Higher Ed AV Podcast

• 300: Beyond the Lecture Hall: Enhancing Student Engagement with Digital Signage & Interactive Tech

  Beyond the Lecture Hall: Enhancing Student Engagement with Digital Signage & Interactive Tech – How dynamic AV/IT tools are reshaping student communication and engagement.In this special episode of the Higher Ed AV Podcast, guest host Britt Yenser takes the mic for the second episode of a four part Korbyt-sponsored series exploring the evolving world of digital signage in higher education. Britt is joined by industry pros Kaleo Lee, Travis Burdick, and Stephen “Chewie” Stavar. Together, they dive into creative campus communication strategies, the power of personalized content, and how digital signage is becoming a central tool for student engagement, branding, and way-finding. Expect plenty of laughs, candid insights, and practical tips to inspire your next campus signage upgrade. Whether you’re rethinking your digital signage strategy or just curious about the latest trends, this episode brings the right mix of tech and storytelling.Connect with Kaleo LeeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleolee/ Travis BurdickLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisb13/ Stephen “Chewie” StavarLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chewiedawookiee/X: https://x.com/ChewieDaWookiee Britt YenserLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

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• 299: Melis Vardar, Manager of AV/IT Operations, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

  This week on the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way welcomes Melis Vardar, Manager of AV/IT Operations at UCLA, to the show, who was recently named to the 2025 Class of SCN's "The Nine." They discuss how Melis found herself in the AV industry, how her career growth informs the way she leads her department, and her current role on campus. They also discuss the importance of seeing AV with a business mindset, alongside the customer experience. Watch and listen!Check out Melis's SCN "The Nine" spotlight here: https://www.avnetwork.com/news/the-nine-2025-melis-vardar Connect with Melis Varder:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melis-vardar/X (Formerly Twitter): https://x.com/Melis_Vardar_Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahwayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/josiahway 

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• 298: Jon Youse, Director of Educational Technology Support & Operations, Ivy Tech Community College

  This week on the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way welcomes Jon Youse, Director of Educational Technology Support and Operations at Ivy Tech Community College, to the show. They discuss how Jon manages multiple departments, the connection between them, and how his career path and experience as an adjunct faculty helps to inform his leadership. They also discuss how Jon's involvement in HETMA has helped with knowledge growth, and what he's looking to get out of InfoComm '25! Watch and listen!Connect with Jon Youse:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-youse/Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahwayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/josiahway

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• 297: AI & AV: How Smart Tech is Revolutionizing Campus Communication (Korbyt Series Part 1)

  In this first episode of a special four-part series sponsored by Korbyt, guest host Britt Yenser dives into the evolving world of digital signage and smart campus communication. Joining Britt are Max Guerrero, Bill Fons, Lex Evans, and Erik DeGiorgi.Together, they explore:-How QR code surveys drive real-time feedback and boost student engagement.-The game-changing potential of smart playlists to automate and personalize campus messaging.-The exciting (and sometimes intimidating) ways AI and machine learning are shaping the future of content creation, signage management, and campus experiences.-The critical balance between innovation and security in higher ed environments.Plus, stick around for the fun rapid round where the panel shares surprising campus tech stories, dream superpowers, and favorite college traditions—from corndogs and football chants to... let’s just say some unforgettable mascot choices.Whether you're deep into AV tech or just curious about what’s next for campus communication, this episode has something for everyone.Connect with Max Guerrero: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtxguerrero/Lex Evans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howdyitslex/Bill Fons: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-fons-3185278/Erik DeGiorgi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-degiorgi-35466365/Britt Yenser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/Series Information:AI isn't just the future—it's transforming how colleges communicate right now. From QR code surveys to smart playlists, discover how top AV and IT leaders are rethinking the student experience through tech.In this kickoff episode of The Higher Ed Tech Revolution, sponsored by Korbyt, host Britt Yenser and expert panelists reveal how campus tech leaders can use smart signage and GenAI to power real-time, personalized campus communication. You'll hear from:Max Guerro, Korbyt's AI-forward product leaderLex Evans, driving dynamic CX at USCBill Fonz, an AV industry leader and AI advocate with CTI Erik DeGiorgi, innovating ProAV/UC at NetspeekHighlightsAutomating content across campus buildings with AIHow GenAI personalizes communication at scale Why thoughtful, transparent use of AI mattersKeeping AI secure, scalable, and student-centeredExplore Korbyt's Campus Solutions:https://www.gokorbyt.com/solutions/higher-education/Don't miss future episodes with leaders from Sony, Zoom, and top universities.Go to https://www.higheredav.com or https://www.youtube.com/@higheredav or wherever you get your podcasts.#AIinAV #CampusCommunication #DigitalSignage #Korbyt #USC #CTI #Netspeek

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• 296: Aaron Baker, Classroom Support Technician, Stephen F. Austin University

  This week on the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way welcomes Aaron Baker, Classroom Support Technician at Stephen F. Austin Univeristy, to the show. They discuss Aaron's career growth, the "do it all" mentality of their three-person team, his involvement in HETMA and the AV community, and how they go about picking the most appropriate technologies for every space (hint: it's not only about standardization). Oh, and we're back to talking about great BBQ for the second week in a row! Watch and listen!Connect with Aaron Baker:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bakeraarond/Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahwayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/josiahway 

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