This Month in Higher Ed AV: August 2025

In this August edition of This Month in Higher Ed AV, host Ryan Gray is joined by Andy Vogel (The Ohio State University), Ann Kelly (UCLA), and Tim Neviska (Kenyon College) for a lively, insightful, and layered conversation about three timely pieces shaping the AV/IT landscape in higher education.

The panel opens with a discussion of “The Cloud Revolution in Pro AV: Why the Future is Software-Defined” by Richard Jonker, Vice President at NETGEAR Enterprise. The group digs into the implications of cloud-managed AV systems, the role of interoperability, and whether higher ed AV teams are ready—or willing—to give up traditional notions of control.
Read the article ➝ https://www.avnetwork.com/news/the-cloud-revolution-in-pro-av-why-the-future-is-software-defined

Next, Andy shares his own article, “Why Validating AI Matters”, kicking off his new column for Higher Ed AV Media. He walks the group through real-world examples of testing AI tools (including to learn bass guitar), and the panel discusses how institutions are managing AI implementation—from fluency courses to faculty debates about academic integrity.
Read the article ➝https://higheredav.com/ai-insights-with-andy-why-validating-ai-matters/

Finally, the group explores Tim’s personal essay “My Take: InfoComm 2019 to 2025,” which compares his first InfoComm experience to his recent return six years later. The conversation becomes a powerful reflection on professional visibility, industry inclusion, and the collective strength of higher ed voices in a rapidly changing AV world.
Read the article ➝https://higheredav.com/my-take-infocomm-2019-to-2025/

If you want to hear how AV/IT trends meet real campus practice—and what it means to belong in this space—this is the episode for you.

Topics Discussed

• Cloud-managed AV systems and institutional readiness
• Interoperability vs. proprietary ecosystems
• Higher ed AV’s evolving relationship with enterprise IT
• AI validation techniques in learning and operations
• Faculty perspectives on generative AI
• Critical thinking and student use of AI
• InfoComm 2019 vs. 2025: personal growth and industry change
• HETMA’s role in raising higher ed’s profile
• Small institutions and collective influence
• The emotional and strategic value of showing up

Guests:

• Andy Vogel
  • Email: [e-mail]
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-vogel

• Ann Kelly
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annkelly9/

• Tim Neviska
  • Email: [e-mail]
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-neviska-875b331b/

Host:

• Ryan Gray
  • LinkedIn: 
  • Email: [e-mail]
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/

Show Links:

• HETMA Community: https://community.hetma.org
• Higher Ed AV Media: https://higheredav.com

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media - www.higheredav.com

Feedback:We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Drop us a message on the HETMA Community or email any of the hosts and guests directly. Want to be featured in a future episode? Let us know—your voice matters.