Virtual learning has skyrocketed in popularity, and many faculty are being asked to bring their pedagogy online. In this episode we hear from Dr. Amanda Smith, the Chief Academic and Product Officer at Risepoint, a leading organization dedicated to empowering educational institutions to improve access and affordability for their academic programs through online learning. Risepoint specializes in providing comprehensive training and resources to help faculty excel in online teaching environments. Dr. Smith delves into how best to support faculty in their transition to online teaching and explore the strategies that can foster continuous improvement and innovation.

Guest Name: Dr. Amanda Smith, the Chief Academic and Product Officer at Risepoint

Guest Bio: Dr. Amanda Smith leads Risepoint’s Academic Services and Product team that enables the delivery of partner universities’ high-quality online degree programs. With more than two decades of experience in education, Amanda is passionate about promoting higher education that empowers student success.
Before joining Risepoint, Amanda served as Vice Provost of a private, post-secondary online institution and previously as VP of Curriculum & Development at Curriculum Technology. She also worked as a K-12 teacher and curriculum coach for the first 11 years of her career.
Amanda’s professional path was inspired by her grandparents, educators who started a private school in 1974, and she delights in working alongside instructional leaders of the regionally accredited, community-serving institutions that share our mission.
Amanda holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies and Teacher Education from California State University Fresno, an M.S. in Cross-Cultural Studies in Education from National University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver. In her spare time, Amanda is a competitive equestrian. She’s Aunty Mandy to two beautiful nieces when not chasing dogs and riding horses.

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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 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

Social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public universities have come under scrutiny by local and state governments, significantly impacting the lives of graduate students nationwide.  In this episode Dr. Bil Leipold, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services & Experience at Rutgers University-Newark, explores the critical topic of Social Justice in Graduate Enrollment Management.  Today’s higher education landscape present challenges for enrollment managers to develop strategies and initiatives that ensure equity and inclusivity within graduate programs.  Dr. Leipold's will shed light on the importance of creating a more just and accessible academic environment for all students, and how these efforts are transforming higher education. 

Guest Name: Dr. Bil Leipold, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services & Experience at Rutgers University-Newark

Guest Bio: 

https://celg.rutgers.edu/people/dr-bil-leipold

Dr. Bil Leipold serves as the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services and Experience at Rutgers University-Newark, where he is dedicated to enhancing the student experience through innovative enrollment strategies and a commitment to social justice. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Leipold has a proven track record of leading transformative initiatives that improve student access, retention, and success.
Dr. Leipold is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. He has spearheaded numerous programs aimed at increasing educational opportunities for underrepresented and marginalized populations. Under his leadership, Rutgers University-Newark has seen significant improvements in enrollment and student satisfaction.
A thought leader in the field of graduate enrollment management, Dr. Leipold frequently presents at national conferences and contributes to scholarly publications. His research interests include the impact of social justice initiatives on student outcomes, the role of technology in enhancing the enrollment process, and strategies for supporting non-traditional and adult learners.
Dr. Leipold holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Seton Hall University, an M.S. in Counseling from The College of New Jersey, and a B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers 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! 

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 have Dr. Alyssa Orlando, Director of Graduate Admission at Clark University in Massachusetts, discussing the significant impacts of decision-making biases in holistic graduate admissions review processes. Our interview explores how Clark University identifies and mitigates these biases to ensure fairness and equity, and what the future holds for holistic admission practices in promoting diversity and inclusivity.

Guest Name: Dr. Alyssa Orlando, Director of Graduate Admission at Clark University 

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

Guest Bio: Dr. Alyssa Orlando currently works as the Director of Graduate Admission at Clark University. Prior to Clark, Dr. Orlando worked at numerous institutions in the New England area, serving the GEM profession for the last decade. Alyssa leads the New England chapter of NAGAP (NEGAP) as President, and received the NAGAP Future Leader Award in April 2024 for her service to the association. Dr. Orlando also earned her Ph.D. in Leadership in Education in May 2024. Her dissertation research focused on exploring the potential bias within holistic master's admission processes. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ithaca College, and a master's degree in higher education from Boston College. Outside of professional obligations, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her husband, 1-year old son, and dog daughter. She also competes in the sport of powerlifting, where she won a USA Powerlifting national championship in June 2022.

- - - -

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 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

Adult learners are increasingly returning to university education, with some estimates suggesting that there are over 3 million undergraduate adult learners in the U.S. Engaging with these working professionals and motivating them to enroll requires innovative strategies and tactics. William Paterson University of New Jersey has developed a unique approach that has already yielded significant success. Joining us for this episode to discuss this is Dr. George Kacenga, Vice President for Enrollment Management at WP. 

Guest Name: Dr. George Kacenga, Vice President for Enrollment Management at William Paterson University

Guest Bio: George F. Kacenga, Ph.D., has championed the value of higher education for over twenty-years. He is currently the Vice President for Enrollment Management at William Paterson University. Kacenga has also served as a Senior International Officer (SIO) in a career that includes positions with public, private, and highly ranked academic institutions. His strengths include executive leadership, domestic and international enrollment management, and return-on-investment analysis. Also a Fulbright Administrator Award recipient, Kacenga holds a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, and a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh in Social and Comparative Analysis in Education. His expertise and reputation have been further honed through regular publishing and engagement as a community member, including professional roles and participation in AIRC (Past-President), NAFSA (Current IEM KC Chair), TAICEP, NACAC, AACRAO, AIEA, and FEA.

- - - -

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 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

Recruiting graduate students often involves looking within the existing campus community, re-engaging current students, and reaching out to past applicants who may now have a renewed interest in graduate study. In this episode, I'm joined by Richard Graham, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Strategy & Engagement at Thomas Jefferson University, to discuss how to grow graduate student programs by reconnecting with students the school already knows.

Guest Name: Richard Graham, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Strategy & Engagement at Thomas Jefferson University

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

Guest Bio: Richard Graham serves as the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Strategy & Engagement at Thomas Jefferson University, a National Doctoral Research University with 12 academic colleges and over 8,400 students. With 17 years of experience in the higher education industry, he has a proven track record of delivering results in lead acquisition, conversion, and revenue growth.
At Jefferson, Richard leads a team of 14 full-time and 60+ part-time employees who are responsible for the execution of demand generation tactics that drive undergraduate and graduate new student enrollment. He also provides strategic, technical, and analytical leadership in the use of the division's Slate CRM system, leveraging data and technology to optimize the enrollment funnel and enhance the student experience. He is passionate about advancing the mission and vision of Thomas Jefferson University and empowering students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
Richard holds an MEd in Educational Leadership from Temple University and a BS in Communication from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.

- - - -

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 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, Dr. Jerome Drain, President of the Online College at Houston Community College, shares his innovative approach to online student engagement strategies by leveraging simulation technologies like the Metaverse.. HCC Online offers more than 70 hybrid degree and certificate programs as well as general education, elective, and core courses in more than 80 areas of study.  Dr. Drain discusses  how new technologies are revolutionizing student engagement and transforming the online learning experience for his students.

Guest Name: Dr. Jerome Drain, President of the Online College at Houston Community College

Guest Social Handles: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: With over 20 years of work experience in higher education, Dr. Jerome Drain is currently the Interim President of the Online College at Houston Community College (HCC), where he oversees the development and implementation of online programs and services for over 50,000 students. He also serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Instruction at HCC, leading the strategic planning and budgeting for the academic affairs division, and supporting the accreditation and assessment processes. Additionally, he has served as the Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Instruction at HCC, managing the curriculum and faculty development for the institution.
Dr. Drain's core competencies include online education, academic leadership, strategic planning, budgeting, accreditation, assessment, curriculum development, and faculty development. He holds an MBA from Grand Valley State University and a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Word. 
Dr. Drain's mission is to provide high-quality, accessible, and affordable online education to diverse and underserved communities, and to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence among faculty and staff. He is passionate about leveraging technology, data, and best practices to enhance student learning outcomes and success. He is eager to join a team that shares his vision and values, and that can benefit from his expertise and experience.

- - - -

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 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

Workforce education has grown in popularity in recent years – initially propelled by the tightening of the job market, and then expanded by the pandemic, the need for companies to upskill, reskill, and incentivize their employees through educational opportunities has only become more urgent.  Guild, a company founded in 2015 that is a leader in this space, builds programs to bridge the gap between education and employment, and partners with well-known corporations such as Walmart, Disney, and Hilton to support their employees’ education.  In this episode I am joined by Mark Rudnick, vice president of learning partnerships at Guild, to talk about the future of workforce education.

Guest Name: Mark Rudnick, Vice President of Learning Partnerships, Guild

Guest Social Handles:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrrudnick/

Guest Bio: Mark Rudnick is the Vice President of Learning Partnerships for Guild Education. In this role, Mark leads the team responsible for Guild’s relationships with its marketplace of learning providers, including many of the leading universities, colleges, and learning organizations in the country. Mark’s team of partnership managers, strategists, and operational experts collaborate with Guild’s learning partners to enable delivery of best-in-class offerings that serve America’s working adult learners.
Mark has spent 15 years in the higher education and edtech ecosystems as a professional services leader, consultant, and educator. Prior to joining Guild Education, Mark spent 6 years at edX, joining the organization in its first year of existence and leading its partner success team as the company grew its network of academic partners from 15 to 150 of the most prestigious and innovative universities and learning organizations in the world. He began his career working internationally in South Korea and Australia, working for one of the largest education companies in East Asia on its first online platform and programs.
Mark holds a dual bachelor’s degree in History and English from Carnegie Mellon University. He currently resides in Denver, CO with his wife and two children.

- - - -

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 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

Today, artificial intelligence is used by university admissions offices in many ways, from evaluating applicants’ transcripts to providing prospective students with information about academic programs. Synthesizing information for enrollment managers makes sense, but what about the human element of admissions?  While enrollment leaders clearly recognize the enormous benefits to leveraging AI, some are highlighting the need to avoid potential risks, particularly around social justice and equity, that come with the “human touch.”  In this episode I am joined by Dr. Paul Marthers, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at Emory University, to discuss this emerging paradigm and what’s next for the human side of admissions.

Guest Name: Dr. Paul Marthers, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at Emory University

Guest Social:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-marthers-b201168

Guest Bio: Paul Marthers is Emory’s chief enrollment officer, which includes oversight of the Emory College Office of Admission, Enrollment Communications and Training, Enrollment Projects and Systems, Oxford College Office of Enrollment Services, University Financial Aid, University Registrar, Student Accounts, and Student Information Systems. Key enrollment initiatives have included implementation of the no-loan program for Emory undergraduates, the introduction of new degree planning, advising, and course registration tools for students and faculty, and numerous efforts to increase access and equity for underrepresented student populations.
Each fall, Marthers enjoys leading a section of the ECS 101 transition-to-college course for new Emory College first-year students. From 2017 to 2022, Marthers co-led (with a faculty member) the Emory Undergraduate Project, a five-year change-management effort designed to improve retention, graduation, and student satisfaction rates. In 2018 and 2019, Marthers also served as interim vice president of campus life, guiding the transition of that division to new leadership and greater alignment with academic affairs.
Prior to joining Emory, Marthers worked in the State University of New York system as chief enrollment and student affairs officer as well as at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Reed College, Oberlin College, Phillips Academy, Boston College, Duke University, and Vassar College.

- - - -

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 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

Managing a college’s transition to new, innovative student engagement processes and tools requires careful planning and leadership. Jake Tolman is Owner of Mainform Consulting which assists higher ed organizations with project leadership, governance and change management. He join’s Ray to explain “what’s next” for change management and how your institution can usher in positive change to improve student engagement.

Guest Name: Jake Tolman, Owner of Mainform Consulting 

Guest Social: LinkedIn

- - - -

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 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 are talking about a hot topic: OPMs, or online program management companies, and what they provide to universities. ​​California Lutheran University partnered with an OPM, AllCampus, to launch 12 new online graduate and undergraduate programs, aimed at expanding access to flexible, affordable higher education. This strategic collaboration focuses on enhancing online offerings with support in instructional design, student services, and technology from a private company.  This partnership is led by Tom Hoener, Associate Vice President, Enrollment Management at Cal Lutheran, and he joins me now to share his insights.

Guest Name: Tom Hoener, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, California Lutheran University

Guest Social Handles:  LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Tom Hoener has spent the last twenty-plus years as a senior higher education administrator with broad experience in domestic and international Graduate and non-traditional admissions, and marketing. As a strong operational leader, he enjoys developing staff and is commonly sought out by his colleagues for insights on talent management. Tom provides leadership in the university’s enrollment and marketing strategies, offering guidance to directors and staff across a sizeable division of 125 employees. International admission aligns with his strong interest in world cultures, while his academic background in Psychology supports his effort to holistically develop staff. 
AllCampus is a leading higher education management provider that helps universities evolve their academic programs and exceed the dynamic expectations of students. AllCampus is formerly a division of Alloy Education (Private Colleges and Universities), which has provided marketing and enrollment services for higher education since 1985. AllCampus spun off from its parent company in 2012.

- - - -

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 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