Podcast
Higher Ed Pulse
Hosted by Mallory Willsea · EN
Higher Ed Pulse is your weekly no-fluff guide to AI in higher ed. Higher ed leaders are expected to master AI overnight. But let’s be real — no one has time to sift through every headline, hot take, or research report.
That’s why every Monday, we break down what actually matters — fast, clear, and to the point.
Want to sound like the smartest person in the room? You’re in the right place.
Higher Ed Pulse is hosted by Mallory Willsea and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
64episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Designing UGC as a Strategy
Feb 1600:21:51Tap to summarizeMallory Willsea sits down with Emma Jamieson, Marketing Manager at Centennial College, to explore how her team has operationalized user-generated content (UGC) into a full-fledged strategy—not a side hustle. Emma reveals how UGC isn’t just performing well; it’s outperforming traditional branded ads in engagement, conversion, and trust. In a world flooded with AI-generated polish, this episode is a must-listen for higher ed marketers looking to prioritize credibility, human-centered storytelling, and results-driven social strategy. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Pulse Check: The Reputation Rethink — Pt. 1
Feb 1200:35:05Tap to summarizeHigher education’s reputation is being shaped by a familiar set of headlines: rising costs, political pressure, campus conflict, layoffs, and closures. It’s the story we keep hearing, and it’s loud.But in this episode, we ask: is that the story most people actually believe?In the first episode of this five-part Pulse Check series, host Day Kibilds is joined by Doug Edwards, Chief Strategy Officer at Ologie, and Dr. Cassie Dutton, Research Director at Ologie, to introduce The Reputation Rethink, Ologie’s national study on public perception of higher education.Together, they define what “reputation” really means in this research, explain who was included and why, and share the study’s most encouraging (and challenging) insight: people believe colleges and universities contribute real value to society beyond educating students, but they struggle to see that impact in their everyday lives. This episode sets the foundation for the five specific areas institutions can address to close that gap and reconnect with the public.Host - Dayana Kibilds (LinkedIn)With 15 years of experience, Dayana Kibilds has led award-winning work with universities around the world. An international keynote speaker and one of London, Ontario’s 20 Under 40, she is known for making complex ideas clear, practical, and possible. She loves to teach and share what she knows through her email book Mailed It!, as well as through her workshops, courses, her work with young professionals at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s Summer Institutes, and her weekly newsletter. A lifelong immigrant who grew up in six countries, Day is now happily Canadian and lives with her husband, Bruno, and son, Romeo.Guest - Doug Edwards (LinkedIn)Doug is a seasoned professional who’s dedicated his career to helping brands do more good for the world. With 20 years of experience across healthcare, education, cultural institutions, and non-profits, Doug helps senior leaders and marketing teams navigate their toughest brand related challenges. He thrives at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and design and currently serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at Ologie where he leads the research and strategy team. Guest - Cassie Dutton, PhD (LinkedIn)Cassie brings a unique perspective to her work, combining 10+ years of academic research and consumer insights experience. She’s conducted academic research on the immigrant experience, veterans perspectives on social issues, and public policy and worked with strategists and consumers at some of the world's largest brands. What ties this all together? A real passion for utilizing data to tell stories and get to the “so what.” As a qualitative and quantitative researcher, Cassie loves finding just the right methods and approach to get at the heart of a question. When she’s not drafting research design, analyzing data, or moderating, you can find Cassie at her local independent bookstore or stamping her passport on an international adventure. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Best of Conference: The Red Stapler Session on AI Search & Zero-Click Discovery
Oct 1300:36:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory Willsea sits down with Adam Heidebrink-Bruno, Digital Content Specialist at Finger Lakes Community College and winner of Best in Conference at the 2025 Digital Collegium Annual Conference. Adam’s session — “Preparing for AI Search and the Generative College Discovery Process” — dove deep into how AI-powered search is transforming how prospective students discover and evaluate colleges. In this conversation, Mallory and Adam unpack what it really means to optimize for generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity, the rise of zero-click search behavior, and why your institution’s content strategy may need an urgent overhaul.Check out Adam’s Red Stapler Presentation Deck - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Pulse Check: AI Arms Race: Navigating Leadership in the Agentic Admissions AI Era — Part 4
Oct 900:25:33Tap to summarizeIn Part 4 of this Pulse Check series, Scott Cline sits down with Geoff Baird, higher ed thought leader and author of The Signal Solution, to discuss how AI in higher education admissions is driving a seismic shift in how institutions engage with prospective students. Drawing parallels to the urgency of innovation during COVID-19, Baird argues that AI represents a "silent pandemic" in admissions — one that requires institutions to rethink processes, strategy, and student engagement at lightning speed. This episode is a must-listen for enrollment leaders navigating the new realities of enrollment marketing and technology adoption.Guest Name: Geoff Baird, Founder & CEO, enroll mlGuest Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffbaird/https://www.enrollml.com/signalsolutionGuest Bio: Geoff Baird is the founder and CEO of enroll ml and author of the recently released book, The Signal Solution: How Smart Colleges Stop Chasing Applications and Start Converting Students. Over 35 years, Geoff has guided entities ranging from Fortune 50 business units to higher ed institutions through high-stakes operational and financial decisions to deliver growth, sustainability, and innovation. His company, enroll ml, is an AI-driven platform that helps institutions improve middle funnel enrollment yield, force-multiplying admissions teams and enhancing the effectiveness of new student recruitment investment. In 2024, enroll ml was named to GSV Ventures and Google Cloud's list of the 50 most innovative ed-tech startups worldwide. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →OpenAI’s New Data Shows How We Really Use ChatGPT
Oct 600:28:13Tap to summarizeMallory Willsea is joined by Heather Mueller, Chief Customer Officer and Co-Founder of Capture Higher Ed, to unpack OpenAI’s groundbreaking analysis of 1.5 million ChatGPT conversations. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping behavior—not just as a task assistant, but as an advisor—and what that means for higher ed marketing, enrollment strategy, and the future of student support. This is a must-listen for enrollment leaders navigating AI’s fast-evolving role in our industry.Related Links:OpenAI: How people are using ChatGPTRegister for the AI Engage Summit - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Pulse Check: AI Arms Race: Navigating Leadership in the Agentic Admissions AI Era — Part 3
Oct 200:22:32Tap to summarizeIn Part 3 of this Pulse Check series, Scott Cline sits down with Dr. John Haller, former VP of Enrollment Management at the University of Miami and current higher education consultant, to unpack how AI agents are being used across college admissions offices. From streamlining essay reviews to decoding enrollment trends and anticipating student persistence, this episode tackles the promise and pitfalls of using AI in higher ed. If you're a higher ed leader wrestling with how (or whether) to integrate AI into admissions and marketing, this episode offers a refreshingly honest, behind-the-scenes perspective.Guest Name: Dr. John Haller, Special Assistant to the President, Strategic Initiatives at Denison UniversityGuest Social: johnhaller.orgGuest Bio: Dr. John Haller is a higher education consultant and professor. Most recently, he served as the Special Assistant to the President, Strategic Initiatives at Denison University. For 10 years John served as the Vice President of Enrollment Management and New Student Strategies at the University of Miami. During his time at Miami, he led the movement from a largely merit-based to a hybrid merit- and need-based financial aid strategy where 100% of financial need is met. Also, the institution realized a 30%+ increase in applications and a 50%+ increase in yield. The institution realized a decrease in student indebtedness ($10,000) and the highest freshman retention (94%) and six-year graduation rates in University history (82%). Dr. Haller also served as the Associate Provost for Enrollment Management at Saint Joseph’s University and had experiences in student success at Drexel University, MBA Admission at Vanderbilt University, and Undergraduate Admission at Denison University. He is an honors graduate in economics and statistics from the University of Michigan, received master’s degrees in business and higher education, and received his Ed.D. in higher education from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be contacted via his blog at johnhaller.org. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →From Hurricane to Recovery: Reflections One Year After Hurricane Helene
Sep 2900:30:01Tap to summarizeMallory Willsea sits down with Benjamin Rickert, a higher ed communications leader, to explore what it truly means to serve students during a crisis. They reflect on the emotional and logistical challenges institutions face during natural disasters — and how a single, well-timed message can change the course of a student's life. This episode offers a powerful reminder of the human impact behind emergency communication in higher education. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Pulse Check: AI Arms Race: Navigating Leadership in the Agentic Admissions AI Era — Part 2
Sep 2500:23:23Tap to summarizeIn Part 2 of this Pulse Check series, Scott Cline sits down with Emily Thayer Owens, a college access strategist, counselor, and AI ethics advocate. With nearly two decades of experience across admissions, policy, and student support, Emily shares a refreshingly grounded perspective on how AI is already transforming the college admissions landscape—and what higher ed leaders are completely missing in this moment. From digital divides to transparency gaps, this episode unpacks what it takes to build trust and adapt strategically in the age of intelligent agents.Guest Name: Emily Thayer, Director of Career & College Counseling, Alumni Supports, Venture AcademiesGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilythayer/Guest Bio: Emily Owens is a recognized college access strategist, speaker, and advocate with almost two decades of experience in admissions, counseling, and postsecondary success. She has built and led initiatives across K-12, higher education, and statewide partnerships to build more equitable systems, while staying hands-on with students along the way. Emily specializes in human centered programs that bridge the gap between intention and impact - whether it's integrating AI with ethical frameworks into student supports, shaping inclusive education practices, or advising on direct admission policy. Her leadership roles on executive boards for organizations like MACAC and MnACC, along with various speaking engagements, and her involvement in the Minnesota tech industry such as serving on the leadership board for Global AI - TC Chapter, have positioned her as a strong voice on how institutions can meet the moment with authenticity and innovation. With a deep commitment to civic engagement and transforming systems for good, Emily brings a powerful blend of practitioner insight and policy experience to every conversation. She believes the future of enrollment is about reimagining pathways for students and truly emboldening students in their future. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Live at PRIMA: Convenience is Close to Conversion
Sep 2400:09:59Tap to summarizeMallory Wilsey as she sits down with Fabrizio Vallejos for a special episode recorded live at the Prima Conference! Fabrizio shares his biggest takeaways from attending Prima, including the power of collaboration across higher ed institutions and the advantages of not reinventing the wheel. Hear his real-world story of how he quickly leveraged AI-powered tools inside Element451 to solve a critical compliance challenge—streamlining student form collection in record time. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Is College Still Worth It?
Sep 2200:30:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory Willsea sits down with Mary Keister, Principal at Mary Keister Consulting and a seasoned strategic communications pro, to unpack one of higher ed’s most pressing issues: the rapidly declining public trust in the value of college. With Gallup and Lumina Foundation data showing alarming trends in student and family skepticism, this conversation dives into what's fueling the crisis—and what institutions can actually do about it. From missed messaging opportunities to long-overdue operational pivots, Mary and Mallory explore how to reframe the higher ed value proposition for today’s reality. Related Links: https://news.gallup.com/poll/695003/perceived-importance-college-hits-new-low.aspxhttps://www.luminafoundation.org/news-and-views/the-cost-vs-value-paradox-what-americans-really-think-about-college/https://www.highereddive.com/news/higher-education-survey-new-america-varying-degrees-2024/722992/https://www.bethel.edu/more/ - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →