The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

This week, Dustin chats with Sophie Smith, CEO and Founder of College Contact. Sophie shares her inspiring journey from founding the company in her dorm room to leading a successful platform that bridges the gap between high school and college experiences. She also details how College Contact leverages near-peer mentorship and advanced digital tools to revolutionize college admissions and student success.Guest Name: Sophie Smith, Founder & CEO at College ContactGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Sophie Smith is the founder and CEO of College Contact which serves the 75% of college applicants who apply alone every year. Since its inception, College Contact has served over 2,500 students, reached 16M people on social media, and grown their counselor network to 100+ college counselors nationwide. Sophie's accolades include being named Student Entrepreneur of the Year by the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council and winning the Global EdTech Company of the Year award from InvestHer. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.S. in Commerce at the McIntire School of Commerce with concentrations in Marketing and Information Technology, an Innovation Entrepreneurship minor and a track in Business Analytics. - - - -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.

This week, Dustin talks with Dr. Joseph Orgel from Illinois Institute of Technology about the innovative Empowerment Leadership and Mentorship (ELM) program he developed. Dr. Orgel shares his journey in academia, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and the development of durable skills for student success. They also discuss the program's impact on academic performance, graduation rates, and the overall student experience. Lastly, Dr. Orgel highlights the critical role of peer mentorship and the positive effects of creating a supportive and empowering academic culture.Guest Name: Dr. Joseph Orgel, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at Illinois Institute of TechnologyGuest Social Handles: LinkedInGuest Bio: Dr. Joseph Orgel is a visionary with a passion for innovation and collaboration. He is a relentless research leader in multi- and cross-disciplinary R&D, delving into areas such as the molecular organization of tissues, X-Ray diffraction, neurology, social influence, generative AI and applied learning. His diverse background spans academia, research, and business, giving him a unique perspective on leadership and problem-solving. Joseph's expertise in industrial R&D, business administration, and strategic planning is complemented by his commitment to fostering strong relationships and championing personal development. As a skilled communicator and dedicated mentor, Joseph inspires those around him to reach their full potential. - - - -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.

Joining the show this week is Aneesh Sohoni, CEO of One Million Degrees, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting community college students. Aneesh shares his personal and professional journey that led him to this impactful work, discusses the comprehensive support model of One Million Degrees, and emphasizes the importance of community colleges in today’s educational landscape. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities in community college education and the innovative strategies employed to enhance student success.Guest Name: Aneesh Sohoni, CEO at One Million DegreesGuest Social Handles: LinkedInGuest Bio: Aneesh is Chief Executive Officer at One Million Degrees (OMD), an organization that focuses on supporting community college students with life, school, and career. Aneesh is the child of immigrants and works in education because of the meaningful role access to educational opportunity played in his family’s life. He started as a high school English teacher. It was his experience working with his students that brought to life for Aneesh the limitless potential of students and the need to ensure all students had access to opportunities to meet their potential. Since leaving the classroom, Aneesh has worked in the public and non-profit sector supporting education reform efforts in Tennessee, Camden, Boston, and Chicago. Most recently, Aneesh served as the Executive Director for Teach For America in Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana for nearly six years. Aneesh was previously named to Forbes 30 under 30 for education, is a Pahara Fellow, 2019 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow, a member of The Economic Club of Chicago, and serves on the board of Teach For India – U.S. Aneesh has shared his expertise at numerous conferences, including at SXSW EDU and ASU-GSV Summit. - - - -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.

This week, we’re pleased to welcome back Robert Li, Owner of University FM. They delve into the mission and vision behind Professors FM, a network dedicated to helping scholars communicate their research to the general public through podcasts. Robert shares his journey from college radio to creating a platform that empowers faculty members to engage with broader audiences. They discuss the benefits of podcasting for academics, the importance of accessible research communication, and how Professors FM supports scholars in becoming better communicators.Guest Name: Robert Li, Co-Founder & Owner of University FMGuest Social Handles: LinkedInGuest Bio: Robert Li is the co-founder and owner of University FM, the higher ed podcast production company. His journey in audio storytelling began as a DJ at University of Michigan’s radio station. He now partners with educational institutions to create podcast shows that serve their strategic goals and resonate with target listeners. These institutions include UC Berkeley, Howard University, and Middlebury College. The through line is his dedication to elevating the voices within institutions. - - - -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.

In this special live episode recorded at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, Dustin chats with Jenny who shares her journey in social media management, her approach to embracing digital transformation, and the importance of authenticity in building online communities. They discuss the evolving landscape of social media, the integration of new platforms like BeReal, and the strategic decisions behind managing social media at a prestigious institution like MIT.Guest Name: Jenny Li Fowler, Director of Social Media Strategy at Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyGuest Social: LinkedIn - - - -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.

In this special live episode recorded at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, Dustin chats with Allison, host of The Application podcast, who shares her insights on enrollment marketing, the importance of digital transformation, and how AI can enhance human connection in higher education. They discuss practical strategies for recruiting prospective students and the critical role of personalization in marketing efforts.Guest Name: Allison Turcio, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Siena College Guest Social: LinkedIn - - - -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.

This week, we’re featuring Dr. Sara Haviland, Senior Measurement Scientist at ETS, to discuss the evolving landscape of college admissions. She delves into the complexities of standardized testing, holistic admissions, and the impact of recent societal changes on these processes. Sara provides insights from her research and experience, highlighting the importance of a balanced approach that considers both qualitative and quantitative measures. She explores the implications of test-optional policies, the need for transparent and equitable admissions systems, and the potential role of AI in shaping the future of higher education.Guest Name: Dr. Sara Haviland, Senior Measurement Specialist at ETSGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Sara Haviland is a Senior Measurement Scientist at the ETS Research Institute, where she leads research on higher education admissions policy. She has over two decades of experience studying the social, policy, organizational, and individual factors that affect education, training, and careers; she is particularly interested in how education pathways can improve individuals’ life and career trajectories. Her current research focuses on post-secondary admissions, testing policies, and durable skill development and documentation. She produces both academic and translational pieces to support evidence-based practice in these spaces. Sara holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  - - - -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.

In this special live episode recorded at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, Dustin chats with Maya about her podcast, "The Hidden Gem," which aims to transform the narrative around community colleges. She emphasizes the importance of marketing and communications in elevating community colleges' profiles and addresses the challenges they face, including limited resources and under-appreciation. Maya also shares insights on digital transformation, particularly the integration of AI, and how it can enhance efficiency and create delightful student experiences.Guest Name: Maya Demishkevich, Chief Marketing Officer at Carroll Community CollegeGuest Social: LinkedIn - - - -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.

In this special live episode recorded at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, Dustin chats with Shane about his journey into podcasting as well as the importance of cross-campus partnerships. Shane shares actionable insights on how to break down silos in higher education. and highlights successful collaborations that have made a significant impact on his campus.Guest Name: Shane Baglini, Senior Director of Marketing at Muhlenberg CollegeGuest Social: LinkedIn - - - -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.

This week, Dustin chats with Kayvon Touran, CEO and co-founder of Zal.ai. Kayvon shares his journey in early-stage tech startups and the inspiration behind creating Zal.ai, a platform that uses AI to provide contextualized, personalized assessments for learning and development. They discuss the importance of AI in enhancing both higher education and workforce development, focusing on the potential for AI to make learning more dynamic, interactive, and aligned with individual and organizational goals.Guest Name: Kayvon Touran, CEO and Co-Founder of Zal.aiGuest Social Handles: LinkedInGuest Bio: Kayvon Touran has spent his entire career working in early stage technology startups, and most recently as a product leader in education technology where he created and implemented a next generation lifelong learning platform for higher education institutions.  - - - -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.