At Engage Summit 2025, we captured some of the most compelling insights, candid reflections, and practical advice in a series of exclusive bonus podcast episodes — all recorded live on-site. From unscripted backstage chats with keynote speakers to deep dives with panelists and partners, these episodes go beyond the mainstage to uncover what’s really on the minds of enrollment leaders, marketers, technologists, and innovators. 

Whether you missed the Summit or want to revisit the energy and ideas that filled the halls, this roundup gives you direct access to the voices shaping the future of higher ed.

Scroll through, tune in, and get inspired.

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Higher Ed Pulse

Ethical AI in Higher Education

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Guest: Stella Liu, Lead Data Scientist, Arizona State University
Host: Mallory Willsea | Higher Ed Pulse

Stella Liu shares how ASU is building AI tools that are both effective and ethical. This episode unpacks what it means to create responsible systems at scale and why transparency, bias mitigation, and intentional design should be at the core of any AI strategy in higher ed.

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Leading Culture Change Through AI

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Guest: Carrie Pitts-Densmore, Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing, Johnston Community College

Host: Carrie Phillips | Higher Ed Pulse

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Two Carries. One conversation about leading through change. This episode explores how to drive cultural transformation during AI adoption without losing trust, momentum, or your mind. Expect insights on adaptive curiosity, transparency, and how to make smart tech feel human.

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Using Narrative Intelligence to Spot the Stories That Matter

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Guest: Safaniya Stevenson, Brand Strategist
Host: Erin Fields | Higher Ed Pulse

Want to know what your audience actually cares about? Erin Fields sits down with Safaniya Stevenson, a brand strategist, cultural analyst, and all-around narrative detective. The conversation centers on how tools like Pulsar’s Narrative AI can empower higher ed marketers to uncover meaningful audience stories, identify trend-worthy content, and track cultural conversations before they hit the mainstream. If you're ready to stop guessing and start understanding what your audience actually cares about, this one’s for you.

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Student Success Starts with Smarter Knowledge Bases

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Guest: Hannah Wilson, Knowledge Management and CRM Coordinator, Forsyth Tech
Host: Mallory Willsea | Higher Ed Pulse

Clean data isn’t just a tech goal — it’s a student success strategy. Hannah shares how Forsyth Tech is using AI-powered chatbots and CRM insights to streamline communication, improve support, and boost enrollment. It’s proof that community colleges can lead the way in AI transformation.

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Why It’s Okay Not to Know Everything About AI Yet

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Guest: Claire Masterson, Director of Marketing, Southeast Missouri State University
Host: Carrie Phillips | Higher Ed Pulse

Claire opens up about her team’s journey with AI adoption. She shares how her team is using automation tools to reduce burnout, enhance student engagement, and foster a culture of experimentation. This episode is a guide for anyone who’s hesitant to dive into AI but knows they need to start.

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AI, Change Management, and Leadership Strategy in Higher Ed

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Guest: Michele Ehrhart, Chief Communications Officer, University of Memphis
Host: Carrie Phillips | Higher Ed Pulse

This episode delivers a real-world look at what it takes to lead through AI transformation. Michele shares how her team embraced a culture of experimentation, navigated change fatigue, and focused on mindset over mechanics. It’s a powerful dialogue about building a culture of experimentation and making the most of the tools you already have.

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How One Higher Ed Newcomer Found Her Voice at Engage 2025

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Guest: Kylee Beasley, Content Strategist, Southeast Missouri State
Host: Erin Fields | Higher Ed Pulse

New to higher ed? So was Kylee. This conversation captures what it’s like to attend your first major conference. From AI in higher education to breaking silos in communication teams, this conversation is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to say "yes" to bold professional growth.

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How Higher Ed Leaders Can Use AI to Empower, Not Overwhelm, Their Teams

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Guest: Katy Campbell, VisionPoint Marketing
Host: Carrie Phillips | Higher Ed Pulse

What happens when leadership, strategy, and AI collide? Katy and Carrie share a clear roadmap for making smart tech decisions without burning out your team. This one’s essential listening for anyone navigating rapid change and leading a team.

Higher Ed Geek 

Why Starting with the Student Still Wins in the Age of AI

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Guest: Devin Purgason, Associate VP of Student Experience, Marketing, and Outreach, Forsyth Tech Community College
Host: Dustin Ramsdell | Higher Ed Geek

Devin lays out how Forsyth Tech is using AI across departments without losing sight of what matters most: students. This episode offers a clear vision for student-centered innovation. From building AI literacy to faculty development and platform implementation, Devin gets real about what works — and what still needs work.

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How Curiosity Can Power Your AI Journey

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Guest: Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Host: Dustin Ramsdell | Higher Ed Geek

Carrie breaks down her leadership philosophy and how curiosity has guided her AI journey. From building custom GPTs to managing data-driven campaigns, this conversation blends creativity with actionable insight.

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The Clock Is Ticking on AI Adoption in Higher Ed — Are You Ready?

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Guest: Brian Piper, AI Integration Consultant and Host of AI for U
Host: Dustin Ramsdell | Higher Ed Geek

Brian shares how his early embrace of AI tools shaped his thinking on content strategy and scalability in higher ed. From creating workflows with AI agents to reframing adoption as culture change, this episode explores how institutions can reimagine their future—and why starting today is the smartest strategy.

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How Digital Transformation is Enabling Seamless Study Abroad Experiences

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Guests: DIS – Study Abroad Team Members
Host: Dustin Ramsdell | Higher Ed Geek

From CRM strategy to chatbot workflows, this conversation unpacks how one study abroad organization is using digital tools to simplify pre-departure logistics and enhance the global student journey. Plus, the team opens up about their own AI learning curves and what inspires them most about working at the intersection of tech and travel.

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Driving Higher Ed Transformation with Urgency and Empathy

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Guest: Dan Roberts, Special Projects Manager, San Diego Miramar College
Host: Dustin Ramsdell | Higher Ed Geek

Dan has one mission: lead the implementation of Element451 across campus. Dan breaks down what it really takes to lead a CRM transformation: cross-campus buy-in, empathy for overworked staff, and relentless communication. This episode is a masterclass in change management, cross-campus buy-in, and how empathy fuels transformation.

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Exploring South Carolina’s Bold Digital Shift for Scaling Scholarship Access

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Guests: Tanya Weigold & Kathryn Harris, SC Commission on Higher Education
Host: Dustin Ramsdell | Higher Ed Geek

Small team, big impact. Learn how this team is using Element451 and AI agents to scale FAFSA support and open new access pathways for thousands of students. This is digital transformation done right. Their story is proof that curiosity, collaboration, and courage go a long way in driving digital transformation.

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AI For U

AI and the Academic Experience: Balancing Automation with Authentic Learning

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Guest: Dustin Ramsdell, Higher Ed Geek
Host: Brian Piper | AI For U

In this role-reversal episode, Brian interviews Dustin on his evolving view of AI in education — from 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.

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Using AI in Crisis Communication: What Higher Ed Leaders Need to Know

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Guest: Michele Ehrhart, Chief Communications Officer, University of Memphis
Host: Brian Piper | AI For U

AI isn’t just for efficiency — it’s now part of the crisis comms toolkit. Michele shares how her team is experimenting with AI for messaging, reputation management, and decision-making in high-stakes moments. Michele shares her candid views on 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.

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The Application 

The Future of AI in Higher Ed Starts with One Simple Question

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Host: Allison Turcio | The Application

What if AI wasn’t just a tool, but a teammate? Allison recaps from Kosmas Karadimitriou’s opening keynote and explores how AI is already shaping yield strategies, student support, and team collaboration.

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Building a Campus Culture for AI in Enrollment Marketing

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Host: Allison Turcio | The Application

We don’t have an AI problem. We have a culture problem. Spotlighting a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Matthew Winn and JC Bonilla, this episode dives into the mindset shifts needed for meaningful integration — and what’s holding most institutions back.

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AI Is the New Front Door to Your College

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Host: Allison Turcio | The Application

Students aren’t waiting for your open house. They’re asking AI. This episode explores Mallory Willsea’s Engage Summit session on how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are researching colleges via ChatGPT and what enrollment marketers must do now to stay visible.

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The Learning Doesn’t End Here

Engage Summit 2025 was packed with big ideas, bold conversations, and actionable takeaways — and these bonus episodes are your all-access pass to it all. Whether you're looking to spark fresh thinking, share insights with your team, or simply stay connected to the momentum of the summit, these recordings are here to keep the energy going long after the event.

Subscribe to your favorite Enrollify shows to keep the momentum going. This is just the beginning!