The EduData Podcast - podcast cover

The EduData Podcast

Timothy Davis, Jamie Boggsthe-edudata-podcast.simplecast.com
The EduData podcast is your no-fluff guide to the data driving higher education. Forget about data silos and disconnected stats — we bring you straight into the heart of the numbers that matter. With sharp commentary and rigorous research, our hosts break down complex data points into actionable insights you can use. Whether you're an administrator, educator, or just a higher ed enthusiast, EduData is your key to unlocking the data behind the academia.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Cracking the Code: Predictive Analytics and Student Engagement with ZeeMee

In this episode of EduData , Jamie Boggs and Timothy Davis sit down with Vanessa Didyk (CEO) and Garvel Kindrick (Head of Enrollment Data) from ZeeMee, the student engagement platform transforming college admissions. Together, they dive deep into how ZeeMee leverages behavioral signals, machine learning, and a student-first design to deliver astonishing insights — like predicting commitment with 90% precision. From decoding engagement patterns to understanding the power of a low-index applicant,...

Jul 11, 202530 minEp. 58

Mastering GTM for Higher Ed Analytics

Google Tag Manager (GTM) is the hidden powerhouse behind effective analytics, especially in higher education. In this session, we demystify GTM and show how it empowers your team to collect richer, more meaningful data without relying on developers. Learn how GTM enables you to track the student journey, customize event tracking, and capture the insights that matter. Whether you're just getting started or looking to clean up your current setup, this webinar will help you take control of your dat...

May 30, 202552 minEp. 57

Connecting the Dots: Visualizing Your Higher Ed Data Relationships

In the complex world of higher education, data is your most valuable asset. But how do you connect the dots between your CRM, admissions software, marketing platforms, and more? This interactive webinar will demystify the software you use every day by showing you how it's designed. Discover how your data works together and unlock powerful insights for data-driven decisions. - - - - Connect With Our Co-Hosts: Jamie Boggs https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewboggs/ Timothy Davis https://www.linkedin....

Apr 25, 202545 minEp. 56

Measuring What Matters: Using Machine Learning to Analyze Recruitment Efforts and Their Impact on Enrollment

Every email, text message, and outreach effort plays a role in shaping a prospective student’s journey — but how can colleges truly measure which actions make the biggest impact? In this episode, Jamie and Tim walk through how machine learning can be applied to analyze the effectiveness of recruitment efforts, helping institutions understand which strategies drive completed applications and boost enrollment.We’ll take a hands-on look at the analytical process, from collecting data to building mo...

Mar 28, 202554 minEp. 55

Navigating Parent Engagement with CampusESP

Parents are more involved than ever. Keeping them engaged can make or break your class. Dave Becker, CEO and co-founder of Campus ESP, joins the podcast to explore his takeaways from last year and share best practices for 2025. The importance of communication with parents, the impact of COVID-19 on expectations, and how data can inform strategies for better engagement. The conversation also explores the role of AI in personalizing communication and the significance of financial transparency in t...

Mar 07, 202525 minEp. 54

Celebrating Diversity through International Recruitment

In this episode, Timothy and Jamie discuss the significance of the International House at UC Berkeley with its Executive Director, Shaun Carver. The conversation explores the history and mission of the International House, the current state of international students in the U.S., the value of diversity in education, and the economic impact of international students. Shaun shares insights on why international students choose U.S. institutions, the contrasting perceptions of American education dome...

Feb 21, 202525 minEp. 53

Enrollment Trends & Trust in Higher Ed Reporting

Welcome to 2025! In this first recorded episode of the new year, Timothy and Jamie dive into higher education's unexpected comeback. They discuss the corrected National Student Clearinghouse report revealing undergrad enrollment is up and costs are down. From dual enrollment misclassifications to the importance of transparency in data reporting, they explore lessons for data professionals. Plus, hear their take on the optimism buzzing in higher ed and what it means for the industry moving forwar...

Feb 07, 202518 minEp. 52

Projections and Predictions: Knocking at the College Door

In this episode of The Edu Data Podcast , Timothy and Jamie dive deep into the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education's (WICHE) latest report, Knocking at the College Door . They explore key findings on the projected decline of high school graduates across the U.S. from 2023 to 2041, take a closer look at the meticulous methodology behind WICHE's projections, and discuss implications of those projections. - - - - Connect With Our Co-Hosts: Jamie Boggs https://www.linkedin.com/in/jami...

Jan 10, 202521 minEp. 51

Accessibility-first Design

Got a story to tell? An innovative idea to share? Fill out our guest nomination form , and let's chat! 95.9% of website home pages have accessibility failures. That’s because accessibility isn’t part of the design process. In this episode of the Edgy Data Podcast, Timothy Davis speaks with Eugene Woo, CEO of Vengage, about the importance of accessibility in website and document design, and how higher ed pros can ensure their content can be consumed by everyone. WHO disabilities report: https://w...

Dec 06, 202426 minEp. 50

Cracking the Code: Higher Ed SEO Benchmarks and Strategies for 2024

In this episode of the EduData Podcast, Jamie and Timothy dive into the latest Carnegie report on 2024 Higher Ed SEO benchmarks. From understanding click-through rates and ranking positions to dissecting branded vs. non-branded search traffic, we break down the key metrics and what they mean for your institution’s online visibility. Tune in to learn how to use benchmarking effectively, leverage Google Search Console, and navigate the evolving landscape of search optimization, including new AI-dr...

Nov 22, 202424 minEp. 49

Harnessing Data Management in Higher Education

Jamie and Timothy are joined by Katie Tomlinson, Senior Director of Analytics and Business Intelligence for Education Dynamics. They discuss the importance of data management in higher education, covering best practices for data selection, collection methods, roles in data management, and the impact of AI on analytics. Katie emphasizes the need for accurate data, effective documentation, and the integration of AI tools to enhance decision-making processes within institutions. Guest Name: Katie T...

Nov 15, 202425 minEp. 48

FAFSA Fiasco Fallout: Enrollment Numbers and Urgent Insights

In this episode of The EduData Podcast , Jamie and Timothy dive into fresh data from the National Clearinghouse Research Center and the National College Attainment Network, analyzing the drop in college enrollment for Fall 2024. They explore how recent changes in FAFSA processes have impacted financial aid applications and discuss the alarming enrollment trends across different demographics. The hosts also examine how these trends might intersect with broader issues like the enrollment cliff and...

Nov 08, 202418 minEp. 47

Is College Actually Getting Cheaper? Breaking Down Surprising Tuition Trends

In this episode of The EduData Podcast , Timothy Davis and Jamie Boggs take a closer look at recent data from the College Board’s "Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid" report. Is the cost of higher education really as overwhelming as we've been led to believe, or has inflation adjusted tuition actually declined over the years? They discuss the surprising insights about net tuition trends, rising non-tuition expenses, and how this shift could change the way students, parents, and institutio...

Nov 01, 202420 minEp. 46

Exploring the Latest IPEDS Dual Enrollment Data: Key Insights and Trends

In this episode of the EduData podcast, hosts Timothy and Jamie dive into the latest dual enrollment data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), with insights from John Fink’s blog and LinkedIn post. They explore key trends, including the 2.5 million high school students participating in dual enrollment, the leading states and colleges, and disparities in representation among Black and Hispanic/Latino students. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the state of dual enrollm...

Oct 25, 202418 minEp. 45

AI Tutors: Helpful or Harmful? Contradictory Studies on AI in Education

Join in as hosts Timothy and Jamie dive into the evolving role of AI in education, specifically exploring how large language models like ChatGPT are shaping learning environments. The episode centers on two fascinating but conflicting studies—one from Harvard and another from the University of Pennsylvania—about the impact of AI tutors on student performance. Links to articles: Harvard - https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2024/09/professor-tailored-ai-tutor-to-physics-course-engagement-doubl...

Oct 18, 202421 minEp. 44

Navigating the Future of Higher Ed Marketing: Segmentation, Privacy, and the Power of Personalization

In this episode, Timothy and Jamie are joined by Erin Ward, Head of Digital Sales & Client Experience for NextGrad. Erin discusses the evolving landscape of higher education marketing, emphasizing the challenges of reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha students in a world shaped by data privacy regulations and personalization demands. She shares insights into how NextGrad leverages digital billboards in high schools to engage students while adhering to privacy laws, as well as the growing importance ...

Oct 11, 202425 minEp. 43

Optimizing College Applications: Common App Trends and SEO Strategies

Join Timothy and Jamie as they dive into the latest trends from the Common App's 2024 End-of-Season Report. From the rise in public school applications to the growing influence of SEO in higher ed marketing, we explore how institutions can optimize their presence on the platform and attract more students. Discover why more students are applying to test-optional schools, how search filters impact selectivity, and the importance of tailoring your institution’s profile. Whether you're a higher ed m...

Oct 04, 202421 minEp. 42

The Impact of Holds on Student Success: Barriers or Protections?

In this episode, Timothy and Jamie dive into the complex issue of financial and administrative holds in higher education. Sparked by a LinkedIn poll, they explore whether holds are a necessary tool for protecting institutions or a hindrance to student progress, especially for students from underrepresented groups. With research from Inside Higher Ed and insights from survey data, they discuss the disproportionate impact of holds on students of color, first-generation students, and those with lea...

Sep 27, 202422 minEp. 41

Exploring the Link between Optimism and Income Perception in Education

Join Jamie and Timothy as they dive deeper into a recent study from Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation, focusing on Generation Z's perceptions of their future. They explore key insights from the raw data, including the relationship between income perception, parental education, and student optimism. Join the hosts as they discuss the impact of subjective vs. objective income measures and the surprising optimism among low-income students. This episode offers valuable takeaways for educators,...

Sep 20, 202421 minEp. 40

Understanding Gen Z: Insights from the 2024 Voice of Gen Z Survey

In this episode of the EduData Podcast, hosts Timothy and Jamie dive into the 2024 Voice of Gen Z Annual Survey, conducted by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation. The survey, which gathered insights from 4,000 Gen Z individuals aged 12-27, offers a deep look into the attitudes, aspirations, and challenges faced by this generation. Timothy and Jamie discuss the subjective nature of generational divides, the shifting priorities of Gen Z towards personal well-being over material success, and th...

Sep 13, 202426 minEp. 39

Assessing Public Perception: The Value of Higher Education and Its Functions

Jamie and Timothy continue their discussion on the value of a college education. They analyze a recent study by the Chronicle of Higher Education, which surveyed over 1,000 adults across the United States on the importance of various college functions. This episode dives into how the public perceives the effectiveness of higher education in areas such as workforce development, medical research, and civic engagement. Jamie and Timothy also explore the public's view on the alternatives to a colleg...

Sep 06, 202423 minEp. 38

A Tale of Two Stats - Higher Ed's Role in Workforce Readiness

Jamie and Timothy dig through the 2024 Trends in Higher Education report from Hanover Research to discover how employers feel about higher ed. From one study cited, 45% of employers plan to cut bachelors degree requirements for some of their positions. Another study cited shows that 8 of 10 employers think higher education prepares students for the workforce. What gives? Study link: https://www.hanoverresearch.com/reports-and-briefs/higher-education/2024-trends-in-higher-education/ - - - - Conne...

Aug 30, 202423 minEp. 37

Navigating UK University Admissions: Insights from the National Clearing Survey

EduData goes international! Today, Timothy and Jamie dive into the intricacies of the UK university admissions process, with a focus on the latest findings from the National Clearing Survey by NetNatives. As they unpack the UK’s unique Clearing system, Timothy and Jamie break down the findings concerning education trends and discuss the varying sources of information students rely on, from traditional Google searches to emerging social media platforms like TikTok and BeReal, and how these channe...

Aug 23, 202420 minEp. 36

New Regulations: Tracking the Future of Online Education

In this episode of the EduData Podcast, hosts Jamie Boggs and Timothy Davis dive into new proposed regulations from the Department of Education regarding online education. They examine an Inside Higher Ed article detailing how the Department aims to track online course attendance and enrollment data. Jamie and Timothy discuss the benefits and challenges of these regulations, considering perspectives from industry leaders. They explore the implications for institutions, students, and the future o...

Aug 16, 202421 minEp. 35

Ice Cream, Sharks, and Phlebotomists: Correlation vs. Causation in Higher Education Studies

In this episode of the EduData Podcast, hosts Jamie and Timothy dive head-first into the critical distinction between correlation and causation within higher education research. They revisit last week's discussion on ROI in higher and lower-income serving institutions and expand the conversation to explore how studies often grapple with the challenge of proving cause and effect. Jamie and Timothy offer insightful examples, such as the seemingly bizarre correlations between ice cream sales and sh...

Aug 09, 202420 minEp. 34

From the Comments Section: Perspectives on ROI in Higher Ed

In this episode, Timothy and Jamie discuss a LinkedIn post about college returns on investment (ROI) for low-income and high-income students. The comment section explores the limitations of using salary as a measure of ROI and the importance of considering other factors such as social capital and wealth. They also discuss the implications of this data for higher education policy and decision-making for students. Related Link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/preston-cooper-479331a4_higher-educatio...

Aug 02, 202423 minEp. 33

Trends and Data-Driven Marketing Strategies with Sarah Russell

In this episode of the EduData podcast, Jamie welcomes Sarah Russell, Vice President of Marketing at Education Dynamics. With over 15 years of experience, Sarah shares her insights into the evolving landscape of education marketing post-pandemic. They discuss the rise in non-brand keyword searches and the growing demand for specific educational programs and certificates driven by job market changes. Sarah explains the balance between brand marketing and performance marketing, highlighting the im...

Jul 26, 202423 minEp. 32

From English to Engineering: The Evolution of College Majors

Jamie and Timothy as they explore the intersection of higher education and data. In this episode, they discuss Jon Boeckenstedt's analysis of the shifts in bachelor's degrees over the past decade, highlighting surprising trends in STEM and liberal arts fields. Discover the factors influencing these changes, from employment data to high school curriculum adjustments. Whether you're an educator, student, or data enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of hig...

Jul 19, 202423 minEp. 31

Engage Summit Encore: How Element451 makes predictions about student behavior

Timothy and Jamie discuss the data and technology behind predictive analytics at Element451. These predictions help Element451 users make better decisions, and help AI assistants provide enhanced recommendations. - - - - Connect With Our Co-Hosts: Jamie Boggs https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewboggs/ Timothy Davis https://www.linkedin.com/in/davis-timothy/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The EduData Podcast is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network . If you like this podcast, chances are yo...

Jul 12, 202421 minEp. 30

The Importance of Wealth in College Affordability

Is “wealth” a better measure of need than family income? A new study finds that assets like savings, property, and investments are a better indicator of a student's ability to cover college costs than income alone. This reinforces the deep and persistent inequalities in wealth by race and ethnicity that we see throughout higher education. The study also suggests actions and resources that higher ed professionals can provide. - - - - Connect With Our Co-Hosts: Jamie Boggs https://www.linkedin.com...

Jul 05, 202423 minEp. 29
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android