Mastering the Next

Arizona State University is annually ranked the nation’s most innovative university by U.S. News & World Report. From their approach to accessible online learning to their partnerships with industry, ASU has a proven track record of staying at the leading edge of higher ed trends.  Earlier this year the university announced a unique educational partnership with OpenAI –  Ray is joined by Dr. Lev Gonick, ASU’s Enterprise Chief Information Officer to share the details.

Guest Name: Dr. Lev Gonick, Enterprise Chief Information Officer, Arizona State University

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

Guest Bio: Lev Gonick is the university chief information officer at Arizona State University. He is also a professor of practice in the School of Public Affairs.

An educator, technologist, and smart city architect, he has been teaching, working, and living on the Net for more than 25 years. Prior to ASU, he was co-founder and CEO of DigitalC, the award-winning non-profit organization enabling and celebrating innovation, collaboration, and productivity through next generation broadband networks, big open data solutions, and IoT for public benefit.

Professor Gonick was CIO at Case Western Reserve University from 2001-2013. He and his colleagues were internationally recognized for technology innovations in community engagement, learning spaces, next generation network projects, and organizational development. His innovations, including the Case Connection Zone catalyzed national projects, including US Ignite and Gig.U.

Inside Business Magazine named Professor Gonick one of their Power 100 in 2015. In 2011 Government Technology awarded him one of their "Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers in Public-Sector Innovation."​ In the same year Crain's Business Cleveland named him one its "10 Difference Makers"​ in Northeast Ohio and Broadband Properties honored him with their Cornerstone Award for "using fiber to build an inclusive society and empower individuals."​ In 2010 he received recognition as "Visionary of the Year" from NATOA. He has been recognized by ComputerWorld as a Premier 100 IT leader and honored by CIO magazine with a CIO 100 Award.

Education
Ph.D. International Political Economy, York University, Canada 1992
M.A. World Politics, Binghamton University 1983
B.A. Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, The Ohio State University 1981

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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! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode covers one of Ray’s favorite topics – the liberal arts and sciences.  As colleges and universities are pressured to demonstrate the return on investment for their cost of attendance, many have prioritized science, technology and engineering fields with higher employability and starting salaries.  This has shifted focus from the liberal arts at a time when AI technology is becoming more central to higher education.  Bryce Pendleton, Vice President of Brand & Technology at Southern Virginia University joins the podcast to explore the future of liberal arts education in the context of AI technology.

Guest Name: Bryce Pendleton, Vice President of Brand & Technology at Southern Virginia University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-pendleton-a5181a22/

Guest Bio: Bryce Pendleton is the Vice President for Brand and Technology at Southern Virginia University, where he collaborates with various offices to address the university's technology needs and provides stewardship for its branding efforts. He previously served as Director of Information Technology Services, a role in which he has led multiple major initiatives, including the launch of a new university website, calendar, and curriculum management platform. His leadership also facilitated the implementation of a cutting-edge integration platform to enhance software interfaces across campus.

Since 2016, he has overseen Southern Virginia’s brand and digital presence, playing a key role in the development of the university’s updated visual identity and contributing to its successful Apple Distinguished School applications in 2019 and 2022. His work emphasizes the importance of digital tools that reflect the university’s brand promise of personalized and transformative education, ensuring that students and employees alike have the resources they need to thrive.

A graduate and valedictorian of Southern Virginia University in 2010, Pendleton majored in both art and politics while also excelling as a member of the men’s basketball team and the student association executive council. He later earned a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech, where he was honored with the 2013 Bill Brown award for excellence in graduate studies. After a successful career in architectural design, Pendleton returned to Southern Virginia in 2016 as an adjunct instructor and has since become a key leader in the university’s branding and technology initiatives. He currently resides in Lexington, Virginia, with his family.

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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! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ray interviews Dr. Doug Koch, Interim Provost at Southeast Missouri State University–they explore how AI is reshaping graduate student engagement at the university. With advancements in technology, regional public universities are finding new ways to create meaningful connections between students and faculty, and Dr. Koch will share insights on how AI is driving these innovations at SEMO, diving  into the future of building AI-driven engagement strategies for graduate students.

Guest Name: Dr. Doug Koch, Interim Provost at Southeast Missouri State University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-koch-6629b754/

Guest Bio: Dr. Doug Koch was appointed the Interim Provost at Southeast Missouri State University on June 1, 2024., and since 2019 served as vice provost and dean of Graduate Studies at SEMO. Previously, he was the vice provost of academic programs and services at the University of Central Missouri. Before UCM, he spent nine years at Southeast Missouri State University as a faculty member and interim chair. Dr. Koch holds a Bachelor of Science in industrial technology education from the University of Wyoming, a Master of Arts in teaching from Ball State University, and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction/technology education from Virginia Tech.

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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! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Got a story to tell? An innovative idea to share? Fill out our guest nomination form, and let's chat!

In this episode Ray is joined by Dr. Thilla Sivakumaran, Vice President for TXST Global at Texas State University. With a rapidly changing landscape in global education, Dr. Sivakumaran shares his insights into the innovative strategies Texas State Global is using to expand their online program reach and enhance access for learners, and how they work with an online program manager (OPM) to expand student access.. Join us as we explore what's next for Texas State Global and how they're positioning themselves at the forefront of innovative higher education.

Guest Name: Dr. Thilla Sivakumaran, Vice President for Texas State Global at Texas State University

Guest Bio: Dr. Thillainatarajan “Thilla” Sivakumaran is the inaugural vice president for TXST Global at Texas State University, a role he assumed on July 1, 2023. Before joining Texas State, Sivakumaran served as vice chancellor for enrollment management and global outreach at Arkansas State University from 2021. He also held key leadership roles at Arkansas State’s campus in Queretaro, Mexico, as vice rector of academic affairs starting in 2020, and previously served as executive director of global engagement and outreach and dean for the College of Education and Behavioral Science. 

During his tenure at Arkansas State, Sivakumaran was instrumental in increasing freshman, transfer, and graduate enrollment, establishing degree centers on community college campuses, and quadrupling enrollment at the Queretaro campus. He also significantly grew concurrent and dual-enrollment opportunities across Arkansas and fostered partnerships with universities worldwide, including in China, Japan, Qatar, Malta, and Scotland. His experience extends to working with online program management companies to scale academic programs.

Prior to Arkansas State, Sivakumaran spent eight years at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where he held various positions, including instructional technology coordinator, faculty member in curriculum and instruction, and associate dean for the College of Education and Human Development. He began his career in education as a high school chemistry, biology, and physical science teacher.

Sivakumaran holds a bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Washington and earned both his master’s in secondary science education and a Ph.D. in instructional technology from the University of Tennessee.

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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! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode we explore the future of accessibility and neurodiversity in graduate education with Dr. Kimberly White-Smith, Dean of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, also known as “SOLES,” at the University of San Diego. Dr. White-Smith will share her thoughts on how institutions can better support neurodiverse learners and foster inclusivity within their programs and what SOLES is doing to support the education of these students.

Guest Name: Dr. Kimberly White-Smith, Dean of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego

Guest Social:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-white-smith/

Guest Bio:  Dr. Kimberly A. White-Smith is a Professor and Dean of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) at the University of San Diego. With over 25 years of urban schooling and educator development experience, Dr. White-Smith endeavors to foster academic justice for Black, Indigenous, Queer, Latinx, and neurodivergent students through enhanced learning environments, policies, and practices. She has authored publications on teacher and student learning, equity, leadership, and Black Mother Scholars. 

A former public school teacher and resident of South Los Angeles, Dr. White-Smith is passionate about urban education and has participated in many university-community-based partnerships designed to support access to quality education for minoritized and economically oppressed students. Dr. White-Smith honed these skills through her work with the Cotsen Family Foundation, Los Angeles Educational Partnership; National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching (NCREST) at Teachers College, Columbia University; and consulting with public schools and private education foundations. 

She has authored articles, books, and chapters on diversity, inclusivity, and leadership, such as School Effectiveness in US Amid Crisis: Moral Capacity Building for Social Justice Leadership, Co-authored with Drs. Jacob Easley and Nilda Soto-Ruiz and “That’s why I say stay in school”: Black Mothers’ Parental Involvement, Cultural Wealth, and Exclusion in their Sons Schooling co-authored with Dr. Quaylan Allen. Her current book is Through the fire: From intake to credential, teacher candidates share their experiences through narrative, co-authored by Hayes, Fashing-Varner & Eisworth. It explores how teacher educators can better prepare teachers against a backdrop of historical schooling inequalities. 

Dr. White-Smith attended the University of Southern California (Ed.D., Learning and Instruction), Teachers College, Columbia University (MA, Curriculum and Instruction), and the University of California at Berkeley (BA, Psychology).

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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! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.