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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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- Today35 min
Live at eduWeb 2026 with Toni Marie Perilli
In this bonus episode recorded live at the eduWeb Summit in Orlando, Dustin chats with Toni Marie Perilli from Fordham University about why retention marketing deserves a seat alongside enrollment and advancement as a core strategy for student success. They explore how institutions can better connect students with the resources, people, and opportunities already available to them by creating more intentional, coordinated communications throughout the student journey. The conversation also examines the balance between automation and authentic human connection, making the case that the future of higher education marketing isn't just about attracting students—it's about helping them thrive, persist, and graduate. Check out additional resources from her conference session here! Guest Name: Toni Marie Perilli - Communications & Marketing Specialist at Fordham University Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Toni Marie Perilli is a New York-based storyteller and strategist dedicated to making brands more human, more accessible, and more meaningfully connected to the people they serve. With six years of integrated communications experience spanning higher education, lifestyle, and brand partnerships, she blends brand storytelling and creative strategy to craft narratives that resonate long after the first impression. Toni Marie currently leads strategic communications and marketing at Fordham University’s Career Center for Cura Personalis. She was recently recognized as a 2025 American Marketing Association Emerging Marketer in Higher Ed Finalist, invited to Ad Age's inaugural NextGen cohort, and featured by the American Theatre Wing as a copywriter in "The Art of the Show Master Class." Toni Marie is a proud Gator pursuing a Master's in Mass Communication from the University of Florida. - - - -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.
- Yesterday35 min
Episode #340: Creating Transparent Learning Experiences with AI
For this week's episode, Dustin speaks with Jenny Maxwell of Superhuman about the evolving relationship between AI and academic integrity in higher education. They explore how institutions can move beyond viewing AI as a threat and instead embrace more transparent, collaborative approaches that help students learn with AI while maintaining trust, accountability, and meaningful assessment practices. Jenny also highlights Grammarly Authorship, which provides visibility into how students create and revise their work, shifting the focus from AI detection to understanding the learning process itself. Guest Name: Jenny Maxwell, GM/SVP, Superhuman for Education Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Jenny Maxwell has more than 15 years of experience in the education/ed-tech space and over 20 years of experience in sales and leadership. Before joining Superhuman, Jenny led the higher education team at Pearson, the world’s largest education content provider. - - - -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.
- Yesterday33 min
Live at eduWeb 2026 with Audrey Ward
In this bonus episode recorded live at the eduWeb Summit in Orlando, Audrey Ward from Ologie joins the show to discuss how higher education marketers can navigate the AI era without losing the authenticity that makes their institutions stand out. She shares her perspective on how AI is changing search, content strategy, and digital visibility, while arguing that the fundamentals of great marketing—knowing your audience, telling clear stories, and building trust—matter more than ever. Guest Name: Audrey Ward - Associate Digital Creative Director at Ologie Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Audrey Ward is a creative director and writer focused on storytelling, digital experience, and brand expression. Drawing from a background in creative writing and integrated campaign development, she helps organizations translate complex ideas into emotionally engaging narratives across web, content, and visual media. Her work centers on creating meaningful audience connections through strategic messaging and digital storytelling. - - - -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 days ago21 min
Live at eduWeb 2026 with Nathan Monk
In this bonus episode recorded live at the eduWeb Summit in Orlando, Nathan Monk from Prospectus Plus jumps on to talk about why the traditional college viewbook is overdue for a digital transformation. They explore how personalized, interactive digital publications can better engage prospective students, alumni, and other audiences while providing institutions with valuable insights into what content resonates most. The conversation also challenges higher education leaders to rethink long-standing assumptions by truly imagining what is possible versus limiting ourselves by the past. Guest Name: Nathan Monk - Co-Founder at Prospectus Plus Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Nathan Monk is the Co-founder of SMILE and Prospectus+, and has over 15 years of experience in the field of digital marketing and web design. Throughout his career, Nathan has focused on delivering university flagship websites and providing advice to forward-thinking senior leaders on how to exceed their organisational targets by creating user-focused, digital-first strategies. His expertise in designing high-profile websites with complex system integrations has made him a respected figure in the industry. Nathan has worked on multiple award-winning projects, highlighting his commitment to excellence and innovation. Nathan is now focusing on how universities can transition away from traditional viewbooks, and enhance pre-application marketing in the process. - - - -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.
- 5 days ago27 min
Live at eduWeb 2026 with Dan Desrochers
In this bonus episode recorded live at the eduWeb Summit in Orlando, Dustin speaks with Dan Desrochers of Amherst College 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 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 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 ago34 min
Episode #339: Creating Trustworthy AI-Powered Learning Environments
This week, Dustin chats with Dr. Dave Duke, Chief Product Officer at McGraw Hill, about how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and academic integrity in higher education. He highlights some new product developments for their learning tools as well as the recently released Sharpen Advantage. 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 for the workforce. Guest Name: Dr. Dave Duke, Chief Product Officer, McGraw Hill Guest Social: LinkedIn 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 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 ago30 min
Episode #338: Rethinking Learning Ecosystems for an AI-Driven World
This week we’re pleased to speak with Dr. Cristi Ford, Chief Learning Officer at D2L, 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 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 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 ago25 min
Episode #337: Building an AI-Ready Campus Infrastructure
This week, we spoke with Joe Abraham of Intellicampus 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 and Innovatus. 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 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 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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