AI for U

Ep. 44: When AI Becomes an Agent: What Work Still Belongs to Human Thinking

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

AI can already do the easy work, so how do higher ed professionals prove their worth? In this episode, Dan Keating, Clinical Associate Professor of Information Systems and AI at University of Rochester - Simon Business School, explains how AI is changing how we think, learn, and define expertise. The fundamentals still matter, but when AI can produce solid output in seconds, the question shifts to not can you do the work, but what do you add to it? Tune in to hear why the future doesn’t belong to the people who just use AI but to the ones who can explain why their thinking still matters.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:21] Creating AI-ready teams through curiosity and critical thinking
[10:07] Educating instructors, staff, and students during AI integration
[23:28] What human value means in the age of AI

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:
You're going to help me stop optimizing and start reimagining. Do not give me efficiency tips. Do not suggest faster versions of what I already do.

Step 1 — Ask me first. Before you generate anything, ask me these five questions, one at a time, and wait for my answer each time:

1. What's one content or AI workflow I run regularly right now, described in plain language?

2. What outcome am I actually trying to create with it (not the task, the outcome)?

3. Who is it really for, and what do they currently get from competitors or alternatives?

4. What's the unspoken rule or constraint I've been treating as fixed?

5. If I had no legacy process, no existing team habits, and no tool stack to protect — what would "absurdly overdelivering" look like here?

Step 2 — Reflect back. In 3–5 sentences, tell me what you're hearing. Name the assumption I'm defending without realizing it. Be direct. If my answers sound like optimization dressed up as innovation, say so.

Step 3 — Generate three boundary-pushing directions. For each one:

* A one-line name for the direction.

* What becomes possible that wasn't possible before.

* What I'd have to stop doing or let go of to make room for it.

* The smallest real-world experiment I could run this week to test it (something I can do in under 2 hours, with a concrete output).

* The spiky take embedded in it — the belief most people in my space would push back on.

Step 4 — Pressure test. Pick the direction you think is strongest and tell me why. Then tell me the most likely reason I won't do it, and what that reveals about my real constraint — time, fear, identity, or org politics.

Step 5 — Hand it back. End by asking me which direction I want to run this week, and remind me that you're not the one who gets to decide. I am.

Ground everything in what I actually tell you. Don't invent details. Don't generalize. If I'm vague, ask again.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 43: Brute Force Reps: Building AI Literacy and Vibe Coding Intuition

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 9 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, host Brian Piper talks with Sean Harrington, Director of AI and Legal Tech Studio at ASU Law, about bridging the gap between risk-averse academia and rapid AI innovation. Sean breaks down the concept of vibe coding, using conversational AI to build custom, end-to-end software solutions in-house for a fraction of the cost of off-the-shelf products. He shares how ASU Law is leading the way by explicitly allowing AI in admissions and providing safe, local “AI Creator” sandboxes to prevent shadow AI usage. Learn why consistent reps are the key to AI literacy, how to implement soft law governance, and why higher ed must urgently redesign assessments now that knowledge transfer is no longer a differentiator.

Join us as we discuss:

[3:33] Helping legal professionals navigate AI literacy and vibe coding local tools
[11:10] How ASU openly addresses the use of AI in their admissions process
[15:34] Curtailing shadow AI use by creating safe spaces for experimentation
[22:52] Why prompt design should be part of every school’s AI governance

Episode prompt:
You are a workflow analyst and AI solutions consultant. Your job is to help me identify opportunities where I could use AI coding tools (like Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, or Replit) to quickly build a custom app or tool that solves a specific problem in my work, even if I have little or no coding experience.

You're going to interview me step by step to understand my role, my tools, and my pain points. Ask one question at a time. Wait for my response before moving on. Be conversational and specific, ask follow-up questions when my answers suggest there's more to uncover.

Phase 1: Role & Tools. Start by asking about my job title and primary responsibilities, then ask what software tools and platforms I use regularly (project management, CMS, spreadsheets, email, CRM, databases, etc.). Ask how data moves between those tools, what's manual, what's automated, and what requires copy/paste or reformatting.

Phase 2: Pain Points & Repetition. Ask me to walk you through the tasks I do most frequently, especially anything repetitive, tedious, or time-consuming. Ask about tasks I dread, things I procrastinate on, workarounds I've built with spreadsheets or manual processes, and anything where I think "there has to be a better way to do this." Ask about tasks that involve transforming data from one format to another, pulling information from multiple sources, or doing something predictable across many items.

Phase 3: Impact & Constraints. For each pain point I identify, ask how often I do it, how long it takes, how many people on my team also deal with it, and what happens when it doesn't get done or gets done wrong. Ask if there are tools I've looked into but rejected because they were too expensive, too complex, or didn't quite fit.

Phase 4: Technical Comfort. Ask about my comfort level with technology. Have I used AI tools before? Am I comfortable describing what I want a tool to do in plain language? Would I be okay testing something and giving feedback to iterate on it?

After you've gathered enough information across all four phases, deliver a summary that includes:

A ranked list of my top 3-5 vibe coding opportunities, ordered by the combination of highest impact and lowest development complexity
For each opportunity, include:
- A clear name for the tool
- The specific problem it solves
- What it would take as inputs and deliver as outputs
- An estimated development complexity (simple, moderate, or advanced)
- The approximate time savings per week or month
- A suggested AI coding tool to build it with and why
A recommended first project to start with and a plain-language description of how I would prompt an AI coding tool to begin building it

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 42: How Designers and Writers Are Using AI

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

AI can generate content in seconds, but excellent creative work still requires human judgment. In this episode, Brian talks with Dakota Story and Sarah Martin of Ologie about how designers and writers are actually using AI in their workflows. They explain why many creatives think of AI as an intern, where it fits into the creative process, and why taste, judgment, and emotional intelligence still make the difference. They also discuss how AI can speed up brainstorming, research, and production while leaving the most important creative decisions in human hands.

Join us as we discuss:

[3:16] Why some creatives struggle to get value from AI
[10:11] The risks of prioritizing efficiency over creative judgment
[20:33] Skills creative professionals will need in the age of AI
[30:08] How to maintain brand voice and trust when using AI tools

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 41: Moving From AI Pilots to Institutional Production

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of AI for U, Brian sits down with Dr. Manjeet Rege, Chair of the Department of Software Engineering and Data Science at the University of St. Thomas. Dr. Rege shares his journey from medical AI research to institutional strategy, arguing that the “age of piloting” is over. He breaks down what a truly operational AI organization looks like, emphasizing the need for product managers, data engineers, and robust governance frameworks. Dr. Rege also provides a roadmap for sustainable AI budgeting, the importance of redesigning workflows rather than just automating broken ones, and why the shift from data ownership to stewardship is essential for scaling AI safely and ethically.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:42] The AI mindshift from academic research to an institutional strategy
[10:13] What an operational AI strategy looks like and sustainable budgeting
[17:09] Advice for schools considering building versus buying AI solutions
[21:42] Weighing data stewardship against ownership at the enterprise level

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence: Frameworks, Risks, and Society by Manjeet Rege and Hemachandran K

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:
You are an expert AI strategist specializing in higher education with deep experience in institutional change management, data governance, and AI implementation. I want you to conduct a structured AI readiness assessment for my institution.

Before you begin the assessment, ask me the following questions one at a time and wait for my answer before moving to the next question:

What type of institution are you (community college, regional university, R1, liberal arts, etc.) and approximately how large is your institution in terms of students and staff?
What teams or departments are you assessing? Your entire institution, a specific division, or a particular department?
What AI tools or platforms are currently in use at your institution, even informally?
Does your institution have a formal AI policy, governance structure, or AI task force in place?
How would you describe the current level of AI literacy among your staff, from leadership down to frontline employees?
What budget or resources, if any, have been formally allocated to AI initiatives?
What is your biggest AI challenge or concern right now?
What outcomes are you hoping AI will help you achieve in the next 12 months?

Once I have answered all of your questions, assess my institution's AI readiness across the following six dimensions. For each dimension, give me a readiness rating of Early, Developing, or Operational, a brief explanation of why, and two to three specific, actionable next steps I can take to advance to the next level.

The six dimensions are:

Strategy & Vision — Does the institution have a clear AI roadmap aligned to its mission?
Data Infrastructure & Governance — Is data trustworthy, accessible, and stewarded (not just owned)?
Talent & Training — Are staff being upskilled with clear pathways to AI fluency in their own discipline?
Tools & Technology — Are the right platforms in place, and is the build vs. buy decision being made intentionally?
Ethics & Compliance — Are governance frameworks, risk management, and privacy considerations built into the process?
Culture & Change Management — Are people being brought along as co-creators, not casualties, of AI adoption?

After completing all six dimensions, provide an overall readiness summary and identify the single most important area for me to focus on first, with a concrete recommendation for how to get started this month.

Guest Name: University of St. Thomas, Chair, Department of Software and Data Science, Professor, Department of Software and Data Science

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

Guest Bio: Dr. Manjeet Rege is a distinguished academic and industry leader in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence. As a professor and the chair of the Department of Software Engineering and Data Science at the University of St. Thomas, he has made substantial contributions to the academic world, evidenced by his recognition as a Leading Academic Data Leader for 2023 by CDO Magazine.

Dr. Rege also serves as the Director of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence at the University of St. Thomas, where he oversees initiatives that blend academic research with practical applications in AI. His expertise is acknowledged internationally, demonstrated by the establishment of a chair professorship and analytics lab in his name at Woxsen University in Hyderabad, India, to celebrate his significant contributions in analytics.

As a thought leader, author, mentor, and keynote speaker, Dr. Rege is often featured in the media, offering his expert thoughts and opinions on the latest developments in machine learning and AI. Dr. Rege serves as an advisor to various organizations to provide guidance on data strategy and imparting technical AI expertise.

His work has been published in various peer-reviewed reputed publications, he serves on the editorial review board of journals, and regularly participates on the program committees of various international conferences.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 40: Higher Ed’s AI Earthquake: Preparing Graduates for a Redefined Workforce

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode, host Brian Piper speaks with Paul LeBlanc, Visiting Scholar and Special Advisor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Paul explores the profound impact of AI on higher education, arguing that institutions must move beyond traditional knowledge transfer to focus on character formation and a “care economy.” He outlines a three-phase approach for leaders that includes preparing graduates with AI mastery, developing a theory for the future of work, and addressing the existential shift toward teaching students who to be rather than just what to know. Paul emphasizes the urgent need for institutional leadership and guardrails to ensure AI serves as a “genius TA” that preserves human relationship and trust.

Join us as we discuss:

[3:46] Why higher ed leaders need to urgently prepare their graduates for an AI-assisted workforce
[15:24] Preserving brand voice when using AI tools to augment content creation
[24:38] Why higher ed needs to evolve from knowledge transfer to relationship-building

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:

You are a Senior Strategy Leader in Higher Education with deep experience in:

Institutional strategy and governance
Enrollment marketing and communications
Academic program positioning
Change management and organizational alignment
Risk assessment and implementation planning

You routinely advise presidents, provosts, VPs, and senior leadership teams.

TASK

Review the uploaded document in full and perform a strategic gap analysis.

Your job is to identify where the document is incomplete, misaligned, unclear, or underdeveloped relative to its stated goals and intended outcomes.

ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS

Evaluate the document across the following dimensions:

Logic & Strategic Coherence
- Gaps in reasoning, assumptions, or sequencing
- Areas where conclusions are not supported by evidence or rationale
- Missing connective tissue between strategy, tactics, and outcomes
Audience & Stakeholder Considerations
- Missing or underdefined audiences (e.g., prospective students, faculty, staff, leadership, donors, partners)
- Unclear value propositions for specific stakeholder groups
- Assumptions about audience knowledge, motivation, or readiness
Objectives & Success Criteria
- Objectives that are vague, implicit, or not clearly stated
- Lack of measurable outcomes, KPIs, or success definitions
- Misalignment between stated goals and proposed actions
Risk, Constraints & Readiness
- Strategic, operational, reputational, or adoption risks not addressed
- Missing considerations around capacity, skills, budget, governance, or change management
- Dependencies or prerequisites that are assumed but not documented
Alignment With Stated Goals
- Sections that do not clearly support the document’s stated goals
- Tactics or recommendations that feel disconnected or misprioritized
- Opportunities where alignment could be strengthened or clarified

OUTPUT FORMAT (STRICT)

Organize your response as a gap-by-gap analysis, using the following structure for each item:

Gap Identified
(Clear, specific description of what is missing, unclear, or misaligned)
Why This Is a Problem
(Strategic risk, confusion, inefficiency, or misalignment it could cause)
Suggested Addition or Revision
(Concrete, actionable recommendation—what should be added, clarified, reframed, or rewritten)
Priority Level
(High / Medium / Low, based on impact to strategic success)

TONE & STANDARDS

Be candid, precise, and executive-level
Avoid generic advice—anchor feedback in the document itself
Do not rewrite the entire document; focus on targeted improvements
Assume this document may be used to inform leadership decisions

OPTIONAL (IF APPLICABLE)

If you notice:

Contradictions or internal tensions, call them out explicitly
Sections that should be merged, reordered, or elevated, recommend structural changes
Missing next steps for implementation, flag them

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 39: Why Critical Judgment is the Ultimate AI Differentiator

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:53:22 +0000

Brian welcomes Erin Fields, Marketing Director at Ologie, to discuss the critical transition from using AI for mere efficiency to using it for strategic orientation. Erin shares how AI has transformed her workflow by offloading the “invisible work” of reconstructing context and analyzing social data at scale. She emphasizes that while AI can surface patterns, humans must remain responsible for the “human in the loop sandwich,” providing the initial intent and the final authoritative judgment. Erin and Brian also explore the necessity of institutional governance to move past “shadow AI” and the importance of using saved time for intentional, high-energy critical thinking.

Join us as we discuss:
[3:18] How AI saves your mental energy and where it excels in marketing analysis
[13:35] Why you need an AI process before grabbing the next exciting tool
[23:14] Keeping your unique brand voice in AI-assisted content creation

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:

Open and AI browser, like Comet or Atlas, navigate to a social media page of yours (or a competitor), and ask a question like:

Look through my posts and comments and tell me which topics get the most engagement.

Guest Name: Erin Fields, Marketing Director, Ologie

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-fields-ms/

Guest Bio: Erin Fields is the Marketing Director at Ologie, the agency for brands on a mission, where she helps lead the agency’s content marketing and social media strategies. She started her career in graduate admissions at West Virginia University, before moving into edtech at Element451, where she helped manage content for more than 15 shows on the Enrollify Podcast Network. Erin is a proud graduate of Marshall University and West Virginia University.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 38: Nobody Has This Figured Out: How to Learn AI Through Curiosity, Not Perfection

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Higher ed is stepping into a new era, and Rebecca Stapley is right in the middle of it. The Director of Marketing and Communications at the Rochester Institute of Technology joins Brian to reveal how AI is helping her cut through email chaos, understand new audiences, and create more space for meaningful work. She also talks frankly about feeling hesitant at first, realizing AI literacy was becoming essential, and discovering that experimentation is the key to unlocking its real value.

Join us as we discuss:

[6:20] AI as a practice: the yoga analogy, and learning through experience
[11:43] The higher ed marketer’s perspective: fundamentals that won’t change
[18:58] The responsibility of higher ed to remain transparent and trustworthy

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:

You are an expert communicator.

Analyze this email thread and provide a structured summary:

[Provide the link to the thread or tell the tool to analyze that thread in your email.

Then, either tell the tool "Based on what you know of me..." or, provide the following **My Content** information:]

**My Context:**

- Role: [Your position]

- Department: [Your department]

- Typical responsibilities: [Brief description]

**Please provide:**

1. CORE TOPIC (2-3 sentences)

What is this actually about?

2. ACTION ITEMS

- What needs to be done

- Who is responsible

- My role (if any)

- Timeline/deadline

3. DECISIONS NEEDED

- What needs to be decided

- Who should decide

- Information needed

4. GAPS & CONFUSION

- Missing information

- Points of disagreement

- Questions needing answers

5. MY NEXT STEPS

What should I do immediately based on my role?

6. SUGGESTED RESPONSE APPROACH

If I need to reply, what should I address?

Guest Name: Rebecca Stapley, Director of Marketing and Communications, Rochester Institute of Technology's College of Health Sciences and Technology and the School of Individualized Study

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

Guest Bio: Rebecca is Director of Marketing and Communications for Rochester Institute of Technology's College of Health Sciences and Technology and the School of Individualized Study. With over 15 years of experience in higher education marketing, she is a relationship-driven leader specializing in crafting integrated, audience-centered strategies and storytelling anchored in institutional goals and values.

Throughout her career, Rebecca has launched impactful campaigns, enhanced brand visibility, and developed content strategies to boost recruitment and engagement. She spearheaded initiatives such as the "Nazareth Student Content Team," which elevated authentic student voices; led major campaigns, including Nazareth University’s Giving Day, and accepted student initiatives.

Rebecca holds a Master’s Degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys being cozy with her dogs, curating yoga playlists, and embracing creativity through art and poetry.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 37: Higher Ed in an Augmented Era: When AI Enhances Human Expertise

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

In this conversation, Brian talks with Eric Hollenbeck, Communications Manager for Research at Washington State University - Carson College of Business, to explore how generative AI is becoming a genuine partner in the creative and strategic process. Eric shares why he sees the future not as artificial intelligence but as augmented intelligence. He explains how tools like ChatGPT and Copilot help him analyze data, visualize insights, improve workflows, and communicate more persuasively with leadership and stakeholders. It’s a forward-looking conversation on how AI can elevate the work we do, not replace it.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:02] How to use AI to overcome creative blocks
[14:31] What industry leaders expect from AI-ready graduates
[20:57] Why you should treat AI like you’re supervising an intern

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode Prompt:

You are an expert strategic advisor and content creator.

I'm experiencing a creative block and need help working through it systematically. Before we dive in, I want you to help me clearly identify what type of block I'm facing so we can address it appropriately.

**My Project Context:**

- Type of content: [News story, marketing campaign, PR strategy, presentation, etc.]

- Target audience: [Who will consume this]

- Primary goal: [What should this accomplish]

- Deadline pressure: [Timeline constraints]

- Stakes level: [Low-risk personal project vs. high-stakes publication]

**Where I Am:**

- What I've completed so far: [Any research, notes, drafts, outlines]

- What I know I want to say: [Core message or key points]

- Resources I have: [Data, interviews, research, examples]

**Where I'm Stuck:**

Describe in detail where your creative process has stalled. Be as specific as possible.

Based on my description, help me identify which type(s) of creative block I'm experiencing:

- Angle/approach block (I have information but can't find the right way in)

- Opening block (I can't figure out how to start)

- Structural block (I have pieces but can't organize them effectively)

- Illustration block (I can't find the right example, metaphor, or analogy)

- Transition block (I can't connect ideas smoothly)

- Conclusion block (I don't know how to end effectively)

- Voice/tone block (I can't find the right way to express this)

- Confidence block (I doubt whether my ideas are worth pursuing)

Once we identify the type(s), suggest 3-4 specific strategies for working through each one.

Guest Name: Research Communications Manager, Carson College of Business, Washington State University

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

Guest Bio: Eric Hollenbeck is the research communications manager for Washington State University’s Carson College of Business, where he leads strategic storytelling and media outreach for faculty research. He has more than 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, sales, and public relations across higher education, health care, and nonprofit sectors. At WSU, he works with faculty to share research insights on topics such as AI, marketing ethics, consumer behavior, and technology in business. He holds an MBA from Washington State University.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 36: AI, Content Marketing, and the New Rules of Search Discoverability

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 1 Jan 2026 20:19:52 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:23] Where AI excels in content marketing and where it falls short
[15:35] What to do about the collapse of organic traffic and the zero click problem
[22:11] How to repurpose content everywhere without burning out your team

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:

You are a channel research expert with a deep understanding of audience behavior.

I'm going to ask you to do research related to [Institution name and URL]

For each potentially relevant platform, conduct a detailed analysis:

**REDDIT:**

- Search for existing subreddits related to our institution

- Search for mentions in relevant subreddits (r/college, r/gradadmissions, program-specific subs)

- Analyze what questions get asked about institutions like ours

- Document sentiment and common themes

- Identify if we're being cited in LLM responses

Assessment:- Does this platform influence our target audience? (High/Medium/Low)

- Do we currently have a presence? (Yes/No/Unofficial)

- What would strategic presence require?

- What are risks of not having a presence?

**LINKEDIN:**

- Analyze what content about our institution performs well

- Review what competitors are publishing

- Assess if our target audience(s) are active here

- Evaluate if LinkedIn articles/newsletters could expand our reach

Assessment: [Same framework as Reddit]

**YOUTUBE:**

- Search for content about our institution and programs

- Analyze view counts and engagement on existing videos

- Research what video content performs well for competitors

- Identify gaps in video content about our offerings

Assessment: [Same framework]

**TIKTOK:**

- [If relevant to audience] Search for our institution and programs

- Analyze student-generated content

- Research competitors' presence and performance

- Assess cultural fit and resource requirements

Assessment: [Same framework]

**RANKING/DIRECTORY SITES:**

- Identify which sites cite us or competitors

- Document which appear in LLM responses

- Assess if we're listed/featured appropriately

- Determine if pay-to-play models are worth investment

Guest Name: Ross Simmonds

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

Guest Bio: Ross is the founder of Foundation, a B2B content marketing agency and the founder of Distribution.ai, an innovative software helping brands and creators spread their stories with ease. He's an Amazon best selling author of the book: Create Once Distribute forever and has worked with organizations all over the world ranging from some of the fastest-growing startups, well known higher education institutions and global Fortune 500 brands. Ross has been named one of the most influential marketers in the world by multiple marketing publications and firms like BuzzSumo, SEMRush, Moz and more. Ross has received the Harry Jerome Young Entrepreneur Award and has been named one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 35: AI Is the Medium, Not the Message: How to Stay Authentic in an AI World

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:39] Is AI a bubble or the next big shift?
[9:48] AI as the medium, not the message
[17:27] How personalization and agentic AI could impact higher ed

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

NotebookLM

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:

You are a strategic marketing expert with a deep understanding of higher education. I need to conduct a competitive content analysis to identify gaps in my institution's messaging and content. I want you to help me systematically compare multiple competitor pages against my own to discover what I'm missing or where I could strengthen my positioning.

**My Context:**

- Institution: [Your institution name and type]

- Content being analyzed: [Program page, admissions page, financial aid, etc.]

- My page URL: [Your URL]

- Target audience: [Who this content serves]

- Key goals for this content: [What should it accomplish]

**Competitor URLs to analyze:**

1. [Competitor 1 URL]

2. [Competitor 2 URL]

3. [Competitor 3 URL]

4. [Competitor 4 URL]

5. [Competitor 5 URL]

[Add up to 10 total]

Please visit each URL and analyze the content. Then provide:

1. **Common Themes**: What topics, benefits, or information appear on 3+ competitor pages but are missing or underrepresented on mine?

2. **Unique Differentiators**: What unique angles is each competitor taking that others aren't?

3. **Content Depth Comparison**: Where do competitors provide more comprehensive information than my page?

4. **Messaging Patterns**: What language, tone, or framing approaches are competitors using successfully?

5. **Missing Questions**: What prospective student questions do competitors answer that I don't address?

Guest Name: Stu Eddins, Chief Digital Strategy Officer, Stamats

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

Guest Bio: Stu leads a team of digital marketing and analytics professionals that provides strategic support to higher education clients striving to increase awareness and demand generation for their brands and their programs. He brings decades of digital marketing expertise, having led enterprise-level initiatives in advertising and SEO for industries such as healthcare, higher education, ecommerce, and manufacturing.

Certified in Google Ads, Analytics, and Tag Manager, Stu uses his background in sales, customer service, analytics, and marketing to plan and implement successful campaigns that address overarching strategic goals and outcomes with data-driven tactics.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 34: Guidelines Over Policies: Smarter AI Adoption in Higher Ed

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 4 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[5:58] Overcoming hesitation and building responsible AI frameworks
[11:17] The wake-up call: “If you’re not using it, your students are”
[16:20] AI and learning science: recall, retention, and real understanding

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:

This prompt framework comes directly from Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven Leader.

The acronym stands for:

Context: Provide all the specific background information about your unique situation, business, and goals (e.g., “I am the marketing director at an R1 research university that is trying to increase applications and enrollments.”

Role: Assign the AI a specific expert persona, such as "an expert higher education marketer with a deep understanding of the admissions funnel" or an "organizational psychologist".

Interview: Ask the AI to interview you with a set number of questions (e.g., "ask me one question at a time, up to three questions") to gain deeper context.

Task: This is the final step where you tell the AI what to accomplish after it has gathered all the necessary information from the interview, such as, “based on the previous campaigns and initiatives we’ve attempted, create a list of additional opportunities and options that may help us better reach our goals.”

Guest Name: Dr. Robert McDole, Director for the Center of Teaching and Learning at Cedarville University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-mcdole-509ba1113/

Guest Bio: Dr. Rob McDole is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Cedarville University, where he leads initiatives in faculty development, instructional innovation, and online education. Since assuming this role in 2016, he has overseen the design and delivery of workshops, consultation services, and technical support to promote excellence in pedagogy across the university.

Dr. McDole earned his PhD in Educational Leadership from Columbia International University, where he developed a strong foundation in academic leadership, instructional strategy, and the effective integration of technology in higher education. His academic background informs his work in supporting Cedarville’s mission of equipping faculty and students for excellence in teaching and learning.

A Cedarville alumnus (Class of 1998), Dr. McDole returned to his alma mater after serving as the Director of Online Education at Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon. There, he led the development and implementation of online programs, gaining extensive experience in distance learning and instructional design.

At Cedarville, he oversees a dynamic team at the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), providing services such as faculty consultation, course design support, multimedia production, and technology integration. His team plays a vital role in enhancing the university’s educational practices and helping faculty adapt to evolving instructional needs.

Dr. McDole is also the co-host of the Transform Your Teaching podcast, where he explores contemporary issues in education—from pedagogy and learning theory to emerging tools like artificial intelligence and their practical application in the classroom. His leadership encourages innovation while staying grounded in Cedarville’s Christ-centered academic mission.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 33: AI at the Core: What It Really Means to Be an AI-First Higher Ed Institution

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:32] Why content is no longer a differentiator in higher ed marketing
[1-:25] How to avoid the “better trap” by creating new systems instead of faster old ones
[17:38] The end of the knowledge worker and the rise of creative catalysts

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:

You are a content strategy expert.

I'm going to analyze my content performance data against our strategic priorities to identify gaps and misalignments. Conduct a comprehensive audit that reveals where we're missing opportunities.

Content Data to Analyze: [PASTE YOUR EXPORTED CONTENT DATA - social posts, blog titles, email subjects, etc.]

Platform: [SPECIFY: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Instagram, Blog, etc.]
Time period: [DATE RANGE]
Engagement metrics: [INCLUDE IF AVAILABLE]

Institutional Context:

Institution type: [PUBLIC/PRIVATE, SIZE, RESEARCH LEVEL]
Strategic priorities: [LIST YOUR TOP 3-5 INSTITUTIONAL GOALS]
Brand values: [CORE VALUES YOUR INSTITUTION PROMOTES]
Target audiences: [PRIMARY AUDIENCE SEGMENTS]
Desired reputation: [WHAT YOU WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR]

Analysis Requested:

Content Categorization
- Categorize all content by theme/topic
- Calculate the percentage of content in each category
- Identify dominant themes vs. neglected areas
Strategic Alignment Assessment
- Map content categories to our strategic priorities
- Calculate what % of content supports each priority and how much content doesn't support any current strategic priorities
- Identify priorities with minimal content support
Audience-Content Match
- Analyze if content themes match audience interests
- Identify content getting engagement from the wrong audiences
- Spot missed opportunities with existing followers
Gap Identification
- List strategic priorities with <20% content support
- Identify audiences we're not effectively reaching
- Highlight brand values not reflected in content
Actionable Recommendations
- Suggest specific content topics to increase
- Recommend content to reduce or eliminate
- Propose content calendar adjustments

Output Format: Provide results in a clear report format with:

Executive summary of key findings
Data visualized as percentages
Top 3 critical gaps to address immediately
90-day action plan for alignment

Focus on patterns and insights I might miss in manual review, but flag any categorizations that seem questionable for human verification.

Guest Name: Kyle Campbell, Founder, Managing Director, Education Marketer

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

Guest Bio: Kyle Campbell is a higher ed marketing consultant and the managing director of Education Marketer, an insights and consultancy firm for higher ed. Every week on a Tuesday, he publishes The Education Marketer Newsletter, an accessible (yet hard-hitting) overview of the state of the sector and what matters to education marketers. He brings over a decade of experience for university professionals looking to build and engage student audiences.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 32: Rethinking Web Traffic: How Conversational AI is Changing Student Search

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 6 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:45] What a dip in organic website traffic really means
[10:01] The real challenge: starting before it is perfect
[16:34] Why higher education’s culture of sharing is a superpower

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode Prompt:

Replace the items in brackets [] with the specifics for your institution. You may need to focus this prompt down to look for one strategy for one audience depending on the results you get.

You are an expert in higher education marketing and AI search discoverability.

Your task is to analyze how [institution name], [institution URL], appears in AI-generated search results.

Based on the following, generate a list of conversational searches that audiences might run to learn about the school that could be used to test the visibility in ChatGPT around strategic priorities for their target audience.

Strategic Priorities: [insert institution’s strategic priorities here or link to URL]
Mission Statement: [insert institution’s mission statement here or link to URL]
Primary Audiences: [insert institution’s key audiences for reaching strategic priorities]

Examples:
“Is [institution name] a good school for [priority program/field]?”
“What is [institution name] known for?”
“Best colleges for business in [state].”
“Student experience at [institution name].”
“How much does it cost to attend [institution name]?”

Run these conversational searches in ChatGPT.

For each, capture whether the institution appears in the AI-generated results.

Provide a narrative summary that answers:
Where and how does the institution appear across AI platforms?
What information (facts, claims, rankings, or highlights) do the AI results display?
What links, if any, are included (official site, third-party rankings, Wikipedia, etc.)?
How well does this representation align with the institution’s strategic priorities, mission, and key audiences?
What gaps or risks are present in the current AI search presence? (e.g., outdated info, missing strengths, unfavorable comparisons)

Output a single narrative summary, connecting the institution’s visibility back to its mission and strategic goals, and highlighting areas where content or visibility could be improved.

Guest Name: Megan Andrews, Digital Strategy Consultant at Squiz

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

Guest Bio: Megan Andrews is a seasoned digital consultant with deep expertise in content strategy, brand development, and user experience. In her role at Squiz, she partners with higher education institutions to modernize their digital presence and create student-centered experiences that drive engagement and outcomes. Her recent work emphasizes the use of AI-powered conversational search tools to help universities better understand user behavior and deliver more intuitive, impactful digital interactions. Previously, Megan worked in content and channel strategy at Stanford University, shaping communications for one of the world’s leading academic brands. With nearly two decades of experience across industries, she brings a unique ability to bridge storytelling, technology, and strategy to help organizations build stronger connections with their audiences.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 31: When AI Agents Become Teammates: The Future of Student Support

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:12] How Johnston saved 120,000 human minutes with automation
[12:36] Why AI is a teammate, not a replacement
[17:25] How higher ed jobs are evolving with AI, not disappearing

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Higher Ed Pulse, episode 77

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:

You are an expert writer.

I'm going to ask you to help me overcome writer's block that I'm experiencing with a piece of content I need to create. Instead of writing it for me, I want you to help me work through this creative obstacle as a collaborative partner.

**What I'm Working On:**

- Content type: [Email, blog post, social media, website copy, etc.]

- Target audience: [Who will read this]

- Main purpose/goal: [What I want to accomplish]

- Key message: [The core point I want to make]

- Approximate length: [How long this should be]

- Deadline pressure: [Timeline I'm working with]

**Where I'm Stuck:**

- What I've tried so far: [Any drafts, notes, or approaches attempted]

- Specific obstacle: [Can't find the right opening, don't know how to organize ideas, struggling with tone, etc.]

- What's making this challenging: [Complexity of topic, multiple audiences, sensitive subject matter, etc.]

Help me diagnose what's causing my block and suggest 3-4 specific strategies to move forward, but don't write the content for me.

Guest Name: Carrie Pitts-Densmore, M.S., APR, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing, Johnston Community College

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

Guest Bio: Carrie Pitts-Densmore serves as Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing at Johnston Community College, bringing more than 25 years of communications expertise to her role. She began her career as a television news journalist, earning a national award for a documentary on domestic violence and reporting major stories in Myrtle Beach, Buffalo, and Raleigh.

After leaving the newsroom, Carrie guided organizations in video production, media relations, and integrated marketing, while also excelling as an award-winning real estate agent—an experience that sharpened her skills in customer relations and emerging technologies. She is energized by the evolving intersection of technology and storytelling in higher education.

Carrie holds Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and a Master of Science in Communications from Purdue University. Beyond her professional life, she is mom to Archer and wife to Shawn. She enjoys yoga, watching documentaries, and exploring new ideas that blend communication, technology, and human connection.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 30: From Fear to Function: How to Embrace AI as a Coworker in Higher Ed

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 9 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[5:30] Where to start with change management and why tedious tasks matter
[14:35] AI in student success: virtual TAs and chatbots that improve grades
[19:51] The “avalanche” analogy and how to stay flexible in an era of disruption

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode Prompt:

You are a strategic advisor and critical thought partner.

I’m going to ask you to help me test a plan I'm developing. Your role is to challenge my thinking, identify blind spots, and push back on assumptions, not to validate or agree with me.

Before you create a response, ask any questions that will create a better output.

**My Initiative/Plan:**

[DESCRIBE YOUR STRATEGY, CAMPAIGN, OR INITIATIVE]

**Context & Background:**

- Institution type: [PUBLIC/PRIVATE, SIZE, LOCATION]

- Target audience: [WHO YOU'RE TRYING TO REACH]

- Primary goals: [WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO ACHIEVE]

- Timeline: [WHEN THIS NEEDS TO HAPPEN]

- Budget/Resources: [CONSTRAINTS YOU'RE WORKING WITHIN]

- Key stakeholders: [WHO NEEDS TO BUY IN OR BE INVOLVED]

**My Current Thinking:**

[OUTLINE YOUR PROPOSED APPROACH, STRATEGY, OR SOLUTION]

Now, please challenge this plan by addressing:

1. **Assumption Testing**: What assumptions am I making that might be wrong?

2. **Gap Analysis**: What important factors am I not considering?

3. **Risk Assessment**: What could go wrong that I haven't planned for?

4. **Stakeholder Blind Spots**: Whose perspectives might I be missing?

5. **Alternative Approaches**: What completely different strategies might work better?

Be direct and critical—I need honest analysis, not encouragement.

Guest Name: Mark Lee, Director of Web User Experience & Digital Strategy, Colorado College

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

Guest Bio: Mark Lee is a higher ed web technologist, digital builder and a lifelong learner who is currently obsessed with learning everything he can about AI and how it intersects with the future of the web and higher education.

He's worked in higher ed web since the early 2000s, starting as a full-stack developer and moving slowly over the years more towards user experience, though he still loves to write code.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 29: Building Amplify: Inside Vanderbilt’s Bold Experiment in AI Adoption

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[7:21] The biggest challenge for AI in higher ed: leadership buy-in
[10:18] How to build a curious, experiment-driven team
[18:52] Why today’s AI already offers 10 years of learning

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:

I have an important meeting coming up and need help preparing comprehensively. Here are the details:

**Meeting Details:**

- Date/Time: [WHEN]

- Attendees: [WHO - include roles/departments]

- Meeting Purpose: [PRIMARY OBJECTIVE]

- Meeting Type: [Budget planning, strategic planning, crisis response, project kickoff, etc.]

- Expected Duration: [TIME ALLOCATED]

**Background Context:**

- Previous relevant meetings or decisions: [BRIEF HISTORY]

- Current challenges we're facing: [KEY ISSUES]

- Organizational priorities this relates to: [STRATEGIC GOALS]

- Any tensions or concerns among attendees: [INTERPERSONAL DYNAMICS]

Please help me prepare by creating:

1. **Strategic Agenda** - Prioritized list of topics that maximizes our time

2. **Key Questions** - Critical questions I should ask to drive productive discussion

3. **Potential Obstacles** - Issues that might derail the meeting and how to handle them

4. **Decision Framework** - Structure for making decisions if we reach key choice points

5. **Success Metrics** - How to know if this meeting accomplished its purpose

Focus on making this meeting outcome-oriented rather than just informational.

Guest Name: Allen Karns, Chief AI and Technology Officer, Amplify Gen AI Innovation Center, Vanderbilt University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-karns-1888731/

Guest Bio: Allen Karns is an accomplished IT professional with 25 years of extensive experience guiding organizations through the ever-changing technology landscape of cloud architecture, generative AI, infrastructure, and system administration.

Currently, he serves as the Chief AI and Technology Officer for the Amplify Gen AI Innovation Center at Vanderbilt University leading Generative AI industry research and projects that drive process innovation as well as institutional applications of Amplify, the university's Open-Source Generative AI platform.

In this role, he collaborates across the university to leverage Generative AI for solving institutional challenges. Prior to this, Allen was the Technical Leader of the Cloud Engineering and Architecture team, responsible for architecting, deploying, and maintaining solutions in AWS and Azure.

His career has been marked by a strong focus on innovation, leadership, and customer satisfaction, boasting proficiency in cloud architecture and technologies, Infrastructure as Code, security frameworks, and cost optimization.

With multiple industry certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional and Azure Administrator, Allen is committed to mentoring teams and driving successful project outcomes.

Notable achievements include being named a Gartner Eye on Innovation finalist, recipient of Vanderbilt’s Pacesetter and multiple Kudos Awards for his contributions to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Passionate about the future of technology, Allen continues to seek opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking projects.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 28: Boring AI, Brilliant Results: How AI Can Make Great Systems Even Better

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[5:45] Why legacy systems are one of the biggest hurdles to AI integration
[10:33] “Boring AI” use cases that really work
[16:38] Trust, transparency, and responsibility in AI adoption

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode Prompt:
Episode prompt:

Initial Setup Prompt:

I need to work through a strategic decision/challenge and want to use you as a thought partner. Here's my situation:

**Challenge/Decision:** [DESCRIBE YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION OR DECISION]

**My Current Thinking:** [OUTLINE YOUR PROPOSED SOLUTION OR APPROACH]

**Context:**

- My role: [YOUR POSITION]

- Institution type: [E.G., PUBLIC UNIVERSITY, PRIVATE COLLEGE]

- Stakeholders involved: [LIST KEY GROUPS AFFECTED]

- Timeline: [WHEN DECISION NEEDS TO BE MADE]

- Resources available: [BUDGET, STAFF, TIME CONSTRAINTS]

I want you to act as a critical thought partner. Your job is to:

1. Challenge my assumptions and reasoning

2. Identify potential blind spots or risks I haven't considered

3. Suggest alternative approaches or solutions

4. Help me stress-test this idea before presenting it to stakeholders

Please be direct in your feedback - I need honest analysis, not validation.

Round 1: Devil's Advocate Analysis

Now I want you to play devil's advocate with my proposal. Assume you're a skeptical colleague who needs to be convinced this is a good idea.

Push back on my reasoning by addressing:

- What are the weakest points in my logic?

- What could go wrong with this approach?

- What am I not considering about implementation challenges?

- How might different stakeholders react negatively?

- What are the opportunity costs of pursuing this direction?

- Where might I be overestimating benefits or underestimating costs?

Be specific about potential problems and explain your reasoning.

Round 2: Alternative Solutions

Based on our discussion, now help me brainstorm alternative approaches to this challenge.

Consider:

- What would a completely different solution look like?

- How would someone with [SPECIFIC EXPERTISE - e.g., finance background, student affairs experience, technology focus] approach this differently?

- What if we had unlimited resources? What if we had severely limited resources?

- What are 2-3 entirely different ways to solve the underlying problem?

- What would the "do nothing" option look like and what are its implications?

Present these alternatives with brief pros/cons for each.

Round 3: Implementation Reality Check

Let's get practical about implementation. Assume my organization decides to move forward with [CHOSEN APPROACH].

Help me identify:

- What are the first 3 concrete steps we'd need to take?

- What resistance should I expect and from whom?

- What metrics should we use to measure success?

- What would "failure" look like and how would we know?

- What contingency plans should we have ready?

- How long should we expect this to take realistically?

- What skills or resources do we need that we might not have?

Be specific about potential roadblocks and mitigation strategies.

Cross-Model Analysis Prompt (for use with different AI models):

I've been working through a strategic decision with another AI model. Here's what I proposed and the feedback I received:

**My Original Proposal:** [RESTATE YOUR IDEA]

**Previous AI's Analysis:** [PASTE KEY FEEDBACK FROM OTHER MODEL]

Now I want your perspective:

1. Do you agree or disagree with the previous analysis? Why?

2. What did the other model miss or get wrong?

3. What additional considerations should I factor in?

4. How would you refine or modify the previous recommendations?

Feel free to challenge the other model's reasoning if you see flaws in its logic.

Final Synthesis Prompt:

I've now worked through this decision with multiple AI models and perspectives. Help me synthesize everything into a final recommendation.

Based on all our discussions, provide:

**Recommended Action:** What should I do and why?

**Key Success Factors:** What are the 3 most critical elements for success?

**Primary Risks:** What are the 2-3 biggest threats to watch for?

**Communication Strategy:** How should I present this to stakeholders?

**Decision Timeline:** What's the optimal sequence and timing for implementation?

**Metrics for Success:** How will we know if this is working?

Keep your final recommendation concise but actionable.

Guest Name: Michael Deperro, Senior Coordinator, Faculty Development and Professionalism

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-deperro/

Guest Bio: Michael DePerro designs and leads leadership development programs for faculty at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, where he's passionate about helping individuals and institutions think creatively, embrace change, and pursue bold ideas through innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. His approach combines practical leadership development with forward-thinking strategies that prepare academic leaders for an evolving landscape.

Michael launched the first AI Council for Administration at Ohio University's College of Business and co-founded AI Woodstock Cleveland, a grassroots initiative bringing together technologists, business leaders, and problem solvers to explore AI's potential. He now helps higher education leaders build AI literacy, focusing on responsible and ethical implementation that enhances human expertise. His work spans healthcare education, business administration, and institutional leadership, always with an eye toward practical applications that solve real problems and elevate the unique skills educators bring to their work.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 27: A Discoverability Mindset: Adapting to AI-Powered Search

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:29] How prospective students are searching for schools in the Age of AI
[10:09] Why not showing up in AI results can be a dealbreaker for certain demographics
[17:18] Tools and metrics that schools should start auditing in their AI strategy

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

State of College Search 2025 Report

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode Prompt:
First prompt - I prefer ChatGPT o3, Claude Opus 4.1, and Gemini 2.5 Pro for this prompt

You are a higher education and SEO expert.

I need to conduct an AI visibility audit for [INSTITUTION NAME and URL], a [TYPE OF INSTITUTION - e.g., public research university, private liberal arts college, community college] located in [LOCATION].

I want to evaluate the institution's visibility across the student search journey in three stages:

**Stage 1: Awareness/Discovery** - Broad searches when students are exploring options
**Stage 2: Shortlisting** - Specific program comparisons and evaluations
**Stage 3: Decision-Making** - Final checks on requirements, outcomes, and fit

For each stage, I'll provide you with search queries, and I want you to respond as if you were a prospective student searching for this information. Please provide detailed, specific answers and note which institutions you mention and in what order.

Let's start with Stage 1: Awareness/Discovery queries.
Stage 1: Awareness/Discovery Queries
Test these broad discovery searches:
"What are the best [FIELD/MAJOR] programs in [STATE/REGION]?"

"I'm looking for colleges with strong [FIELD] programs and good financial aid. What are my options?"

"Which universities have the best reputation for [SPECIFIC PROGRAM AREA] in [GEOGRAPHIC AREA]?"

"What colleges should I consider for [DEGREE TYPE] in [FIELD] if I want to work in [INDUSTRY/CAREER]?"

Second prompt (remove any of the questions if the answers were included in the first query):

Stage 2: Shortlisting Queries
Test these comparative searches:
"Compare [YOUR INSTITUTION] vs [COMPETITOR 1] vs [COMPETITOR 2] for [SPECIFIC PROGRAM]"

"What are the admission requirements for [SPECIFIC PROGRAM] at top universities in [REGION]?"

"Which [DEGREE TYPE] programs have the best job placement rates and starting salaries?"

"I have a [GPA] GPA and [TEST SCORES]. What [FIELD] programs am I likely to get into?"

Final prompt:

Stage 3: Decision-Making Queries
Test these specific evaluation searches:
"What is the total cost of attendance at [YOUR INSTITUTION] including room and board?"

"What are the specific admission requirements for [SPECIFIC PROGRAM] at [YOUR INSTITUTION]?"

"What career outcomes and job placement rates does [YOUR INSTITUTION] have for [PROGRAM] graduates?"

"What financial aid and scholarships are available at [YOUR INSTITUTION] for [STUDENT TYPE - e.g., out-of-state students, transfer students]?"

Based on the responses you've provided, help me analyze:

1. In which stage of the search journey does this institution have the strongest visibility?
2. What are the most significant gaps or weaknesses in our AI presence?
3. Which competitor institutions appear most frequently and prominently?
4. What specific information about our programs or requirements was inaccurate or missing?
5. What topics or program areas should we prioritize for improving our AI visibility?

Please provide specific, actionable recommendations for improving this institution's presence in AI search results.

Guest Name: Faton Sopa, Co-founder/CEO, Manaferra

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

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 26: Let AI Block the Wind: Why You Need a Wingman, Not an Intern

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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!).

Join us as we discuss:

[2:20] Why higher ed resists change and how to overcome it
[10:36Treating your favorite AI application like a “wingman” instead of just another tool
[23:03] Tips for starting with AI when leadership isn’t driving the charge

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Element451

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode Prompt:
You are an expert in higher education content strategy, SEO for the zero-click search era, and natural language rewriting.

Review the attached CSV files exported from Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Google Search Console (GSC), containing engagement, traffic, and query data for the university website, [provide URL].

Your task is to perform deep research and analysis, and deliver a strategy to optimize the program and admissions content for the realities of modern search, where nearly 60% of queries end in zero-clicks, and users increasingly consult AI tools for answers.

Follow these steps meticulously:

Step 1 — Analyze & Prioritize

From GA4 & GSC data, identify the most critical program and admissions pages based on traffic, engagement, and queries.
List the top 10–20 pages to prioritize for optimization.

Step 2 — Gap Analysis

Using the GSC query data, compare what students are asking for (queries) with the existing content of the top pages.
Identify gaps where student questions are not directly or clearly answered on the page.
Create a table with:
| Student Question | Existing Content Answer (if any) | Gap Description |

Step 3 — Rewrite for Students & AI

For each of the top pages, rewrite key sections of content:
- Use natural, conversational language students actually use, avoiding institutional jargon.
- Structure content clearly: with meaningful H2/H3 headings, bulleted lists where useful, and concise, direct answers to common questions.
- Optimize for featured snippets, AI scraping, and human readability.

Step 4 — Recommend New Content

If gaps cannot be addressed by revising existing pages, recommend entirely new page topics to fill unmet needs.
Provide suggested page titles & descriptions for these.

Step 5 — Metadata & Schema

For each optimized or recommended page, suggest:
- Meta title (under 60 characters, compelling and keyword-aligned)
- Meta description (under 160 characters, clear and enticing)
- Appropriate structured data/schema (e.g., FAQ Page, How-To, Article)

Output:

Table of top prioritized pages.
Gap analysis table as defined above.
Rewritten content snippets for each prioritized page (student-centered and AI-friendly).
List of recommended new pages with titles and brief descriptions.
Suggested meta titles and descriptions, and schema markup types for each page.

The goal: Make our content discoverable, accessible, and effective, whether consumed directly by students, displayed in featured snippets, indexed by AI models, or surfaced in zero-click results.

Be explicit, precise, and actionable. Perform deep research, beyond simple keyword matching — consider search intent, competitive content, and conversational tone.

Guest Name: Nicole Brini

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-brini-0675bb4/

Guest Bio: Nicole Brini serves as the Associate Director for International Reputation at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy, Europe’s largest non-state university. Since joining the university’s Global Engagement and International Education Department in 2008, Nicole has played a pivotal role in enhancing its global engagement and visibility. She currently oversees strategic projects, including international university rankings, storytelling and communication strategies, social media, and CRM operations, designed to attract and engage both international and domestic students. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and European Integration and a specializing Master’s in Marketing and Communication Management.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 25: Why Change Management Is the Real Challenge in Higher Ed’s AI Transformation

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[2:00] Letting innovators lead the charge in AI integration and change management
[12:00] Why schools need to let their teams play with AI as a sparring partner
[21:45] Kickstarting faculty conversations around building an AI strategy

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:

"You are a dual-domain expert: (1) a specialist in large language model (LLM) memory systems and (2) an experienced business strategist and planner.
Your task is to create a structured, comprehensive document in canvas view that can serve as a foundational dataset for training an LLM to understand and represent my [personal brand/business] from scratch.

Before writing the document, ask clarifying questions to gather any essential information you need.

Deliverables:

A detailed document containing all relevant, useful, and structured knowledge about my [personal brand/business].
Include aspects such as brand voice, values, origin story, services/products, target audience, tone, visuals, positioning, messaging, and strategic goals.
Organize this as if it were training data for onboarding a model unfamiliar with me or my brand.
Treat this as a backup archive that should be detailed, high-fidelity, and long-lasting.

Take your time to ensure accuracy and depth."

Guest Name: Tom Andriola, Vice Chancellor and Chief Digital Officer, UC Irvine

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

Guest Bio: Tom Andriola is UC Irvine’s Vice Chancellor and Chief Digital Officer. His role is designed to ensure the strategic use of data and technology, drive interdisciplinary partnerships, and champion digital strategies that expand UC Irvine’s role as a leading research university, healthcare provider & community partner. Some of his marquee programs under his offices have included the development of a curated AI-platform for innovation called ZotGPT, the institution's data-driven student success initiative called Compass, and the development of the big healthcare data platform for healthcare, which exists under UC Irvine's Institute for Precision Health.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 24: Ethical AI Adoption: How to Use the Tech Without Losing Your Soul

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 3 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[7:24] Why higher ed pros need to adopt a student mindset with AI
[13:55] Why AI agents won’t replace empathy, compassion, or context
[19:43] How to use AI to proactively engage prospects at just the right time

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:
You are a [target channel] growth expert.

I'm going to ask you to make recommendations for content that will perform well on my channel based on best practices and previous performance data.

Before you create the response, ask any questions that will help create a better output.

Here is information about my [business/brand]

[attach, link, or paste your business description and differentiator],

and my primary audience is [insert primary audience], and my business goals are [insert goals].

Based on the attached data from past high-performing and engaging content, please come up with 20 ideas for potentially high-performing content that will [trigger desired outcome] on [channel of choice]. Take your time.

Guest Name: Spenser Smith, Regional Director of Client Partnerships - Southeast US, QS Quacquarelli Symonds

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spenser-smith/

Guest Bio: Spenser Smith is the Regional Director of Client Partnerships for the Southeast US at QS and a Ph.D. candidate in Higher Education Administration. With a background in graduate admissions and a research focus on AI and CRM systems in student success, he bridges the gap between technology and access in higher education.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Live at Engage Summit 2025: Using AI in Crisis Communication: What Higher Ed Leaders Need to Know

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Tue, 1 Jul 2025 17:15:25 +0000

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.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Live at Engage Summit 2025: AI and the Academic Experience: Balancing Automation with Authentic Learning

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:14:37 +0000

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.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 23: Work Smarter Together: How AI Can Be Higher Ed’s Strongest Teammate

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[5:19] The biggest AI challenges facing higher ed
[13:04] Why it’s time to stop thinking of AI as “cheating”
[22:42] Innovative AI implementations in higher ed and beyond

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode Prompt:
You are an AI and prompting expert who deeply understands teaching and educating.

I will ask you to create a task to help me learn new AI skills every morning.

Each day, based on what you know of me, personally and professionally [or provide information about your role and goals], please create a task, prompt, or assignment that you want me to complete to learn a new feature, function, or capability of generative AI.

I want to use various models of ChatGPT but also other LLMs like Claude, Notebook LM, Gemini, and more. Do not repeat the same model on subsequent days. [include tools you have access to or specify particular versions or models, free, premium, etc.]

Once I perform the task, please help me improve my work so that I understand the complexities and how to get the most out of the technology.

Before we begin and before I start each assignment, I want you to ask me any relevant questions to improve the output and the learning.

Guest Name: Erin Callihan, J.D., M.S., Assistant Vice President, Strategic Marketing & Campaign Communications, NYU

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

Guest Bio: An award-winning higher education marketing and communications leader, Erin Callihan leverages emerging technologies to drive engagement, storytelling, and fundraising success. As Assistant Vice President, Strategic Marketing & Campaign Communications at New York University, she oversees strategic marketing, development and campaign communications, and crisis response, shaping initiatives to connect and engage NYU’s 700,000+ alumni and donors across 183 countries.

Well-versed in GenAI strategy, Erin has built custom AI tools, developed GenAI training programs, and guided teams in leveraging AI to boost productivity, originality, and impact. A firm believer in AI’s transformative power in higher ed, she is passionate about helping digital professionals reclaim their time and unlock creativity with practical GenAI tools and strategies.

Her career spans key leadership roles across higher ed admissions, student life, alumni relations, development, and digital experience, including spearheading NYU Abu Dhabi’s groundbreaking digital recruitment strategy—one of the most successful in higher education. Twice tasked with creating a new office to improve the student experience, she founded NYU’s nationally recognized Office of Interactive Media in 2012, which launched HashtagNYU—a social media brand that shared the NYU story with 60,000 students across six continents. In 2018, she established the Office of Student UX, Technology, and Engagement to further enhance student digital experiences and engagement.

Her expertise in UX, technology-driven engagement, data-informed strategies, and multi-platform storytelling has earned her 5 CASE and 5 NASPA Excellence Awards, as well as AMA's Higher Education Marketer of the Year Award and HighEdWeb's (now Digital Collegium) coveted Red Stapler Award. In addition to her work in higher education, Erin is a skilled photographer whose portfolio includes global icons such as President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Roger Federer, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Jay-Z, and Alec Baldwin. She holds a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School, an M.S. in digital imaging and 3D design from NYU, and a B.A. in journalism and liberal studies from Pace University. She also holds multiple AI-related certifications, from institutions such as Harvard, NYU, UNESCO, and Berkeley Law.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 22: Start Small, Think Big: A Practical Path to AI in Higher Ed

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 5 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[4:45] How to prep data and protect privacy with AI tools
[14:20] Where to begin: a pen, a whiteboard, and one good use case
[20:17] Building allies and managing up to grow support

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Ariadna Jacob Instagram

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:

You are a higher education SEO and content strategy expert. Analyze the content structure, discoverability, and strategic alignment of [insert university name]’s website (main domain: [URL]).

Using publicly available data (such as sitemap structure, indexed pages, site hierarchy, and top-ranking content), and attached data [from Google Analytics, Search Console, SEMrush, etc.], generate a comprehensive content audit with these goals:

Part 1: Content Performance Overview

Identify the top-performing content by search traffic, backlinks, and engagement signals (estimated from titles and visible ranking pages).

Highlight the most linked-to and most shared pages across academic, research, student life, and admissions sections.

Note outdated or underperforming pages that likely have high strategic value (e.g., program pages with low visibility).

Part 2: Content Gap Identification

Compare existing content to user search intent around key themes: [enter your priority themes, maybe: undergraduate and graduate program discovery, faculty expertise and research output, career outcomes and ROI, etc.]

Identify content gaps using People Also Ask, related search queries, and competitor comparisons (e.g., other peer institutions).

Part 3: Strategic Priority Mapping

Map current content to these strategic goals:

[specific goals or link to goals on your site]

Identify missing or underrepresented content that could support those goals.

Part 4: Quick Wins and Long-Term Opportunities

Suggest at least five quick wins (e.g., meta updates, content reorganization, high-impact internal links).

List 5–10 long-term opportunities for pillar content, multimedia storytelling, or SEO-driven campaigns that align with institutional priorities and target the following audiences [enter your key audiences].

Recommend tools, data sources, and AI workflows that could automate and scale future audits for internal teams.

Guest Name: Isaac Williams, Director of Multimedia and Digital Strategy, Daemen University

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

Guest Bio: Isaac is a self-motivated, results-driven marketing director with over a decade of experience leading integrated marketing campaigns and digital strategies. As the Director of Multimedia and Digital Strategy at Daemen University, he directs a team of communications professionals to develop and execute data-driven marketing initiatives that enhance brand visibility, drive engagement, and improve conversion rates.

With expertise in digital advertising, web analytics, and AI-driven reporting, Isaac oversees strategic campaigns across platforms like Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. He leverages AI tools, including ChatGPT, to automate analytics reporting, transforming raw student data into actionable insights that inform advertising spend, optimize recruitment efforts, and measure the impact of marketing strategies on website traffic and event attendance.

Isaac is skilled in cultivating partnerships with external media outlets, negotiating contracts for TV, streaming, radio, and print advertising to maximize brand exposure. He is also responsible for budget allocation, campaign performance tracking, and delivering detailed reports that guide data-driven decision-making.

With a passion for innovation in marketing analytics, Isaac is dedicated to helping higher education institutions harness AI to improve efficiency, enhance outreach, and drive measurable results. His expertise in AI-assisted analytics and digital strategy makes him a valuable resource for professionals looking to leverage emerging technologies in marketing and communications.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 21: AI Adoption on Campus: Ethics, Efficiency, and Empowerment

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 22 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[3:01] How to scale outreach without sacrificing authenticity
[13:28] Why AI adoption feels so daunting
[19:27] Steps you can take to get started with AI adoption

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Allison’s four-part series on what AI can do for you during yield season
The Application podcast
Halda
AllisonTurcio.com

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:
You are an expert conference attendee, presenter, and networker.

I'll be asking you to help select sessions at an event and provide recommendations on who I should connect with.

My role and interests are [provide your job description, title, interests, etc.]

I'm attending [event name and, ideally, URL] and need help selecting the most valuable sessions and identifying key speakers to connect with.

[If the following information isn't online, provide it here, otherwise, point to the URL]

Here's information about the conference: - Conference theme: [theme] - Conference audience: [general description of the potential attendees] - My current priorities: [list 2-3 key priorities for yourself or your business] - My personal learning goals for this conference: [list 2-3 goals]

[If the schedule isn't online, provide it here, otherwise, point to the URL]

Below is the conference agenda with sessions and speakers: [paste conference agenda/schedule with session titles, descriptions, and speaker information]

Create recommendations on a schedule of sessions for me at the event.

Identify 3-5 key speakers I should try to connect with based on my priorities and my professional interests.

For each recommended speaker, suggest 2-3 thoughtful conversation starter questions that go beyond basic introductions and demonstrate familiarity with their work.

Suggest any potential scheduling conflicts I should be aware of and alternative sessions if I can't attend all your recommendations.

Recommend specific networking opportunities (receptions, breaks, etc.) that would be particularly valuable for connecting with the speakers you've identified.

Guest Name: Allison Turcio, Ed.D., Assistant VP for Enrollment and Marketing, Siena College

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

Guest Bio: Allison Turcio, Ed.D., is marketing professor, consultant, host of The Application Podcast, and publisher of the Higher Education Marketer's Digest.

Allison frequently presents at industry conferences and serves on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Education Advancement & Marketing. She has led her team to win several accolades, including AMA's 2023 Emerging Marketer in Higher Education Award. Allison has been selected for Albany Business Review’s 40 Under 40 and Siena’s Excellence in Administration award. She holds a doctorate degree in higher education leadership from Northeastern University, a master’s in communications and bachelor’s in English.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 20: Thoughtful AI Integration: Where It Fits and Where It Doesn’t

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 8 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

[8:00] How to combine human and AI analysis for deeper insight
[13:54] Organizational challenges — silos, coordination, and emotional comfort
[20:50] How to let AI handle the average so humans can focus on the exceptional

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:
You are an expert in [language] localization for higher education marketing. I'm going to be asking you to translate content from English to [language].

Translate the following [type of copy - landing page copy, social media copy, etc.] for [target audience - prospective students, current faculty, knowledge seekers, etc.] in [target location - country, region, etc.]:

- Use [define the tone - warm, professional, etc.] tone.

- Adapt phrases and idioms to fit [culture or location].

- Ensure culturally appropriate references.

- Optimize for keywords related to [strategic keywords in quotes - "study abroad," "American universities," etc.].

- Output in [target format - text for social post, HTML format for web integration, etc.].

Here is the content:

"""

[copy/paste content here or attach to prompt]

"""

Guest Name: Joyce Peralta, Manager of Digital Communications, McGill University

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

Guest Bio: Joyce Peralta has been building websites and digital communities for over 20 years. Her experience includes strategic positions on communications and marketing, and information technology teams at the University of Victoria, Western University, and Kings University College.

Joyce is currently the Manager of Digital Communications at McGill University, in Montreal, Canada. In this role, she initiates and leads strategic projects aimed at affecting institution-wide change in areas related to digital governance, awareness of strategic goals, adherence to related best practices, and community growth.

Joyce is an award-winning speaker who has presented at DrupalCon, ContentEd, Digital Collegium (formerly HighEdWeb), SEMM Forum, Utterly Content, and #PSEWeb. She's also held leadership positions in various professional associations including, Digital Collegium, #PSEWeb, and the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE).

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 19: AI-Powered Ambassadors: Scaling Student Engagement with Campus Threads

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

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.

Join us as we discuss:

Why transparency is key when using AI
How AI can help you scale your ambassador program
An easy action step you can take to communicate across departments

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:

You are an expert builder of custom GPTs with a deep understanding of editorial style guides.

Create a system prompt for a custom GPT to act as a style guide for [institution name and URL], that conforms to the institutional style guide: [upload the document or link to your online style guide if available],

the brand identity: [upload or link to your online brand guidelines or any other resources that might be available].

The custom GPT should put content into canvas mode and make changes to the attached or pasted content. When the changes are made, create a list of what was changed and why. After the content is generated, if the user asks for highlights, highlight the changes within the document and reference the specific resource that indicates why the change was needed.

Guest Names:
Mus Ismail
Kathryn Thomas

Guest Socials:
Mus - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mismail27/
Kathryn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-thomas-1511950/

Guest Bios:
Mus - Mus is a Canadian software engineer with over a decade of programming experience. He’s worked on integrating AI systems at companies such as Samsung Research and Meta, and is now building CampusThreads - a one-stop shop for managing and connecting school ambassadors to prospective students using AI. Mus is passionate about making the feeling of belonging more accessible to more students. In his free time, Mus is probably jamming on his saxophone, or playing a game of pick-up basketball.

Kathryn - Kathryn is a Canadian higher education professional with over a decade of experience working in admissions and recruitment. Some of her previous roles include: Manager of National Recruitment, and Coordinator of Special Projects: EDI Admissions - both at Western University. Kathryn enjoys working within the complexities of recruitment and admissions processes, ensuring that both prospective students and administrators can access the information they need. Kathryn is currently working with CampusThreads as an advisor; mentoring the team to hone the software into a cohesive ambassador management solution.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 18: AI for Student Engagement: A Higher Ed Success Story

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Brian sits down with Michelle Tarby, Senior Director of Digital Engagement at Le Moyne College, to talk about how AI is transforming student engagement and content strategy. From using AI-driven personas to tailoring student communications, Michelle discusses the practical applications of AI that are making an impact in higher ed. She also explores the common challenges institutions face when implementing AI and how to ensure these tools provide real value and help solve real problems.

Join us as we discuss:

[1:36] Using AI tools to summarize content and boost student engagement
[12:14] Shifting mindset from a place of comparison to one of admiration
[16:59] Verifying outputs and filtering out tools that overpromise

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Digital Collegium

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Link to JobsGPT (version 2):
https://chatgpt.com/g/g-wg93fVwAj-jobsgpt-by-smarterx-ai/

Episode prompt:
You are an expert career planner and futurist.

I’ll be asking you to help me plan my career path based on my current role and my ideal future role.

Based on my current job title, [enter your job title and, ideally, paste in your job description] and my ideal future job, [paste in ideal future job title and description, either from JobsGPT or based on your own career plans], provide a list of skills and experiences that would help me become most qualified for this role.

Take your time.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 17: AI-Powered Email: Smarter Strategies for Higher Ed Marketing

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Host Brian Piper sits down with Dayana Kibilds, VP of Strategy at Ologie, to explore AI’s growing role in email marketing campaigns. Dayana shares why AI was a driving force behind her book, Mailed It, and how institutions can use AI effectively — without sacrificing strategy or authenticity. She also discusses the challenges of training AI models, the evolution of custom GPTs, and the persistent stigma around AI in higher ed.

Join us as we discuss:

[6:10] Training custom GPTs and how they can help you refine emails
[16:47] Personal use cases and the lingering stigma around AI tools
[25:14] Advice to institutions dragging their feet on AI implementation

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:

You are an expert email marketing copywriter and strategist. Your goal is to create highly effective and personalized email subject lines that resonate with customers and increase open rates.

Based on the data provided on previous subject lines and open rates, generate 3-5 compelling subject line options for the email below. These should be engaging, relevant to the customer, [describe your ideal customer here], and optimized for high open rates.

Create 3-5 subject lines for testing, please. Take your time.

Guest Name: Dayana Kibilds, VP of Strategy at Ologie

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

Guest Bio: Day is vice president of strategy at Ologie, the marketing and branding agency for education. For over a decade, Day has been leading innovative marketing work with universities worldwide, pushing institutions to use their communications as tools for equity and access. She is an international keynote speaker on enrollment marketing, email strategy, productivity, and stakeholder management. Day hosts Enrollify's Talking Tactics podcast, and co-authored Mailed It!: A Guide to Crafting Emails that Build Relationships and Get Results.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 16: Imagining the Future of Higher Education with Andrew Maynard

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Brian Piper sits down with Andrew Maynard, a leading expert on AI and its implications for higher education. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI, the existential challenges it poses for universities, and how institutions can embrace AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. From AI-driven research advancements to the shifting role of educators, this conversation explores what the future of learning might look like in an AI-powered world.

Episode prompt:

Create a table with columns [insert column names (identifiers like, text, email, id, date, etc)] and [number] rows.

Guest Name: Andrew Maynard, Director of the Arizona State University Future of Being Human initiative and professor in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University

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

Guest Bio: Andrew Maynard is Director of the Arizona State University Future of Being Human initiative and is a professor in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society.

His research focuses on successfully navigating transitions at the nexus of emerging technologies, society, and the future — including the intersection of AI and education.

He is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a member of the Research Council of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), and he currently serves on the selection committee for the World Economic Forum annual list of top ten emerging technologies.

As well as publishing in the academic press, Andrew writes for a number of platforms, including the Substack The Future of Being Human.

He is also the author of the books Future Rising: A Journey from the Past to the Edge of Tomorrow, and Films from the Future: The Technology and Morality of Sci-Fi Movies, and co-host of the podcast Modem Futura.

Andrew has a BSc in physics from the Birmingham University, UK, and a PhD in physics from Cambridge University, UK.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 15: AI as Your Content Co-Creator with Tracy Playle

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Host Brian chats with Tracy Playle, founder of Pickle Jar and the Content Ed community, about the role of AI in content strategy for higher education. Tracy shares how her team at Pickle Jar is using AI to enhance audience research, content co-creation, and administrative workflows. She also explores the biggest challenges institutions face when integrating AI and offers actionable advice on how schools can start experimenting with these tools. Whether you're a skeptic or an enthusiast, this episode provides a practical and thought-provoking look at AI’s impact on content and marketing in higher ed.

While AI continues to improve, Tracy believes that its real impact will come from how institutions use it, not just how powerful the technology becomes. The key will be rethinking workflows, fostering AI literacy, and integrating AI into strategic priorities rather than treating it as a quick-fix tool.

Episode prompt:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mikekaput\_you-can-use-ai-to-level-up-your-speaking-activity-7288952513226031104--ST5

https://aistudio.google.com/

You are an expert public speaking coach specializing in delivery techniques. Your role is to provide detailed feedback on the delivery of a presentation, focusing on aspects such as intonation, tone, talking speed, cadence, clarity, body language (if visible), and audience engagement. You provide constructive criticism and actionable advice while highlighting strengths.

I will provide you with a video or audio recording of my presentation. Your task is to analyze my delivery and provide expert feedback. Focus on the following elements:

Intonation and expressiveness: Does my tone engage the audience?

Cadence and talking speed: Is my pacing too fast, too slow, or just right?

Clarity and articulation: Are my words easy to understand?

Audience engagement: Does my delivery hold attention effectively?

Professionalism: Do I come across as confident and credible?

Your Response Should Include:

Strengths: Highlight specific moments where my delivery shines and explain why they work well.

Areas for Improvement: Point out specific moments or patterns that could use improvement. Provide actionable techniques or exercises to address these areas (e.g., breathing techniques, pacing drills).

Overall Grade: Give a grade on a scale of 1–10 for my delivery, along with a brief explanation for the score.

General Tips: Summarize a few tips or exercises to enhance my overall delivery.

Example Format:

Strengths: "Your intonation is excellent; it varied naturally and kept the audience engaged. For example, at 1:45, your tone became more dynamic as you introduced an important point, which emphasized its significance."

Areas for Improvement: "Your speaking speed is slightly too fast between 2:00–3:00, which made it harder to follow. Try practicing deliberate pauses at the end of each sentence to improve pacing."

Grade: 8/10.

Tips: "Record yourself practicing with intentional pauses. Work on controlling your tone by practicing modulation exercises like reading aloud dramatically."

Key Notes:

Take your time and provide detailed, step-by-step feedback for each element of my delivery.

If anything is unclear in the video or audio, let me know, and I'll clarify or provide more context.

When you deliver the feedback, ensure it is constructive, specific, and actionable.

Key Takeaways

AI enhances content strategy – AI can help process audience research, identify trends, and develop content architectures.
Co-creation, not replacement – AI is best used as a collaborator, accelerating brainstorming and ideation rather than replacing human creativity.
Overcoming barriers to AI adoption – The biggest challenges in higher ed include lack of time, slow policy development, and messy data.
Change management is key – AI adoption requires leadership buy-in and a shift in mindset toward workflow transformation.
Start small and iterate – Institutions new to AI should begin with low-risk tasks like reformatting documents or summarizing meeting notes before scaling up.
Structured content is essential – AI-driven personalization requires highly structured content and robust taxonomy frameworks.
AI literacy is a must – Institutions should invest in training and hiring for AI proficiency to fully leverage its potential.

How Pickle Jar Uses AI to Enhance Higher Ed Content Strategy AI in Audience Research and Content Strategy

Tracy’s team at Pickle Jar heavily relies on AI for audience research—one of the most critical components of content strategy. AI tools help process vast amounts of data, from survey responses to interview transcripts, identifying key themes and trends more efficiently than manual analysis.

One of the biggest advantages AI provides is the ability to generate audience personas and "motivational tribes." By analyzing patterns in student and stakeholder behaviors, AI helps marketers design content architectures that better align with user needs. This ensures that institutions are delivering the right messages to the right people at the right time.

For higher ed marketers, AI offers an opportunity to shift from intuition-based decisions to data-driven strategies. Institutions that integrate AI into their research processes will be better equipped to create content that resonates with prospective students and stakeholders.

The Power of AI in Content Co-Creation

Tracy describes her use of AI as a “second shower” for creativity—meaning it accelerates the ideation process much like those moments of inspiration that happen in the shower. Instead of waiting for the perfect idea to strike, AI tools can quickly generate options that Tracy and her team can refine.

Rather than relying on AI to write content from scratch, she uses it as a collaborator. For example, when working on brand messaging for a client, Tracy briefed ChatGPT to generate multiple versions of the same message with different tones—bold, moderate, and subtle. This kind of AI-assisted content iteration speeds up the creative process and provides fresh perspectives.

AI can also enhance storytelling. Tracy frequently uses it to find compelling anecdotes and case studies to strengthen her presentations and talks. This allows her to focus on crafting a narrative rather than spending hours searching for the perfect example.

Overcoming AI Adoption Challenges in Higher Ed

Despite AI’s potential, higher education institutions often struggle with adoption. Tracy identifies three major barriers:

Time and Space to Experiment – Staff are overwhelmed with growing workloads and shrinking resources, making it difficult to carve out time to explore AI tools. Ironically, AI could be the solution to these productivity challenges, but institutions need to invest time upfront to see the long-term benefits.
Slow Policy Development – Universities tend to wait for formal policies before implementing AI. Tracy argues that this cautious approach stifles innovation. Instead, institutions should encourage hands-on experimentation to inform policy development, rather than delaying progress.
Data Quality Issues – Higher ed has a wealth of data, but much of it is unstructured or outdated. AI works best with clean, well-organized data. Institutions must improve their data governance practices to fully capitalize on AI’s capabilities.

Tracy also emphasizes the importance of educating senior leadership on AI’s potential and limitations. Many university leaders have unrealistic expectations about what AI can do, assuming that it can instantly create highly personalized content experiences. However, without structured content, robust taxonomies, and audience insights, AI-driven personalization simply isn’t possible.

How Institutions Can Get Started with AI

For universities looking to integrate AI into their workflows, Tracy recommends starting small and focusing on six key task areas:

Repetitive Tasks – Automate administrative work like formatting documents or summarizing meeting notes.
Boring Tasks – Use AI for routine work that human employees find tedious, freeing them up for more strategic efforts.
24/7 Availability – Implement AI chatbots to provide instant responses to FAQs for students and prospective applicants.
Easily Trainable Tasks – Identify tasks that AI can be trained to handle quickly and efficiently.
Low-Risk Activities – Begin with AI applications where errors won’t have significant negative consequences.
Complex Data Analysis – Leverage AI to analyze large datasets and uncover insights that human analysts might miss.

By identifying opportunities within these areas, institutions can ease into AI adoption without feeling overwhelmed.

The Future of AI in Higher Education

Looking ahead, Tracy predicts that AI in higher education will evolve in three major ways:

More Advanced Multimedia Capabilities – AI-driven video editing and voice synthesis will enhance content creation and accessibility, including seamless language translation for international students.
Specialized AI Applications – Instead of generic AI models, institutions will see more AI tools tailored for specific higher ed functions like SEO optimization, student engagement, and course design.
Agentic AI Growth – AI will shift from being a passive tool to an active assistant, capable of performing complex tasks and making decisions within defined parameters.

Guest Name: Tracy Playle, CEO and Chief Content Officer, PickleJar Communications

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

Guest Bio: Tracy is CEO and Chief Content Strategist at Pickle Jar Communications. She is also a public speaker and coach.

Since founding Pickle Jar Communications she has worked with over 300 education institutions around the world to help them advance their approach to content strategy, content design and content marketing.

The best version of Tracy comes out to play when she’s running workshops, training sessions, coaching individuals and teams or delivering presentations and conference keynotes. She dedicates herself to develop others to become powerful content professionals.

Before founding Pickle Jar Communications in 2007, Tracy worked in-house at the University of Warwick, latterly as Head of Research-TV. She chose to become a consultant so that she could have an impact across the education sector, not just within a single institution, and to have greater breadth and variety in her work.

She is also the founder of ContentEd and Utterly Content. And she is the author of "The Connected Campus: Creating a content strategy to drive engagement with your university" (2020).

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 14: Leading with AI: A Conversation with Dave Hunt

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Host Brian Piper sits down with Dave Hunt, Executive Creative Director of Strategic Enrollment Management at Old Dominion University (ODU), to explore how AI is revolutionizing marketing, admissions, and advising. From AI-powered project management tools to the creation of custom GPTs, Dave shares how his team is integrating AI into daily workflows, saving time, and enhancing efficiency. They also discuss AI adoption trends in higher education, challenges institutions face, and what the future holds for AI-driven marketing and operations.

Episode prompt:

You are a higher education social media expert.

I’m going to ask you to come up with post ideas for the month for [insert platform of choice here] targeting [insert target audience here]. Generate at least 20 post ideas for the month. Make them timely, valuable, and relevant to our target audience.

Use the attached brand guidelines [or provide an online link], important dates and events, personas, key messages, and strategic priorities [use whatever examples, information, and resources you have that are relevant]. Look at the existing posts at [insert your social channel page URL] to better understand our brand voice for the channel.

Generate the posts, please. Take your time.

Key Takeaways

AI is already deeply embedded in marketing workflows – From design tools like Adobe Creative Suite to AI-powered project management in monday.com, automation is streamlining repetitive tasks.
Custom GPTs are a game-changer for enrollment marketing – ODU’s brand-specific AI assistant helps with content creation, strategic planning, and even leadership tasks like performance management.
Higher education is still in the early stages of AI adoption – While some institutions embrace AI, many face challenges due to procurement policies, IT concerns, and change resistance.
AI can enhance—not replace—human roles – By automating routine tasks, AI frees up time for more strategic and human-centered work, such as personalization in student engagement.
The future of AI in higher ed includes AI agents and deeper integration – AI-powered assistants could soon help manage workflows, track strategic goals, and provide real-time insights.

How ODU is Integrating AI in Marketing and Enrollment

AI-Powered Tools Are Enhancing Efficiency

At ODU, Dave Hunt and his team are leveraging AI to automate time-consuming tasks across marketing, admissions, and advising. AI-powered design tools like Photoshop and Canva are eliminating hours of manual work by enabling quick background removal and content generation. Similarly, AI features in monday.com help streamline project management by automating task creation for large-scale initiatives.

The adoption of AI isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about freeing up time for more strategic work. As Dave points out, tools like generative AI allow designers and marketers to shift their focus from production work to more creative and high-impact projects. This shift is essential in an era where personalization and responsiveness are key to engaging students.

The Rise of Custom GPTs for Enrollment Marketing

One of the most impactful AI innovations at ODU has been the development of a brand-specific GPT. By integrating ODU’s brand voice, messaging, and strategic priorities, this AI-powered assistant helps with everything from ad copy creation to leadership tasks like planning team retreats and setting performance goals.

Dave explains that this custom GPT acts as a thought partner, offering insights and recommendations that align with ODU’s mission. Whether it’s brainstorming personalized marketing campaigns or structuring professional development plans, AI ensures that marketing efforts remain consistent and strategic.

AI Adoption in Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities

While AI adoption is growing in higher ed, it’s not without challenges. Many institutions struggle with procurement hurdles, IT security concerns, and skepticism from staff who are hesitant to change long-standing workflows. However, Dave emphasizes that the key to successful AI integration is demonstrating its immediate value—starting with simple tools that save time and reduce manual work.

At conferences, Dave and his peers have observed a wide spectrum of AI adoption levels. While some institutions are actively using AI for advanced marketing strategies, others are still in the early exploration phase. He predicts that AI-powered assistants and automation tools will soon become a standard part of the higher ed marketing tech stack, helping institutions personalize outreach and scale their engagement efforts.

The Future of AI in Higher Ed Marketing

Looking ahead, Dave sees AI evolving in several key ways:

AI Agents Will Become More Powerful – With advancements in AI, institutions will likely see more AI-powered virtual assistants managing workflows, analyzing data, and providing actionable insights.
More Seamless Integration Across Platforms – AI will become a built-in feature across marketing, admissions, and advising platforms, further streamlining processes.
Greater Focus on Strategic and Creative Work – As AI handles routine tasks, marketers will have more time to focus on storytelling, relationship-building, and high-level strategy.

For those just starting to explore AI in higher ed marketing, Dave’s advice is simple: start small, focus on time-saving tools, and remain open to experimentation.

Guest Name: Dave Hunt, Executive Creative Director, Old Dominion University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-hunt-a343048/

Guest Bio: Dave Hunt is a creative strategist with deep expertise in branding, design, writing, editing, marketing plan development, audio/video, print production, art direction and project management. He is currently the executive creative director for Old Dominion University’s Division of Digital Transformation and Technology. In his role, he oversees a team responsible for the creative expression of the ODUGlobal brand, as well as graphic design, content strategy, social media and digital marketing in support of student recruitment. Prior to his current role, he was the director of strategic digital marketing for Miami Online at Miami University, graphic design manager and art director for the Wake Forest School of Business, and director of communications for the Virginia Tech Alumni Association. A first-generation college graduate, Dave holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 13: Putting Students First with Devin Purgason

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Brian Piper sits down with Devin Purgason from Forsyth Tech to explore how the community college is strategically integrating AI to enhance student engagement, boost enrollment, and deliver better outcomes. Devin shares the innovative ways Forsyth Tech is leveraging tools like AI chatbots, automated workflows, and Microsoft Co-Pilot to create efficiencies while maintaining the human connection that drives student success. This conversation also tackles concerns like AI hallucinations, resource allocation, and how to balance automation with personal interaction to make a meaningful impact in higher education.

Episode prompt:

Using Claude.ai: Create an app for me that takes the attached spreadsheet and does X‍

Key Takeaways

AI Can Enhance, Not Replace, Human Interactions
Forsyth Tech uses AI to automate routine processes, freeing up staff to focus on more complex, human-centered student needs—ultimately increasing trust and connection.
The Impact of AI Chatbots in Enrollment
By integrating an AI chatbot, Forsyth Tech decreased call volume by 30%, increased call length by a minute (indicating deeper conversations), and saw a 10% rise in enrollment within six months.
Human Oversight is Key to Managing AI
Forsyth Tech's success hinges on having a dedicated team member who constantly updates the AI knowledge base and monitors chat interactions to prevent errors.
Start Small, Scale Strategically
Institutions new to AI should begin with small pilot projects to measure impact and refine processes before scaling larger initiatives.
AI's Role in Personalization and Automation
AI tools are helping Forsyth Tech create tailored messaging, workflows, and content for prospective students, streamlining operations without losing the personal touch.

How Forsyth Tech is Using AI to Meet Student Needs
Forsyth Tech's integration of AI began in 2023 with the formation of an AI task force—a forward-thinking move for a community college. One of their most successful implementations has been an AI chatbot powered by generative AI and large language models (LLMs). The chatbot, customizable to the institution’s specific needs, provides students with real-time answers to questions like office hours or deadlines. This frees up staff to tackle more complicated issues, like FAFSA support, ensuring that high-need students get the attention they deserve.

Beyond chatbots, AI has been incorporated into enrollment workflows using their CRM system. Prospective students are guided through personalized journeys based on their behavior and responses. For example, if a student completes an inquiry form, they receive automated emails or text messages tailored to their actions. What sets this apart is the integration of a student care team, which adds a human touch by personally reaching out to students during key points in their journey. This balance of AI and human intervention has been pivotal in driving enrollment growth.

Addressing Concerns About AI Accuracy
One of the top challenges institutions face when adopting AI is the risk of errors—so-called "AI hallucinations." Devin acknowledges these challenges but emphasizes that no system, human or AI, is immune to mistakes. To combat inaccuracies, Forsyth Tech monitors chat interactions in real time and uses triggers to notify staff when a chat requires human intervention. They also have a dedicated team member who updates the chatbot’s knowledge base regularly to ensure accuracy.

Additionally, Devin advises that institutions shouldn't expect perfection when implementing AI. The focus should be on making incremental improvements that add value while mitigating risks. By taking this pragmatic approach, Forsyth Tech has reaped significant benefits without being derailed by occasional hiccups.

The Future of AI in Higher Education
Looking ahead, Devin predicts AI will drive greater personalization across all areas of higher education. From tailored academic content in learning management systems (LMS) to customized marketing messages, AI is poised to revolutionize the way colleges interact with students. Tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot, which summarizes emails and provides real-time assistance, are already helping Forsyth Tech's staff be more efficient in administrative tasks.

For enrollment marketers, Devin believes AI will make A/B testing, process automation, and personalized campaigns more accessible and effective. The goal, he notes, isn’t just to attract students but to support them throughout their journey—from inquiry to graduation—with tools that reduce barriers and create meaningful engagement.

Advice for Institutions New to AI

For institutions just starting their AI journey, Devin recommends the following steps:

Define Objectives: Clarify what you want AI to achieve—whether it’s boosting enrollment, improving learning outcomes, or streamlining administrative tasks.
Invest in Training: Equip staff with the skills to use and manage AI tools effectively.
Pilot Projects: Start small, evaluate impact, and scale based on what works.
Balance Automation and Human Touch: Always ensure that AI complements, rather than replaces, human interaction to maintain trust and connection with students.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 12: From Chatbots to Agents with Ardis Kadiu

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Brian Piper sits down with Ardis Kadiu, founder and CEO of Element451, to explore the transformative role of AI in higher education. From personalized student engagement tools to cutting-edge AI assistants, Ardis shares how AI is reshaping the student journey and breaking down barriers to success. Tune in for insights on AI adoption, overcoming institutional challenges, and the exciting possibilities ahead in 2025 and beyond.

Episode prompt:

Looker data studio dashboard template - https://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/bc82429a-f580-42de-b80f-d87e7eeeffad

You are a content marketing and data expert.
I’m going to ask you to look at Google Search Console data and identify opportunities for me to optimize existing content or create new content that would be the most valuable for my target audience while also helping me meet my strategic business goals.

My target audience consists of {describe target audience or upload persona resources}. And my strategic goals include {list company goals, upload a document, or point to a URL}.

Give me a list of 10 existing pieces of content to optimize and a list of 10 new pieces of content to create.

Take your time.

Key Takeaways

Transforming Student Engagement: AI-powered tools like Element451 provide tailored solutions for prospect engagement, application management, and ongoing student support.
AI Agents in Higher Ed: Multi-agent AI systems mimic campus staff roles, providing specialized support while improving efficiency and the student experience.
Combatting AI Misconceptions: Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) ensures chatbots provide accurate, context-specific responses, addressing fears of misinformation.
Leadership's Role in AI Adoption: Transformative AI adoption requires leadership-driven change management, not just grassroots experimentation.
Future of AI in Higher Ed: By 2025, agent-based workflows and personalized discovery tools are poised to redefine administrative and academic processes.

What is Element451, and how does it leverage AI for higher education?

Element451 is an AI-first platform designed to enhance student engagement across the higher education lifecycle. From marketing to advising, its tools integrate AI to streamline processes and personalize experiences. The platform’s innovative multi-agent system simulates real-world campus roles, offering specialized assistance for admissions, financial aid, and beyond. This structure allows seamless handoffs between AI agents and human staff, ensuring students receive accurate, timely support.

How does Element451 address chatbot challenges like misinformation?

Ardis explained how modern AI systems combat "hallucinations" or inaccuracies through Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). By leveraging authoritative data sources such as institutional knowledge bases and websites, the AI ensures responses are contextually accurate and relevant. Educating institutions on these methodologies has been key to overcoming skepticism and building trust in AI tools.

What are the biggest challenges in adopting AI in higher education?

Despite AI’s potential, many institutions view it as a tool rather than a transformational technology. Leadership often delegates AI exploration to teams without equipping them with the tools for meaningful change management. Ardis emphasized that a shift in mindset, driven by leadership, is essential for realizing AI’s full potential.

How can institutions get started with AI?

Ardis advised institutions to focus on removing friction from the student experience. Start with areas like program exploration, application processes, or course catalog navigation. AI solutions can provide personalized recommendations and streamline workflows, enhancing both student satisfaction and institutional efficiency.

Why has AI adoption been slower on the administrative side?

Faculty often drive institutional innovation, with academic applications of AI gaining traction due to concerns about cheating and learning outcomes. Administrative areas like enrollment and marketing lag behind, partly due to a lack of urgency and purpose-driven leadership. However, Ardis predicts a shift as institutions recognize AI’s broader organizational value.

What does the future of AI in higher education look like?

Ardis forecasts 2025 as the "year of AI agents," with agent-driven workflows becoming mainstream in education and beyond. As AI models become cheaper and more powerful, institutions will move from experimentation to full-scale deployment. Personalized discovery tools, enhanced reasoning models, and advanced world models promise to revolutionize the higher education landscape.

Guest Name: Ardis Kadiu, Founder and CEO of Element451

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

Guest Bio: Ardis is the Founder and CEO of Element451, an EdTech company renowned for its AI-powered student engagement and CRM products. His expertise spans AI, technology, education, and design, making significant contributions to higher education. At Element451, Ardis has been instrumental in developing advanced personalization engines and AI features, demonstrating his deep understanding of AI's practical applications. As an educator at NYU, he has shared his knowledge in user experience design, web, and mobile development. A thought leader in the field, Ardis shares his insights on Generative AI, ChatGPT, and AI-enhanced engagement strategies at key industry events like AMA, NAGAP, EDUCAUSE, and NACAC. He also hosts the "Generation AI" podcast, exploring the impact of AI in education and marketing. Ardis Kadiu combines a rich academic foundation with professional acumen, holding an MBA in Innovation & Technology Management and Digital Media Innovation, an MS in Integrated Digital Media, and a BS in Computer Engineering, all from New York University. This educational blend underpins his practical and innovative approach in the EdTech sector.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 11: Integrating AI with Kellie Campbell

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 2 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Join us as Kellie Campbell, CIO of Vermont State Colleges System, shares insights on building AI readiness across multiple institutions. Learn about creating system-wide approaches to AI adoption, preparing institutional data foundations, and developing strategies for workforce preparation.

Episode prompt:

You are an experienced higher education HR professional specializing in job description development at [school name] [provide url if using chatGPT]. Before creating the job description, ask me the neccesary questions ONE AT A TIME in order to gather all the information needed about the job based on the sample job descriptions that have been provided. After I provide a response, ask the next relevant question. Do not move on until you have gathered the necessary information to create a new job description based on the supplied example.

Potential Information Gathering Questions:

1. Position Basics

- What is the position title?

- Which department/unit?

- Who does this position report to?

- Is this full-time, part-time, or temporary?

- What is the FLSA status (exempt/non-exempt)?

- Are there any special work arrangements (hybrid, remote, etc.)?

2. Role Context

- What is the primary purpose of this position?

- What strategic goals does this role support?

- What challenges is this role meant to address?

- What makes this role unique at your institution?

3. Team Structure

- How many direct reports (if any)?

- What other positions will they work closely with?

- What committees or working groups will they serve on?

- What stakeholders will they interact with regularly?

4. Requirements

- What required education level?

- What required years of experience?

- What specific technical skills are required?

- What certifications or licenses are needed?

- What soft skills are essential?

5. Responsibilities

- What are the primary duties?

- How is time typically divided between different duties?

- What are the key deliverables?

- What routine tasks are involved?

- What strategic initiatives will they lead?

6. Institution-Specific

- What values should be emphasized?

- Are there any special institutional requirements?

- What unique aspects of your culture should be highlighted?

- Any specific DEI commitments to include?

After gathering this information, I will:

1. Analyze your sample job description to match style and format

2. Draft a comprehensive description following your institutional template

3. Include any standard language or sections from your sample

4. Ensure all required compliance statements are included

5. Maintain consistent tone and terminology

Important Reminders:

- All language will be inclusive and unbiased

- Skills will be clearly marked as required vs. preferred

- Responsibilities will be action-oriented and specific

- Format will match institutional standards from the supplied example

- Salary range will be included if required by law

- Equal opportunity and accessibility statements will be included

Begin asking the necessary questions. Do NOT ask a question from the list above unless it is specifically required in the example job description, and then, take your time creating the new job description in the same format as the example.

Guest Name: Dr. Kellie Campbell (EdD), Chief Information Officer/Vice President, Vermont State Colleges System

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kellie-b-campbell-edd-75a83253

Guest Bio: As Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Technology for the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS), Kellie works in close partnership with the Council of Presidents to provide leadership, management, and strategy for the Information Technology (IT) shared services division. Inclusive of seven key service areas, the IT division provides direct IT services to the entire VSCS. Kellie also serves on the executive leadership team driving transformation objectives for the state colleges system. As a commissioner and committee co-chair on the Vermont Commission on Women, Kellie works with others on non-partisan issues to advance the rights and opportunity for women in the state of Vermont.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 10: Streamlining Development with Mike Miles

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Join us as Mike Miles, Director of Web Development at MIT Sloan, shares insights on integrating AI into development workflows, fostering team collaboration, and preparing for the future of AI-assisted coding. Learn practical approaches to using tools like GitHub Copilot and strategies for optimizing web content for AI consumption.

Episode prompt:

You are an SEO expert specializing in higher education websites. Help me create optimized page titles and meta descriptions for our university webpages. Please analyze the content and context of the following page and provide recommendations that balance search visibility with our educational mission.

Consider these institutional factors:

- Primary target audience(s) for this page (e.g., prospective students, current students, faculty)

- Competitive academic programs or unique offerings

- Core institutional values and brand voice

- Search intent for different audience segments

Please generate:

1. Page Title (50-60 characters)

- Primary version optimized for search

- Alternative version emphasizing brand/value

- Mobile-friendly shortened version

2. Meta Description (130-155 characters)

- Primary version with clear call-to-action

- Alternative version focusing on unique value proposition

- Mobile-friendly shortened version

3. Provide brief explanations for:

- Key terms/phrases targeted

- Why these choices align with user intent

- How these support our SEO goals

Guidelines:

- Include location/institution name where relevant

- Avoid keyword stuffing

- Maintain academic tone while being engaging

- Consider local/regional search impact

- Follow higher ed best practices for accessibility

After analyzing the page content, please ask clarifying questions about:

- Specific program differentiators

- Target geography

- Primary conversion goals

- Competing pages/institutions

Guest Name: Mike Miles, Director of Web Development, MIT Sloan

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemiles86/

Guest Bio: Mike Miles is a web engineer with 20+ years of experience in open-source development, proficient in various languages and frameworks. As the Director of Web Development at MIT Sloan, Mike manages the team responsible for the development, maintenance, and growth of the schools public facing web properties to deliver high-quality solutions for the school's community. Mike presents talks at technical conferences around the world and is one of the organizers of the New England Drupal Camp (https://nedcamp.org).

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Balancing Bytes and Bonds: How AI Can Humanize Higher Ed

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 20:40:39 +0000

In this Enrollify webinar, Balancing Bites and Bonds: How AI Can Humanize Higher Ed, Mallory Willsea and an expert panel dive deep into how artificial intelligence is transforming student engagement in higher education. Featuring AI for U host Brian Piper, Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO host Jamie Hunt, Generation AI co-host JC Bonilla, and The Hidden Gem host Maya Demishkevich, the discussion addresses the dual challenge of automating processes while maintaining meaningful, human connections. Through innovative examples, insights, and lively conversation, this episode provides a roadmap for leveraging AI to create more personalized and efficient student experiences.

Key Takeaways:

AI as a Personalization Multiplier: AI enables hyper-personalization, allowing institutions to deliver tailored experiences at scale while freeing staff for high-touch student interactions.
Balancing Efficiency and Empathy: AI can handle repetitive tasks and provide instant answers, allowing human advisors to focus on meaningful, personalized connections.
Student-Centric Approach: Despite concerns, students generally value efficient solutions over the origin of communication, provided their needs are met.
Ethical AI Use: Transparency, data security, and empathy should be foundational to AI implementations in higher ed.
AI’s Potential for Scaling Impact: Tools like virtual assistants and predictive modeling have proven success in improving outcomes, such as higher grades and retention rates.

1. How does AI enhance student engagement without dehumanizing it?
Panelists agreed that AI’s strength lies in its ability to manage repetitive tasks and provide hyper-personalized interactions. For instance, Dr. JC Bonilla emphasized that AI acts as a "personalization multiplier," allowing institutions to address individual student needs with a level of nuance and efficiency impossible through manual methods alone.
AI-powered tools, such as predictive analytics, enable institutions to identify at-risk students early. Brian Piper shared a compelling example from Ivy Tech Community College, where AI monitoring alerted counselors to students in danger of failing, resulting in a 98% success rate for these students in achieving a C grade or higher.

2. What are examples of successful AI use in higher education?
Several panelists highlighted successful AI applications:

Georgia State University: Direct text messages powered by AI helped first-generation students improve their grades by an average of 11 percentage points.
Virtual Campus Tours: Maya Demishkevich shared an example where AI-powered avatars significantly increased engagement during online campus tours, providing institutions with scalable alternatives to human guides.
AI Virtual Assistants: Institutions like Forsyth Tech have saved thousands of staff hours by automating responses to routine queries, enabling human staff to focus on higher-value tasks.

3. Do students care if AI is part of their experience?
Surprisingly, the consensus was that students care more about getting their needs met efficiently than whether the solution involves AI. However, transparency remains critical. As Brian Piper pointed out, institutions should disclose when AI tools are being used to ensure trust isn’t eroded.

4. What are the ethical considerations in using AI for student communications?
Panelists underscored the importance of ethical AI use, advocating for transparency, data security, and empathy as foundational principles. Jamie Hunt stressed the need to ensure AI-generated content aligns with institutional values and human oversight remains part of the decision-making process.

5. How can institutions address faculty and staff fears about AI replacing jobs?
To build trust, institutions should focus on training faculty and staff to use AI tools as enhancements to their roles, not replacements. As Maya Demishkevich noted, AI can save time by automating mundane tasks, allowing employees to focus on strategic, human-centric work. JC Bonilla added that embracing the role of “AI champions” within institutions can help bridge the gap between AI skeptics and early adopters.

6. What does the future of AI in higher ed look like?
Panelists agreed that AI’s future lies in hyper-personalization, advanced virtual assistants, and smaller, task-specific language models (LLMs). The emergence of AI "agents" tailored for distinct tasks will allow for even greater efficiency and impact.AI is transforming higher education by bridging the gap between efficiency and empathy. The insights shared in this episode reveal the exciting potential for AI to not only streamline processes but also amplify the human connections at the heart of higher education. To dive deeper, listen to the full episode of Balancing Bites and Bonds: How AI Can Humanize Higher Ed, and explore the possibilities for your institution.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Live at AMA: Mastering SEO in an AI-Driven World

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Fri, 6 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode of AI for U, live from the AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education, host Brian dives into the evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO) with Faton Sopa, co-founder and CEO of Manaferra. Specializing in SEO for higher education, Sopa discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping search behavior, SEO practices, and the student recruitment journey. This conversation offers actionable insights for higher education marketers navigating the future of AI-driven search.

Key Takeaways

AI's Impact on SEO: AI is fundamentally disrupting traditional search behaviors and content strategies in higher education. Institutions must optimize not just for Google but for AI-driven search engines.
Content Optimization: Structuring and digesting content effectively is essential for visibility in generative AI searches. Clear, authoritative, and user-focused content outperforms generic outputs.
Future of SEO in Higher Ed: Institutions that adapt quickly to AI will thrive, while those that don’t risk losing visibility, traffic, and prospective student engagement.
AI Tools in SEO Strategy: AI enhances content creation, technical SEO, and digital PR, enabling faster and more accurate optimizations with a necessary layer of human oversight.
Importance of Trust and Authority: Link-building, digital PR, and maintaining credible, authoritative content are critical in building trust with AI-driven search algorithms.

What is Manaferra, and How Does it Support Higher Ed?
Faton Sopa introduces Manaferra as an SEO agency exclusively serving the higher education sector. By leveraging expertise in search marketing, Manaferra helps colleges and universities attract students through organic search. Sopa emphasizes the importance of aligning SEO strategies with the evolving digital landscape to enhance visibility and drive meaningful traffic.

How is AI Changing Search Behavior and SEO?
The rise of AI is transforming how prospective students search for information. Instead of sifting through multiple search engine results, users increasingly rely on AI tools to provide concise, relevant answers. For higher education marketers, this means fewer touchpoints in the traditional search journey but opportunities for higher-quality leads. Institutions must optimize content for AI by making it digestible, well-structured, and authoritative.

How Can Higher Ed Adapt to AI-Powered Search?
Adapting to AI requires a multi-pronged strategy:

Technical SEO: Ensure page speed, schema usage, and robust information architecture.
Content Strategy: Focus on creating pillar pages that unify siloed information to showcase institutional expertise.
AI Optimization: Make content easy for AI tools to crawl and understand, improving the chances of ranking in AI-driven search engines.
Sopa highlights that universities adopting these strategies can position themselves as authoritative sources, maintaining visibility even as traditional traffic declines.

What Role Does Trust and Authority Play in AI-Driven SEO?
Authority matters more than ever in the AI era. Sopa explains how link-building and digital PR reinforce a site’s credibility, which AI algorithms prioritize when delivering answers. By maintaining a strong presence on trusted platforms, universities can ensure their content is selected as reliable and authoritative.

How Can Institutions Use AI to Enhance SEO?
AI is a powerful ally for SEO professionals:

Data Analysis: AI accelerates insights by processing data from tools like Google Search Console and SEMrush.
Content Creation: AI generates content briefs and drafts, but human oversight is critical to ensure accuracy, relevance, and creativity.
Custom Solutions: Institutions can build custom GPTs to streamline their marketing processes and improve internal efficiencies.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 9: Researching the Landscape with Dr. Claire Brady

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 5 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Got a story to tell? An innovative idea to share? Fill out our guest nomination form, and let's chat!

Dr. Claire Brady shares insights from her groundbreaking report on AI integration in student affairs, offering practical frameworks for implementation, real-world use cases, and strategies for building institutional AI literacy. Learn how institutions are successfully adopting AI tools to enhance student success while maintaining educational values.

View Claire's Report
Register For The Presentation

Episode prompt:

Go to https://smarterx.ai/jobsgpt and click on “Launch JobsGPT”

Then, upload your job description or enter your job title and use the prompt “How will AI impact my job?” Then you can go on to ask follow-up questions like “What tools should I be testing?” “How can ChatGPT help me be more effective and more efficient in my current role?”

Guest Name: Dr. Claire Brady, Glass Half Full Consulting

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

Guest Bio: Claire Brady is a trailblazing executive with 25 years of experience driving change and innovation across the field of higher education. As President of Glass Half Full Consulting, she partners with executive leaders to navigate complex challenges and spark meaningful, lasting change. A national thought leader in AI adoption, Claire has a unique talent for translating AI’s transformative potential into practical strategies that streamline operations and, crucially, free up time for richer human connections.

Claire’s consulting work and professional development programs are crafted to empower organizations to not only embrace AI but to thrive in an AI-enhanced world. Her past executive roles include serving at Lake-Sumter State College in Florida and Ana G. Mendez University in Florida and Puerto Rico, along with teaching at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Michigan State University. Active in regional and national associations, Claire also brings her expertise to her community through board service and volunteer work.

Based in Orlando with her family, Claire’s passions extend beyond AI. When she's not picking up LEGO or discussing the intricacies of Minecraft, you’ll find her exploring new AI tools, catching Broadway shows, reading, traveling, or enjoying time with family and friends.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Live at AMA: AI in Action at CU Boulder

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Wed, 4 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

In this insightful episode of AI for U, Brian dives into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is reshaping creative communications at CU Boulder. Maria Kuntz, Director of Creative Communications and Services, shares real-world use cases of how AI tools streamline administrative tasks, enhance creative workflows, and transform storytelling. Recorded live at the AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education, this episode offers practical inspiration for enrollment marketers looking to integrate AI into their strategies.

Key Takeaways

AI streamlines time-consuming tasks, such as synthesizing complex email threads into clear communications, saving hours of manual work.
Tools like ChatGPT support creative processes, including generating article titles and SEO-optimized content, enabling teams to skip steps in brainstorming and focus on refinement.
AI enhances storytelling, from uncovering "unsung hero" alumni to drafting multimedia content plans, offering marketers a head start on creative projects.
Collaborative AI use reduces stigma around adopting new technology and fosters team-wide innovation.
Fact-checking remains crucial when using AI, especially for storytelling and brand alignment.

Episode Summary

How Is AI Streamlining Administrative Tasks?

Maria shared a compelling example of using ChatGPT to consolidate and reframe a chaotic email thread into a coherent message. The thread, involving multiple contributors, pertained to supporting grant applications on campus. With AI, she quickly generated a polished draft, enabling the team to focus on fine-tuning instead of starting from scratch. This approach saved significant time and allowed Maria to provide more efficient support to her colleagues.

How Does AI Boost Creative Content Development?

One standout application is AI's role in brainstorming article titles for the university magazine. Traditionally, creating headlines was a labor-intensive task, involving multiple iterations. By integrating AI, Maria’s team now pre-generates ideas, allowing brainstorming meetings to focus on refinement rather than ideation. Additionally, by layering SEO considerations into prompts, they produce dual-purpose content optimized for both print and digital audiences, demonstrating how AI aligns creative and technical goals.

Can AI Uncover Unique Storytelling Opportunities?

Maria highlighted an exciting use case in alumni storytelling. Using ChatGPT, she identified CU Boulder graduates who are "unsung heroes" across various disciplines. This initial AI research provided a springboard for deeper investigation and led to richer narratives. While the results required careful fact-checking, this approach significantly accelerated the discovery process for compelling alumni stories.

What About AI in Multimedia Content Creation?

AI extends beyond text-based content to multimedia, as Maria demonstrated when creating a reel for an alumna’s story. With prompts guiding shot sequences, music suggestions, and text overlays, the AI provided a ready-made storyboard, simplifying the creative process. This iterative starting point helped the team overcome creative blocks and produce engaging visual content.

How Is Collaboration Driving AI Adoption?

Encouraging team-wide discussions about AI fostered a culture of innovation and reduced hesitation around its use. Group brainstorming sessions involving AI not only produced better results but also normalized the tool’s integration into daily workflows. Maria emphasized the importance of team norms and open communication in leveraging AI's potential effectively.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Live at AMA: AI Isn’t Perfect — But Neither Are We

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

This episode of AI for U captures a lively discussion from the AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education with Scott Cline, an independent consultant for higher education institutions. The conversation dives deep into how AI is transforming administrative and strategic workflows in higher education, empowering professionals to focus on meaningful human interactions.

Key Takeaways

AI saves time on administrative tasks: By automating repetitive tasks, AI allows higher ed professionals to invest more time in building connections and fostering collaboration.
AI isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t need to be: Leveraging AI for gap analysis and ideation improves workflows and surfaces insights that might otherwise be overlooked.
Institutions must adopt a flexible approach: AI is an evolving tool, requiring ongoing adjustments and an openness to experimentation and learning.
AI facilitates creative and strategic work: With AI managing groundwork, leadership teams can focus on impactful conversations, ideation, and innovation.

How Is AI Transforming Administrative Work in Higher Education?

Scott Cline highlighted that much of a higher ed professional’s time—up to 70-80%—is spent on administrative tasks like emails, meetings, and resource coordination. By using AI to streamline these tasks, professionals can refocus on the human side of their roles, engaging with staff, faculty, and students. Cline emphasized that this shift is not about replacing jobs but enabling more meaningful connections.

What Are the Key Benefits of Using AI for Strategic Work?

AI’s ability to tackle repetitive and preparatory tasks creates opportunities for senior leadership to prioritize valuable in-person discussions, such as board meetings or team ideation sessions. While AI might not have the expertise of a seasoned professional, it can aid in generating ideas, identifying gaps, and providing fresh perspectives, helping leaders refine their strategies faster and more effectively.

Is AI Reliable Enough for Higher Ed Professionals?

Cline candidly addressed common concerns about AI’s imperfections, such as hallucinations or errors. He argued that AI doesn’t need to be flawless to be useful—humans make mistakes too. The key is to use AI as a supportive tool while maintaining a process of review and iteration. For institutions, this means adopting a mindset of continuous learning and adjustment to ensure they remain responsive to both technological advances and the needs of their teams.

What Are the Barriers to AI Adoption in Higher Ed?

The evolving nature of AI poses challenges for institutions, particularly in establishing policies and frameworks that account for ethical considerations and data integrity. Cline urged institutions to view AI as an evolutionary tool, not a revolutionary one, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Institutions should embrace AI iteratively, treating it as a tool that enhances rather than defines their operations.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 8: Automating Processes with Alexandria Duffney

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Join us as Allie Duffney shares how Elon University is implementing AI to streamline admissions processes, create test environments, and enhance student success. Learn practical approaches to AI adoption, from interview scheduling to data analysis, and discover how to address common concerns about AI integration.

Episode prompt:

You are a technical writer specializing in higher education operations and process documentation. Help me create clear, user-friendly documentation from the following information. The goal is to make our processes easier to understand and follow.

Context:

Department: [department name]

Process: [name of process, current process steps, you can record audio of yourself walking through the process and load the transcript of that into the tool]

Primary Users: [who will use this documentation]

Current Pain Points: [list main issues/challenges]

Please transform this information into:

1. Standard Operating Procedure

Create a step-by-step guide including:

- Prerequisites (tools, access, permissions needed)

- Process overview (high-level summary)

- Detailed steps with screenshots placeholders

- Common troubleshooting scenarios

- Related processes or dependencies

- Key contacts and escalation paths

2. Quick Reference Guide

Create a condensed version with:

- Essential steps only

- Key decision points

- Critical reminders

- Common pitfalls to avoid

3. Training Elements

Include:

- Practice scenarios

- Knowledge check questions

- Common mistakes to watch for

- Tips for experienced users

4. Process Improvement Suggestions

- Identify potential bottlenecks

- Suggest automation opportunities

- Recommend ways to streamline

- Note areas needing clarification

Format Guidelines:

- Use clear, action-oriented language

- Include specific examples

- Add notes for exceptional cases

- Mark required vs. optional steps

- Include version control information

After providing the initial documentation, please ask clarifying questions about any areas that need more detail or explanation.

Guest Name: Alexandria Duffney, Elon University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandria-duffney-37aa3620/

Guest Bio: Allie is a seasoned Higher Education enrollment professional with 16 years of experience spanning institutions from intimate liberal arts colleges to major R-1 medical center universities, specializing in graduate, adult, and professional education. Currently serving as the Dean of Graduate Admissions at Elon University, Allie has led impactful projects, including a comprehensive Slate CRM implementation and a complete revitalization of an existing Slate system. She co-administers a National Slate User Group focused on Graduate Admissions and a regional NC Slate user group, has presented at national conferences such as GNAP, NAGAP, and the Slate Summit, and was honored as a 'Top 20 Under 40' by the NEPA Business Journal.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Live at AMA: AI Tools Higher Ed Marketers Should Be Using Right Now

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode of AI For You, recorded live at the AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education, host Brian dives into a thought-provoking conversation with Brandon Etheredge, Director of Digital Content Strategy at Auburn University. Brandon shares how AI has transformed his approach to content creation and digital strategy, offering insights into leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline workflows, enhance creativity, and maximize impact—all while saving valuable time.

Key Takeaways

Efficiency in Content Repurposing: Learn how AI can atomize and repurpose content for multiple platforms with minimal effort.
Tools of the Trade: ChatGPT, even in its free version, is a powerful ally for content strategists and marketers.
AI as a Supplement, Not a Replacement: AI accelerates tasks but requires human oversight to align with institutional culture and voice.
Emerging AI Innovations: Tools like Adobe’s beta features for photo and video editing are game-changers in extending creative possibilities.
Strategic Time Savings: AI allows small teams to work smarter, producing quality content while freeing up hours for high-value tasks.

How is AI Being Used in Higher Education Marketing at Auburn?
Brandon Etheridge explains how AI has become integral to his daily workflow at Auburn University. By using ChatGPT, he repurposes content from interviews, articles, and videos into social posts, quotes, and other formats. The aim is to atomize content—breaking it into smaller pieces for distribution across platforms—without consuming hours of manual effort. For Brandon, this strategy aligns with a key takeaway from a previous AMA Symposium: maximizing every piece of content.

AI’s efficiency shines in automating tedious tasks like reviewing transcripts and identifying key insights. For example, Brandon uses AI to highlight quotes about student experiences or alumni success, ensuring he can focus on more strategic initiatives.

What Tools and Processes Enhance AI Integration?
Brandon primarily relies on the free version of ChatGPT. He uploads transcripts, video scripts, or articles and prompts the tool to extract relevant insights or create tailored social posts. The tool acts as a "virtual team member," accelerating processes without the need for additional budget lines.

However, Brandon emphasizes the need for human oversight. AI-generated drafts often serve as a starting point, requiring refinement to meet Auburn’s brand standards. While AI can save hours of work, it lacks the nuanced understanding of Auburn’s campus culture, making human editors indispensable for storytelling and strategy.

How Does AI Address Resource Limitations?
With a small and scrappy team, AI has been a game-changer for Brandon. Managing Auburn’s social media, photo and video production, and media relations, he uses AI to free up time for tasks that require his direct involvement—like event photography or media pitching. This balance allows his team to operate at a higher capacity without additional staff.

For instance, preparing social media for Auburn’s magazine release has been streamlined with AI. Instead of playing catch-up post-launch, Brandon has posts ready ahead of schedule—a stark contrast to previous years.

What’s on the Horizon for AI in Higher Education Marketing?
Brandon is especially excited about emerging AI tools in photo and video editing, like Adobe’s beta features. These tools enable marketers to extend video clips, modify photos for multiple formats, and even generate missing frames—all of which enhance creative possibilities without additional resources. He anticipates these advancements will redefine how teams approach visual storytelling, further amplifying their impact.

Additionally, Brandon sees potential in AI-driven analytics. Automating data extraction and visualization allows marketers to focus on strategic decisions rather than manual number crunching—a crucial advantage for teams with limited bandwidth.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Live at AMA: How Small Colleges Can Boost Marketing with AI

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 21:53:34 +0000

In this episode of AI for You, host Brian interviews Laura Rudolph, founder and CEO of Square One Consulting, live from the AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education. Laura discusses how she uses AI to empower small schools in marketing, communications, and enrollment, making their processes more efficient and sustainable. By harnessing the capabilities of AI tools like ChatGPT, Meta AI, and others, she trains small teams to streamline their workflows, develop data-driven strategies, and personalize communication.

Key Takeaways

AI enables small schools to be more efficient by automating routine tasks, allowing teams to focus on strategic efforts.
Tools like ChatGPT, Meta AI, and Canva are ideal entry points for smaller institutions to start leveraging AI in their marketing.
AI can support personalized messaging, data analysis, and content ideation, acting as a versatile “brainstorming partner” for solo marketers.
Implementing AI requires clear guidelines and a focus on quality prompts for meaningful outputs.
Institutions should overcome fears of job displacement and learn to integrate AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement.

How is AI Transforming Marketing for Small Schools?

Laura shares that her consulting work focuses on helping small schools create more self-sufficient and efficient marketing practices through AI. Since small institutions often have limited staff and resources, time efficiency is critical. Laura utilizes AI tools to help her clients offload routine, time-consuming tasks, enabling them to dedicate more energy to strategic initiatives. AI, she explains, isn’t just about content creation—it’s also useful for graphic design, coding, and even technical troubleshooting, making it a versatile tool for small teams. She emphasizes that AI can help schools complete complex tasks without sacrificing quality, transforming how they approach marketing with a sustainable strategy.

What Are the Best AI Tools for Small Institutions?

For smaller institutions venturing into AI, Laura recommends starting with ChatGPT, which she finds accessible and easy to learn. She uses ChatGPT for everything from content development to sentiment analysis and recommends investing in the pro version for optimal results. Additionally, she leverages Meta AI and Gemini, each with unique strengths that complement her work with various clients. She highlights that while paid tools like Canva for Schools and Beautiful.ai can enhance specific projects, she usually sticks with more affordable options to ensure institutions can maintain these tools after her consulting engagement ends. Laura’s focus on affordability and ease of use makes these tools ideal for small institutions just starting with AI.

How Do AI Tools Aid in Data Strategy and Personalization?

AI can fill multiple roles at once—analyst, content creator, and brainstorming partner—especially in resource-constrained environments. Laura divides her AI applications into three core areas: data-informed strategy, content ideation, and personalization. Using AI, Laura helps institutions analyze patterns in student inquiries, perform sentiment analysis, and extract valuable insights that shape their communication strategies. When it comes to personalization, AI makes it simple to tailor messages for specific audiences, such as first-generation students or parents, while preserving brand voice and tone. Laura even sets up custom GPTs for each client, allowing her to maintain brand consistency while creating scalable, personalized messaging for diverse audiences.

What Challenges Do Institutions Face in Adopting AI?

Laura notes that fear of job displacement is a common concern among institutions new to AI. To address this, she emphasizes that AI is a tool designed to enhance human efforts, not replace them. Another challenge is the misconception that AI produces low-quality work due to inadequate prompts or lack of specificity. She advocates for setting clear, high-quality prompts and using custom GPTs to maintain continuity and consistency in AI outputs. Lastly, managing AI within a team requires institutions to set boundaries and guidelines around its use, which Laura assists with by training teams on AI principles and practical application. She encourages institutions to view AI as an essential, manageable part of their tech ecosystem.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 7: Leading the way with Tina Miller

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 7 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Tina Miller shows us how Arizona State University is leading the charge on AI integration and adoption. ASU has created a model that we can all use to help guide us in our AI journey. The resources Tina talked about (in the links below) have a number of inspirational AI use cases and tools that can provide ideas on how we might adapt these for our institutions.

Links from the episode:
https://ai.asu.edu - the main AI website with resources

https://tech.asu.edu/features/AI-Journey-24 - a look at the ASU AI journey

https://openai.com/index/asu/ - OpenAI ASU case study

Episode prompt:
You are an expert event planner.

I'm going to ask you to help create an event for [type of event - fundraiser, student fair, etc.] for the [institution URL] targeting [ideal audience] with the goal of [desired outcome of event]. There are [lenght of time in weeks, months, years, etc.] before the event.

Ask any necessary questions, one at a time, to gather any additional details needed. Suggest ideas to make the event engaging for attendees and successful for the organization. Make suggestions for volunteer roles. Create a draft of a letter for potential volunteers with details around expectations, duties, and timeline. Create a draft of a letter or announcement for the target audience inviting them to the event. Create an agenda for the event. Also create a post-event survey to sent to attendees.

Create details for the event. Take your time.

Guest Name: Tina Miller, Executive Director: Creative & Communications, Arizona State University

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

Guest Bio: Tina Miller, Executive Director of Creative and Communications at Arizona State University’s Enterprise Technology (IT division), brings nearly three decades of experience from Fortune 500 companies, government, and academia. She spearheads initiatives highlighting the division's dedication to innovation and digital excellence, reimagining how technology enhances the human experience. Tina and her team are pioneering the future of AI-driven communications, leveraging artificial intelligence to elevate storytelling, improve efficiency, and push the boundaries of what's possible in creative design and communications. Her previous senior leadership roles include Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. and Maricopa Community College District. Tina earned her MBA from the University of Phoenix and her journalism degree from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 6: Winning prompts with John Munsell

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

John Munsell walks us through his structured prompting model which has been integrated at LSU and shares his thoughts on integrating AI into higher education, how to convince leadership of the importance of AI, and what to do with the compressed time that AI will create.

Christopher Penn’s RACE model for prompting: https://www.trustinsights.ai/insights/instant-insights/instant-insights-trust-insights-race-ai-framework/

Framework discussed in the episode: https://ingrain.ai/

Episode prompt:

Getting AI to write in your voice requires training the model on your content. For an institution, the more information you can provide, the better.

You are an expert content copywriter in higher education at [your institution name and url].

I'm going to ask you to create a first draft of [the type of document you want, blog, video script, social post, etc.].

Use the style guide recommendations from [link to your style guide if available], the brand guidelines from [link to your brand standards], and use the following content examples [either upload social posts, video scripts, links to blogs/news articles, etc. the more content you can provide as an example, the better output you will get]

Create a [type of content with length…for example, an 800 word blog or a 30 second TikTok script], please. Take your time.

Guest Name: John Munsell, CEO Bizzuka, Inc., Adjunct Instructor of AI Louisiana State University

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

Guest Bio: John Munsell is an established figure in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry with a career that spans over 40 years. As the co-founder and CEO of Bizzuka, he has led the company to multiple appearances on the Inc 5000 and LSU 100 lists. Recognizing the potential of AI early in its evolution, John pushed to integrate AI into all business processes at Bizzuka.
In 2022, John strategically shifted Bizzuka's entire business model to help businesses grow faster and retain more employees through the appropriate use of AI. He has dedicated thousands of hours to mastering AI technologies, leading to the creation of the AI Strategy Canvas™ and Scalable Prompt Engineering™. These frameworks have revolutionized the efficiency and effectiveness of AI in business and have been embraced by forward-thinking institutions, including Louisiana State University, which has made it a mandatory part of their AI-related degree programs.
John has been influential in academia and the push to give students immediate employable skills in their use of AI. He is the Adjunct Instructor of AI at Louisiana State University and has also collaborated with LSU to develop the AI SkillsBuilder™ series to upskill the workforces of businesses across the globe.
Beyond his professional pursuits, John prioritizes his faith, family, and business, values that resonate in his work and mentorship. His dedication to both personal and professional growth makes him a respected and relatable leader in the marketing and AI sectors.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 5: Unlocking potential with Jules White

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Jules White discusses the real-world applications of AI for higher ed administrators, from custom GPTs to campus-wide AI platforms. This episode offers actionable advice on adopting AI, overcoming resistance, and using technology to improve effectiveness.

Christopher Penn’s RACE model for prompting: https://www.trustinsights.ai/insights/instant-insights/instant-insights-trust-insights-race-ai-framework/

Episode prompt:

This prompt comes from a guest, Nicole Brini, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-brini-0675bb4/ who was inspired by a prompt from Liza Adams, https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizaadams/

You are an exceptional international higher education marketer. You are skilled at deeply understanding the market and deriving key insights to guide content creation and international student recruitment. You are hyper focused on ensuring that your website and promotional material are targeted to your "customers" and that you use their natural language in communicating with them. The attached excel includes inquiries from potential students interested in pursuing a programme at [your URL]. These students come from a variety of different countries both in the EU and outside of the EU [change this sentence to fit your own demographic]. Based on these inquiries only, please infer natural language top of funnel, mid funnel, and bottom of the funnel inquiries that prospects might ask. Please make sure that you use the actual words that the inquirers used. Do not paraphrase or make up words. Also include the rationale for your suggestions at each stage. Please put this info in a table. Please think about this step by step and take your time to reason. Take a deep breath. There is no need to rush. I have full confidence in your work. If I am happy with your work I'll give you a pay rise. Do you have any questions before we start?

Guest Name: Jules White, Senior Advisor to the Chancellor on Generative AI & Professor of Computer Science, Vanderbilt University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jules-white-5717655/

Guest Bio: Dr. Jules White is Senior Advisor to the Chancellor, Director of Vanderbilt’s Initiative on the Future of Learning & Generative AI, and Professor of Computer Science in the Dept. of Computer Science at Vanderbilt University. He created one of the first online classes for Prompt Engineering (https://www.coursera.org/learn/prompt-engineering ), which is the study of how you converse with AI effectively, which has had over ~300,000 enroll. He is a National Science Foundation CAREER Award recipient. His research has won multiple Best Paper Awards. He has also published over 170 papers.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Live at HighEdWeb: The Future of SEO and AI in Higher Ed

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Wed, 9 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of AI For U, live from HighEdWeb, Sarah Gilbert from GradLabs joins the show to discuss the impact of AI on higher education marketing. With her 18 years of experience in enrollment and marketing, Sarah dives deep into how AI is being used—and misused—in SEO and content generation. She also highlights the challenges institutions face when navigating AI-generated content and the ethical responsibilities universities hold in delivering accurate, trustworthy information.

Key Takeaways

AI’s Role in SEO and Marketing: AI is being used to generate massive amounts of content in seconds, which can overwhelm search engines and lead to misinformation.
Ethical Concerns with AI: Institutions face a responsibility to ensure that the content they publish remains fact-based and accurate, which is particularly challenging when competing with AI-generated material.
Digital Literacy is Crucial: As AI-generated deep fakes and misinformation become more prevalent, universities must play a larger role in promoting digital literacy, both within their communities and beyond.

How is AI affecting SEO and marketing in higher education?
Sarah explains that AI is dramatically changing the landscape of search marketing, particularly in SEO. Some organizations are using AI to create thousands of pages of content in minutes, which can flood the internet with poorly written or inaccurate information. This creates challenges for colleges and universities, whose carefully crafted content must now compete with AI-generated material. These challenges are exacerbated by the sheer volume of content that Google indexes, making it harder for quality content to rise to the top.

What ethical concerns arise from the use of AI in content generation?
One of the most pressing concerns discussed in the episode is the ethical use of AI-generated content. While AI tools like ChatGPT can produce content quickly, they often present false information with confidence, leading to potential issues for institutions that rely on fact-based, educational content. Sarah emphasizes the responsibility universities have in maintaining the integrity of their information, especially given their .edu domain, which is trusted by search engines and users alike. Universities need to ensure their content is not just optimized for SEO but is also trustworthy and accurate.

How can universities stay ahead of the AI wave in marketing?
Sarah suggests that one way universities can rise above the sea of AI-generated content is through strong digital PR and promotion. By obtaining quality backlinks from reputable sources, institutions can help elevate their content in search rankings. This practice not only promotes accurate information but also helps universities stand out in an increasingly crowded digital landscape. Additionally, Sarah notes the importance of teaching digital literacy, particularly around AI and deep fakes, as institutions have a responsibility to educate their communities about the risks of misinformation.

What role should universities play in promoting digital literacy?
Sarah believes that universities have a critical role to play in promoting media and digital literacy, especially as AI-generated misinformation becomes more common. Institutions should think beyond their student bodies and consider educating the broader public on the ethical use of AI, how to detect misinformation, and how to navigate a digital landscape full of AI-generated content. This kind of education will be essential for combating the spread of misinformation, whether it's in SEO, deep fakes, or other AI-driven content.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Live at HighEdWeb: Building Smarter Universities

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Mon, 7 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of AI for U, live from HighEdWeb, host Brian Piper sits down with Paul Roetzer, CEO of the Marketing AI Institute and keynote speaker at the event. They discuss the rapidly advancing role of AI in higher education, touching on how institutions can use AI beyond the classroom to revolutionize admissions, fundraising, and overall administration. Paul also shares insights into how universities can begin adopting AI and the importance of experimentation and pilot programs in the AI integration process.

Key Takeaways

Higher education institutions must approach AI holistically, applying it not only in the classroom but also in areas like enrollment, fundraising, and institutional management.
AI literacy and education within leadership teams are crucial for universities to understand and implement AI effectively.
Starting with small, impactful pilot projects can demonstrate the value of AI without requiring significant resources upfront.
The rapid pace of AI advancements, such as new capabilities in voice and AI agents, will continue to shape the future of work and higher education.

How is AI impacting higher education beyond the classroom?
Paul Roetzer emphasizes that while many universities are focused on the implications of AI in the classroom, there are broader opportunities to transform institutional operations through AI. This includes areas like admissions, where AI can enable personalized communication with prospective students, and fundraising, where it can help identify and engage alumni more effectively. Roetzer shared an example of a university president frustrated by the lack of data-driven insights after meeting hundreds of prospective students. AI can solve this by providing a more intelligent, personalized approach to interactions with students and alumni.

Why is AI literacy crucial for higher education leaders?
When it comes to adopting AI, Paul Roetzer advises universities to start with education and AI literacy for their leaders. He recalls a 2019 workshop at Ohio University, where the dean prioritized educating administrators and faculty about AI. This foundational knowledge empowered them to explore how AI could be applied to their specific areas. Roetzer recommends that institutions form AI councils at both the department and institutional levels to guide AI adoption, set principles, and assess the impact of AI on various functions. This step ensures that universities aren't just reacting to AI developments but are proactively shaping how AI will influence their future operations.

How can universities get started with AI adoption?
Roetzer suggests that universities should begin by identifying small, impactful pilot projects. These projects don’t require massive budgets but can demonstrate the immediate value of AI. He gives the example of a university that approved a $2,000 budget to test 10 different AI tools over two months. These quick wins help build momentum and encourage broader AI adoption. Roetzer emphasizes that these pilots should focus on practical use cases that can show measurable success in a short period. For example, tools like Notebook LM can be used by students, researchers, and administrators alike to quickly process and understand complex information, making it a versatile tool across the institution.

What does the future hold for AI in higher education?
While Roetzer doesn’t claim to know the future of higher education, he does believe that AI will continue to play a critical role in reshaping how institutions operate. With the pace of AI advancements accelerating, he points out that even in the week leading up to his keynote, major updates from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic were being released, showcasing just how fast AI is evolving. Universities must stay ahead of these changes by continually reassessing their AI strategies. Roetzer predicts that AI will lead to significant shifts in both the curriculum and the way institutions prepare students for the future workforce. However, he stresses that it’s up to higher education leaders to figure out how to best apply AI to their specific challenges.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Live at HighEdWeb: AI for Upskilling

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Fri, 4 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this live episode of AI for U, recorded at HighEdWeb, Erin Wilson from Arizona State University’s Learning Enterprise shares how AI is transforming their non-credit course offerings and instructional design processes. Erin discusses the use of custom GPTs for content creation, coding support, and even persona-building for testing content strategies. With a protected version of ChatGPT, Arizona State is leveraging AI to streamline workflows, enhance course content, and explore new possibilities in AI-generated video.

Key Takeaways

Arizona State University uses custom GPTs for a wide range of tasks, from coding support to developing instructional content, making AI an essential part of their non-credit learning enterprise.
AI-driven personas allow for more efficient content testing and review, replacing traditional focus groups while maintaining human oversight.
The future of AI at ASU includes advancements in AI video content, with a focus on making avatars and interactive learning tools more engaging and less robotic.

How is Arizona State University using AI in its non-credit learning enterprise?
Erin Wilson from Arizona State University’s Learning Enterprise explains how her team focuses on non-credit learning opportunities designed to help individuals upskill. This includes everything from individuals taking courses to company partnerships for employee training. AI has become a critical tool in this space, particularly in creating and refining educational content. Wilson highlights their partnership with OpenAI, which provides them with an EDU version of ChatGPT. This version offers enhanced security, allowing the team to safely use AI without concerns over data privacy. They rely on custom GPTs to handle a variety of tasks, such as helping with coding for instructional design or converting long faculty videos into more digestible content.

What are custom GPTs and how are they used at ASU?
Arizona State’s team has created numerous custom GPTs to support specific tasks within their learning enterprise. These custom AI models are highly specialized and are designed to do one thing exceptionally well, such as developing instructional stories, creating course introductions, or assisting with coding. Wilson explains that this customization makes their workflow more efficient, particularly when creating content for non-credit courses. One unique use of these GPTs is persona-building. By feeding in data such as speeches from an executive vice president, ASU created a "Maria Bot," allowing faculty and staff to ask questions and receive responses similar to what their EVP might say. This tool saves time while providing reliable guidance.

How does AI help with content testing and refinement at ASU?
Another innovative way ASU uses AI is to test content with virtual focus groups. Instead of traditional focus groups, which are expensive and time-consuming, AI can simulate different perspectives. For example, they use AI personas to simulate feedback from an expert, a novice, and someone with no background on a given subject. This approach helps ASU fine-tune their content more quickly and efficiently, ensuring that their material resonates with a broad range of learners. Wilson emphasizes that AI isn't replacing human input entirely. Instead, it assists by providing first drafts and initial feedback, which her team then edits to ensure the final output meets their high standards.

What’s next for AI at Arizona State University?
Looking ahead, Wilson sees AI playing an even more significant role in content creation and interactivity at ASU. The team is particularly excited about advancements in AI video, with avatars becoming more realistic and less robotic. They’re also eager to continue building custom tools that can take on increasingly complex tasks, allowing their team to focus more on the human elements of learning and engagement. While AI cannot replace human judgment or creativity, it serves as an invaluable assistant in improving efficiency, allowing educators to spend more time on strategic and high-impact work.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Live at HighEdWeb: AI and Email Marketing

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 3 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this bonus episode of AI for U, recorded live from HighEdWeb, Jacqueline Rowe, Assistant Director of Enrollment Communications and Analytics at Stony Brook University, discusses how AI is reshaping email marketing in higher education. Jacqueline shares the challenges her small team faces in managing personalized email campaigns and the tools they use to streamline communication, including AI-driven solutions like Slate and Gemini. She also touches on the role of AI in improving SEO and data analysis at Stony Brook.‍

Key Takeaways

AI helps small teams manage large-scale personalized email communications without relying on expensive third-party vendors.
Stony Brook University uses AI tools like Slate and Gemini to enhance email content, ensuring it resonates with target audiences.
AI can be leveraged for SEO analysis, helping institutions identify key search terms driving traffic and optimizing content accordingly.
Personalization and content assessment are the next frontiers for AI in higher education marketing, focusing on what truly engages different audiences.

How is AI being used in email marketing at Stony Brook University?
Jacqueline Rowe from Stony Brook University explains that her team uses AI to create more effective and personalized email campaigns, especially in a higher education landscape saturated with communication. With a team of just four managing all enrollment communications, Stony Brook's enrollment team needed a solution to stop outsourcing email creation to vendors. Instead, they brought the process in-house, using AI tools like Slate’s integrated AI feature and Gemini. These tools help refine email content, making it more engaging and tailored to specific audiences, such as prospective students and their parents.

What AI tools are Stony Brook using to streamline marketing communications?
Stony Brook relies on two primary AI tools for their email marketing efforts. The first is the AI feature integrated into Slate, their CRM. This tool helps Jacqueline’s team refine messaging by suggesting changes when communications become repetitive or less impactful. This is particularly useful when managing numerous inquiries and campaigns targeting different student populations. The second tool is Google’s Gemini, which Jacqueline prefers over other AI platforms like ChatGPT. Gemini allows her to tweak existing email content to make it more engaging and audience-specific, ensuring the language resonates with younger prospective students or their parents.

How does AI improve SEO and data analysis at Stony Brook?
Beyond email communications, Jacqueline is also exploring how AI can improve Stony Brook's SEO strategy. Her team uses AI to analyze how prospective students search for programs and other university-related information online. For instance, they discovered that terms like “Stony Brook acceptance rate” and lesser-known program names rank highly in search results. By understanding these search trends through AI-driven analysis, Stony Brook aims to enhance its SEO and ensure that relevant content reaches prospective students searching for the university.

What are the future goals for AI in marketing at Stony Brook?
Jacqueline sees personalization and content assessment as the next big steps for AI in higher education marketing. She hopes AI will help further tailor communication based on what resonates with specific audiences, and she plans to use AI tools to assess the effectiveness of these personalized campaigns. Additionally, she aims to integrate AI more deeply into SEO efforts, using data-driven insights to improve Stony Brook’s digital visibility and engagement. Her ultimate goal is to ensure that every marketing effort, from email communications to SEO strategies, is backed by data and tailored to the audience’s needs.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Live at HighEdWeb: AI-Powered CRM Insights

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of AI For U, recorded live at HighEdWeb, Lisa Nguyen from UC Davis’ Graduate School of Management shares how AI is revolutionizing her work as a digital marketer. Lisa delves into the innovative ways her team is utilizing tools like ChatGPT to analyze enrollment data, streamline marketing efforts, and improve student engagement. The episode also touches on the importance of privacy and ethics when using AI, highlighting best practices for implementing AI in higher education.

Key Takeaways

AI can significantly streamline data analysis, offering actionable insights without the need for additional staff or consultants.
ChatGPT and other AI tools allow for more data-driven marketing decisions by identifying optimal times to promote programs based on historical data.
When integrating AI into marketing strategies, it's essential to work closely with legal teams to ensure privacy, ethics, and security compliance.
UC Davis is piloting AI-driven marketing efforts with their part-time MBA programs, with plans to expand to other degree programs in the future.

How is UC Davis using AI in its marketing strategies?
Lisa Nguyen, a digital marketer at UC Davis, reveals how AI, specifically ChatGPT, is helping her team analyze application data to improve marketing efforts for part-time MBA programs. With enrollments declining, Nguyen’s team was tasked with finding the optimal times to market their programs. Using data from their CRM, such as application deadlines and submission times, Nguyen employed ChatGPT to analyze trends and suggest the best months for marketing. Historically, the team relied on anecdotal insights from program directors, but AI has enabled more data-driven decisions, which they are now incorporating into their strategies.

What data points were analyzed using ChatGPT?
Nguyen's team fed ChatGPT application data without including personal identifiers. The data encompassed several key stages: when a record was created, when the application process began, when it was submitted, and when decisions were made. By combining this information with application deadlines, ChatGPT provided insights into the optimal months to target potential applicants. This shift from anecdotal to data-backed insights marks a significant improvement in how the UC Davis marketing team plans its campaigns.

‍How does UC Davis ensure ethical AI usage?
As Lisa Nguyen emphasizes, it’s crucial to consult legal teams before diving into AI usage, ensuring privacy and security standards are met. For example, Nguyen ensured that no personal identifying information (PII) was included in the data she uploaded to ChatGPT. Moreover, she advised others to stay ahead of evolving policies regarding AI usage in higher education and ensure compliance with institutional guidelines. This careful approach has allowed UC Davis to innovate responsibly in their AI-driven marketing.

‍What are the next steps for AI integration in UC Davis' marketing?
Currently, UC Davis is piloting AI usage with two part-time MBA programs, but the plans don’t stop there. Nguyen hopes to extend AI capabilities to evaluate content performance across their marketing channels, particularly in email campaigns. By analyzing which topics prospective students engage with and at what times, her team can better tailor the customer journey. This expansion of AI into content evaluation promises even more personalized and efficient student engagement strategies in the future.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Live at HighEdWeb: Driving AI Innovation at ASU

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this live episode of AI for U, recorded at the 2024 HighEdWeb Conference, Brian interviews Tina Miller from Arizona State University (ASU). Tina shares exciting insights about ASU’s partnership with OpenAI and how they are using ChatGPT to drive innovation across the university. With over 500 proposals submitted and 250 projects actively using ChatGPT, ASU is pushing the boundaries of AI integration in higher education.

Key Takeaways:

ASU partnered with OpenAI to explore impactful uses of ChatGPT across teaching, research, and operations.
Over 500 proposals were submitted, with 250 projects currently active.
Projects are focused on student success, societal research, and business operations, ensuring measurable outcomes.
Institutions starting with AI should build literacy, form a committee, and adopt digital trust guidelines to explore AI's potential.

‍What is ASU doing with AI, and how did the partnership with OpenAI come about?
Tina shared that Arizona State University partnered with OpenAI to explore innovative ways to use ChatGPT to enhance higher education. OpenAI approached ASU to help them understand how ChatGPT could make an impact, and the university launched an innovation challenge to test various use cases. Faculty, staff, and researchers were invited to submit proposals in three areas: teaching and student success, societal research, and business operations. In exchange for access to ChatGPT licenses, participants were required to measure and report the impact of their projects. Since launching the challenge, ASU has approved over 250 projects, demonstrating a wide variety of applications for AI in higher ed.

Can you provide examples of successful projects?
One standout project Tina highlighted was a "language buddy" developed by an assistant professor for her German language students. The AI-powered bot allowed students to practice German in real-time, simulating conversational scenarios and helping students improve comprehension. Due to its success, the project is now evolving into an intermediate level, demonstrating how scalable these AI solutions can be. Tina believes projects like this have the potential to expand far beyond the classroom and could be implemented for larger student communities or even broader applications like travel preparation.

How can institutions without ASU's resources get started with AI?
For schools just beginning their AI journey, Tina recommends starting with small steps. Forming an AI committee and setting up digital trust guidelines is essential. Institutions should first focus on AI literacy, understanding the tools and identifying relevant use cases that can provide measurable results. Attending conferences and networking with other higher ed professionals is another great way to gather insights and build momentum for AI adoption. Even without the vast resources of a school like ASU, smaller institutions can experiment and gradually integrate AI into their administrative and academic workflows.

To learn more about how AI is transforming higher education and to hear more about ASU’s cutting-edge initiatives, be sure to check out the full episode. Subscribe to AI for U to stay up to date on the latest developments in AI for higher ed!

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 4: Embracing AI with Dr. Janet Spriggs

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:56:48 +0000

In this episode of AI for U, we sit down with Janet Spriggs, President of Forsyth Technical Community College, to explore:

How AI is transforming the administrative side of higher education
The importance of building a culture of curiosity
How to overcome resistance to change
The ethical considerations surrounding AI adoption

Janet also shares her insights on leveraging AI for personalized student support, predictive analytics in enrollment management, and operational efficiency.

Whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation offers valuable strategies and practical advice for higher ed administrators.

Christopher Penn’s RACE model for prompting: https://www.trustinsights.ai/insights/instant-insights/instant-insights-trust-insights-race-ai-framework/

Episode prompt: "You are an expert in [XX].

I'm going to ask you to provide feedback on [document, article, social post, script, etc.]. I want you to provide insights, and recommendations, identify any gaps or red flags, and give your professional opinion on the validity and impact of the content. Ask any questions, one at a time, to help you gather all the information you need to make the most effective recommendations.

Here are helpful resources [URLs or uploaded data].

And here is the document [paste it in or upload it and identify it by name].

Please provide your feedback. Take your time."

Guest Name: Dr. Janet Spriggs, President, Forsyth Technical Community College

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

Guest Bio: Dr. Janet N. Spriggs is the seventh President of Forsyth Technical Community College, assuming her role on January 1, 2019. With nearly three decades of leadership within the North Carolina Community College System, she has served in significant roles, including Chief Operating Officer at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Carteret Community College. Dr. Spriggs' leadership has been nationally recognized, including twice being named an Aspen Presidential Fellow.
A former community college student herself, Dr. Spriggs is deeply passionate about the transformative power of education. She holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University, along with degrees from Nova Southeastern University and Roger Williams University. Dr. Spriggs is committed to advancing student success, equity, and economic development through education.
Beyond her presidency, Dr. Spriggs serves on several boards and commissions, including the executive committee for Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. She is also Vice President of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges. In her personal life, Janet enjoys golf, photography, crochet, and spending time with her husband, five children, and five grandchildren. She invites dialogue on leadership and education through her website, JanetSpriggs.com.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 3: Getting Started with Jaime Hunt

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this conversation with Jaime Hunt, we look at various ways that different higher ed teams are using generative AI to become more efficient and effective.

Christopher Penn’s RACE model for prompting: https://www.trustinsights.ai/insights/instant-insights/instant-insights-trust-insights-race-ai-framework/

Episode prompt: You are an expert content marketer. I'm going to ask you to take an existing piece of content and create a [type of content - blog, video script, social post, etc.] for [channel - TikTok, Youtube, etc.] for [specific audience - potential undergraduate students, alumni, etc.]. The content is attached [or in a link].

Here is more context [links to content about topic, channel, audience, challenges, goals, etc.].

Please create the [content] for [channel] targeting [audience]. Take your time.

Guest Name: Jaime Hunt, President, Solve Higher Ed Marketing

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

Guest Bio:
https://www.solvehighered.com/about
After a 20-year career in higher education, including nine years as a chief marketing officer, Jaime Hunt launched Solve Higher Ed Marketing in 2024. To this consultancy, Jaime brings a passion for building brands, telling stories, and leading with empathy.
After beginning her career in 1997 in print journalism, Jaime began working in higher education in 2004. Since that time, she has been responsible for media relations, marketing, creative direction, crisis communications, branding, digital communications, reputation/issues management, multimedia, photography, public radio, enrollment/admissions communications, and government relations.
From 2015-2024, she served in vice president/chief communications and marketing officer roles at Old Dominion University (large, public R1), Miami University (large, public R2), and Winston-Salem State University (small, public HBCU). Prior to those positions, Jaime served in marketing, web strategy, branding, and media relations leadership roles at Radford University, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and Northwestern Health Sciences University.
Throughout her career, Jaime has been a highly visible leader with volunteer service for a number of professional organizations, including the American Marketing Association, the Public Relations Society of America, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, HigherEdWeb, the College Communicators of the Carolinas, and the Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem. She has presented at regional, national, and international conferences on a wide range of marketing communications topics. Her work has earned more than 40 industry awards.
Jaime holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota and a master's degree in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University. She is also a graduate of the Academy for Innovative Higher Education Leadership.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 2: Jumping In with Bart Caylor

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 10:22:45 +0000

Talking with Bart Caylor about challenges, use cases, and overcoming obstacles led to some fantastic insights and creative ways to leverage generative AI in higher ed.

Christopher Penn’s RACE model for prompting: https://www.trustinsights.ai/insights/instant-insights/instant-insights-trust-insights-race-ai-framework/

Episode prompt: (for pi.ai - say this to the tool) You are going to play the role of [whoever you might be having a challenging conversation with - job interviewer, boss, co-worker, partner, etc.] and we’re going to be [type of conversation - interview, asking for a raise, dealing with a work issue, talking about balancing duties, etc.].

[Provide any additional context you can for the tool, describe that person’s demeanor, challenges, issues, perspectives, etc.]

I want you to ask me challenging and relevant questions about the discussion.

[then have the discussion…when you feel you’ve gotten what you need, ask the tool to provide feedback about your replies and provide recommendations that might create a better outcome.]

Guest Name: Bart Caylor, President & Founder, Caylor Solutions

Guest Bio: With over 35 years of experience in design and marketing, Bart Caylor has worked with top global brands and nonprofits like Motorola, RCA, Iams Pet Food, Lumina Foundation, Western Governors University, and the American Bible Society.
Bart founded Caylor Solutions, a higher education marketing and design firm, in 2011 to combine the best practices of his corporate, nonprofit, and education experience, specifically for higher education clients. In 2023, Bart was named one of the "Top 10 Higher Ed Marketers You Should Follow" for offering straightforward, practical advice on marketing challenges via The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast. With over 180 episodes featuring higher education marketing's leading voices, The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast regularly ranks in the top 3 "must-listen-to podcasts" by various blogs and higher ed industry influencers.
Bart just released his first book, "Chasing Mission Fit: A Marketing Guide To Fill Your Institution With Students Who Will Succeed," which reached #1 in Marketing on Amazon. He is a sought-after speaker and trusted consultant for higher education institutions, businesses, and conferences because of his expertise in generative AI, marketing, and website design. Be sure to connect with Bart on LinkedIn.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Ep. 1: Starting Deep with Mark Schaefer

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this conversation with Mark Schaefer, we dive deep into higher education marketing, enrollment, and alumni relations and explore how AI can help us connect more effectively with all of our audiences.

Episode prompt: You are a content marketing expert with a deep understanding of target audiences and personas.

I'm going to ask you to create an ideal persona for [target audience] for [url]

Use the information at these links [URLs about that persona, about page on target site, strategic priorities content] and from the attached files [any low-risk data that can be uploaded]. Include information on their priority initiatives (what are 5-10 things they spend their time, money, thoughts on), success factors (what 5-10 things would indicate success for them in their education and life), perceived barriers (what things would keep them from attending the university), decision criteria (what are the main factors in their final choice), and decision process/journey (what steps do they go through, what questions do they ask, and what content do they consume on their decision process.

Please create the persona for [target audience] for [url]. Take your time.

Guest Name: Mark Schaefer, Executive Director, Shafer Marketing Solutions

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

Guest Bio:
https://businessesgrow.com/social-media-speaker/meeting-planner-resources/
Mark Schaefer is a globally-recognized keynote speaker, futurist, business consultant, and author.
Mark has worked in global sales, PR, and marketing positions for more than 30 years and provides consulting services as Executive Director of Schaefer Marketing Solutions.
He studied under Peter Drucker for three years and has advanced degrees in marketing and organizational development. Mark holds seven patents and is a faculty member of the graduate studies program at Rutgers University. His blog and podcast -- The Marketing Companion -- are at the top of the charts in the marketing field.
Customized for every audience, Mark’s inspiring and memorable programs specialize in marketing and strategies for digital marketing, social media, and personal branding. His clients range from successful start-ups to global brands such as Adidas, Johnson & Johnson, Dell, Pfizer, The U.S. Air Force, and the UK Government.
Mark is the bestselling author of 10 path-finding books including the first book ever written on influence marketing. Mark’s books are used as textbooks at more than 50 universities, have been translated into 15 languages, and can be found in more than 750 libraries worldwide.
Mark is also a popular and entertaining commentator and has appeared on many national television shows and periodicals including the Wall Street Journal, Wired, The New York Times, CNN, National Public Radio, CNBC, the BBC and the CBS NEWS. He is a contributing columnist to The Harvard Business Review, and Entrepreneur Magazine.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.

Welcome to AI for U

enrollify@element451.com (Enrollify) — Wed, 7 Aug 2024 20:01:20 +0000

Welcome to AI for U, a brand new podcast from Enrollify hosted by Brian Piper.

Are you a higher ed professional looking to harness the power of AI? This podcast is your ultimate guide to practical AI applications in the non-academic side of higher education. Each episode offers actionable advice on implementation, testing, and risk awareness, specifically tailored for marketers, administrators, leaders, admissions, advancement, HR, student affairs, and others. You'll discover easy-to-follow tips and strategies to seamlessly integrate AI into your workflows, empowering you to innovate and stay ahead of market trends.

Join us as we dive into real-world AI use cases and share expert insights to help you navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education. Whether you're aiming to streamline processes, enhance student experiences, or drive institutional success, AI for U provides the knowledge and inspiration you need to make a meaningful impact. Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your institution with cutting-edge AI solutions that are both practical and relevant to your daily work. Tune in and become a leader in the AI revolution within higher education!

About the Host of AI for U:
Brian Piper - Director of Content Strategy and Assessment, University of Rochester

Brian Piper is an author, international keynote speaker, and consultant. Brian has been optimizing digital content since 1996. He has created online training programs for hundreds of companies including Xerox, L3Harris, IBM, and Volvo, and has spoken at hundreds of conferences and events.
Brian has spent the last eight years focusing on data analytics, digital marketing, and content strategy. Since 2021, he has been diving into AI, web3, community building, and the metaverse.
Brian wrote Epic Content Marketing for Higher Education and co-authored the second edition of Epic Content Marketing with Joe Pulizzi. He is a contributing author and co-editor of The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever with Mark Schaefer and a co-author of The Content Entrepreneur with Joe Pulizzi. Brian was named one of the top 10 higher education marketers to follow in 2023.
When he’s not creating data visualizations, he teaches wingsuit skydiving and spends time with his wife and six children.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U 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.