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PODCAST

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

Dustin Ramsdell

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.

education marketing

All Episodes

00:36:00

Episode #293: How Institutions Can Turn Parents into...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/08/20

Amy Swank, Executive Director of Parent and Family Programs 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 and AHEPPP, 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

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00:21:01

Episode #292: Redefining Tech Support for the Modern...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/08/13

Tech support isn’t sexy—but it might be the most important thing your institution isn’t thinking enough about. In this episode, Dustin welcomes Christopher Schmidt, Global Director for Client Support at Transact, to unpack why support systems are breaking under pressure and what higher ed needs to do about it. With deep experience in both the military and campus technology, Chris shares a grounded, urgent perspective on how institutions can scale smarter, retain institutional knowledge, and build

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00:27:43

Episode #291: Evolving from a Map to GPS - Building...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/08/06

What does it actually look like to run a truly digital-first institution? In this episode, Dustin sits down with Erika Orris, Senior Vice President of Operations at American Public University System, to unpack how her team supports a fully online student body. From personalized program pathways to AI-powered outreach, Erika shares the tools, systems, and philosophies that make American Public University a model for adult learner success. If your institution is serious about student-centric

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00:37:08

Episode #290: Creating Connection, Not Chaos, with...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/07/30

What makes a tech stack work for people, not just processes? In this energizing episode, Dustin chats with Sarah Kotlinski, 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

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00:11:05

Live at eduWeb: Why Getting Smart with Website...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/07/25

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit, Dustin sits down with Eric Butler from Modern Campus 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

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00:16:44

Live at eduWeb: Why Data Integration Is Higher Ed’s...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/07/24

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit, Dustin speaks with Thomas Steinman from Halda 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

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00:35:07

Episode #289: From Access to Impact - How Opportunity...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/07/23

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 President Dr. Mark Milliron 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

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00:16:58

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

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/07/22

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit, Dustin sits down with Sean Fitzpatrick, CMO at Overit 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

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00:17:14

Live at eduWeb: Enabling Project Management for...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/07/21

In this bonus episode recorded live from the eduWeb Summit, Dustin chats with Destinee Mack from Workzone 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 WorkzoneGuest Social:

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00:17:50

Episode #288: A CIO’s Guide to Surviving (and...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/07/16

In this final episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin chats with 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

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00:37:21

Episode #287 - What Higher Ed Can Learn from College...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/07/09

In this inspiring conversation, Dustin welcomes Dr. Siva Kumari, CEO of College Possible, 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

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00:19:19

Live at Engage Summit 2025: Exploring South...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/07/08

In this final episode recorded live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin spoke with Tanya Weigold and Kathryn Harris from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. 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

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00:21:58

Live at Engage Summit 2025: Driving Higher Ed...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/07/07

In this bonus episode recorded live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin chats with Dan Roberts, 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

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00:16:38

Live at Engage Summit 2025: How Digital...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/07/03

Live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin sits down with team members from DIS-Study Abroad to unpack how digital transformation is reshaping the student experience abroad. From streamlining pre-departure logistics to embracing CRMs and AI for internal efficiency, this conversation explores how DIS is thoughtfully building a more connected, student-first journey. Plus, the team opens up about their own AI learning curves and what inspires them most about working at the intersection of tech and

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00:17:03

Episode #286: Leveraging Digital Infrastructure to...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/07/02

In this episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin sat down with Alison Cove, Founder and CEO at USEFULL, to discuss her company’s mission to make reusable containers the default—not the exception—on college campuses. What starts as a conversation about ditching plastic turns into a deeper exploration of how tech-forward systems can drive student behavior change, reduce operational costs, and spark cross-campus collaboration.From stainless steel containers with library-style return systems to

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00:18:13

Live at Engage Summit 2025: The Clock Is Ticking on...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/07/01

In this special live edition of the Higher Ed Geek podcast, recorded at the 2025 Engage Summit in Charlotte, host Dustin Ramsdell sits down with Brian Piper — AI integration consultant, author of Epic Content Marketing for Higher Education, and host of AI for U. Brian shares his insights on the future of AI in higher ed, the power of community in tech adoption, and why institutions must embrace change now. This episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring AI adoption, higher ed transformation, or

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00:15:48

Live at Engage Summit 2025: How Curiosity Can Power...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/06/30

Live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin chats with Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and creator of Lessons in Leadership. Carrie unpacks her leadership philosophy, her personal and professional AI journey, and why curiosity and calendar discipline are her secret weapons. From building custom GPTs to managing data-driven strategy in higher ed, Carrie brings candor, creativity, and clarity to the conversation.- - - -Connect With

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00:16:01

Live at Engage Summit 2025: Why Starting with the...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/06/25

Live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin sits down with Devin Purgason, Associate VP of Student Experience, Marketing, and Outreach at Forsyth Technical Community College. In this insightful and energizing conversation, Devin shares how Forsyth Tech became an early adopter of AI, how they’re integrating it across departments, and why staying grounded in student needs is the key to meaningful tech adoption. From building AI literacy to faculty development and platform implementation, Devin gets real

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00:31:41

Episode #285: Creating the Connected College Blueprint

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/06/25

This week, Dustin is pleased to welcome back higher ed design strategist and author Elliot Felix to discuss his forthcoming book, The Connected College. Together, they unpack what it takes to build institutions that work better together—from breaking down silos to smarter strategy execution. Elliot brings the wisdom of over 100 campus collaborations, offering a hopeful and highly practical roadmap for change. If your institution is wrestling with disconnection, dwindling resources, or just too many

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00:18:12

Episode #284: What Your Bursar Wishes You Knew About...

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast ·

2025/06/18

In this episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin gets insights from Patrick Beirne who serves as Senior Director of Student Financial Services at Wayne State University. In this rare sit-down with a real-life bursar (finally!), Pat offers a front-line view of how digital transformation is changing the way institutions bill and collect payments—and why it matters more than ever.From phasing out cash to embracing Apple Pay, Pat shares practical insight into building a student-centric (and

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362 results

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