The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

Live from AMA 2026 in Denver, Dustin speaks with Rebecca Hofstetter, VP of Content and SEO at Carnegie.

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek 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.

As higher education rethinks its physical footprint, the opportunity isn’t always to build more—it may be to make better use of what already exists. Derek Sola, Design Principal at JCJ Architecture, discusses how adaptive reuse, hospitality, flexibility, and intentional placemaking can transform campus spaces for today’s learners. Using UMass Lowell’s esports arena as a case study, he explores how an underused space became a flexible environment for competition, learning, broadcasting, collaboration, and community—and why the most successful educational spaces may be those that blur the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds.

Guest Name: Derek Sola - Design Principal at JCJ Architecture

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Derek Sola is a Principal and project leader with 28 years of experience leading planning and design across the United States and internationally, with a portfolio spanning hospitality, gaming, cultural, higher education, performing arts, commercial, mixed-use, convention, office, sports, and master planning. In recent years, Derek has specialized in the planning and design of large-scale integrated gaming and resort destinations, partnering with some of the industry's most respected owners and operators, including MGM Resorts International, Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, Penn Entertainment, Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel, and Holland Casino. He has served as a Project Architect, Studio Director, Design Director, and Firmwide Gaming Leader, a versatility exemplified in his role as Design Principal for JCJ's Forever One Memorial in Las Vegas, where architecture transcends function to become a place of remembrance, resilience, and healing.

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek 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.

Adam Paulisick, CEO of Skilly AI and a faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University, explores how AI can help colleges and universities deliver more personalized, responsive experiences without sacrificing their human-centered mission. He discusses the changing ways prospective students research and compare institutions, the limitations of traditional chatbots and linear enrollment funnels, and how conversational AI can support complex questions, preserve institutional voice, and connect students with relevant resources. Paulisick also examines the potential of agent-to-agent collaboration and offers higher ed leaders a practical challenge: create thoughtful, qualified pathways for people to explore an institution, with no dead ends.

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Check out our new partner, MySmartRenter.com, who helps make renting a more transparent and stress-free experience for folks all over the country through their quick and easy landlord background checks.

Make sure to use code “HEGeek” for 10% off any of their services!

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek 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.

What happens when a university partners directly with government and community stakeholders to build education around an urgent workforce need? Hugo Villar and Dixie Schexnaildre of UC San Diego’s Division of Extended Studies discuss the ASCEND program, a fully online, self-paced pathway preparing Californians for careers as substance use disorder counselors. They explore how the program came together rapidly in response to new state requirements, how technology and AI supported curriculum development and delivery, and why accessibility, affordability, flexibility, and direct workforce alignment are increasingly important to continuing education. The conversation also looks at a broader shift toward a more “permeable” university—one that partners with communities to continually help people develop the skills they need as work changes.

Guest Names:
Dr. Hugo Villar - Dean at UC San Diego Extended Studies
Dr. Dixie Schexnaildre - ASCEND Instructor at UC San Diego Extended Studies

Guest Socials: 
Hugo's LinkedIn
Dixie's LinkedIn

Guest Bios: 
Dr. Hugo Villar - As Dean of the University of California (UC) San Diego Division of Extended Studies, Hugo Villar, Ph.D oversees educational programs for non-matriculated students in areas as diverse as Arts and Languages, Engineering, Healthcare, Applied Math, Life Sciences, and Business. In addition, his office supports various service areas, including Corporate and Custom Programs, Innovation and Institutional Research, Instructional and Student Services, International and Precollegiate programs, and UCTV. 

Dr. Dixie Schexnaildre - Dixie Schexnaildre is one of the Instructors for the ASCEND program at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. She holds a Doctor of Health Science degree (DHSc) and a Master’s degree in Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) with a focus in Integrative Addiction Therapies, each from Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP), plus a Graduate Certificate in Mind, Brain & Learning from Drexel University’s School of Education. 

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek 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.

College of Charleston President Andrew Hsu returns to the podcast to discuss how institutions can balance tradition with transformation to remain resilient and relevant in a rapidly changing higher education landscape. He shares how the college is evolving its academic offerings to meet workforce needs, integrating AI while reinforcing the value of liberal arts education, and addressing challenges around student mental health, affordability, and career preparation through initiatives such as their student life design program.

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Check out our new partner, MySmartRenter.com, who helps make renting a more transparent and stress-free experience for folks all over the country through their quick and easy landlord background checks.

Make sure to use code “HEGeek” for 10% off any of their services!

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek 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.

Reliable campus connectivity is essential to the student experience, yet growing device demands, cybersecurity threats, and limited IT resources make networks increasingly complex to manage. Matt Loecke, SVP of Higher Education at Boldyn Networks, discusses how colleges and universities can strengthen network reliability, respond more proactively to security and service issues, and free IT teams to focus on higher-value initiatives. He also shares why institutions should align technology investments and staffing with their strategic goals rather than simply adding more tools.

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Check out our new partner, MySmartRenter.com, who helps make renting a more transparent and stress-free experience for folks all over the country through their quick and easy landlord background checks.

Make sure to use code “HEGeek” for 10% off any of their services!

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek 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.

Virtual reality is creating new opportunities for higher education to deliver immersive, hands-on learning experiences—even for students learning entirely online. Andrew Sedillo, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at New Mexico State University Global Campus, joins the podcast to discuss how the university built its metaversity initiative, from creating a digital twin of campus to integrating VR simulations into courses across disciplines.

Andrew shares how immersive learning can help students practice real-world skills through experiences like crime scene investigations, classroom teaching, and hotel fire safety scenarios. He also explains what it takes to scale VR successfully, including leveraging faculty champions, dedicated student support, and thoughtful investment with external partners like Logitech.

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Check out our new partner, MySmartRenter.com, who helps make renting a more transparent and stress-free experience for folks all over the country through their quick and easy landlord background checks.

Make sure to use code “HEGeek” for 10% off any of their services!

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek 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.

AI is changing how higher education prepares students for work and life—but the mission itself hasn’t changed. Lydia Logan, Vice President for Global Education and Workforce Development at IBM, discusses why institutions need clear AI governance, policies, and frameworks that balance responsible use with the need to build students’ AI literacy and fluency. She explores the role of industry partnerships, the importance of giving students hands-on opportunities to use and build with AI, and why institutions shouldn’t wait for perfect answers before getting started.

Guest Name: Lydia Logan - Vice President for Education and Workforce Development at IBM

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Lydia Logan leads IBM’s community and university skilling initiatives that create more inclusive and
effective schools and workforces. Her programs help fulfill IBM’s pledges to skill 30 million people
worldwide by 2030, and to train two million learners in AI through 2026.

Ms. Logan develops and manages strategic global partnerships with IBM’s clients, non-profit
organizations, schools, government, and content and curriculum developers that support career
readiness.

Prior to IBM, Ms. Logan successfully spearheaded education initiatives while serving in senior leadership
roles at Verizon, the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Kimsey
Foundation.

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek 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.

After 13 years of involvement with URMIA, Sandy Mitchell is wrapping up eight years of service across the association’s board and presidential leadership track—but her commitment to building community continues. In this bonus episode of the podcast, recorded at URMIA’s 2026 Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Sandy reflects on the relationships, mentorship, and professional opportunities that have shaped her experience as Director of Insurance at MIT and a longtime member of the higher education risk management community.

Sandy shares why conferences are about more than educational sessions: they’re opportunities to find your people, make lifelong connections, recognize colleagues, and encourage new voices to step forward. She discusses the importance of mentoring first-time presenters, inviting others into leadership and volunteer roles, and creating a welcoming environment for newcomers. The conversation also explores URMIA’s hybrid conference model, its on-demand learning resources, and the evolving challenges facing higher education risk managers. Her message to higher ed leaders and professionals: keep connecting, support one another, and make room for others to contribute.

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Check out our new partner, MySmartRenter.com, who helps make renting a more transparent and stress-free experience for folks all over the country through their quick and easy landlord background checks.

Make sure to use code “HEGeek” for 10% off any of their services!

Guest Name: Sandy Mitchell - Director of Research at MIT

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: After 13 years of involvement with URMIA, Sandy Mitchell is wrapping up eight years of service across the association’s board and presidential leadership track—but her commitment to building community continues. In this bonus episode of the podcast, recorded at URMIA’s 2026 Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Sandy reflects on the relationships, mentorship, and professional opportunities that have shaped her experience as Director of Insurance at MIT and a longtime member of the higher education risk management community.

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek 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.

AI transformation in higher education depends on something less flashy: modern infrastructure, accessible data, and processes that actually work. Murtaza Masood, Vice President for Public Sector and Higher Education Strategy and Go-to-Market at Box, discusses the infrastructure and staffing pressures facing colleges and universities—and how institutions can use cloud modernization, automation, and AI to eliminate redundant work and free people to focus on higher-value priorities. 

He shares compelling examples from Augusta University and Duquesne University, while making the case for a mission-first approach to modernization: start with the outcomes an institution needs to achieve, then work backward to identify the processes, information, and technology needed to get there.

Guest Name: Murtaza Masood - Global Managing Director, Public Sector | Box
Former Government CIO & GovTech CTO | Public Sector Transformation Leader

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Recognized by Government Technology as one of the nation’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers, Murtaza Masood is an accomplished public sector executive and strategic technology leader with deep experience driving modernization across all levels of government.

As Global Managing Director for Public Sector at Box, Murtaza leads the company’s mission to help governments, education institutions, and public organizations reimagine how they deliver services through secure, intelligent content and AI-powered collaboration.

A former government CIO and Director of Operations at Los Angeles County, the largest local government in North America. Murtaza has led large-scale digital and organizational transformation from inside government and as a senior consultant advising public leaders. His career spans leadership roles in government, government technology startups and consulting—overseeing modernization initiatives that improved transparency, citizen experience, and operational efficiency across complex agencies.

Today, he brings this inside-out perspective to his work with governments worldwide, guiding them to modernize with clarity, speed, and measurable impact. A frequent speaker and advisor on public sector innovation, Murtaza is recognized for bridging technology, policy, and purpose to build the next generation of digital government.

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek 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.