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About the Episode:
Duke Health - AI Model Predicts Risks and Potential Causes of Adolescent Mental Illness
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In this episode of Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory sits down with Bryan Gross, VP for Enrollment Management and Athletics at Hartwick College, for a fast-paced and thought-provoking chat that connects the madness of NCAA brackets with the science of student wellness. From a million-dollar bet on AI-powered sports predictions to groundbreaking research on sleep as a mental health indicator, this episode is a masterclass in how higher ed leaders should be thinking about the intersection of AI, athletics, and student success.
Key Takeaways
- AI can support—but not replace—human decision-making in both sports and student support.
- Enrollment leaders should embrace AI as a tool to scale insights and identify risk factors.
- New research shows sleep may be the most powerful early warning sign for student mental health issues.
- The human element—intuition, context, empathy—remains vital in AI-supported workflows.
- Institutions have an opportunity to lead community-wide efforts around adolescent wellness.
Can AI Really Predict March Madness Outcomes Better Than a Human?
A million-dollar wager on machine learning
One of the more attention-grabbing stories of the season? Tech entrepreneur Alan Levy placed a $1 million bet that his AI system could outperform a professional sports bettor in predicting March Madness outcomes. While this might sound like a PR stunt (and it kind of is), the underlying question is serious: Can AI understand the unpredictability of sports better than humans can? Bryan Gross isn’t sold. “Sports are messy, emotional, and full of surprises. That’s what makes them so compelling,” he explains.
But Bryan does concede that AI can help cut through the chaos. With 9.2 quintillion possible bracket combinations (yes, that’s 18 zeros), using AI to process historical data, player stats, and trends might help narrow the odds. Still, as he points out, no algorithm could’ve predicted McNeese State’s underdog victory. AI might be able to suggest smarter bets, but it can’t replicate gut instincts or passion for the game—and that’s kind of the point.
The real lesson for higher ed? AI is great at filtering data but still needs human oversight.
Whether it’s in athletics or admissions, the combination of smart tech and human intuition is what creates the real magic.
The Art and Science of Enrollment: Where AI Fits in Student Success Strategies
Data alone isn’t enough—empathy still matters
Bryan draws a compelling parallel between sports betting and enrollment marketing: both are increasingly driven by data, but neither can operate without a human lens. “Enrollment management is both an art and a science,” he says. AI tools can help teams build smarter yield models and identify at-risk students, but emotional intelligence and relationship-building still carry the day.
That balance—AI + EQ—is what sets great enrollment teams apart. Bryan emphasizes that institutions should be cautious about fully outsourcing judgment to AI. While predictive models can offer direction, they can’t always account for lived experiences, subtle red flags, or the nuance of a conversation.
His advice? Let AI do what it’s good at: spotting patterns, optimizing communications, and flagging concerns. Then let trained humans step in and make the call. That’s not fear of tech—that’s responsible adoption.
Sleep as a Student Success Indicator: A Game-Changer
A new study out of Duke Health, highlighted on the episode, points to sleep disturbances as the strongest predictor of future mental health challenges—even more than family history or trauma exposure. That’s a big deal. Because sleep is both measurable and non-stigmatizing, it offers a new, actionable entry point for early intervention.
This kind of insight is where AI can shine. By scanning vast data sets from wearable tech, campus health records, or academic alert systems, institutions can begin to proactively monitor student wellness. Imagine using AI to flag patterns in late-night logins or attendance drops—not to punish students, but to support them.
And this doesn’t stop at the campus gates. Bryan suggests colleges could go even further, becoming agents of change in their communities, especially in supporting adolescent wellness. Partnering with local schools or community organizations to share insights or research can amplify impact far beyond traditional recruitment pipelines.
What Keeps Bryan Up at Night (Hint: It’s Not Just Brackets)
The promise and the pitfalls of predictive analytics
When asked what excites—and worries—him about AI in student success, Bryan doesn’t miss a beat. He’s energized by AI’s ability to make data actionable and scalable. But he’s also a dad, and the idea of an algorithm prescribing interventions without personal context hits home.
“AI can’t replace a thoughtful conversation,” he says. “At the end of the day, these are people, not just data points.” For institutions, that means AI should serve as a starting point for support, not a final decision-maker.
Proactive, not reactive, is the north star
At Hartwick, Bryan and his team are already leveraging AI tools to collect and organize data that informs retention strategies. They’re not automating interventions yet—but they’re laying the groundwork. The priority? Ensuring every move is backed by sound research, institutional values, and a deep respect for student privacy and dignity.
He leaves us with a powerful idea: Higher ed doesn’t just need to meet students where they are—it needs to lead the way in rethinking wellness, from sleep to social support.
Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Higher Ed Pulse 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 Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.
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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