In this episode of AI for U, live from HighEdWeb, host Brian Piper sits down with Paul Roetzer, CEO of the Marketing AI Institute and keynote speaker at the event. They discuss the rapidly advancing role of AI in higher education, touching on how institutions can use AI beyond the classroom to revolutionize admissions, fundraising, and overall administration. Paul also shares insights into how universities can begin adopting AI and the importance of experimentation and pilot programs in the AI integration process.

Key Takeaways

• Higher education institutions must approach AI holistically, applying it not only in the classroom but also in areas like enrollment, fundraising, and institutional management.
• AI literacy and education within leadership teams are crucial for universities to understand and implement AI effectively.
• Starting with small, impactful pilot projects can demonstrate the value of AI without requiring significant resources upfront.
• The rapid pace of AI advancements, such as new capabilities in voice and AI agents, will continue to shape the future of work and higher education.

How is AI impacting higher education beyond the classroom?
Paul Roetzer emphasizes that while many universities are focused on the implications of AI in the classroom, there are broader opportunities to transform institutional operations through AI. This includes areas like admissions, where AI can enable personalized communication with prospective students, and fundraising, where it can help identify and engage alumni more effectively. Roetzer shared an example of a university president frustrated by the lack of data-driven insights after meeting hundreds of prospective students. AI can solve this by providing a more intelligent, personalized approach to interactions with students and alumni.

Why is AI literacy crucial for higher education leaders?
When it comes to adopting AI, Paul Roetzer advises universities to start with education and AI literacy for their leaders. He recalls a 2019 workshop at Ohio University, where the dean prioritized educating administrators and faculty about AI. This foundational knowledge empowered them to explore how AI could be applied to their specific areas. Roetzer recommends that institutions form AI councils at both the department and institutional levels to guide AI adoption, set principles, and assess the impact of AI on various functions. This step ensures that universities aren't just reacting to AI developments but are proactively shaping how AI will influence their future operations.

How can universities get started with AI adoption?
Roetzer suggests that universities should begin by identifying small, impactful pilot projects. These projects don’t require massive budgets but can demonstrate the immediate value of AI. He gives the example of a university that approved a $2,000 budget to test 10 different AI tools over two months. These quick wins help build momentum and encourage broader AI adoption. Roetzer emphasizes that these pilots should focus on practical use cases that can show measurable success in a short period. For example, tools like Notebook LM can be used by students, researchers, and administrators alike to quickly process and understand complex information, making it a versatile tool across the institution.

What does the future hold for AI in higher education?
While Roetzer doesn’t claim to know the future of higher education, he does believe that AI will continue to play a critical role in reshaping how institutions operate. With the pace of AI advancements accelerating, he points out that even in the week leading up to his keynote, major updates from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic were being released, showcasing just how fast AI is evolving. Universities must stay ahead of these changes by continually reassessing their AI strategies. Roetzer predicts that AI will lead to significant shifts in both the curriculum and the way institutions prepare students for the future workforce. However, he stresses that it’s up to higher education leaders to figure out how to best apply AI to their specific challenges.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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 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

In this live episode of AI for U, recorded at HighEdWeb, Erin Wilson from Arizona State University’s Learning Enterprise shares how AI is transforming their non-credit course offerings and instructional design processes. Erin discusses the use of custom GPTs for content creation, coding support, and even persona-building for testing content strategies. With a protected version of ChatGPT, Arizona State is leveraging AI to streamline workflows, enhance course content, and explore new possibilities in AI-generated video.

Key Takeaways

• Arizona State University uses custom GPTs for a wide range of tasks, from coding support to developing instructional content, making AI an essential part of their non-credit learning enterprise.
• AI-driven personas allow for more efficient content testing and review, replacing traditional focus groups while maintaining human oversight.
• The future of AI at ASU includes advancements in AI video content, with a focus on making avatars and interactive learning tools more engaging and less robotic.

How is Arizona State University using AI in its non-credit learning enterprise?
Erin Wilson from Arizona State University’s Learning Enterprise explains how her team focuses on non-credit learning opportunities designed to help individuals upskill. This includes everything from individuals taking courses to company partnerships for employee training. AI has become a critical tool in this space, particularly in creating and refining educational content. Wilson highlights their partnership with OpenAI, which provides them with an EDU version of ChatGPT. This version offers enhanced security, allowing the team to safely use AI without concerns over data privacy. They rely on custom GPTs to handle a variety of tasks, such as helping with coding for instructional design or converting long faculty videos into more digestible content.

What are custom GPTs and how are they used at ASU?
Arizona State’s team has created numerous custom GPTs to support specific tasks within their learning enterprise. These custom AI models are highly specialized and are designed to do one thing exceptionally well, such as developing instructional stories, creating course introductions, or assisting with coding. Wilson explains that this customization makes their workflow more efficient, particularly when creating content for non-credit courses. One unique use of these GPTs is persona-building. By feeding in data such as speeches from an executive vice president, ASU created a "Maria Bot," allowing faculty and staff to ask questions and receive responses similar to what their EVP might say. This tool saves time while providing reliable guidance.

How does AI help with content testing and refinement at ASU?
Another innovative way ASU uses AI is to test content with virtual focus groups. Instead of traditional focus groups, which are expensive and time-consuming, AI can simulate different perspectives. For example, they use AI personas to simulate feedback from an expert, a novice, and someone with no background on a given subject. This approach helps ASU fine-tune their content more quickly and efficiently, ensuring that their material resonates with a broad range of learners. Wilson emphasizes that AI isn't replacing human input entirely. Instead, it assists by providing first drafts and initial feedback, which her team then edits to ensure the final output meets their high standards.

What’s next for AI at Arizona State University?
Looking ahead, Wilson sees AI playing an even more significant role in content creation and interactivity at ASU. The team is particularly excited about advancements in AI video, with avatars becoming more realistic and less robotic. They’re also eager to continue building custom tools that can take on increasingly complex tasks, allowing their team to focus more on the human elements of learning and engagement. While AI cannot replace human judgment or creativity, it serves as an invaluable assistant in improving efficiency, allowing educators to spend more time on strategic and high-impact work.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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 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

In this bonus episode of AI for U, recorded live from HighEdWeb, Jacqueline Rowe, Assistant Director of Enrollment Communications and Analytics at Stony Brook University, discusses how AI is reshaping email marketing in higher education. Jacqueline shares the challenges her small team faces in managing personalized email campaigns and the tools they use to streamline communication, including AI-driven solutions like Slate and Gemini. She also touches on the role of AI in improving SEO and data analysis at Stony Brook.‍

Key Takeaways

• AI helps small teams manage large-scale personalized email communications without relying on expensive third-party vendors.
• Stony Brook University uses AI tools like Slate and Gemini to enhance email content, ensuring it resonates with target audiences.
• AI can be leveraged for SEO analysis, helping institutions identify key search terms driving traffic and optimizing content accordingly.
• Personalization and content assessment are the next frontiers for AI in higher education marketing, focusing on what truly engages different audiences.

How is AI being used in email marketing at Stony Brook University?
Jacqueline Rowe from Stony Brook University explains that her team uses AI to create more effective and personalized email campaigns, especially in a higher education landscape saturated with communication. With a team of just four managing all enrollment communications, Stony Brook's enrollment team needed a solution to stop outsourcing email creation to vendors. Instead, they brought the process in-house, using AI tools like Slate’s integrated AI feature and Gemini. These tools help refine email content, making it more engaging and tailored to specific audiences, such as prospective students and their parents.

What AI tools are Stony Brook using to streamline marketing communications?
Stony Brook relies on two primary AI tools for their email marketing efforts. The first is the AI feature integrated into Slate, their CRM. This tool helps Jacqueline’s team refine messaging by suggesting changes when communications become repetitive or less impactful. This is particularly useful when managing numerous inquiries and campaigns targeting different student populations. The second tool is Google’s Gemini, which Jacqueline prefers over other AI platforms like ChatGPT. Gemini allows her to tweak existing email content to make it more engaging and audience-specific, ensuring the language resonates with younger prospective students or their parents.

How does AI improve SEO and data analysis at Stony Brook?
Beyond email communications, Jacqueline is also exploring how AI can improve Stony Brook's SEO strategy. Her team uses AI to analyze how prospective students search for programs and other university-related information online. For instance, they discovered that terms like “Stony Brook acceptance rate” and lesser-known program names rank highly in search results. By understanding these search trends through AI-driven analysis, Stony Brook aims to enhance its SEO and ensure that relevant content reaches prospective students searching for the university.

What are the future goals for AI in marketing at Stony Brook?
Jacqueline sees personalization and content assessment as the next big steps for AI in higher education marketing. She hopes AI will help further tailor communication based on what resonates with specific audiences, and she plans to use AI tools to assess the effectiveness of these personalized campaigns. Additionally, she aims to integrate AI more deeply into SEO efforts, using data-driven insights to improve Stony Brook’s digital visibility and engagement. Her ultimate goal is to ensure that every marketing effort, from email communications to SEO strategies, is backed by data and tailored to the audience’s needs.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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 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

In this episode of AI For U, recorded live at HighEdWeb, Lisa Nguyen from UC Davis’ Graduate School of Management shares how AI is revolutionizing her work as a digital marketer. Lisa delves into the innovative ways her team is utilizing tools like ChatGPT to analyze enrollment data, streamline marketing efforts, and improve student engagement. The episode also touches on the importance of privacy and ethics when using AI, highlighting best practices for implementing AI in higher education.

Key Takeaways

• AI can significantly streamline data analysis, offering actionable insights without the need for additional staff or consultants.
• ChatGPT and other AI tools allow for more data-driven marketing decisions by identifying optimal times to promote programs based on historical data.
• When integrating AI into marketing strategies, it's essential to work closely with legal teams to ensure privacy, ethics, and security compliance.
• UC Davis is piloting AI-driven marketing efforts with their part-time MBA programs, with plans to expand to other degree programs in the future.

How is UC Davis using AI in its marketing strategies?
Lisa Nguyen, a digital marketer at UC Davis, reveals how AI, specifically ChatGPT, is helping her team analyze application data to improve marketing efforts for part-time MBA programs. With enrollments declining, Nguyen’s team was tasked with finding the optimal times to market their programs. Using data from their CRM, such as application deadlines and submission times, Nguyen employed ChatGPT to analyze trends and suggest the best months for marketing. Historically, the team relied on anecdotal insights from program directors, but AI has enabled more data-driven decisions, which they are now incorporating into their strategies.

What data points were analyzed using ChatGPT?
Nguyen's team fed ChatGPT application data without including personal identifiers. The data encompassed several key stages: when a record was created, when the application process began, when it was submitted, and when decisions were made. By combining this information with application deadlines, ChatGPT provided insights into the optimal months to target potential applicants. This shift from anecdotal to data-backed insights marks a significant improvement in how the UC Davis marketing team plans its campaigns.

‍How does UC Davis ensure ethical AI usage?
As Lisa Nguyen emphasizes, it’s crucial to consult legal teams before diving into AI usage, ensuring privacy and security standards are met. For example, Nguyen ensured that no personal identifying information (PII) was included in the data she uploaded to ChatGPT. Moreover, she advised others to stay ahead of evolving policies regarding AI usage in higher education and ensure compliance with institutional guidelines. This careful approach has allowed UC Davis to innovate responsibly in their AI-driven marketing.

‍What are the next steps for AI integration in UC Davis' marketing?
Currently, UC Davis is piloting AI usage with two part-time MBA programs, but the plans don’t stop there. Nguyen hopes to extend AI capabilities to evaluate content performance across their marketing channels, particularly in email campaigns. By analyzing which topics prospective students engage with and at what times, her team can better tailor the customer journey. This expansion of AI into content evaluation promises even more personalized and efficient student engagement strategies in the future.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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 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

In this live episode of AI for U, recorded at the 2024 HighEdWeb Conference, Brian interviews Tina Miller from Arizona State University (ASU). Tina shares exciting insights about ASU’s partnership with OpenAI and how they are using ChatGPT to drive innovation across the university. With over 500 proposals submitted and 250 projects actively using ChatGPT, ASU is pushing the boundaries of AI integration in higher education.

Key Takeaways:

• ASU partnered with OpenAI to explore impactful uses of ChatGPT across teaching, research, and operations.
• Over 500 proposals were submitted, with 250 projects currently active.
• Projects are focused on student success, societal research, and business operations, ensuring measurable outcomes.
• Institutions starting with AI should build literacy, form a committee, and adopt digital trust guidelines to explore AI's potential.

‍What is ASU doing with AI, and how did the partnership with OpenAI come about?
Tina shared that Arizona State University partnered with OpenAI to explore innovative ways to use ChatGPT to enhance higher education. OpenAI approached ASU to help them understand how ChatGPT could make an impact, and the university launched an innovation challenge to test various use cases. Faculty, staff, and researchers were invited to submit proposals in three areas: teaching and student success, societal research, and business operations. In exchange for access to ChatGPT licenses, participants were required to measure and report the impact of their projects. Since launching the challenge, ASU has approved over 250 projects, demonstrating a wide variety of applications for AI in higher ed.

Can you provide examples of successful projects?
One standout project Tina highlighted was a "language buddy" developed by an assistant professor for her German language students. The AI-powered bot allowed students to practice German in real-time, simulating conversational scenarios and helping students improve comprehension. Due to its success, the project is now evolving into an intermediate level, demonstrating how scalable these AI solutions can be. Tina believes projects like this have the potential to expand far beyond the classroom and could be implemented for larger student communities or even broader applications like travel preparation.

How can institutions without ASU's resources get started with AI?
For schools just beginning their AI journey, Tina recommends starting with small steps. Forming an AI committee and setting up digital trust guidelines is essential. Institutions should first focus on AI literacy, understanding the tools and identifying relevant use cases that can provide measurable results. Attending conferences and networking with other higher ed professionals is another great way to gather insights and build momentum for AI adoption. Even without the vast resources of a school like ASU, smaller institutions can experiment and gradually integrate AI into their administrative and academic workflows.

To learn more about how AI is transforming higher education and to hear more about ASU’s cutting-edge initiatives, be sure to check out the full episode. Subscribe to AI for U to stay up to date on the latest developments in AI for higher ed!

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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 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

In this episode of AI for U, we sit down with Janet Spriggs, President of Forsyth Technical Community College, to explore:

• How AI is transforming the administrative side of higher education
• The importance of building a culture of curiosity
• How to overcome resistance to change
• The ethical considerations surrounding AI adoption

Janet also shares her insights on leveraging AI for personalized student support, predictive analytics in enrollment management, and operational efficiency.

Whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation offers valuable strategies and practical advice for higher ed administrators.

Christopher Penn’s RACE model for prompting: https://www.trustinsights.ai/insights/instant-insights/instant-insights-trust-insights-race-ai-framework/

Episode prompt: "You are an expert in [XX].

I'm going to ask you to provide feedback on [document, article, social post, script, etc.]. I want you to provide insights, and recommendations, identify any gaps or red flags, and give your professional opinion on the validity and impact of the content. Ask any questions, one at a time, to help you gather all the information you need to make the most effective recommendations.

Here are helpful resources [URLs or uploaded data].

And here is the document [paste it in or upload it and identify it by name].

Please provide your feedback. Take your time."

Guest Name: Dr. Janet Spriggs, President, Forsyth Technical Community College 

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetnspriggs/

Guest Bio: Dr. Janet N. Spriggs is the seventh President of Forsyth Technical Community College, assuming her role on January 1, 2019. With nearly three decades of leadership within the North Carolina Community College System, she has served in significant roles, including Chief Operating Officer at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Carteret Community College. Dr. Spriggs' leadership has been nationally recognized, including twice being named an Aspen Presidential Fellow.
A former community college student herself, Dr. Spriggs is deeply passionate about the transformative power of education. She holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University, along with degrees from Nova Southeastern University and Roger Williams University. Dr. Spriggs is committed to advancing student success, equity, and economic development through education.
Beyond her presidency, Dr. Spriggs serves on several boards and commissions, including the executive committee for Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. She is also Vice President of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges. In her personal life, Janet enjoys golf, photography, crochet, and spending time with her husband, five children, and five grandchildren. She invites dialogue on leadership and education through her website, JanetSpriggs.com.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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 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

In this conversation with Jaime Hunt, we look at various ways that different higher ed teams are using generative AI to become more efficient and effective.

Christopher Penn’s RACE model for prompting: https://www.trustinsights.ai/insights/instant-insights/instant-insights-trust-insights-race-ai-framework/

Episode prompt: You are an expert content marketer. I'm going to ask you to take an existing piece of content and create a [type of content - blog, video script, social post, etc.] for [channel - TikTok, Youtube, etc.] for [specific audience - potential undergraduate students, alumni, etc.]. The content is attached [or in a link]. 

Here is more context [links to content about topic, channel, audience, challenges, goals, etc.]. 

Please create the [content] for [channel] targeting [audience]. Take your time.

Guest Name: Jaime Hunt, President, Solve Higher Ed Marketing 

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/

Guest Bio: 
https://www.solvehighered.com/about
After a 20-year career in higher education, including nine years as a chief marketing officer, Jaime Hunt launched Solve Higher Ed Marketing in 2024. To this consultancy, Jaime brings a passion for building brands, telling stories, and leading with empathy. 
After beginning her career in 1997 in print journalism, Jaime began working in higher education in 2004. Since that time, she has been responsible for media relations, marketing, creative direction, crisis communications, branding, digital communications, reputation/issues management, multimedia, photography, public radio, enrollment/admissions communications, and government relations. 
From 2015-2024, she served in vice president/chief communications and marketing officer roles at Old Dominion University (large, public R1), Miami University (large, public R2), and Winston-Salem State University (small, public HBCU). Prior to those positions, Jaime served in marketing, web strategy, branding, and media relations leadership roles at Radford University, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and Northwestern Health Sciences University.
Throughout her career, Jaime has been a highly visible leader with volunteer service for a number of professional organizations, including the American Marketing Association, the Public Relations Society of America, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, HigherEdWeb, the College Communicators of the Carolinas, and the Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem. She has presented at regional, national, and international conferences on a wide range of marketing communications topics. Her work has earned more than 40 industry awards.
Jaime holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota and a master's degree in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University. She is also a graduate of the Academy for Innovative Higher Education Leadership.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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 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

Talking with Bart Caylor about challenges, use cases, and overcoming obstacles led to some fantastic insights and creative ways to leverage generative AI in higher ed.

Christopher Penn’s RACE model for prompting: https://www.trustinsights.ai/insights/instant-insights/instant-insights-trust-insights-race-ai-framework/

Episode prompt: (for pi.ai - say this to the tool) You are going to play the role of [whoever you might be having a challenging conversation with - job interviewer, boss, co-worker, partner, etc.] and we’re going to be [type of conversation - interview, asking for a raise, dealing with a work issue, talking about balancing duties, etc.].

[Provide any additional context you can for the tool, describe that person’s demeanor, challenges, issues, perspectives, etc.]

I want you to ask me challenging and relevant questions about the discussion.

[then have the discussion…when you feel you’ve gotten what you need, ask the tool to provide feedback about your replies and provide recommendations that might create a better outcome.]

Guest Name: Bart Caylor, President & Founder, Caylor Solutions 

Guest Bio: With over 35 years of experience in design and marketing, Bart Caylor has worked with top global brands and nonprofits like Motorola, RCA, Iams Pet Food, Lumina Foundation, Western Governors University, and the American Bible Society. 
Bart founded Caylor Solutions, a higher education marketing and design firm, in 2011 to combine the best practices of his corporate, nonprofit, and education experience, specifically for higher education clients. In 2023, Bart was named one of the "Top 10 Higher Ed Marketers You Should Follow" for offering straightforward, practical advice on marketing challenges via The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast. With over 180 episodes featuring higher education marketing's leading voices, The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast regularly ranks in the top 3 "must-listen-to podcasts" by various blogs and higher ed industry influencers. 
Bart just released his first book, "Chasing Mission Fit: A Marketing Guide To Fill Your Institution With Students Who Will Succeed," which reached #1 in Marketing on Amazon. He is a sought-after speaker and trusted consultant for higher education institutions, businesses, and conferences because of his expertise in generative AI, marketing, and website design. Be sure to connect with Bart on LinkedIn.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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 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

In this conversation with Mark Schaefer, we dive deep into higher education marketing, enrollment, and alumni relations and explore how AI can help us connect more effectively with all of our audiences.

Episode prompt: You are a content marketing expert with a deep understanding of target audiences and personas.

I'm going to ask you to create an ideal persona for [target audience] for [url]

Use the information at these links [URLs about that persona, about page on target site, strategic priorities content] and from the attached files [any low-risk data that can be uploaded]. Include information on their priority initiatives (what are 5-10 things they spend their time, money, thoughts on), success factors (what 5-10 things would indicate success for them in their education and life), perceived barriers (what things would keep them from attending the university), decision criteria (what are the main factors in their final choice), and decision process/journey (what steps do they go through, what questions do they ask, and what content do they consume on their decision process.

Please create the persona for [target audience] for [url]. Take your time.

Guest Name: Mark Schaefer, Executive Director, Shafer Marketing Solutions 

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwschaefer/

Guest Bio: 
https://businessesgrow.com/social-media-speaker/meeting-planner-resources/
Mark Schaefer is a globally-recognized keynote speaker, futurist, business consultant, and author.  
Mark has worked in global sales, PR, and marketing positions for more than 30 years and provides consulting services as Executive Director of Schaefer Marketing Solutions.  
He studied under Peter Drucker for three years and has advanced degrees in marketing and organizational development. Mark holds seven patents and is a faculty member of the graduate studies program at Rutgers University. His blog and podcast -- The Marketing Companion -- are at the top of the charts in the marketing field.  
Customized for every audience, Mark’s inspiring and memorable programs specialize in marketing and strategies for digital marketing, social media, and personal branding. His clients range from successful start-ups to global brands such as Adidas, Johnson & Johnson, Dell, Pfizer, The U.S. Air Force, and the UK Government. 
Mark is the bestselling author of 10 path-finding books including the first book ever written on influence marketing. Mark’s books are used as textbooks at more than 50 universities, have been translated into 15 languages, and can be found in more than 750 libraries worldwide. 
Mark is also a popular and entertaining commentator and has appeared on many national television shows and periodicals including the Wall Street Journal, Wired, The New York Times, CNN, National Public Radio, CNBC, the BBC and the CBS NEWS. He is a contributing columnist to The Harvard Business Review, and Entrepreneur Magazine. 

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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 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

Welcome to AI for U, a brand new podcast from Enrollify hosted by Brian Piper. 

Are you a higher ed professional looking to harness the power of AI? This podcast is your ultimate guide to practical AI applications in the non-academic side of higher education. Each episode offers actionable advice on implementation, testing, and risk awareness, specifically tailored for marketers, administrators, leaders, admissions, advancement, HR, student affairs, and others. You'll discover easy-to-follow tips and strategies to seamlessly integrate AI into your workflows, empowering you to innovate and stay ahead of market trends.

Join us as we dive into real-world AI use cases and share expert insights to help you navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education. Whether you're aiming to streamline processes, enhance student experiences, or drive institutional success, AI for U provides the knowledge and inspiration you need to make a meaningful impact. Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your institution with cutting-edge AI solutions that are both practical and relevant to your daily work. Tune in and become a leader in the AI revolution within higher education!

About the Host of AI for U: 
Brian Piper - Director of Content Strategy and Assessment, University of Rochester

Brian Piper is an author, international keynote speaker, and consultant. Brian has been optimizing digital content since 1996. He has created online training programs for hundreds of companies including Xerox, L3Harris, IBM, and Volvo, and has spoken at hundreds of conferences and events.
Brian has spent the last eight years focusing on data analytics, digital marketing, and content strategy. Since 2021, he has been diving into AI, web3, community building, and the metaverse.
Brian wrote Epic Content Marketing for Higher Education and co-authored the second edition of Epic Content Marketing with Joe Pulizzi. He is a contributing author and co-editor of The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever with Mark Schaefer and a co-author of The Content Entrepreneur with Joe Pulizzi. Brian was named one of the top 10 higher education marketers to follow in 2023.
When he’s not creating data visualizations, he teaches wingsuit skydiving and spends time with his wife and six children.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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 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