The AI Workforce for Higher Ed is Here |

Talk to a Bolt Agent
EP
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

Or listen on:

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.

Other episodes

Live at eduWeb 2026 with Laura Beth TelepPlay Button
Live at eduWeb 2026 with Laura Beth Telep

Dustin speaks with Laura Beth of CLYDE about how AI is reshaping higher education marketing, communications, and public relations.

Live at eduWeb 2026 with Toni Marie PerilliPlay Button
Live at eduWeb 2026 with Toni Marie Perilli

Dustin chats with Toni Marie Perilli from Fordham University about why retention marketing deserves a seat alongside enrollment and advancement as a core strategy for student success.

Ep. 51: Why Higher Ed Must Adopt AI at Scale Before the Tech Passes Them ByPlay Button
Ep. 51: Why Higher Ed Must Adopt AI at Scale Before the Tech Passes Them By

Brian is joined by Josh Riedy, Executive Director of the Institute of Applied AI at Minnesota State University Moorhead, to explore what meaningful AI adoption looks like across higher education.

Episode #340: Creating Transparent Learning Experiences with AIPlay Button
Episode #340: Creating Transparent Learning Experiences with AI

For this week's episode, Dustin speaks with Jenny Maxwell of Superhuman about the evolving relationship between AI and academic integrity in higher education. They explore how institutions can move beyond viewing AI as a threat and instead embrace more transparent, collaborative approaches that help students learn with AI while maintaining trust, accountability, and meaningful assessment practices.

Live at eduWeb 2026 with Audrey WardPlay Button
Live at eduWeb 2026 with Audrey Ward

Audrey Ward from Ologie joins the show to discuss how higher education marketers can navigate the AI era without losing the authenticity that makes their institutions stand out.

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