The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

Hosted by Dustin Ramsdell

Business Marketing EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

459

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 29, 202628 min

Bonus: How VR is Transforming Digital Education

Virtual reality is creating new opportunities for higher education to deliver immersive, hands-on learning experiences—even for students learning entirely online. Andrew Sedillo , Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at New Mexico State University Global Campus , joins the podcast to discuss how the university built its metaversity initiative, from creating a digital twin of campus to integrating VR simulations into courses across disciplines. Andrew shares how immersive learning can help students practice real-world skills through experiences like crime scene investigations, classroom teaching, and hotel fire safety scenarios. He also explains what it takes to scale VR successfully, including leveraging faculty champions, dedicated student support, and thoughtful investment with external partners like Logitech . — Check out our new partner, MySmartRenter.com , who helps make renting a more transparent and stress-free experience for folks all over the country through their quick and easy landlord background checks. Make sure to use code “HEGeek” for 10% off any of their services! - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://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.

October 28, 202635 min

Episode #353: How Higher Ed Can Lead Through AI Transformation

AI is changing how higher education prepares students for work and life—but the mission itself hasn’t changed. Lydia Logan , Vice President for Global Education and Workforce Development at IBM , discusses why institutions need clear AI governance, policies, and frameworks that balance responsible use with the need to build students’ AI literacy and fluency. She explores the role of industry partnerships, the importance of giving students hands-on opportunities to use and build with AI, and why institutions shouldn’t wait for perfect answers before getting started. Guest Name: Lydia Logan - Vice President for Education and Workforce Development at IBM Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Lydia Logan leads IBM’s community and university skilling initiatives that create more inclusive and effective schools and workforces. Her programs help fulfill IBM’s pledges to skill 30 million people worldwide by 2030, and to train two million learners in AI through 2026. Ms. Logan develops and manages strategic global partnerships with IBM’s clients, non-profit organizations, schools, government, and content and curriculum developers that support career readiness. Prior to IBM, Ms. Logan successfully spearheaded education initiatives while serving in senior leadership roles at Verizon, the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Kimsey Foundation. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://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.

October 27, 202613 min

Bonus: Reflecting on the 2026 URMIA Annual Conference

After 13 years of involvement with URMIA, Sandy Mitchell is wrapping up eight years of service across the association’s board and presidential leadership track—but her commitment to building community continues. In this bonus episode of the podcast, recorded at URMIA ’s 2026 Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Sandy reflects on the relationships, mentorship, and professional opportunities that have shaped her experience as Director of Insurance at MIT and a longtime member of the higher education risk management community. Sandy shares why conferences are about more than educational sessions: they’re opportunities to find your people, make lifelong connections, recognize colleagues, and encourage new voices to step forward. She discusses the importance of mentoring first-time presenters, inviting others into leadership and volunteer roles, and creating a welcoming environment for newcomers. The conversation also explores URMIA’s hybrid conference model, its on-demand learning resources, and the evolving challenges facing higher education risk managers. Her message to higher ed leaders and professionals: keep connecting, support one another, and make room for others to contribute. — Check out our new partner, MySmartRenter.com , who helps make renting a more transparent and stress-free experience for folks all over the country through their quick and easy landlord background checks. Make sure to use code “HEGeek” for 10% off any of their services! Guest Name: Sandy Mitchell - Director of Research at MIT Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: After 13 years of involvement with URMIA, Sandy Mitchell is wrapping up eight years of service across the association’s board and presidential leadership track—but her commitment to building community continues. In this bonus episode of the podcast, recorded at URMIA’s 2026 Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Sandy reflects on the relationships, mentorship, and professional opportunities that have shaped her experience as Director of Insurance at MIT and a longtime member of the higher education risk management community. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://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.

October 22, 202623 min

Bonus: Modernizing Higher Ed From the Inside Out

AI transformation in higher education depends on something less flashy: modern infrastructure, accessible data, and processes that actually work. Murtaza Masood , Vice President for Public Sector and Higher Education Strategy and Go-to-Market at Box , discusses the infrastructure and staffing pressures facing colleges and universities—and how institutions can use cloud modernization, automation, and AI to eliminate redundant work and free people to focus on higher-value priorities. He shares compelling examples from Augusta University and Duquesne University, while making the case for a mission-first approach to modernization: start with the outcomes an institution needs to achieve, then work backward to identify the processes, information, and technology needed to get there. Guest Name: Murtaza Masood - Global Managing Director, Public Sector | Box Former Government CIO & GovTech CTO | Public Sector Transformation Leader Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Recognized by Government Technology as one of the nation’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers , Murtaza Masood is an accomplished public sector executive and strategic technology leader with deep experience driving modernization across all levels of government. As Global Managing Director for Public Sector at Box , Murtaza leads the company’s mission to help governments, education institutions, and public organizations reimagine how they deliver services through secure, intelligent content and AI-powered collaboration. A former government CIO and Director of Operations at Los Angeles County, the largest local government in North America . Murtaza has led large-scale digital and organizational transformation from inside government and as a senior consultant advising public leaders. His career spans leadership roles in government, government technology startups and consulting—overseeing modernization initiatives that improved transparency, citizen experience, and operational efficiency across complex agencies. Today, he brings this inside-out perspective to his work with governments worldwide, guiding them to modernize with clarity, speed, and measurable impact. A frequent speaker and advisor on public sector innovation, Murtaza is recognized for bridging technology, policy, and purpose to build the next generation of digital government. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://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.

October 21, 202640 min

Episode #352: Breaking Down Barriers to Study Abroad

Study abroad is a high-impact experience, but too many students who want to participate never make it through the process. Brooke Roberts of Via TRM discusses new data on where students drop out of the study abroad funnel and why cost, while an important barrier, isn't the whole story. She explores how cumbersome applications, duplicated information, limited resources, and other forms of friction can prevent students from participating—and how institutions can use data, technology, and more intentional touchpoints to make study abroad more accessible. Guest Name: Brooke Roberts - Senior Vice President of Global Strategy and Engagement at Via TRM Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Brooke Roberts is Senior Vice President of Global Strategy and Engagement at Via TRM, a leading software platform powering global experiences across higher education, and the founder of Inside Study Abroad, a career development platform and podcast for global education professionals. With over 20 years of experience leading global learning initiatives, Brooke has held leadership roles at Podium Education, Johnson County Community College, GoAbroad, CISabroad, the University of South Dakota, and others. Her work spans strategic growth, operations, program development, and brand strategy, focusing on advancing access to high-impact global experiences. She holds a BA in International Relations from Northeastern University and an MA in Higher Education Administration from Bowling Green State University. And yes, Brooke studied abroad in college (semesters in Switzerland, France, and England). - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://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.

October 14, 202634 min

Episode #351: AI as a Coach, Not an Answer Machine

AI is forcing higher education to rethink what learning actually means—and how technology should support it. Dr. Marco Krcatovich of Cengage discusses the risks of cognitive offloading, why AI should function more like a coach than an answer machine, and how institutions can build better policies and practices around its use. He also explores the growing importance of workforce readiness, stronger partnerships between institutions and ed tech companies, and AI's potential to make learning more personalized, relevant, and engaging. Check out Cengage’s 2025 Graduate Employability Report ! Guest Name: Dr. Marco Krcatovich - Sr. Dir. of Research & Outcomes at Cengage Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Dr. Marco Krcatovich II, Senior Director of Research & Outcomes at Cengage, is a scholar‑practitioner with over 20 years in higher education leadership who bridges academia and industry to connect campus strategy, policy, and market insights into actionable partnerships. His experience prior to Cengage includes academic and administrative roles at the University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania, Boston University, and Governors State University in Illinois. His scholarship tackles remote work environments, the role of administrative staff in college student success, and secondary/postsecondary data systems and reporting. He currently resides in Chicago, IL. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://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.

October 13, 202626 min

BONUS: Instructional Resilience in the Age of AI

Higher education can’t predict every disruption—but it can prepare to respond without compromising the student learning experience. Kim Arnold , Director of the Teaching and Learning Community Program at EDUCAUSE , discusses the shift from instructional continuity to instructional resilience and why institutions need to build the capacity to maintain quality learning through disruptions ranging from cyberattacks to rapid advances in AI. She also explores the disconnect between students’ expectations for AI in their future careers and employers’ growing demand for AI competency, including how institutions can help learners demonstrate those skills. Her advice for higher ed leaders: stay curious, build connections, bring students into the conversation, and learn from the experimentation already happening across the sector. Guest Name: Dr. Kimberly Arnold - Director of Teaching & Learning Program at EDUCAUSE Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Dr. Kimberly Arnold is the Director of Teaching and Learning Program at EDUCAUSE, where she leads efforts to advance community inspired, data-informed, teaching and learning across the higher education landscape. She is a nationally recognized thought leader with two decades of experience shaping transformative strategy at the intersection of academic innovation, digital ecosystems, and learner success. Prior to joining EDUCAUSE, Dr. Arnold served as Distinguished Director of the Learning Analytics Center of Excellence at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she led institutional efforts to modernize teaching and learning infrastructure, advance responsible data practices, and promote technological innovation to optimize the teaching and learning environment through a student-centric lens. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://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.

October 9, 202623 min

Bonus: Breaking the Reactive Cycle in Higher Ed

Higher education is navigating an era of rapid change and disruption, but institutions can’t respond to everything at once. Nicole Muscanell , Senior Researcher at EDUCAUSE , returns to the show to discuss how colleges and universities are adapting to AI and digital transformation, including growing scrutiny around data privacy, security, tool adoption, and redundancy. She also explores why students are becoming more skeptical of AI even as they continue to use it, the challenges faculty and staff face in keeping up with emerging technology, and what leaders can do to break out of reactive cycles. Her advice: assess where you are, prioritize what matters most, and create the space to think proactively about what comes next. Explore all of Nicole’s and her colleagues' excellent research here . Guest Name: Dr. Nicole Muscanell - Senior Researcher at EDUCAUSE Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Nicole Muscanell serves as a researcher at EDUCAUSE. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology and has more than a decade of experience in higher education, including roles in research, instruction, and academic advising. Her recent work explores faculty and student technology use, workforce issues, data and analytics, and emerging trends shaping teaching, learning, cybersecurity, and privacy in higher education. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://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.

October 7, 202628 min

Episode #350: Lessons From a Compound Career Path

What can acting , professional poker , and a nonlinear career teach us about the future of higher education? Christina Lindley , Founder & CEO of VPRG Consulting , shares her unconventional career journey and the transferable skills that shaped her approach to business, strategy, risk, and partnerships. She also discusses how AI is changing enrollment and student decision-making, why institutions need to rethink how they stay relevant to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and the emerging potential of gamification as a tool for engagement, rewards, and revenue. Make sure to check out some of her current education partners, which include ScholarshipOwl , StudentChoice.org , & Besitos/KashKick . - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://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.

October 1, 202625 min

Live at EDUCAUSE 2026: Inside the EdTech Top 40 with Ryan Lufkin

In this bonus episode recorded as part of our virtual EDUCAUSE 2026 coverage, Dustin speaks with Ryan Lufkin from Instructure , about the inaugural EdTech Top 40: Inside the U.S. Higher Education Digital Learning Stack . Based on aggregated LTI launch data, the report offers a data-driven look at how institutions are actually using educational technology—and where the biggest gaps and opportunities remain. They discuss why enterprise-wide access to AI tools like Gemini, Copilot, Claude, and ChatGPT doesn't necessarily translate into meaningful course-level adoption; the importance of training, support, and implementation; and what an average of 28 unique LTI tools says about the complexity of today's ed tech ecosystems. Guest Name: Ryan Lufkin - VP of Global Academic Strategy at Instructure Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Ryan Lufkin is the VP of Global Academic Strategy at Instructure (makers of Canvas, the leading education technology used by schools across the country). Ryan has been working with colleges and universities in the educational technology space for over 20 years, beginning with Utah-based start-up Campus Pipeline, the first html portal for higher education. He has worked for large ERP solutions like SungardHE and Ellucian helping evolve those systems to the Cloud, driven mobile adoption in teaching and learning technology, and developed curriculum for both corporate and higher education institutions. Ryan has helped lead Canvas’ evolution from an LMS to a full learning management platform to support the challenges facing colleges and universities of all sizes. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://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.

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing

More Business podcasts

Business Of Weather | Weather Intelligence For Improved Decision Making

BusinessTechnology

Domain Details Page

BusinessInvesting

The Bottom Line

Alexander Spencer

BusinessInterviews guests