Mallory chats with Nate Jorgensen, Senior Director of Marketing at Miami University in Ohio, to discuss two exciting topics: empowering students through podcasting and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in higher education. From showcasing authentic student experiences through podcasting to addressing fears around AI adoption, this episode offers a refreshing take on how universities can innovate in meaningful and impactful ways.
Mallory chats with Nate Jorgensen, Senior Director of Marketing at Miami University in Ohio, to discuss two exciting topics: empowering students through podcasting and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in higher education. From showcasing authentic student experiences through podcasting to addressing fears around AI adoption, this episode offers a refreshing take on how universities can innovate in meaningful and impactful ways.
Key Takeaways
Nate Jorgensen shared the journey of revitalizing Major Insight, Miami University's student-hosted podcast. Initially tucked away in a small department, this initiative grew under Nate’s leadership into a dynamic, impactful platform. Students share their raw, real-life experiences—addressing homesickness, academic challenges, and personal growth—offering a relatable resource for their peers and prospective students.
By amplifying student voices, the podcast has become a bridge between institutional transparency and student engagement. Nate highlighted how this medium allows students to tackle taboo or overlooked questions, such as "Do dorms provide toilet paper?" Humor aside, such questions reflect the genuine uncertainties prospective students face. The podcast breaks the "perfect college life" façade and creates a space where vulnerability inspires connection.
Nate’s openness about his AI journey reflects a broader hesitation within higher education: fear of inauthenticity and job displacement. Yet, as Mallory emphasized, AI is simply a tool—akin to a pen—that can help institutions achieve their goals faster and more efficiently.
At Miami University, AI adoption varies across departments. For example, the marketing team sees AI as an ally to streamline content creation, while the news team remains cautious to preserve human-authored authenticity. Despite these differences, Nate recognizes the importance of institutional guidelines to demystify AI and encourage its thoughtful use. His goal? To move past fear and embrace AI as a partner in storytelling and efficiency.
Nate shared a moving anecdote about a student's research on stress responses that inspired him personally. With undergraduate research becoming a passion of his, Nate is planning to leverage AI to draft a story about this experience. He acknowledged that AI can help overcome creative blocks, allowing him to refine the narrative with his unique voice. This reflects the broader theme of using technology not as a replacement but as an enhancer of creativity.
This story underscores the importance of taking small, actionable steps in AI adoption. Whether starting with a fun project—like writing a snack-themed rap—or tackling larger initiatives, experimenting with AI can unlock transformative potential in higher education.