AV/IT Amplifier

This week, host Ryan Gray speaks with Troy Powers, the new vice chair of HETMA, about his transition into this leadership role, the importance of balancing work and volunteer opportunities, and the mission of higher education. They discuss the need for global collaboration within the organization and the challenges of maintaining engagement and consistency in leadership roles. Troy emphasizes the importance of new voices in the community and the value of education in solving societal issues.

• Troy Powers is the new vice chair of HETMA.
• Balancing work and volunteer opportunities is crucial for personal fulfillment.
• The mission of higher education is to solve societal problems through learning.
• Leadership roles in volunteer organizations can be demanding and require clear expectations.
• Global collaboration is essential for HETMA's growth and outreach.
• Engagement from the community is vital for the success of HETMA.
• New voices and perspectives are needed in higher education discussions.
• Education is seen as a solution to many of the world's problems.
• Networking and personal connections are key benefits of conferences.
• Troy encourages individuals to get involved and share their voices in HETMA.

Connect with Troy:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-powers-b5761393/
[email protected]

Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

Ryan Gray discusses the recent ISE event in Barcelona with first-time attendees Dustin Myers and Troy Powers. They share their experiences, insights on the scale of the event, the value of attending, and the unique conversations that took place. The discussion also touches on the challenges of securing funding for international travel and the future of HETMA at ISE, emphasizing the potential for growth and networking opportunities in the global AV community. In this conversation, Troy Powers, Dustin Myers, and Ryan Gray discuss the growth and future of HETMA, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, empowerment, and the transition to a global organization. They reflect on their experiences at industry events like Infocomm and ISE, the significance of becoming a destination booth, and the innovative ideas for collaboration. The conversation also highlights the value of the upcoming virtual conference and the grassroots nature of HETMA, encouraging members to take ownership and lead initiatives.

• The scale of ISE is significantly larger than other trade shows.
• Attending ISE provides unique networking opportunities with international peers.
• HETMA's presence at ISE is crucial for advocating for the higher education AV community.
• The conversations at ISE are similar but involve different people than those at U.S. events.
• Traveling to ISE can be cost-effective compared to domestic conferences.
• The event attracts a higher concentration of industry leaders and CEOs.
• Personal involvement in HETMA can lead to career growth and opportunities.
• Attending ISE requires a commitment to professional development despite travel challenges.
• The potential for ISE to become a global end-user gathering point is significant.
• Future growth of HETMA at ISE is essential for expanding its influence in Europe. The potential for growth is significant as we plan for the future.
• Becoming a destination booth is crucial for visibility.
• Growth at ISE will mirror our success at Infocomm.
• HETMA's organic nature fosters community involvement.
• Localization and accessibility are key for global expansion.
• Innovative ideas like a 24-hour virtual conference can enhance collaboration.
• Empowering local leaders is essential for effective management.
• Grassroots organization allows for individual ownership and initiative.
• The virtual conference is designed to be inclusive and accessible.
• Maintaining local presence is vital for community engagement.

Connect with Troy:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-powers-b5761393/
[email protected]

Connect with Dustin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-myers-cts-172375104/
[email protected]

Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

Take a walk with Ryan around the HETMA Arizona Roadshow.  Recorded 1/21/2025 at Mesa Community College.


Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

We're back for week 2!  Ryan Gray and Dr. Kellie Campbell explore various themes surrounding technology, leadership, and personal growth. Dr. Campbell shares her journey into the IT and AV world, emphasizing the importance of people-centric technology and the need for self-care as an extroverted leader. They discuss navigating difficult conversations, community engagement, and the significance of vulnerability in leadership. The conversation concludes with reflections on personal growth and the challenges of being human in today's world.

• Dr. Campbell's journey into IT began unexpectedly through AV work.
• The importance of connecting technology with people and their needs.
• Self-care is crucial for extroverted leaders to avoid burnout.
• Navigating difficult conversations is essential for community building.
• Change starts small and can grow rapidly from local engagement.
• Vulnerability is a key value in leadership and personal growth.
• It's okay to not have everything figured out; self-reflection is important.
• Community engagement can lead to meaningful change.
• Starting small can help in achieving larger goals, like running.
• Empathy and understanding are vital in leadership roles.

Keywords AV technology, leadership, self-care, community engagement, extroversion, personal growth, higher education, technology solutions, empathy, vulnerability


Connect with Kellie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kellie-b-campbell-edd-75a83253/
[email protected]

Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

Ryan Gray interviews Kellie Campbell, the Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Technology for the Vermont State College System. They discuss the evolving role of CIOs in higher education, emphasizing the importance of leadership, empathy, and relationship-building in navigating change and transformation within IT departments. Kellie shares her experiences in consolidating IT services across multiple institutions, the challenges faced during this process, and the strategies employed to maintain staff and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. The conversation highlights the significance of being values-driven and student-focused in the ever-changing landscape of higher education.

• The role of a CIO has evolved to focus on leadership and relationships.
• Empathy is crucial in navigating change and supporting teams.
• Involving staff in the vision fosters buy-in and collaboration.
• Balancing technology understanding with leadership is essential.
• Continuous improvement is key to successful IT transformation.
• Building a strong team culture enhances institutional effectiveness.
• Change management requires transparency and trust.
• A strategic plan helps prioritize time and resources effectively.
• Good is often enough while striving for greatness.
• Connecting technology to student success is a primary goal.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
05:17 Balancing Technology and Leadership
10:45 Finding Balance in Leadership
16:25 Transforming IT in Higher Education
24:13 Navigating Change and Resistance
29:50 Values-Driven Leadership and Continuous Improvement



Connect with Kellie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kellie-b-campbell-edd-75a83253/
[email protected]

Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

We ring in the new year on the first day of 2025 with a look back at some memorable moments from 2024.  We revisit some gems from:

Britt Yenser
Chris Hewitt
Ann Kelly
Tim Albright
Craig Underwood and
Kameesha Jones

Enjoy these clips and look forward to all new epiodes dropping every Wednesday in 2025!

A Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!  This week we bring you some voices from the past year of the show and their answer to the common question, "What is a question you wish people would ask you but no one ever does?"  There's some great similarities and differences in how people respond but theres alot of wisdom to be found as well!  

You'll be hearing from:

Tyran Payne
Britt Yenser
Tim Albright
Carrie Garcia
Kameesha Jones
Jordan Scales
Brittney Grant
Adaline Tatum
Samantha Powell
Lisle Waldron

Everyone hang in there, go easy and we'll be back next week!

We're back for week 2 and brothers Ryan and Evan Gray explore the significance of building relationships in education, the role of mentorship, and the balance between work and personal life. Evan shares his experiences in fostering connections among students and emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships over time. He reflects on his own journey in higher education and how it has shaped his perspective on success and personal growth. The discussion also touches on the value of having a supportive partner in navigating life's challenges. In this engaging conversation, Evan and Ryan explore various themes including meaningful family traditions, the importance of personal connections, and the courage to step out of one's comfort zone. They share insights on sports betting, the challenges of remote work, and the value of learning new skills. Evan emphasizes the significance of being intentional about social interactions and offers practical advice for connecting with others in a remote work environment. The discussion culminates in a powerful reminder to take risks and embrace new experiences.

Takeaways

• Building relationships is essential for success in education.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in student success.
• Nurturing relationships requires time and effort.
• Delayed gratification is a key aspect of education.
• People generally enter the world with good intentions.
• Having a supportive community is vital for personal growth.
• Work-life integration enhances overall well-being.
• Athletics can foster teamwork and camaraderie.
• A strong partnership can help navigate life's challenges.
• Life experiences shape our perspectives on relationships. Physical gifts are meaningful, but experiences matter more.
• Family traditions can be unique and cherished, like turkey tacos.
• Building skills takes time and effort, especially for homeowners.
• Sports betting can be fun, but always do your research.
• Weather significantly impacts football performance and betting.
• Remote work requires intentionality in social interactions.
• Connecting with others is vital for personal growth.
• Experience in online education is invaluable for helping students.
• Courage is essential for personal and professional success.
• Taking risks can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Keywords
relationships, education, mentorship, online learning, work-life balance, personal growth, student success, community, college experience, family, family traditions, meaningful gifts, turkey tacos, building skills, sports betting, remote work, personal connections, online education, courage, self-improvement



Connect with Evan:
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grayevan/

Check out CHAMPS Peer Mentoring:
https://www.uagc.edu/student-experience/peer-mentoring

Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

In this episode of the AV/IT Amplifier, host Ryan Gray speaks with Evan Gray about the importance of peer mentoring in higher education, particularly in online learning environments. Evan shares his journey in developing the Champs Peer Mentoring program at the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC), emphasizing the need for students to feel a sense of belonging and connection. The conversation covers the evolution of the mentoring program, strategies for recruiting and training mentors, and the future aspirations for enhancing student engagement and support.

• Peer mentoring is crucial for student success in online education.
• Building relationships among students fosters a sense of belonging.
• Data-driven approaches are essential for program development and funding.
• Creating a community is more effective than one-on-one connections.
• Understanding student demographics helps tailor support programs.
• Authenticity in interactions encourages open communication among students.
• Utilizing technology can enhance student engagement and connection.
• Mentoring programs can significantly impact retention and graduation rates.
• Continuous improvement and adaptation are necessary in higher education.
• Collaboration and sharing best practices among institutions can lead to better outcomes.

Sound Bites

• "Make them tell you no, and put them to a decision."
• "This is the judgment-free zone for students."
• "You need to know your students."
• "It's a zigzag journey, never linear."
• "We're the relationship center for students."
• "We have a mobile app coming out for our students."

Keywords

peer mentoring, online education, student success, higher education, sense of belonging, UAGC, mentoring program, student engagement, relationship building, adult learners



Connect with Evan:
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grayevan/

Check out CHAMPS Peer Mentoring:
https://www.uagc.edu/student-experience/peer-mentoring

Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

We're back with part 2 of this conversation with Dr. Punya Mishra.  We explore the multifaceted relationship between AI, ethics, education, and human interaction. The discussion explores the authenticity of AI, the ethical implications of its use, the biases inherent in AI systems, and the potential for AI to transform education. Dr. Mishra emphasizes the need for thoughtful regulation and the importance of being present in teaching, while also encouraging educators to experiment with AI as a tool for enhancing learning.

• AI's authenticity can be questioned based on its training.
• The ethical debate around AI is often one-sided.
• Regulation can coexist with innovation in AI.
• Bias in AI can be exacerbated as models improve.
• Education must adapt to the changing landscape of technology.
• AI can serve as a partner in the learning process.
• Transforming education is a complex challenge.
• AI's role in education should focus on enhancing understanding.
• The future of AI will involve deeper human interaction.
• Educators should experiment with AI to discover its potential.

Sound Bites

• "You won't know if I'm AI."
• "The world we live in is crazy right now."
• "There is a role for regulation in this space."
• "Education is a complex, contested space."
• "Play with AI, try different things."
• "We need to be present in our teaching."

About Dr. Mishra:
https://asu.elsevierpure.com/en/persons/punya-mishra
https://www.linkedin.com/in/punyamishra/
https://punyamishra.com

Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!