In this bonus episode recorded live at the eduWeb Summit [https://www.eduwebsummit.com/] in Orlando, Dustin speaks with Dan Desrochers [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielrdesrochers/] of Amherst College [https://www.amherst.edu/] about what it means to serve as an embedded communications leader within student affairs and why context, process, and strong relationships are essential to effective higher education marketing. They discuss the value of building thoughtful communication strategies, leveraging AI to enhance workflows without sacrificing creativity, and resisting the urge to chase every new trend—whether it's social media platforms or emerging technologies.

Guest Name: Dan Desrochers - Director of Communications in Student Affairs at Amherst College

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

Guest Bio: As the inaugural Director of Communications in Student Affairs at Amherst College, Dan Desrochers helps students navigate the Amherst experience and learn about all the college has to offer while helping the excellent staff and faculty do their best work each day.

To accomplish these goals, he guides the development of a strategic communications plan within Student Affairs, implementing centralized communications for more cohesive messaging, integrating more robust data collection for improved analytics and developing the Student Affairs brand.


- - - -

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 at eduWeb 2026 with Dan Desrochers

This week, Dustin chats with Dr. Dave Duke [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdaveduke/], Chief Product Officer at McGraw Hill [https://www.mheducation.com/], about how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and academic integrity in higher education. He highlights some new product developments for their learning tools [https://www.mheducation.com/about-us/news-insights/press-releases/mcgraw-hill-introduces-new-ai-capabilities-in-its-connect-digital-course-solution-for-higher-education.html] as well as the recently released Sharpen Advantage [https://www.mheducation.com/about-us/news-insights/press-releases/mcgraw-hill-launches-sharpen-advantage-enterprise-solution-for-higher-ed.html]. 

Drawing on his background in psychology and product design, Dave explores how students make rational decisions about AI use, why traditional views of academic integrity are becoming more nuanced, and how institutions can better support students in developing meaningful AI proficiency [https://www.mheducation.com/about-us/news-insights/blog/higher-education-has-an-ai-proficiency-dilemma.html] for the workforce.

Guest Name: Dr. Dave Duke, Chief Product Officer, McGraw Hill

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

Guest Bio: Dave Duke, Psy.D. is the Chief Product Officer of McGraw Hill Higher Education, where he leads AI strategy, platform and content development, and product innovation. Originally trained as a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Duke has deep expertise in learning science and has spent his entire career working at the intersection of learning and technology. Previously he served as the Chief Product Officer at ACI Learning, a global IT and cybersecurity training company supporting companies like Apple, Netflix, Boeing, GE, and Volkswagen, as well as government agencies like NASA, FDIC, and all branches of the U.S. military.

 


- - - -

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 #339: Creating Trustworthy AI-Powered Learning Environments

This week we’re pleased to speak with Dr. Cristi Ford [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristi-ford/], Chief Learning Officer at D2L [https://www.d2l.com/], about the evolving role of learning management systems in an AI-driven world. They explore how the LMS has grown from a simple repository for content into a broader learning ecosystem, and why institutions must rethink not just the technology they use, but how learning is designed, assessed, and supported.

Guest Name: Dr. Cristi Ford - Chief Learning Officer at D2L

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristi-ford/]

Guest Bio: Dr. Cristi Ford is the Chief Learning Officer for D2L. She is an education leader and learning technology strategist with 20+ years of experience advancing high-quality, equitable digital learning across higher education and secondary education. Her work sits at the intersection of pedagogy, technology innovation, and institutional change—supporting organizations as they adopt AI-enabled approaches to teaching, learning, and assessment with clarity, integrity, and measurable impact. She has built and supported digital education initiatives across the U.S., Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region (including Singapore, the Philippines, and Australia), specializing in faculty development, instructional design, and advancing digital learning strategies.

Recognized as an ASU+GSV Leading Woman in AI (2025), a 2022 OLC Fellow, and a recipient of the 2024 Mildred B. & Charles A. Wedemeyer Award for Outstanding Practitioner in Distance Education, Cristi is known for translating complex learning and technology challenges into actionable institutional practice. Her research focus includes guiding and supporting efficacy-based studies that evaluate learning interventions—including emerging technology-enabled and AI-supported practices—and their impact on learner outcomes. She hosts the Teach and Learn podcast and earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri–Columbia.


- - - -

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 #338: Rethinking Learning Ecosystems for an AI-Driven World

This week, we spoke with Joe Abraham [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bosifounder/] of Intellicampus [https://intellicampus.com/] about the growing challenge of system fragmentation in higher education and why institutions must rethink their digital infrastructure in the age of AI. Joe recently contributed to articles on this topic in both Inside Higher Ed [https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/artificial-intelligence/2026/01/05/5-predictions-how-ai-will-shape-higher-ed] and Innovatus [https://innovatusmagazine.com/presidents-its-time-to-take-change-back/].

They explore how disconnected systems, expanding SaaS ecosystems, and siloed data create operational inefficiencies, security risks, and friction in the student experience—while also limiting AI’s potential to deliver meaningful value.

The conversation also highlights the need for unified data strategies, stronger institutional alignment, and clearer AI governance as colleges and universities navigate rapid technological change. Ultimately, it’s a call for higher ed leaders to move proactively—building intentional, student-centered AI strategies that reduce complexity, improve interoperability, and create more seamless experiences for students and staff alike.

Guest Name: Joe Abraham - Co-founder & CEO at Intellicampus

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

Guest Bio: Joe Abraham is a higher education leader and entrepreneur who most recently served as Managing Partner at Beyond Academics, an award-winning higher education consulting firm. Today, Joe serves as CEO of Intellicampus—an intelligent operating layer that ends data fragmentation in higher education by unifying systems without ripping and replacing to deliver insight that triggers workflows and creates stronger experiences, simpler operations, and measurable outcomes.

He is the author of the critically acclaimed book Entrepreneurial DNA (McGraw-Hill, 2011), named by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top business books to read in 2014 and used in business school curriculum around the world. Joe has been featured twice on the TEDx stage and has appeared on Fox News, CNN, network television, and in The Wall Street Journal as a subject matter expert in entrepreneurship and technology.


- - - -

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 #337: Building an AI-Ready Campus Infrastructure

e welcome Drew Lurker [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewlurker/] to the podcast this week from CollegeSource [https://collegesource.com/]. We discuss the evolving landscape of transfer credit evaluation, articulation agreements, and degree attainment in higher education. They explore how institutions are using technology, shared data systems, and statewide transfer initiatives to create more transparent, consistent, and student-centered pathways—while also reducing administrative burden and improving operational efficiency.

The conversation also examines the growing role of AI in transcript evaluation and transfer processes, highlighting both the opportunities and the risks of accelerating decision-making without losing critical human judgment and context. Ultimately, it’s a discussion about designing systems that don’t just move faster, but better support student progress, trust, and long-term success.

Guest Name: Drew Lurker - Client Strategy Executive at CollegeSource

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

Guest Bio: With 15+ years in higher education, Drew Lurker brings a wealth of experience to his role as Client Strategy Executive at CollegeSource Inc. He is skilled in student information systems, degree audit and planning (uAchieve), transfer articulation (TES), and data analysis. Prior to his current role, Drew served as Assistant Vice President for Student Records and College Wide Registrar at Ivy Tech Community College. In this role, he spearheaded initiatives to improve degree audit, transfer articulation, and skills-based hiring. This included leading the implementation of  Equivalency Manager within TES, resulting in over 31,000 established equivalencies. Drew also guided efforts to utilize degree audit data to increase credential awards; Ivy Tech awarded over 34,000 credentials this past academic year, an increase of 19,000 credentials per year in 8 years. He also played a key role in implementing Ivy Tech's Learning and Employment Record (LER) and micro-credentials to increase students' ability to engage in skills-based hiring.


- - - -

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 #336: Building Smarter Transfer Pathways for Today’s College Students

We’re pleased to share this bonus episode with Alex Russo [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrusso/] recorded on site at the recent Engage Summit [https://engage.element451.com/] in Charlotte. He details the digital transformation journey his institution has been on evolving from hard copy processes to more modern, automated outreach for current and prospective students.

Many thanks to Element451 [https://element451.com/] for convening this great event and supporting the Enrollify [https://www.enrollify.org/] Podcast Zone!

Guest Name: Alex Russo - Director of Enrollment & Recruitment Strategy at Cape Cod Community College

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

Guest Bio: Alex Russo is the Director of Enrollment & Recruitment Strategy at Cape Cod Community College, where he leads the institution's strategic enrollment planning, recruitment technology, and communication strategy. With nearly 13 years at the college, Alex serves as the primary administrator for the Element451 CRM — architecting automation workflows, multi-channel communication flows, and AI-powered agent experiences that guide students from first inquiry through enrollment.

Alex holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Bridgewater State University and a B.A. in Communication, Business Administration & Psychology from Bryant University. As a first-generation college student, he is passionate about leveraging enrollment technology to remove barriers, personalize the student experience, and drive equity and access for all 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 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 at Engage Summit 2026 with Alex Russo

We’re pleased to share this bonus episode with Drs. Ashlyn Wilson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlynpwilson/] and KJ Askew [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kenyon-askew-jr-921bb7205/] recorded on site at the recent Engage Summit [https://engage.element451.com/] in Charlotte. 

Many thanks to Element451 [https://element451.com/] for convening this great event and supporting the Enrollify [https://www.enrollify.org/] Podcast Zone!

Guest Names:
Dr. Ashlyn Wilson - Assoc. VP of Advising & Onboarding at Nash Community College
Dr. KJ Askew - Director of Marketing & Strategic Engagement at Nash Community College

Guest Socials:
Ashlyn on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlynpwilson/] 
KJ on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kenyon-askew-jr-921bb7205/]


- - - -

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 at Engage Summit 2026 with Drs. Ashlyn Wilson & KJ Askew

We’re pleased to share this bonus episode with Sara Custer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-custer-44534427/] recorded on site at the recent Engage Summit [https://engage.element451.com/] in Charlotte. She shares her journey to becoming the Editor in Chief at Inside Higher Ed [https://www.insidehighered.com/] and what trendlines are grabbing her attention right now from her unique perspective.

Many thanks to Element451 [https://element451.com/] for convening this great event and supporting the Enrollify [https://www.enrollify.org/] Podcast Zone!

Guest Name: Sara Custer - Editor in Chief at Inside Higher Ed

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-custer-44534427/]

Guest Bio: Sara Custer is editor in chief at Inside Higher Ed where she leads the newsroom and hosts The Key podcast. Inside Higher Ed is the leading source of news and analysis for the U.S. higher education sector read by 94 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. Sara has covered higher education across the globe from Mexico to Zimbabwe to Vietnam and has developed a deep expertise in global higher education. Before joining Inside Higher Ed, she held several positions at Times Higher Education in London including digital editor and founding editor of THE Campus. She started her career reporting on international education at The PIE News.

 


- - - -

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 at Engage Summit 2026 with Sara Custer

This week we spoke with Jason Czyz [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-czyz-476a409/], President and CEO of the Institute of International Education [https://www.iie.org/] (IIE), about the evolving landscape of global education and international student mobility. They explore how scholarship programs, study abroad experiences, and academic exchange initiatives continue to play a critical role in building cross-cultural understanding, workforce readiness, and global collaboration.

The conversation also examines current enrollment and mobility trends, including shifts in international student enrollment in the U.S. and growing demand for experiential learning opportunities like internships abroad. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that international education is not just about travel—it’s about developing globally minded leaders, strengthening local and national economies, and preparing students to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.


- - - -

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 #335: The Case for Global Learning in a Changing World

In this episode, we talk with Sean Gannon [https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanpgannon/] of GTMppl [http://www.gtmppl.com] about how go-to-market strategy in edtech is evolving in response to AI, changing buyer behavior, and tighter institutional budgets. They explore how traditional sales-led approaches are giving way to more data-driven, marketing-informed strategies—where being visible early in the buying journey is critical, and strong CRM, content, and intent data can determine whether a company even makes the shortlist.

The conversation also examines broader market dynamics, including increased scrutiny from institutions, the need for clear ROI, and the shifting role of funding models like patient capital. Ultimately, it’s a call for both edtech companies and institutional leaders to move more thoughtfully—balancing innovation with evidence, and speed with strategy—as they navigate a rapidly changing landscape.

Guest Name: Sean Gannon - Founder & GTM Consultant at GTMppl

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

Guest Bio: Sean Gannon is a Sales and Revenue Operations Executive with extensive experience developing and managing sales teams towards exceeding their goals. He has 20+ years of experience helping EdTech SaaS software companies hit revenue goals, grow/scale their teams, build solid processes, and brand recognition.


- - - -

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 #334: Why EdTech Growth Requires a New Playbook

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