How to Buy AI in 2026

How to Buy AI in 2026

JC is joined by Element451 Chief Revenue Officer Trey Boyer and VP of Customer Strategy & Technology Kelly Sinacola to discuss the complexities of buying AI in higher education. They examine why many campuses struggle to realize ROI on AI investments, highlight the pitfalls of shiny demos and vaporware, and emphasize frameworks for selecting the right problems to solve. The conversation covers data readiness, the importance of organizational culture, and how successful AI adoption depends on people and process—not just technology. Practical advice is shared for institutional leaders preparing to make significant AI purchases. - - - - Connect With Our Co-Host: Dr. JC Bonilla https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/] About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Generation AI is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

First 100 Days Leading AI in EdTech

JC is joined by Element451's CEO James Novak to explore the shifting landscape of AI and EdTech leadership in higher education. James reflects on his first 100 days, transformational AI strategies, and the emergence of agentic workflows. The conversation unpacks recent industry research, best practices for deploying AI at scale, and actionable advice for higher ed leaders looking to drive impact and student success through AI-enabled labor and process redesign. - - - - Connect With Our Co-Host: Dr. JC Bonilla https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/] About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Generation AI is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bridging the Gap Between AI Pilots and Practice

In this episode of Higher Intelligence, JC is joined by Andrea Gilbert from Everspring to examine why most AI pilots in higher education fail to scale, emphasizing the crucial role of leadership and change management over technology itself. They explore actionable frameworks for moving from pilot to implementation, the importance of measurable outcomes, and how institutions can redesign workflows for sustainable AI adoption, with insights drawn from leading industry research and real-world campus experiences. - - - - Connect With Our Co-Host: Dr. JC Bonilla https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/] About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Generation AI is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI in the New International Student Landscape

JC is joined by Rishab Malhotra, the founder of AIDO [https://meetaido.com/], to examine the current crisis in US international student enrollment, the evolving role of AI in global recruitment, and the impact of new federal regulations on AI models. JC and Rishab discuss data-driven strategies for enrollment, AI-powered personalization, and operational improvements, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities facing institutions aiming to attract and support international students in an increasingly competitive and regulated landscape. - - - - Connect With Our Co-Host: Dr. JC Bonilla https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/] About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Generation AI is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Shaping Students for an AI Future

JC is joined by Christopher Porter from Drake University to examine how AI is reshaping entry-level tech jobs, curriculum design, and workforce readiness in higher education. They explore the rapid decline of traditional roles, the increasing demand for AI fluency, and how programs like Drake University's AI major are bridging skills gaps. The conversation highlights integrating ethics, interdisciplinary learning, and adapting to evolving AI tools to prepare students for the future. - - - - Connect With Our Co-Host: Dr. JC Bonilla https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/] About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Generation AI is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  Enrollify is made possible by Element451. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.