In this episode, Brian sits down with Ross Simmonds, Founder and CEO of Foundation Marketing, for a sharp and unfiltered look at how AI is rewriting the rules of higher education, content strategy, and the entire student decision journey. They dig into the cultural roadblocks that keep institutions stuck, the game-changing speed of AI-assisted content, and the rise of answer engine optimization. Ross unpacks the new world of discoverability, why Reddit, YouTube, and TikTok now carry real weight in recruitment, and what colleges must do to thrive as AI agents begin researching and making recommendations on behalf of future students.

How do you stay authentic when AI touches everything you create? In this episode, we talk with Stu Eddins, Chief Digital Strategy Officer at Stamats, about the human side of artificial intelligence and why authenticity matters more than ever. Stu shares how AI has quietly shaped digital marketing for years and why technology alone will never replace genuine connection. The conversation turns to higher education and the growing pressure to sound real in a world of automated tools and machine-written messages. Stu explains how schools and marketers can use AI to amplify their voice instead of losing it, focusing on clarity, purpose, and the kind of communication that actually feels human.

In this episode, Brian talks with Rob McDole, Director for the Center of Teaching and Learning at Cedarville University, about how AI is transforming the way higher education teaches and learns. The conversation explores how AI supports recall-based learning, helping students move beyond cramming for tests to actually retaining and understanding what they study. They also discuss why institutions need to move past fear and start engaging directly with AI, how guidelines work better than rigid policies in fast-moving environments, and why responsible experimentation is the key to smarter adoption.

What does it really mean to be an AI-first institution? In this episode, Kyle Campbell, Founder and Managing Director of Education Marketer, joins Brian to break down how higher education can move beyond surface-level innovation. Kyle shares how to make AI part of the system, not just a shortcut. He also explains why leaders need the most AI education and how technology can make university messaging sound more human. This conversation pushes past buzzwords and shows what real transformation looks like.

Worried about falling website traffic? You’re not the only one. In this episode, Megan Andrews, Digital Strategy Consultant at Squiz, joins us to talk about why fewer clicks do not necessarily mean less engagement, and how conversational AI is changing how students find and interact with information online. She also shares why it’s time to stop obsessing over visitor counts and start measuring real value, how AI-powered search can reveal what students are really thinking, and why there’s no better time to experiment than right now.

In this episode, Brian sits down with Carrie Pitts-Densmore, VP of Enrollment and Marketing at Johnston Community College, to talk about how higher ed can embrace AI as a partner rather than a threat. Carrie shares how her team built ten AI agents inside their CRM to handle student inquiries, scale enrollment communications, and free staff to focus on more complex, human-centered work. From saving 120,000+ human minutes in one year to envisioning AI as a personal assistant, Carrie’s insights show how institutions can move from hesitation to hands-on experimentation and success.

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Lee, Director of Web User Experience and Digital Strategy at Colorado College, to unpack the promises and the pitfalls of bringing AI into higher education. Mark reveals how he treats AI as a coworker instead of a content machine, why fear and resistance remain the biggest roadblocks on campus, and how schools can win buy-in by starting small with low-risk, high-reward use cases. From AI-powered tutors and chatbots boosting student success to the radical shift from SEO to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), this conversation explores what it takes to truly future-proof higher ed in an AI-driven world.

How can higher education move beyond theory and actually adopt AI in ways that matter? In this episode, we talk with Allen Karns, Chief AI and Technology Officer at Vanderbilt’s Center for Generative AI, to unpack what it really takes to integrate AI across a university. Allen shares the story of Amplify, Vanderbilt’s homegrown AI platform, and explains why leadership buy-in is the single biggest factor in campus adoption. He discusses how his team built momentum by starting small, highlights creative use cases already transforming workflows, and offers advice for preparing marketing and admissions teams for AI’s growing role.

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Deperro, Michael Deperro, Senior Coordinator of Faculty Development & Professionalism at Case Western Reserve University, to uncover how AI is shaking up higher education. Michael pulls back the curtain on how his team is using AI to clear away the “digital laundry” of repetitive back-office work, build a retrieval-augmented generation hub that simplifies faculty processes, and make room for staff to focus on what really matters: people.

The search landscape for prospective students is changing dramatically, and the shift to AI search optimization is now a critical part of any higher ed marketing strategy. In this episode, Faton Sopa, Cofounder and CEO at Manaferra, joins Brian to discuss new research on how prospective students are using AI in their college search journey. Faton shares his insights on what this new behavior means for institutions and how they can adapt their strategies to ensure they remain visible and competitive. Join us as we explore the future of student search and how to master AI's role in it.

In this episode, Brian sits down with Nicole Brini, Head Manager of International Reputation at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, to talk about what it really takes to integrate AI into higher education. Nicole explains how a seemingly simple chatbot project uncovered deeper problems with data, communications, and processes, sparking a larger transformation of their student experience, website, and organizational mindset. She also shares why universities often struggle with change, how generative AI is raising student expectations, and what higher education can learn from road cycling (yes, really!).

Everyone in higher ed knows that AI transformation is happening fast, and Tom Andriola, Chief Digital Officer at UC-Irvine, is helping lead the charge. Tom joins Brian to share how his institution is approaching generative AI not with hesitation, but with urgency. From chatbots in admissions to one-to-one learning in the classroom, Tom walks us through UC-Irvine’s strategy for scaling innovation across the institution. He also reflects on the broader sector challenges, such as rising regulation, student ROI concerns, and workplace readiness, and why AI can’t just be an efficiency tool, but a vehicle for transformational change.

In this episode, Spenser Smith of QS Quacquarelli Symonds joins Brian to explore how higher education institutions can adopt AI while staying grounded in ethics and purpose. With new tools emerging almost daily, Spenser explains why it is essential to pause, set clear goals, and stay focused on the real purpose behind adopting new technology. He shares how AI can support enrollment teams by streamlining research, enabling proactive outreach, and supplementing human expertise without replacing the critical personal connections that define higher education.

In this episode of AI for U, recorded live at the Engage Summit 2025, host Brian chats with Michele Ehrhart, Chief Communications Officer at the University of Memphis. The conversation dives deep into the real-world uses of AI in higher ed communications, with a spotlight on AI’s role in crisis management and strategic messaging. Michele shares her candid views on AI adoption, leadership influence, and how Gen X communicators like herself are navigating the AI revolution. If you’re wondering how to ethically and effectively use AI in higher education communications, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of AI for U, recorded live at the Engage Summit 2025, Brian sits down with Dustin Ramsdell—veteran higher ed professional and host of the Higher Ed Geek Podcast. With nearly 300 episodes under his belt, Dustin shares his evolving views on artificial intelligence in higher education, from initial skepticism to cautious optimism. Together, they unpack the opportunities, hesitations, and practical applications of AI that are shaping the future of the higher ed ecosystem.

In this episode, Erin Callihan, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Marketing & Campaign Communications at NYU, joins Brian to tackle one of higher education’s most pressing questions: Is AI cheating, or is it time to embrace it as a collaborator? Erin shares how her team integrates AI as a productivity partner, why starting small and grassroots matters, and how institutions can empower staff and students to work smarter, not fearfully, in an AI-driven world.

How can you bring AI into your work without overwhelming your team — or yourself? In this episode, Isaac Williams, Director of Multimedia and Digital Strategy at Daemen University, shares how Daemen is using AI to bridge resource gaps, streamline data analysis, and build campus-wide momentum from the admissions office to leadership. Isaac walks us through his practical approach to integrating AI tools: starting small, identifying pain points, and building internal champions to drive adoption. His insight teaches us that AI won’t replace you — it’ll make you better.

AI is here to stay, and now is the time to jump in. That’s the message of Allison Turcio, Assistant VP for Enrollment and Marketing at Siena College and Host of The Application podcast. In this episode, Brian and Allison explore how AI adoption is transforming the way higher ed professionals approach communication, marketing, and student engagement, all while keeping humanity at the core. From segmenting emails to pulling personalized essay quotes, Allison’s strategies show how AI can empower, not replace. She just might convince you that AI literacy is becoming a must-have skill — and why now is the time to get started.

In this episode, Brian sits down with Joyce Peralta, Manager of Digital Communications at McGill University in Montreal, to explore the evolving role of AI in higher education. Joyce shares why AI integration is less about technology and more about transformation: one that requires emotional readiness, ethical reflection, and a willingness to experiment. We dive into the challenges of data quality, the importance of governance, and how institutions can foster a culture of learning over perfection in this new AI-enabled era.

How can AI enhance student ambassador programs without replacing the human connection? In this episode, Brian sits down with Kathryn Thomas and Mus Ismail from Campus Threads to explore how AI is revolutionizing student recruitment. They discuss the power of AI-driven insights, strategies for scaling ambassador programs, and the importance of breaking down institutional silos. Whether you're in admissions, marketing, or student services, this episode offers practical takeaways on using AI to work smarter — not harder.