About the Episode
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About the Episode:
In this special live edition of the Higher Ed Geek podcast, recorded at the 2025 Engage Summit in Charlotte, host Dustin Ramsdell sits down with Brian Piper—AI integration consultant, author of Epic Content Marketing for Higher Education, and host of AI for U. Brian shares his insights on the future of AI in higher ed, the power of community in tech adoption, and why institutions must embrace change now. This episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring AI adoption, higher ed transformation, or marketing strategy in the age of automation.
Key Takeaways
- AI adoption in higher ed is less about tech and more about cultural change—this is a change management initiative, not just a digital upgrade.
- AI agents and autonomous workflows are the next frontier in higher ed efficiency and student engagement.
- Content marketing remains a powerful, underused strategy in higher education, and AI can amplify its reach and impact.
- Collaboration and community are essential to unlocking AI’s full potential—siloed experimentation won’t cut it.
- The democratization of knowledge through AI will reshape how students learn, how educators teach, and how institutions operate.
- Institutions that start integrating AI now will be better positioned to navigate the enrollment cliff and shifting perceptions of higher ed’s value.
How Did the AI for U Podcast Begin?
Brian Piper's journey into podcasting started at a previous Engage Summit, where he presented on AI and data analytics in higher education. His passion and clarity on these topics led Enrollify to invite him to host a dedicated podcast. Thus, AI for U was born, focusing on the often-overlooked administrative side of AI integration in marketing, admissions, and advancement.
Brian’s background in content marketing made him the perfect fit. As the co-author of the second edition of Epic Content Marketing, and author of its higher ed-focused companion, he saw the opportunity to amplify storytelling through AI tools. His work bridges the creative and the technical—showing institutions how AI can streamline content creation and enhance strategic messaging.
What’s New and Exciting from the Engage Summit?
Brian highlighted the buzz around AI agents—autonomous tools designed to automate entire workflows. These are more than smart chatbots; they’re the next phase of intelligent integration, capable of managing tasks end-to-end while allowing humans to set boundaries and oversee decision-making.Sessions at the summit showcased how institutions are moving beyond experimental use cases toward scalable implementation. Brian praised Element451’s proactive innovation, noting how their approach reflects the sector’s need to adapt quickly and thoughtfully. For Piper, the summit underscored the importance of building AI intentionally and collaboratively, with clear ethical boundaries and shared best practices.
What’s Brian’s Perspective on AI Adoption and Change Management?
Brian sees AI as a catalyst for deeper institutional change. When he consults with universities, his first message is clear: AI adoption is not a tech project—it’s a cultural transformation. Institutions must rethink how they work, not just how to automate what they already do.He encourages higher ed leaders to embrace this moment, not fear it. His advice: Start somewhere, experiment, and build from there. AI offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine operational efficiency, student engagement, and knowledge distribution. But to unlock its power, institutions must move from passive observation to active integration.
How Can Higher Ed Leaders Prepare for What’s Ahead?
Brian believes higher ed is facing more external pressure than ever—declining enrollments, public skepticism, and budget challenges. AI offers a strategic edge, but only if institutions are willing to reimagine their systems and structures. He emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, helping students build the social capital they’ll need in an AI-shaped job market. Leaders, meanwhile, must create environments where experimentation is encouraged, failure is educational, and collaboration is non-negotiable. With four college-age kids himself, Brian understands the stakes. The institutions that lead with curiosity, community, and courage will be the ones that thrive.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek 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 I Wanna Work There.
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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