Mastering the Next

The MBA landscape is shifting faster than ever. Programs are experimenting with online hybrids, one-year accelerators, and specialized tracks. With so many formats competing for attention, how can schools adapt and stay relevant? In this episode, Oren Margolis, Founder of Pinetree & Palm Consulting, offers a candid look at what business schools are getting right and where they risk falling short. Drawing on his experience at NYU Stern and in talent development at high-growth companies, Oren explains why skills matter more than pedigree and how institutions can frame MBA ROI in ways that resonate with today’s students and the evolving workforce. Join us as we discuss:  [4:54] Gen Z and millennial career priorities: what’s changed, what hasn’t [8:11] Rethinking ROI: short-term salary vs. long-term trajectory [16:26] Skills vs. pedigree: where MBAs really create value 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. Guest Name: Oren Margolis, Founder of Pinetree & Palm Consulting Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orenmargolis/ Guest Bio: Oren Margolis (MBA, SPHR, ACC) is a leadership and executive coach, MBA admissions consultant, and career coach specializing in ambitious Millennial and Gen Z professionals. He brings deep corporate experience leading People & Talent at VC-backed fintech Nova Credit and building career development programs at Westfield and WME, combined with six years in MBA admissions at NYU Stern where he evaluated thousands of applicants and helped launch innovative programs. With an MBA from NYU Stern and certifications including ICF-Certified Coach (ACC) and SPHR, Oren helps clients navigate leadership challenges, career transitions, and competitive graduate admissions by blending business strategy, organizational dynamics, and individual development expertise. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  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.

In a saturated higher education landscape, how can a business school stand out without the budget or brand power of top-tier competitors? In this episode, we talk with Matt Alex, Director of Marketing at Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University, who is leading a comprehensive brand refresh rooted in Peter Drucker’s legacy. Matt shares how the school is navigating the challenges of differentiation in Southern California’s crowded MBA market, balancing the weight of Drucker’s global reputation with the need to connect authentically with modern students. From faculty buy-in to enrollment outcomes, this conversation explores the future of branding in higher ed and why storytelling, authenticity, and human-centricity matter more than ever. Join us as we discuss:  [7:59] How to get faculty buy-in for brand messaging [10:39] Storytelling as the most authentic marketing tool [13:29] Why brand strategy must align with institutional strategy 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. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  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.

The notion of reimagining education alongside generative AI is no longer a simple sentiment but a necessity. Chris Agnew, Director of the Generative AI for Education Hub at Stanford Accelerator for Learning, joins Ray to outline three roles AI plays in higher education: efficiency, outcomes, and reimagining the classroom. Chris shares what his team has learned about AI’s ability to support educators and why most current tools miss the opportunity to deeply transform how students learn. He also addresses concerns around academic integrity and suggests how real change requires a reevaluation of long-held faculty practices. Join us as we discuss:  [1:42] The three buckets of AI applications in higher ed classrooms [6:15] Faculty wariness and resistance to change in the AI storm [13:55] Why durable skill-based education will become a focal point Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Stanford University’s Generative AI for Education Hub 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. Guest Name: Chris Agnew, Director of Stanford's Generative AI for Education Hub Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-agnew-74bb8217/ Guest Bio: Chris Agnew is Director, Generative AI for Education Hub at Stanford University. As the Director, Chris is the principal organizing force in designing and implementing the new Generative AI in Education Hub - from concept to strategic planning to full implementation. Chris works closely with faculty and staff to build partnerships with education organizations and practitioners including schools, educators, policy makers, funders, NGO’s, and the edtech sector. With over 25 years in education, Chris has taught and led both K12 schools and non traditional learning environments adjacent to K12 and post secondary. Committed to learning that is experiential, applied and relevant, Chris shifted to edtech to improve access and reduce cost of transformative learning models. Prior to Stanford, Chris led US higher ed strategy and credentials for Multiverse, an edtech startup using professional apprenticeships as an alternative to college and university. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

As Canadian higher education faces unprecedented financial pressures and rapid technological change, AI has emerged as both a solution and a challenge. In this episode, Dr. Andre De Freitas, Founder of EdVisingU, joins Ray to explore how AI is reshaping governance, teaching, and student engagement across Canadian universities and colleges. From the risks of top-down decision-making to the urgency of embedding AI literacy in every classroom, Andre shares candid insights on how institutions must adapt without compromising their core values.  Join us as we discuss:  [1:38] Financial pressures and the "Uberization" of education [9:10] Why bottom-up leadership and student input matter [16:28] The future of public-private partnerships and fast-tracked curricula Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Council of Ontario Universities   Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario Disco.co Element451 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. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

What happens when brilliant PhD researchers want to turn groundbreaking ideas into real-world ventures, but lack the entrepreneurial playbook? In this episode, Ray sits down with Michael Escosia of Cornell Tech’s Runway Startups Program, a unique postdoctoral initiative that helps PhDs become startup founders. Michael shares how the program fills critical gaps in business skills, fosters team-building, and creates a strong network to support postdocs as they transition from academic research to commercial ventures. Join us as we discuss:  [1:51] How Runway fills the gap between research and business [7:15] The power of community, mentorship, and networks [10:32] Success stories, alumni paths, and program outcomes 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. Guest Name: Michael Escosia, Associate Director of Operations, Cornell Tech Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mescosia/ Guest Bio: Michael Escosia serves as Associate Director of Operations at the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute, a groundbreaking joint academic venture between Cornell University and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. As an integral partner at Cornell Tech in New York City, the Institute brings together faculty, students, business leaders, and tech entrepreneurs to reinvent how we live in the digital age through innovative educational, research, and entrepreneurial opportunities. With over seven years at the Institute, Escosia advances strategic goals through program development and management, including trek programs to Israel and San Francisco. His career spans healthcare systems design at Mount Sinai Health System, biomedical sciences program management at NYU, and nonprofit leadership as Director of Programs at VR Kids. He holds an MPA from NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, specializing in non-profit management and policy.   - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this episode, Ray is joined by Anika Jackson, Executive Director at The ICL Foundation, to explore how brands can stay human in a world increasingly driven by technology. From Gen Z’s demand for authenticity to the growing role of AI in marketing, we unpack what it truly takes for brands to build trust — and what happens when they fall short. Anika shares real-world insights on user-generated content, purpose-driven messaging, and why standing firm in your values matters more than ever. Join us as we discuss:  [2:17] How to balance AI-generated content and authenticity [11:34] Columbia vs. Harvard and strategic responses to political pressure [15:25] Why AI can’t replicate human creativity, strategy, and iteration Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Your Brand Amplified 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. Guest Name: Anika Jackson, Executive Director, the ICL Foundation Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikajackson/ Guest Bio: Anika Jackson is a senior communications and marketing professional with over 25 years of experience working with diverse brands and clients to build local and global interest and create meaningful, synergistic relationships between businesses and people. She currently serves as the CEO, chief strategist, and podcast host for Your Brand Amplified, a marketing and communications agency that she also founded. She is also Executive Director of the ICL Foundation. Jackson’s professional expertise encompasses experiential marketing, event production, launch marketing, public relations, and various additional digital and influencer-based marketing and communications management strategies. She is a member of the Quickbooks Small Business Council, serves on the advisory board for UC Santa Barbara’s Women in Leadership executive program, and contributes her knowledge and thought leadership for the benefit of multiple local, national, and global nonprofits. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Is the traditional MBA losing its edge, or is it simply evolving? In this episode, Andrew Crisp, owner of CarringtonCrisp, joins Ray to answer that question with insights from the firm’s comprehensive and influential Tomorrow’s MBA study.  From the surprising drop in interest in international MBA programs to the surging demand for specializations in AI, healthcare, and sustainability, Andrew draws on more than 15 years of global student research to unpack the forces reshaping business education. Join us as we discuss: [2:04] Geopolitical tensions and their impact on global education [12:10] How AI policy, integrity, and innovation will influence tomorrow’s MBA [15:17] If MBAs still justify their price tag, and rethinking ROI and personalization Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Tomorrow’s MBA study by CarringtonCrisp 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. Guest Name: Andrew Crisp, Co-Founder, CarringtonCrisp Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-crisp-carringtoncrisp/?originalSubdomain=uk Guest Bio: Andrew Crisp jointly founded CarringtonCrisp in 2003 with Mary Lou Carrington. Drawing on considerable experience in research, strategy and communication, Andrew has built CarringtonCrisp into a global brand, known for its work across business schools and universities, including INSEAD, IMD, Columbia, Babson, CEIBS, UNSW AGSM, Vlerick, Rotterdam, Miami, Saïd, Judge, Cardiff, King's College London and many more. Prior to setting up CarringtonCrisp, Andrew led the agency team that carried out the London Business School rebrand.  He also worked as the Employment Correspondent for The European newspaper, as Marketing Director for an internet business, writing training books for comedians Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones and as a student campaign leader at The Industrial Society. Andrew is a regular speaker at industry events organised by groups such as the Chartered Association of Business Schools, EFMD and AACSB.  Andrew is often quoted in the media drawing on his knowledge of business education for the Financial Times, The Economist, BusinessBecause, the Globe and Mail, the Australian and other international titles. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

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. Guest Name: Beth Hollenberg, CEO, Everspring Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethhollenberg/ Guest Bio: Beth Hollenberg, CEO of Everspring, has 20 years of experience in education, with more than ten years' experience running online, campus, and hybrid education programs. Most recently, Beth was President and COO of Kaplan Higher Education's Campus division. Prior to that role, she was the EVP and General Manager of SCORE! Educational Centers, a network of 170 technology-enabled tutoring centers nationwide. Beth started her career as a consultant to the Department of Health and Human Services, where she worked on effectively scaling federally funded programs for children and youth. She was an associate with the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) in Washington, D.C., where she focused on social services and education reform. Trained as an attorney, Beth holds a J.D. from Stanford Law School, an MA in Sociology, and BA in Psychology with distinction from Stanford University. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

At a time when misinformation spreads faster than ever and trust in media is under fire, how do we prepare the next generation of ethical, resilient journalists? In this episode of Mastering the Next, we speak with Colleen Leigh, Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. A former TV reporter turned higher education leader, Dr. Leigh offers a unique perspective on how journalism education is evolving to meet modern challenges. Join us as we discuss: [2:01] Misinformation, political pressure, and journalistic integrity [13:10] What makes students thrive in journalism school [17:21] DEI in journalism and building a more inclusive newsroom 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. Guest Name: Dr. Colleen Leigh, Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York (CUNY) Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenleigh/ Guest Bio: Colleen Leigh is the Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success at CUNY Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism.  She oversees Admissions, Student Affairs, Career Services, and Alumni Affairs. She joined the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism in 2007 as an admissions/outreach counselor, in 2014 was the school’s Director of Admissions, and in 2019 was our Assistant Dean for Administration, which was the equivalent of our chief operating officer, overseeing Academic Operations, Campus Services, Public Safety, and Technology. Her first role as an admissions officer was for the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga. After earning an M.A. in Journalism from Emerson College, Colleen worked as a freelance TV reporter covering the Filipino community in the New York region. In addition to the master’s in journalism, she holds a B.A. in Communication from the University of Scranton, an M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College, and an Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this episode, Ray chats with Julio Peña, Vicerrector de Educación Abierta y Organizaciones at Universidad Tecmilenio, one of Mexico’s most innovative universities. Together, they explore how flexible learning models, purpose-driven education, and a deep focus on well-being are transforming student outcomes — and setting new global standards for employability. Julio shares how Tecmilenio has built a unique “Connect” model that blends online, hybrid, and in-person learning, how 9 out of 10 students land jobs before graduation, and why “well-being” is more than a buzzword — it's at the heart of everything they do.  Join us as we discuss:  [2:15] Tecmilenio’s “Connect” model — flexible, hybrid, and personalized [7:22] Why well-being and purpose make all the difference [18:00] Co-creating to create ROI for both businesses and learners Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: The Flow model The Seligman model MAPS model 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. Guest Name: Julio Peña, Vicerrector de Educación Abierta y Organizaciones at Universidad Tecmilenio Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julio-pe%C3%B1a-gaviria-45802825 Guest Bio: Julio Peña Gaviria is Vicerrector de Educación Abierta y Organizaciones at Universidad Tecmilenio. He has more than 30 years of professional experience, 22 of which have been in the world of information technology and digital transformation. He has dedicated his career to driving human potential, its relationship with technology, and access to quality education for all. He holds a degree in economics from Universidad Javeriana, an MBA from CESA, an executive program from Harvard, and the D1 program from IPADE. He has held leadership positions at companies such as IBM, Dell, and Microsoft. In his current role at Tecmilenio, he is responsible for leading the creation and implementation of accessibility and affordability strategies in Mexico and Latin America, focused on lifelong education. His goal is to promote mass, high-impact education based on the needs of organizations and individuals, in order to develop and connect existing talent potential with job market opportunities, seeking to reduce current gaps. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

International students face unique financial challenges when pursuing education abroad, from securing loans without cosigners to navigating shifting immigration policies. In this episode, Ray sits down with Arbaaz Hashmi, Director of Business Development at Sallie Mae, to unpack the evolving landscape of international student financing. They explore how universities, lenders, and financial institutions are working together to create sustainable funding solutions, how technology is transforming underwriting and loan approvals, and why students today are thinking more about ROI than ever before. Join us as we discuss:  [2:10] How universities and lenders can create win-win situations for students [11:55] The role of technology in modernizing student loan approval [22:16] The future of international student financing, trends, and predictions 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. Guest Name: Arbaaz Hashmy, Director of Business Development at Sallie Mae Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arbaazhashmy/ Guest Bio: Arbaaz Hashmy is Director of Business Development at Sallie Mae. He has more than 10 years under his belt in partnership management focused on the fin-tech space and managed clients in 33 countries in his last role at MPOWER Financing. After finishing his undergrad in Computer Science Engineering, where he led various student organizations, Arbaaz worked across multiple industries and built meaningful relationships to deliver ambitious business goals. He received his MBA from Johns Hopkins University where he served as the President of the Indian Students Association and an international student ambassador. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Higher education is changing fast, and online learning is at the center of it all. In this episode, Dr. Whitney Kilgore, Co-founder and Chief Academic Officer of iDesign, joins Ray to unpack the biggest trends shaping the future of education. From the rise of AI to the importance of instructional design, Whitney shares why some institutions are leading the charge while others struggle to keep up. Join us as we discuss:  [10:57] How to stay human-centered when integrating AI into education [18:32] Why instructional design starts with alignment and how it ensures rigor [23:58] What institutions are getting wrong about online learning  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. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Online program management (OPM) companies play a crucial role in helping universities navigate the complexities of digital education and online student recruitment. But as skepticism around the OPM model has grown, institutions must carefully weigh their options. In this episode, Ray sits down with Jim Lummus, Executive VP - University Solutions at AllCampus, to break down common misconceptions about OPMs, how universities can maintain control while scaling online, and why different financial models — such as revenue share and fee-for-service — fit different institutional needs. Join us as we discuss [ADD TIMESTAMPS IN QA]:  [2:39] Skepticism and misconceptions around OPM partnerships [12:06] Revenue sharing versus fee-for-service models [19:35] What school presidents should consider when outsourcing OPM 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. Guest Name: Jim Lummus, Executive Vice President, University Solutions at AllCampus Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlummus/ Guest Bio: Jim Lummus is an experienced, growth-oriented leader with accomplishments encompassing sales, operations management, cross-functional team management, territory development, client relationship management and strategic planning. As the executive responsible for the AllCampus sales, sales operations and market research teams, he works proactively to build successful partnerships with graduate degree and upskilling programs at top universities. Jim gained a track record of combining rapid expansion and exceptional performance through his years of achievements at educational technology and online program management firms like Zovio, Avenu Learning, Academic Partnerships, Deltak and Sylvan Learning. In these roles, he formed valuable relationships with major U.S. and international universities as well as private businesses. Jim holds an MBA from Stetson University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Maryville College. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

The graduate school experience can be as psychologically challenging as it is academically rigorous. Many students struggle with imposter phenomenon, financial stress, and unclear expectations — challenges that impact not only their confidence but also their academic success. In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Cisco and Dr. Jayme Cisco, co-founders of The Grad Academy, join Ray to share insights on the hidden struggles of graduate students and why imposter phenomenon is a key barrier to success. They unpack the institutional gaps that contribute to these challenges and discuss strategies for improving student support. Join us as we discuss [SET TIMESTAMPS IN QA]: The prevalence of imposter phenomenon in graduate student programs Helping students understand the processes behind grad school success The Grad Academy’s methods and success stories  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. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this bonus episode of Mastering the Next recorded live at the ASU+GSV AI Show, host Ray Lutzky chats with Professor Erin Hill of Jessup University about how her team is transforming legal education through AI in higher education. With the launch of Jessup+AI, one of the first fully AI-immersive learning experiences in U.S. legal education, Erin shares how this model blends AI-powered customization with human mentorship to offer emotionally supportive, personalized learning in higher education. This conversation dives into how AI is being used to improve engagement, assessment, and real-time curriculum design. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

At ASU+GSV Conference 2025, Ray is joined by Bryan Aylward, AVP, Office of Academic Innovation, Operations and Technology for The University of Arizona Global Campus. Guest Name: Bryan Aylward Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-aylward-psyd-17436210 Guest Bio: AVP, Office of Academic Innovation, Operations and Technology for The University of Arizona Global Campus - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

The healthcare workforce is at a critical crossroads, with a growing labor shortage and increasing patient demands. How can education and industry come together to create sustainable solutions? Ray sits down with Geoffrey Roche, Director of Workforce Development at Siemens Healthineers, to explore the challenges and opportunities in healthcare workforce development. From strategic partnerships between hospitals and universities to policy changes that remove barriers to training, Geoffrey shares insights on what it will take to future-proof the industry. Join us as we discuss:  [4:08] Effective partnerships between academia and healthcare [9:41] Why cultural competencies matter in patient care [15:15] Addressing higher ed’s blindspots in today’s medical programs Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: University of Wisconsin Nursing Assistant Apprenticeship Program To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or our website, or search for “Mastering the Next” in your favorite podcast player. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Digital accessibility in higher education recruitment isn't just about compliance — it's about ensuring every prospective student can fully engage with your institution's story. Today, we're exploring how to build a stronger case for accessibility in graduate recruitment and marketing. Ray is joined by Eugene Woo, CEO and Founder of Venngage, who's helping institutions create accessible visual content that reaches all prospective students. Join us as we discuss:  [1:15] Why digital accessibility is often treated as an afterthought [9:01] Missed recruitment opportunities and shifting the compliance mindset [16:39] How proactive compliance could save your institution’s budget 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. Guest Name: Eugene Woo, CEO and Founder, Venngage Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yjwoo/ Guest Bio: Eugene is an engineer and visual storytelling enthusiast. He founded Venngage to empower users of all experience levels to create engaging, accessible visuals. Through Venngage, Eugene's goal is to make visual communication more accessible and impactful for everyone. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Higher education unionization is experiencing unprecedented popularity, particularly among graduate student workers, creating new challenges and opportunities for institutions across the country. Ray explores this rapidly evolving landscape with Jennifer Kulbeck, Assistant Provost at Saint Mary's College of California, who brings a decade of experience working with faculty unions, and Matt Cipriano, Associate Dean at Mount Sinai's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, who recently navigated conversations of a new graduate student union. Their broad reaching conversation covers insights on maintaining productive relationships while balancing institutional needs in this transformative moment for academic labor relations. Guest Names:  Jennifer Kulbeck, Assistant Provost at Saint Mary's College of California Matt Cipriano, Associate Dean at Mount Sinai's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Guest Socials:  Jennifer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkulbeck/ Matt - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cipriano-53941a/ Guest Bios:  Jennifer - Jennifer Kulbeck has over 25 years of experience in higher education with expertise in budget and academic operations management, institutional effectiveness and accreditation, academic personnel and labor relations, interdisciplinary project management, and graduate program development and enrollment management. She currently serves as Assistant Provost and Director of Academic Operations at Saint Mary’s College of California. Jen served on the NAGAP Governing Board from 2012-2022, and received the Distinguished Service Award in 2018. She is also a poet, letterpress printer, and interdisciplinary educator. Her poetry and creative nonfiction have been published in West Marin Review, Storm Cellar, and Pittsburgh Poetry Houses, among others; and her most recent work includes poetry and voice-over work for The Farallonites production in collaboration with Dana Lawton Dances, and a piece in the group exhibit, Interdisciplinary Voice, at the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art. Matt - Matthew Cipriano is a seasoned higher education administrator who has dedicated over two decades to advancing graduate education, particularly in medical and biomedical fields. Currently serving as Associate Dean of Administration and Operations at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Cipriano has established himself as a transformative leader in graduate enrollment management and institutional operations. During his tenure at Weill Cornell Medical School, he successfully enhanced both the quality and quantity of the applicant pool, while demonstrating exceptional fiscal stewardship through his management of a $7 million annual budget. His collaborative leadership style has fostered valuable partnerships across departments and institutions, and his expertise has been recognized at the national level through his service on the Board of Directors of NAGAP, the Association for Graduate Enrollment Management. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this episode, we're diving into the radical transformation of online education from pandemic necessity to strategic imperative. Joining Ray is Taylor Swaak, Senior Reporter at The Chronicle of Higher Education, whose article out this week “The Online Overhaul” tracks this seismic shift in the higher education landscape. Taylor's recent analysis reveals how institutions nationwide are scrambling to adapt—some successfully, others not so much.  Read the Article: https://www.chronicle.com/article/the-online-overhaul Guest Name: Taylor Swaak, Senior Reporter at The Chronicle of Higher Education Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorswaak/ Guest Bio: Taylor Swaak covers technology and innovation at The Chronicle of Higher Education. She is drawn to nuanced stories about how colleges are navigating an increasingly tech-infused world — a world where they're relying on a growing number of ed-tech partners, and working to strike a balance between nurturing AI innovation and protecting their students and campus communities. This interest has sparked accountability reporting on controversial courseware products and tensions with online-program managers. It's also inspired trends pieces on competitive AI hiring sprees and experimentation with AI-detection tools to stymy admissions fraud. She is a staunch supporter of solutions journalism as well, and contributes annually to The Chronicle's robust collection of newsroom reports. She wants readers to be not only informed, but energized, by what she writes. Swaak joined The Chronicle in 2021. She previously wrote for The 74, a nonprofit news outlet, where she spearheaded K-12 coverage of the nation's two largest school districts — NYC Public Schools and L.A. Unified — before documenting D.C. Public Schools' pivot to virtual learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her byline has also appeared in Newsday, Newsweek, The Hartford Courant, and on CNN.com. She earned her bachelor's degree in multi-platform journalism from the University of Maryland, where she got her start as a reporter and editor at The Diamondback. Swaak lives in northern Virginia; you can find her out on the bike trails or scoping out a new coffee shop. - - - - Connect With Our Host: Dr. Ray Lutzky https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/ 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!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!  The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register