The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

Dustin Ramsdell

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

  1. 17H AGO ·  BONUS

    Live from Illumia Momentum with Alison Cove

    In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we spoke with returning guest Alison Cove from USEFULL about her ever evolving (and award winning!) work enabling tech enabled sustainability efforts at institutions all over the country. Guest Name: Alison Cove, Founder and CEO, USEFULL Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Alison Cove is the founder and CEO of USEFULL, the only tech-enabled, plastic-free takeout container solution for college and university campuses. USEFULL provides the tracking technology and durable containers that schools need to operate a successful zero-waste takeout program that eliminates waste, saves water, and reduces emissions to meet sustainability goals. Alison is committed to eliminating plastic and single-use packaging from the takeout stream at college dining operations, protecting students from microplastics, and driving lasting behavior change around reuse. - - - -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.

    19 min

  2. 1D AGO ·  BONUS

    Live from Illumia Momentum with Don Smith

    In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we chatted with returning guest Don Smith from Illumia about his work with institutions as they modernize their campus payment systems. He shares his experiences with the movement toward digital wallets and how this cultural shift for institutions is well worth the effort. Guest Name: Don Smith -  Senior Vice President, General Manager of Integrated Payments at Illumia Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Don Smith, is Senior Vice President, General Manager of Integrated Payments for Illumia. With over 15 years of experience driving innovation in software and financial services, Don is a seasoned product leader specializing in building high-performing teams. Skilled in talent development and cross-functional collaboration, Don creates cultures of excellence in both startups and established corporations across diverse industries, including education, financial services, nonprofits, and commercial real estate. - - - -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.

    27 min

  3. 4D AGO ·  BONUS

    Live from Illumia Momentum with Laura Newell-McLaughlin

    In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we talked with Laura Newell-McLaughlin from Illumia about the increased utilization of tuition payment alternatives like sponsor payments and payment plans; how we got here and what institutions need to do to continue to adapt in order to provide high quality experiences for their students. Guest Name: Laura Newell-McLaughlin - Chief Commercial Officer at Illumia Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Laura Newell-McLaughlin is an influential leader in the higher education sector, currently serving as the Chief Commercial Officer at Illumia, a leader in innovative credential and payment solutions for connected campuses. With a career spanning 30 years, Newell-McLaughlin has built a reputation for her expertise in payments strategy and performance, particularly within the higher education domain. Laura Newell-McLaughlin's comprehensive experience and deep understanding of payment solutions in the education sector position her as a dynamic leader and key contributor to Illumia’s ongoing success and innovation in providing solutions for campuses. - - - -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.

    23 min

  4. 5D AGO ·  BONUS

    Live from Illumia Momentum with Chris Setcos

    In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we spoke with Chris Setcos from Illumia to get his perspective on how institutions are grappling with increasingly complex digital infrastructure and tech stacks as well as strategies for successfully integrating these ecosystems. Guest Name: Chris Setcos - SVP of Partnerships at Illumia Guest Social: LinkedIn  Guest Bio: Chris Setcos is Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Mergers & Acquisitions at Illumia, responsible for strategic alliances, ecosystem development, and partnership models that drive long-term enterprise value. With deep expertise across technology, software, payments, and fintech, Chris builds collaborative teams and trusted partner relationships that align external capabilities with enterprise strategy to unlock innovation and scale. - - - -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.

    19 min

  5. 6D AGO

    Episode #323: AI Governance, Skills, and the Future of Learning

    For this week’s episode, Dustin and Dr. Aviva Legatt from EdGenerative discuss how higher education must urgently and intentionally integrate AI into learning and strategy. Aviva highlights the risks of unstructured AI use, the need to balance AI skills with critical thinking and domain expertise, and the growing pressure on institutions to align with workforce demands. Ultimately, it’s a call for leaders to take proactive steps—rather than avoid or ban AI—to better prepare students for an AI-driven future. Check out Aviva’s awesome resource for AI Use Cases in Higher Education! Guest Name: Dr. Aviva Legatt - Founder & Principal at EdGenerative Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Dr. Aviva Legatt is a nationally recognized education expert who bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI research and practical implementation in educational settings. With deep expertise in organizational dynamics and educational technology, she helps institutions navigate the complex landscape of AI adoption while maintaining their core educational mission and values. Her approach combines rigorous academic research with hands-on consulting experience, enabling educational leaders to make informed decisions about AI integration that serve their students and communities. Through her work with EdGenerative, she empowers institutions to move beyond AI anxiety toward confident, ethical implementation that amplifies human potential rather than replacing it. - - - -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.

    26 min

  6. MAR 31 ·  BONUS

    Live from Illumia Momentum with Zach Tussing

    In this special bonus episode recorded at the recent Illumia Momentum conference, we sat down with Zach Tussing from Ellucian about his perspective on the importance of effective ERP integrations and how institutional IT leaders are navigating many different stages of modernization and digital transformation. Guest Name: Zach Tussing, Lead of Technology Partnerships, Ellucian Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Zach Tussing is the Lead of Technology Partnerships at Ellucian, where he drives strategic alliances that expand the company’s ecosystem and accelerate innovation across higher education. With a focus on identifying and scaling high-impact partnerships, Zach works at the intersection of product, strategy, and go-to-market to deliver integrated solutions that enhance institutional outcomes. He brings a blend of technical expertise and business acumen, enabling him to translate emerging technologies into meaningful value for customers and partners alike. Passionate about collaboration and growth, Zach is committed to building durable partnerships that support Ellucian’s mission to power education and drive student success. - - - -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.

    20 min

  7. MAR 30 ·  BONUS

    Live at SXSW EDU with GP LeBourdais

    In this final episode recorded at SXSW EDU, Dustin chats with George Phillip (“GP”) LeBourdais, a fellow FOHE member and Head of Learning at Edvisor.AI. He details the work his team does enabling faculty members to be more effective and efficient with their efforts. GP also shares his perspective on how AI can have positive impacts on achieving greater equity in the classroom. Guest Name: Dr. George Philip LeBourdais, Head of Learning, Edvisor.AI Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Dr. George Phillip (“GP”) LeBourdais is a trained art historian who believes the best learning happens when humanistic inquiry meets technological innovation. His PhD from Stanford taught him to look carefully, to analyze how people see and make meaning. That slow, interpretive work is key to designing how students interact with AI. Currently, GP serves as Head of Learning (Special Advisor) at Edvisor.ai, leading academic strategy for an AI-powered platform transforming how college students engage with course content. GP embeds evidence-based pedagogy into product development and design multi-institutional efficacy studies. His team’s early data shows the largest gains for at-risk students, - - - -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.

    38 min

  8. MAR 27 ·  BONUS

    Live at SXSW EDU with Ana Homayoun

    In this special episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin speaks with Ana Homayoun, executive functioning expert, author, and founder of Green Ivy Educational Consulting and Luminaria Learning. They catch up on things since her interview last year and explore the power of career exploration for young people to help them find postsecondary success. She also teases her forthcoming book, Getting In Is Not Enough: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades, Test Scores and College Admission. Guest Name: Ana Homayoun, Author, Nonprofit Executive, & Independent Academic Advisor Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Ana Homayoun is a noted author, academic advisor, and early career development strategist. Her work focuses on helping students develop executive functioning skills in today's technology and social media world. Her latest book, Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admissions, underscores the fundamental skills needed for academic success, emotional well-being and long-term workforce development. Ana is the founder of Green Ivy Educational Consulting, a Silicon Valley-based academic advising firm that helps students, parents and educators with crucial executive function and life-management skills. She is also the founder and executive director of Luminaria Learning Solutions, a non-profit initiative developing the Life Navigator School Advisory Program, an executive function skills curriculum rooted in social and emotional well-being that aims to prepare students for success in and outside of the classroom. - - - -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.

    22 min
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4.7
out of 5
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About

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

Information

  • Creator
    Dustin Ramsdell
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    397
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Enrollify
  • Show Website
    The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

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