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About the Episode

The what's what...

This fast-paced show drops listeners into a compelling conversation about higher education. In Your Element asks innovative leaders about the challenges, wins, and future of everything from meeting enrollment numbers to equity in education.

In this episode of In Your Element, host Eric Stoller is joined by Ray Lutzky, Director of the Academic Network at InStride and Adjunct Professor at NYU Tandon School of Engineering.

Together, Eric and Ray discuss the growing sector of employer-funded educational partnerships and other topics such as:

  • The future of corporate partnerships with universities across the country
  • The challenges institutions are facing as more and more students focus on career advancement
  • What is the value of a traditional degree in this career-focused environment?
  • How can colleges continue to maximize online learning to better serve students post-pandemic?
  • The ongoing digital transformation in enrollment and marketing offices across campuses

About the Podcast

Daniella Nordin

Host

Daniella Nordin

Daniella Nordin is a marketing and communications leader with over 15 years of experience specializing in higher education marketing and engagement. In her role as Director of Customer Success and Engagement at Element451, she leads a team dedicated to ensuring exceptional customer experiences. With a focus on collaboration and communication, Daniella builds bridges between customers and internal teams, ensuring alignment and driving outcomes that exceed expectations. Her leadership has been instrumental in implementing marketing strategies that drive growth and increase visibility and influence. Daniella holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from The Ohio State University and a Master’s, also in Communications, from the University at Albany, SUNY. She is committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and best practices in higher education marketing and engagement. She thrives on the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and is driven by her passion for helping colleges and universities achieve their goals.

Brendan Henkel

Host

Brendan Henkel

Brendan Henkel is a dynamic force in the tech and education sectors, leading as the Manager of Solutions Engineering at Element451 with a unique flair for merging technology with learning. Not only is he a seasoned expert with 13 years in higher education, but Brendan is also the undisputed Disney nerd in his circles, bringing joy and insights with a touch of magic. In his illustrious career, particularly his 10 years on the institution side, Brendan has mastered the nuances of enrollment management and financial aid, shaping futures with his strategic acumen. His philosophy is simple yet profound: create welcoming spaces and prioritize understanding others. This approach has been the bedrock of his ability to foster lasting, fruitful partnerships. Brendan's superpower lies in his dedication to building personal connections, believing them to be the key to success in any endeavor. Adding another layer to his multifaceted persona is his enthusiasm for AI, positioning him as both an enthusiast and an evangelist in this rapidly evolving field. With a master's degree in New Media Journalism, Brendan seamlessly blends his educational background with his passion for tech, Disney, and AI, offering a captivating narrative that's both informative and entertaining.

Ray Lutzky

Interviewee

Ray Lutzky

Dr. Ray Lutzky is a higher education leader with 20+ years of exprience expanding the reach of the world's most innovative universities. He is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Element451, the leading AI-powered, all-in-one student engagement CRM platform. He previously served as Vice President at Academic Partnerships, one of the largest online program managers in North America, and as Director of University Partnerships at InStride, a global provider of strategic workforce education for companies founded by Arizona State University (ASU). Dr. Lutzky teaches graduate courses at NYU Tandon School of Engineering and USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism in user experience design and digital media management, and is also a volunteer lecturer for the Ukraine Global Faculty. His work in enrollment management and admissions encompasses leadership positions at Cornell University, NYU, Pace University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Dr. Lutzky earned his PhD in Communication and Rhetoric from RPI, and master's degrees in digital media from Syracuse University and ASU.

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