Keep Shining: Nancy Richmond on AI, Human Connection, and the Future of Learning

Keep Shining: Nancy Richmond on AI, Human Connection, and the Future of Learning

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Nancy Richmond, professor at Florida International University, co-chair of the College of Business AI Teaching Forum, author, and speaker, for a conversation about one of the most important questions facing education today: how do we embrace AI while preserving what makes us human? Drawing from her background in digital marketing, career development, and student wellbeing, Nancy explores how technology has transformed the way we learn, connect, and communicate. While AI offers remarkable opportunities for personalization and accessibility, she argues that the growing importance of human connection, empathy, and authenticity cannot be overlooked. The conversation examines everything from AI influencers and digital companionship to personalized learning experiences that adapt to different student needs and learning styles. Throughout, Nancy emphasizes that experimentation—not perfection—is the path forward. By embracing curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to fail, educators can discover new ways to support students while maintaining the human relationships that sit at the heart of education. For educators and leaders navigating rapid technological change, this episode is a thoughtful reminder that innovation and humanity are not competing priorities—they must advance together.

Beyond the Ban: Sunaina Sharma on AI, Student Motivation, and the Future of Classroom Technology

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Sunaina Sharma, Assistant Professor at Brock University and longtime English educator, to explore one of the most pressing questions facing schools today: What happens when educators feel caught between the promise of AI and the realities of classroom life? Drawing on more than two decades of experience and recent research involving hundreds of secondary school teachers, Sunaina shares how the relationship between students, technology, and learning has fundamentally shifted since the pandemic. While many teachers are already using AI behind the scenes to support their work, uncertainty around policy, parent expectations, and institutional support often prevents them from bringing these conversations directly into the classroom. The episode also examines the growing "revolt" against technology in schools, where some educators are returning entirely to pen-and-paper assessments in an effort to preserve authentic learning. Sunaina challenges listeners to think beyond an either-or mindset, arguing that the real opportunity lies in creating thoughtful guardrails, meaningful professional learning, and classroom experiences that help students understand why their learning matters. For educators and leaders, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the challenge isn't simply about adopting new technologies—it's about building cultures of trust, support, and mutual respect that allow innovation to happen responsibly.

AI for Everyone: How UCF Is Bringing Innovation Beyond Computer Science

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Maritza Concha and Ketty Dones from the University of Central Florida’s Applied AI Innovation Initiative to explore how artificial intelligence is empowering students, nonprofits, and professionals who don’t come from technical backgrounds. The conversation highlights a powerful shift happening across higher education: AI is no longer reserved for computer scientists. Through community partnerships, nonprofit support programs, and classroom innovation, Dr. Concha and Ketty are helping learners use AI to solve real-world problems—from grant writing and program evaluation to healthcare support and community engagement. The episode also tackles some of the biggest questions surrounding AI adoption, including critical thinking, workforce disruption, and the growing need for AI literacy across every discipline. Rather than replacing human expertise, the discussion emphasizes how AI can become a collaborator that helps people work more creatively, strategically, and effectively. For educators, administrators, and community leaders, this conversation offers an inspiring look at how AI can expand opportunity, strengthen local impact, and make innovation accessible to everyone—not just those who know how to code.

Building a Safe Path to AI: Brett Hinson on Leadership, Trust, and Innovation in Higher Education

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Brett Hinson, Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Lipscomb University, to discuss what it takes to lead technology transformation in higher education. With decades of experience across multiple industries, Brett brings a practical and refreshing perspective on balancing innovation, security, and institutional trust. At the center of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: technology should serve people, not the other way around. Brett explains how Lipscomb has approached AI adoption by creating a culture of “maybe” instead of “no,” encouraging experimentation while maintaining the safeguards necessary to protect students, faculty, and institutional data. The discussion also explores how successful AI implementation requires more than selecting the right tools. It depends on collaboration between IT, faculty, administrators, legal teams, and academic leadership. By focusing on simple guardrails instead of excessive bureaucracy, institutions can create environments where innovation can flourish without sacrificing security. For higher education leaders, this episode offers valuable lessons on building trust, reducing fear, and creating pathways for responsible AI adoption that put student success at the center of every decision.

From AI Conversations to AI Action: Tawnya Means on Moving Higher Education Forward

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Tawnya Means, founding partner of Inspire Higher Ed, for a conversation about one of the biggest shifts happening across campuses: moving from talking about AI to actually using it. As institutions navigate uncertainty, Tawnya offers a practical and human-centered perspective on what meaningful adoption really looks like. The discussion explores the psychological barriers that often slow progress—fear of complexity, pressure to be an expert, and the frustration of early failures. Tawnya argues that AI adoption doesn’t begin with mastering the technology. It starts with curiosity, experimentation, and creating communities where educators feel safe sharing both wins and setbacks. The episode also highlights an important balance: embracing AI while preserving what should remain deeply human. Through practical examples and institutional insights, Tawnya makes the case that the future isn’t about replacing people—it’s about creating more space for human connection, creativity, and impact.