In this bonus episode recorded live at EDUCAUSE (https://www.educause.edu/) in Nashville, Dustin sits down with Crista Copp (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristacopp/) and Mark McCormack (https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmccormackphd/) from EDUCAUSE to unpack their just-released 2026 Top 10 List (https://www.educause.edu/research-and-publications/research/top-10-it-issues-technologies-and-trends/2026) . From AI and digital literacy to resilience and community building, the conversation explores the critical shifts happening in higher ed technology. The theme? Intentionality and connection—both between people and across systems. This is the episode for campus leaders navigating change and looking for clarity amid complexity.

Guest Names:
Mark McCormack – Senior Director of Research and Insights at EDUCAUSE 
Crista Copp – Vice President of Research at EDUCAUSE

Guest Socials:
Mark McCormack (https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmccormackphd/)  
Crista Copp (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristacopp/)

Guest Bios:
Mark McCormack, Ph.D., serves as the EDUCAUSE Senior Director of Analytics & Research, overseeing the association’s member-facing data and analytics services (Core Data Service, ETRAC) and portfolio of original research projects. Before coming to EDUCAUSE, Mark served in leadership and research positions for professional associations and other non-profit organizations across a variety of spheres, including higher education, K-12 education, youth development, performing arts, and community development. 

Crista Copp leads research and data initiatives at EDUCAUSE that empower higher education leaders to make informed decisions about technology, strategy, and the student experience. Her work connects data with purpose—translating complex trends into actionable insights that support innovation, equity, and institutional resilience. Together with a talented team, Crista is shaping a research agenda that is not only informative, but transformative.

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network (https://podcasts.enrollify.org/) . If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com (https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8) .

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