By Dr. Ray Lutzky
5
11 ratings
The podcast currently has 37 episodes available.
In recent years, the conversation around the value of higher education in the U.S. has intensified, with concerns about the mismatch between curriculum and job market demands, rising tuition, and inefficiencies such as low graduation rates. I'm joined by Dr. Nick Ladany, President of San Francisco Bay University, to explore these unspoken realities of American higher ed. Drawing from his thought-provoking Forbes piece, "What We Never Say Out Loud in Higher Education," Dr. Ladany will shed light on the hidden challenges and hard truths shaping the future of universities.
Link to Nick's piece in Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasladany/2024/08/05/what-we-never-say-out-loud-in-higher-education/)
Link to Nick's interview with Visionary Voices: https://www.enrollify.org/episodes/episode-11-teaching-faculty-how-to-teach-inside-sfbus-bold-new-initiative
Link to Nick's interview with The Pulse: https://www.enrollify.org/episodes/live-from-asu-gsv-disrupting-academia-through-action-at-san-francisco-bay-university)
Guest Name: Dr. Nick Ladany, President of San Francisco Bay University
Guest Social Handles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-ladany/
Guest Bio: Nick Ladany, Ph.D., is the President of San Francisco Bay University (SFBU). In the spirit of the Silicon Valley, SFBU is acting like a startup and challenger brand in higher education, with the purpose of disrupting higher education and developing a university that is accessible and affordable, with a deep commitment to serving the common good. SFBU’s unique and innovative approach to higher education capitalizes on six pillars of the student experience: praxis academics, life literacy, comprehensive wellness, multiple meaningful relationships, lifelong careers readiness, and financial support, all of which is aimed at meaningful and successful student outcomes. Previously he was President of Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he led the university through the pandemic, facilitated record enrollments, enhanced fiscal stewardship, built a leadership team, strengthened a commitment to DEI, and enhanced student success and wellness. He alsoserved as Dean of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences and Associate Provost for Academic Outreach at the University of San Diego; and Dean of the School of Education and Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA. Prior to that he was Director of the Counseling Program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA; and Chair of the Department of Education and Human Services and Program Coordinator & Director of Doctoral Training of the Counseling Psychology Program at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He received his Ph.D. from the University at Albany, State University of New York, in 1992 and his B.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. He has more than 80 publications, including 6 books, and has conducted over 250 national and international presentations in more than 20 countries in higher education leadership; and supervision and training of mental health practitioners.
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Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Ray Lutzky
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Mastering the Next 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 The Higher Ed Geek.
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 we’re joined by Dr. Aric Krause, Dean of Academic and Administrative Affairs at Rensselaer at Work, the online and professional education arm of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). RPI, the nation’s first technological university, celebrates its bicentennial this year, and Rensselaer at Work has offered professional graduate education in STEM for more than 70 years. Traditional selling points for higher ed, like “small class sizes,” no longer resonate strongly with modern learners, and institutions must innovate to stay relevant, particularly for working professionals and adult students. Dr. Krause shares what’s next for higher education as it re-defines its value proposition in an evolving landscape, and how Rensselaer at Work is meeting the needs of today’s learners.
Guest Name: Dr. Aric Krause is the Dean of Academic and Administrative Affairs for “Rensselaer at Work” at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arickrause/
Guest Bio: Dr. Aric Krause is the Dean of Academic and Administrative Affairs for Rensselaer at Work. Krause earned his Ph.D. in economics from Colorado State University (1998), M.S. in economics from DePaul University (1993), and bachelor of science in economics from Illinois State University (1989). For the last 15 years of his career, Krause has been developing educational programs for working professionals at the graduate level, serving the needs of both employees and students.
Dr. Aric Krause is the Dean of Academic and Administrative Affairs for Rensselaer at Work. Krause earned his Ph.D. in economics from Colorado State University (1998), M.S. in economics from DePaul University (1993), and bachelor of science in economics from Illinois State University (1989). For the last 15 years of his career, Krause has been developing educational programs for working professionals at the graduate level, serving the needs of both employees and students. Krause joined Rensselaer in March 2017 coming from University of Maryland University College where he served as Vice President and Dean of the Graduate School. Prior, Krause served as the Dean of the Division of New Learning at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, and as the interim Dean of the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business, also at Westminster College. Krause’s research has focused on strategic market analysis, helping organizations anticipate shifts in the market so as to enhance value proposition. Krause has worked closely with the investment and manufacturing industries, applying data analytic informed models to evaluate innovation and technology opportunities.
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Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Ray Lutzky
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Mastering the Next 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 The Higher Ed Geek.
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 “Mastering the Next” we delve into the future of graduate admissions and how data and AI are set to transform the process. I’m joined by Dean Tsantir, Executive Director of the Graduate School Admissions Office at the University of Minnesota, for his perspective on how these technologies are revolutionizing the way institutions select and support their students. Together, we explore what's next for these powerful tools in shaping the future of graduate education.
Guest Name: Dean Tsantir, Executive Director of the Graduate School Admissions Office at the University of Minnesota
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-tsantir-30ba6b4/
Guest Bio: Dean Tsantir is the Executive Director of the Graduate School Admissions Office at the University of Minnesota, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping graduate admissions strategies and processes. With extensive experience in higher education, Dean has been instrumental in driving innovative approaches to graduate enrollment management. His leadership extends beyond the University of Minnesota as he has served on the Board of Directors for NAGAP, the Association for Graduate Enrollment Management. In this capacity, he contributed to advancing the field of graduate enrollment management through strategic initiatives, professional development, and research.
Dean holds a robust academic background that complements his professional expertise. He earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science and Government from Macalester College and went on to complete a Master's degree in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs. His academic journey, combined with his professional experience, positions him as a leading figure in graduate education, where he continues to influence policies and practices that support student success and institutional growth.
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Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Ray Lutzky
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Mastering the Next 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 The Higher Ed Geek.
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 we explore the evolving landscape of affordable public education. I’m joined by Dr. Kathie Fleck, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Ivy Tech Community College, one of the largest community college systems in the United States. We’ll discuss innovative strategies for positioning high-quality, accessible education in the public eye and uncover what's next for promoting the value and impact of community colleges in the ever-changing educational ecosystem.
Guest Name: Dr. Kathie Fleck, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Ivy Tech Community College
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krfleck/
Guest Bio: Dr. Kathie Fleck, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, joined Ivy Tech after serving as the Chief Operations Officer for the Ohio Department of Transportation, where she was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to administer a $4B annual fiscal program across 12 district offices and lead a team of 5,500 across the state. Under her leadership, Kathie transformed the department to become a vital member of the governor’s administration and implemented long-term strategic initiatives to elevate employee engagement and improve customer service. She previously served in a similar role with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Kathie also brings a robust academic and entrepreneurial background to her role at Ivy Tech, having served as an Associate Professor of Communications Studies for nearly 10 years at Ohio Northern University. She founded KRF Consulting, a leadership consultancy representing clients in the financial services, manufacturing and government sectors, in 2011.
As Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Kathie oversees the development and execution of the College’s marketing and communications strategies, including all statewide branding, marketing and advertising campaigns and student communications that drive enrollment and retention. She also leads the College’s Creative Services hub. She will work closely with Public Affairs, which will continue to handle the College’s News Media Relations and internal communications.
Kathie holds a Doctorate in Law and Policy from Northeastern University. She obtained her Master of Arts from Indiana University Bloomington and her Bachelor of Science from Bowling Green State University. She holds an Accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America.
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Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Ray Lutzky
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Mastering the Next 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 The Higher Ed Geek.
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, “Mastering the Next” welcomes Dr. MJ Knoll-Finn, Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success at NYU, to discuss a pressing topic in higher education today: the role of AI in student support. As AI continues to reshape various aspects of our lives, NYU is at the forefront, integrating these technologies into their student services. The interview explores how NYU is leveraging AI to enhance student success while maintaining their commitment to a human-centered, service-oriented approach.
Guest Name: Dr. MJ Knoll-Finn, Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success at New York University
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mj-knoll-finn-edd-mba-4a5320a/
Guest Bio: Dr. MJ Knoll-Finn is Senior Vice President for Global Enrollment Management and Student Success.
A national leader in higher education, Knoll-Finn heads the highly strategic, values driven division of Enrollment Management at New York University. With a personal commitment to excellence and inclusion, she has a proven track record of increasing diversity, academic quality, selectivity, retention and graduation rates in a variety of academic institutions.
During Knoll-Finn’s time at NYU, she has spearheaded several strategies that have resulted in doubling the number of first-year applications to almost 120,000, while improving the diversity and academic profile of incoming students, and improving student retention and graduation rates. These successes can be attributed, in part, to her leadership in developing both an Access and Pre-College Programs Office within Undergraduate Admissions and an Office of Student Success that supports student persistence.
Knoll-Finn is an innovator in the industry, with over 32 years of experience. She frequently speaks at national and regional conferences on current trends in higher education, and the strategic use of analytics and data in enrollment strategy and institutional positioning. Knoll-Finn leads her staff to recognize and understand personal stories as well as how to use data strategically. She encourages learning diverse viewpoints and understanding generational differences as a framework to inform support for students and work across the university.
Knoll-Finn’s division is responsible for undergraduate enrollment functions, institutional research, and data governance across NYU's schools and colleges in New York and degree-granting campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. In addition, the division offers strategic consulting to the graduate schools.
Before joining NYU, Knoll-Finn served as Vice President of Enrollment for Emerson College after a tenure as Assistant Dean and Director of Admissions at Northeastern University School of Law. Her Board memberships include The College Board and the US Strategic Advisory Board of IDP-Connect.
Knoll-Finn earned her BA as a first-gen student from the University of New Hampshire and holds an MBA from Northeastern University. She earned her doctorate of education in Leadership and Innovation from NYU Steinhardt’s School of Culture, Education and Human Development.
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Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Ray Lutzky
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Mastering the Next 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 The Higher Ed Geek.
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, we're joined by Robina Schepp, Vice President for Enrollment and Placement at Pace University in New York. Our discussion explores the strategies behind successful graduate student career placement and discusses how Pace, a school known for its deep connections with industry and employers, is helping students navigate the evolving job market. Robina is here to share her insights and strategies to support career success for graduate students.
Guest Name: Robina Schepp, Vice President for Enrollment and Placement at Pace University
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robina-schepp-1672a24/
Guest Bio: Robina Schepp is the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Placement at Pace University. Now in her 21 st year with Pace, she leads undergraduate, graduate, and international enrollment, financial services, veterans’ services and career services for the private university with campuses in New York City and Westchester County, NY. Known for experiential education and its strong connections to employers, Pace educates 13,000 students in its six schools and colleges. Driven by a strong commitment to collaboration across the university and data driven decision making, Robina and her team have successfully diversified the university’s market reach, expanding enrollment from outside of the New York metropolitan area and have brought more than 20 new graduate programs to market. Since 2007, University enrollment has increased by more than 2,000 FTEs and employment rates for Pace graduates have consistently been 10 percent higher than the national average. Prior to assuming enrollment responsibilities, Robina was the AVP for Marketing at Pace and served as the Director of Public Relations at Seton Hall University. Her career in marketing began at the Monmouth County Park System in New Jersey. Ms Schepp earned a Bachelor’s degree from Providence College and an MPA from Seton Hall University.
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Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Ray Lutzky
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Mastering the Next 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 The Higher Ed Geek.
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
Financial aid is something that’s been on the mind of many higher education and enrollment management leaders this past year, particularly with the botched roll-out of the new FAFSA; the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. In this episode I’m joined by Dan Currell, who served as Deputy Under Secretary and Senior Advisor in the U.S. Department of Education from 2018 to 2021 and now, among other things, serves on the board of Adro, a company providing U.S. banking solutions for international students coming to America. He will help us demystify the world of Federal financial aid policy and the future student aid.
Guest Name: Dan Currell, former Deputy Under Secretary and Senior Advisor in the U.S. Department of Education
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-currell-70b7a/
Guest Bio: Dan Currell served as Deputy Under Secretary and Senior Advisor in the U.S. Department of Education from 2018 to 2021, where he worked on issues relating to financial aid, civil rights, and foreign influence in U.S. higher education. He is a Senior Fellow at the National Security Institute at George Mason University, where he writes about the intersection of national security and higher education, and he has written on education policy for National Affairs, The Dispatch, The New York Times, the Minnesota Star Tribune and other media outlets. Prior to joining the Department of Education, Mr. Currell was an Executive Director at the Corporate Executive Board (NYSE: CEB) where he was a management consultant to senior legal, finance and strategy executives. Dan went to Gustavus Adolphus College and the University of Chicago Law School. He lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota with his family and serves on the Gustavus board of trustees.
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Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Ray Lutzky
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Mastering the Next 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 The Higher Ed Geek.
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 “Mastering the Next,” Sara Custer, Editor-in-Chief at Inside Higher Ed, discusses the future of AI in transforming classroom engagement. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to reshape how instructors connect with students is immense. We delve into the promising tools and methods emerging in this space, explore the ethical implications, and consider how institutions can harness AI to benefit all students while supporting faculty in this technological transition.
Guest Name: Sara Custer, Editor-in-Chief at Inside Higher Ed
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-custer-44534427/
Guest Bio: Sara Custer is the Editor-in-Chief of Inside Higher Ed, where she leads the editorial team in delivering in-depth news, analysis, and opinion pieces that shape the discourse in higher education. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Sara has established herself as a prominent voice in the industry, known for her keen insights and ability to cover complex topics with clarity and nuance. Before her role at Inside Higher Ed, Sara served as the editor of Campus at Times Higher Education (THE), where she was instrumental in expanding THE's global reach and influence. She has a strong background in covering international education, having reported extensively on higher education trends across continents.
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Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Ray Lutzky
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Mastering the Next 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 The Higher Ed Geek.
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 from NACAC 2024, Dr. Ray Lutzky sits down with Fatema Dalal, Director of Admissions for the School of Engineering at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City. They discuss Cooper Union’s path toward becoming a 100% tuition-free institution by 2029 and the impact of its recent announcement providing free tuition for current seniors. The conversation also touches on the institution’s rich history, new academic programs, and vision for the future.
Key Takeaways
What was the impact of Cooper Union’s surprise free tuition announcement for seniors?
Fatema Dalal describes the excitement and energy felt during the institution’s convocation when the announcement was made that all current seniors would receive free tuition. This gesture is part of Cooper Union’s larger commitment to returning to a fully tuition-free model by 2029, a hallmark of the institution’s history. The initiative represents a significant step toward alleviating financial burdens for students and reinforcing the college’s mission of access and equity.
How does this move align with Cooper Union’s founding principles?
Cooper Union, founded in 1859 by Peter Cooper, has a long history of providing free education and promoting access regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. The return to free tuition is a continuation of the institution’s commitment to providing equitable opportunities in higher education. Dalal highlights the institution’s deep roots in social justice, from hosting the first Society for Women Engineers chapter to supporting major historical movements like women’s suffrage and civil rights. This legacy continues to inspire the institution’s modern-day initiatives, including the current push to reduce tuition costs and maintain its inclusive ethos.
What does the future hold for Cooper Union’s academic offerings?
In addition to its tuition initiatives, Cooper Union is expanding its academic portfolio with the launch of a new computer science major, starting in Fall 2025. This program will offer a small cohort of about 27 students a highly specialized, interdisciplinary education in the heart of New York City. Cooper Union's distinctive blend of art, architecture, and engineering programs, combined with its close-knit community, positions it to remain at the forefront of innovative, interdisciplinary problem-solving, particularly in areas like sustainability and AI.
Looking ahead, Dalal emphasizes that while Cooper Union is not focused on increasing enrollment, it is committed to remaining responsive to the evolving needs of both New York City and the global community. The institution will continue to offer a tight-knit, collaborative educational experience while staying aligned with emerging fields and challenges.
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Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Ray Lutzky
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Mastering the Next 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 The Higher Ed Geek.
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
Research in graduate enrollment management is a growing area of interest. In this episode we take a deep-dive in the latest research on graduate enrollment management from NAGAP, the Association for Graduate Enrollment Management. Two lead researchers, Dr. Amanda Ostreko, Assistant Vice Provost and Director of Graduate Enrollment Management at The University of Kansas, and Dr. Ariana Balayan, Director of Enrollment & Marketing at Tufts University School of Medicine Graduate Programs, discuss their research on GEM, which will be published in the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Strategic Enrollment Management Quarterly next year. This episode provides a preview of their research and delves into “what’s next” for the field of graduate enrollment management.
Guest Names:
Dr. Amanda Ostreko, Assistant Vice Provost and Director of Graduate Enrollment Management at The University of Kansas
Dr. Ariana Balayan, Director of Enrollment & Marketing at Tufts University School of Medicine Graduate Programs
Guest Socials:
Dr. Amanda Ostreko - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-ostreko-0a920151/
Dr. Ariana Balayan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianabalayan/
Guest Bios:
Dr. Amanda Ostreko is the Assistant Vice Provost and Director of Graduate Enrollment Management at the University of Kansas (KU). Dr. Ostreko oversees the Graduate Admissions office, providing strategic leadership for enrollment management efforts for domestic and international graduate applicants and students. She collaborates with multiple university offices to develop proactive and nimble strategies to adjust to changing environments and trends in recruitment and admission of graduate students, using best practices and technology solutions to manage search, inquiry and applicant pools, and collaborates with campus partners to facilitate retention and timely degree completion. Dr. Ostreko has held various roles at KU for over 20 years, including Director of Graduate Enrollment and Assistant Dean in the Office of Graduate Studies. She has served in leadership positions for KU’s Staff Senate, including President, and served on the NAGAP Governing board for 6 years, most recently as the Research Chair. Dr. Ostreko’s research and professional interests revolve around Graduate Enrollment Management (GEM) and higher education, with numerous publications and over 50 presentations.
Dr. Ariana Balayan is the Director of Enrollment and Marketing for the Tufts University School of Medicine Graduate Programs. There, she oversees strategic initiatives and everyday operations of recruitment, admissions, and marketing for four competitive health science graduate programs, as well as manages the admissions and marketing team. Prior to Tufts, Ariana served in various leadership roles in graduate admissions at private and public institutions. She is a thought leader in graduate enrollment management, specifically in strategic planning and model development. Ariana has been published in major academic journals, a preeminent textbook, and delivered many regional and national presentations.
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Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Ray Lutzky
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Mastering the Next 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 The Higher Ed Geek.
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
The podcast currently has 37 episodes available.
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