampus.com/company/news-and-press/2025/12/03/transact---cbord-names-greg-brown-as-ceo--announces-rebrand-to-illumia] (formerly Transact + CBORD [https://www.transactcampus.com/transact-and-cbord]), for a candid conversation about the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in higher ed. They dig into the rationale behind the rebrand, the creation of the Higher Ed Innovation Index [https://www.transactcampus.com/resources/research/innovation-index] report, and how institutions can sustainably modernize their operations while staying student-centric.

From embracing AI to fostering digital upskilling, Taran offers grounded advice from the frontlines of transformation—advice shaped by both internal change and direct collaboration with campuses nationwide.

Listen to Taran’s previous episode on the podcast here [https://www.enrollify.org/episodes/bonus-the-future-of-edtech-biometrics-ai-and-the-cloud]!

Guest Name: Taran Lent - CTO at Transact + CBORD

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

Guest Bio: Taran Lent has been building and operating payment technology companies his entire professional career. He is an accomplished entrepreneurial leader with experience in start-up, growth and public organizations. His specialty is forming and motivating high-performance teams to focus and execute on major new product ideas. Taran currently serves as CTO at Transact + CBORD.


- - - -

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].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #311: How Institutions Can Actually Win at Digital Transformation

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.

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

Dustin Ramsdell's Show

Roompact's ResEdChat is a variety show of presentations, interviews, and webinars on issues of importance to college and university residence life professionals. Learn about new trends in the field of residential education, innovations in student housing, and hear from some of the experts in our field. Join the conversation at #ResEdChat.

Dustin Ramsdell

Shows