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The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

By: Dustin Ramsdell
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The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.2025 Enrollify Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • Episode #336: Building Smarter Transfer Pathways for Today’s College Students
    Jul 1 2026

    e welcome Drew Lurker to the podcast this week from CollegeSource. We discuss the evolving landscape of transfer credit evaluation, articulation agreements, and degree attainment in higher education. They explore how institutions are using technology, shared data systems, and statewide transfer initiatives to create more transparent, consistent, and student-centered pathways—while also reducing administrative burden and improving operational efficiency.

    The conversation also examines the growing role of AI in transcript evaluation and transfer processes, highlighting both the opportunities and the risks of accelerating decision-making without losing critical human judgment and context. Ultimately, it’s a discussion about designing systems that don’t just move faster, but better support student progress, trust, and long-term success.

    Guest Name: Drew Lurker - Client Strategy Executive at CollegeSource

    Guest Social: LinkedIn

    Guest Bio: With 15+ years in higher education, Drew Lurker brings a wealth of experience to his role as Client Strategy Executive at CollegeSource Inc. He is skilled in student information systems, degree audit and planning (uAchieve), transfer articulation (TES), and data analysis. Prior to his current role, Drew served as Assistant Vice President for Student Records and College Wide Registrar at Ivy Tech Community College. In this role, he spearheaded initiatives to improve degree audit, transfer articulation, and skills-based hiring. This included leading the implementation of Equivalency Manager within TES, resulting in over 31,000 established equivalencies. Drew also guided efforts to utilize degree audit data to increase credential awards; Ivy Tech awarded over 34,000 credentials this past academic year, an increase of 19,000 credentials per year in 8 years. He also played a key role in implementing Ivy Tech's Learning and Employment Record (LER) and micro-credentials to increase students' ability to engage in skills-based hiring.


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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.

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    39 mins
  • Live at Engage Summit 2026 with Alex Russo
    Jun 30 2026

    We’re pleased to share this bonus episode with Alex Russo recorded on site at the recent Engage Summit in Charlotte. He details the digital transformation journey his institution has been on evolving from hard copy processes to more modern, automated outreach for current and prospective students.

    Many thanks to Element451 for convening this great event and supporting the Enrollify Podcast Zone!

    Guest Name: Alex Russo - Director of Enrollment & Recruitment Strategy at Cape Cod Community College

    Guest Social: LinkedIn

    Guest Bio: Alex Russo is the Director of Enrollment & Recruitment Strategy at Cape Cod Community College, where he leads the institution's strategic enrollment planning, recruitment technology, and communication strategy. With nearly 13 years at the college, Alex serves as the primary administrator for the Element451 CRM — architecting automation workflows, multi-channel communication flows, and AI-powered agent experiences that guide students from first inquiry through enrollment.

    Alex holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Bridgewater State University and a B.A. in Communication, Business Administration & Psychology from Bryant University. As a first-generation college student, he is passionate about leveraging enrollment technology to remove barriers, personalize the student experience, and drive equity and access for all students.


    - - - -

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Live at Engage Summit 2026 with Drs. Ashlyn Wilson & KJ Askew
    Jun 26 2026

    We’re pleased to share this bonus episode with Drs. Ashlyn Wilson and KJ Askew recorded on site at the recent Engage Summit in Charlotte.

    Many thanks to Element451 for convening this great event and supporting the Enrollify Podcast Zone!

    Guest Names:
    Dr. Ashlyn Wilson - Assoc. VP of Advising & Onboarding at Nash Community College
    Dr. KJ Askew - Director of Marketing & Strategic Engagement at Nash Community College

    Guest Socials:
    Ashlyn on LinkedIn
    KJ on LinkedIn


    - - - -

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
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