Episodes

  • 2024 Hall of Fame: Joshua Charles
    Dec 20 2024
    Today's inductee into the 2024 Enrollify Hall of Fame is Joshua Charles. Josh has become a standout leader in higher education, recognized for his innovative approaches to collaboration, leadership, and breaking down institutional silos.In this highlight reel, Josh shares his top strategies for fostering campus-wide collaboration, building relationships with leadership, and leveraging teamwork to achieve better outcomes. Whether you're navigating cross-campus partnerships or refining internal team processes, Josh’s insights provide a roadmap for creating meaningful change in higher education.Key TakeawaysProactive Partnerships: Reach out to campus stakeholders directly, tailoring communication to their needs to foster collaboration and build trust.Understanding Leadership Priorities: Develop relationships with campus leaders to align your team’s work with the institution’s strategic goals.Focus on Audience-Centric Strategy: Identify your target audience, refine their journey, and differentiate your offerings by focusing on what you can control.Internal Team Collaboration: Build strong internal processes by fostering open conversations about roles, preferences, and workflows.Breaking Down Silos Across Institutions: Collaborate with peers at other institutions to share resources, align goals, and amplify collective impact.Building Campus Partnerships Josh highlights the importance of reaching out to key stakeholders across campus instead of waiting for collaboration to happen. By understanding how your work affects others and personalizing your communication to resonate with their goals, you can build trust and secure buy-in for future initiatives.For example, Josh emphasizes the need to understand the priorities and communication styles of campus leaders such as associate deans of finance, faculty, or international students. These relationships are critical in aligning team efforts with broader institutional strategies.Focusing on What You Can Control In discussing challenges unique to Rutgers Business School, Josh advocates for focusing on audience-centric strategies to overcome barriers. Rather than dwelling on institutional politics, teams should:Clarify target audiences and map their journeys.Differentiate offerings by tailoring content and campaigns to specific needs.Use collaboration to share resources and learn from peers in similar roles across campus or even at competing institutions.Josh’s advice centers on leveraging what is within your control—such as refining messaging or developing resourceful marketing strategies—to achieve impactful results.Internal Collaboration: Building a Strong Team Josh describes an intentional, hands-on approach to fostering collaboration within his team of 10. By organizing sessions focused on specific examples—such as marketing an MBA program—team members gain a clear understanding of each other’s roles, workflows, and needs.Key steps include:Open Conversations: Encourage team members to share their communication and workflow preferences.Document Processes: Create shared documents outlining tasks, responsibilities, and dependencies to ensure alignment.Reflect and Improve: Dedicate meeting time to reflect on what’s working and identify areas for improvement.These practices build trust and eliminate inefficiencies, ultimately creating a more cohesive team.Breaking Silos Across Institutions Josh also shares the value of connecting with staff at other institutions to foster a culture of collaboration. By understanding the scope of their resources, challenges, and strategies, teams can align efforts and learn from one another. For example, Rutgers Business School staff regularly engage with peers at Rutgers Camden, recognizing that cooperation benefits everyone—students, staff, and the institution at large.Final Thoughts Josh Charles’s commitment to fostering collaboration and creating meaningful change is a testament to his leadership in higher education. From breaking silos to strengthening internal processes, his insights inspire higher ed professionals to rethink how they work together to achieve better outcomes. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to ...
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    13 mins
  • Reclaiming Free Speech, Democracy, and Discourse on Campus in America Post Election 2024 — Part 6
    Dec 19 2024
    In this special episode of Reclaiming Free Speech, Democracy, and Discourse on Campus, host Dr. J. Cody Nielsen sits down with Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III, Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan and scholar of race, systems of oppression, and student activism. Together, they unpack the implications of Donald Trump’s re-election, the challenges of free speech on campus, and the broader societal forces shaping higher education. This episode delves deep into student activism, higher education’s colonial roots, and the ways administrators and educators must navigate the ongoing struggle for justice and equity.Key TakeawaysStudent Activism Reflects Broader Sociopolitical Realities: Campus movements—whether for Black Lives Matter or pro-Palestinian rights—mirror larger societal struggles, challenging higher education’s historical role as a site of exclusion and privilege.Higher Education and Systems of Power: Colleges have long been intertwined with colonialism, capitalism, and racialized oppression. Deconstructing these systems requires critical reflection and moral courage from institutional leaders.The Role of Administrators: University administrators must prioritize people over prestige and resist suppressive policies that target student activism, particularly around anti-democratic and oppressive issues.Self-Care in the Struggle for Justice: Individual and communal care are critical. Dr. Davis highlights the importance of collective healing, family, and finding spaces for joy and restoration amid ongoing activism.The Trump Administration’s Impact: A second Trump term amplifies existing tensions, but the struggle for justice and liberation remains constant—organizers must double down on efforts to improve material conditions for marginalized communities.What Role Does Student Activism Play in the Current Political Landscape?Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III outlines how campus activism has always reflected broader sociopolitical contexts. From the Black Lives Matter movement to pro-Palestinian organizing, students are at the forefront of confronting oppressive systems and demanding institutional accountability. Dr. Davis connects today’s student movements to historical activism, such as the Black Campus Movement of the 1960s and the role of ethnic studies programs in democratizing higher education. He highlights that institutions often resist meaningful change unless forced by organized collective action.How Has Higher Education Historically Maintained Systems of Oppression?Dr. Davis dives into higher education’s colonial roots, emphasizing how campuses were built on stolen land and the labor of enslaved Black individuals. These structures persist today, manifested in racialized exclusion, elitism, and suppression of dissent. Administrators must confront their complicity in upholding oppressive systems and commit to re-centering people over profits, productivity, and prestige. He challenges leaders to reflect on their roles and question whether they are truly serving students or perpetuating institutional harm.What Should Higher Education Leaders Do in the Face of Political Suppression?Reflecting on the Trump administration’s impact, Dr. Davis notes that institutions have increasingly adopted suppressive policies, weaponizing campus and municipal policing to silence student protests. He urges administrators to act with “moral and political courage,” protecting students rather than criminalizing their activism. By aligning with community values and rejecting reactionary policies, leaders can challenge anti-democratic behaviors and support a more just higher education system.How Do We Balance Activism with Personal and Collective Well-Being?Recognizing the emotional and physical toll of activism, Dr. Davis emphasizes the importance of collective care and healing. He advocates for communal approaches to self-care—rejecting individualism in favor of shared spaces for rest, reflection, and joy. Whether through family, community organizing, or physical activities like running, activists must prioritize well-being to sustain their long-term efforts.Guest Name: Dr. Charles H.F. Davis IIIGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hfdavis/www.campusabolition.orgGuest Bio: Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III is a third-generation educator, organizer, and artist committed to the lives, love, and liberation of everyday Black people. Named a 2020 Emerging Scholar by Diverse Issues in Higher Education and a 2021 NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Davis is currently an assistant professor in the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education at the University of Michigan. As director of the Campus Abolition Research Lab, Dr. Davis’ research broadly explores the racialized consequences of higher education on society. He has produced more than three dozen publications including research articles, books, and scholarly essays as well as several short and feature-length films. - - - -...
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    33 mins
  • 2024 Hall of Fame: Bart Caylor
    Dec 18 2024
    Today's inductee into the 2024 Enrollify Hall of Fame is Bart Caylor. The president of Caylor Solutions and host of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast, Bart is renowned for his forward-thinking approach to AI in higher education. This episode compiles highlights from Bart's appearances on various Enrollify network shows, showcasing his perspectives on AI literacy, overcoming resistance to innovation, and leveraging AI tools to revolutionize higher education. Dive into the transformative insights shaping the future of enrollment marketing and leadership in higher ed.Check out the full episodes Bart appeared on: AI For U - Episode 2 Mission Admissions - Episode 33 Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO - Episode 50Key TakeawaysAI Resistance and Adoption: Resistance to AI often stems from fear, misconceptions, and change fatigue. Education and AI literacy are crucial for overcoming these barriers.Transformative Potential of AI: AI is poised to revolutionize higher education more profoundly than any previous technological advancement, reshaping marketing, operations, and student engagement.Practical AI Strategies: Tools like ChatGPT can significantly enhance productivity, helping higher ed professionals achieve more in less time by mastering prompt engineering.Leadership in AI Era: With AI driving rapid changes, higher ed leaders must embrace innovation to navigate the enrollment cliff and emerging trends effectively.What Are the Biggest Challenges in AI Adoption in Higher Education? Bart Caylor identifies two primary challenges in AI adoption: fear and underutilization. Resistance often stems from fear of the unknown or ethical concerns, with many professionals skeptical about adopting new tools. Others fail to realize AI's full potential, using it only for simple tasks like rewriting emails.Bart emphasizes that these challenges can be overcome through AI literacy and hands-on education. By demystifying AI and showcasing its capabilities, professionals can shift from skepticism to informed adoption. For instance, understanding that AI is a learning tool, not just a content scraper, fosters trust and opens the door to meaningful integration.How Can AI Reshape Higher Education? Bart predicts that AI will have a more significant impact on higher education than the personal computer, internet, and social media combined. From enhancing marketing strategies to improving operational efficiency, AI tools like ChatGPT allow institutions to tackle problems quickly and effectively.For example, AI-driven assistants could soon be integrated into platforms like Siri, enabling natural, conversational interactions. As institutions leverage these advancements, they’ll be able to streamline processes, improve student engagement, and remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.What Role Will Leadership Play in AI-Driven Transformation? The accelerating pace of AI adoption and the looming enrollment cliff demand adaptive leadership. Bart warns of potential leadership fatigue, as senior leaders may retire rather than manage the rapid changes AI brings. This creates opportunities for younger, tech-savvy professionals to step into leadership roles.To succeed, future leaders must embrace AI literacy and understand how to use tools like ChatGPT to make data-driven decisions. By leveraging AI for strategic initiatives, institutions can overcome challenges and position themselves for long-term success.How Can Higher Ed Professionals Start Using AI Effectively? Bart recommends starting small to build confidence with AI. For instance, using ChatGPT to create a simple meal plan introduces users to prompt engineering and the tool’s capabilities. This approach helps professionals understand how to frame questions and maximize AI's utility.He also highlights that AI isn’t just a time-saver—it enables professionals to accomplish more within the same time frame. By integrating AI into daily workflows, higher ed marketers and administrators can focus on high-impact tasks without extending their work hours. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the ...
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    16 mins
  • 2024 Hall of Fame: Devin Purgason
    Dec 17 2024
    Today's inductee into the 2024 Enrollify Hall of Fame is Devin Purgason, who has explored the future of higher education marketing, equity-focused student support, and transformative approaches to enrollment management across our network this year. Whether you're a higher-ed marketer or an admissions professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights.Check out the full episodes Devin appeared on: Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager - Episode 28 Breaking Silos - Episode 2 The Hidden Gem - Episode 2Key TakeawaysEquity-Driven Marketing and Support:Shift from traditional recruitment models to equity-based, student-centric service delivery.Meet students where they are with holistic wraparound services that remove barriers to enrollment and retention.Personalized and Diverse Strategies:Design marketing strategies that address the unique needs of diverse populations, including adult learners and nontraditional students.Use tailored messaging, open houses, and success coaches to enhance engagement.Community-Oriented Approaches:Build a sense of belonging for students through targeted events, free childcare, and holistic care services.Establish wraparound networks, like Forsyth Tech Cares, to address students' academic and personal needs.Seamless Student Experiences:Go beyond attracting students by shepherding them through every stage of the journey, from inquiry to graduation.Create frictionless transitions within institutions by reducing departmental silos.Reimagining the Student Funnel Devin Purgason of Forsyth Tech highlights how traditional enrollment funnels often leave students feeling unsupported. Forsyth Tech reshaped this model with a student-centric approach rooted in equity, focusing on providing continuous guidance and care throughout the student lifecycle.The Importance of Meeting Students Where They Are Forsyth Tech’s marketing strategy prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility, especially for adult learners. Initiatives include:Adult Learner Open Houses: Events designed to accommodate working adults and their families, complete with childcare and meals.Success Coaches: Personalized support for navigating technology, academics, and life challenges.Holistic Wraparound Support: The Forsyth Tech Cares program provides essential items like baby formula, food, and school supplies to help students focus on their education.Shifting Demographics Demand Diverse Strategies As Devin explains, the student body today spans from teenagers to retirees, creating a need for marketing that resonates with all ages. Forsyth Tech has embraced this challenge by utilizing diverse platforms and messaging strategies tailored to different demographics.A Culture of Support Devin emphasizes the importance of making every student feel like they belong. At Forsyth Tech, this means treating each individual not as a "seat" but as a valued member of a community, fostering a culture of love and service. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
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    9 mins
  • The “Invisible” Student: Addressing Equity in Recruitment and Retention
    Dec 16 2024
    In this thought-provoking episode, Mallory and Seth discuss the transformative potential of AI in addressing equity challenges in higher education. They explore how AI can help institutions better serve "invisible students" — nontraditional learners, first-generation students, and those balancing work or family responsibilities. Highlighting the intersection of technology and education, they provide actionable strategies to improve student success, persistence, and graduation rates.Key TakeawaysAI as a Catalyst for Equity:Proactively identifies and supports at-risk students through early intervention.Personalizes educational journeys with tailored resources and support.Ensures 24/7 access to tools and services for students with nontraditional schedules.Provides data-driven insights to reshape institutional policies and resource allocation.The Importance of Just-in-Time Resources:Students need accessible support at the exact moment they encounter challenges.AI can enable 24/7 assistance across admissions, academic advising, and financial aid.Breaking Down Barriers for First-Generation Students:Address gaps in institutional knowledge with accessible, plain-language communication.Use AI to seamlessly translate materials into multiple languages to meet diverse needs.Affordability of AI Solutions:Many AI tools are cost-effective, making them accessible for under-resourced institutions like community colleges.The Role of Product Design in Student Success:Institutions must design flexible programs to ensure students can re-enroll seamlessly after life interruptions.Why "Invisible Students" Need Attention Mallory sets the stage by defining invisible students as those who often go unnoticed in traditional education systems—such as first-generation students, working adults, and part-time learners. These populations represent a significant portion of the student body but are disproportionately likely to face barriers to graduation, compounding financial challenges like student loan debt.How AI Can Help AI-first strategies can transform how institutions support these students:Proactive Intervention: Predictive analytics identify early warning signs of student disengagement.Personalized Education: Tailored experiences boost engagement and retention.Accessible Support: AI-powered virtual assistants offer help 24/7, meeting students at their point of need.Data-Driven Decision Making: Institutions can reallocate resources based on real-time insights.Real-World Example: Trinity Valley Community College Mallory highlights Trinity Valley Community College’s success in implementing AI tools to address the needs of working students. Their AI assistant supports enrollment and student engagement, resulting in an 18% increase in their graduating class—an example of AI's tangible impact on student success.The Need for Product Innovation Seth emphasizes the importance of designing flexible program structures. For example:Avoid term-based models that create re-entry barriers for students who need to pause their education.Explore asynchronous and competency-based education models to meet the diverse needs of modern learners.Final ThoughtsThe conversation underscores the importance of leveraging AI to support nontraditional learners and first-generation students. Seth and Mallory emphasize that affordability and accessibility are key to implementing these solutions effectively, particularly for community colleges and other under-resourced institutions. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
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    23 mins
  • 2024 Hall of Fame: Mickey Baines
    Dec 13 2024
    Today's inductee into the 2024 Enrollify Hall of Fame is Mickey Baines, President and Chief Revenue Officer at Kennedy Company Education Strategies. Mickey’s innovative work in enrollment strategy and data-driven personalization is transforming how institutions engage students and families. This episode delves into his insights on creating impactful campus tours, leveraging CRM and AI for deeper student engagement, and laying the groundwork for future AI-driven strategies. Explore how Mickey’s expertise is reshaping higher education.Check out the full episodes Mickey appeared on: Mission Admissions - Episode 49 The Application - Episode 49 Key TakeawaysRedefining Campus Tours: Personalized and unscripted tours resonate more with students and families, distinguishing top institutions in the college search process.Parent-Focused Communication: Tailored messaging for parents, the key influencers in college decisions, is a crucial but often overlooked strategy.Data-Driven Personalization: Institutions must collect and organize data to provide tailored engagement and ensure readiness for AI integration.AI’s Role in Enrollment: AI enhances student engagement by automating personalized experiences, but effective implementation relies on robust, well-structured data.Future-Proofing CRM: Building advanced CRM strategies today ensures institutions can harness AI’s full potential in the near future.How Can Institutions Transform Campus Tours to Stand Out?Campus tours are critical touchpoints in the college decision-making process, but too often, they are overly scripted and indistinguishable. Mickey Baines emphasizes the importance of creating personalized, memorable experiences. Tours that incorporate authentic, unscripted narratives—sharing personal experiences alongside facts—stand out to prospective students. Families notice when tours feel rehearsed or lack differentiation, which can undermine a school’s appeal.Mickey’s insights highlight the need to audit existing tour practices and ensure they offer unique value. Tour guides should feel empowered to inject their personalities into their presentations, making the experience more engaging and relatable. By crafting distinctive tours, institutions can leave a lasting impression, positioning themselves as top choices for students.Why Are Parents Key to the Enrollment Process?Parents play a pivotal role in guiding students through the college selection process, yet many institutions fail to address them effectively. Mickey underscores the need for parent-specific communication that speaks to their concerns and priorities. Instead of duplicating student messaging, schools should craft emails and materials that help parents support their child’s decision-making process.For example, messages could highlight how specific events or resources benefit both the student and the family. By addressing parents directly and demonstrating their integral role, institutions can build trust and foster stronger connections, ultimately influencing enrollment decisions.How Can Data and AI Revolutionize Student Engagement?Mickey stresses that data is the foundation of effective personalization. Institutions often miss opportunities to tailor communications because they fail to track critical details, such as which events a student attended or their online engagement patterns. Collecting and organizing this data allows schools to create tailored experiences that resonate with students and families.AI offers the potential to automate these processes, delivering hyper-personalized communications at scale. However, AI relies on robust data to function effectively. Institutions must start gathering and structuring data now to prepare for seamless AI integration. CRM systems are vital tools for this transformation, enabling schools to manage data and deploy strategies that meet students’ individual needs.What Steps Should Institutions Take to Prepare for AI?Mickey explains that building advanced CRM capabilities is essential for harnessing AI in enrollment strategies. Schools should evaluate their current data collection practices, identify gaps, and begin accumulating the information needed to personalize experiences. Advanced CRMs allow institutions to move from basic to intermediate and eventually fully automated, AI-driven strategies.For example, tracking how a student interacts with event invitations or website content can inform future communications, ensuring they feel relevant and personalized. Institutions that invest in data readiness today position themselves to leverage AI tools effectively, enhancing student engagement and enrollment outcomes. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you ...
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    15 mins
  • Reclaiming Free Speech, Democracy, and Discourse on Campus in America Post Election 2024 — Part 5
    Dec 12 2024
    In Part 5 of this Pulse Check series, Cody Nielsen interviews Dr. David Robinson-Morris to explore the post-2024 election challenges and opportunities for higher education in America. This compelling conversation delves into how education institutions can navigate political turbulence, reclaim imaginative spaces, and fight systemic oppression. Tune in to gain insights into reshaping higher education for a more equitable future.Key TakeawaysImagination in Higher Education: Reclaiming creativity and curiosity is crucial for transcending oppressive systems and fostering meaningful transformation.Challenges of Corporatization: The corporatization of higher education has shifted priorities from holistic learning to workforce development, undermining its transformative potential.Preparing for Resistance: In the face of political shifts, educators and communities must embrace subversive strategies to uphold justice and inclusion.The Role of Higher Education in Democracy: Institutions must foster a shared reality, promote belonging, and educate individuals who can critically engage with societal challenges.The Power and Loss of Imagination in Higher EducationDr. David Robinson-Morris underscores the critical role imagination plays in education and society. He argues that oppressive systems, including corporatized higher education, often strip away creativity and curiosity, replacing them with rigid frameworks focused solely on outcomes like economic mobility. Reclaiming imagination, he asserts, is essential for empowering individuals and institutions to think beyond the status quo and enact meaningful change.Robinson-Morris connects this erosion of imagination to the broader corporatization of higher education, tracing its origins to the 1960s and the rhetoric of economic pragmatism. He reflects on how the focus shifted from personal and intellectual growth to workforce development, leaving little room for transformative thinking. To counter this, higher education must re-embrace its role as a space for intellectual exploration and social imagination.Navigating a Second Trump PresidencyThe conversation pivots to the implications of the 2024 election and the onset of a second Trump administration. Robinson-Morris emphasizes the unique challenges posed by this presidency, where the absence of reelection constraints could lead to bold, unchecked policy reversals. For communities of color, he notes, survival and resistance have long been practiced arts, while urging progressive allies to prepare for a prolonged struggle.A particular focus is placed on the role of higher education in countering harmful ideologies. Robinson-Morris calls for campuses to recommit to fostering shared realities, inclusion, and belonging. The ideological battle, he argues, begins in classrooms and is integral to shaping a generation that values collective progress over individual gain.Resistance, Justice, and the Path ForwardRobinson-Morris provides practical advice for higher education professionals grappling with systemic oppression within their institutions. He advocates for resisting oppressive systems, even in subversive ways, and reminds educators of the risks and rewards of pushing against the tide. Importantly, he distinguishes between freedom and liberation, with liberation being the ultimate goal: a state of unburdened imagination and self-determination.For higher education to truly transform, it must move beyond surface-level diversity initiatives and toward justice as liberation. This requires educators and institutions to confront their complicity in oppressive structures and make bold, collective efforts to dismantle them.Guest Name: David Robinson MorrisGuest Social: www.linkedin.com/in/davidrmGuest Bio: David W. Robinson-Morris, Ph.D. is an author, philosopher, social justice and human rights advocate-activist, educator, philanthropist, community organizer, DEI practitioner, non-profit leader, and higher education administrator. Dr. Robinson-Morris is the Founder & Chief Reimaginelutionary at The REImaginelution, LLC, a strategic consulting firm working at the intersections of imagination, policy, practice, and prophetic hope to radically reimagine diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) toward racial justice and systemic transformation by engendering freedom of the human spirit; and catalyzing the power of the imagination to reweave organizations, systems, and the world toward collective healing and liberation. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.Enrollify is made possible by ...
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    26 mins
  • 2024 Hall of Fame: Dr. Nick Ladany
    Dec 11 2024
    Today's inductee into the 2024 Enrollify Hall of Fame is Dr. Nick Ladany, President of San Francisco Bay University. Dr. Ladany’s forward-thinking leadership in transparency, innovation, and data-driven strategies is redefining higher education. This episode explores his insights into fostering meaningful relationships, leveraging AI to improve student support, and holding institutions accountable through measurable metrics. Check out the full episodes Nick appeared in: Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO - Live at AMAHigher Ed Pulse - Live at ASU/GSV Mastering The Next - Episode 27Key TakeawaysDisrupting Higher Education: Dr. Ladany advocates for a radically student-centered model, prioritizing tailored support, updated curricula, and comprehensive wellness services to ensure student success.AI-Driven Student Support: San Francisco Bay University leverages AI to provide 24/7 mental health and academic support, detect early signs of student distress, and enhance resilience for lifelong success.Transparency and Accountability: Dr. Ladany underscores the need for clear, meaningful metrics to evaluate institutional performance and maintain trust in higher education.Rethinking Faculty Roles: Effective teaching and DEI initiatives are critical to addressing systemic issues and preparing students for a diverse and equitable world.Focus on Mental Health: Unlimited mental health support is essential for addressing long-term effects of the pandemic and fostering student well-being.How Is San Francisco Bay University Disrupting Higher Education?Dr. Ladany envisions a reimagined university model built around students rather than faculty, donors, or traditional structures. By designing curricula and co-curricular activities to align with industry needs and focusing on graduating students in four years, San Francisco Bay University sets itself apart. Faculty are trained not just as subject matter experts but also as educators skilled in pedagogy. The university also integrates comprehensive wellness services, addressing academic, emotional, and practical needs to ensure student success.This holistic, student-first approach serves as a blueprint for disrupting a historically slow-moving higher ed industry. By focusing on outcomes and relevance, the university aims to prepare students for careers and societal contributions, bridging gaps often overlooked in traditional systems.What Role Does AI Play in Supporting Students?AI is a cornerstone of San Francisco Bay University’s strategy for improving student outcomes. Dr. Ladany explains how AI tools provide real-time insights into student behaviors, such as identifying food insecurity or mental health challenges through dining hall patterns or other indicators. These insights allow the university to intervene proactively and effectively.Moreover, AI-powered systems like chatbots ensure students have access to support services 24/7, reducing barriers created by time constraints or limited staff availability. These tools enable meaningful engagement, providing both academic and personal support tailored to individual needs. By doing so, the university creates an ecosystem where students feel supported every step of the way.Why Is Transparency Crucial in Higher Education?Transparency and accountability are central to Dr. Ladany’s leadership philosophy. He argues for standardized metrics, such as graduation rates and resource allocation, to evaluate university performance. Institutions must avoid shifting blame onto students and instead focus on preparing them adequately.Dr. Ladany also critiques the resistance to DEI initiatives, emphasizing that higher education must address systemic inequities to better serve diverse student populations. Through a transparent, data-informed approach, universities can foster trust and ensure equitable opportunities for all students.How Is Mental Health Being Prioritized?Dr. Ladany recognizes the pandemic’s long-term impact on student mental health, advocating for unlimited support services to address both immediate and lasting challenges. AI plays a significant role in monitoring student well-being and providing scalable solutions. Importantly, the university also focuses on fostering resilience and encouraging students who are excelling to build on their strengths, creating a balanced approach to mental health and success. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create ...
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    13 mins