The Higher Ed Geek Podcast
Education & Explainer
About
The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Episodes
- Live from ASU+GSV with Melissa Morgan
In a live recording from ASU+GSV, Melissa Morgan, Co-Founder of Coraltalk, discusses using spoken assessments like oral defenses to address challenges posed by AI-generated written work. The episode explores how this approach can help educ…
- Live from ASU+GSV with David Harris
In this episode, David Harris from ASU+GSV discusses new initiatives aimed at helping higher education leaders navigate rapid change, including AI disruption and student wellbeing challenges. The conversation highlights the launch of a Hig…
- Episode #328: Turning Operations into a Competitive Advantage
Dustin chats with Andy MacIsaac about how automation, content management, and smarter workflows are reshaping the student experience in higher education. They explore how reducing operational friction can build trust with students while al…
- Live from ASU+GSV with Geordie Hyland
This episode features a discussion with Geordie Hyland from the American College of Education, recorded live at the ASU+GSV summit. The conversation centers on developing a higher education model that prioritizes affordability, efficiency,…
- Live from ASU+GSV with Dave McCool
This episode features a discussion with Dave McCool of Muzzy Lane, focusing on how AI is reshaping education. The conversation explores the use of interactive simulations and role-play experiences to enhance real-world skill development an…
- Live from ASU+GSV with Joe Thibault
This episode features a discussion with Joseph Thibault of Cursive Technology about academic integrity in the age of AI. The conversation explores new approaches to assessment that focus on authentic authorship and individual student learn…
- Live from ASU+GSV with Sara Leoni
In this episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV summit, Sara Leoni of Ziplines Education discusses how higher education institutions can stay relevant in a rapidly changing skills landscape. She highlights the growing importance of non-credit…
- Episode #327: Building the Infrastructure Behind Transformative Global Experiences
This episode features Dustin and Brock Price of Terra Dotta discussing the evolving landscape of global education. The conversation focuses on building infrastructure to support study abroad and international student programs through smart…
- Live from DisruptED with Dan White
This episode features Dan White from NJIT discussing the evolution of online education. The conversation covers building effective digital programs and the importance of student success initiatives.
- Live from DisruptED with Marc Austin and Reamer Bushardt
This episode, recorded live at the Collegis Education DisruptED summit, discusses how higher education institutions and employers can partner to create workforce-aligned learning experiences. The conversation highlights how co-designed pro…
- Live from DisruptED with Phil Hill and Charlie Rose
This episode, recorded live at the Collegis Education DisruptED summit, features Phil Hill and Charlie Rose discussing the evolving higher education policy landscape. They examine how recent federal actions and legislation are impacting in…
- Episode #326: Understanding Today’s Graduate Student Decision Journey
This episode explores how prospective graduate students research and choose programs. The discussion covers the shift towards pragmatic decision-making, prioritizing return on investment, career outcomes, flexibility, and cost. It also hig…
- Live from DisruptED with Denise Aberle-Cannata
This episode features Denise Aberle-Cannata, Provost at the College of Western Idaho, discussing a student success model. The conversation covers mapping the student journey, redesigning processes, and the importance of culture and change…
- Live from DisruptED with Nathan Grawe
This episode, recorded live at the Collegis Education DisruptED summit, features Nathan Grawe from Carleton College discussing higher education enrollment decline and demographic shifts. The conversation covers challenges for institutions…
- Live from DisruptED with Michael Koskinen
This bonus episode features Michael Koskinen from St. John’s University, discussing the evolving strategy behind online education and institutional growth. The conversation addresses the challenges of expanding online programs in a competi…
- Episode #325: Live from DisruptED with Dan Antonson and Jeff Certain
This episode, recorded live at the Collegis Education DisruptED summit, features Dan Antonson and Jeff Certain from Collegis Education. They discuss the growing need for data integration in higher education and introduce "Connected Core,"…
- Live from the Show Floor at Illumia Momentum
This bonus episode of The Higher Ed Geek Podcast was recorded live at the Illumia Momentum conference. It features reflections from attendees on their experiences and insights regarding digital transformation journeys at their institutions.
- Live from Illumia Momentum with Jennifer Chellew
This episode features Jennifer Chellew from Illumia, who discusses the company's rebranding process. The conversation covers managing the transition, choosing a new name and colors, and building consensus among stakeholders. Jennifer Chell…
- Live from Illumia Momentum with Jeff Koziol
This episode features Jeff Koziol from Allegion discussing digital transformations for campus security and aligning with student preferences. The conversation was recorded live at the Illumia Momentum conference.
- Live from Illumia Momentum with Maydee Ehster
In this episode, Maydee Ehster from Florida State University discusses navigating regulatory changes and balancing security and convenience for students.
- Episode #324: Scaling Life Design for Every Student
Dustin speaks with Kristen McMullen about scaling life design for students. They discuss the "Designing Your Life" framework at the College of Charleston to help students navigate uncertainty and align education with their goals.
- Live from Illumia Momentum with Alison Cove
This episode of The Higher Ed Geek Podcast features Alison Cove, founder and CEO of USEFULL. The discussion, recorded live at the Illumia Momentum conference, centers on her work enabling tech-enabled sustainability efforts at institutions…
- Live from Illumia Momentum with Don Smith
This bonus episode features Don Smith from Illumia discussing modernizing campus payment systems and the adoption of digital wallets. The conversation highlights the cultural shift required for institutions and its benefits.
- Live from Illumia Momentum with Laura Newell-McLaughlin
This episode features Laura Newell-McLaughlin from Illumia discussing tuition payment alternatives. She covers sponsor payments and payment plans, and how higher education institutions can adapt to these changes.
- Live from Illumia Momentum with Chris Setcos
In this episode, Chris Setcos from Illumia discusses how institutions are managing complex digital infrastructure and tech stacks. He shares strategies for successfully integrating these technological ecosystems.
- Episode #323: AI Governance, Skills, and the Future of Learning
Dustin and Dr. Aviva Legatt from EdGenerative discuss how higher education can integrate AI into learning and strategy. The conversation covers the risks of unstructured AI use, the balance of AI skills with critical thinking, and the pres…
- Live from Illumia Momentum with Zach Tussing
In this episode, Zach Tussing from Ellucian discusses effective ERP integrations and how institutional IT leaders are approaching modernization and digital transformation.
- Live at SXSW EDU with GP LeBourdais
In this episode of The Higher Ed Geek Podcast, recorded live at SXSW EDU, Dustin chats with GP LeBourdais, Head of Learning at Edvisor.AI. They discuss how AI can help faculty and have positive impacts on achieving greater equity in the cl…
- Live at SXSW EDU with Ana Homayoun
This episode, recorded live at SXSW EDU, features Dustin speaking with Ana Homayoun. They discuss career exploration for young people and Homayoun's forthcoming book, "Getting In Is Not Enough: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades,…
- Live at SXSW EDU with Tanner Jackson
In this episode, Dustin interviews Tanner Jackson from ETS about AI integration in edtech. They also discuss the importance of transparency for edtech companies and the new Center for Responsible AI launched by ETS.
- Episode #322: Why Early Career Exploration Matters for Higher Ed
Dustin and Greg Smith discuss how Britebound helps young learners explore careers and higher education. They also talk about Britebound's rebrand and its impact on higher education.
- Live at SXSW EDU with Ashley Beckner
This episode, recorded live at SXSW EDU, features Dustin speaking with Ashley Beckner from Lemnis. They discuss Lemnis Cohort's funding model, its acquisition of InsideTrack, and the company's vision for the future.
- Live at SXSW EDU with Angelique Albert
Angelique Albert, CEO of Native Forward Scholars Fund, discusses her team's work, the holistic support provided to Native students, and how they are navigating the current landscape of higher education. Native Forward Scholars Fund is the…
- Live at SXSW EDU with Enyi Okebugwu
Enyi Okebugwu from Imaginable Futures discusses creating effective support structures for student parents in this episode recorded live at SXSW EDU. He explains why this work is becoming increasingly important for institutions.
- Live at SXSW EDU with Caroline Casagrande
This bonus episode of The Higher Ed Geek Podcast, recorded live at SXSW EDU, features Dustin and Caroline Casagrande from VectorEDU. They discuss the impacts of federal policymaking and public funding opportunities on higher education.
- Episode #321: The Importance of Fostering Global Citizenship for Today’s Learners
Dustin Ramsdell interviews Shaun Carver, Executive Director of the International House at UC Berkeley, about the importance of fostering global citizenship for students. They discuss creating opportunities for international students and th…
- Episode #320: Building Allied Health Talent at Scale Without Student Debt
This episode features a discussion with Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health, about addressing the healthcare workforce shortage. The conversation explores how Futuro Health helps adults earn debt-free credentials in allied health field…
- Episode #319: How to Use AI in Admissions Without Losing the Human Touch
This episode features a discussion with Ashish Fernando, Founder and CEO at EDMO, about the role of AI in higher education admissions. The conversation explores how AI can enhance efficiency and student experience, emphasizing that AI shou…
- Episode #318: The Future of Digital Learning Is Integrated
Dustin discusses the future of digital education with Andy Morgan, Chief Partnerships Officer at 2U. They explore how online learning, regulatory changes, and AI are reshaping higher education strategy.
- Episode #317: Redesigning Digital Infrastructure for Gen Alpha and Beyond
Dustin chats with Michelle Craig, Director of Marketing at AppsAnywhere, about how institutions can better support today’s digitally fluent, mobile-first students. They explore the critical need for flexibility in how students access learn…
- Episode #316: From Chaos to Clarity - AI’s Role in Higher Ed Operations
In this episode, Dustin speaks with Kelly Rogan, COO of Ellucian, about how AI and data can be used to improve higher education operations and student experiences. Kelly Rogan shares insights from her background on how institutions can mod…
- Episode #315: Higher Ed, Free Speech, and the Future of Democracy
In this episode, Dr. Sigal Ben-Porath discusses free speech and academic freedom in higher education. She also addresses government overreach in curricula and the democratic mission of colleges.
- Episode #314: Why Faculty Are Your Secret Marketing Weaponf
This episode features Dustin in conversation with Brian Hartnack, Founder and CEO of Archer Education. They discuss the evolution of digital marketing and enrollment management in higher education, including the shifting landscape of onlin…
- Episode #313: Why Your Institution Needs to Elevate Its Digital Student Experience
This episode features Dustin and Shana Holman discussing the necessity of improving the digital student experience in higher education. They explore how digital friction impacts student success, mental health, and belonging, and what insti…
- Episode #312: Empowering Students to Understand and Influence the World
This episode features Dustin Ramsdell and Julia Sherwin discussing empowering students to understand and influence the world. They explore the importance of global literacy, open educational resources, and international journalism in educa…
- Episode #311: How Institutions Can Actually Win at Digital Transformation
Dustin Ramsdell and Taran Lent discuss digital transformation in higher education. They cover the rebrand of Illumia (formerly Transact + CBORD), the Higher Ed Innovation Index report, and how institutions can modernize operations while re…
- Episode #310: How InsideTrack Is Expanding What Success Coaching Can Be
In this episode, Ruth Bauer, President at InsideTrack, discusses the organization's new Coaching Lab and its role in expanding access to coaching for various learners, including GED earners and returning adult learners. She reflects on her…
- Episode #309: Why Work-College Students Are Becoming Founders-in-Training
This episode of The Higher Ed Geek Podcast features Jeff Meade from Paul Quinn College, who discusses the college's program where every student is required to launch a business as a graduation requirement. The discussion covers how entrepr…
- Episode #308: Building the Future of Degree Management with Student-Centered Design
Sabih Bin Wasi, Founder and CEO of Stellic, joins Dustin Ramsdell to discuss building the future of degree management with student-centered design. They explore how Stellic, a platform used by over a million students, helps improve course…
- Episode #307: How to Empower Student Retention Efforts with AI
In this episode, Civitas Learning CEO Will Ballard explains how AI can empower student retention efforts. He discusses AI-powered tools for meeting prep, identifying at-risk students, and demonstrating the ROI of campus programs, as well a…