The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

Higher ed is at a crossroads, and Christine Looser is here to challenge institutions to rethink everything—from curriculum design to digital transformation. As a cognitive neuroscientist and Senior Director at Minerva Project, Christine helps universities craft student learning experiences that are relevant, effective, and experiential. In this episode, she and Dustin dive into the intersection of neuroscience and education, the power of digital learning tools, and how institutions can adapt to a rapidly changing world.Guest Name: Christine Looser - Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Minerva ProjectGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Christine Looser is a behavioral scientist at Minerva, where she was initially the first faculty hire for the business college. Christine built the team, designed curricula, taught brand strategy, led the business college, headed up our professional learning partnerships, and she now works on the business development team. In her current role, Christine helps other institutions make their learning programs more effective, experiential, and relevant for today’s world. Her ultimate goal is to ensure that the way people teach aligns with the ways that brains learn. - - - -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.

Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, joins Dustin for a candid conversation about the urgent need for higher ed to take a proactive role in shaping the future workforce. From talent shortages to AI’s impact on job readiness, Bridget shares why hope isn’t a strategy—and what institutions must do to stay ahead. She challenges universities to work together, rethink traditional learning models, and create real-world solutions that benefit students and society.Guest Name: Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO at the University Innovation AllianceGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: As a trusted advisor to university presidents and policymakers, Dr. Bridget Burns is on a mission to transform the way institutions think about and take action on behalf of low-income, first generation, and students of color. She is the founding CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, a multi-campus laboratory for student success innovation that helps university leaders dramatically accelerate the implementation of scalable solutions to increase the number and diversity of college graduates. - - - -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.

This week, Dustin sits down with Dr. Keith Edwards, a speaker, author, coach, and co-host of Student Affairs Now, to discuss the urgent need for transformational leadership in higher education. With the pace of change accelerating, institutions can no longer rely on outdated models of leadership. Keith shares powerful insights on why leaders must move beyond transactional thinking, embrace adaptability, and cultivate hope—all while being honest about the realities of today’s challenges. Whether you're a university president, enrollment leader, or department head, this conversation will provide simple, clear strategies to inspire you to rethink your leadership approach and take meaningful action.Guest Name: Dr. Keith Edwards - Independent Speaker, Author, Consultant & Leadership CoachGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Keith Edwards empowers transformation for better tomorrows. He is an expert on leadership, learning, and equity. This expertise includes curricular approaches to learning beyond the classroom, allyship and equity, leadership and coaching, authentic masculinity, and sexual violence prevention. He is an authentic educator, trusted leader, and unconventional scholar. Keith has consulted with more than 300 organizations, written more than 25 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and has more than 1,000 hours as a certified leadership and executive coach.He is the author of the book Unmasking: Toward Authentic Masculinity. He co-authored The Curricular Approach to Student Affairs and co-edited Addressing Sexual Violence in Higher Education.His TEDx Talk on preventing sexual violence has been viewed around the world. He is co-host of Student Affairs NOW, the premier podcast for student affairs and higher education. - - - -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.

Dustin chats with Dr. Paul Gordon Brown for this week’s episode, an expert in residence life technology and thought leadership, to explore how digital tools are reshaping the residential education experience. As the co-founder of Roompact, Paul shares insights on the evolution of res life tech, why AI is often misused in higher ed, and the importance of thoughtful, intentional technology adoption. They also dive into the broader challenges facing student housing, from balancing service vs. engagement to the risk of residential education becoming a luxury only accessible to the wealthy. If you're interested in how technology can improve student engagement and success, this episode is a must-listen.Guest Name: Dr. Paul Gordon Brown, Director of the Campus Experience, RoompactGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Paul Gordon Brown (he/him/his) is a scholar, consultant and speaker specializing in residential curriculum and curricular approaches, student learning and development’s intersection with technology, social media and design. Paul has 20 years of professional experience in higher education and student affairs, most recently as the Dean of Students at the Fashion Institute of Technology and as a faculty member in the Higher Education Programs at Boston College and Merrimack College. Paul currently serves as the Director of the Campus Experience for the higher education technology software company, Roompact. Paul was recognized for excellence in research by NASPA and was named a Diamond Honoree by ACPA. An experienced presenter, Paul has accepted and given over 100 presentations at international and regional conferences. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the State University of New York College at Geneseo, a Master of Science degree in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University, and a PhD in Higher Education from Boston College. Paul served on the Governing Board of ACPA and as a faculty member for the Institute on the Curricular Approach for multiple years. He is a contributing author to numerous books on technology and higher education. - - - -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.

This week, Dustin sits down with Dr. Pamela Ellis to discuss how students and families can navigate the complex college admissions process with confidence. Drawing from her vast experience, Dr. Ellis shares insights on what truly makes a college the “right fit,” why independence is a key motivator for students, and how institutions can better support student success. From debunking myths about the application process to the growing need for authentic campus communities, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for both higher ed leaders and enrollment professionals.Guest Name: Dr. Pamela Ellis - Founder & CEO at Compass Education StrategiesGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Pamela Ellis is a highly sought-after speaker who empowers parents to guide their teens confidently into higher education. She has helped over 30,000 families navigate college admissions, ensuring teens find the right fit without overspending. Dr. Pamela's experience with the education system includes advising school districts, community organizations, and institutes of higher education. She is also the award winning author of the best-seller "What to Know Before They Go: College Edition." - - - -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.

How do you get alumni to actually engage? It’s the million-dollar question for higher ed advancement teams—and today, we’ve got answers. In this week’s episode, Ryan Catherwood, Senior Vice President at Chris Marshall Advancement Consulting (CMAC), Senior Consultant at Washburn & McGoldrick, and host of the Alumless podcast joins Dustin to break down the evolving landscape of digital alumni engagement.Ryan brings decades of experience in alumni relations, fundraising strategy, and digital marketing, and he shares insights on what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next. From the shifting role of social media to the power of email (yes, email!), and the reality check on alumni platforms, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways.Guest Name: Ryan Catherwood - Executive Vice President and Senior Consultant, Chris Marshall Advancement ConsultingGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Ryan Catherwood currently serves as Executive Vice President and Senior Consultant at CMAC, and consulting partner with Washburn & McGoldrick LLC. Ryan specializes in engagement strategies for volunteer and donor pipeline development that are rooted in a digitally focused, content-based approach to advancement in support of education.Before joining CMAC, Ryan led the Office of Alumni & Career Services at Longwood University. His early leadership roles in advancement included marketing and digital engagement responsibilities at the University of Virginia and W&L. - - - -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 episode, Dustin chats with Kate DeForest, Web and Digital Content Coordinator at SUNY Oswego, about the importance of digital accessibility in higher education. Kate shares her journey into accessibility work, the transformative lessons she’s learned along the way, and practical strategies for making these improvements less overwhelming. From leveraging James Clear’s Atomic Habits to launching campus-wide accessibility initiatives, Kate emphasizes the importance of small, consistent changes and fostering empathy in the digital realm. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to create more inclusive digital experiences.Guest Name: Kate DeForest, Web/Digital Content Coordinator, SUNY OswegoGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Kate DeForest is the Web/Digital Content Coordinator for State University of New York at Oswego. She updates and maintains the university’s primary website and trains campus personnel on web and digital accessibility best practices. Previous responsibilities have also included document remediation, website content strategy, and information architecture. As a member and former chair of the Workgroup on Accessibility Practices, Kate has worked on a number of campus accessibility initiatives, including building Oswego’s Digital Accessibility website and launching multiple Campus Accessibility Challenges. Kate is a member of IAAP and a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC). She has given accessibility-related presentations at numerous local, state, national, and international conferences, including Accessing Higher Ground, Digital Collegium (formerly HighEdWeb), AHEAD, and Higher Education Connect. - - - -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 eye-opening episode, Dustin chats with Brian Suponcic, Senior Vice President of Sales and Client Operations at BMTX, about the growing issue of enrollment fraud and its ripple effects on higher education institutions. From the rise of "ghost students" to the role of AI in both perpetrating and preventing fraud, Brian shares actionable insights for tackling these challenges head-on. Whether you're a higher ed leader or an enrollment professional, this conversation sheds light on a critical issue affecting the integrity of student enrollment processes and financial aid distribution.Related Links: BMTX Identity Verification™ | Reduce Enrollment Fraud Digital Banking Services | BMTXGuest Name: Brian Suponcic - Sr. VP of Sales & Client Operations at BM Technologies (BMTX)Guest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Brian Suponcic currently holds the position of Vice President, Sales & Client Operations at BM Technologies, Inc. (BMTX), previously known as BankMobile. Prior to this, he served in a variety of roles at the company since he began there in 2014, which is part of a two decades long career in education.Brian attended John Carroll University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing. He also pursued a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Phoenix. - - - -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.

This week, Dustin is joined by Julian Alssid and Kaitlin LeMoine, founders of Work Forces, about the evolving landscape of workforce development and higher education's critical role in preparing learners for career success. Julian and Kaitlin share their wealth of experience in bridging education, industry, and government partnerships to close skill gaps and create sustainable, scalable programs. From marketing effective workforce initiatives to empowering institutions as hubs of transformation, this episode dives into actionable strategies for making career-connected learning a reality.Guest Names: Julian Alssid - Partner at Work ForcesKaitlin LeMoine - Partner at Work ForcesGuest Socials: Julian's LinkedInKaitlin's LinkedInGuest Bios:  Julian L. Alssid is a nationally recognized strategist with over 35 years of experience in education and workforce development. He advises C-suite leaders on optimizing their organizations for transformational impact. Julian has held various leadership positions, including Vice President of Workforce Partnerships at the Community College of Rhode Island and leadership roles at Southern New Hampshire University and the Workforce Strategy Center which he founded. He is known for his expertise in competency-based education, career pathways, and building partnerships between industry and education. Julian is also a co-host of the Work Forces podcast. Kaitlin LeMoine is a recognized leader with 20 years of experience designing innovative learning solutions across higher education, workforce development, and K-12. She specializes in building strong cross-sector partnerships to create programs that bridge academic learning with workplace demands, emphasizing lifelong skill development. Notably, Kaitlin served as a founding member of the curriculum team for Southern New Hampshire University's College for America, where she designed competency-based degree programs in close collaboration with industry partners. Kaitlin writes and speaks on the future of work and learning, and co-hosts the Work Forces podcast. She holds degrees from Brown University and Harvard Graduate School of Education. - - - -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 episode, Dustin sits down with Dr. Michael Horowitz, Founder and Chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, to discuss the transformative power of collaboration in higher education. Dr. Horowitz shares updates on the system's expansion, its innovative governance model, and the critical role of shared infrastructure in fostering growth. Together, they explore how partnerships, technology, and bold thinking are key to thriving in a challenging higher ed landscape.Guest Name: Dr. Michael Horowitz - Chancellor of The Community Solution Education SystemGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Michael Horowitz, Ph.D. is the founder and chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, a national nonprofit system of six colleges and universities, founded on the idea of radical cooperation to work collaboratively to increase student success and enhance community impact. Prior to founding The Community Solution, he served as president of The Chicago School for nearly a decade. Dr. Horowitz has more than 30 years of experience in higher education roles that include faculty member, program director, and dean. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern University and a B.A. in Psychology from Columbia University. - - - -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.