The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

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 Account Manager at Modern CampusGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Eric Butler currently serves on the Account Management team at Modern Campus. He has a deeply personal desire to improve the quality of relationships and overall performance of his clients. He helps customers launch new technology platforms, extend the use of their existing tools to reduce friction, and improve overall student satisfaction. - - - -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.

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 Name: Thomas Steinman - Director of Strategic Partnerships at Halda.AIGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: As Director of Strategic Partnerships at Halda, Thomas Steinman helps to transform the way higher education institutions engage with prospective students. He works with his teams to craft red-carpet web experiences that captivate and inspire. Thomas is proud to help schools reimagine their online presence, revolutionizing how they connect with students and showcase their 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.

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 human-centered.Guest Name: Dr. Mark D. Milliron, President, National UniversityGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Mark David Milliron is an award-winning leader, author, speaker, and consultant who works with universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, foundations, corporations, associations, and government agencies across the country and around the world.He serves as President and CEO of National University (NU), one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the United States. NU is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and has a 50-year history of innovating around the needs of military, working, and nontraditional students.In addition to his work with NU, Dr. Milliron helps catalyze positive change in education through his service on the boards and advisory councils of leading-edge education organizations, including the Trellis Foundation; Bennett College; the Global Online Academy; Civitas Learning; the Mastery Transcript Consortium; and ISKME/Open Education Resource Commons. He also holds an appointment as a Professor of Practice in the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin. - - - -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.

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 OveritGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Sean Fitzpatrick currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at Overit. He provides strategy and marketing program management for a range of clients at the agency. As an experienced marketing director and strategist, Sean’s strengths are his creativity, drive and leadership. He thrives on finding clarity within complexity and meeting ambitious business goals. - - - -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.

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: LinkedInGuest Bio: Destinee Mack is an experienced customer experience and success executive with an extensive track record of customer value attainment and expansion. A passionate leader, wife, mother, mentor and friend, she believes that a detailed understanding along the customer journey is the key to developing a strategy that allows both customers and businesses to achieve their desired outcomes. - - - -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.

Derek Bierman, Chief Information Officer at Doane University, is a strategic tech leader dedicated to enhancing student success and institutional efficiency. In this engaging discussion, he shares insights on the complexities of digital transformation in higher education. He dives into the balance of innovation and budget constraints amidst rising cybersecurity threats. Derek also emphasizes the need for adaptability in educational strategies, showcasing how flexibility can help institutions thrive in an ever-changing tech landscape.

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 learners.Guest Name: Dr. Siva Kumari, CEO, College PossibleGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Siva Kumari started as CEO of College Possible in May of 2023. College Possible is among the largest college access and success organizations in the U.S. It has grown from a single regional office in St. Paul, MN to eight regional sites nationwide, and a growing suite of programs designed to enable students from low-income families — and those who serve them — at every stage of the college journey.Prior to that, she has consulted with global educational projects that focus on equity and high academic standards. She also mentors C-level leaders worldwide. Siva has served and continues to serve on a wide range of local, national and international professional advisory boards and committees. - - - -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.

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 transformation.Guest Names: Kathryn Harris, Program Manager, Scholarships and Grants at South Carolina Commission on Higher EducationTanya Weigold, Program Coordinator, Scholarships and Grants at South Carolina Commission on Higher EducationGuest Socials: KathrynTanya Guest Bios: Kathryn Harris is a seasoned program and operations manager with over 15 years of experience in higher education and state government. As Scholarship & Grants Program Manager at the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, she oversees the administration of more than $160 million in state-funded aid, leads cross-agency initiatives, and supports legislative reporting and policy implementation. Katie is committed to streamlining processes, improving student access, and using data to drive meaningful change in education. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and is currently pursuing the Certified Public Manager credential through the State of South Carolina.Tanya Weigold is a Program Coordinator at the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE), where she oversees several key state financial aid programs, including the Lottery Tuition Assistance Program, DAYCO Scholarship, Scholarship Enhancement Program, and the Scholarship Appeals process. With over seven years at CHE and a background in TRIO and campus life, Tanya brings a student-centered approach to her work. She also manages the knowledge base for the agency’s CRM system, ensuring consistent, up-to-date information is shared across platforms. Tanya holds an MBA in Leadership from Adams State University and is passionate about using technology to modernize processes, improve communication, and increase retention among South Carolina’s college students. - - - -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.

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 why now is the moment for higher ed to rethink how it communicates with students.Guest Name: Dan Roberts, Special Projects Manager, San Diego Miramar CollegeGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dan Roberts boasts over two decades of experience with a remarkable skill set that includes strong relationship-building, open communication, and impeccable time management. His past work experience across multiple industries highlights his dedication to consulting and business growth. Dan excels in streamlining sales processes, aligning organizational goals with daily operations, implementing business process outsourcing, project management, and crafting effective marketing strategies, including social media and content marketing.  - - - -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.

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 travel.Guest Names: Asta Schantz-Conlon - Marketing & Campaign Manager at DIS-Study AbroadLena Friedman - Outreach and Communications Coordinator at DIS-Study AbroadLucy Li - Digital Portfolio Manager at DIS-Study AbroadGuest Socials: AstaLenaLucyGuest Bios: Asta Schantz-Conlon is the Marketing and Campaign Manager at DIS – Study Abroad, based in Copenhagen. She crafts multimedia campaigns and digital strategies that inspire students to study abroad in Scandinavia. Born and raised in Copenhagen, Asta brings a global perspective shaped by her experiences living, working, and studying abroad. She holds a degree in Multimedia Communications, Film, and Media from the University of Copenhagen.Lena works at DIS – Study Abroad as the Outreach and Communications Coordinator in the North American Office, based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The North American Office partners with a network of 200+ universities and supports students preparing to study abroad. Lena develops pre-departure resources and assists with DIS’s transition to new technology platforms, including Element451. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Whitman College in 2021. - - - -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.