Smarter Campus Podcast

Beyond the Code: Forrest Close on AI, Data Science, and Standing Out in a Changing Job Market

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Forrest Close, data scientist and recent University of New Hampshire graduate, to explore what it’s really like entering the workforce in the age of AI. From navigating college during the rise of generative AI to competing in today’s challenging job market, Forrest offers an honest perspective from the student side of this technological shift. The conversation explores how AI has transformed learning, including the growing gap between homework performance and actual understanding. Forrest shares why students should use AI as a guide rather than an answer machine, allowing it to strengthen learning instead of replacing it. The episode also highlights an important lesson for educators and employers alike: as AI makes technical work more accessible, the value of communication, collaboration, and translating complex ideas becomes even greater. Forrest reflects on discovering that his greatest contribution wasn't writing code—it was connecting technical solutions to real human needs. For educators, students, and higher education leaders, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how AI is reshaping learning, hiring, and the skills that will matter most in the future.

Preparing Students for What’s Next: Kevin Stump on Skills, AI, and the Future of Higher Education

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Kevin Stump, Chief Program Officer at the Education Design Lab, to explore how higher education can better prepare learners for a rapidly evolving workforce shaped by AI and emerging technologies. Kevin shares why the conversation can no longer be limited to degrees alone. Instead, he advocates for a future built around stackable credentials, visible skills, and stronger partnerships between colleges and employers. By bringing educators, industry leaders, and learners into the same design process, institutions can create more flexible pathways that keep pace with workforce needs while expanding opportunities for students. The conversation also examines the leadership challenges surrounding AI adoption. Kevin discusses why many institutions feel stuck between today's realities and tomorrow's uncertainty, and why empowering early adopters is often the fastest path toward meaningful change. Throughout the episode, he reminds listeners that while AI can accelerate planning and organization, the deeply human work of reflection, writing, and critical thinking remains essential. For higher education leaders, this episode offers a thoughtful roadmap for building more responsive institutions while ensuring students graduate with both meaningful credentials and the ability to clearly communicate the value of their skills.

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.