The AI Workforce for Higher Ed is Here |

Talk to a Bolt Agent
EP
17
June 9, 2026
Episode 17: How to Buy AI in 2026

How to Buy AI in 2026

Or listen on:

About the Episode

About the Episode:

JC is joined by Element451 Chief Revenue Officer Trey Boyer and VP of Customer Strategy & Technology Kelly Sinacola to discuss the complexities of buying AI in higher education. They examine why many campuses struggle to realize ROI on AI investments, highlight the pitfalls of shiny demos and vaporware, and emphasize frameworks for selecting the right problems to solve. The conversation covers data readiness, the importance of organizational culture, and how successful AI adoption depends on people and process—not just technology. Practical advice is shared for institutional leaders preparing to make significant AI purchases.

Connect With Our Host:

Dr. JC Bonilla

https://twitter.com/jbonillx

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

Dr. JeanCarlo (J.C.) Bonilla is an executive leader in educational technology and artificial intelligence.

Interviewee

Kelly Sinacola

Kelly brings over 15 years of experience in the higher education industry.

Trey Boyer

Trey Boyer is the Chief Revenue Officer at Element451.

Other episodes

Episode 104: How Kennesaw State Built a 40-Student Influencer Team on a Shoestring BudgetPlay Button
Episode 104: How Kennesaw State Built a 40-Student Influencer Team on a Shoestring Budget

Allison sits down with Cinnamon Dowd, Director of Enrollment Services Marketing & Communications, and Emily Williams, Social Media Specialist at Kennesaw State University, to explain how to tap into the most authentic channel on your campus: your own students.

Ep. 95: How To Drive Enrollment Through Authentic StorytellingPlay Button
Ep. 95: How To Drive Enrollment Through Authentic Storytelling

Jeremy has a conversation with Kelly Peiffer who shares insights on how colleges can leverage authentic storytelling to drive enrollment and build genuine connections with prospective students and their families.

Ep. 74: How to Create Impactful Social Media CollaborationsPlay Button
Ep. 74: How to Create Impactful Social Media Collaborations

Jenny talks with Isabella “Isa” Timiraos, Social Media Specialist at the University of Miami, to learn how organic collaborations and proactive community management on Instagram and TikTok drive immense brand growth, and they discuss the power of relationship-building, staying authentic, and experimenting with Gen Z trends.

Pulse Check: The Value of Higher Ed: Spoiler Alert, It's More than ROI — Part 2Play Button
Pulse Check: The Value of Higher Ed: Spoiler Alert, It's More than ROI — Part 2

In Part 2 of this Pulse Check series, Michele Ehrhart talks with Merianne Roth, Vice Chancellor, Marketing & Communication at Texas Christian University, to explore why a college education offers value far beyond financial ROI, highlighting the development of essential "success skills" like leadership, critical thinking, and identity formation.

Episode 112: Leading Marketing in a Decentralized UnitPlay Button
Episode 112: Leading Marketing in a Decentralized Unit

Jaime Hunt sits down with Nathan Jorgensen, Chief of Marketing and Enrollment Communications Manager at Ohio State University’s College of Nursing, to explore the dynamic relationship between centralized and decentralized marketing teams, sharing practical tips for building trust with academic deans and faculty.

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