"The future of the world depends on us actually bringing the university into the community; into all of its aspects; and into our workplaces." Prof Duncan Bentley, Vice-Chancellor and President at Federation University and Prof Judyth Sachs reflect on the accidental events that have shaped Duncan's ‘unorthodox’ career path. They discuss the purpose of regional universities and responding to local contexts; integrating work and university and bringing critical thinking into the workplace; facilit...
Jan 08, 2025•36 min•Season 6Ep. 134
Another popular episode from the archives. Join Prof Scott Bowman AO, Vice-Chancellor at Charles Darwin University, in conversation with Prof Judyth Sachs, as they explore Scott’s enterprising journey to higher education leadership, and the people who have shaped it along the way. They discuss Scott’s early years and why university was never on his radar; how Scott came to keep a Jiminy Cricket in his office; importance of authenticity for students and aspiring senior leaders; how engagement hel...
Jan 01, 2025•42 min•Season 6Ep. 133
In one of the most listened to episodes of all time, Dr Tim Renick - Founding Executive Director of The National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University and preeminent national adviser on student equity - meets with our guest host, leading student equity researcher and advocate for change, President of the Australian Learning and Teaching Fellows (ALTF), and Studiosity Academic Advisory Board Member - Prof Sally Kift. Dr Renick shares his personal experience as both a student a...
Dec 18, 2024•41 min•Season 6Ep. 132
Dr Arthur Levine, President Emeritus at Teachers College - Columbia University, chats to Prof Judyth Sachs, about reinventing universities. They discuss formative assessment in practice; why universities need to regain traction, look outward, and bind with community; and Arthur shares what he would change if he could redesign universities.
Dec 11, 2024•45 min•Season 6Ep. 131
This week, Professor Judyth Sachs is joined by Professor Diana Laurillard, Professor of Learning with Digital Technologies at UCL Knowledge Lab, who early in her career made it her mission to understand the intricacies of exactly how learning works, and how teachers can help students to learn. They discuss: Designing learning to empower educators and students to be active participants Advocating for a more collaborative approach to teaching, where educators share and build upon pedagogical ideas...
Dec 04, 2024•50 min•Season 6Ep. 127
Professor Dame Heather McGregor DBE FRSE, Provost and Vice Principal at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, joins Professor Judyth Sachs to reimagine higher education through Heather’s global perspective, passion for education, and commitment to making a positive impact. Listen in as they discuss: Journalism, financial markets, and entering academia later in life - how education has been Heather’s passport to each opportunity Aspiring to accomplish things you don’t succeed with straight away Why bespo...
Nov 28, 2024•47 min•Season 6Ep. 126
This week’s episode: Prof Rose Luckin, Founding Director of EDUCATE Ventures Research at University College London (UCL) and Professor at UCL Knowledge Lab, joins Prof Judyth Sachs to explore a human-centric approach to AI in education - including transparency, accountability, and human dignity - and the readiness of the sector to adapt.
Nov 20, 2024•41 min•Season 6Ep. 125
This week Dr. Bridget Burns, Founding CEO of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA), joins guest host Prof. Sally Kift, a leader and researcher in student success and equity, to reimagine higher education. This trans-national conversation between two trailblazing leaders offers valuable perspectives on enhancing student success and advancing equity in higher education. They discuss: Systemic change to redesign institutions around student success UIA’s focus on setting the conditions for change...
Nov 13, 2024•52 min•Season 6Ep. 124
Professor Dame Sally Mapstone DBE, FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at University of St Andrews, and President of Universities UK, joins host Professor Petra Wend in this episode. They discuss the hallmarks of a great student experience, notably research-informed teaching and small classes; the impact of sisterhood and formative experiences that shaped Sally’s career; rebalancing the relationship between individual and government funding of the sector; and Sally brings along a cherished book ...
Nov 06, 2024•55 min•Season 6Ep. 123
Join Professor Pal Ahluwalia, VC and President of The University of the South Pacific, in conversation with Professor Judyth Sachs all about the unique challenges and quirks of leading a university spanning 12 Pacific countries. The two professors discuss: Pal’s experiences - culturally, politically, practically - living, learning, and working across Africa, Canada, UK, Australia, and the Pacific Rethinking delivery of the student experience, with flexibility key for Pasifika students The impact...
Oct 30, 2024•40 min•Season 6Ep. 122
Panel session recorded on 21 October 2024, at 1PM ET, with over 150 registrations and over 100 participants, hosted by Dr. Noreen Golfman, Former Provost and Vice President Academic at Memorial University, and Studiosity Academic Advisory Board member. Student wellbeing is top-of-mind going into the new school year, accelerated by the rise of AI and the increased isolation of students due to technology and online learning. Join Dr. Ainsley Carry, Dr. Anne Duffy, and Dr. Andrea Levinson in this o...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 121
A must-listen episode, as Dr. Noreen Golfman sits down with Gabriel Miller, President and CEO of Universities Canada. Together, they dive into the role of higher education in shaping not just individuals, but society as a whole. What’s in this episode? The power of philosophy: Discover the life-changing skills Gabriel gained from his studies and how they apply to today’s educational landscape. The student experience: Is the ‘essence’ of being a student fading? What do today’s learners need? Acce...
Oct 23, 2024•47 min•Season 6Ep. 120
This week, Dr Yousef Al-Assaf, President at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai joins Prof Judyth Sachs for a vibrant conversation centred on how smart, connected, and responsive universities are delivering quality education. They discuss the birth of the Silicon Oasis; bridging education and industry to create future-ready students; developing unique programs linking community challenges with student solutions; teaching ethics alongside AI; and Yousef uses his 'filter of wisdom' to ev...
Oct 16, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 119
Prof Stephen Parker AO, recently appointed interim VC and President at University of Canberra, sits down with Prof Judyth Sachs to reflect on the sector, including whether the ‘golden age’ has passed for universities. The two professors discuss the adaptability of universities and whether they can ever really be relevant to industry; domains of knowledge vs disciplines and why young people are specialising too early; the challenges for research due to AI and technology; and Prof Parker gives his...
Oct 09, 2024•37 min•Season 6Ep. 117
Panel session recorded on 8 October 2024, at 11:00am AEDT, with nearly 500 registrations and over 270 participants. In this unique Symposium, renowned Indigenous leadership discussed the national pursuit of equity of access and success in higher education - exploring this year’s Universities Accord and how it could lead to meaningful change, and enhanced support for Indigenous students in Australian higher education. Your panel: Adam Goodes, Co-Founder of the GO Foundation Prof Braden Hill, Depu...
Oct 09, 2024•56 min•Ep. 118
Brian Rosenberg, President Emeritus of Macalester College, Visiting Professor at Harvard University, and author of “Whatever It Is, I’m Against It,” joins host Professor Judyth Sachs in this episode. They discuss the role of AI in learning, higher education’s social contract with communities, and the need for stronger alignment between faculty and students. Brian advocates for meaningful, practical changes in pedagogy, from within teaching and learning, and discusses the growing need to reimagin...
Oct 02, 2024•47 min•Season 6Ep. 116
Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at the University of Bedfordshire, joins Professor Petra Wend in this conversation full of insights and advice for leaders and learners. They reflect on the telegram that opened up a world of opportunity for Rebecca; the joy of learning and inquisitiveness; social mobility and leading universities that prioritise widening participation; being ambitious for yourself and others; and the value of a university degree today.
Sep 26, 2024•50 min•Season 6Ep. 115
Join Professor Ghassan Aouad, the Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), with Professor Judyth Sachs in this enlightening episode. They discuss Prof Aouad’s experience as a student during the Civil War in Lebanon; fostering tolerance and inclusivity in diverse student populations; how emotional intelligence and cultural awareness is setting ADU graduates apart; and the critical role universities have to educate students, staff, and the community about ethics and integrity, in the age of AI....
Sep 19, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 114
Join Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Vice-Chancellor and Principal at University of Glasgow, together with Professor Petra Wend for this topical discussion on breadth vs specialisation in education; the art and value of multilingualism, with both professors sharing their experience; and a look at the key moments that have kept Sir Anton in higher education. Sir Anton shares what it was like to grow up in The Netherlands, Italy, and the UK, and reflects on where it all began by sharing the set of...
Sep 11, 2024•45 min•Season 6Ep. 113
Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor at The University of Auckland joins Professor Judyth Sachs for an invigorating conversation that begins with Dawn sharing her career-meaningful object, and the impact of living intentionally, by focusing on what is novel each day. Together they discuss how Auckland is preparing students with future skills via curriculum transformation; the purpose of universities in an era of unprecedented misinformation; and what long-distance running has taught Dawn a...
Sep 04, 2024•33 min•Season 6Ep. 112
What does it take to build a successful, award-winning employability program in a university? How does Sunway University measure student success, and broader program success? What makes a Sunway graduate distinct? In this interview, Director of Student Life at Sunway Education Group, Ms Lee Siok Ping is joined by Rose Devaraj, Head of Career Services at Sunway University as they discuss with Prof Judyth Sachs their holistic Career and Professional Development support program. Their program won t...
Aug 28, 2024•28 min•Ep. 111
Professor Chris Moran, Vice-Chancellor and President at UNE, joins Professor Judyth Sachs, as they dive into higher education learning and leadership at this critical inflection point offered by AI and technology. They discuss the end of regurgitation learning and changes required to pedagogy design and assessment; digital twins and new learning environments for students; creating the future 'degree' with employers and industry; how leadership can support the 'lifeload' of students and staff; an...
Aug 22, 2024•42 min•Season 6Ep. 110
In this brand new episode, Professor Yusra Mouzughi, Provost at the University of Birmingham Dubai, joins Professor Judyth Sachs to explore higher education leadership, resilience, and innovation in a rapidly changing landscape. Yusra and Judyth reflect on the challenges and triumphs of Yusra’s career, including her transition from the UK to the Middle East - establishing a new university and building a dedicated team - her strategies for integrating industry placements into student learning, an...
Aug 14, 2024•43 min•Season 6Ep. 109
Panel session recorded on 6 August 2024, at 11:00am AEST, with over 180 registrations and over 100 participants. How is the sector changing its approach in the age of AI? What can universities do to increase belonging, connectedness, and wellbeing in 2025? This discussion covered the state of belonging in 2024 and what universities will do in 2025. Your panel: Professor Michelle Lincoln - Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, University of Canberra Lisa Bolton - Director of QILT Research & Strate...
Aug 07, 2024•58 min•Ep. 108
This week, we're resharing an episode from the archives - Professor Margaret Sheil AO, Vice Chancellor and President at Queensland University of Technology, in conversation with Professor Judyth Sachs, about curiosity and courage to take unexpected paths; mass spectrometry and early influencers in Prof Sheil’s academic life; and the challenge of delivering value to students today.
Jul 31, 2024•35 min•Season 6Ep. 107
Join Dr. David Barnard, President Emeritus and former VC and President at University of Manitoba, in discussion with Dr. Noreen Golfman, as they dive into David's rich experience in higher education - from being first in family to go to university, to never quite leaving. Dr. Barnard shares what it was like to be among the first Computer Science Graduates; his love for poetry and the poem he introduced to many colleagues while in leadership; the journey to connecting and learning from Indigenous...
Jul 24, 2024•59 min•Season 6Ep. 106
Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor at Lakehead University, sits down with Dr. Noreen Golfman for a candid conversation centred on community, creativity, and optimism. They discuss the evolving post-secondary landscape - technology, student wellbeing, the liberal arts, and financial sustainability - and reflect on the value of creating opportunities for students to think critically and engage with their learning. Dr. Siddall brings along an original Beatles album, representative o...
Jul 17, 2024•42 min•Season 6Ep. 105
“We as educators have a lot to learn from them, and by more directly engaging them and involving them in some co-learning capacity, we will benefit, and the classroom environment will benefit, and learning will benefit.” Join Dr. Joy Johnson, President and VC at Simon Fraser University, in conversation with Dr. Noreen Golfman, as they reflect on personal experiences in academia and the evolving challenges faced by university leaders. Together they discuss the role of dialogue and productive disa...
Jul 10, 2024•44 min•Season 6Ep. 104
Prof Khaled Assaleh joins Prof Judyth Sachs for an engaging dive into his journey across academia, industry, and HE leadership - all sparked by an early interest in electronics. Prof Assaleh speaks about his experience as an international student, and the importance of formal and informal support systems; the value of industry experience and how it's informed his teaching; whether traditional degrees are adequately preparing today's graduates; and how Ajman University is responding to key disrup...
Jul 04, 2024•50 min•Season 6Ep. 103
Artificial intelligence is top of mind as new developments encourage daily use and integration into everyday life. How will post-secondary institutions forge a path to protect and grow academic integrity while finding ways to integrate the best of AI into teaching and learning environments? Featuring Canadian and US experts and leaders, this session discusses AI’s impact on post-secondary education and the student experience, as well as what the future holds for higher education, academic integr...
Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 102
