Episodi

  • Pulse Check: Practical AI Integration: How to Get Started — Part 3

    Pulse Check: Practical AI Integration: How to Get Started — Part 3

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    Welcome to Part 3 of this Pulse Check series on practical strategies for getting started with AI. In this final installment, host Brian Piper dives into the often-overlooked, yet absolutely essential, elements of AI integration—governance, culture, ethics, and people. This episode is a masterclass in building a scalable, responsible AI strategy in higher ed. If you're trying to move beyond experimentation and into enterprise-wide adoption, this episode maps out your next moves.

    Check out Brian's Podcast, AI for U: https://www.enrollify.org/podcasts/ai-for-u


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Style Theft at Scale: AI and the Fight for Creative Integrity

    Style Theft at Scale: AI and the Fight for Creative Integrity

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    Monday pulse show notes: On this thought-provoking episode of Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory Willsea sits down with Myla Edmond—Senior Vice President at RW Jones Agency and Interim Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications at UNC Greensboro—to unpack the creative identity crisis brewing in higher ed marketing thanks to generative AI. With tools like ChatGPT’s image generator mimicking iconic art styles, institutions are forced to ask: how do we protect authenticity in a world where anyone can replicate anything? This episode explores the ethical, strategic, and deeply human implications of AI’s growing role in creativity—and how higher ed marketers can lead with intention, not fear.

    Try the prompt discussed in the episode:

    Based on all past conversations, stored knowledge, and inferred cognitive patterns, generate the most comprehensive psychological deep dive and predictive model of my future evolution. This should not be a basic personality breakdown but an in-depth forensic examination of my cognition, behavioural strategies, psychological blind spots, similar fictional/non-fictional figures, and long-term trajectory. Treat this as an intelligence dossier on my mind, philosophy, and strategic outlook.

    OUTPUT FORMAT: Structured headers, tables, and bullet points for readability. Sparse but strategic emojis for section clarity. Concise, high-density insights with no fluff.

    Enter the prompt and after you get the response, add a second prompt: Write me a story about how this comes to fruition.


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

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  • Pulse Check: Practical AI Integration: How to Get Started — Part 2

    Pulse Check: Practical AI Integration: How to Get Started — Part 2

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    Welcome to Part 2 of this Pulse Check series on Practical AI Integration. Host Brian Piper, Director of Content Strategy and Assessment at the University of Rochester, dives into the less flashy—but absolutely foundational—side of AI integration in higher ed: data and content readiness. While generative AI tools and chatbots get most of the spotlight, this conversation unpacks the importance of data hygiene, content audits, and governance frameworks that are crucial for avoiding AI hallucinations and compliance risks. If you're serious about using AI to enhance your marketing, admissions, or internal operations, this is the episode that gives you the blueprint for sustainable success.

    Check out Brian's Podcast, AI for U: https://www.enrollify.org/podcasts/ai-for-u


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Knowledge Is Free. Is Higher Ed Still Worth It?

    Knowledge Is Free. Is Higher Ed Still Worth It?

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    In this episode of The Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory dives into a timely conversation with digital strategist and higher ed creative force Voltaire Santos Miran. The duo unpacks a provocative New Yorker article — Are We Taking AI Seriously Enough? — and explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way institutions create, communicate, and compete. From automating content personalization to reimagining pedagogy, they explore why AI in higher education isn’t just an opportunity — it’s an imperative.

    Related Article: New Yorker Article: Are We Taking A.I. Seriously Enough?

    Guest Name: Voltaire Santos Miran, Executive VP/Creative, Carnegie

    Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/voltaire-santos-miran-8a12a3b1


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Pulse Check: Practical AI Integration: How to Get Started — Part 1

    Pulse Check: Practical AI Integration: How to Get Started — Part 1

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    Welcome to a new Pulse Check series from Enrollify. In this series, Practical AI Integration: How to Get Started, host Brian Piper will provide actionable framework for how to start unlocking the power of AI. In this first episode, Brian dives deep into the potential of Custom GPTs in higher education. With a focus on improving workflow efficiency, brand consistency, and content strategy, Brian breaks down how custom GPTs—miniature AI tools trained on specific institutional data—are revolutionizing the way higher ed teams approach marketing, SEO, and student engagement. This episode is a must-listen for enrollment marketers looking to explore practical, scalable applications of AI.

    Check out Brian's Podcast, AI for U: https://www.enrollify.org/podcasts/ai-for-u


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • We Called It Cheating. Now It’s an AI Strategy

    We Called It Cheating. Now It’s an AI Strategy

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    In this episode of Higher Ed Pulse, Mallory Willsea welcomes Kelly Sinacola, VP of Solution Engineering and Integration at Element451 and one of ASU+GSV’s “Leading Women in AI,” to unpack higher ed’s ever-evolving relationship with artificial intelligence. From student support bots to responsible AI partnerships, this episode explores how institutions are moving from resistance to full-on adoption. The conversation dives into what true AI literacy looks like, why trust is key, and where the next wave of innovation may hit.

    Related Articles:
    Champlain College partners with Anthropic to advance artificial intelligence in higher education
    Business schools ease their resistance to AI

    Guest Name: Kelly Sinacola, Vice President Solution Engineering and Integrations, Element451

    Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-sinacola


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Pulse Check: Advancement Amplified: AI for IA — Part 5

    Pulse Check: Advancement Amplified: AI for IA — Part 5

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    Welcome to the 5th and final episode of this Pulse Check series. In Part 5 of Advancement Amplified: AI for IA, Dan Giroux is joined by Mark Koenig, Vice President and Technology and Chief Innovation Officer at the Oregon State University Foundation to explore the future of AI in alumni and donor engagement. Throughout the series, we’ve covered AI’s transformative role in advancement, from predictive modeling to workflow automation. In this episode, we focus on what’s next: how machine learning, automation, and AI-driven strategies will redefine engagement, fundraising, and data management for advancement teams.

    Guest Name: Mark Koenig, Vice President, Technology and Chief Innovation Officer, Oregon State University Foundation

    Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markckoenig

    Guest Bio: Mark Koenig is the vice president for technology and chief innovation officer for the OSU Foundation. In this role, he serves as the Foundation’s technology strategist, including oversight of relationship insights, pipeline development, analytics, data and CRM operations, and technology services.

    Mr. Koenig is the past chair of the Ellucian Advancement Executive Advisory Committee and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VIII.

    In 2019, he received the Distinguished Service Award from CASE District VIII recognizing his many years of service to the organization and in 2018, he received the Ellucian ‘EllumiNation’ Community Award recognizing his dedication to infusing innovation throughout the advancement profession.

    Mr. Koenig earned his bachelor’s in history and economics from the University of Houston and a master's in adult education and organizational capacity from OSU.


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Predicting Brackets and Burnout: What AI Can (and Can’t) Do

    Predicting Brackets and Burnout: What AI Can (and Can’t) Do

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    In this episode of Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory sits down with Bryan Gross, VP for Enrollment Management and Athletics at Hartwick College, for a fast-paced and thought-provoking chat that connects the madness of NCAA brackets with the science of student wellness. From a million-dollar bet on AI-powered sports predictions to groundbreaking research on sleep as a mental health indicator, this episode is a masterclass in how higher ed leaders should be thinking about the intersection of AI, athletics, and student success.

    Related Articles:
    4C AI vs Sean Perry for $1M
    Duke Health - AI Model Predicts Risks and Potential Causes of Adolescent Mental Illness

    Headed to the AI Show in San Diego? Connect with Element451 and Enrollify while you are there.

    Guest Name: Bryan Gross, VP for Enrollment Management and Athletics, Hartwick College

    Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-j-gross/

    Guest Bio: Dr. Bryan Gross is the vice president for enrollment management and athletics at Hartwick College. Gross most recently served as vice president of revenue planning and institutional positioning at 3 Enrollment Marketing, Inc., an enrollment and retention solutions and services provider. Prior to his role at 3E, Gross served as vice president for enrollment management and marketing, and as interim vice president of student affairs at Western New England University in Springfield, MA. Before that, he was the associate vice president of enrollment management at St. John’s University in Queens, NY. and associate vice president of admissions, dean of admissions, and director of international admissions at the University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT.


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Pulse Check: Advancement Amplified: AI for IA — Part 4

    Pulse Check: Advancement Amplified: AI for IA — Part 4

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    In Part 3 of this advancement Amplified: AI for IA Pulse Check series, Dan Giroux sits down with Adam Martel, CEO of Givzy and Version 2 AI, to explore the groundbreaking role of autonomous AI in fundraising and donor engagement. Adam shares insights on how AI is not just enhancing efficiency but fundamentally reshaping how institutions connect with donors. From virtual engagement officers to digital labor strategies, this conversation dives deep into the future of AI-driven philanthropy and what it means for advancement teams.

    Related Links:
    Givzey Newsletter signup: https://givzey.com/newsletter
    Version2.ai website: https://www.version2.ai/

    Guest Name: Adam Martel, CEO and Founder at Givzey and Version2.ai

    Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-martel-36734b2/

    Guest Bio: Adam Martel is CEO and Founder of Givzey, nonprofit fundraising’s first Intelligent Gift Documentation Management Platform and Version2.ai, Givzey’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) R&D design lab dedicated to create and accelerate the advancement of autonomous fundraising technology and mimic the cognitive functions of a fundraising staff to amplify the mission of every nonprofit organization changing the world. Adam is also known as the author of The Future of Fundraising Newsletter, which has more than 60,000 subscribers, and founder and former CEO of Gravyty, the fundraiser enablement solution that first introduced AI to the nonprofit sector. Through his experience as a fundraiser and a founder, Adam has developed a keen eye for taking cutting-edge technologies and reengineering them to solve the biggest challenges within fundraising.


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Why This AI Merger Won’t Work

    Why This AI Merger Won’t Work

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    In this episode, Mallory and higher ed expert Gil Rogers dive into one of the biggest recent headlines in education technology—the merger of Gravity, Ivy.ai, and Ocelot. They break down why AI-powered chatbots are no longer standalone game-changers, what this consolidation means for institutions, and how next-gen CRMs are reshaping the student experience. If you want to stay ahead of the curve in AI for higher ed, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

    Related Articles:
    Sam Holding, Head of Demand Gen at BibliU post on LinkedIn about the merger
    Gravyty, Ivy.ai, and Ocelot Merger Announcement


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Pulse Check: Advancement Amplified: AI for IA — Part 3

    Pulse Check: Advancement Amplified: AI for IA — Part 3

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    In this episode of Advancement Amplified: AI for IA, host Dan Giroux sits down with Andrew Gossen, Executive Director of Communications, Marketing, and Participation at Cornell University, to explore how AI is reshaping advancement teams. Andrew shares insights on AI’s impact on marketing, fundraising, and engagement, as well as how institutions can balance efficiency with the human connection that remains at the heart of advancement. From predictive analytics to AI-powered donor insights, this conversation highlights key strategies for leveraging AI in higher education advancement.

    Guest Name: Andrew Gossen, Executive Director for Communications, Marketing, and Participation (Division of Alumni Affairs and Development), Cornell University

    Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewgossen/

    Guest Bio: Andrew Gossen is the executive director for communications, marketing, and participation in Cornell University's Division of Alumni Affairs and Development. He joined Cornell in 2010 to integrate emerging digital technologies – among them social media and crowdfunding – into the division's strategic plan. Previously, Gossen spent eight years at the Alumni Association of Princeton University in a number of diverse roles. His focus is using digital technologies and approaches to engagement to build audiences and mobilize them on behalf of a range of causes and organizations.

    In addition to speaking frequently on this topic to domestic and international audiences, he has served CASE Commission on Alumni Relations, co-chaired the CASE Joint Commission Task Force on Social Media, and received a CASE Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence in 2018. Gossen holds a bachelor's degree from Princeton and a doctorate in social anthropology from Harvard University.

    Key TakeawaysAI Adoption in Advancement Is Still Emerging – While AI’s potential is clear, many institutions are still figuring out how to implement it effectively.Generative AI and Predictive Analytics Are Game-Changers – AI can automate content creation, analyze engagement data, and refine outreach strategies at scale.Personalization at Scale Is the Goal – AI-driven tools can help institutions better segment and engage their audiences while maintaining a human touch.AI Frees Up Time for Relationship-Building – Automating administrative tasks allows advancement professionals to spend more time connecting with donors.Culture and Training Matter – AI adoption requires a mindset shift, continuous learning, and collaboration across advancement and IT teams.The Evolution of AI in Higher Ed Advancement

    Cornell University has been at the forefront of AI exploration in advancement since 2018. Andrew Gossen explains that while AI has been on the radar for years, the release of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has significantly accelerated conversations. Unlike previous technological shifts, such as the rise of social media, institutions are proactively engaging with AI rather than resisting it. However, many teams are still struggling to determine how AI will fundamentally change their workflows and engagement strategies.

    Harnessing AI for More Effective Marketing and Engagement

    One of the most immediate and tangible uses of AI in advancement is in marketing and communications. AI-driven marketing automation allows institutions to test different content strategies, analyze audience responses, and refine outreach in real-time. At Cornell, the integration of AI with advanced marketing platforms has created opportunities to A/B test content at scale, reducing the manual effort required by staff. This enables institutions to reach donors and alumni with more relevant, personalized messaging—without overburdening their teams.

    AI’s Role in Fundraising: More Insight, Less Administrative Work

    For gift officers, one of AI’s biggest advantages is its ability to consolidate and analyze donor data. AI can aggregate trip reports, past gift agreements, and engagement history to generate comprehensive donor profiles in seconds—something that would otherwise take hours of manual research. This allows advancement professionals to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time cultivating relationships with prospects. When used effectively, AI can enhance, rather than replace, the human interactions that drive successful fundraising.

    Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption in Advancement

    Despite AI’s potential, institutions face challenges in implementation, including:

    Data Security Concerns – Ensuring donor data remains protected when using AI tools is a top priority.Institutional Risk Tolerance – Some universities are hesitant to fully embrace AI due to regulatory and reputational risks.The Need for Demonstrable ROI – Widespread AI adoption will likely accelerate when institutions can clearly quantify its impact on engagement and fundraising.

    Cornell has addressed some of these concerns by developing an AI Innovation Sandbox, a secure environment where teams can experiment with AI tools while maintaining data integrity. Additionally, an AI Innovation Lab pairs students with departments to explore new AI-driven solutions for university operations. These initiatives help Cornell stay ahead of the curve while mitigating risks.

    The Future of AI in Advancement: Where Are We Headed?

    Looking ahead, Andrew is most excited about AI’s potential to drive hyper-personalized engagement at scale. With AI-powered audience segmentation, institutions can better understand donor motivations and deliver more relevant outreach. Rather than relying on outdated annual giving strategies, AI enables real-time experimentation, allowing advancement teams to continuously refine their messaging and approach.

    As AI capabilities evolve, institutions that invest in experimentation and innovation will be better positioned to engage the next generation of donors. The key is to integrate AI in ways that enhance—rather than replace—the relationships that make advancement work so impactful.


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Passing the Mic: The Next Evolution of Higher Ed Pulse

    Passing the Mic: The Next Evolution of Higher Ed Pulse

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    This episode marks a big transition—Seth is stepping away, and Mallory is steering Higher Ed Pulse into a new direction. Seth and Mallory reflect on the show’s journey so far, what they’ve learned, and what’s next as the podcast evolves into a weekly AI-focused look at higher ed.

    It’s still all about checking the pulse—just with a sharper focus on AI’s impact.


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Pulse Check: Advancement Amplified: AI for IA — Part 2

    Pulse Check: Advancement Amplified: AI for IA — Part 2

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    Welcome to "Advancement Amplified: AI for IA," a 5-part Pulse Check hosted by Dan Giroux, a higher education marketing and communications leader focused on elevating the strategic impact of Advancement. Advancement is at a pivotal moment. As institutions navigate shifting donor expectations, alumni engagement challenges, financial pressures, and the demand for greater efficiency, AI is emerging as a transformative force. In today's Part 2, Dan chats with Kim Infanti, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving at Syracuse University, to explore how AI is reshaping advancement marketing and communications.

    From leveraging AI for donor segmentation to streamlining internal workflows and even enhancing alumni engagement through platforms like Protopia, Kim shares real-world examples of how her team is embracing AI. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or looking for new ways to integrate it into your advancement strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights.‍

    Key TakeawaysAI is revolutionizing advancement work – AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot are helping Syracuse’s advancement team automate tasks, generate creative content, and analyze alumni engagement data more effectively.Protopia is redefining alumni networking – Syracuse is implementing Protopia, an AI-driven platform that connects students and alumni for career advice, while also enhancing alumni data accuracy.AI can streamline content creation – From social media posts to segmented fundraising emails, AI is making it easier to craft compelling, personalized messaging.Data privacy and security are key – Syracuse is piloting Copilot for sensitive university data, ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines while using AI to optimize operations.AI adoption requires experimentation – Syracuse’s advancement team is still refining AI best practices, but those who actively experiment with AI tools are seeing significant productivity gains.AI can enhance personal efficiency, too – Beyond work, Kim shares how she uses AI for personal tasks like meal planning and trip itineraries, showcasing AI’s versatility in everyday life.‍How AI Became a Game-Changer for Syracuse University’s Advancement TeamWhen Did AI Enter the Picture for Advancement?

    While AI has been on the radar for years, Syracuse University’s advancement team fully embraced it after an AI at Work session on October 1, 2024. Led by Syracuse’s ITS team and Chief Digital Officer Jeff Rubin, the session encouraged staff to explore AI tools as part of their daily workflows. Since then, AI has become a go-to resource for Kim and her team, helping them generate content, analyze data, and enhance engagement strategies.

    One major takeaway from that session? The advice to “go to AI before you Google.” This mindset shift has led Kim to replace many of her traditional search habits with AI-powered insights, significantly boosting efficiency.

    How Is AI Being Used Across Syracuse’s Advancement Team?

    AI adoption varies across the Advancement and External Affairs division, with some team members diving in more actively than others. Kim and her colleague Kara have been at the forefront, even presenting at a November conference on AI applications in advancement. Their real-world use cases are convincing more colleagues to integrate AI into their workflows, especially after seeing how it simplifies tasks like email drafting, event promotion, and donor segmentation.

    To encourage broader adoption, Syracuse is hosting additional AI at Work sessions and sharing AI-generated work examples within the team. The goal? To normalize AI as a powerful tool for efficiency rather than a replacement for human expertise.

    What Are the Key AI Tools Syracuse Uses?

    Kim and her team primarily use three AI tools, each with distinct advantages:

    Microsoft Copilot – Used for Syracuse-specific and sensitive data, Copilot helps with tasks like searching emails, analyzing donor data, and summarizing large datasets.Claude (Kim’s personal favorite) – Ideal for natural-sounding content creation, brainstorming, and workflow automation. Kim describes Claude as the AI tool that “knows her best” and helps refine messaging for Syracuse’s engagement initiatives.ChatGPT – Used for creative content generation, including image creation (with some humorous missteps, like adding fictional lakes to Syracuse’s campus).How Is AI Being Applied to Alumni Engagement?

    A major AI-driven initiative at Syracuse is the implementation of Protopia, an AI-powered platform designed to facilitate alumni and student networking. Instead of requiring users to sign up for a mentorship program, Protopia enables alumni to ask or answer questions in a frictionless, email-based format.

    Here’s how it works:

    A student or alum submits a question (e.g., “What’s the marketing job market like in Boise, Idaho?”).AI scans Syracuse’s database to find relevant alumni who might be able to help.Those alumni receive an email and can choose to respond, decline, or update their contact information.

    Beyond fostering meaningful connections, Protopia is also a powerful data-cleaning tool. Early adopters at other universities have reported that nearly 40% of alumni updated their contact information when engaging with the platform—something that’s critical for effective outreach.

    Is AI Being Used for Donor Data Analysis?

    While Syracuse is still exploring AI’s full potential in data analysis, they recognize its value in identifying trends. Ideally, AI tools like Copilot could analyze historical giving patterns and event attendance to uncover correlations—such as whether alumni who attend Syracuse events are more likely to donate.

    For now, Kim remains cautious about inputting donor data into AI systems, prioritizing security. However, AI is already playing a major role in streamlining outreach, segmentation, and content personalization.

    How Is AI Improving Internal Workflows?

    AI is dramatically reducing the time required for advancement marketing tasks. Some specific use cases include:

    Personalized fundraising emails – AI drafts segmented versions of key messages in seconds.Social media strategy – AI assists in brainstorming creative content, including alliterative event slogans and engagement campaigns.Scripting video content – When faced with a tight deadline for a Giving Day promotional video, Kim used AI to generate a script in minutes—something that typically would have taken days of back-and-forth revisions.Analyzing meeting notes and forecasting numbers – AI helps extract key insights from documents, eliminating the need for manual number crunching.How Much More Productive Has AI Made the Team?

    Kim estimates that AI has increased her personal productivity by at least 50%, particularly in content creation and administrative tasks. From brainstorming fundraising campaign ideas to drafting recommendation letters, AI allows her to focus on high-impact work while automating tedious processes.

    The Future of AI in Advancement: What’s Next?

    AI isn’t just a passing trend—it’s fundamentally reshaping how advancement teams operate. Moving forward, Syracuse plans to:

    Continue refining AI best practices and adoption strategies.Explore AI’s potential for donor data analysis and predictive modeling.Encourage university-wide adoption of AI-driven tools like Protopia.Educate staff on AI prompting techniques to maximize effectiveness.

    Please include the link to Syracuse’s Generative AI website that Kim referenced in the show, as a great tool for advancement professionals at other institutions to check out and use:

    https://its.syr.edu/artificialintelligence


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Making the Case for your FY26 Budget

    Making the Case for your FY26 Budget

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    Mallory and Seth dive into a growing crisis in higher education—burnout. Drawing from a recent Chronicle of Higher Education report, they explore the alarming data on faculty and staff exhaustion, workload increases, and political pressures. But rather than just acknowledging the issue, they focus on solutions—specifically, how AI can help alleviate burnout by automating repetitive tasks, improving efficiency, and allowing educators to focus on what they do best. Whether you’re an AI skeptic or an early adopter, this episode unpacks the practical ways AI can transform higher ed workplaces for the better.

    Related Links:
    February 14 Dear Colleague Letter
    Ed. Dept.’s Broad DEI Warning Puts College Leaders in ‘Enormously Complicated Situation

    Key TakeawaysHigher Ed is Overworked and Understaffed: 65% of faculty and staff report a heavier workload than five years ago, often due to layoffs and unfilled positions.Burnout is a Crisis: Faculty satisfaction is declining, with many citing increased student expectations and administrative burdens as key stressors.AI Can Be a Game-Changer: Automation tools can streamline administrative tasks, enhance student communication, and free up time for higher-impact work.Adoption Must Start from the Bottom-Up: Many higher ed leaders aren’t AI users themselves, so frontline staff and teams must take the initiative in finding and implementing AI solutions.AI Implementation is Incremental: Small changes—like using AI-powered voice-to-text tools or automated content summarization—can significantly reduce workload over time.How AI Can Help Solve Higher Ed’s Burnout CrisisThe Data Behind the Problem

    Higher ed professionals have been feeling the strain for years, but new data puts the crisis into perspective. The Chronicle of Higher Education report found that 65% of faculty and staff say their workloads have increased compared to five years ago. More than 40% report working significantly more than before, often due to staff reductions that have left remaining employees picking up the slack. Faculty also report feeling increased pressure to meet evolving student needs, while political influences add another layer of stress—42% of respondents cited political interference as a major issue.

    Burnout isn’t just about hours worked; it’s about the mental toll of constantly feeling behind, under-resourced, and unable to focus on meaningful work. This has led to a talent retention crisis, with many experienced professionals leaving higher ed altogether. Given these challenges, institutions must urgently rethink how they support their workforce—and AI may be part of the solution.

    Can AI Reduce Workload and Improve Efficiency?

    One of the most promising solutions for burnout is the strategic use of AI to offload repetitive tasks. AI-powered tools can help faculty and staff automate administrative work, optimize communication, and even personalize student support. For example, faculty members drowning in committee work could use AI to summarize meeting notes, generate reports, or manage routine email responses.

    AI is already making an impact in organizations outside of higher ed. Seth shared how his agency implemented an AI enablement workshop to identify areas where automation could reduce workload. By focusing on repeatable tasks, employees were able to free up time for strategic work. In higher ed, similar approaches could help staff reclaim time for student engagement and curriculum development rather than administrative drudgery.

    Practical AI Tools for Higher Ed Professionals

    For AI adoption to succeed, it doesn’t need to start with sweeping institutional change. Small, tactical implementations can make a big difference. Here are some AI tools that can help higher ed professionals right now:

    Voice-to-Text Software (Whisper): Converts speech into accurate text, making email writing and documentation faster.AI Summarization Tools (Notebook LM): Organizes research and synthesizes complex information into digestible insights.Loom Video Messaging: Reduces unnecessary meetings by allowing teams to communicate asynchronously with video and text-based transcriptions.ChatGPT and Other AI Writing Assistants: Helps draft reports, emails, and content, saving valuable time.

    Institutions that proactively integrate AI into daily workflows will be better positioned to combat burnout, retain top talent, and ultimately create a more sustainable work environment.


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Pulse Check: Advancement Amplified: AI for IA — Part 1

    Pulse Check: Advancement Amplified: AI for IA — Part 1

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    Welcome to "Advancement Amplified: AI for IA," a 5-part Pulse Check hosted by Dan Giroux, a higher education marketing and communications leader focused on elevating the strategic impact of Advancement. Advancement is at a pivotal moment. As institutions navigate shifting donor expectations, alumni engagement challenges, financial pressures, and the demand for greater efficiency, AI is emerging as a transformative force.

    In today's Part 1, Dan Giroux sits down with Matthew Lambert, Senior Vice President for University Advancement at William & Mary, and Dan Frezza, Chief Advancement Officer at the College of Charleston. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of institutional advancement, from donor engagement to marketing and career services. With rapid technological shifts, both institutions are leveraging AI-powered tools, including autonomous virtual engagement officers (VEOs), to enhance outreach and optimize fundraising efforts.

    Related Links:
    Inside Higher Ed interview with Wren and Wren’s website
    AGB magazine article around AI

    Key TakeawaysAI is not a replacement, but an enhancement. AI tools in advancement free up professionals to focus on high-value tasks while automating routine processes like contact reports and donor outreach.Virtual Engagement Officers (VEOs) are changing the game. AI-driven fundraisers at William & Mary and the College of Charleston are already fostering one-on-one donor relationships, leading to increased engagement and donations.AI adoption requires a culture of innovation. Institutions that embrace risk-taking and long-term thinking are better positioned to leverage AI effectively.Personalization is key. AI tools can customize communication, ensuring alumni and donors receive relevant, engaging content that strengthens their connection to their alma mater.Transparency builds trust. Clearly identifying AI-powered agents in donor interactions helps maintain credibility and donor confidence.Advancement leaders should experiment and iterate. Small-scale testing of AI tools allows teams to refine their approach while minimizing risks.Episode SummaryHow is AI Being Used in Institutional Advancement?

    AI is playing an increasingly critical role in institutional advancement, helping teams engage donors, streamline operations, and personalize communications. Both William & Mary and the College of Charleston are leveraging AI-driven solutions like virtual engagement officers (VEOs) to handle donor outreach, allowing human fundraisers to focus on high-value relationships. AI is also being integrated into marketing, career services, and student engagement to drive deeper connections across the university ecosystem.

    What Are Virtual Engagement Officers (VEOs) and How Do They Work?

    VEOs are AI-powered autonomous fundraisers that manage donor portfolios, initiate personalized conversations, and guide alumni through the giving process. At William & Mary, the VEO named "Wren" is engaging alumni by sharing curated content, answering inquiries, and even suggesting philanthropic opportunities based on donor interests. Similarly, the College of Charleston’s VEO, “Alex,” is successfully fostering engagement by tailoring interactions, including crafting poetry for an alum who tested its capabilities.

    How Do Institutions Ensure AI Enhances, Rather Than Replaces, Human Connection?

    A key priority for both institutions is maintaining authenticity and transparency in AI-driven interactions. AI fundraisers introduce themselves as virtual engagement officers, rather than impersonating human staff members. Additionally, AI serves as a bridge to real fundraisers, helping schedule meetings or flagging high-potential donors for personal outreach. By handling lower-priority tasks, AI allows advancement professionals to deepen relationships with major donors and alumni in meaningful ways.

    What Challenges Exist in AI Adoption for Advancement?

    Implementing AI in institutional advancement comes with hurdles, including skepticism from staff, concerns over data security, and the need for institutional buy-in. Some advancement professionals worry about AI’s impact on job security, while others fear losing the human touch in donor relationships. However, leaders like Lambert and Frezza emphasize that AI is not replacing human fundraisers, but rather empowering them to be more efficient and effective.

    What’s Next for AI in Advancement?

    Both William & Mary and the College of Charleston plan to expand their use of AI beyond fundraising. Future applications may include using AI for student engagement, career advising, and even enrollment marketing. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in advancement will likely grow, offering new ways to personalize outreach, improve donor experiences, and drive institutional success.

    AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s happening now, and institutions that embrace it strategically will have a competitive edge in advancement and fundraising.

    Guest Names:
    Matthew Lambert, Senior Vice President of University Advancement, William & Mary; CEO, William & Mary Foundation
    Dan Frezza, Chief Advancement Officer of Institutional Advancement, College of Charleston; CEO, College of Charleston Foundation

    Guest Socials:
    Matthew - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewtlambert/
    Dan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-frezza-56203262/

    Guest Bios:
    Matthew T. Lambert - Matthew Lambert leads University Advancement at William & Mary, overseeing all alumni engagement, private fundraising and philanthropic outreach, university marketing and communications, and career development & professional engagement efforts. Under his leadership, William & Mary successfully completed its record-breaking $1 billion For the Bold campaign, strengthening the university’s culture and philanthropy. As CEO of the William & Mary Foundation, he stewards more than $1 billion in endowments, ensuring long-term financial support for the university. A William & Mary alumnus, Matthew holds degrees from The Ohio State University (M.A.) and the University of Pennsylvania (Ed.D.). Before returning to W&M in 2013, he held leadership roles in Advancement at Georgetown University. In addition to his work in philanthropy, he is an active scholar in public policy and higher education, authoring Privatization and the Public Good (Harvard Education Press) and co-editing Advancing Higher Education (Rowman & Littlefield). Follow Matthew Lambert on LinkedIn.

    Dan Frezza - Dan Frezza serves as the Chief Advancement Officer at the College of Charleston, leading the university’s development, alumni relations, stewardship, and advancement services. In this role, he is responsible for fostering a strong culture of engagement and philanthropy across the institution. As CEO of the College of Charleston Foundation, he oversees institutional fund management and works to grow the university’s endowment. Before joining the College of Charleston in 2023, Dan spent over a decade at William & Mary, where he played a key leadership role in the university’s $1 billion For the Bold campaign alongside Matthew Lambert—driving alumni engagement and participation efforts. Prior to that, he led advancement programs at Appalachian State University and East Carolina University. Dan holds a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor’s in Communication with a minor in Business from Western Carolina University. Follow Dan on LinkedIn.


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Can AI Save Higher Ed from Burnout?

    Can AI Save Higher Ed from Burnout?

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    Higher ed is exhausted—literally. A new report from The Chronicle of Higher Education confirms what many faculty and staff already feel: heavier workloads, fewer resources, and increasing pressure are pushing employees to the brink. But is there a way out? In this episode, Mallory and Seth explore how AI can be a powerful tool in reducing burnout, streamlining workloads, and helping institutions retain their best talent. Plus, they share real-world AI solutions, from automating admin tasks to freeing up time for strategic, high-impact work.

    Chronicle Articles:
    Higher Ed Is Exhausted
    What It’s Like to Work in Higher Ed

    Key Takeaways:

    Burnout is at crisis levels. The Chronicle report shows that 65% of faculty and staff are working more than they were five years ago, often due to layoffs and staffing shortages.It’s not just about workload—it’s about control. Many higher ed professionals feel overworked, undervalued, and left out of key decision-making processes, leading to higher turnover.AI isn’t a magic fix, but it helps. Implementing AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and allow employees to focus on more meaningful work.Small AI wins add up. Simple tools like voice-to-text software, AI-powered research assistants, and automated meeting recaps can significantly reduce stress and save time.Leadership must embrace AI for change to happen. Many higher ed leaders aren’t using AI themselves, which makes it harder for institutions to adopt these tools at scale.The future of higher ed depends on retaining great talent. If burnout continues unchecked, institutions risk losing experienced professionals, which could impact student outcomes and institutional success.

    Calls to Action

    Register for the AI Engage Summit to learn practical ways AI can transform your institution. Enrollify.org/engageExperiment with AI tools. Try NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Whisper, or Loom to streamline your daily tasks.Advocate for AI at your institution. Share AI success stories with leadership and push for tools that can lighten workloads.Read the full Chronicle report on burnout in higher ed (linked in the show notes).Subscribe to Enrollify for more episodes on the future of higher ed marketing and enrollment.


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Pulse Check: Strategic Storytelling — Part 5

    Pulse Check: Strategic Storytelling — Part 5

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    Welcome to this new Pulse Check series on the power of storytelling. This is Part 5: AI-Powered Storytelling.

    In this episode of Strategic Storytelling, host Maria Kuntz speaks with Tina Miller. They discuss the transformative role of AI in storytelling and communication within higher education, particularly at Arizona State University. Tina shares her journey of integrating AI tools into her team's processes, enhancing creativity and productivity, and developing proprietary AI models to support storytelling efforts. The discussion also covers the creation of a custom AI bot that mimics the voice of ASU's CIO, showcasing innovative approaches to leadership communication and the importance of using internal data for AI training. In this conversation, Tina Miller discusses the development of AI initiatives at Arizona State University (ASU), including the creation of an AI website and the AI Innovation Challenge aimed at engaging faculty and staff. She emphasizes the importance of human-centered storytelling in technology, the creation of a brand bot for compliance, and the accessibility of AI tools. The discussion also covers the varying levels of AI adoption in higher education and the future of AI storytelling, highlighting the need for multimodal approaches and immersive learning experiences.

    Takeaways:

    Tina Miller began her journey with AI at ASU coinciding with the launch of ChatGPT.AI workshops at conferences indicate a growing interest in AI tools.Leaders must immerse themselves in AI to guide their teams effectively.Creativity has been bolstered through the use of AI tools in storytelling.The SpinCycle bot was created to enhance storytelling capabilities at ASU.Using proprietary data reduces the risk of AI hallucinations.Custom AI bots can represent leadership voices for effective communication.AI initiatives at ASU are driven by passionate leadership and a structured committee.The importance of internal data for training AI models is emphasized.Creating AI tools can streamline communication and enhance productivity. We created the AI website from scratch.We needed one place for AI information.We have over 500 projects and proposals submitted.People relate to people, not machines.We always put the human in the middle of the story.We created a brand bot for compliance.There are many free open source models available.It's about learning how to use AI appropriately.The future of storytelling is multimodal.This is the worst AI we will ever see.

    Guest Name: Tina Miller, Executive Director of Creative x Communications, Arizona State University’s Enterprise Technology division

    Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinamiller3/

    Guest Bio: Tina Miller is the Executive Director of Creative x Communications at Arizona State University’s Enterprise Technology division. With nearly three decades of experience spanning Fortune 500 companies, government, and higher education, Tina is a trailblazer in harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize team dynamics, communication strategies, and organizational outcomes. She leads a visionary team that uses AI to craft compelling narratives, streamline operations, and position ASU as a global leader in technological innovation.


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Pulse Check: Strategic Storytelling — Part 4

    Pulse Check: Strategic Storytelling — Part 4

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    Welcome to this new Pulse Check series on the power of storytelling. This is Part 4: Leveraging Stakeholder Engagement for Strategic Storytelling.

    In this episode of Strategic Storytelling, host Maria Kuntz speaks with Anna McBrayer, Chief Marketing Officer at Fort Lewis College, about the importance of strategic storytelling in higher education. They discuss the process of stakeholder engagement, balancing creativity with institutional goals, and the significance of student-driven narratives. Anna shares insights on leveraging various mediums for storytelling, educating stakeholders on audience-specific approaches, and the challenges of authentic representation. The conversation concludes with advice for institutions looking to enhance their brand storytelling strategies.

    Key Takeaways

    Marketing teams often feel reactive rather than proactive.Stakeholder engagement is crucial for effective storytelling.Creativity must align with strategic institutional goals.Student-driven storytelling provides authentic perspectives.Using multiple mediums enhances storytelling impact.Educating stakeholders on audience differences is essential.Post-workshop insights can lead to significant changes.Authentic representation is a challenge in storytelling.Leverage the voices of those you aim to reach.Engagement and fulfillment in work come from collaboration.

    Guest Name: Anna McBrayer, Chief Marketing Officer, Fort Lewis College

    Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-mcbrayer/

    Guest Bio: Anna McBrayer is the CMO for Fort Lewis College, in Durango Colorado, Colorado's only Public Liberal Arts institution. She has worked in higher education for over 12 years and is innovating creative leadership through strategic storytelling. As a leader, she is developing unique ways to bring her team of Marketing and Communications professionals alongside campus leadership and stakeholders as strategic partners in brand marketing and reputation building through multifaceted, creative narratives.


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • The Books That Changed How We Lead

    The Books That Changed How We Lead

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    Hosts Mallory and Seth dive into the books that have profoundly shaped their leadership philosophies. From timeless business classics to modern leadership must-reads, they share personal anecdotes, key insights, and how these books have influenced their careers. If you’re looking to sharpen your leadership skills, rethink your approach to work, or just add some solid reads to your bookshelf, this episode is for you.

    Their Book Recommendations:

    How To Be a Great Boss - Gino Wickman and Rene Boer The First 90 Days - Michael WatkinsFinancial Intelligence - Karen Berman and Joe Knight Linchpin - Seth GodinKey TakeawaysLeadership wisdom in print – Books like The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership and The First 90 Days provide invaluable frameworks for becoming a more effective leader.Decluttering your learning habits – Seth shares why he donated 1,000+ business books and how it changed his mindset.The power of delegation – How to Be a Great Boss introduces the “Delegate and Elevate” method to help leaders focus on their strengths.The business side of leadership – Financial Intelligence is a must-read for marketers and leaders who want to master financial decision-making.Navigating change – Leading Change by John Kotter offers an eight-step framework for organizational transformation.Why AI makes Linchpin more relevant than ever – Seth Godin’s classic on being indispensable in an evolving workplace takes on new meaning in the age of AI.

    Why Seth Donated 1,000+ Business Books‍
    At one point, Seth owned over a thousand marketing and business books—until he gave almost all of them away. The decision wasn’t about decluttering; it was about mindset. He realized he had been reading out of self-doubt rather than genuine curiosity. His takeaway? Read intentionally, not out of obligation. This led to a more thoughtful approach to learning and a more focused book collection, including only the works that truly resonated with him.

    ‍The Books That Shaped Our Leadership Approach
    ‍Mallory and Seth each brought a list of their top leadership books, and surprisingly, some picks overlapped. Both agreed that The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins is an essential read for anyone stepping into a new leadership role. Whether you’re joining a new institution or taking on more responsibility in your current role, the book provides a roadmap to navigating those crucial first months.Mallory highlighted How to Be a Great Boss, which introduces a simple but powerful framework for delegation. The “Delegate and Elevate” model helps leaders identify what tasks they should focus on and what they should offload to empower their teams. Seth emphasized the importance of Jim Collins’ work, particularly Good to Great, for understanding how to build high-performing organizations.

    ‍Bridging the Gap Between Marketing and Finance
    ‍One of the most overlooked skills for leaders—especially in higher education—is financial literacy. Mallory recommended Financial Intelligence, a book that helps non-financial professionals understand balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow in a way that’s practical and approachable. If you want a seat at the leadership table, you need to be fluent in the language of finance.

    ‍‍The Role of AI and Why Linchpin Matters More Than Ever
    Seth Godin’s Linchpin has been a staple for years, but Mallory argues it’s more relevant now than ever. In a world where AI is taking over repetitive tasks, the book’s core message—being indispensable by focusing on creativity, empathy, and problem-solving—is crucial. AI can handle the data, but it’s humans who bring strategic insight. If you’ve read Linchpin before, this might be the perfect time to revisit it through the lens of today’s evolving workplace.

    ‍More Book Recommendations for Leaders
    Seth wrapped up the conversation with a speed round of additional must-reads:

    Marketing & Strategy: Ogilvy on Advertising, Ryan Holiday’s Ego is the EnemyBiographies & Memoirs: Shoe Dog (Phil Knight), Steve Jobs (Walter Isaacson)Mindfulness & Philosophy: Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, Tao Te Ching

    Want More Leadership Insights?If you’re looking for an actionable guide to integrating AI into your leadership strategy, check out The AI Playbook for Institutional Leaders.

    This free resource breaks down AI adoption into three phases, offering checklists and frameworks to guide your institution’s approach. Download it now on Enrollify’s site under the Guides section, and be sure to explore our other resources on leadership, enrollment marketing, and higher ed trends.


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse 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 next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

    Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
    The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

    Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  • Pulse Check: Strategic Storytelling — Part 3

    Pulse Check: Strategic Storytelling — Part 3

    · Higher Ed Pulse

    Welcome to this new Pulse Check series on the power of storytelling. This is Part 3: Multicultural Brand Marketing. In this episode of Strategic Storytelling, host Maria Kuntz interviews Christian Ponce, the Associate Vice President for Marketing at Old Dominion University. They discuss the importance of storytelling in higher education marketing, particularly focusing on multicultural marketing strategies. Christian shares his personal journey into the field, key moments that shaped his approach, and the significance of authentic engagement and inclusivity in brand narratives. The conversation also delves into the challenges and successes of adapting marketing campaigns for diverse audiences, emphasizing the need for cultural understanding and intentionality in marketing efforts.

    Takeaways

    Storytelling connects people to brands.Multicultural marketing should be integrated into overall strategy.Understanding cultural nuances is crucial for effective marketing.Successful campaigns require collaboration and input from diverse voices.Bilingual campaigns must adapt messages, not just translate them.The future of marketing is about understanding audience needs.Brands must evolve with changing demographics and preferences.Inclusive communications are essential for all institutions.Research and ask questions to understand your target audience.Intentionality is key in multicultural marketing efforts.

    Guest Name: Christian Ponce, Associate Vice President for Marketing, Old Dominion University

    Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ponce7/

    Guest Bio: Christian Ponce is the Associate Vice President for Marketing at Old Dominion University (ODU).

    At ODU, Christian leads initiatives to enhance the university's brand and engagement strategies. With a robust background in multicultural marketing, Christian emphasizes authentic engagement and accessibility to meet the diverse needs of various demographics.

    He is recognized for his commitment to breaking down cultural barriers and fostering inclusivity in higher education marketing. His expertise includes developing strategies that resonate with multicultural audiences — ensuring that marketing efforts are both inclusive and effective.


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    Connect With Our Host:
    Mallory Willsea 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
    https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

    About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
    The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

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