We’re pleased to have Faton Sopa [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatonsopa] from Manaferra [https://www.manaferra.com/] back on the show this week (listen to his previous episode [https://www.higheredgeek.com/blog/podcast-episode-151-faton-sopa]!) to discuss the recent research his team produced that unpacks new details about student search behaviors. Faton shares why traditional SEO tactics are no longer cutting it—and what institutions must do instead to gain visibility, build trust, and drive enrollment. Spoiler: it's time to ditch the one-channel strategy and embrace an omnichannel mindset rooted in real student data.

Guest Name: Faton Sopa - Co-Founder and CEO at Manaferra

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

Guest Bio: Faton Sopa is the Co-Founder and CEO of Manaferra, a leading higher ed SEO agency helping universities and colleges grow enrollments. With 15+ years of experience in digital marketing, Faton has pioneered strategies that integrate data-driven insights with AI, Content and Analytics to deliver measurable results for universities and colleges in the US. Under his leadership, Manaferra has become a trusted partner for higher ed institutions looking to leverage SEO and Content to meet their enrollment goals. Passionate about transforming how institutions connect with prospective students in an increasingly competitive landscape, he frequently speaks on topics like AI, SEO, Analytics, and digital transformation in 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 #301: Why Visibility Doesn’t Equal Trust in Higher Ed Marketing

In this milestone 300th episode, Sophie Nguyen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophienguyenhighered/], Senior Policy Manager at New America [http://newamerica.org/], joins Dustin to unpack the newest findings from the new 2025 Varying Degrees [http://newamerica.org/education-policy/reports/varying-degrees-2025-americans-find-common-ground-in-higher-education/] report — a data-rich look at how Americans view the role, value, and future of higher education. From surprising bipartisan agreement to the communication failures of institutions, this episode reveals what colleges need to know and do to rebuild public trust and deliver on their promise.

This episode includes a sponsored question in partnership with Brian LeDuc [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfleduc], founder of Learning, Designed — a consulting practice and newsletter focused on helping higher ed institutions design more student-centered systems and strategies.

You can subscribe to the newsletter here [https://bit.ly/LD-HigherEdGeek].

Guest Name: Sophie Nguyen - Senior Policy Manager at New America

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

Guest Bio: Sophie Nguyen is a senior policy manager with the higher education team at New America. Her work focuses on college completion and public opinion in higher education. Nguyen leads Varying Degrees, New America’s annual survey that looks into how Americans perceive important higher education issues regarding value, funding, and accountability. Nguyen also manages the HigherEd Public Opinion Hub, an online repository of higher education surveys, and co-authors Public Insight, New America's monthly newsletter that provides analysis on survey findings. Her work on public opinion has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, Inside Higher Ed, Higher Ed Dive, and other news outlets.


- - - -

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 #300: Driving a New Path Forward for Higher Ed Messaging

We’re popping into your feed with a very special bonus episode to commemorate 300 weekly episodes of the podcast. Dustin shares some brief notes of gratitude and reflections on the journey, as well as thoughts on the future of the show. Thank you to all our listeners, guests, and of course many thanks to the wonderful teams at Enrollify and Element451 for their support of the show.


- - - -

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.

Celebrating 300 Episodes of The Higher Ed Geek Podcast!

Samyr Qureshi [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samyrq], Co-Founder and CEO of Knack [http://www.joinknack.com/], returns to the podcast to unpack how his team is reshaping peer tutoring into a powerful engine for student success and workforce readiness. With a tech-enabled, Uber-style platform, Knack empowers high-achieving students to tutor peers while building soft skills and resumes. Samyr and Dustin explore the evolution of tutoring in higher ed, the role of AI in academic support, and how innovative partnerships are driving equitable outcomes across the student lifecycle.

This episode includes a sponsored question in partnership with Brian LeDuc [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfleduc], founder of Learning, Designed — a consulting practice and newsletter focused on helping higher ed institutions design more student-centered systems and strategies.

You can subscribe to the newsletter here. [https://bit.ly/LD-HigherEdGeek]

Guest Name: Samyr Qureshi, Co-Founder and CEO, Knack

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

Guest Bio: Samyr Qureshi is the Founder & CEO of Knack, the leading peer-to-peer learning platform partnering with top campuses such as Georgia Tech, University of Florida, University of Utah, University of Connecticut, and dozens of others. Knack has raised $20M in venture capital, most recently closing their Series B, from investors like New Markets Venture Partners, Jeff Vinik (Tampa Bay Lightning NHL Team Owner), Precursor Ventures, ETS (creators of GRE), Chegg, ASU Enterprise Partners, and many other well-known education venture investors and corporations. Currently based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Samyr previously worked as an Account Executive in the Emerging Technology division at Gartner and also formerly served as an iOS Advisor at Apple.

Samyr was born in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and immigrated to the US with his mother and sister at the age of seven. Landing in Florida, he grew up in the Tampa Bay area, enrolled in and served as Student Body President at St. Petersburg College while in high school, and ultimately went on to University of Florida earning a Bachelor’s degree in Law & Criminology. Samyr has been named in Forbes 30 Under 30, honored as the Emerging Tech Leader of the Year by Tampa Bay Tech, has been featured in Tampa Bay Magazine’s Top 10 Under 40, Pi Kappa Phi’s Thirty under 30, and was also named in University of Florida’s 40 Gator Alumni Under 40 in 2021. When he’s not traveling, Samyr loves to play guitar, write music, and spend time outdoors.


- - - -

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 #299: Reimagining Tutoring as a Student Success and Career Development Tool

Dr. Maria Toyoda [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtoyoda/], newly appointed president of the WASC Senior College and University Commission [https://www.wscuc.org/] (WSCUC), joins Dustin for a refreshingly candid conversation about the current and future state of accreditation in higher ed. She shares how accreditors can be powerful partners for institutional change, why student success—not compliance—is the true north, and what’s actually happening behind all the policy noise. From clarifying federal guidance to preparing for AI disruption, this episode offers a masterclass in leading with mission, metrics, and momentum.

This episode includes a sponsored question in partnership with Brian LeDuc [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfleduc], founder of Learning, Designed — a consulting practice and newsletter focused on helping higher ed institutions design more student-centered systems and strategies.

You can subscribe to the newsletter here [https://bit.ly/LD-HigherEdGeek].

Guest Name: Dr. Maria Toyoda - President & CEO of WASC Senior College and University Commission

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

Guest Bio: Maria Toyoda is president & CEO of WASC Senior College and University Commission, one of the seven formerly regional accreditors of institutions recognized by the US Department of Education. Previously, she served as executive vice president and provost at Western New England University; dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Suffolk University; and professor of political science and associate dean at Villanova University. She was a research scholar and associate director at Stanford University’s Institute for International Studies and the Asia-Pacific Research Center. She received her AB from Stanford University and her PhD from Georgetown University. Maria has held numerous fellowships and visiting appointments in the United States and Japan.


- - - -

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 #298: How Accreditors Can Be Catalysts for Innovation in Higher Ed

What do you do when your institution no longer needs acres of land and buildings? You sell it and build a more agile, student-centered future. In this episode, Dustin chats with Dr. Beth Martin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-martin-a1a45b2/], President of Notre Dame de Namur University [https://www.ndnu.edu/] (NDNU), about the bold and forward-thinking decision to sell their historic campus [https://www.ndnu.edu/notre-dame-de-namur-university-announces-sale-agreement-of-nearly-100-acres-of-property-to-uc-investments-university-of-california/] and double down on serving adult learners. Beth shares what it takes to lead through transformation, why selling land can be a catalyst—not a collapse—and how other institutions might reimagine their own paths forward.

Guest Name: Dr. Beth Martin - President of Notre Dame de Namur University

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-martin-a1a45b2/]

Guest Bio: Beth Martin, Ph.D., is the 19th President of Notre Dame  de  Namur University, a role she has held since September 2021. A graduate of Brown University and Stanford University, Dr. Martin began her academic administrative career at NDNU as a faculty member and founding Dean of the School of Sciences, later serving in senior leadership roles at Holy Names University before returning to lead NDNU as its 19th President. Under her leadership, NDNU not only embraces mission-driven education rooted in the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur values, but has restructured its identity to focus on graduate and degree completion degree programs to ensure sustainable future growth.


- - - -

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 #297: Reinventing a 175-Year-Old Institution for the Digital Age

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

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.