The Signal (formerly the EdTech Connect Podcast)

Jeff Dillon

Reaching #4 on the Apple Podcast Education Category, The Signal is the leading podcast for higher education professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve. Join host Jeff Dillon as he explores the innovative people and technology shaping the future of academia. From AI and GEO to student engagement and institutional transformation, we cut through the noise to bring you the "signal." Whether you're a marketer, IT Leader, or faculty member, join us as we harness the power of technology to drive human-centered innovation on your campus. Learn more at https://edtechconnect.com

  1. Ep. 81 - Devin Purgason: Who Owns the Student Journey in the Age of AI

    13H AGO

    Ep. 81 - Devin Purgason: Who Owns the Student Journey in the Age of AI

    Join Jeff Dillon as he sits down with Devin Pergason, AVP for Student Experience, Marketing & Outreach at Forsyth Technical Community College, to dissect the evolving landscape of higher education. This episode tackles a critical question: why are community colleges currently best positioned to drive student success? Pergason argues that their inherent “student-first” mission – unlike research universities attempting to retrofit a student-centric model – gives them a significant advantage. The conversation centers on the urgency with which institutions must engage with emerging technologies, particularly AI, mirroring the same dedication they bring to the classroom. Pergason emphasizes a shift away from traditional marketing approaches that “market *to* students” towards strategies designed *for* their needs. He highlights how Forsyth Tech built a groundbreaking student care model – integrating support services directly with marketing – creating a unified approach for genuine engagement and lasting impact. Ultimately, this episode explores whether community colleges are truly ‘getting there’ in embracing the technological conversation, and what it takes to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive. Key Takeaways: Community College Advantage: Pergason argues that their existing mission – prioritizing student success – makes them uniquely positioned for innovation. Student-First Marketing: A critical discussion on moving beyond traditional marketing tactics and focusing on what truly matters to students. Integrated Systems are Key: The importance of combining student care services with marketing within a unified organizational structure. Urgency in Technology Adoption: The need for community colleges to approach technology – particularly AI – with the same level of commitment as their academic programs.   The Signal Newsletter: https://edtechconnect.com/newsletter   Find Devin Purgason: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinpurgason/ Forsyth Technical Community College https://www.forsythtech.edu/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - Student Services: Marketing and Admissions(00:00:41) - Meet Devin Purgason(00:02:03) - How Student Experience and Marketing Outreach are driving higher education innovation(00:10:08) - Forsyth Tech's AI Committee(00:15:48) - How Marketing Data is Affecting the Student Journey(00:18:04) - What are the opportunities of AI in colleges?(00:19:31) - On Student Engagement and Marketing(00:23:26) - How to Modernize Higher Ed Marketing Teams(00:25:24) - The Future of Higher Ed: Technology Innovation

    28 min
  2. Ep. 79 - Valerie Fox: The New Front Door to Graduate Enrollment

    MAR 20

    Ep. 79 - Valerie Fox: The New Front Door to Graduate Enrollment

    In a higher ed landscape crowded with sameness, how can institutions truly stand out and drive enrollment growth, especially for graduate and professional programs? This week on The Signal: On Air, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Val Fox, a strategic advisor at EAB with decades of experience leading marketing at both major universities and consumer brands like Bose. Val argues that the biggest mistake institutions make is trying to scale the undergraduate playbook for their graduate programs, which are often fragmented, under-resourced, and siloed. Val shares critical insights from EAB's latest research on the modern adult learner, revealing a fundamental shift toward stealth shopping, digital-first decision-making, and a surge in AI adoption for program discovery. She explains why "supportive faculty" and "strong outcomes" are just the category minimum, not differentiators, and offers a practical guide on how to build a genuine brand "moat" by getting specific. Tune in to learn how to move from endless debate to disciplined experimentation, align your cross-functional teams, and ensure your institution is visible at the new AI-powered front door of higher ed. Key Takeaways Stop Using the Undergraduate Playbook: Graduate enrollment is fundamentally different. It's often fragmented and under-resourced, requiring a distinct strategy focused on the unique needs of adult, professional, and online learners, not a scaled-down version of the traditional undergraduate model. Data Beats Enthusiasm: Too many programs are launched based on internal enthusiasm rather than market demand. Institutions serious about growth must ground their decisions in public data (like IPEDS and BLS) to validate student demand and employer needs before investing in new programs. Differentiation Requires a "Moat": Generic claims like "supportive community" or "academic excellence" are just the sector minimum. To truly stand out, institutions must get specific and "compound" their differentiators—building a unique set of program-level advantages that are hard for competitors to simply copy. The Student Journey Has Fundamentally Changed: Today's graduate learners are "stealth" shoppers. Over 80% complete their research and decide on a short list without ever contacting the institution. They expect a self-service, digital-first experience akin to Netflix or Amazon. AI is the New Front Door: Prospective students are rapidly adopting AI (with 5x growth in usage) to synthesize information and compare programs. However, there's a dangerous gap between institutions researching AI and actually auditing their visibility in these new channels. If you aren't visible there, you're falling behind. Move from Vanity to Actionable Metrics: Focus on metrics that directly tie to enrollment, such as application starts and inquiry requests, rather than vanity metrics like page views. Institutions must create a "bright line" between marketing efforts and these digital behaviors. Transform Through Experimentation, Not Debate: Successful institutions prototype their way forward. They run pilots with clear success metrics, are willing to stop what isn't working, and embrace disciplined experimentation instead of getting bogged down in multi-year committees. Align Teams with a Shared Reality: Friction across marketing, admissions, and academic leadership often stems from different assumptions. Building a shared baseline understanding of market conditions and using frameworks to reduce complexity can align teams and accelerate decision-making.   The Signal Newsletter: https://edtechconnect.com/newsletter ... Chapters (00:00:00) - The Signal on Air: AI and the Future of Higher Ed(00:01:23) - Valerie Fox at the Consumer Marketing Conference(00:02:47) - Jeff Knows: What Led Me to Higher Ed(00:06:59) - Bentley University's Digital Experience(00:10:10) - EMB Student Enrollment: Growing Graduate Enrollment(00:12:05) - Graduate Program Growth and Strategic Planning(00:14:45) - Brand and Communication(00:20:22) - What's Advancing the Use of AI in Student Search and Discovery(00:23:23) - What Do You Need to Know to Accelerate Enrollment?(00:24:46) - What separates the organizations that truly transform from the ones that stall?(00:26:47) - What's the key to building real momentum in higher ed?(00:29:20) - Jeff Smith: How to Grow Enrollment in the Next 3-(00:31:00) - The Signal: Higher Ed Tech News & Insights

    32 min
  3. Ep. 78 - Shannon Vander Muelen:  Students Don’t Hate Waiting They Hate Uncertainty

    MAR 13

    Ep. 78 - Shannon Vander Muelen: Students Don’t Hate Waiting They Hate Uncertainty

    Jeff Dillon sits down with Shannon Vander Meulen, Co-Founder and CMO of WaitWell, a tech platform transforming how students access campus services—from advising to financial aid. A former public service office manager turned tech founder, Shannon brings a rare blend of frontline operational experience and educator empathy to the problem of waiting. She shares how her decade running a busy registry office revealed that what people truly want isn’t popcorn or music—it’s competence, clarity, and their time back. Shannon unpacks how WaitWell eliminates physical lines, empowers staff with AI-driven insights, and gives students the digital-first experience they now expect. From onboarding without tech fatigue to launching their new AI agent “Waillo,” this conversation is a useful guide to building solutions that solve real problems—not just deploying tech for tech’s sake. Whether you’re in student affairs, IT, or service operations, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas for making service interactions faster, fairer, and more human. Key Takeaways Waiting Is a Universal Pain Point – Long lines aren’t just inefficient—they create stress for both visitors and staff. Modern students expect the same digital convenience (DoorDash, Uber) when accessing campus services. Competence Trumps Friendliness – While a welcoming environment matters, what people truly want is to be served by someone with the right training to solve their problem—quickly and correctly. Transparency Reduces Frustration – Simply knowing how long a wait will be—whether 15 minutes or 2 hours—dramatically improves the service experience and reduces anxiety. Educator Mindset Informs Product Design – Shannon’s teaching background taught her to “scaffold” complex processes into smaller steps—a skill that directly translates to building intuitive, user-centered technology. AI Should Solve Real Problems, Not Chase Hype – WaitWell’s AI agent “Waillo” was born from customer feedback. It helps staff ask natural-language questions like, “When’s the best day to close for training without impacting wait times?” Onboarding Is the Secret Sauce – Successful tech adoption hinges on dedicated setup: sandbox environments, workflow mapping, and a single point of contact (account manager) to ensure smooth implementation. Tech Fatigue Is Real – Staff are often juggling dozens of tools. The best new solutions either integrate seamlessly or replace existing systems—not add to the clutter. Data Reveals Hidden Patterns – Once organizations track wait times and service demand, they often discover unexpected peaks and valleys—enabling smarter staffing and resource allocation. Keep the Human in the Loop – While AI and chatbots can handle routine inquiries, many institutions still value in-person connection. The key is balancing digital efficiency with human touchpoints where they matter most. Build a Culture That Listens – WaitWell’s product innovations are driven by weekly meetings between support and development teams, ensuring engineers hear directly from users—keeping the company focused on solving real problems.   Find Emily Vander Meulen: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonvandermeulen/ WaitWell https://waitwellsoftware.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - What I Learned About Customer Service(00:00:29) - Interviewing Shannon Vandermeulen(00:01:39) - How I Founded Weightwell: Learning From the Process(00:06:50) - What's Waitwell Do for Student Service Centers?(00:12:44) - What have been the biggest technical or cultural barriers to digital transformation in(00:14:02) - What's Been Your Proudest Moment Since Launching Weightwell?(00:15:15) - Service Experience Insights(00:16:46) - What insights typically surprise the leadership the most?(00:20:55) - How to Manage Student Service Delivery with AI(00:22:44) - Waitwell's CEO Shannon on EdTech Connect(00:24:27) - EdTech Connect

    25 min
  4. Ep. 77 - Stephen Laster: From Harvard to Panopto -  Scaling EdTech That Matters

    MAR 6

    Ep. 77 - Stephen Laster: From Harvard to Panopto - Scaling EdTech That Matters

    Stephen Laster is the CEO of Panopto and a veteran leader in digital education whose career spans Harvard Business School, McGraw-Hill, D2L, and Ellucian. Stephen shares how his own experience as a dyslexic learner—and an early adopter of the Apple II—shaped his lifelong mission to use technology to make learning more accessible and human. He unpacks what it truly means to be a “human-centered AI-first” platform, how Panopto is using AI to extend—not replace—the learning community, and why interoperability and focus are more critical than ever in edtech. From navigating institutional change to fostering a culture of smart risk-taking, Stephen offers a candid look at the patterns, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of teaching and corporate training. Whether you’re leading digital transformation, building learning tools, or thinking about how to scale knowledge in a rapidly changing world, this conversation is packed with wisdom from the front lines. Key Takeaways Technology as an Accessibility Lifeline – Stephen’s dyslexia led him to an Apple II in 1981, where he built his own spell checker and word processor. This personal experience cemented his belief that technology should empower learners by removing barriers, not creating them. Human-Centered AI Expands Community, Not Replaces It – Panopto’s AI strategy focuses on automating time-consuming tasks (summarization, translation, generating knowledge checks) to give time back to instructors and learners—strengthening human connection rather than substituting it. Interoperability Is Non-Negotiable – Seamless LMS integration and open ecosystems are essential for adoption. Panopto’s success is rooted in making technology “fade into the background” so teaching and learning can take center stage. Institutional Knowledge Must Be Findable & Reusable – Beyond capturing lectures, Panopto is evolving into a knowledge hub that serves alumni, prospects, and partners—turning video libraries into searchable, AI-enhanced assets that support lifelong learning. Teaching Experience Makes You a Better EdTech Leader – Stephen credits his seven years teaching at Babson as foundational to understanding the realities of the classroom. His advice: “If you're really going to be passionate about anything you're making technology for, go do the job.” Innovation Requires Smart Risk-Taking & Space to Fail – Successful digital transformation hinges on creating conditions where “smart failures” are rewarded. Institutions and companies need to embrace deliberate experimentation and learn from iterative pilots. Focus on North Stars, Not Just Features – Panopto operates under three durable guideposts: lead in visual/auditory learning, be the most customer-centric edtech provider, and be a destination for top talent. Clarity of mission enables agility without losing direction. The Biggest Gap Isn’t Technology—It’s Time – Faculty and instructional designers need dedicated time and support to innovate. The industry must prioritize professional development and create breathing room for pedagogical experimentation. Jobs Are Changing Faster Than Ever – In both higher ed and corporate learning, the imperative is to reskill and upskill continuously. Platforms that enable just-in-time, accessible learning are critical to retention and growth. Stay Calm, Stay Focused, Stay Open – Stephen’s background as a merchant mariner taught him to problem-solve calmly under pressure—a mindset that translates directly to leading through edtech’s relentless waves of change.   Find Stephen Laster: LinkedIn                               Chapters (00:00:00) - Creating the conditions for disruptive learning(00:00:32) - Steve Laster(00:01:40) - Leading the Digital Transformation of Education(00:05:17) - CIO Network: Learning From HBS and Babson(00:06:44) - What is panopto? What role does it play inside the(00:08:00) - Panopto: A Human-Centered AI First Platform(00:10:11) - How Panopto is helping institutions scale knowledge sharing in 2026(00:12:07) - Top EdTech Executives: The Current Wave(00:17:31) - What is the role of people in higher education?(00:19:01) - Panopto's Mission-(00:22:59) - on Becoming a Tech Leader

    25 min
  5. Ep. 76 - Fiona Hayes: Why Perspective Is the Most Underrated Skill in Higher Education

    FEB 27

    Ep. 76 - Fiona Hayes: Why Perspective Is the Most Underrated Skill in Higher Education

    Fiona’s journey is anything but conventional: from clinical audiologist and university instructor to scaling a global edtech startup used by over 30,000 students at institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and UC Berkeley. She serves as the CEO and co-founder of Viewpoint Simulations. She shares how teaching during the pandemic revealed a gap in experiential learning—and how she and her co-founder turned a classroom tool into a thriving platform that transforms lecture content into active role-playing simulations. Fiona shares her experiences building a fully remote, mission-driven team, why educator-to-educator referrals fuel growth, and how deep LMS integration became a non-negotiable key to adoption. Whether you’re an educator looking to engage students in new ways, an edtech founder navigating early growth, or a leader curious about the future of experiential learning, this conversation is packed with real-world insights on innovation, empathy, and scaling with purpose. Key Takeaways Experiential Learning Fills a Critical Gap – Viewpoint Simulations transforms traditional lecture content into active role-playing, debate, and negotiation exercises—helping students move from passive consumption to engaged, perspective-taking learning. Empathy-Driven Product Development – Fiona’s background as an audiologist and educator taught her that communication isn’t one-size-fits-all. This mindset shapes how Viewpoint designs for diverse learners and maintains an open feedback loop with educators. Educators Are Your Best Advocates – Viewpoint’s early traction came largely from educator referrals and peer-to-peer sharing. Building tools that educators genuinely want to use—and making them easy to share—creates organic, scalable growth. LMS Integration Is Mission-Critical – Deep integration with platforms like Canvas (via LTI) wasn’t a nice-to-have—it was essential for adoption. Fiona advises partnering with university teaching and learning centers to navigate integration smoothly. Remote Teams Can Drive Creativity & Mission – Viewpoint’s fully remote, global team isn’t a compromise—it’s a strategic advantage. Hiring across time zones and cultures brings diverse perspectives and fuels innovation. Play to Your Team’s Strengths – Successful leadership means knowing your own strengths and complementing them with team members who bring different skills. This self-awareness has been key to navigating startup highs and lows. Partner with Publishers to Enhance Existing Content – Viewpoint’s publisher-integrated model turns static case studies into interactive simulations, adding value to existing educational materials and creating new avenues for adoption. The Biggest Barrier Is Educator Adoption – While demand for experiential learning is growing, convincing seasoned educators to change long-established teaching methods remains a challenge. Success stories and peer advocacy are crucial to overcoming this. Prepare Students by Bridging Theory & Practice – Higher ed can better equip graduates by fostering stronger partnerships between academia and industry—giving students a clearer picture of how classroom learning translates to real-world challenges.   Find Fiona Hayes: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionamhayes/ Viewpoint Simulations https://viewpointsims.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - What are college students learning these days?(00:00:35) - EdTech Connect: Fiona Hayes(00:02:42) - Televisual Influencers: Learning From Experience in Healthcare(00:04:32) - How Learning Has Shape Your Tech Startup(00:05:30) - What Sets Perspective Simulations apart?(00:08:43) - Inventing Viewpoint: The Learning System(00:10:45) - How a Remote Team Helped You Lead(00:13:15) - WSJDLive: The Challenges of Experiential Learning(00:15:09) - What's One Thing Higher Ed Could Do to Better Prepare Students for(00:16:31) - Viewpoint Edtech's Publisher-to-Educator Integration(00:19:47) - Viewpoint Solutions: What's Next for the Software?

    22 min
  6. Ep. 75 - Tawnya Means: Human Plus AI and the Future of Teaching

    FEB 20

    Ep. 75 - Tawnya Means: Human Plus AI and the Future of Teaching

    Tawnya Means, Founding Partner and Principal at Inspire Higher Ed, talks about how institutions can navigate the rapid shifts in technology without losing the human heart of education. With over two decades of experience guiding colleges through digital transformation—from the early LMS days to today’s AI revolution—Tawnya brings a rare, grounded perspective on what it takes to innovate with purpose. She breaks down why smaller institutions can actually lead the way, how to move beyond "shiny object" tech adoption, and why the future of teaching is a "human plus AI" partnership—not a replacement. Whether you’re wrestling with change fatigue, misaligned incentives, or the pressure to modernize on a budget, this conversation offers practical frameworks, real-world examples, and a refreshing focus on culture, accessibility, and sustainable impact. Key Takeaways Innovation Isn’t About Tools, It’s About Teaching – True transformation starts with pedagogy, not technology. Tools should serve learning goals, not drive them. The sequence matters: teaching first, then technology. Change Fatigue Is Real, and It’s Eroding Trust – Faculty and staff are exhausted from constant shifts (pandemic, LMS changes, AI). Institutions must acknowledge this and build sustainable, trust-based approaches to change. Align Incentives with Innovation Goals – If institutions value teaching innovation but reward research, transformation will stall. Incentive structures must support the behaviors they claim to prioritize. Adopt a “Human Plus AI” Mindset – AI should expand human capability, not replace it. Think of AI as a thought partner, tutor, or mentor that helps students understand concepts—not just a shortcut for answers. Accessibility Is a Design Philosophy, Not a Compliance Burden – Building accessible learning from the start expands access for everyone and should be baked into the innovation process—not retrofitted later. Measure Success Through Culture, Engagement & Sustainability – Look beyond workshop attendance. Ask: Is change still happening six months later? Are people more engaged? Has the culture shifted toward collaboration and safe experimentation? Pilot Focused, High-Impact Programs – Instead of campus-wide rollouts, start with one program or problem area. Prove value, learn, and then expand. Education’s Lasting Value Is Human Connection – In a world where anyone can learn anything online, institutions must protect and deepen what makes them unique: community, mentorship, relationships, and the development of character and wisdom.   Find Tawnya Means: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnya-means/ Inspire Higher Ed https://inspirehighered.com/ Substack https://tawnyameans.substack.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - Tanya Means on Higher Ed Technology Connect(00:02:01) - Jeff Jarvis: The Future of Learning Through Technology(00:04:57) - In the Elevator With Higher Ed: The Digital Transformation(00:10:36) - What Do Colleges and Universities Face?(00:14:56) - Smaller Institutions and Edtech(00:17:46) - Higher Ed Tech: The Human + AI Partnership(00:27:13) - What's a College's Success?(00:29:26) - The future of higher education(00:31:47) - A Moment With Tanya on EdTech Connect

    33 min
  7. Ep. 74 - Charity Stutzman: Future Proofing Student Wellbeing with Data Driven Prevention

    FEB 13

    Ep. 74 - Charity Stutzman: Future Proofing Student Wellbeing with Data Driven Prevention

    Charity Stutzman, Senior Director of Higher Education Strategy at Vector Solutions, unpacks the groundbreaking findings from the latest Campus Prevention Network National Insights Report. With over 15 years in student affairs—including as Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Texas at Arlington—Charity brings a frontline perspective to a dramatic cultural shift: students are increasingly choosing not to drink, driven by mental health, finances, and a desire for control. They dive into what this means for prevention work, the rise of cannabis use, and how campuses can move from fear-based messaging to support, belonging, and skill-building. Charity also shares how tools like AlcoholEdu and CannabisEdu provide real-time data to help institutions respond proactively, and why tying student wellbeing directly to career readiness is the future of higher ed strategy. For anyone in student affairs, prevention, or institutional leadership, this conversation is an essential look at the data reshaping student success. Key Takeaways A Rapid Cultural Shift is Underway – The number of students abstaining from alcohol has jumped significantly in just two years, with 64% of incoming students citing negative health consequences as a reason—up from 55% in 2023. Younger students are driving this change, breaking long-held stereotypes about college drinking culture. Prevention Must Shift from Risk Reduction to Reinforcement – With more students already making healthy choices, campuses should focus on reinforcing positive behaviors, building skills, and creating environments that support wellbeing—not just warning about risks. Cannabis Use Presents a Dual Challenge & Opportunity – As cannabis becomes legal and socially normalized, institutions need to provide education on safety, mental health connections, and risk reduction, tailored to their state and campus environment. Protective Factors Are Stacking Up – Students are prioritizing mental health, tight friend groups, financial pressure, and academics—making not drinking a logical choice. Campuses can leverage this by promoting healthy hubs like campus recreation centers. See Students as Whole Individuals – Support must move beyond isolated behaviors to address the mix of stress, identity, finances, and academic pressure. This requires breaking down silos and adopting a case-management approach to student care. Data-Driven Tools Enable Real-Time Insight – Platforms like Alcohol EDU and Cannabis EDU give campuses real-time data, benchmarking, and tailored pathways (e.g., for abstainers or survivors), helping them spot trends and adjust support before issues escalate. Upskill Faculty & Staff for Holistic Support – Faculty and staff should be trained to engage students across the eight dimensions of wellness and refer them appropriately, creating safe, supportive touchpoints throughout the student journey. Be Ready to Pivot Quickly – Higher ed moves slowly, but today’s student trends shift fast. Institutions need mechanisms to adapt policies, programs, and resources swiftly—even when outcomes are uncertain—to stay relevant and responsive.   Find Charity Stutzman: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/charity-stutzman-9a4a1121/ Vector Solutions https://www.vectorsolutions.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - The rising number of students drinking(00:00:51) - EdTech Connect: Campus Prevention Network National Insights(00:02:22) - The Vital Moment of My College Experience(00:05:34) - In the Elevator with Higher Ed Strategy(00:08:09) - CPN National Insights Report(00:14:12) - Protective Factors for Student Wellbeing(00:19:56) - About the Vector Solutions Training Tools(00:22:37) - What kinds of success stories have been reported from institutions that have implemented(00:25:19) - What Obstacles Are Higher Ed Students Running Into?(00:26:33) - Student Affairs Teams Need to Be More Empowered(00:28:58) - Top Higher Ed Leaders: Future Proofing Student Support Systems(00:31:21) - EdTech Connect

    32 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Reaching #4 on the Apple Podcast Education Category, The Signal is the leading podcast for higher education professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve. Join host Jeff Dillon as he explores the innovative people and technology shaping the future of academia. From AI and GEO to student engagement and institutional transformation, we cut through the noise to bring you the "signal." Whether you're a marketer, IT Leader, or faculty member, join us as we harness the power of technology to drive human-centered innovation on your campus. Learn more at https://edtechconnect.com

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