Embracing AI with Dr. Janet Spriggs

About The Episode: In this episode of AI for U, we sit down with Janet Spriggs, President of Forsyth Technical Community College, to explore:

• How AI is transforming the administrative side of higher education
• The importance of building a culture of curiosity
• How to overcome resistance to change
• The ethical considerations surrounding AI adoption

Janet also shares her insights on leveraging AI for personalized student support, predictive analytics in enrollment management, and operational efficiency.

Whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation offers valuable strategies and practical advice for higher ed administrators.

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Key Takeaways

• AI tools like chatbots and predictive analytics are enhancing student support, providing personalized, 24/7 services, and improving enrollment management by identifying at-risk students.
• AI adoption requires addressing cultural resistance and educating staff and faculty on its benefits and ethical use, making change management a critical component of successful implementation.
• Institutions can use AI to streamline administrative tasks, freeing up staff time to focus on meaningful student engagement and success initiatives.

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Episode Summary

How is AI transforming higher education at Forsyth Tech?

Dr. Janet Spriggs explains how Forsyth Tech is leveraging AI across several key areas to improve the student experience and operational efficiency. One of the standout tools is their chatbot, Blaze Bot, which offers 24/7 student support, helping to alleviate the workload of staff while giving students immediate access to information. AI is also being used to personalize learning through adaptive platforms, which tailor content to individual students’ needs. Furthermore, predictive analytics tools are being utilized to identify at-risk students and create personalized intervention strategies, which are contributing to the institution’s record enrollment and retention rates.

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What are the biggest challenges in AI adoption for higher education institutions?

Dr. Spriggs points out that one of the main barriers to AI adoption is resistance to change. Fear and skepticism, particularly among faculty and staff, are common challenges, and addressing these concerns requires education and transparency. Forsyth Tech has fostered a culture of curiosity and engagement by involving staff in pilot projects and encouraging them to explore AI tools at their own pace. Another significant challenge is the cost of AI tools, particularly for smaller or rural institutions. However, Spriggs emphasizes that the return on investment—such as improved retention and student success—can far outweigh the initial financial outlay.

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How is Forsyth Tech educating staff and faculty about AI?

Forsyth Tech has taken an inclusive approach to AI education by creating collaborative workshops and pilot projects that involve faculty and staff in hands-on learning. For example, they’ve launched a pilot with Microsoft Copilot, involving 50 staff and faculty members who are learning to use the tool to streamline their daily tasks. This approach allows participants to experience the benefits of AI firsthand and share their experiences with colleagues, which helps alleviate fears and build momentum for wider adoption. Additionally, Forsyth Tech is hosting an AI-themed convocation where staff and faculty will showcase how they are using AI in their work, further promoting peer-to-peer learning and exploration.

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What advice does Dr. Spriggs offer to other higher ed leaders?

Dr. Spriggs advises leaders to focus on creating a culture that is ready for change and to approach AI adoption with curiosity rather than fear. One key recommendation is to find internal champions—faculty or staff members who are excited about AI—and let them lead the way in exploring new tools and applications. She also stresses the importance of viewing AI not as an isolated initiative but as an integral part of the institution’s overall strategy for student success. Additionally, Spriggs encourages institutions to start small, with pilot projects or workshops, and to make AI adoption a collaborative process rather than a top-down mandate.

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What’s next for AI at Forsyth Tech?

Looking ahead, Forsyth Tech is exploring exciting AI-driven innovations such as predictive analytics tools for student success and enrollment management, as well as AI-enhanced tutoring platforms. They are also testing AI-driven virtual reality (VR) environments that provide students with immersive experiences, such as simulating a day in the life of professionals in various career fields. These advancements are expected to further personalize the student experience and help students make informed decisions about their educational and career paths.

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Christopher Penn’s RACE model for prompting: https://www.trustinsights.ai/insights/instant-insights/instant-insights-trust-insights-race-ai-framework/ 

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Episode prompt: "You are an expert in [XX].

I'm going to ask you to provide feedback on [document, article, social post, script, etc.]. I want you to provide insights, and recommendations, identify any gaps or red flags, and give your professional opinion on the validity and impact of the content. Ask any questions, one at a time, to help you gather all the information you need to make the most effective recommendations.

Here are helpful resources [URLs or uploaded data].

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Please provide your feedback. Take your time."

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Mastering the Next.

Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

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Element451 is hosting the AI Engage Summit on Oct 29 and 30. Register now for this free, virtual event.The future of higher ed is being redefined by the transformative power of AI. The AI Engage Summit brings together higher ed leaders,  innovators, and many of your favorite Enrollify creators to explore AI’s impact on student engagement, enrollment marketing, and institutional success.

Experience firsthand how AI is improving content personalization at scale, impacting strategic decision-making, and intuitively automating the mundane tasks that consume our time. The schedule is packed with real examples and case studies, so you leave knowing how to harness AI to drive meaningful change at your institution.

Whether you’re looking to enhance student outcomes, optimize enrollment marketing, or simply stay ahead of the curve, the AI Engage Summit is your gateway to the next level of higher education innovation. Registration is free, save your spot today.

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