In this bonus episode recorded live at the Collegis Education [https://collegiseducation.com/] DisruptED summit in Phoenix, we spoke with Nathan Grawe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-grawe-3054a538/] from Carleton College about the realities behind higher education’s enrollment decline and the looming demographic “cliff.” They explore how shifting birth rates and declining enrollment trends are creating real challenges—especially for tuition-dependent institutions—while also highlighting how retention, student experience, and institutional strategy play a critical role in long-term sustainability. 

The conversation emphasizes that there’s no single solution, but institutions that listen to students, adapt their culture, and stay aligned with their mission are better positioned to navigate change. Ultimately, it’s a call for leaders to approach this moment with urgency, empathy, and a renewed focus on serving students effectively.

Guest Name: Nathan Grawe - Professor of Economics at Carleton College

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-grawe-3054a538/]

Guest Bio: Nathan Grawe is a labor economist whose work studies connections between family background and education acquisition.  In addition to serving on Carleton's faculty since 1999, Nathan served as Associate Dean of the College from 2009 to 2012.  His recent book, Demographics and the Demand for Higher Education (Johns Hopkins University Press) explores the coming effects of recent demographic changes, adjusting headcount data for the probability of attending institutions of various types.


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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.

Live from DisruptED with Nathan Grawe

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Aaron Lucier, Interim Director of Housing & Residential Life at the University of South Carolina Upstate. Aaron reflects on what mattered most, how the field has evolved, and the lessons learned along the way. From leadership and identity to the moments that sustained them, this...... Continue Reading → [https://blog.roompact.com/2026/04/resedchat-ep-176-reflections-on-a-career-in-housing-what-matters-what-changed-and-whats-next/#more-37507]

ResEdChat Ep 176: Reflections on a Career in Housing – What Matters, What Changed, and What’s Next

In this bonus episode recorded live at the Collegis Education [https://collegiseducation.com/] DisruptED summit in Phoenix, we spoke with Michael Koskinen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkoskinen/] from St. John’s University about the evolving strategy behind online education and institutional growth. They discuss the challenges of expanding online programs in a competitive market, including shifting away from traditional OPM models toward more flexible, fee-for-service partnerships that allow institutions to stay agile. 

The conversation highlights the need for higher ed leaders to rethink long-standing structures—like the four-year model and classroom-based learning—while staying grounded in their mission and focused on student needs. Ultimately, it’s a call for institutions to move faster, embrace experimentation, and adapt to changing expectations around flexibility, technology, and the value of a degree.

Guest Name: Dr. Michael Koskinen - Chief Online Learning Officer at St. John’s University

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

Guest Bio: Dr. Michael Koskinen is an educator with over 20 years of experience adapting traditional collegiate course material into cutting-edge electronic teaching tools for delivery in traditional, hybrid, and online settings. He has demonstrated success managing multi-million-dollar technology budgets, high-profile software deployments, and staff development.


- - - -

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.

Live from DisruptED with Michael Koskinen

In this kickoff episode recorded live at the Collegis Education [https://collegiseducation.com/] DisruptED summit in Phoenix, we spoke with Dan Antonson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danantonson/] and Jeff Certain [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcertain/] from the Collegis team about the growing need for better data integration in higher education. They introduce “Connected Core,” a data platform designed to unify siloed systems and create a more complete, actionable view of the student journey. 

The conversation explores how tools like the “student digital twin” and AI-powered workflows can transform everything from recruitment to student success by enabling more personalized, efficient, and data-informed experiences. Ultimately, it’s a call for institutions to treat data as a strategic asset—investing in governance, integration, and long-term strategy to meet rising student expectations and stay competitive.

Guest Names: 
Dan Antonson - Associate VP of Analytics & Tech. Solutions at Collegis Education
Jeff Certain - Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Solutions at Collegis Education

Guest Socials: 
Dan on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danantonson/] 
Jeff on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcertain/]

Guest Bios: 
Dan Antonson proudly helps higher education institutions leverage marketing technology to grow enrollment. Dan is an expert in higher education data and the technology systems that create and drive insight — and his role at Collegis allows him to connect and activate data. Dan has more than 15 years of experience in digital analytics, marketing attribution and measurement, and he has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. In addition, he holds several Google and Ensighten certifications and is a guest lecturer for the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Jeff Certain leads marketing strategy and solution architecture at Collegis, helping colleges and universities translate institutional ambition into measurable growth across the student lifecycle. In his role as Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Solutions, Jeff oversees cross-functional teams responsible for B2B marketing, sales enablement, partnership solution design, and data-informed program research. Prior to Collegis, Jeff held multiple marketing leadership roles at Rasmussen University, where he led regional marketing strategy and enterprise digital advertising initiatives across paid search, display, affiliate marketing, and emerging digital channels. Jeff holds an MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Indiana University Bloomington.


 


- - - -

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 #325 - Live from DisruptED with Dan Antonson and Jeff Certain

In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we spoke with several attendees to get their immediate reflections and experiences from the event as it happened. They shared a variety of interesting perspectives on the work being done right now at institutions as they navigate ongoing digital transformation journeys. 

Many thanks to everyone who spoke with us: 

 * Toneal Alford, Alcatraz [https://www.alcatraz.ai]
 * Thomas Butler, TransferMate [https://www.transfermate.com/]
 * Jenn Pontes, Western University
 * Harlan Howard, University of Vermont
 * Isaidys Davis, Genea [https://www.getgenea.com/]
 * Ernest Burton, Morgan State University
 * Emily Oliver, Illumia [https://illumiatech.com/]
 * Dan Mele, MyVenue [https://myvenue.com/]


- - - -

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.

Live from the Show Floor at Illumia Momentum

In this final bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia [https://illumiatech.com/] Momentum conference, we talked with Jennifer Chellew [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-chellew/] from Illumia about their rebrand, how they managed the transition, and the detailed process that went into to everything from choosing a name, choosing colors, to building consensus in a large community of stakeholders.

Guest Name: Jennifer Chellew - SVP of Marketing at Illumia

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-chellew/]

Guest Bio: Jennifer Chellew is SVP of Marketing at Illumia, where she leads brand, demand generation, analytics, and marketing operations for a high-growth B2B SaaS company. With more than 25 years of experience across healthcare technology, financial services, and B2B SaaS, Jennifer is known for building marketing organizations that drive pipeline growth and earn executive buy-in through a data centered and operationally sound approach. Her career includes senior marketing leadership roles at Sallie Mae and JP Morgan Chase. Jennifer holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Delaware and is an active community leader in the Delaware area.


- - - -

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.

Live from Illumia Momentum with Jennifer Chellew

In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia [https://illumiatech.com/] Momentum conference, we chatted with Jeff Koziol [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-koziol/] from Allegion [https://www.allegion.com/] about the digital evolutions necessary for institutions to better manage campus security as well as align with current student preferences.

Guest Name: Jeff Koziol, Business Development Manager, Allegion

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-koziol/]

Guest Bio: Jeff Koziol works for Allegion as the Vertical Market Leader & Business Development Manager for Higher Education.  He has worked with Allegion (Ingersoll Rand) for 33 years in three different separate businesses with various assignments in Project Management, Product Management, Marketing, Sales, and Business Development.  

Jeff is a member of NACCU – the National Association of Campus Card Users – and is a CWNP Certified Wireless Sales Specialist.  He has a passion for working with Higher Education clients and partners to improve campus security while improving the student experience in this area.

He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from WPI in Worcester (MA) and an MBA from RPI in Troy (NY).  He resides in Westfield, Massachusetts with his family.


- - - -

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.

Live from Illumia Momentum with Jeff Koziol

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Host Paul sits down with one of our 2026 Roompact Fellows, Kaleigh Mrowka, to discuss student learning and curriculum, restorative practices, and encouraging campus dialogue. An interesting through-line develops which can give residence hall professionals multiple strategies and elements to incorporate in their work of making meaningful spaces for resident students. (Ledo's Pizza and a kitten also make an appearance.)

ResEdChat Ep 175: Flipped Residence Halls – Resident Learning, Restorative Practices, and Campus Dialogue

In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia [https://illumiatech.com/] Momentum conference, we spoke with Maydee Ehster [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehster-maydee-89700115/] from Florida State University about how her and her team have been navigating regulatory changes as well as continued challenges balancing security and convenience for students.

Guest Name: Maydee Ehster - Associate Director of Financial Systems at Florida State University

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehster-maydee-89700115/]

Guest Bio: Maydee Ehster is Associate Director of Financial Systems in the Controller’s Office at Florida State University. She leads a team that is responsible for administering and supporting enterprise financial systems, including Transact, Concur, Jaggaer, Transcepta, and PaymentWorks. Maydee’s responsibilities include oversight of systems integrations, compliance requirements, audit support, and process improvements.  She works closely with campus stakeholders and external vendors to support and enhance efficiencies across our systems.


- - - -

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.

Live from Illumia Momentum with Maydee Ehster

For this episode, Dustin speaks with Kristen McMullen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcmullen/] to explore how the “Designing Your Life” framework [https://designingyour.life/] is being embedded at the College of Charleston [https://charleston.edu/life-design-center/] to help students navigate uncertainty, make intentional decisions, and align their education with their goals and values. Kristen explains how the design thinking approach—centered on curiosity, experimentation, and action—empowers students to prototype career paths, build confidence, and reduce anxiety about the future.

Guest Name: Kristen McMullen, Executive Director of Student Success, the College of Charleston School of Business

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

Guest Bio: Kristen McMullen has dedicated nearly 20 years of her life to higher education, spearheading career service initiatives, creating programs that connect students with the resources they need to succeed, and bolstering various universities’ alumni relations at the likes of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn State University and Duke University. She has earned her masters in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology from the University of East London with the goal of extending Success Center services related to our students’ wellbeing. Kristen’s presidential leadership has elevated organizations including the Junior League, the Jaycees, Penn State’s Commission for Women, the Volunteer Center’s Community Volunteer in Action organization, and the Penn State Charleston Alumni Chapter. She also founded the Delaware Women’s Leadership Summit and the Volunteer Leadership Organization Council of Southwestern Connecticut.


- - - -

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 #324: Scaling Life Design for Every Student

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