About the Episode
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About The Episode:
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
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How can higher ed professionals build an AI habit without overwhelming their schedule?
Brian kicks off the episode by suggesting that AI learning doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Using tools like ChatGPT’s task feature, professionals can schedule daily prompts that take just 5–15 minutes. Erin reinforces this strategy by discussing how small, consistent engagement builds literacy. She encourages using personal, low-risk tasks (like planning a dinner menu or packing for a trip) as practice grounds for AI experimentation.
What’s the secret to building AI momentum in large, complex institutions like NYU?
For Erin, the key is starting small and showing wins. At NYU, she began with grassroots-level training in her division, serving roughly 200 staff. Instead of waiting for university-wide policies, she created one-on-one sessions that demystified AI and tailored its use to individual workflows. Her proactive outreach even led to a collaborative partnership with Amazon Web Services, showcasing how local momentum can spark institution-wide transformation.
How do personal coaching sessions help drive adoption?
Erin shares that she’s met individually with 30 to 40 employees—including her senior VP—to walk them through AI use cases. These bite-sized, real-world lessons helped people become more comfortable and confident using tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. Rather than imposing blanket training sessions, she focused on individual success stories that could ripple outward and generate curiosity organically.
What challenges are institutions facing when it comes to AI integration?
Erin outlines three main barriers: institutional silos, limited budgets, and a lack of centralized AI education. Many higher ed leaders still see AI as a compliance risk rather than a productivity tool. Compounding the issue is the generational divide—students and employees alike often lack structured guidance and instead rely on fragmented or informal learning. Erin argues that higher ed is missing a critical opportunity to equip students for the AI-powered workforce.
Why is it harmful to frame AI use as "cheating" in academic settings?
Erin passionately discusses how labeling AI as cheating sets students up for failure. Students who use AI feel guilty; those who don’t use it may fall behind in job readiness. She draws a compelling analogy to driver’s education: wouldn’t you rather teach students how to use the tools responsibly than let them learn unsupervised? The key is reframing AI literacy as essential, not unethical.
What use cases are most exciting—and surprising—right now?
Erin highlights a UCLA case study in which AI-driven email personalization increased fundraising click-throughs by 63% and donations by 130%. She also shares how AI is being used in NYU Athletics to analyze thousands of student-athletes in the NCAA transfer portal. These examples prove that AI isn't just about automation—it's about smarter decision-making across all corners of higher ed.
What advice does Erin have for institutions that haven’t started yet?
Skip the executive memos and go grassroots, Erin says. Start with free versions of tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, and encourage staff to explore AI in their personal lives. She emphasizes the importance of “finding a buddy” and setting aside just 15 minutes a day to build confidence and creativity. Institutions don’t need perfection—they need momentum.
Where is this all heading?
Looking ahead, Erin predicts AI tools will become as integrated and seamless as iPhones. She believes we’ll see foundation models consolidate while applications explode, before rebundling into everyday tools. Most notably, she warns that higher ed must act quickly to avoid being left behind as other sectors scale their AI strategies.
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!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Mastering the Next.
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.
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