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The Higher Ed Geek Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 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.
Latest Episodes
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- 5 days ago28 min
Episode #347: Harnessing Summer Programs to Strengthen Recruitment and Mission
In this week’s episode, Dustin speaks with Frank Steslow, CEO of SSP International, about how immersive summer STEM programs create meaningful opportunities for students while delivering strategic value for colleges and universities. They explore why the most successful partnerships go beyond simply renting campus space—bringing together faculty, student affairs, conference services, and institutional leadership to create experiences that help students build confidence, discover a sense of belonging, and envision themselves on campus. The conversation also highlights how these programs can strengthen recruitment, reinforce institutional mission, and remind higher education leaders that collaboration across campus is often the key to creating lasting impact.Guest Name: Frank Steslow - CEO at SSP InternationalGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: As CEO since March 2023, Frank Steslow brings a wealth of non-profit leadership experience. Over the past 30 years, mostly in the cultural sector, Frank has led several science-based, non-profit organizations through transition and growth. He was thrilled to join SSPI as its first Chief Executive Officer, succeeding the organization's long time Executive Director, Richard Bowdon. In this role, Frank works with the Board of Trustees, alumni, and staff to strengthen and expand SSPI’s existing programs, create new programs and expand the impact and reach of the organization, especially to students who may not have been aware or had the means to participate in the program previously. Frank earned a BS in Microbiology from Penn State, and a MS in Public Health from University of South Florida. Frank currently resides with his wife in Maine. If he’s not working, you can find him hiking, boating, or working on home renovation projects. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- 1 weeks ago33 min
Episode #346: Why Campus Design Still Matters in the Digital Age
For this week’s episode, we’re pleased to speak with Martin Kimmel, President & Co-Founder of Kimmel Architecture, about how thoughtful campus design can strengthen institutional identity in an era of financial constraints and evolving student expectations. They discuss why the most effective campus projects aren't necessarily the biggest or most expensive, but the ones that reinforce an institution's mission, improve the student experience, and make the smartest use of existing spaces. From reimagining libraries and aging facilities to balancing online education with the enduring value of physical campuses, Martin makes the case that authentic, mission-driven design helps colleges create places where students truly feel they belong.Guest Name: Martin Kimmel - President & Co-Founder of Kimmel ArchitectureGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Martin Kimmel has more than 30 years of architectural design, land planning, historic preservation/restoration and project management experience. His work spans a variety of building types, including higher education, municipal, ecclesiastical, corporate, healthcare, geriatric care, retail, industrial and residential projects, ranging in scale up to $150 million. Martin’s experience has been broadened by almost three years of training in a historic preservation and restoration firm in Philadelphia. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- 2 weeks ago37 min
Episode #345: Building a Mission-Driven Culture of Innovation
We’re proud to welcome Dr. Brooke Elliott, Dean of the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois to the show this week. She shares her perspective on leading with purpose during a time of rapid change in higher education. Dean Elliott discusses how a mission-driven culture, intentional innovation, and a commitment to expanding access have helped Gies grow its impact while preparing students for an increasingly dynamic workforce. Rather than chasing trends, Dean Elliott makes the case for building durable systems that empower faculty, strengthen student outcomes, and ensure institutions remain adaptable while staying true to their core mission. Guest Name: Dr. Brooke Elliott - Dean of Gies College of Business at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Dr. Brooke Elliott is the Josef and Margot Lakonishok Professor in Business and Dean of Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She leads the College in developing a compelling, strategic vision while continuing to build upon its distinctive brand and identity. This includes assessing and expanding Gies Business’ portfolio of on-campus and online programs to strengthen its position as an innovative leader among the nation’s best business schools. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- 3 weeks ago50 min
Episode #344: Why Higher Education Needs an Operating System Upgrade
Ian Gibson, Dean of San Diego State University’s Global Campus, joins the podcast this week to discuss why higher education needs an "operating system upgrade" to meet the realities of today's learners, and how to achieve this structural reform and digital transformation. He shares how institutions can expand access through online learning, lifelong education, and global partnerships while maintaining academic rigor, mission, and supportive student experiences. Rather than treating innovation as a threat, Ian makes the case for embracing thoughtful change as the best way to strengthen higher education's public mission for the future. Guest Name: Ian Gibson, J.D. - Dean of SDSU Global Campus Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Ian Gibson serves as Dean of SDSU Global Campus at San Diego State University, where he leads a $40M+ self-support academic enterprise focused on access, academic quality, workforce alignment, global engagement, and institutional sustainability. Global Campus serves more than 10,000 learners annually across online, hybrid, off-campus, professional, continuing, and international education. He also led the launch of SDSU Online, a major expansion of the university’s online identity and infrastructure designed to make SDSU degrees and programs more visible, accessible, and navigable for learners beyond the traditional campus model. Gibson’s work focuses on helping public higher education adapt to changing learner needs without compromising rigor or mission. At SDSU, his portfolio includes revenue diversification, digital credentialing, AI literacy, workforce-aligned learning, international education, and partnerships that expand the university’s reach and public value. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Aug 19, 202640 min
Episode #343: How La Salle University Became the "Comeback College"
In this week’s episode, Dustin speaks with Dr. Daniel Allen, President of La Salle University, about the institution's remarkable turnaround and the leadership principles behind its recognition as the "Comeback College." Rather than chasing flashy higher education trends, Dr. Allen shares how La Salle leaned into its core identity—prioritizing teaching excellence, student success, and a strong sense of community—to reverse enrollment declines and strengthen its financial position. The conversation also examines how institutional leaders can navigate uncertainty by making disciplined, mission-driven decisions, investing in areas of genuine strength, and resisting the temptation to pursue every new opportunity. Ultimately, Ian provides a compelling reminder that sustainable innovation comes not from becoming everything to everyone, but from becoming the best version of who you already are. Guest Name: Dr. Daniel Allen, President, La Salle University Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Daniel J. Allen, Ph.D., is the 30th President of La Salle University. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in Catholic higher education, Dr. Allen is leading La Salle’s strategy focused on enrollment growth, student retention and enhancing the student experience. Prior to joining La Salle, Dr. Allen served as senior vice president for advancement and external relations at DePaul University and held leadership roles at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy, Lewis University and Loras College. He earned his Ph.D. in education from Loyola University Chicago and continues to pursue his interest in postsecondary educational access for low-income students. He also serves on the board of the International Association of Lasallian Universities, a global network of 64 universities. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Aug 12, 202634 min
Episode #342: Education Without Borders in an Age of Uncertainty
In this week’s episode, Dustin speaks with Omar Chihane, Global General Manager of TOEFL at ETS, about the evolving landscape of international student mobility and the growing importance of English proficiency in an AI-driven world. Drawing on his own international journey and global perspective, Omar explores how students are making increasingly pragmatic decisions about where to study, balancing factors like cost, visa certainty, career outcomes, and long-term opportunities. Guest Name: Omar Chihane, General Manager for TOEFL at ETS Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: As the General Manager of TOEFL, Omar Chihane drives the strategic direction and growth of the TOEFL iBT, using his global experience as a tech entrepreneur and executive to lead teams across various functional areas of the business. Prior to joining ETS in 2024, Omar founded englease – an English teaching startup that serves the Middle East and Africa through synchronous online classes. Before his startup journey, Omar held various leadership roles with multinational corporations including Siemens, Nokia and Microsoft. Omar holds an MBA from the London Business School and is a venture partner with Antler, where he coaches and mentors up and coming tech startups. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Aug 5, 202638 min
Episode #341: The Evolution of Parent and Family Engagement in Higher Ed
We welcome Leslie Gale from CampusESP to the show this week to talk about the evolving role of parents and families in the higher education journey. Drawing on new survey data from more than 43,000 family members, they explore how institutions can better support student success by delivering timely, relevant information and embracing parents as partners throughout enrollment, persistence, and beyond. Guest Name: Dr. Leslie Gale - VP of Customer Success & Account Management at CampusESP Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Dr. Leslie Gale is the Vice President of Customer Success & Account Management at CampusESP, a parent engagement platform that serves hundreds of institutions. She has proudly been a part of the team for the past 8 years, growing her responsibilities progressively over that time. She has 10+ years of experience in higher education and holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Aug 4, 202634 min
The AI MBA That's Challenging Higher Education
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Nick Ladany to the show, President of San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) and previous Enrollify Hall of Famer. He shares what it takes to fundamentally rethink higher education for today's learners. Dr. Ladany explains SFBU's student-centered approach to affordability, accelerated degree pathways, wraparound support services, and faculty development before diving into the launch of the university's new AI-powered MBA ProPlus program. Dr. Ladany challenges higher education leaders to move beyond incremental change, embrace bold innovation, and redesign institutions around what matters most: helping students graduate with the skills, experiences, and opportunities they need to succeed. Guest Name: Dr. Nick Ladany - President of San Francisco Bay University Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Nick Ladany, Ph.D., currently serves as the President of San Francisco Bay University (SFBU). In the spirit of the Silicon Valley, SFBU is acting like a startup and challenger brand in higher education, with the purpose of disrupting higher education and developing a university that is accessible and affordable, with a deep commitment to serving the common good. SFBU’s unique and innovative approach to higher education capitalizes on six pillars of the student experience: praxis academics, life literacy, comprehensive wellness, multiple meaningful relationships, lifelong careers readiness, and financial support, all of which is aimed at meaningful and successful student outcomes. Previously Dr. Ladany was President of Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he led the university through the pandemic, facilitated record enrollments, enhanced fiscal stewardship, built a leadership team, strengthened a commitment to DEI, and enhanced student success and wellness. Dr. Ladany received his Ph.D. from the University at Albany, State University of New York, in 1992 and his B.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
About The Higher Ed Geek Podcast
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.
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