The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

In this dynamic episode, Nicole Baldassarre, Strategic Activator at Beyond Academics, joins Dustin to discuss the intersection of human-centered skills, AI, and higher education transformation. Nicole shares her journey into ed tech, explores the role of empathy and emotional intelligence in today's evolving workforce, and emphasizes the importance of technology as a tool to empower—not replace—human potential. From AI-driven efficiencies to the need for human connection, this conversation dives deep into how institutions can leverage both technology and human skills to stay ahead.Guest Name: Nicole Baldassarre, Strategic Activator at Beyond AcademicsGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Nicole Baldassarre is the Strategic Activator at Beyond Academics, leveraging her strengths in seeing patterns where others see complexity to develop human-centered strategies that inspire action across higher ed. Nicole leads with curiosity and authenticity, and is passionate about restoring the lost art of human connection in the networked age. In her free time you can find her hosting gatherings accompanied by her signature cheese and charcuterie boards and/or bothering her fluffy, grumpy-face orange cat, Ziggy. - - - -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 Eloy Ortiz Oakley, President and CEO of the College Futures Foundation, host of The Rant podcast, and former Chancellor of California Community Colleges. Eloy shares his perspective on the shifting landscape of higher education as it evolves beyond focusing solely on access and completion. Eloy shares his insights on the critical need to rethink higher ed’s role in driving economic mobility, especially for underserved students. He also dives into how higher education can create more opportunities for more students to achieve real-world outcomes in a skills-based economy. Finally, Eloy offers practical advice for higher ed leaders on staying authentic and student-centric in their approach.Guest Name: Eloy Ortiz Oakley, President & CEO of College Futures FoundationGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Eloy Ortiz Oakley is an experienced and nationally recognized higher education leader and a champion for equity in higher education. He has a clear track record of designing and implementing policy reforms that improve outcomes for students of all backgrounds. Eloy is also an experienced board member and advisor that actively engages in challenging the status quo. He is skilled in visualizing the future and developing strategies that leverage trends, technologies and evolving perceptions in 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 is joined by David Marchick, Dean of American University's Kogod School of Business, and Angela Virtu, Professorial Lecturer, to discuss how AI is reshaping business education. They share insights into Kogod’s AI curriculum, which aims to equip all students, regardless of their major, with AI literacy. They talk about the importance of adapting to AI’s growing presence and the practical steps Kogod is taking to ensure students remain competitive in an evolving job market.Guest Names: David Marchick, Dean at Kogod School of Business at American UniversityAngela Virtu, Professorial Lecturer at Kogod School of Business at American UniversityGuest Socials: David - LinkedInAngela - LinkedInGuest Bios: David Marchick serves as Dean of the Kogod School of Business at American University. In this role, he leads the school’s work to support more than 2,000 students and offer more than two dozen undergraduate and graduate degree and certification programs.Since Marchick took on the role of Dean in August 2022, the Kogod School of Business has unveiled major initiatives in sustainability, AI and entrepreneurship; raised more than the previous 10 years combined; attracted its largest-ever first-year undergraduate class; and almost doubled the number of endowed chairs for the school. Angela Virtu is a Professorial Lecturer in the IT & Analytics department at American University’s Kogod School of Business, where she teaches courses on technology, data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). As the AI Instructional Faculty Fellow, she leads Kogod’s AI strategy and spearheads faculty and staff training initiatives. Prior to academia, Angela developed AI and machine learning solutions that bridged theoretical innovation with practical, ethical applications, driving organizational integration and measurable business impact.  - - - -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 Ramsdell sits down with Dr. Raye Mahlberg, Assistant Vice President for Learner Experience at Nightingale College, to discuss the innovative ways the institution is transforming nursing education. From using augmented and virtual reality to providing flexible, fully online programs, Nightingale College is making nursing education more accessible, particularly in underserved rural areas. Dr. Mahlberg shares insights on how these strategies are helping to address the nursing shortage and improving healthcare outcomes in communities across the country.Guest Name: Dr. Raye Mahlberg, Assistant Vice President for Learner Experience at Nightingale CollegeGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: With over 20 years of experience in higher education leadership, Dr. Raye Mahlberg is a dedicated and innovative professional who strives to create positive and impactful learning experiences for students. As the Assistant Vice President of Learner Experience at Nightingale College, she oversees the wraparound support services for the institution’s nursing learners.Raye’s core competencies include curriculum development, enrollment management, training and development, presentation skills training, and student development. She enjoys finding creative solutions to problems, and helping others to be the best they can be. Raye’s mission is to empower learners to achieve their educational and career goals, and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and society. - - - -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.

We’re immensely proud to feature a thought-provoking conversation with Michael Horn on the podcast this week. Michael is a leading authority on education innovation and disruption who has written several books about the sector, such as Choosing College and the forthcoming title, Job Moves. He is also the co-host of the fantastic Future U Podcast. Michael shares his perspectives on the evolving landscape of higher education, the importance of adopting new learning models, and strategies for institutions to stay relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world.Guest Name: Michael Horn - Author, Speaker, Podcaster and ProfessorGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Michael Horn is the co-founder of and a distinguished fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, a non-profit think tank, and teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He cohosts the top education podcasts Future U and Class Disrupted. He is a regular contributor to Forbes.com and writes the Substack newsletter The Future of Education. Michael also serves as an executive editor at Education Next, and his work has been featured in outlets such as TheNew York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Harvard Business Review, and NBC. - - - -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, we’re joined by Dr. Meghan Grace, a dynamic higher education consultant, researcher, and host of the #GenZ Podcast. Meghan shares her expertise on the importance of knowing your people, implementing data-informed strategies, and fostering a collaborative culture in higher education institutions. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in navigating change management and highlights the necessity of clear, stakeholder-informed strategic plans.Guest Name: Dr. Meghan Grace - Freelance Researcher, Author, Speaker, and PodcasterGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Meghan Grace is a passionate researcher, consultant, and speaker who thrives on empowering individuals and organizations to tackle problems by developing sustainable solutions. Through research, assessment, strategic planning, and project planning & management, she helps others leverage data to inform their planning and decision-making to increase efficiency and effectiveness. - - - -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.

We’re pleased to have with us this week Phil Hill, a seasoned expert in educational technology and market analysis who writes regularly for his On EdTech newsletter. Phil shares his extensive experience in consulting and analyzing market trends, particularly in the context of the current financial challenges facing higher education and EdTech companies. Phil shares relevant insights about global higher ed from his podcast, Online Education Across the Atlantic. They also discuss the recent bankruptcies and acquisitions in the sector, the ongoing enrollment crisis, and the potential for future innovation and investment in education technology.Guest Name: Phil Hill - Blogger, Speaker, and Market Analyst at Phil Hill & AssociatesGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Phil Hill has been a market analyst and consultant in EdTech for over two decades. He is most notably recognized for publishing the On EdTech blog and newsletter, which began in 2019 after he decided to separate from the e-Literate brand and blaze his own trail. Revered for his honest and upfront take on market trends for online / hybrid education, OPMs, and learning platforms, Phil provides thoughtful and practical advice to his clients. His unique graphics and visuals have been widely used and shared in the education space. Phil is also a husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoys being outdoors, spending time with his Australian Shepard, craft beer, and live music. - - - -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 week’s episode, Dustin with Kaitlin Dumont, the self-proclaimed Mrs. Maisel of EdTech, about the future of higher education. Kaitlin shares insights from her diverse background and delves into the importance of strategic partnerships as well as her perspective on the digital transformation driving the evolving landscape of higher ed. They also discuss the value of intimate, community-driven events like EdTechWeek, professional communities like the Future of Higher Ed group, and the forthcoming integration of education with the workforce.As a reminder, EdTechWeek tickets are selling fast – register now and use the promo code GEEK2024 for 20% off your ticket to join us in NYC!Guest Name: Kaitlin Dumont, Higher Education Consulting Director at HuronGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Kaitlin Dumont’s expertise lies at the intersection of higher education and workforce learning. Dumont has been featured in several publications, including Inside Higher Ed and Education Technology Insights. Previously, Dumont played an instrumental role in shaping executive development programs at 2 of the most prestigious institutions: the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School. As an advisor, she worked closely with C-Suite executives and Fortune 500 corporations, offering strategic guidance on learning and development priorities. Crucially, she led the charge in curating flagship portfolios of residential executive programs and spearheaded the launch of innovative online initiatives, ensuring the delivery of top-notch learning experiences. Dumont completed her undergraduate studies at Tufts University and holds an MBA from the Questrom School of Business at Boston University, as well as an Instructional Designer Certificate from the Online Learning Consortium. She currently lives in Lewiston, Maine, where she shares her life with her husband and two children. - - - -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 chats with fellow Enrollify host of the Visionary Voices podcast, Bryan Gross, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Athletics at Hartwick College. Brian shares his unique journey from international admissions to his current role, highlighting key moments and strategies that have shaped his career. They also discuss the importance of building strong foundational systems, the role of collaboration in higher education, and how digital transformation is impacting enrollment management.Guest Name: Dr. Bryan Gross, Vice President for Enrollment Management & Athletics at Hartwick CollegeGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Bryan Gross is the vice president for enrollment management and athletics at Hartwick College. Gross most recently served as vice president of revenue planning and institutional positioning at 3 Enrollment Marketing, Inc., an enrollment and retention solutions and services provider. Prior to his role at 3E, Gross served as vice president for enrollment management and marketing, and as interim vice president of student affairs at Western New England University in Springfield, MA. Before that, he was the associate vice president of enrollment management at St. John’s University in Queens, NY. and associate vice president of admissions, dean of admissions, and director of international admissions at the University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT. - - - -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.

We’re sharing an extra dose of podcasting goodness with this recently released episode of the Next Practices podcast from Civitas Learning. Dustin was interviewed by Katy about what he’s learned from years of podcasting and thoughts on trends in developing meaningful digital experiences for students.Guest Name: Katy Oliveira, Head of Content Marketing at Civitas LearningGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Katy Oliveira is a creative and strategic senior content marketer with experience producing resonant content experiences in multiple media formats. She is skilled in developing and executing comprehensive content strategies that drive brand awareness, engagement, and conversion across owned and paid channels. Katy is an experienced manager passionate about helping others hone their unique superpowers to reach their goals and contribute to a successful team. - - - -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.