In this episode of EDU Unlocked, Ashish Fernando sits down with Dr. Galin Jones, Inaugural Vice Provost for Artificial Intelligence at the University of Minnesota, to discuss AI literacy, workforce transformation, and the role higher education must play in preparing society for an AI-driven future.

Galin begins by sharing his unconventional journey into academia. After serving in the military and running his own business, he returned to college later in life, where an inspiring professor helped him discover a passion for mathematics, statistics, and computing. What started as a practical decision to study statistics eventually led him to become one of higher education's leading voices on artificial intelligence.

The conversation explores why universities have a responsibility that extends far beyond educating enrolled students. Galin explains the vision behind the University of Minnesota's AI Hub, an initiative designed to prepare not only students, but also educators, businesses, policymakers, and communities to navigate the opportunities and challenges AI will bring. From K-12 education to workforce upskilling and public engagement, the goal is to build AI resilience across an entire state.

Ashish and Galin also discuss AI literacy and why it is becoming an essential skill for every profession. While not everyone needs to become an AI engineer, Galin believes every graduate will need to understand how to effectively work alongside AI. He also shares why universities are uniquely positioned to lead conversations around ethics, governance, privacy, and responsible AI adoption.

Throughout the discussion, Galin emphasizes that successful AI adoption is not simply a technology challenge. It is equally a leadership and collaboration challenge that requires universities, industry, government, and communities to work together rather than in isolation.

The episode concludes with Galin's perspective on resilience in the age of AI. Rather than simply adapting to technological change, he believes individuals and institutions must develop the ability to evaluate, shape, and responsibly guide how AI impacts society.

In this episode of EDU Unlocked, Ashish Fernando sits down with Michael Brody, Director of University College at Illinois State University, to discuss student exploration, academic advising, the role of AI in higher education, and the leadership philosophy that guides his work.

Michael begins by sharing his unconventional path into higher education. He never envisioned himself becoming a university administrator, in fact, he originally dreamed of being a goalkeeper. His career direction changed after working as a research assistant and later serving in academic advising and residence life roles, where mentors helped shape his professional journey. Through those experiences, he discovered a passion for helping students navigate their college experience and achieve success.

The conversation then turns to one of higher education's most persistent challenges: supporting undecided students. Michael challenges the notion that undecided students are a problem to be solved. Instead, he argues that exploration is an essential part of the college experience. He discusses the increasing pressure students face to choose majors quickly, often driven by concerns about return on investment, and explains why institutions must create opportunities for meaningful exploration and self-discovery.

Ashish and Michael also explore the growing role of AI in academic advising. Michael outlines three core competencies of advising: conceptual, relational, and informational and explains how AI can enhance the informational side of advising by helping students access answers, review degree plans, and prepare for advising conversations. However, he emphasises that technology should create more space for meaningful human interactions, not replace them.

Throughout the discussion, Michael returns to a central theme: students want to know that someone genuinely cares about their success. While AI can improve efficiency, the relationships between students and advisors remain at the heart of effective advising.

The episode concludes with Michael's leadership mantra: "Actions over Outcomes." He explains why focusing on the quality of our actions, our effort, sincerity, and commitment to serving students ultimately matters more than chasing outcomes that may be beyond our control.

In this episode of EDU Unlocked, Ashish Fernando sits down with Kevin Thomas, Vice President of Enrollment Services & Student Success at the University of Central Arkansas, to discuss the growing questions around the value of higher education, student trust, and how institutions can better connect with students and families.

The conversation begins with a striking contrast in public perception: while many Americans believe higher education is heading in the wrong direction, a majority of students still trust their own institutions. Kevin explains that transparency and accountability are critical, and that students are right to expect strong career outcomes and a clear return on investment from higher education.

He also argues that institutions often struggle to tell their story effectively. Universities tend to focus heavily on curriculum and academics, while overlooking the broader student experience, the relationships, support systems, personal growth, and sense of belonging that define college life beyond the classroom.

Kevin reflects on his own journey into higher education, sharing how his passion for helping people and supporting student success shaped his career across residence life, advising, retention, and enrollment leadership. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that care, purpose, and human connection remain central to the work.

The discussion also explores UCA’s efforts to improve affordability and access through scholarship programs for Arkansas families earning under $100,000 annually. Kevin shares how proactive outreach, personalized communication, and financial support helped drive enrollment growth by reaching students who previously believed college was out of reach.

On the role of AI and automation, Kevin sees technology as an opportunity to reduce operational burden across admissions and student support teams, while still preserving the relationships and individualized guidance students value most.

The episode closes with an important insight for enrollment leaders: processes matter, but relationships matter more. Building trust, connection, and individuality is what ultimately shapes the student journey and strengthens institutional impact.