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About the Episode
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About the Episode:
Higher education stands at another pivotal crossroads. With online learning now mainstream and AI rapidly reshaping how students search, learn, and engage, institutions are under pressure to move beyond outdated debates and embrace meaningful transformation. In this episode, Beth Hollenberg, CEO at Everspring, joins Ray to explore the shifts reshaping higher ed — from outdated tech debates to the growing need for data-driven experimentation. They discuss what will set successful universities apart, why “build it and they will come” no longer works, and how to create student-centered digital strategies that last.
Join us as we discuss:
- [5:41] How institutions are rethinking online education strategy
- [11:11] Why solving a revenue problem is not the answer
- [20:05] What will set successful universities apart in the next 3–5 years
To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “Mastering the Next” in your favorite podcast player.
How should institutions think about online program management in today’s landscape?
The days of simply moving a degree online and expecting it to thrive are over. Beth Hollenberg emphasizes that while online education has gone from tolerated to expected, it is no longer a differentiator. With hundreds of online MBA programs alone, institutions must now answer a tougher question: How does this program meet a clear and current market demand?
Everspring’s approach is not about patchwork fixes but about strategic reinvention. Hollenberg points out that institutions struggling with enrollment or revenue can’t afford to treat online learning as a siloed initiative—they need to fundamentally rethink how education is delivered, who it’s for, and how to ensure it aligns with future job markets. Quick revenue wins are rare. Sustainable success comes from aligning academic offerings with institutional identity and long-term demand.
Why is AI integration so urgent—and so misunderstood—in higher ed?
AI in higher education is more than a buzzword; it’s a tectonic shift. And, according to Hollenberg, we’re in the middle of a “creative confusion” era—similar to the early internet debates. Many institutions still get stuck asking whether AI is good or bad, instead of jumping into iterative experimentation. The reality? AI is already reshaping how students search for programs, interact with learning content, and expect support services.
Beth highlights that over 90% of millennials already use AI tools regularly. Students are turning to generative AI not just for writing help, but as a primary research assistant during their program search. And because AI-driven search can’t be bought the way SEO once could, institutions must lead with meaningful, differentiated content. Institutions that hesitate risk falling behind faster than they did during the online education boom of the 2000s.
What makes some online programs succeed while others fail to launch?
The myth that “if we build it, they will come” still lingers in academia—but the reality is more complex. Beth points out that not all degrees are created equal in the eyes of prospective students. Programs need to exist at the intersection of market demand, institutional expertise, and student outcomes.
To succeed, a program must do more than check a box—it must be discoverable through smart marketing, competitive in terms of cost and career relevance, and clearly aligned to real-world skills. A "vanilla" degree offering will disappear into the noise of thousands of similar programs. Hollenberg stresses the importance of not just knowing what to do, but how to do it—leveraging tech, know-how, and data to operationalize success at scale.
How can universities prepare for the next three to five years?
Embrace experimentation and collaboration
Universities don’t need to get it perfect from day one—but they do need to start trying. Hollenberg calls for a mindset shift: leaders should be willing to experiment with new modalities, tech tools, and delivery methods. Strategic partnerships—like build-operate-transfer models—can help institutions get up to speed faster without locking them into long-term dependencies.
Make student outcomes the North Star
Today’s learners are ROI-driven. They want more than prestige; they want pathways to promotions, higher salaries, and fulfilling careers. Institutions that fail to clearly communicate how their programs lead to better job prospects will fall behind. It’s not just about degrees anymore—it’s about credentials, stackable learning, and marketable skills.
Break the silos
To fully leverage AI and online modalities, institutions must stop operating in silos. What works in one online program can often be applied across departments or entire campuses. Successful institutions will be those that take what they learn from digital transformation and embed it into their core functions—from enrollment marketing to curriculum development to student support.
Connect With Our Host:
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Mastering the Next 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 The EduData Podcast and Generation AI.
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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