The AI Workforce for Higher Ed is Here |

Talk to a Bolt Agent
EP
June 27, 2025
BONUS: Why Starting with the Student Still Wins in the Age of AI

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

Or listen on:

About the Episode

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

About the Episode: 

Live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin sits down with Devin Purgason, Associate VP of Student Experience, Marketing, and Outreach at Forsyth Technical Community College. In this insightful and energizing conversation, Devin shares how Forsyth Tech became an early adopter of AI, how they’re integrating it across departments, and why staying grounded in student needs is the key to meaningful tech adoption. From building AI literacy to faculty development and platform implementation, Devin gets real about what works—and what still needs work.

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

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and  I Wanna Work There

Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

People in this episode

Host

Dustin Ramsdell is a leading content creator and influencer in the Higher EdTech space, and the host of Higher Ed Geek.

Interviewee

Devin Purgason

⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Purgason, is the Associate Vice President for Student Experience, Marketing, and Outreach at Forsyth Technical Community College. He is passionate about students, equity, learning, and a nice cup of coffee.

Other episodes

Episode #314: Why Faculty Are Your Secret Marketing WeaponPlay Button
Episode #314: Why Faculty Are Your Secret Marketing Weapon

Dustin sits down with Brian Hartnack, Founder and CEO of Archer Education, for a rich conversation about the evolution of digital marketing and enrollment management in higher ed.

Episode 1: How AI Will Redefine Higher Ed in 2026Play Button
Episode 1: How AI Will Redefine Higher Ed in 2026

JC Bonilla sits down with Dr. Paul Russo, Vice Provost and Founding Dean of the Katz School of Science and Health at Yeshiva University.

Ep. 81: Self-Awareness And Handling Failure As A Young ProfessionalPlay Button
Ep. 81: Self-Awareness And Handling Failure As A Young Professional

Jeremy Tiers chats with Conrad Hawley, a 23 year-old former dual-sport college athlete turned motivational speaker.

Episode 88: Student Fans: Using Taylor Swift's Playbook for Higher Ed SuccessPlay Button
Episode 88: Student Fans: Using Taylor Swift's Playbook for Higher Ed Success

Allison is joined by Jenny Petty and Kerri Shook to discuss rethinking student recruitment and retention by building a fan base.

Episode 101: AI Won’t Save Higher Ed, Leadership WillPlay Button
Episode 101: AI Won’t Save Higher Ed, Leadership Will

Mallory Willsea sits down with Dr. Claire Brady, President of Glass Half-Full Consulting and author of the upcoming book AI with Intention: The Leadership Guide for Higher Education.

Weekly ideas that make you smarter

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Subscribe
cancel

Search podcasts, blog posts, people