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.

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.

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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.

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

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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.

We’re pleased to share this bonus episode with Sara Custer recorded on site at the recent Engage Summit in Charlotte. She shares her journey to becoming the Editor in Chief at Inside Higher Ed and what trendlines are grabbing her attention right now from her unique perspective.

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

Guest Name: Sara Custer - Editor in Chief at Inside Higher Ed

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Sara Custer is editor in chief at Inside Higher Ed where she leads the newsroom and hosts The Key podcast. Inside Higher Ed is the leading source of news and analysis for the U.S. higher education sector read by 94 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. Sara has covered higher education across the globe from Mexico to Zimbabwe to Vietnam and has developed a deep expertise in global higher education. Before joining Inside Higher Ed, she held several positions at Times Higher Education in London including digital editor and founding editor of THE Campus. She started her career reporting on international education at The PIE News.

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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.

This week we spoke with Jason Czyz, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE), about the evolving landscape of global education and international student mobility. They explore how scholarship programs, study abroad experiences, and academic exchange initiatives continue to play a critical role in building cross-cultural understanding, workforce readiness, and global collaboration.

The conversation also examines current enrollment and mobility trends, including shifts in international student enrollment in the U.S. and growing demand for experiential learning opportunities like internships abroad. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that international education is not just about travel—it’s about developing globally minded leaders, strengthening local and national economies, and preparing students to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

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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.

In this episode, we talk with Sean Gannon of GTMppl about how go-to-market strategy in edtech is evolving in response to AI, changing buyer behavior, and tighter institutional budgets. They explore how traditional sales-led approaches are giving way to more data-driven, marketing-informed strategies—where being visible early in the buying journey is critical, and strong CRM, content, and intent data can determine whether a company even makes the shortlist.

The conversation also examines broader market dynamics, including increased scrutiny from institutions, the need for clear ROI, and the shifting role of funding models like patient capital. Ultimately, it’s a call for both edtech companies and institutional leaders to move more thoughtfully—balancing innovation with evidence, and speed with strategy—as they navigate a rapidly changing landscape.

Guest Name: Sean Gannon - Founder & GTM Consultant at GTMppl

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Sean Gannon is a Sales and Revenue Operations Executive with extensive experience developing and managing sales teams towards exceeding their goals. He has 20+ years of experience helping EdTech SaaS software companies hit revenue goals, grow/scale their teams, build solid processes, and brand recognition.

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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.

This week we speak with Auryan Ratliff of Arizona State University about how AI—especially agentic AI—is transforming course design, assessment, and the broader student experience. They explore how moving beyond simple question-and-answer tools to more autonomous, action-oriented systems enables institutions to build more dynamic, personalized, and scalable learning environments.

The conversation also tackles the challenges AI introduces—particularly around academic integrity—and how institutions can respond by rethinking assessment itself. Through examples like AI-powered conversational language practice, they highlight a shift toward more authentic, interactive, and human-centered learning experiences. Ultimately, it’s a call for institutions to embrace experimentation, invest in culture and collaboration, and actively engage with AI rather than waiting for the “right” moment.

Guest Name: Auryan Ratliff - Director of Technology Innovation and R&D at EdPlus at Arizona State University

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Auryan Ratliff is the Director of Technology Innovation and R&D at EdPlus at Arizona State University, where he has worked for over a decade across AI, XR and digital learning. He manages a portfolio of emerging technology projects aimed at supporting the student experience. He founded EdPlus’ AI product team and led the development of DegreeMe, an AI-powered tool that helps prospective students find the right degree through a personalized quiz. He is also the founder of SPLIT Studio, the student-powered lab focused on creating immersive experiences for ASU Online. SPLIT has also produced work for Dreamscape Learn and ASU partners, including the Hall of Teachers exhibit at the Bishop Museum, created in partnership with the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

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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.

We’re pleased this week to chat with Michael Betz of Covista about tackling the growing healthcare workforce shortage through scalable education and AI-driven innovation. They explore how Covista is leveraging its network of institutions—and a new partnership with Google Cloud—to build an AI-powered classroom that enables more personalized, adaptive learning experiences at scale.

The conversation also highlights the importance of preparing students with practical AI skills through targeted credentials, ensuring graduates can not only use these tools responsibly but lead innovation in their fields. Ultimately, it’s a call for institutions to move beyond experimentation—focusing on intentional, student-centered implementation that combines technology, iteration, and strong change management to drive real impact.

Guest Name: Michael Betz - Chief Growth & Innovation Officer and President, Walden University

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Michael Betz serves as Chief Growth & Innovation Officer of Covista and President of Walden University. In this expanded role, Betz unites marketing, digital innovation and growth strategy across Covista and its portfolio of institutions—driving greater integration, smarter investment and a more seamless approach to how Covista attracts and engages students.

As President of Walden University, Betz leads an institution serving over 50,000 online learners through doctoral, master's, bachelor's and certificate programs that help students advance their education and address critical workforce shortages. In his enterprise role as Chief Growth & Innovation Officer, he oversees marketing and digital strategy across all five institutions—harnessing artificial intelligence and emerging technology to sharpen Covista's competitive position and accelerate growth.

Betz empowers his teams to strengthen the student experience while expanding Covista's leadership in nursing, medicine and behavioral health education. Through strategic partnerships, advanced technology and integrated marketing, he helps Covista address urgent healthcare workforce needs—from rural healthcare shortages to the growing demand for mental health professionals.

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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.