What if your student success team had AI-powered tools that could prep meeting notes, flag at-risk students in real time, and prove the ROI of your campus programs—all without needing “perfect” data? In this episode, Civitas Learning CEO Will Ballard breaks down how their platform makes this possible. From demystifying data integration to showcasing real-world use cases of predictive and generative AI, Will shares a refreshingly honest and technical take on what higher ed institutions can (and should) be doing right now to increase student retention and graduation outcomes.

Shai Reshef, founder of University of the People, joins Dustin to share how his radically accessible, tuition-free, accredited online university is scaling globally and rewriting the rules of what college can be. From refugee learners in conflict zones to first-generation students from all over the world, University of the People is serving 170,000+ students with a bold vision: higher ed should be affordable, flexible, and job-relevant. This episode is a masterclass in educational innovation, AI integration, and mission-driven leadership.

In this bonus episode, Dustin caught up with Annie Chechitelli, Chief Product Officer at Turnitin. After recording earlier this year at SXSW EDU, they reconnected to unpack the biggest myths and realities around AI in higher ed. Building upon her recent blog post as well as the prior conversation Dustin had with Annie’s colleague, Eric Wang, this conversation dives into the evolving role of AI tools—like generative writing assistants and detection software—and how institutions and instructors can embrace transparency, not panic. Annie shares sharp insights on what AI literacy really means, why “zero AI” policies may backfire, and how faculty can empower students without sacrificing trust or learning outcomes.

In this final bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin chatted with Jenny Maxwell, Head of Grammarly for Education at Superhuman (formerly Grammarly), fresh off the announcement of their exciting rebrand. This timely conversation dives into the evolution of AI writing tools in higher education and how intentional product design is key to ethical, effective use. Jenny breaks down the power of their new “Authorship” tool, the growing demand for transparency in student work, and how AI can actually foster better teaching and learning—when it’s done right.

In this episode, Dustin chats with Shannon McDonald and Brandon Chavez from the Division of Extended Studies at UC San Diego about how continuing education can be a powerful catalyst for institutional resilience and workforce transformation. With decades of experience between them, Shannon and Brandon share how their team builds agile, data-informed, employer-driven programs that deliver value to both learners and local industries. From stackable credentials to custom corporate partnerships, this conversation is full of practical insights on how to make higher ed more accessible, responsive, and sustainable.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin sat down with Nicole Muscanell from the Research and Insights team at EDUCAUSE. Nicole shares insights from EDUCAUSE’s latest research outputs—like the Horizon Report on Teaching and Learning as well as the annual Top 10 IT Issues—while offering a grounded perspective on how institutions are evolving their digital strategies. From shifting student preferences in learning modalities to the real risks of overinvesting in flashy tech, this episode explores how higher ed leaders can chart a sustainable, student-centered path forward in a rapidly changing landscape.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin chatted with Larry Tumblin of Ohio University for a fascinating look at how dual enrollment is being reimagined for today’s learners. Larry breaks down the College Credit Plus initiative and how Ohio U is bringing college courses directly into high school classrooms using cost-effective, easy-to-deploy video conferencing tech. With 15 high schools already in the program and more on the way, this is a story about access, scalability, and the power of keeping it simple (but smart). For institutions thinking about dual enrollment, this conversation is a blueprint worth bookmarking.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin sits down with Justin Price, VP of Global Customer Experience at StarRez, to unpack the evolving residential student experience—and how tech is rising to meet the moment. With 20+ years in higher ed housing and over a decade at StarRez, Justin brings a uniquely grounded view of what students and institutions really need. From supporting the on- to off-campus transition, to leveraging unified platforms for deeper insight and safer data practices, this episode spotlights the vital (and growing) role of housing in student success.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin speaks with Nicole Engelbert, VP of Product Strategy at Oracle, about how institutions can future-proof their tech stacks and focus on what really matters—helping students thrive. Nicole unpacks Oracle’s latest certification milestone for PeopleSoft Campus Solutions and shares what it means for digital transformation and student experience. From the critical importance of interoperability to why 2 AM student questions should guide your tech decisions, this episode is a must-listen for leaders navigating the next wave of higher ed infrastructure.

What happens when your institution has too many systems—and none of them talk to each other? In this episode, Dustin chats with Justin Beck, CEO of Gravyty, about how colleges and universities can stop tech creep from derailing the student experience. Drawing from his background at Apple, Blackboard, Salesforce, Instructure, and now Gravyty, Justin shares hard-earned insights on how schools can create a more connected, intuitive digital journey for students, staff, and alumni. From the power of omnichannel engagement to surprising AI-driven fundraising wins, Justin breaks down how to work smarter with the tech you already have—and how to stop chasing perfection at the expense of progress.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin spoke with Ryan Lufkin, VP of Global Academic Strategy at Instructure, about the current crossroads in higher ed, technology, and workforce readiness. The conversation touches on findings from the latest State of Learning and Readiness report, the real (and perceived) gaps in student skill preparedness, and why now is the time for institutions to embrace AI—not fear it. Ryan also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Canvas Career and how Instructure is broadening its mission beyond just a learning management system.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin chats with Gaurav Bradoo from Logitech about how colleges and universities can embrace hardware innovation to enhance teaching and learning—without overcomplicating things. From lecture capture and audio solutions to flexible classroom design and accessibility, Gaurav shares Logitech’s approach to creating simple, scalable, and human-centered tech environments that meet students where they are—whether that’s in the classroom, online, or somewhere in between.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin sits down with Crista Copp and Mark McCormack from EDUCAUSE to unpack their just-released 2026 Top 10 List. From AI and digital literacy to resilience and community building, the conversation explores the critical shifts happening in higher ed technology. The theme? Intentionality and connection—both between people and across systems. This is the episode for campus leaders navigating change and looking for clarity amid complexity.

In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE in Nashville, Dustin has an energizing conversation with Jeff Dinski and Mike Wulff from Ellucian. They discuss the evolving role of technology in higher education—from designing intuitive student-first systems to closing the gap between academic credentials and real-world workforce needs. They unpack what it really takes to build agile, data-driven institutions, and highlight Ellucian’s latest innovations that aim to transform student outcomes.

Stephen Laster, CEO of Panopto and a 25-year veteran in the edtech space, joins Dustin to talk about how smart technology—and especially AI—can elevate educators rather than overshadow them. From his early days pioneering blended MBA programs to leading at institutions like Harvard Business School and McGraw-Hill, Stephen shares how technology should be applied to serve pedagogy, not the other way around. In this episode, you'll hear why seamless digital ecosystems matter, how institutions can build effective AI strategies, and why empowering faculty is the key to meaningful innovation. With a refreshingly human-centered view, Stephen helps us rethink what's possible when tech meets intention.

In this bonus episode recorded live from EdTech Week 2025, Dustin chats with Matt Stinson, CRO at Starbridge. They discuss Matt’s journey to joining the team, and how their unique platform is enabling more efficient and effective partnerships to be forged between edtech companies and public institutions using AI.

In this bonus episode recorded live from EdTech Week 2025, Dustin chats with K. Rocco Shields, CEO of Genius Academy. They discuss the important work her and her team are doing partnering with institutions to create high quality, immersive learning content for a variety of disciplines. Rocco also shares a bit about her personal story that drives her work and underpins why it is so important.

What if innovation didn’t require a stroke of genius—just a willingness to be a little “-ish”? In this episode, Dustin chats with Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden, co-authors of Innovation-ish, a new book that challenges the myths surrounding creativity and innovation. Drawing from years of teaching at Stanford and Harvard, Tessa and Rich share how higher ed pros can reframe innovation as accessible, iterative, and emotionally safe. This isn’t a startup pitch session—it’s a call to reclaim creativity as a teachable skill, one that’s essential for thriving in ambiguity.

We’re pleased to have Faton Sopa from Manaferra back on the show this week (listen to his previous episode!) to discuss the recent research his team produced that unpacks new details about student search behaviors. Faton shares why traditional SEO tactics are no longer cutting it—and what institutions must do instead to gain visibility, build trust, and drive enrollment. Spoiler: it's time to ditch the one-channel strategy and embrace an omnichannel mindset rooted in real student data.

In this milestone 300th episode, Sophie Nguyen, Senior Policy Manager at New America, joins Dustin to unpack the newest findings from the new 2025 Varying Degrees report — a data-rich look at how Americans view the role, value, and future of higher education. From surprising bipartisan agreement to the communication failures of institutions, this episode reveals what colleges need to know and do to rebuild public trust and deliver on their promise.