Smarter Campus Podcast

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Marina Aminy, Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of the California Virtual Campus, to explore how AI and system-level thinking can expand access and improve outcomes for millions of students.

At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: keep the student as the “north star.” Marina shares how the California Virtual Campus enables course sharing across 116 colleges, helping students stay on track and graduate faster. From there, the discussion moves into how AI can reduce the friction points that often slow students down—streamlining processes like transcript evaluation, prerequisite verification, and administrative workflows.

The episode also highlights a broader shift in education—from static assignments to dynamic, higher-order thinking. As AI changes what students can produce, Marina emphasizes the need to focus on authentic voice, critical evaluation, and real decision-making. For institutional leaders, this conversation offers a clear lens on how to design systems that are more collaborative, more efficient, and ultimately more centered on student success.

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Adam Davis, Senior Director of Global Career Services at the American College of Financial Services, to explore how AI is reshaping the connection between education and the workforce. As career services evolves, Adam offers a clear perspective on how institutions can better prepare students for a rapidly changing professional landscape.

The conversation highlights a key shift: while AI can handle the heavy lifting—like resume building, interview prep, and research—it also raises the bar for what makes candidates stand out. Adam emphasizes that storytelling, self-awareness, and communication are becoming even more important as AI-generated content becomes more common. In this new environment, the “human edge” is what differentiates students.

The episode also explores practical ways institutions can support this transition, from building safe spaces for interview practice to helping students develop “AI agility.” For educators and leaders, this is a thoughtful look at how AI can serve as a co-pilot—freeing up time for deeper mentorship while equipping students with the skills they need to navigate the future of work.

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Matthew Ignash, science educator and department head at the American International School of Chennai, to explore a practical and grounded approach to integrating AI into teaching and school systems. Rather than focusing on expertise, Matthew emphasizes experimentation—showing how small, intentional projects can unlock meaningful change for educators and students alike.

Drawing on his background in data and assessment, Matthew introduces the importance of systems thinking when working with AI. He explains how clear inputs, clean data, and thoughtful design can prevent the common trap of producing polished but unreliable outputs. The conversation highlights how educators can move beyond using AI for efficiency alone and begin to use it as a tool for deeper learning and problem-solving.

The episode also showcases how students can become creators with AI, not just users. From building custom study tools to collaborating across generations, Matthew shares examples that point toward a more active, hands-on model of learning. For educators navigating where to start, this conversation offers a simple but powerful message: begin with curiosity, start with what matters to you, and build from there.

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Pearsall, Assistant Provost for Teaching and Learning at the American College of Financial Services, to explore how institutions can move from uncertainty to intentional AI adoption. Drawing on her background in biochemistry and computational modeling, Elizabeth offers a thoughtful perspective on how AI is reshaping both learning and leadership in higher education.

The conversation traces a familiar journey many educators are experiencing—from fear of replacement to curiosity sparked by practical use. Elizabeth emphasizes that successful adoption doesn’t come from isolated efforts, but from shared ownership across campus. By bringing together faculty, IT, HR, and leadership, institutions can create environments where AI is explored responsibly and collaboratively.

The episode also highlights a critical shift in what it means to be “literate” in an AI-driven world. Beyond using tools, students and educators must develop the ability to question, verify, and interpret information with skepticism. For higher-ed leaders, this is a grounded conversation about how to start small, build confidence, and create systems that support both innovation and trust.

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Mike Evans, senior lecturer in Political Science at Georgia State University, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping civic education, classroom dynamics, and the skills students need to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Drawing from his background studying technological disruption, Mike brings a balanced perspective on AI’s dual potential—its ability to expand access and efficiency, while also introducing new risks and ethical challenges. In the classroom, he’s experimenting with AI tutors and simulation environments that help students engage with opposing viewpoints, practice civil discourse, and develop stronger critical thinking skills.

The conversation highlights a broader shift in education: as AI automates more technical tasks, the value of uniquely human skills—judgment, communication, and ethical reasoning—becomes even more important. For educators and leaders, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how to use AI not as a shortcut, but as a tool to deepen learning and prepare students for participation in a rapidly changing civic and technological landscape.

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Ann Aust—MD program director, professor, and AI literacy advocate—to explore what should remain at the center of education as AI becomes more integrated into teaching and learning.

Ann shares her journey from skepticism to advocacy, offering a grounded perspective on how educators can thoughtfully adopt AI without losing sight of what matters most. Rather than positioning AI as a replacement, she frames it as a tool that can create space for deeper human connection—freeing up time for mentorship, communication, and meaningful engagement with students.

The conversation also highlights the importance of intrinsic motivation, curiosity, and vulnerability in both teaching and learning. Ann emphasizes that educators don’t need to have all the answers—they just need to be willing to explore alongside their students. Through practical examples and personal stories, this episode offers a reassuring and actionable perspective for educators navigating the pace of change.

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Adam Pryor—AI strategist and former senior administrator—to explore how artificial intelligence is challenging not just how we teach, but how we define learning, intelligence, and even what it means to be human.

Rather than viewing AI as a simple tool, Adam introduces a more complex idea: AI as an extension of human capability. The conversation dives into how large language models change our relationship with knowledge, language, and problem-solving—while also raising important questions about authenticity, understanding, and the limits of machine-generated reasoning.

At the same time, the episode brings the conversation back to practical action. Adam encourages institutions to create safe, low-stakes environments for experimentation—starting with simple, high-impact use cases that support students and reduce administrative friction. For higher education leaders, this is a thoughtful look at how to approach AI with both philosophical depth and practical intention.

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Ronan Shultz, a finance student at the University of Utah, to explore how students are actually using AI to learn, build, and move faster than traditional systems allow. This conversation offers a grounded, student-first perspective on what AI adoption really looks like on the ground.

Ronan shares how AI has become a personalized learning partner—helping him translate ideas into code, accelerate research, and tackle projects that would typically require years of experience. Rather than replacing effort, he describes a continuous feedback loop between himself, AI, and his professors—where critical thinking and validation remain essential to the process.

The episode also highlights a growing disconnect between how students are using AI outside the classroom and how it’s being addressed within it. For educators and administrators, this conversation is a reminder that students are already building with these tools—and that the opportunity now is to shift from controlling usage to guiding it.

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Orly Fuhrman—adjunct professor at NYU, cognitive scientist, and learning experience designer—to explore how artificial intelligence can enhance learning without diminishing the human element at the center of education.

Orly shares why the arrival of generative AI felt like a milestone moment for educators who have long struggled to meet every learner where they are. Rather than replacing teachers, she sees AI as a powerful bridge—one that can transform passive experiences like lectures or museum exhibits into interactive conversations where learners actively participate and reflect on their thinking.

The conversation also tackles one of the biggest concerns educators face today: authenticity. Orly argues that when AI is used transparently as a brainstorming partner, reflection tool, or support system for complex tasks, it can actually strengthen human creativity rather than dilute it. The key is shifting the focus from final output to the learning process itself.

Looking ahead, the episode explores the potential of personalized AI tutors that understand a student’s learning history, motivations, and challenges. For educators navigating this moment of change, Orly offers a clear message: the future of AI in education is not about replacing human intelligence—it’s about designing systems that help it flourish.

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Tawnya Means, Founding Partner of Inspire Higher Ed, to explore what it really takes to move AI adoption from conversation to classroom practice. As more institutions experiment with generative AI, Tawnya focuses on the real work of helping faculty build confidence, experiment safely, and integrate these tools into teaching and learning.

The discussion highlights a growing shift across campuses: educators are no longer just debating AI—they’re asking for hands-on time to try it. Tawnya shares what she’s seeing succeed in workshops and faculty training, from building custom AI assistants to rethinking assignments to identify where human insight matters most.

The conversation also explores the psychological barriers faculty face, including fear of replacement, discomfort with unfamiliar tools, and the pressure of teaching technologies they’re still learning themselves. Through practical strategies like peer storytelling, dedicated learning time, and clearly defining what work remains uniquely human, Tawnya offers a thoughtful roadmap for institutions navigating AI implementation in higher education.