TransferTALK

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when an enrollment leader becomes a university president?In Episode 24 of TransferTALK, Jay Fedje sits down with Dr. André Stephens, President of Fresno Pacific University, to explore leadership in one of the most challenging eras in higher education.With a career that began in admissions and evolved through student development and executive leadership, Dr. Stephens brings a unique perspective to the presidency — one rooted in student success, relationship-building, and institutional mission.In this conversation, Jay and Dr. Stephens discuss:The transition from enrollment leadership to the presidency Navigating enrollment decline and financial challenges Making difficult institutional decisions with a student-centered lens The importance of vision, purpose, and leadership clarity The future of higher education and the evolving role of AI This episode offers valuable insights for higher education leaders, enrollment professionals, and anyone interested in the future of institutional leadership. If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailEvery student’s path to a college degree is unique—often winding, sometimes uncertain, but always filled with potential. In this episode of TransferTALK, Jay Fedje sits down with Jaime Smith, author of The Complete Guide to College Transfer, to explore how transparency, empathy, and thoughtful guidance can transform the transfer experience.Drawing on her extensive background in counseling and advocacy, Jaime sheds light on the realities faced by today’s learners—particularly “swirlers” and dormant degree seekers navigating multiple institutions in search of the right academic fit. The conversation challenges long-standing assumptions within higher education, encouraging institutions to recognize the value of prior learning and to assume transfer credits are valid unless proven otherwise.Together, Jay and Jaime discuss the evolving landscape of higher education, the growing population of non-traditional students, and the importance of clear, early credit evaluations. They also examine the role of technology in advising, emphasizing that while AI can enhance efficiency, it cannot replace the wisdom and empathy of human counselors.Ultimately, this episode is a call to action for institutions to move beyond simply enrolling transfer students and toward truly supporting their path to completion. By embracing transparency and student-centered practices, colleges can transform the transfer process from a barrier into a bridge.🎧 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why transparency in transfer credit evaluation is essential for student success The challenges faced by “swirlers” and dormant degree seekers How institutions can shift from being transfer-tolerant to transfer-attractive The enduring importance of human guidance in an AI-enhanced advising landscape Strategies for helping students not just enroll—but complete their degrees 📘 About the GuestJaime Smith is an author, counselor, and advocate for transparent and student-centered college admissions. Through her work and her book, The Complete Guide to College Transfer, she If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailHigher education has been navigating a decade of disruption.In this episode of TransferTALK, Jay Fedje sits down with Jon McGee, author of Breakpoint: The Changing Marketplace for Higher Education, to revisit the forces reshaping colleges and universities and examine how those predictions are playing out today.McGee has spent much of his career studying the demographic, economic, and cultural changes influencing higher education strategy. In their conversation, Jay and Jon explore how the narrative around higher education has shifted—from education as a transformational experience to education increasingly viewed through a transactional, return-on-investment lens.They also discuss how students and families are navigating the complexity of college decisions, the increasing role parents play in the process, and why the rising cost of education has fundamentally changed how people evaluate its value. Jon introduces his framework of **four student archetypes—Selectivity Seekers, Fit Finders, Simplifiers, and Gamblers—and explains why institutions must understand their “modal student” if they hope to position themselves effectively in the marketplace. The conversation also tackles a persistent challenge in higher education: why so many colleges sound alike and what real institutional distinctiveness requires.For leaders working in enrollment, strategy, and student success, this episode offers thoughtful insights into how colleges can better align mission, market realities, and student expectations. If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of TransferTALK, Jay sits down with Paul Singh of Phi Theta Kappa to explore the rapidly shifting world of credit transfer in 2026. They discuss PTK’s mission evolution, the rise of dual-enrolled and adult learners, and the changing expectations of students who now compare institutions based on transparency and transfer-friendliness. Paul shares national insights and on-the-ground PTK student feedback, highlighting the barriers students face — especially those with older credits or multiple transcripts.The conversation dives into state-mandated portability, faculty-driven policy bottlenecks, the need for human advisors, and how automation and AI can support clarity and speed. Jay and Paul also explore high-ROI strategies institutions are using to support transfer students, from proactive advising to clear credit evaluation pathways. This is a timely, future-focused conversation for anyone working to build a transfer-inclusive campus culture.If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of TransferTALK, Jay sits down with John McLoughlin, Associate Dean of Enrollment Management & Student Success at NYU’s School of Professional Studies, to explore how the future of work is reshaping the future of college.NYU SPS has built a reputation for serving adult learners, transfer students, and working professionals with surprising agility — and John breaks down how modular learning, recognition of prior learning, stackable credentials, and employer partnerships all fit together to create a more flexible, future-ready education model.Jay and John dig into: • SPS’s history as an entrepreneurial, workforce-aligned academic unit • Applied and project-based learning models that get students employer-ready • Credit mobility that actually works • Lifelong learning and nonlinear student pathways • Why adaptability, interdisciplinarity, and advising matter more than ever • How SPS is preparing students for real-world work experiences today • The cultural shift higher education must make to stay relevant in an AI-driven economyA must-listen for anyone thinking about adult learners, transfer pathways, or the evolving relationship between education and the workforce.If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailWhat if the future of community college enrollment isn’t just about 18-22-year-olds—but also 73-year-olds? In this episode, Jay sits down with Dr. Dan Predoehl, Assistant Dean of Extended Learning at Saddleback College and a nationally respected voice in equity-centered enrollment strategy.They explore Saddleback’s Emeritus Institute—one of the largest senior education programs in the country—and what it reveals about community connection, sustainability, and lifelong learning.Dan also shares his vision for a more aggressive, data-informed future for California’s community colleges, including coalition-building across departments, streamlined credit-for-prior-learning policies, and why it’s time to ditch the term “non-traditional student” altogether.From baseball metaphors to real-world policy shifts, this is a sharp and timely look at who college is really for—and where the future of enrollment might be headed. If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan Mail Accrediting bodies are changing their tune on credit transfer — and it could reshape higher education. In this episode of TransferTALK, host Jay Fedje sits down with higher ed researcher and consultant Scott Jeffe to unpack the recent Accreditors endorsement of AI in credit assessment and what it means for institutions and students.Jay and Scott tackle the barriers that still frustrate transfer students, the contradictions between policy and practice, and the rise in adult student enrollment. They discuss how online learning, transparency, and career readiness are driving enrollment decisions, and why higher ed leaders must rethink outdated credit policies.If your institution is serious about transfer and adult learners, this conversation offers data, stories, and strategies you can put to work right now.#degreesight #higheredleaders #scottjeffe #transferstudentsIf you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailDescription: In this episode of TransferTALK, host Jay Fedje welcomes Heath Einstein, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at Texas Christian University, for a candid conversation on the shifting world of college admissions.Jay and Heath cover a wide range of topics:TCU’s student-centered strategic planThe post-NACAC admissions landscapeBuilding partnerships across campus silosAnd the growing role of AI in student communication, enrollment, and guidanceThey also reflect on their early radio days, their hopes for smarter, more human enrollment tools like DegreeSight, and the power of culture and legacy in attracting the right students.If you're a higher ed leader navigating change — or just someone who appreciates when enrollment talk meets radio nostalgia — this one's for you.If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of TransferTALK, host Jay Fedje is joined by Scott Novak, entrepreneur, consultant, and unapologetic advocate for small colleges.Together, they tackle the hard truths facing small institutions: outdated systems, shrinking budgets, rising student expectations — and the fierce resistance to change that keeps many from moving forward.You’ll hear Scott’s take on:How small colleges can modernize without losing their unique charmWhy transfer, graduate, and online students are the key to long-term sustainabilityWhat a centralized resource hub for small colleges could look likeHow leadership, communication, and strategic use of tech make or break transformationIf you care about innovation in higher ed — or just love a good “scrappy college beats the odds” story — this episode is for you.🎧 Available now on all platforms. #TransferTALK #SmallColleges #HigherEdInnovation #TransferStudents #EnrollmentStrategy If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of TransferTALK, Jay Fedje sits down with Jon Endicott, Dean of Student Services at West Hills College Coalinga, to get real about what it means to be truly transfer-friendly.With experience in both Private higher ed and the California community college system, Jon shares insights on serving non-traditional students, adult learners, and first-gen students—all while balancing institutional flexibility with academic integrity.Together, Jay and Jon unpack:Why “two-year degree” timelines rarely reflect realityThe hidden challenges of online learning and free tuition modelsHow institutions can evolve their “academic product” to match modern learnersWhat higher ed could learn from restaurant menus (yes, we said it again)If you're ready to stop saying you’re transfer-friendly and start proving it, this one’s for you.🔗 Featuring: Jay Fedje – Host of TransferTALK, VP at DegreeSight Jon Endicott – Dean of Student Services, West Hills College CoalingaIf you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to TransferTALK, the podcast where we dive deep into all things transfer and higher ed—without putting you to sleep!Today’s guest is someone who knows the transfer game inside and out. He’s been on both sides of the higher ed fence—faculty, administrator, recruiter—you name it, he’s done it. I’m talking about Martin Smith, who’s leading the charge as the Assistant Vice President of Admissions at the University of South Florida, making sure transfer and non-traditional students don’t just get in, but thrive.We’re covering a lot in this episode—why Florida has some of the most unique (and let’s be honest, sometimes complicated) transfer rules, what actually matters when measuring student success, and how USF is making a massive campus feel like home for transfers. Oh, and we even get into athletics, campus life, and whether your high school GPA still haunts you as a transfer student. Spoiler alert: it might.So grab a coffee, a notebook, or just settle in—this is one you don’t want to miss. Let’s get into it!"https://www.degreesight.comhttps://www.usf.edu/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-smith-38b114a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayfedje/ If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailTitle: “Rewiring the System: Fixing Transfer Credit at UMass Amherst with Dr. Patrick Sullivan”Description: In this episode of TransferTALK, host Jay Fedje sits down with Dr. Patrick Sullivan, University Registrar at UMass Amherst, to explore what it really takes to fix an archaic transfer credit system at a major public institution.Together, they cover:How Patrick tackled broken processes and undocumented policiesLessons learned from visiting other institutions like UNLV and MarquetteThe importance of building internal buy-in and managing changeHow tools like DegreeSight’s Inbound helped streamline operations and empower facultyWhy flexibility, documentation, and transparency are essential for modern registrarsIt’s a conversation packed with practical insights, dry humor, and a shared belief that the work of registrars and admissions leaders matters now more than ever. Whether you're a transfer pro or just transfer-curious, this one's for you.🎧 Listen in and learn what it really means to build something better—from the ground up.If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailArtificial intelligence is reshaping higher ed faster than most campuses can keep up. In part two of this multi-part transferTALK series, Jay Fedje sits down again with AI ethicist and policy expert Dr. David Hatami from EduPolicy.ai to unpack where AI is taking us next.They dive into:Harvard’s international student visa crisis and AI’s potential role in virtual educationThe evolution of faculty resistance and student readiness for AI integrationThe fine balance between innovation and governance in AI policyEduPolicy.ai’s AI-powered policy generator tool for higher ed complianceAnd plenty of practical insights for academic leaders navigating this rapidly shifting landscape.Whether you’re a president, provost, dean, or enrollment leader — this conversation is packed with insights that every campus cabinet needs to hear.Brought to you by DegreeSight, your partner in simplifying credit mobility, transfer pathways, and student success.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and get ready to rethink the future of higher ed.If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of TransferTALK, host Jay Fedje sits down with Dr. Gavin Hamms, seasoned Enrollment Strategist, Visionary, and Consultant. Together, they dive into the complex and evolving challenges of higher education enrollment, retention, and the future of student success.You’ll hear Gavin’s fresh takes on:The need to reimagine education for non-traditional learnersHow HBCUs are navigating the shifting DEI landscapeWhat "qualitative growth" in student populations really looks likeWhy enrollment strategy has to go beyond headcountWhat’s next in higher ed—and what should be nextThis conversation is loaded with insight, wit, and real-world advice for enrollment leaders, registrars, and anyone working to move the higher ed mission forward.🔗 Connect with Gavin on LinkedIn: Gavin Hamms 🎙️ Subscribe and catch all episodes at: TransferTALK on SpotifyIf you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailEpisode 10 – Demystifying Credit Mobility: Transfer Support through Inbound with Michelle StippIn this episode of TransferTALK, host Jay Fedje sits down with Michelle Stipp, Associate Vice President of Financial Aid and Enrollment Services at Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. With over 20 years of experience in admissions and financial aid, Michelle has a front-row seat to the evolving challenges—and opportunities—facing today’s transfer students.Michelle shares how Roosevelt University is blending enrollment strategies with student services to create a seamless transfer experience with the support of DegreeSight's Inbound Transcript Evaluation tool. Michelle talks through the significant impact on transfer enrollment Roosevelt has experienced after implementing Inbound. Jay and Michelle unpack the biggest hurdles transfer students face—and the actionable ways institutions can better support them.💡 Whether you're in enrollment management, student services, or just curious about how we can better serve transfer students, Michelle’s insight is a must-hear.🎧 Tune in as we cover:The 3 big questions transfers have to answer before they move forwardThe 24/7 on-demand nature of today's prospective studentsWhy student-first service matters now more than everReal-world strategies to simplify and humanize the transfer processhttps://www.degreesight.comhttps://www.roosevelt.edu/ https://www.degreesight.com/news/roosevelt-university-sees-immediate-gains-with-inbound/ If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailEpisode Description:Artificial Intelligence isn’t just knocking on higher ed’s door—it’s already inside, sipping coffee in the faculty lounge. In this episode of transferTALK, host Jay Fedje sits down with Dr. David Hatami—AI ethicist, author, speaker, policy consultant, and founder of EduPolicy.ai—for a candid, insightful, and surprisingly funny conversation about how colleges and universities can stop fearing AI... and start planning for it.From tech fails to policy wins, this is Part 1 of a multi-episode deep dive into AI’s role on campus. Hatami brings a unique blend of humor, intellect, and practical wisdom as he breaks down what schools need to do now to build responsible AI policies, why faculty buy-in is critical, and how AI can actually enhance the student experience—when used right.Whether you're an academic leader, a transfer advocate, or someone who just whispered “ChatGPT wrote this,” this episode will get you thinking bigger—and smarter—about what’s next.Show Notes:www.degreesight.com/podcast/ www.edupolicy.ai/ www.linkedin.com/in/david-h-b288114/ www.hbsp.harvard.edu/inspiring-minds/guidelines-effective-ai-policy/ If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailHello, and welcome to another episode of transferTALK, the podcast where we explore the ever-evolving landscape of student transfers and higher education. I'm your host, Jay Fedje, and today we have a guest whose passion for college degree access and the student experience is truly inspiring.Joining us is Dr. Matt Boyce, a dedicated higher education professional with a rich background in enrollment management and student affairs. Matt has held various roles at institutions such as George Mason University, University of Puget Sound and Emerson College, where he’s focused not simply on first year enrollment, but also improving student engagement and success. His responsibilities include student recruitment, retention, the impact of campus involvement, and strategies for supporting the success of all college students.In our conversation today, we'll delve into Matt's insights on creating service-minded environments for transfer students, the importance of data-driven decision-making in higher education, and the evolving challenges and opportunities in enrollment management.https://www.degreesight.comhttp://emerson.edu If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailJoining host Jay Fedje, is Kevin Windholz, the Vice President for Enrollment Management at Oklahoma City University. Since 2012, Kevin has been at the helm of domestic and international admissions, financial aid, student accounts, and university marketing and communications. As a member of the President’s cabinet, he has played a pivotal role in authoring the University's Strategic Enrollment Management plan and contributing to the development of the University's master strategic plan. One of his notable achievements includes developing a system to accurately predict net revenue from future enrollments.In today's conversation, we'll explore Kevin's insights into the evolving landscape of enrollment management, the challenges and opportunities in higher education today, and his experiences that have shaped his approach to recruiting and serving transfer students.Links for show notes:https://www.degreesight.comhttps://www.okcu.edu/faculty/kevin-windholz If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailToday’s show is part 2 of a conversation Jay has with Ryan Morabito, Senior Advisor/Strategist at 5° Branding. In quick recap of part 1, they discussed the elements of getting a better understanding of a college’s “Invisible Audience” of transfer and dormant degree seekers through “pulse research”. That is,  frequent quick surveys to gauge the ever-changing dynamics of a complicated prospective student population. In part two we’ll dig deeper into sustainable strategies to identify, recruit, and service an invisible but essential audience. And as Ryan would say – This is the Way. End of Story.https://www.degreesight.comhttps://5degreesbranding.com/https://5degreesbranding.com/higher-ed-marketing-truths/concluding-takeaways Inside Higher Ed Article – Fewer 18-Year-Olds Enrolled in College This FallIf you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailIn this Episode of TransferTALK, Jay talks to Ryan Morabito, Senior Advisor/Strategist at 5° Branding. Ryan is well known as a marketing guru in higher education. You may know him from his Marketing Truth posts on LinkedIn that start with sharp insights and end with “This is the Way”! Ryan was asked to be on the show for two reasons: one he’s an out of the box marketer and two his creativity might help in this challenging conversation about Marketing to an Invisible Audience – that is communities of transfers, adult learners, and “Dormant Degree Seekers”  – those people with college credit but have not reengaged the higher ed system to complete their degree. Research has shown there are more than 40 million prospective students in that category – but they are not immediately identifiable to colleges and universities. Jay and Ryan talk through what Ryan calls his Ten Truths of Marketing for some strategies that can help identify, recruit, and service an invisible but essential audience. Links for the show notes: (additional as needed)https://www.degreesight.comhttps://5degreesbranding.com/https://5degreesbranding.com/higher-ed-marketing-truths/concluding-takeaways Inside Higher Ed Article – Fewer 18-Year-Olds Enrolled in College This FallIf you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailIn this Episode of TransferTALK Jay talks with Dr. Su Jin Jez, CEO of California Competes, who leads that charge with vision, creativity, and personal experience as a first-gen student herself. In this second of a two-part series, Jay is encouraged as he hopes you’ll be, with the commitment that organizations like California Competes maintains for underserved and invisible “non-traditional” college ready audiences. Higher ed leaders need to listen carefully to Drs. Jez and Bernhard for templates that can be used across the country. The health of many colleges and universities will depend on reaching communities that have generally been ignored. https://californiacompetes.org/Student/Parents Info Graphichttps://www.degreesight.comIf you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of TransferTALK Jay talks with Drew Melendres, Co-Founder of DegreeSight. Drew’s background in higher education and more specifically with non-traditional and transfer students is both extensive and significant. Drew has a uniquely broad view of how the recruitment market has been, where it is currently, and where it is going. Yes, he’s one of those prognosticators who has a pretty clear view of the future of college enrollment. If you’re curious about the common factors of non-traditional students that higher education leaders must embrace, this is an important conversation for you. You should take good notes – the test is coming! https://www.degreesight.comIf you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of TransferTALK Jay talks with Dr. Laura Bernhard, Senior Researcher at California Competes, a non-profit organization focused on researching and advocating for students who have started but have not finished their college degree in the state of California. They’ll wrestle with the challenges of identifying and holistically supporting a giant national community of possible “transfer” or “comebacker” students. As colleges and universities face very real demand and demographic drops, this invisible audience represents opportunities for higher ed, the economy, and the students themselves. https://www.chronicle.com/article/that-ship-has-sailed https://p2p.californiacompetes.org/https://californiacompetes.org/ https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/https://www.degreesight.comIf you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight 

Send us Fan MailOn the first episode of TransferTALK, host Jay Fedje talks to David Cook, Founder of DegreeSight, a company dedicated to empowering transfer-friendly institutions. DegreeSight helps colleges and universities enroll, retain, and graduate more transfer students. These two thought leaders dive into current transfer strategies and look into future trends that enrollment leaders will have to embrace if they want to attract this underserved and often overlooked student population. If you'd like to talk transfer strategies or have questions on this episode: www.degreesight.com. You can also find us at  www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight