Smarter Campus Podcast

In this episode of Smarter Campus, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Lara Taylor, Purdue Polytechnic doctoral candidate and instructional technologist at Mississippi State, to trace her journey from library stacks to AI frontlines. Lara shares how her master’s research on machine-learning chatbots and search algorithms in SEC libraries ignited her passion for generative AI—long before ChatGPT put it on everyone’s radar.

They dig into the early wins and growing pains of launching an “Emerging Technologies Committee” (think VR, AR, and AI), building a tech‑literacy framework, and shifting a traditionally slow‑moving library world into high gear. Laura’s top advice? Don’t fear the future—“jump in and join the party.” Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or simply AI‑curious, you’ll come away with concrete strategies for overcoming resistance, empowering students, and unleashing creativity far beyond the classroom. Tune in to see how AI can transform your campus—one chatbot at a time.

 Join Zach Kinzler on Smarter Campus as he sits down with Joe Faith, Assistant Professor at Harding University and PhD candidate in AI & Machine Learning at George Washington University. They dive into Joe’s journey from “tinkerer” to AI educator—how a clever academic “loophole” fast‑tracked his rise, the launch of Harding’s brand‑new AI program, and his hands‑on approach to teaching Python, R, and data analytics. Learn why Joe believes breaking down fear, ditching the rigid “checklist” mindset, and infusing fun into the classroom are the keys to cultivating future-ready engineers. Whether you’re curious about making AI approachable or reimagining higher-ed pedagogy, this episode is packed with practical insights and 

Join host Zach Kinzler as he sits down with Dr. Tawnya Means, Assistant Dean for Educational Innovation at UIUC’s Gies College of Business, to explore how generative AI is reshaping teaching and learning. With over 15 years driving technology-infused pedagogy, Dr. Means shares:

• Her journey from designing K-12 and higher-ed learning systems to leading large-scale online innovation programs
• Why the “AI-proof assignment” mindset is a dead end—and how embracing AI can unlock richer, more personalized learning experiences
• Practical strategies for supporting faculty as they adopt and integrate the latest AI tools
• Real-world examples of generative AI in action, and how it can elevate both student engagement and instructional design

Tune in for a forward-looking conversation that moves beyond fear of cheating to a vision of AI as a powerful partner in education’s next chapter.

 In this heartwarming episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, 9-year-old AI enthusiast Emily joins Zach to show us why artificial intelligence isn’t as scary as it seems. Drawing on her brilliant “shadow” analogy—how a dark shape can feel frightening at first but soon becomes just another way to see yourself—Emily walks us through the simple steps anyone can take to get hands-on with AI. Tune in for her inspiring stories, playful outlook, and practical encouragement that prove AI is for everyone—no magic wand or secret password required! 

 In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Marc Watkins, Assistant Director for Academic Innovation at the University of Mississippi, to explore how AI is actually being used in the classroom today. Marc shares real-world best practices for integrating AI into teaching, from assignments to academic integrity. They also dive into what big AI companies are doing—what’s working, what’s not—and where this technology might take us next. If you want a grounded, practical look at AI in education, this is the episode to hear it. 

In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Davy Mbuto Nkurunziza to explore the powerful intersection of AI and education in Africa. From enhancing access and equity to rethinking how teachers and students engage with learning tools, Davy shares how AI is shaping the future of education on the continent. They dive into the real challenges and creative solutions emerging from African classrooms, and what global educators can learn from them. 

In this inspiring episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler engages with Dr. Sarah Gibson, Associate Professor of Communication at Lipscomb University, to explore the evolving landscape of education in the age of artificial intelligence. Dr. Gibson shares her insights on integrating AI into the classroom, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human-centered teaching practices amidst technological advancements. She discusses her experiences with student-led podcast networks and the role of storytelling in fostering engagement and critical thinking. The conversation also delves into strategies for educators to balance innovation with authenticity, ensuring that the core values of education remain intact

 In this engaging episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Dr. Manish Malik, a distinguished academic and technology innovator, shares his insights on the intersection of education and technology. He delves into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in reshaping learning environments and emphasizes the importance of integrating AI tools to enhance both teaching methodologies and student engagement. Dr. Malik also discusses the challenges educators face in adapting to rapid technological advancements and offers strategies to effectively incorporate these tools into the educational landscape.

 ​In this insightful episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Nick Potkalitsky, Ph.D., founder of Pragmatic AI Solutions and author of AI in Education: A Roadmap for a Teacher-Led Transformation, discusses the integration of artificial intelligence in education. He emphasizes the importance of teacher-led initiatives in adopting AI technologies, advocating for a balanced approach that combines cautious optimism with proactive experimentation. Potkalitsky highlights the potential of AI to personalize learning experiences and reshape traditional teaching methods, while also addressing the challenges educators face in adapting to this evolving landscape.

​In this engaging episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Dr. Michelle Kassorla, Associate Professor of English at Georgia State University, delves into the transformative role of AI in education. She shares her insights on integrating artificial intelligence into teaching methodologies, highlighting innovative strategies to enhance learning experiences. Dr. Kassorla also discusses the challenges and opportunities that educators face in adapting to this rapidly evolving technological landscape.