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48
June 18, 2026
Ep. 48: The Messy Middle of AI: How the University of Notre Dame Is Navigating Change

The Messy Middle of AI: How the University of Notre Dame Is Navigating Change

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About the Episode

About The Episode:

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping higher education, but most institutions are still trying to navigate what responsible adoption actually looks like in real time. In this episode, Brian sits down with Brandon Rich, Director of AI Enablement at the University of Notre Dame, to explore what he calls the “messy middle” of AI adoption in higher ed. Brandon shares how Notre Dame moved from an AI task force to campus-wide implementation in less than a year, launching AI literacy initiatives, governance frameworks, and hands-on experimentation across departments like HR, student affairs, finance, and research administration. 

Join us as we discuss: 

  • [2:47] The “messy middle” of AI adoption in higher education
  • [13:26] How Notre Dame rolled out AI strategically across campus
  • [26:06] Budgeting, staffing, and resource challenges for AI initiatives

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.

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

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

Brian Piper is an author, award-winning international keynote speaker, and consultant.

Interviewee

Brandon Rich

Brandon Rich is a higher education technology leader.

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