The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Higher Ed Geek Podcast, a business show with 0 episodes published.

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  Episode #343

  Episode #343: How La Salle University Became the "Comeback College"

  Aug 19, 202640 min

  In this week’s episode, Dustin speaks with Dr. Daniel Allen , President of La Salle University , about the institution's remarkable turnaround and the leadership principles behind its recognition as the " Comeback College ." Rather than chasing flashy higher education trends, Dr. Allen shares how La Salle leaned into its core identity—prioritizing teaching excellence, student success, and a strong sense of community—to reverse enrollment declines and strengthen its financial position. The conversation also examines how institutional leaders can navigate uncertainty by making disciplined, mission-driven decisions, investing in areas of genuine strength, and resisting the temptation to pursue every new opportunity. Ultimately, Ian provides a compelling reminder that sustainable innovation comes not from becoming everything to everyone, but from becoming the best version of who you already are. Guest Name: Dr. Daniel Allen, President, La Salle University Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Daniel J. Allen, Ph.D., is the 30th President of La Salle University. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in Catholic higher education, Dr. Allen is leading La Salle’s strategy focused on enrollment growth, student retention and enhancing the student experience. Prior to joining La Salle, Dr. Allen served as senior vice president for advancement and external relations at DePaul University and held leadership roles at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy, Lewis University and Loras College. He earned his Ph.D. in education from Loyola University Chicago and continues to pursue his interest in postsecondary educational access for low-income students. He also serves on the board of the International Association of Lasallian Universities, a global network of 64 universities. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #342

  Episode #342: Education Without Borders in an Age of Uncertainty

  Aug 12, 202635 min

  In this week’s episode, Dustin speaks with Omar Chihane , Global General Manager of TOEFL at ETS , about the evolving landscape of international student mobility and the growing importance of English proficiency in an AI-driven world. Drawing on his own international journey and global perspective, Omar explores how students are making increasingly pragmatic decisions about where to study, balancing factors like cost, visa certainty, career outcomes, and long-term opportunities. Guest Name: Omar Chihane, General Manager for TOEFL at ETS Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: As the General Manager of TOEFL, Omar Chihane drives the strategic direction and growth of the TOEFL iBT, using his global experience as a tech entrepreneur and executive to lead teams across various functional areas of the business. Prior to joining ETS in 2024, Omar founded englease – an English teaching startup that serves the Middle East and Africa through synchronous online classes. Before his startup journey, Omar held various leadership roles with multinational corporations including Siemens, Nokia and Microsoft. Omar holds an MBA from the London Business School and is a venture partner with Antler, where he coaches and mentors up and coming tech startups. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #341

  Episode #341: The Evolution of Parent and Family Engagement in Higher Ed

  Aug 5, 202639 min

  We welcome Leslie Gale from CampusESP to the show this week to talk about the evolving role of parents and families in the higher education journey. Drawing on new survey data from more than 43,000 family members, they explore how institutions can better support student success by delivering timely, relevant information and embracing parents as partners throughout enrollment, persistence, and beyond. Guest Name: Dr. Leslie Gale - VP of Customer Success & Account Management at CampusESP Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Dr. Leslie Gale is the Vice President of Customer Success & Account Management at CampusESP, a parent engagement platform that serves hundreds of institutions. She has proudly been a part of the team for the past 8 years, growing her responsibilities progressively over that time. She has 10+ years of experience in higher education and holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

  The AI MBA That's Challenging Higher Education

  Aug 4, 202634 min

  We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Nick Ladany to the show, President of San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) and previous Enrollify Hall of Famer . He shares what it takes to fundamentally rethink higher education for today's learners. Dr. Ladany explains SFBU's student-centered approach to affordability, accelerated degree pathways, wraparound support services, and faculty development before diving into the launch of the university's new AI-powered MBA ProPlus program. Dr. Ladany challenges higher education leaders to move beyond incremental change, embrace bold innovation, and redesign institutions around what matters most: helping students graduate with the skills, experiences, and opportunities they need to succeed. Guest Name: Dr. Nick Ladany - President of San Francisco Bay University Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Nick Ladany, Ph.D., currently serves as the President of San Francisco Bay University (SFBU). In the spirit of the Silicon Valley, SFBU is acting like a startup and challenger brand in higher education, with the purpose of disrupting higher education and developing a university that is accessible and affordable, with a deep commitment to serving the common good. SFBU’s unique and innovative approach to higher education capitalizes on six pillars of the student experience: praxis academics, life literacy, comprehensive wellness, multiple meaningful relationships, lifelong careers readiness, and financial support, all of which is aimed at meaningful and successful student outcomes. Previously Dr. Ladany was President of Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he led the university through the pandemic, facilitated record enrollments, enhanced fiscal stewardship, built a leadership team, strengthened a commitment to DEI, and enhanced student success and wellness. Dr. Ladany received his Ph.D. from the University at Albany, State University of New York, in 1992 and his B.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

  Live at eduWeb 2026 with Laura Beth Telep

  Jul 31, 202620 min

  In this bonus episode recorded live at the eduWeb Summit in Orlando, we speak with Laura Beth of CLYDE about how AI is reshaping higher education marketing, communications, and public relations. They discuss why institutions need to rethink their websites as content engines for generating perception by AI rather than just destinations for human visitors. Laura Beth also shares how earned media, press releases, and even Reddit have become increasingly valuable sources for showing up in AI-powered search, and why there's no single formula for succeeding in this new landscape. Guest Name: Laura Beth Telep, Senior Vice President & Education Practice Lead, CLYDE Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Laura Beth Telep is Senior Vice President and Education Practice Lead at CLYDE, where she advises higher education institutions, EdTech companies, and workforce organizations on strategic communications, enrollment marketing, and thought leadership. She helps education leaders navigate changing student behaviors, emerging technologies, and evolving communications trends. Her work focuses on integrating media relations, content strategy, SEO, and AI-driven visibility to support engagement, reputation, and enrollment growth. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dustin Ramsdell https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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