EdTech Connect

How can universities break free from outdated systems and siloed data to create a seamless, modern experience for students and staff? In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Joshua Meredith, JD, a Client Relationship Executive at Deloitte Consulting with over 12 years of experience inside higher ed. Joshua brings a unique perspective from his roles at Georgetown and Yeshiva University, and now from the consulting side, where he helps institutions navigate their biggest tech challenges. They dive into the urgent need to replace aging ERPs and SIS systems, the transformative power of unifying data, and the practical applications of AI from the classroom to the athletic field. Joshua offers a clear-eyed view of the budget realities schools face and provides crucial advice for leaders looking to future-proof their institutions. This is a must-listen for any university leader, CIO, or administrator invested in building a more connected, data-driven campus. Key Takeaways: The End of the ERP Era is Here: The enterprise systems (like PeopleSoft) implemented in the early 2000s have reached the end of their life cycle. Institutions must now upgrade to modern, mobile-friendly platforms that allow for true data interconnectivity to meet today's user expectations. Data is a Cavernous (But Solvable) Problem: Campuses generate vast amounts of data (from key card swipes to LMS logins), but it's often siloed and unusable. The next revolution in higher ed will be about unifying this data to generate actionable insights for everything from space utilization to student mental health. The "Integrated Experience" is Non-Negotiable: Students expect a seamless, app-like experience, not 20 different links to manage their academic life. Creating a unified Digital Experience Platform (DXP) is critical for student satisfaction and institutional success, especially for decentralized schools. AI is a Practical Tool, Not Just a Buzzword: The most immediate benefits of AI lie in augmenting human roles, such as providing advisors with tools to manage larger caseloads more effectively. It can also analyze disparate data points (dining hall use, gym attendance, LMS activity) to proactively identify and support at-risk students. Change Requires a Dedicated "Band" of Investment: University leaders must consciously earmark a specific portion of their budget for technological change and innovation, separate from maintenance costs. Waiting for immediate ROI or trying to fit transformation into an already-baked budget is a recipe for falling behind. Leaders need to plan and fund this journey years in advance. Your Network is Your Net Worth: A recurring lesson from Joshua's diverse career is that the people you meet are never transactional. Relationships built along the way will often circle back and become integral to your career and life, underscoring the importance of not burning bridges.     Find Joshua Meredith here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuameredithjd/ Deloitte https://www.deloitte.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/  

Join host Jeff Dillon for a conversation with Jenny Li Fowler, the Director of Social Media Strategy at MIT. In this episode, Jenny pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to manage the social presence for one of the world's most innovative universities. She discusses her journey from TV journalism to leading MIT's digital strategy, growing their following to over 6 million. Jenny gets real about the lack of a "secret sauce," the surprising misconceptions about her job, and the challenges of being a one-person team. They also dive into platform strategies, the evolving role of AI, and how to handle a social media crisis. For anyone in higher ed marketing, this is a masterclass in intentionality, community building, and trusting your gut in the fast-paced world of social media. Key Takeaways: There is No "Secret Sauce": Massive growth (like MIT's 6M+ followers) isn't achieved through a single trick. It's the result of being intensely intentional with every post, caption, and image, ensuring everything ties back to core goals. Social Media is Not a Side Hustle: A common misconception is that managing social media is simple and quick. In reality, it requires meticulous planning, strategy, and can take significant time for a single, well-crafted post. Platforms Are Not Created Equal: Audiences on different platforms expect different content. TikTok demands a different style than Instagram Reels. It's crucial to optimize content for how each specific audience prefers to consume it. Your Superpower is Listening, Not Just Talking: Especially during a crisis, the primary role of social media is to monitor, listen, and serve as a critical ear to the ground for leadership, providing them with real-time intelligence to inform decisions. Focus on Public Engagement Metrics: Relying on public metrics like engagements (likes, comments, shares) provides a consistent and reliable feedback loop that tells you what your community wants to see more of, without depending on proprietary platform analytics that could disappear. Paid vs. Organic is an Audience Decision: Paid media makes sense for competitive, specific goals (e.g., business school programs), but proven organic content is often the best foundation for a successful paid campaign. Embrace AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: AI won't take your job, but someone using AI effectively might. Use it for analysis, tone adaptation, and brainstorming—not for copying and pasting content directly to your channels. Trust Your Gut and Don't Be Reactive: In a volatile, fast-moving medium, your intuition is a superpower. Avoid reactive posting; take a beat to assess situations and bring in the right people before responding.     Find Jenny Li Fowler here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/ Podcast - Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager https://www.enrollify.org/podcasts/confessions-of-a-higher-ed-social-media-manager MIT https://mit.edu/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/  

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Melanie Lindahl, Senior UX Designer at UT Austin and winner of the Red Stapler Award for her groundbreaking conference talks on user experience. With a unique background in fine arts and web development, Melanie breaks down how higher ed institutions can implement powerful UX strategies—even on a shoestring budget. From debunking myths about cost and complexity to sharing practical, no-cost tactics like user interviews and “donut diplomacy,” this conversation is a masterclass in making digital experiences more intuitive and impactful. Tune in to learn why skipping UX is like shoving chocolate chips into baked cookies—and how to avoid crumbling user trust. Key Takeaways: UX Doesn’t Require Fancy Tools or Big Budgets: Melanie’s “toolkit” is her brain, empathy, and low-cost methods like surveys, user interviews, and casual feedback sessions (often fueled by donuts!). Success hinges on understanding user pain points—not expensive software or eye-tracking tech. Start Small, Start Now: You don’t need permission or a dedicated UX title to begin. Simply talking to users about their frustrations can uncover actionable insights. Small, consistent efforts (e.g., observing “spicy clicks” or testing navigation) compound into significant improvements over time. UX Is Cheaper Early—Not as an Afterthought: Skipping UX until post-launch is like “shoving chocolate chips into already-baked cookies”—it’s messy, ineffective, and erodes trust. Integrating user feedback throughout the project lifecycle saves time, money, and reputation. AI Is a Helper, Not a Replacement: Melanie uses AI for ideation and summarizing findings but remains cautious about synthetic personas (risk of “sycophantic” feedback). Human nuance and observation are irreplaceable—especially for noting subtle behaviors during testing. Fight Assumptions with Data: UX research provides evidence to challenge internal biases (e.g., “But we’ve always done it this way!”). Even simple data (e.g., students defaulting to search bars) can redirect resources and priorities effectively. Personalization Requires Purpose: Don’t personalize for its own sake. Align it with clear goals—e.g., streamlining tasks for current students vs. avoiding “creepiness” for prospects. Start with low-hanging fruit (e.g., displaying exam dates instead of general finals week) for high impact. Culture Change Through “Donut Diplomacy”: Build bridges across silos by inviting dialogue (and snacks!). UX is everyone’s job—not just a single department. Momentum builds as leadership sees results from user-centered decisions. You Are the UX Advocate Your Institution Needs: You don’t need a title to champion user experience. Be feisty, start conversations, and bake UX into every project—no permission required.   Ready to start your UX journey? Follow Melanie’s work and remember: the best UX strategy begins with a single question—“What’s frustrating you?”   Find Melanie Lindahl here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-lindahl/ The University of Texas at Austin https://www.utexas.edu/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/  

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Ethan Braden, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Texas A&M University—and the Content Marketer of the Year—to explore how iconic academic brands cut through the noise in a crowded higher ed landscape. From his days launching billion-dollar pharma brands at Eli Lilly to transforming Purdue into a nationally recognized innovator, Ethan shares how he’s now harnessing tradition, momentum, and mission at Texas A&M to build a brand that resonates globally. Tune in for a lesson in balancing legacy with innovation, why emotion and data must work hand-in-hand, and how to create content that doesn’t just get seen—it gets remembered. Key Takeaways: Define Your “One Thing”: In a sea of 4,000+ universities, schools must be known for something specific. Avoid being a “Swiss Army knife”—focus on 1-2 core differentiators (e.g., Texas A&M’s focus on magnitude, momentum, and mission). Balance Tradition and Innovation: Honor institutional history and values, but stay relevant by evolving to meet audience needs. Great brands (like Disney or Yeti) stay true to their core while adapting to the future. Invest in Both Art and Science: Art: Emotion-driven storytelling and authentic content (e.g., Texas A&M’s viral videos). Science: Data-driven distribution, testing, and platform mastery (e.g., YouTube ABCs, paid amplification). Lead with Courage and Curiosity: Foster a culture where teams can take risks and fail forward. “I’d rather pull you back than have to push you forward.” Hire for AI curiosity and seriousness—it’s a strategic partner, not a replacement. Leverage AI for Insight and Efficiency: Use synthetic market research to test ideas faster/cheaper (e.g., video scripts, naming). AI augments human creativity but doesn’t replace authenticity—stay in control. Measure What Matters: Look beyond views to engagement, watch time, brand equity, and national conversation. Track whether content resonates (e.g., 95% average view duration) and drives perception shifts. Portfolio Thinking Wins: Unify under a master brand (e.g., “Texas A&M”) while allowing localized expression—consistency ≠ uniformity. Storytelling Is Your Superpower: Higher ed is rich with untold stories. Be curious—find the “clay” and mold it into something beautiful that the world needs to hear.   Ready to rethink your brand strategy? Follow Ethan’s work at Texas A&M and learn how to blend heart, data, and daring to build a brand that matters. Check out the moving Google Search: Reunion ad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHGDN9-oFJE   Find Ethan Braden here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertethanbraden/ Texas A&M University https://tamu.edu/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/  

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Jenny Leigh Morris, a technology strategist at Doctums who bridges the worlds of Fortune 100 innovation and higher education modernization. With a background in designing AI education programs for giants like Walmart, L’Oreal, and Microsoft, Jenny brings a unique perspective on how institutions can streamline technology adoption, improve vendor relationships, and accelerate decision-making. From dissecting the pitfalls of RFPs and pilot programs to advocating for “laser focus” in project scoping, this conversation is a masterclass in cutting through institutional complexity. Tune in to learn why communication trumps ghosting, how to avoid “kitchen sink” projects, and why the future of higher ed tech depends on courageous leadership—not just compliance. Key Takeaways: AI is Your Junior Consultant—Not Your Replacement: AI can automate tasks (e.g., configuration, documentation) but requires human oversight to avoid errors (like botched time zone conversions). The billable hour model may evolve toward value-based pricing, but expertise will remain critical. Higher Ed Can Learn from Fortune 100 Agility: Competition: Schools must identify and exploit their unique advantages in a hyper-competitive landscape. Experimentation: Embrace A/B testing, rapid iteration, and “failing fast” instead of relying on assumptions or lengthy feedback cycles. Avoid “Kitchen Sink” Scope Creep: Involving too many stakeholders leads to bloated RFPs and projects. Prioritize mission-critical features over appeasing every voice. Stay ruthlessly focused on outcomes—not just inclusivity. Communication > Ghosting: Vendors often get ghosted after lengthy RFP processes. Transparency (e.g., “We’re behind schedule”) builds trust and can reveal solvable issues (e.g., slow sandbox environments). Adopt Intuit’s “Design for Delight” approach: streamline processes and respect partners’ time. Pilot with Purpose: Unstructured sandbox trials often fail due to lack of time, context, or clear criteria. Run “together alone” sessions: schedule dedicated time for teams to test tools simultaneously with vendor support. Vendor Selection: Focus > Scale: Avoid vendors that “do it all.” Prioritize specialists over generalists, even if it means using multiple partners. Newer vendors offer leverage (e.g., pricing flexibility, influence on roadmaps) but require due diligence. Speed Up Decision-Making: Long cycles (18–24 months) stem from siloed approvals. Empower cross-functional champions (e.g., tech-savvy marketers) to drive decisions. Ensure projects have a “bleeding neck” problem, budget, and a decisive leader to avoid stagnation. Manage Vendors for Performance—Not Compliance: Hold vendors accountable to deliverables and timelines. Don’t hesitate to switch if they underperform. Embrace tough conversations: you hired them for expertise—demand it.   Ready to modernize your approach? Learn more about Jenny’s work at Doctums https://doctums.com/ and follow her insights on blending enterprise rigor with higher ed mission.   Find Jenny Leigh Morris here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyleighmorris/ Doctums https://doctums.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/  

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Emily Chase Coleman, CEO and co-founder of HAI Analytics, to explore how data is reshaping higher education strategy. With over two decades of experience blending social psychology and statistics, Emily shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship and how HAI’s AI-powered platform helps colleges predict enrollment, optimize financial aid, and improve retention—without overwhelming internal resources. From challenging outdated tuition models to advocating for test-optional admissions, Emily offers a candid look at the equity gaps in data, the pitfalls of "gut instinct" leadership, and why real-time metrics are non-negotiable in today’s volatile landscape. Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts analytical and actionable, and discover how to turn campus data into a competitive advantage. Key Takeaways: Data Over Gut Instinct: Leadership often relies on intuition, but data reveals hidden patterns (e.g., dorm placement impacting retention, course selection signaling struggle). Combining quantitative analysis with qualitative insights prevents bias and creates a fuller picture of student behavior. The High-Discount Model is Unsustainable: Rising discount rates are squeezing out middle-income families and straining institutional budgets. Schools must articulate their value proposition clearly to justify costs and reduce reliance on discounts to aid enrollment. Test-Optional Isn’t a Silver Bullet for Equity: While test-optional policies reduce bias, holistic reviews can still favor affluent students (e.g., via extracurriculars). True equity requires deeper scrutiny of all admissions factors and their socioeconomic implications. Predictive Modeling Demands Transparency: HAI prioritizes open algorithms and explainable results to build trust with presidents and boards. AI and machine learning can process vast datasets but require human oversight to avoid flawed conclusions. Real-Time Data is Non-Negotiable: Pandemics and shifting demographics make historical data unreliable. Presidents should track enrollment, financial aid, and retention metrics in real time to adapt quickly. Founding Challenges for Women in EdTech: Female founders face disproportionate funding barriers. Supporting women-led startups is critical for diversifying innovation in higher ed. From Consultancy to Self-Sufficiency: HAI helps schools build internal data capabilities but remains a partner for ongoing strategy and context. The goal is empowerment, not dependency.   Ready to rethink your data strategy? Learn more at https://haianalytics.com/ and follow Emily’s work at the intersection of human intuition and artificial intelligence.   Find Emily here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-chase-coleman-95062779/ HAI Analytics https://haianalytics.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/  

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon talks to Jarrett Smith, Senior VP of Strategy at Echo Delta and co-author of the groundbreaking Designing for Decisions report. Fresh from his eduWeb conference presentation, Jarrett dives into the eye-opening findings from their survey of over 1,000 prospective students, revealing what students actually want from college websites—and where institutions are missing the mark. From the overwhelming demand for cost transparency to the surprising similarities across student segments, Jarrett challenges common assumptions and shares actionable fixes for enrollment and marketing teams. Tune in to learn why payment plans are a hidden gem, how to avoid "institutionally centric" pitfalls, and why less personalization might be more effective than you think. Key Takeaways: Cost Transparency is King: Total cost of attendance emerged as the #1 priority across all student segments (traditional, non-traditional, graduate, and international). Only 17% of students said they can always find what they need on college websites, with 55% admitting they’ve abandoned a site due to frustration. Fix: Make cost information unmissable—avoid burying it under financial aid links or forcing students to manually calculate totals. Students Want Clarity, Not Jargon: Institutional language (e.g., "bursar," "baccalaureate") and org-structure navigation create barriers. Fix: Audit content for student-friendly terms and prioritize intuitive wayfinding (e.g., Missouri S&T’s program-specific cost breakdowns). Overestimated vs. Underestimated Priorities: Overestimated: Program rankings, application deadlines, and "prestige" content. Underestimated: Payment plans (a "hidden gem"), acceptance rates (critical for traditional undergrads), and student satisfaction metrics. Segment Similarities > Differences: Despite assumptions, most student groups prioritize the same core tasks (e.g., cost, academic fit). Exception: Traditional undergrads care significantly more about debt stats and confidence-building content (e.g., grad success stories). Simple Fixes for Immediate Impact: Wayfinding: Ensure cost and program info is easy to find (e.g., UND.edu’s "Find Your Program Cost" form). Content Hierarchy: Replace institutional jargon with student-centric language. Research Shortcuts: Watching 5 students navigate your site reveals more than waiting for "perfect" data. AI’s Role in Future Research: Synthetic user research (AI-generated personas) shows promise but isn’t yet reliable due to cultural biases in training data. Heuristic analysis (e.g., usability audits) may benefit from AI—but human insight remains irreplaceable.   Dig deeper: Download the full Designing for Decisions report at https://echodelta.co/designing-for-decisions/ and rethink how your website serves today’s students!   Find Jarrett Smith here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithjarrett/ Echo Delta https://echodelta.co/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/  

Host Jeff Dillon sits down with Jennifer Beyer, VP of Product at Thesis, to explore the evolving landscape of student information systems (SIS) and the unique challenges faced by small to mid-sized colleges. With over two decades of experience spanning campus administration and EdTech leadership, Jennifer shares her mission to simplify higher education processes through cloud-based solutions. From her beginnings as a first-generation student and campus tour guide to her current role driving product strategy, Jennifer offers insights into how institutions can reduce friction, leverage technology, and prioritize the student experience. Tune in to learn how Thesis Elements is redefining the SIS space and why smaller schools are leading the charge in innovation. Key Takeaways: Access and Student-Centric Design: Jennifer emphasizes the importance of creating technology that helps students find the right fit and enables staff to focus on meaningful work. Her firsthand experience as a first-generation student informs her approach to solving institutional challenges at scale. The Shift to Cloud-Based SIS: Smaller institutions are moving faster to adopt cloud solutions for scalability, security, and resource efficiency. Thesis Elements focuses on delivering purpose-built, modern SIS solutions that can be implemented in about a year—a fraction of the time required by legacy systems. Frictionless Processes: Jennifer highlights the need for integrations, automation, and usability to reduce administrative burdens. For example, streamlining tasks like mass registrations or billing for student housing can significantly improve efficiency for understaffed offices. Lessons from Campus to EdTech: Transitioning from frontline roles in admissions and student success to EdTech taught Jennifer the value of understanding user journeys. She advocates for "purpose-driven design" and engaging directly with campus teams to build solutions that address real pain points. The Future of Higher Ed Tech: AI and partnerships with niche solutions present opportunities to enhance personalization and operational efficiency. However, Jennifer stresses the importance of balancing innovation with security and usability to avoid "shiny object" pitfalls. Leadership Philosophy: Jennifer’s leadership style centers on curiosity, empowerment, and aligning technology with institutional mission. She believes in getting out of her team’s way to let them solve problems creatively while staying focused on serving smaller colleges effectively. Meaningful Change Takes Time: For institutions driving transformation, Jennifer advises staying true to core goals and avoiding distractions. Incremental improvements—like reducing clicks in a workflow—can have an outsized impact on daily operations. Listen to the full episode for more insights on how EdTech is reshaping higher education administration! Find Jennifer Beyer here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferbeyer/ Thesis https://www.thesiscloud.com/elements And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Eric Kim, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Modo Labs, to explore how mobile technology has reshaped higher ed—and where it’s headed next. From Modo’s origins at MIT (inspired by Kabuki stagehands!) to its global impact today, Eric shares how universities can break down silos, leverage AI, and design experiences students actually love. Hear how early adopters like Sacramento State pioneered mobile registration and food insecurity alerts, why personalization is no longer optional, and how TikTok-era expectations are forcing a rethink of campus apps. Eric also reveals why higher ed’s collaborative spirit hooked him for life, the surprising industries borrowing from campus tech, and his bold vision for AI-powered “conversational” interfaces. Key Takeaways: The “Kurogo” Philosophy Modo’s original name and ethos come from Kabuki theater’s unseen stagehands—making the impossible seamless for users. Mobile’s Unfinished Revolution Early wins (like Sac State’s parking heat maps) solved real pain points, but many schools still duct-tape siloed systems instead of unifying experiences. Personalization is Non-Negotiable Students expect apps to adapt like TikTok: “They assume systems know everything—so they demand value in return.” AI’s Campus Potential Modo’s AI chatbot drove 235% app usage spikes at Arkansas Pulaski by answering questions in natural language. What Higher Ed Can Learn from Banks Major financial firms copied campus apps for employee experience—proof universities pioneered workplace tech. Hackathons = Hidden Insights Student-built Modo tools (food truck trackers, mental health aids) reveal unmet needs. Digital Governance Paradox Jeff’s confession: “Sometimes progress happens before policies catch up.” Advice for Leaders “Measure engagement with life, not clicks. Did your app help someone’s day?”   Listen Now for a masterclass in designing campus tech that students actually use!   Find Eric Kim here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/ejkim/ Modo Labs https://modolabs.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/  

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Katie Condon, Vice President of Enrollment Management at Eastern Michigan University, to unpack the urgent challenges and innovative strategies shaping higher ed’s future. With over a decade of experience spanning West Virginia University and EMU, Katie offers a candid look at how regional publics can compete amid shrinking demographics, financial aid upheavals, and rising student demands for ROI. From her viral 4,000-handwritten-note campaign (yes, even the rowing team pitched in) to rethinking transfer student pathways, Katie shares how she balances data-driven decisions with human-centric approaches. Discover why “many” and “a lot” are her least favorite words, how AI could revolutionize financial aid transparency, and why teaching freshman communication classes made her a better leader. Tune in for actionable insights on turning enrollment crises into opportunities—without losing your authenticity. Regional vs. Flagship Realities Smaller schools face higher stakes with fewer resources: “At a flagship, risks feel small. At a regional, every risk could be existential.” Data ≠ Panic Avoid reactive decisions: “One negative food review out of 2,000 doesn’t mean overhaul the menu.” Context matters more than raw numbers. Transparency Wins Students demand clarity: “They’re asking, ‘What will my degree cost the day I start?’” EMU’s career-focused messaging highlights short-term ROI (e.g., young alumni on Wall Street). AI’s Next Frontier: Financial Aid Personalized video walkthroughs of aid packages (via tools like Notebook LM) could bridge gaps for first-gen students—but data security is non-negotiable. The Power of “All Are Welcome” EMU’s campus-wide note-card campaign (even athletes wrote 700+ cards) boosted belonging by making recruitment everyone’s job. Transfer Students Need Segmentation Articulation agreements are outdated: “Today’s transfers might have dual enrollment, a failed semester elsewhere, or 100 scattered credits—they’re not a monolith.” Leadership Hack: Teach Freshmen Katie’s 7 years teaching intro comms revealed how recruitment impacts classroom success—and vice versa. “Emailing an A student praise works like a yield campaign.” Advice for New Leaders “Ask ‘why’ relentlessly early on. Later, questions seem suspicious.” Curiosity builds trust and uncovers institutional blind spots.   Listen Now to learn how to turn enrollment challenges into student-centered victories! ✨   Find Katie Condon here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie--condon/ Eastern Michigan University http://emu.edu/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/