Higher Intelligence

Dr. JC Bonilla

The Higher Intelligence podcast delivers smart takes on AI and EdTech for the next-generation campus. Hosted by EdTech executive, data scientist, and professor Dr. JC Bonilla, the show breaks down the most important AI stories, explains how the technology works, and translates hype into real implications for higher education leaders. Join us twice weekly for clear thinking with no noise — just AI and EdTech, explained for higher education.

  1. 10h ago

    Data, Agents, and the Future of Enrollment with Encoura Connect

    JC is joined by Ty Fujimura, Chief Product Officer at Element451, and Matt Ellis, Chief Product Officer at Encoura, to dive into two rapidly evolving stories shaking the ed tech world: the high-stakes drama of AI governance, sparked by the latest developments around Anthropic’s Mythos/Fable models and export bans, and the staggering costs and ROI projections of AI software in higher ed.  Ty and Matt also give a deep dive on the newly launched Encoura Connect—a powerful partnership between Encoura and Element451 that promises to bring predictive enrollment intelligence and agent-driven CRM capabilities together like never before. They explore what this means for institutions, how the landscape of personalization and data-driven engagement is shifting, and why thoughtful AI governance and spend management will play a central role in higher ed’s future. Whether you’re a marketer, technologist, or leader in education, this is the conversation that pulls back the curtain on where AI is taking your campus next. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Host:Dr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Higher Intelligence 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. 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.

    56 min

  2. Jun 30

    Summer Recap 2026

    JC presents a June 2026 “State of AI” summer recap for higher education, addressing what’s true about AI, its current state, and how institutions can improve. He argues AI has shifted from chatbots to agentic operating layers and that model leadership is now contested among OpenAI, Anthropic, xAI, DeepSeek, and Z.AI, making single-vendor strategies outdated. The episode concludes with a live discussion between JC, AI for U host Brian Piper, and Lessons in Leadership host Carrie Phillips. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Host:Dr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Higher Intelligence 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. 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.

    38 min

  3. Jun 23

    AI Accountability in Higher Education

    In this episode of Higher Intelligence, Dr. JC Bonilla and guest Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner examine who decides what AI is allowed to do on campus and who holds accountability when AI goes wrong. They discuss recent government intervention in AI model deployment, the rise of AI-powered academic discovery, and the emergence of agentic AI workflows in higher education. Drawing on leadership frameworks and real campus examples, the conversation explores practical approaches to AI governance, ethical considerations, and how higher ed leaders can balance progress with accountability. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Host:Dr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Higher Intelligence 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. 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.

    50 min

  4. Jun 9

    How to Buy AI in 2026

    JC is joined by Element451 Chief Revenue Officer Trey Boyer and VP of Customer Strategy & Technology Kelly Sinacola to discuss the complexities of buying AI in higher education. They examine why many campuses struggle to realize ROI on AI investments, highlight the pitfalls of shiny demos and vaporware, and emphasize frameworks for selecting the right problems to solve. The conversation covers data readiness, the importance of organizational culture, and how successful AI adoption depends on people and process—not just technology. Practical advice is shared for institutional leaders preparing to make significant AI purchases. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Host:Dr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Higher Intelligence 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. 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.

    53 min

  5. Jun 2

    First 100 Days Leading AI in EdTech

    JC is joined by Element451's CEO James Novak to explore the shifting landscape of AI and EdTech leadership in higher education. James reflects on his first 100 days, transformational AI strategies, and the emergence of agentic workflows. The conversation unpacks recent industry research, best practices for deploying AI at scale, and actionable advice for higher ed leaders looking to drive impact and student success through AI-enabled labor and process redesign. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Host:Dr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Higher Intelligence 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. 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.

    56 min

  6. May 26

    Bridging the Gap Between AI Pilots and Practice

    In this episode of Higher Intelligence, JC is joined by Andrea Gilbert from Everspring to examine why most AI pilots in higher education fail to scale, emphasizing the crucial role of leadership and change management over technology itself. They explore actionable frameworks for moving from pilot to implementation, the importance of measurable outcomes, and how institutions can redesign workflows for sustainable AI adoption, with insights drawn from leading industry research and real-world campus experiences. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Host:Dr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Higher Intelligence 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. 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.

    53 min

  7. May 12

    AI in the New International Student Landscape

    JC is joined by Rishab Malhotra, the founder of AIDO, to examine the current crisis in US international student enrollment, the evolving role of AI in global recruitment, and the impact of new federal regulations on AI models. JC and Rishab discuss data-driven strategies for enrollment, AI-powered personalization, and operational improvements, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities facing institutions aiming to attract and support international students in an increasingly competitive and regulated landscape. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Host:Dr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Higher Intelligence 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. 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.

    50 min

  8. May 5

    Shaping Students for an AI Future

    JC is joined by Christopher Porter from Drake University to examine how AI is reshaping entry-level tech jobs, curriculum design, and workforce readiness in higher education. They explore the rapid decline of traditional roles, the increasing demand for AI fluency, and how programs like Drake University's AI major are bridging skills gaps. The conversation highlights integrating ethics, interdisciplinary learning, and adapting to evolving AI tools to prepare students for the future. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Host:Dr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Higher Intelligence 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. 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.

    58 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

The Higher Intelligence podcast delivers smart takes on AI and EdTech for the next-generation campus. Hosted by EdTech executive, data scientist, and professor Dr. JC Bonilla, the show breaks down the most important AI stories, explains how the technology works, and translates hype into real implications for higher education leaders. Join us twice weekly for clear thinking with no noise — just AI and EdTech, explained for higher education.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. JC Bonilla
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    134
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Enrollify Network
  • Show Website
    Higher Intelligence

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