Dr. Sudhindra Shamanna, Academic President at Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai, joins host Dr. Ashraf Mahate to explore the evolving landscape of higher education and key questions facing leaders today. How are educators adapting teaching to keep students engaged and at the centre of the learning process? How can higher education connect more effectively with industry and community in the UAE, to ensure students are employable and feel more certain about their futures? Universities like...
Jul 24, 2025•44 min•Season 7Ep. 165
National Taiwan University's 'Illuminating, Navigating and Transforming (INT) system' won the 2025 Times Higher Education Award for 'Outstanding Support for Students', the category sponsored globally by Studiosity. Prof Judyth Sachs had the chance to sit down with Professor Wang and discuss not just the success of this initiative, but also the key challenges facing students in Taiwan, and how the university can build their confidence and self-determination, to set them up for the future....
Jul 17, 2025•27 min•Ep. 164
Dr. Ronald Rochon, President of California State University Fullerton, joins Prof Judyth Sachs for this enriching conversation. The two leaders discuss fostering environments where students are encouraged to engage with diverse communities, embrace discomfort, and build their capabilities. Dr. Rochon provides insight into the Cal State Fullerton student experience and the university’s commitment to celebrating different identities and perspectives.
Jul 11, 2025•41 min•Season 7Ep. 163
Join Professor Judyth Sachs for an insightful conversation with Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar, the first woman and first foreign-born president of the University of Lynchburg. The two leaders discuss mentorship and determination, empowering students with purpose and belonging, leading through change, and Alison’s top three guiding books for navigating the complexities of higher education leadership.
Jul 03, 2025•45 min•Season 7Ep. 162
Around National Reconciliation Week 2025, Prof Judyth Sachs interviews Indigenous leaders about reconciliation in a higher education context, what it means for them, and how they see their contribution to the institutions in which they work. In this third interview of the series, Prof Sachs speaks with her former colleague and current friend, Prof Jennifer Barrett, discussing her role as the interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy and Services, as well as the PVC Indigenous (Academic...
Jul 01, 2025•22 min•Ep. 161
This timely discussion explored the evolving landscape of generative AI within New Zealand's higher education sector, focusing on how institutions can navigate its opportunities and challenges, while maintaining degree integrity, data security, and a focus on student success and wellbeing. Your panel: Prof Catherine Moran, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, University of Canterbury Prof Naomi Cogger, Strategic Lead - GenAI Engagement, Massey University Prof Martin Carroll, Deputy Chief Executive A...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 160
This week, join Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK, and guest host Professor Petra Wend as they discuss the challenges facing the higher ed sector, including financial sustainability and the evolving landscape of mass university participation; universities leading the way in individualised support and student success; and the importance of having clear purpose and not losing sight of the end game.
Jun 26, 2025•58 min•Season 7Ep. 159
Dr. Marc Poulin, Acting President of Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) and the UAE Academy joins our host this week, Dr. Ashraf Mahate. They discuss sparking student interest with practical, scenario-based teaching and industry partnerships; advocating for a principles-based approach to AI and equipping faculty and students with the right skills; and Dr. Poulin shares his advice from personal experience, on nurturing grit and drive, and the dangers of wasted time.
Jun 20, 2025•47 min•Season 7Ep. 158
Dr. Kyle Long, President of the American University in Dubai (AUD), sits down with host Dr. Ashraf Mahate this week. They discuss: Dr. Long's experiences studying abroad and establishing a university in Iraq, and the impact these have had on his leadership approach and educational philosophy AUD's commitment to student success, and plans to integrate adaptive learning technologies into teaching, while preserving the value of critical thinking and human discussion The challenges of leading an est...
May 30, 2025•41 min•Season 7Ep. 157
In the lead-up to National Reconciliation Week 2025, Prof Judyth Sachs interviews Indigenous leaders about reconciliation in a higher education context, what it means for them, and how they see their contribution to the institutions in which they work. This second interview of the series is with the delightful Charlene Davison, CEO of the GO Foundation. Charlene discusses her own career journey, the history and mission of the GO Foundation in providing education scholarships and support to Indig...
May 20, 2025•18 min•Ep. 156
On 14 May 2025 this panel came together to discuss how higher education institutions can equitably improve student outcomes, engagement, and sense of belonging - from day one to year one, and beyond. In this first 2025 Symposium, your panel explored the evolving needs and expectations of first-year students, drawing on data, lived experiences, and frontline practice. Chaired by Professor Judyth Sachs, former PVC Learning and Teaching at The University of Sydney, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provos...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 155
Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan, joins host Professor Cliff Allan this week. As a leader, Dr. Zia has focused on enabling and facilitating universities through policy interventions, and expanding access and equity in higher education, particularly for marginalised communities and female students. Listen in to hear Dr. Zia discuss the truly transformative power of higher education in driving societal and economic progress in Pakistan, and...
May 07, 2025•58 min•Season 7Ep. 153
In the lead-up to National Reconciliation Week 2025, Prof Judyth Sachs interviews Indigenous leaders about reconciliation in a higher education context, what it means for them, and how they see their contribution to the institutions in which they work. First up: Nathan Towney, Deputy Vice Chancellor Equity and Engagement at the University of Newcastle, discusses his career journey, and his four-pillar approach to driving an Indigenous strategy across the university: Building cultural knowledge a...
May 05, 2025•15 min•Ep. 152
Prof George Williams AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University speaks with Prof Judyth Sachs about the early life experiences that shaped his appreciation for education and commitment to creating a more equitable higher education sector. Also discussed in this chat: How WSU is improving the student experience, addressing issues like food insecurity, and using data and partnerships to better support student retention The need to rethink teaching models and delivery to better ...
May 01, 2025•35 min•Season 7Ep. 151
Dr. Susan Edwards, President of Wright State University joins Prof Judyth Sachs this week, to reimagine higher education. Listen in as they discuss: The importance of accessible, affordable education and the deep commitment Sue has to supporting students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds Insights on the future of higher ed, advocating for more flexible, stackable credentials, closer partnerships with business, and the integration of AI technologies across disciplines The value of ...
Apr 24, 2025•43 min•Season 7Ep. 150
Dr. Graham Carr, President and Vice-Chancellor of Concordia University joins host Dr. Noreen Golfman for this week’s conversation. Together they discuss: Challenges and opportunities of transitioning from faculty to university leadership Facilitating work-integrated learning, and leveraging AI technology to enhance the student experience and prepare graduates The need for universities to be more responsive to societal changes, while preserving the core values that are integral to higher educatio...
Apr 16, 2025•50 min•Season 7Ep. 149
Professor Neil Quigley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waikato joins host Professor Judyth Sachs for this week’s conversation. Neil shares the challenges of leading a university today, particularly adapting to AI technology and its impact on assessment and learning; how the University of Waikato is integrating different cultural perspectives, emphasising support for learner success, and ensuring every graduate is prepared with work-integrated learning; and how learning new languages - Viet...
Apr 09, 2025•38 min•Season 7Ep. 148
Join Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor of Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in conversation with Professor Judyth Sachs about the importance of curiosity and humility in learning, the role of history in understanding the present, and the challenges facing higher education today. In this episode: As the first Pasifika Vice-Chancellor in New Zealand, Damon shares his perspective on the responsibilities that come with this, and the need to consider the broader societal implications of s...
Apr 03, 2025•44 min•Season 7Ep. 147
Dr. Deborah MacLatchy, President of Wilfrid Laurier University, joins Dr. Noreen Golfman this week to reflect on the student experience, noting increased engagement and advocacy by today’s students, alongside greater challenges with financial pressures and uncertainty about the future. Also in this episode: A biologist at heart, Deborah shares how her desire to enact change drove the decision to move into leadership Why we need to consider the environmental impact and broader implications of AI ...
Mar 26, 2025•38 min•Season 7Ep. 146
This week we’re bringing you a fascinating journey through academia and leadership, spanning continents, institutions, and roles. Prof. Dr. Maurits van Rooijen, CAO of Global University Systems and Rector of University of Europe joins Dr. Ashraf Mahate in this captivating conversation. Discussed in this episode: Balancing theoretical and practical education, with a focus on developing students' real-world skills, critical thinking, and ability to learn from failure Rooijen's collaborative leader...
Mar 20, 2025•58 min•Season 7Ep. 145
Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of American University of Sharjah (AUS), joins guest host Dr. Ashraf Mahate in this week’s conversation. They explore Tod’s career in and around academia, from faculty at Duke University, to founding president of Khalifa University, and chief academic officer of SUNY. Also discussed: Evolving expectations of students in the UAE, particularly their desire for entrepreneurial opportunities and engagement with sustainability initiatives. Adapting to, and advocating for, ...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 7Ep. 144
Dr. Chuck Welch, President of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) joins Prof. Judyth Sachs this week. Chuck and Judyth reflect on the changes in higher education over the past 30 years, and discuss perceived public value, using data and evidence, and being more transparent and accountable as institutions. Furthermore - they dive into the impact of generative AI on education, the evolving value of a college degree, and the unique role AASCU plays in advocating for ...
Mar 05, 2025•45 min•Season 7Ep. 143
Listen in as we learn more about Singapore Institute of Technology’s President, Prof Chua Kee Chaing, and his vision to guide SIT to find its own space among leading research-intensive universities, to be Singapore's university for industry. Prof Judyth Sachs discusses with Prof Chua the opportunities with AI technology and why education and ethics are critical to students using it in their learning.
Feb 27, 2025•42 min•Season 7Ep. 142
Prof Tan Tai Yong, the second President of Singapore University of Social Sciences, sits down with Prof Judyth Sachs, to uncover his journey from historian to higher ed leadership. They reflect on: Leading complex organisations, emphasising the importance of long-term perspectives and engaging with students and staff Adaptability and an open mindset, Prof Yong shares his advice to today’s students who will have longer working lives than ever before How National University of Singapore (NUS) tran...
Feb 21, 2025•50 min•Season 7Ep. 141
Prof Freddy Boey, President of City University of Hong Kong joins Prof Judyth Sachs for this week’s conversation. Freddy shares his experience as an international student, where he learned the importance of adaptability and building relationships, which shaped his personal philosophy on the critical role universities play in students' lives, beyond lectures and exams. Listen in to hear the two professors discuss: Key factors enabling the transformation of universities in Singapore to sit amongst...
Feb 14, 2025•29 min•Season 7Ep. 140
President of Utah State University, Betsy Cantwell, joins Professor Judyth Sachs this week. From her work on national security, NASA missions, and to higher education leadership, Betsy shares her insights on: The vital role of higher education in cultivating civic engagement, Students' moral reasoning and critical thinking in this social, political, and technological landscape, The changing nature of knowledge acquisition and adapting curricula and teaching to better prepare students for the fut...
Feb 05, 2025•45 min•Season 7Ep. 139
This week Prof Nic Smith, Vice-Chancellor at Victoria University of Wellington discusses the role of universities to foster respect and evidence-based understanding between people, especially as the world becomes more polarised - with Prof Judyth Sachs. Their conversation explores the importance of developing students' higher-order skills like critical thinking, synthesis, and communication; and why Prof Smith’s leadership philosophy focuses on empowering staff and students, building trust, and ...
Jan 29, 2025•46 min•Season 7Ep. 138
From developing award-winning programs, pioneering initiatives and a vision of equitable support for every student - Prof Mohamed Kerkeb, the President of Ibn Tofail University in Morocco shares his passion for academia, his inspirations and desire to share knowledge. Interviewed by Dr Ashraf Mahate, the two educators discuss the university's initiatives to support students with disabilities, including the award-winning Space for Students with Disabilities, and its efforts to democratise access ...
Jan 24, 2025•38 min•Ep. 137
Prof Grant Robertson, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Otago, joins Prof Judyth Sachs this week to delve into Grant’s remarkable career from student union president, to now leading the institution. They discuss: Working alongside remarkable women leaders, Jacinda Ardern and Helen Clark, and lessons learned on intellect, compassion, and leadership The importance of universities in addressing global challenges and the need to make them relevant and useful to governments Observations on the cha...
Jan 22, 2025•33 min•Season 7Ep. 136
Dr. Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) at Hong Kong Baptist University sits down with Professor Judyth Sachs for this invigorating conversation to kick off 2025. They discuss: Studying as an international student, cultural immersion, and self discipline Shifting to transdisciplinary collaboration between academia, industry, and the community in an effort to address global challenges HKBU’s approach to incorporating AI: emphasising empowerment, critical thinking, ethical use, and...
Jan 16, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 135
