The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. 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 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For our kickoff episode of 2025, Dustin sits down with Rob Buelow, General Manager of Education at Vector Solutions, to unpack the seismic shifts in higher education over recent years, including financial aid disruptions and the rollback of affirmative action. Rob dives deep into the challenges—and opportunities—that are reshaping the sector. He also shares some recent research out of Vector measuring the impact of the affirmative action rollback on enrollment and insights into the “COVID Cohort” of students entering into higher education.Guest Name: Rob Buelow, General Manager, Education at Vector SolutionsGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Rob Buelow serves as General Manager for the Education sector at Vector Solutions. He is an award-winning public health professional with deep expertise in leveraging social and behavioral science to solve the most pressing challenges facing campuses, companies, and communities. - - - -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 welcomes back Bill Zimmerman, a communications professor at Penn State and author of the new book, Understanding the Creator Economy, to discuss the transformative impact of the creator economy on higher education. They explore why understanding and supporting content creation is crucial for higher ed institutions—from improving student engagement to innovative marketing strategies. Bill shares insights on how universities can integrate creator economy principles into their curricula and campus culture, providing students with real-world skills and creating new channels for brand engagement.Guest Name: Bill Zimmerman, Assistant Teaching Professor at Penn State UniversityGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: With a career spent communicating through various mediums, Bill Zimmerman is fascinated with how messages are delivered and new ideas take hold in our hyper-connected world. A member of the Penn State faculty since 2017, Zimmerman is the faculty supervisor for CommAgency's social media division and runs the Bellisario College's social media/content creator camp for high schoolers in the summer. He’s also presented at various conferences such as eduWeb Summit, HighEdWeb, Social Media Strategies Summit: Higher Ed and The One Club for Creativity Educator 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.

We’re pleased to feature this conversation with podcasting veteran and seasoned educator Bonnie Stachowiak, host of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast, about the power of teaching, creativity, and vulnerability. Bonnie shares insights from over a decade of podcasting and reflects on how curiosity and empathy drive her approach to teaching. They discuss the evolving role of AI in education, how institutions can nurture a culture of learning, and why hope—combined with action—is crucial in shaping the future of higher ed. Bonnie’s reflections remind us that teaching is a joyful yet complex journey, where human connection, curiosity, and adaptability are key.Guest Name: Dr. Bonni Stachowiak, Dean of Teaching & Learning at Vanguard UniversityGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Bonni Stachowiak is the host of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast, which has been downloaded nearly 5 million times. She serves as dean of teaching and learning and professor of business and management at Vanguard University of Southern California. As the creator and host of Teaching in Higher Ed, Bonni explores the art and science of teaching, amplifying diverse educators' voices and fostering a global learning community. The podcast won the MERLOT Classics Award in 2016 and has been featured in publications like Inside Higher Ed and The Chronicle of Higher Education. Bonni holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. She frequently speaks at universities and conferences on effective teaching strategies and educational technology. - - - -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.

Got a story to tell? An innovative idea to share? Fill out our guest nomination form, and let's chat!This week, Dustin chats with Rasheed Behrooznia, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Transact, who discusses the game-changing role of digital student IDs in higher education. Rasheed shares how Transact’s pioneering work on mobile credentials has transformed campus operations, enhanced security, and elevated the student experience. Drawing from years of experience in defense and public transit, Rasheed emphasizes the importance of mobile-first solutions and environmental sustainability, while offering insights on how colleges can streamline student services. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of campus technology and student engagement.Guest Name: Rasheed Behrooznia, SVP & General Manager at Transact CampusGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Rasheed Behrooznia, Senior Vice President and GM of Campus ID and Commerce for Transact Campus, is an accomplished engineering, product, and technology leader who has demonstrated a remarkable ability to deliver impactful technology solutions to universities across the globe. Rasheed’s Campus ID division has streamlined operations at more than 100 universities and has issued more than 2 million credentials, helping schools meet the rising technological demands of Gen Z students. Throughout his career, Rasheed has excelled in managing global teams, showcasing flexible leadership in both hardware and software development. His expertise spans embedded systems, payment technologies, firmware development, enterprise software, and cloud-based solutions. His journey toward enhancing the campus experiences of millions of students is a testament to the transformative power of engineering and innovation. - - - -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.

Dustin sat down with Joel Podolny, CEO of Honor Education, to discuss his journey from founding Apple University to pioneering a new approach to digital education. Joel reflects on the importance of human connection in learning and how asynchronous tools can elevate collaborative experiences. He emphasizes that technology should enhance, not replace, the social and emotional dynamics of education. He shares how Honor Education aims to bridge the gap between traditional and digital learning environments by putting community at the heart of the learning process.Guest Name: Joel Podolny, CEO of Honor EducationGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Joel Podolny is the CEO and Co-Founder of Honor Education, a company that puts human connection at the center of how we learn, teach, and train online. Previously, Joel was handpicked by Steve Jobs to be the founding Dean of Apple University. As a Vice President at Apple, Joel oversaw management training and the development of Apple’s culture of learning for over a decade. Prior to Apple, Joel served as Dean and Professor of Management at the Yale School of Management. Joel previously held professorships at Harvard Business School and the Stanford Graduate School of Business where he researched status dynamics in a variety of industries and the role of social networks in mobility and information transfer within organizations. Joel is an accomplished speaker and educator who speaks regularly at corporate and academic events. - - - -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.