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

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit [https://www.eduwebsummit.com/], Dustin sits down with Sean Fitzpatrick [https://www.linkedin.com/in/seantfitzpatrick/], CMO at Overit [https://overit.com/] and former higher ed marketing leader, to unpack how AI is transforming the SEO landscape. From structured data to conversational content and zero-click search, Sean explains how institutions can stay visible and relevant in an AI-first web. The takeaway? It’s not about fighting the change—it’s about riding the wave with intention.

Guest Name: Sean Fitzpatrick - Chief Marketing Officer at Overit

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

Guest Bio: Sean Fitzpatrick currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at Overit. He provides strategy and marketing program management for a range of clients at the agency. As an experienced marketing director and strategist, Sean’s strengths are his creativity, drive and leadership. He thrives on finding clarity within complexity and meeting ambitious business goals.


- - - -

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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Live at eduWeb: Can AI SEO Give Small Schools a Big Advantage?

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit [https://www.eduwebsummit.com/], Dustin chats with Destinee Mack [https://www.linkedin.com/in/destineemack] from Workzone [https://www.workzone.com] about how project management is evolving to meet the unique demands of higher ed. From managing competing priorities to streamlining collaboration between teams and agencies, Destinee shares how WorkZone is helping colleges and universities work smarter—not harder—without needing a full-time project manager on staff.

Guest Name: Destinee Mack - VP of Customer Success at Workzone

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

Guest Bio: Destinee Mack is an experienced customer experience and success executive with an extensive track record of customer value attainment and expansion. A passionate leader, wife, mother, mentor and friend, she believes that a detailed understanding along the customer journey is the key to developing a strategy that allows both customers and businesses to achieve their desired outcomes.


- - - -

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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Live at eduWeb: Enabling Project Management for Higher Ed Without the Headache

In this final episode recorded live from Transact 360 [https://www.transactcampus.com/company/transact-360], Dustin chats with Derek Bierman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-bierman/], CIO at Doane University, for a candid, future-focused, and wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to lead digital transformation on campus. From AI overload to cloud sticker shock to the very real challenge of prioritizing hundreds of tech contracts, Derek offers a rare look behind the scenes of modern campus IT leadership.

This is the episode for anyone who’s ever tried to balance innovation with budget constraints—or wondered how CIOs are juggling AI, cybersecurity, and the relentless pressure to do more with less.

Guest Name: Derek Bierman, Chief Information Officer at Doane University

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-bierman/]

Guest Bio: Derek Bierman is a strategic technology leader and Chief Information Officer at Doane University, where he drives digital transformation to enhance student success, service excellence, and institutional efficiency. With a passion for innovation in higher education, he has led key initiatives, including an award-winning service center, a multi-institutional shared services consortium, and a Salesforce-powered student success platform recognized as a model for higher education. Under his leadership, Doane has modernized operations through enterprise service management, cloud transformation, and cybersecurity advancements, ensuring a future-ready institution. A frequent speaker on innovation, analytics, and digital transformation, Derek is particularly curious about the evolving role of AI in higher education and its potential to revolutionize learning, operations, and student success. He remains dedicated to bridging technology and strategy to create lasting impact in the field.


- - - -

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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Episode #288: A CIO’s Guide to Surviving (and Thriving) in EdTech

In this inspiring conversation, Dustin welcomes Dr. Siva Kumari [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sivakumari/], CEO of College Possible [https://collegepossible.org/], to unpack how her team is rewriting the narrative for first-gen and low-income students. From helping students find their best-fit college to coaching them all the way to graduation (and beyond), College Possible proves that persistent, personalized support can change lives. Tune in to hear how they're blending human connection with AI innovation—and what higher ed leaders need to know to better serve today’s learners.

Guest Name: Dr. Siva Kumari, CEO, College Possible

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

Guest Bio: Dr. Siva Kumari started as CEO of College Possible in May of 2023. College Possible is among the largest college access and success organizations in the U.S. It has grown from a single regional office in St. Paul, MN to eight regional sites nationwide, and a growing suite of programs designed to enable students from low-income families — and those who serve them — at every stage of the college journey.

Prior to that, she has consulted with global educational projects that focus on equity and high academic standards. She also mentors C-level leaders worldwide. Siva has served and continues to serve on a wide range of local, national and international professional advisory boards and committees.


- - - -

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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Episode #287 - What Higher Ed Can Learn from College Possible’s 25 Years of Impact

In this final episode recorded live from the Engage 2025 Summit [https://engage.element451.com/], Dustin spoke with Tanya Weigold and Kathryn Harris from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education [https://www.che.sc.gov/]. They shared how their small team is using Element451 and AI agents to scale support for thousands of South Carolina students. From transforming an admissions platform into a scholarship gateway to increasing FAFSA completion rates, their story is proof that curiosity, collaboration, and courage go a long way in driving digital transformation.

Guest Names: 
Kathryn Harris, Program Manager, Scholarships and Grants at South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
Tanya Weigold, Program Coordinator, Scholarships and Grants at South Carolina Commission on Higher Education

Guest Socials: 
Kathryn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-harris-832692a1/]
Tanya [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-weigold-m-b-a-85299317/] 

Guest Bios: 
Kathryn Harris is a seasoned program and operations manager with over 15 years of experience in higher education and state government. As Scholarship & Grants Program Manager at the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, she oversees the administration of more than $160 million in state-funded aid, leads cross-agency initiatives, and supports legislative reporting and policy implementation. Katie is committed to streamlining processes, improving student access, and using data to drive meaningful change in education. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and is currently pursuing the Certified Public Manager credential through the State of South Carolina.

Tanya Weigold is a Program Coordinator at the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE), where she oversees several key state financial aid programs, including the Lottery Tuition Assistance Program, DAYCO Scholarship, Scholarship Enhancement Program, and the Scholarship Appeals process. With over seven years at CHE and a background in TRIO and campus life, Tanya brings a student-centered approach to her work. She also manages the knowledge base for the agency’s CRM system, ensuring consistent, up-to-date information is shared across platforms. Tanya holds an MBA in Leadership from Adams State University and is passionate about using technology to modernize processes, improve communication, and increase retention among South Carolina’s college students.


- - - -

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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Live at Engage Summit 2025: Exploring South Carolina’s Bold Digital Shift for Scaling Scholarship Access

In this bonus episode recorded live from the Engage 2025 Summit [https://engage.element451.com/], Dustin chats with Dan Roberts [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielrobertsjr/], Special Projects Manager at San Diego Miramar College. Dan has one job: lead the implementation of Element451 across campus. With decades of experience in marketing and student engagement, Dan breaks down what it really takes to lead a CRM transformation: cross-campus buy-in, empathy for overworked staff, and relentless communication. This episode is a masterclass in change management, culture work, and why now is the moment for higher ed to rethink how it communicates with students.

Guest Name: Dan Roberts, Special Projects Manager, San Diego Miramar College

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

Guest Bio: Dan Roberts boasts over two decades of experience with a remarkable skill set that includes strong relationship-building, open communication, and impeccable time management. His past work experience across multiple industries highlights his dedication to consulting and business growth. Dan excels in streamlining sales processes, aligning organizational goals with daily operations, implementing business process outsourcing, project management, and crafting effective marketing strategies, including social media and content marketing. 


- - - -

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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Live at Engage Summit 2025: Driving Higher Ed Transformation with Urgency and Empathy

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