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EdTech ConnectAuthor: Jeff Dillon
** Reached #4 on Apple Podcast Education Category ** The EdTech Connect Podcast is the leading podcast for higher education professionals who want learn about the most innovative people and tech shaping the future of Higher Education Join host Jeff Dillon as he explores emerging trends, pioneering developments, and real-world applications of technology in academia. Each episode features interviews with leading experts, educators, technologists and solution providers, who share their insights on how technology can be used to improve student engagement, enhance learning outcomes, and transform the educational experience. Whether you're a marketer, faculty, IT Leader, enrollment director, or anyone interested in the future of higher education, the EdTech Connect Podcast is your source for knowledge and inspiration you need to harness the power of technology and drive innovation on your campus. Listeners of the EdTech Connect Podcast will learn about the latest trends, best practices, and challenges in the rapidly evolving field of educational technology. Learn more at https://edtechconnect.com. Language: en Genres: Education, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Ep. 81 - Devin Purgason: Who Owns the Student Journey in the Age of AI
Episode 80
Friday, 3 April, 2026
Join Jeff Dillon as he sits down with Devin Pergason, AVP for Student Experience, Marketing & Outreach at Forsyth Technical Community College, to dissect the evolving landscape of higher education. This episode tackles a critical question: why are community colleges currently best positioned to drive student success? Pergason argues that their inherent “student-first” mission – unlike research universities attempting to retrofit a student-centric model – gives them a significant advantage. The conversation centers on the urgency with which institutions must engage with emerging technologies, particularly AI, mirroring the same dedication they bring to the classroom. Pergason emphasizes a shift away from traditional marketing approaches that “market *to* students” towards strategies designed *for* their needs. He highlights how Forsyth Tech built a groundbreaking student care model – integrating support services directly with marketing – creating a unified approach for genuine engagement and lasting impact. Ultimately, this episode explores whether community colleges are truly ‘getting there’ in embracing the technological conversation, and what it takes to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive. Key Takeaways: Community College Advantage: Pergason argues that their existing mission – prioritizing student success – makes them uniquely positioned for innovation. Student-First Marketing: A critical discussion on moving beyond traditional marketing tactics and focusing on what truly matters to students. Integrated Systems are Key: The importance of combining student care services with marketing within a unified organizational structure. Urgency in Technology Adoption: The need for community colleges to approach technology – particularly AI – with the same level of commitment as their academic programs. The Signal Newsletter:https://edtechconnect.com/newsletter Find Devin Purgason: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinpurgason/ Forsyth Technical Community College https://www.forsythtech.edu/ And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - Student Services: Marketing and Admissions(00:00:41) - Meet Devin Purgason(00:02:03) - How Student Experience and Marketing Outreach are driving higher education innovation(00:10:08) - Forsyth Tech's AI Committee(00:15:48) - How Marketing Data is Affecting the Student Journey(00:18:04) - What are the opportunities of AI in colleges?(00:19:31) - On Student Engagement and Marketing(00:23:26) - How to Modernize Higher Ed Marketing Teams(00:25:24) - The Future of Higher Ed: Technology Innovation
