Nick Anderson, former Washington Post education reporter and current senior vice president at the American Council on Education, shares insights on higher education's role as a cornerstone of American opportunity and prosperity. • ACE represents 1,600 colleges and universities across all sectors of higher education • Higher education has become increasingly polarized despite historically being a bipartisan issue • The economic impact of higher education includes workforce development, regional g...
Jul 17, 2025•49 min
What would happen if you dropped all the roles you've been conditioned to play and simply showed up as your authentic self? In this transformative conversation with Genea Barnes, founder of Be the Wolf, we explore how reconnecting with your true essence can revolutionize not just your business but your entire life. Genea shares the powerful origin story behind her company's name - when wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park after being eradicated, they restored the entire ecosyste...
Jun 30, 2025•39 min
Navigating the complex world of student loans just got a whole lot easier. Chris Abkarians, founder of Juno, shares the fascinating origin story of how a simple Google spreadsheet comparing MBA loan offers transformed into a groundbreaking platform that's revolutionizing student financial aid. The revelation that sparked Juno's creation will shock you: identical borrower profiles can receive interest rates that differ by 3-4% between lenders – a discrepancy that translates to thousands of dollar...
May 15, 2025•32 min
Dave Sherwhood shares his journey from Rhodes Scholar studying chemistry at Oxford to founding BibliU, an educational technology company tackling textbook affordability and streamlining content access for universities. • Started as a B2C business before pivoting to B2B after realizing consumer businesses are incredibly difficult to build successfully • Discovered that long sales cycles in education (averaging 6-12 months) make EdTech a challenging fit for venture capital expectations • Found pro...
May 07, 2025•39 min
The pathway to college completion remains filled with barriers that disproportionately impact first-generation students, adult learners, and historically underserved communities. But what if these obstacles aren't inherent to students themselves, but rather embedded in our educational systems? Meacie Fairfax, Strategy Director at Complete College America, brings both personal experience and professional expertise to this conversation about transforming higher education. Drawing from her own jour...
Apr 24, 2025•38 min
What happens when college becomes financially out of reach for an entire generation? Kristin McGuire, Executive Director of Young Invincibles, pulls back the curtain on America's broken higher education system and why it matters to all of us. McGuire shares her personal journey from high school activist to leading the nation's largest youth advocacy organization, revealing how her experiences as a first-generation college student inform her fight for educational equity. With striking clarity, sh...
Mar 26, 2025•31 min
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Mar 18, 2025•50 min
Higher ed is at a crossroads. Career services teams are no longer gatekeepers of opportunity—they’re becoming curators of the student-employer relationship. But how do institutions actually make that shift? In this episode, I sit down with Christine Y. Cruzvergara , Chief Education Strategy Officer at Handshake , to unpack: 🎯 The biggest mindset shift career services teams must make (or risk falling behind) 📊 How AI & data-driven personalization are transforming student job searches 🔗 Why...
Mar 05, 2025•41 min
What does it take to run a 900-student college in the heart of Silicon Valley—next door to Stanford, no less? Steven Weiner, President of Menlo College, joins me for a deep dive into leadership, strategy, and what makes Menlo stand out in a crowded higher ed ecosystem. In this episode, we discuss: Why small colleges have a unique edge in today’s market. How Menlo leverages its Silicon Valley location for career readiness. The JCPenney effect in higher ed pricing—and what it means for tuition mod...
Feb 28, 2025•53 min
In this part II conversation with Michael Avaltroni, President of Fairleigh Dickinson University, we dive deep into the challenges and opportunities reshaping higher education. Michael shares: How FDU is carving out niche strengths in health sciences and healthcare-adjacent fields. Why partnerships with community colleges and healthcare systems are essential to solving enrollment and workforce challenges. His bold vision for campus redesign—turning them into vibrant, lifelong learning hubs. How ...
Feb 21, 2025•42 min
What does it take to lead one of America’s oldest institutions while keeping it future-focused? In this second conversation, Bryon Grigsby, President of Moravian University, shares: How Moravian’s values of equity and access shape everything from tech policies to new program offerings. Why cohort-based learning is the future of higher education. How their UNESCO World Heritage designation opens up new opportunities for students and faculty. His vision for balancing financial sustainability with ...
Feb 14, 2025•39 min
Join us for an engaging conversation with Jason Morrison, a veteran educator with more than 20 years of experience in higher education. Jason takes us through his remarkable journey from a classroom instructor to his current role as president of Trinity Valley Community College. With insights drawn from his leadership at Southern Arkansas University Tech, he sheds light on the common challenges faced by these institutions and how they strive to serve students, especially those who are first-gene...
Jan 28, 2025•47 min
In this episode, I sit down with Emily Smith, Principal and VP of Partner Success at Collegevine, to explore how AI is reshaping higher education. Emily shares: How AI agents are transforming admissions and student success. The concept of “Time to First Value” and why it matters. How AI can empower staff rather than replace them. Whether you're an administrator, faculty member, or just curious about the future of education, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Want more insights...
Jan 24, 2025•52 min
How do you lead a system with 7 campuses, serve students in urban and rural areas, and align higher ed with workforce needs—all while ensuring faculty and staff are thriving? In this episode, Brendan Kelly, President of the Arkansas State University System, shares how he’s rethinking leadership in higher ed. We discuss: Why alignment—between industry, state governments, and campuses—is the key to thriving in the 21st century. How ASU’s regional campuses are driving talent pipelines in Arkansas. ...
Jan 23, 2025•47 min
What makes a university truly unique? And how do you scale trust in a crowded higher ed market? In this episode, I sit down with Nuno Fernandes, President of American Public University System (APUS), to uncover the secrets behind their success as the #1 educator of U.S. service members and veterans. We dive into: The power of doubling down on your "core DNA." Why most universities struggle with differentiation—and what they can do to stand out. How APUS is building a personalized, 21st-century e...
Jan 20, 2025•39 min
In this episode, I sit down with Roger Best, President of the University of Central Missouri, to discuss the balancing act of modern higher ed leadership. From strategic decision-making to fostering innovation, Roger shares how he steers UCM through challenges like declining enrollments, evolving workforce demands, and integrating cutting-edge technologies. We dive into: Transitioning from COO to President and mastering external engagement. The importance of aligning institutional strengths with...
Jan 18, 2025•36 min
What does it take to transform a community college into a hub of opportunity and equity? Dr. Jermaine Williams, President of Montgomery College, joins me to discuss how he’s aligning systems, leveraging data, and addressing the real needs of students to drive regional transformation. From supporting students with food insecurity to creating systemic connections as early as middle school, Dr. Williams’s approach is redefining what’s possible in higher education. If you care about the future of wo...
Jan 14, 2025•21 min
Have you ever felt lost in your career path, unsure of where your true passion lies? Meet Brian, a Moravian University alumnus who transformed uncertainty into leadership. From switching between five majors to ultimately discovering his love for English, Brian's story is a testament to the power of mentorship and perseverance. As he shares his journey from student to president of Moravian University, Brian offers a candid look at overcoming imposter syndrome, the role of community, and the valua...
Jan 08, 2025•34 min
What if a career in the military could transition into academia? Join us as we explore this fascinating journey with our guest, a former US Army officer who now leads as a college president. This episode promises insights into how adaptability and leadership can forge new paths in personal and professional growth. We also tackle the pressures young men face today, such as the rapid pace of technological change that can lead to anxiety. Discover strategies for holistic well-being that address the...
Jan 02, 2025•50 min
What does it take to transform a career from academia into leadership? Find inspiration in the journey of our guest, a leader in higher education who transitioned from a faculty role at the University of Northern Colorado to the presidency at St. Cloud State. Discover their passion for teaching and research in aging and gerontology, which evolved into a leadership role aimed at enhancing the academic environment for faculty, students, and staff. Through systems thinking and community engagement,...
Dec 16, 2024•40 min
What happens when a passionate prosecutor swaps the courtroom for the classroom? Join us as David shares his unexpected journey from corporate litigator to university president, driven by a love for coaching high school football. Discover how his legal and athletic experiences uniquely inform his approach to leadership in education, especially in the demanding role of managing a faith-based college. David's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the impact of sports on...
Dec 12, 2024•36 min
Join us as we sit down with the extraordinary Amber, an artist turned activist and academic leader, who has merged her passions to create the Justice Fleet—a groundbreaking mobile museum dedicated to social justice. Amber opens up about how her unique background in art and activism shaped her innovative teaching methods, ultimately leading to the birth of the Justice Fleet. This mobile museum addresses mental health and healing justice, focusing especially on the higher education landscape. Ambe...
Dec 06, 2024•43 min
What if your career path zigzagged between academia and corporate worlds before landing at the helm of a prestigious college? Join us as we sit down with the president of Menlo College, who shares his captivating journey from the University of Chicago to a successful stint in healthcare IT consulting. You'll hear how a serendipitous opportunity led to co-founding a healthcare IT startup and the invaluable experiences that came with it, ultimately steering him back into higher education. Discover...
Nov 28, 2024•47 min
What if your career was more a journey than a destination? Join us as we explore the remarkable career evolution of our guest, who transitioned from a vet tech who once aspired to be a veterinarian, to a leader in higher education and nonprofit sectors. Alongside a mentor's crucial guidance, our guest discovered a passion for organizational leadership and change management, eventually impacting large teams and spearheading strategic transformations. This episode promises insights into how career...
Nov 25, 2024•55 min
What happens when a top student with political aspirations discovers a passion for Latin and transforms it into a journey toward leading a community college? Join us as we uncover this fascinating career shift with the president of Hudson County Community College. His story is not just about personal evolution but also about the profound impact community colleges have on education accessibility and social mobility, especially for first-generation students. Learn how these institutions contribute...
Nov 18, 2024•45 min
Sam, the visionary co-founder of Loper, joins us to illuminate the future of college admissions. Discover how Loper is reshaping the way high school students approach their college applications by offering seamless, personalized insights that bridge the gap between aspirations and academia. With its innovative app, Loper creates a bespoke experience for each student, ensuring that college choices align with personal interests and career ambitions. We explore the intricate tapestry of enrollment ...
Nov 12, 2024•46 min
Join us for a compelling conversation with the president of Fairmont State University, who navigated a remarkable journey from being a first-generation college student in Connecticut to leading one of the region's prominent public universities. Through candid reflections, Mike shares valuable insights from their academic and professional trajectory, including impactful years spent at Syracuse University, the University of Georgia, and a 17-year commitment to James Madison University. Discover ho...
Nov 06, 2024•27 min
What if the journey from a chemistry major to university president could teach you everything about leadership and innovation in higher education? We have an enlightening conversation with Michael, the president of Fairleigh Dickinson University, who shares his remarkable path and the wisdom gained along the way. Discover how Michael's roles have evolved, from department chair to dean, and how these experiences have shaped his perspective on trust and interpersonal relationships within a dynamic...
Oct 30, 2024•33 min
What if a legal career could unexpectedly pave the way for innovative leadership in higher education? Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of a university president who transitioned from a seasoned prosecutor to a transformative force in academia. Discover how her experiences with the Board of Regents and a presidential search committee became the catalyst for her shift to academic leadership. In our conversation, she sheds light on the slower pace of academia compared to the legal field...
Oct 25, 2024•41 min
Ever wondered how a career in sales can change lives? Join us as we chat with Lydia Winn from Empowerly about her passion for hiring first-time sales professionals and the transformative conversations that follow. Lydia shares invaluable insights on what makes a successful salesperson, highlighting the importance of being goal-oriented and genuinely curious. Dive into her experiences of building a thriving sales career and learn the secrets behind connecting with clients in a way that makes them...
Jul 01, 2024•43 min
