Future U Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jeff Selingo, Michael Horn
Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn discuss what’s next for higher ed and talk with the newsmakers you want to hear from most.
We’ve been wondering how prison education programs have grown since the reinstatement of Pell grants for incarcerated learners a couple of years ago. So we sent our producer Jeff Young to learn more. It turns out colleges wanting to set up programs face complicated logistics and cultural challenges. To help, several states have recently set up statewide consortiums to help. On this episode we hear from the director of a new program in Minnesota building a playbook for colleges hoping to serve incarcerated students. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
2:06 - A New Statewide Coalition
3:08 - How Financial Aid Rules Changed In 2023
5:27 - Prison Education Programs Need a Range of Resources
6:40 - Have College Prison Programs Expanded In Recent Years?
7:28 - Colleges Don’t Know Where to Start With Prison Programs
8:32 - What Is the Model for Minnesota’s New Prison Education Consortium?
10:40 - What Professors Need to Know About Teaching in Prison
12:24 - A Guidebook for Prison Education Programs
13:50 - A Student’s Perspective on Higher Ed in Prison
20:40 - The Importance of Learning While in Prison
23:15 - How a Prison Program Changed a Student’s Outlook
24:48 - A Student’s Advice for Professors Teaching in Prison
26:05 - Sponsor Break
26:24 - Online v. In-Person Prison Education Programs
29:29 - When Students Take Ownership of Prison Education Programs
32:17 - Cultural Factors of Setting Up Programs in Prison
33:47 - Technology Needed for Prison Education Programs
35:55 - A Student’s Perspective on Edtech in Prison
39:42 - What’s the Policy Outlook for Prison Education?
41:52 - An Argument for Non-Credit Programs in Prisons
44:51 - What’s the Future for Prison Education?
48:46 - Improving Re-entry Support
Relevant Links“Reinstating Pell Grants in Prisons Moves Slowly After 26-Year Ban,” in Inside Higher Ed.
“State Coalitions Emerge as Key Infrastructure for Higher Education in Prison,” in Open Campus.
“Advancing Opportunities for Higher Learning: An Evaluation of Minnesota's New Higher Education in Prison Programs,” by the U of Minnesota’s Center for Urban & Regional Affairs.
Check out our previous episodes on the topic: “‘College Unbound’ from the Traditional Model” from 2024 and “College in Prison” from 2022.
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It’s a time of change in higher education. Jeff and Michael look back on what they learned over the course of this ninth season of Future U in a one-on-one discussion. They recap key moments and share their favorite episodes. And one theme keeps emerging: “it’s all about institutional mission.”
Chapters0:00 - Intro
1:08 - Many of Today’s Challenges Were Predicted 10 Years Ago
3:51 - Why Mission Is Key
4:56 - A ‘Ghost Town Campus’
12:35 - Big Deficits at Colleges
13:47 - The Fire Sale on MBAs
17:05 - How to Restore Trust in Higher Ed
19:17 - The Many Software Vulnerabilities for Colleges
24:29 - How to Design the AI University
26:52 - Jeff’s Favorite Episode of Season 9
30:58 - Michael’s Favorite Episode of Season 9
33:11 - Thanks to the Podcast Team
Relevant Links:“Season 9 Annual Listener Survey” - Help us prepare for next season
“2026: The seismic shifts for transforming the future of higher education,” by Jeff Selingo, in The Chronicle of Higher Education
“Sonoma State University is in crisis. Can a new president save it,” in The San Francisco Chronicle.
“What happens when students let an economist pick their college?,” in Marketplace.
“Harvard’s FAS Is Running a $365 Million Structural Deficit. The Problems Started Well Before Trump,” in The Harvard Crimson.
“There is a Fire Sale on MBAs,” in The Wall Street Journal.
“Report of the Committee on Trust in Higher Education,” by Yale University.
“Designing the AI University,” by Jeff Selingo.
“Leading Faculty in an AI Era,” by Jeff Selingo.
"The Lie at the Center of Higher Education," by Melik Peter Khoury.
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The college athletics arms race has created a complex financing puzzle for many institutions. That has led athletics departments to become a kind of ‘shadow university’ within their campuses, with their own systems and processes. And university leaders need to pay closer attention. For this episode, Jeff and Michael talk with Karen Weaver, an expert on the finances behind college athletics. Do colleges need a whole new board structure for sports?
Chapters0:00 - Introduction
1:35 - Why All College Leaders Should Care About College Athletics
4:14 - Introducing Our Guest, Karen Weaver
5:12 - What Are University Presidents and Board Members Missing About College Sports?
6:38 - How is the Transfer Portal Impacting Graduation Rates?
8:26 - Do Athletics Align With College Mission Statements?
9:51 - What Washington Should Do to Regulate College Sports
11:50 - What If College Sports Lost Tax-Exempt Status?
13:23 - How Women’s Sports and Olympic Sports Fit In?
16:20 - Do NCAA Classifications Work Anymore?
20:22 - Who Defines Success for College Sports?
20:53 - Is Athletics Worth It As a ‘Front Porch’ of the College?
22:08 - How Should College Athletics Be Reformed?
25:36 - The Growth of Club Sports
29:18 - Do We Know the ROI of College Athletics?
34:00 - Getting Beyond Football and Basketball
37:05 - Connecting Athletics to Work-Integrated Learning
40:05 - Why Are People ‘All In’ on College Athletics
40:59 - How Injuries Play a Role
42:48 - The Connection Between Research and Athletic Prestige
45:07 - Is a Whole New Governance Structure Needed for Athletics?
46:05 - Lightning Round with Karen Weaver
Relevant Links:“Four quick thoughts on the Protect College Sports Act: aka a college sports bill you should actually pay attention to,” by Matt Brown in his Extra Points newsletter.
“Sport Finance: Where the Money Comes From and Where the Money Goes,” by Karen Weaver.
“Trustees and Presidents: A Podcast for University Leaders,” by Karen Weaver
“Understanding College Athletics: What Campus Leaders Need to Know About College Sports,” by Karen Weaver
“The Future of Elite Youth Sports Is Here—and It’s a Mess,” in The Wall Street Journal.
“Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World,” by David Epstein.
Closing down a college turns out to be a big job. For this episode, Jeff and Michael talk with a specialist on the complex and emotional process, Doug Moore. He shares all the things that college presidents and trustees should know—as well as surprising moments as he has helped colleges navigate finances, lawsuits, community impact, teach-outs, and more. And he explains why he sees signs of hundreds of college closures on the horizon.
Relevant Links“The Looming College-Enrollment Death Spiral,” by Jeff Selingo in The Atlantic.
“History auctioned as Iowa Wesleyan closes its doors,” in Homegrown Iowan.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
1:04 - The Surprising Complexity of Closing a College
3:00 - How a ‘College Closure’ Found that Profession
5:17 - How Do Colleges Find a Closer?
9:00 - Walking Through the Early Phases of Closing a Campus
14:53 - What Happens After the Final Graduation Ceremony?
18:55 - ‘Community Freebie Days’
22:33 - What’s The Most Surprising Thing a Closing Campus Had to Auction Off?
26:12 - Warning Signs That a College Might Fail
28:19 - Why College Sports Can Shutter Colleges
30:26 - 400 Colleges Could Fail in the Next 10 Years
32:11 - 20 or 30 Colleges Could Close This Year
33:18 - Why Don’t More Colleges Merge?
35:00 - Is Anyone Buying Closed Colleges?
38:33 - The Emotional Toll of Closing a College
42:06 - Sponsor Break
42:35 - Did Higher Ed Build Too Many Colleges?
49:28 - What Is Emotionally Lost When Colleges Disappear?
51:43 - What Will Happen to All These Closed Campus Facilities?
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Most public colleges get state funding based on “seat time,” — how many students are sitting through classes. Over a decade ago, leaders at Texas State Technical College bet on an experimental funding model that ties state support to the employment outcomes of their graduates. For this episode, we hear from the architect of the unusual approach, Michael Bettersworth, the college’s vice chancellor and chief marketing officer. And Jeff and Michael explore the lessons that all types of colleges can take from rethinking funding models to better match their missions. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Chapters0:00 - Introduction
3:49 - A College That Only Gets Paid When Students Get Jobs
6:42 - How the Unusual Funding Model Started
9:49 - How Has the Funding Model Gone?
12:05 - Voters Approve Endowment for a Technical College
13:20 - A Quest to Better Map Skills Colleges Teach to Jobs
18:52 - The Importance of ‘Occupational Identity’
21:17 - Should Other Types of Colleges Try This Funding Model?
23:40 - How Much Should Colleges Be Responsible For Student Employment Outcomes?
25:43 - How Is AI Changing the Conversation About Skills?
29:01 - Creating Incentives to Map Teaching to Jobs
31:20 - How Can We Know What Skills Are Actually Needed in Certain Jobs?
34:41 - Funding Models Should Match College Missions
39:58 - Lightning Round with Michael Bettersworth
Relevant Links“If—” by Rudyard Kipling
“Inventing a Job-Skills Machine,” by Rebecca Koenig in EdSurge
“Taxonomies of Human Performance,” by Edwin A. Fleishman.
“Marc Andreessen says AI layoffs are a farce: Companies are 75% overstaffed, and AI is the ‘silver bullet excuse’ to clean house,” in Fortune.
There’s a growing movement to make sure colleges offer ‘degrees of value,’ meaning that offerings lead to higher-paying jobs for graduates than if they hadn’t gone to college. Jeff and Michael talk to a key proponent of the idea, Harrison Keller, the president of the University of North Texas and former Commissioner of Higher Education in Texas. He talks about his experiments to redesign colleges to better match their offerings to the needs of the labor market. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Relevant Links“Building a Talent Strong Texas,” strategic plan from Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
“University launches regional partnership for Texas Talent Accelerator to meet industry demands,” in the North Texas Daily.
“University of North Texas to cut more than 70 programs and minors to trim $45 million deficit,” in the Texas Tribune.“
Syracuse Drops 84 Majors Including Classics, Ceramics and Italian,” in The New York Times (gift link).
Chapters0:00 - Introduction
1:30 - A President Trying to Align Degrees to the Labor Market
3:43 - The Elevator Pitch for Ensuring ‘Credentials of Value’
5:50 - Creating a ‘Hub’ to Analyze Fast-Changing Employment Landscape
9:04 - Is There a Danger of Training Students for Dying Jobs?
12:11 - What Programs at UNT Aren’t Working?
14:14 - What About Majors With Social Value That Don’t Pay Much?
17:21 - How Do State Funding Formulas Need to Change?
20:06 - How Do Universities Need to Change Their Structures?
23:32 - What Should Universities Do to Respond to AI?
28:07 - Sponsor Break
28:46 - Colleges Need to Do More to Connect Liberal Arts to Job Skills
33:14 - The Case for a More-Detailed Mapping of Liberal Arts Skills to Work
41:56 - A Move to Shorter Degree Offerings in Some Fields
45:33 - Eliminating Programs With Low Demand
50:40 - Lightning Round with Harrison Keller
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These days colleges are under fire from the Trump administration and critics on multiple fronts. Dartmouth's president, Sian Beilock, is one of the few Ivy League presidents not getting hauled before Congress, though her approach has plenty of detractors. Jeff and Michael talked with Beilock about the purpose of college, and how to lead in this polarized and uncertain time. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Relevant Links“It feels like there’s no jobs,” in The New York Times.
“Dartmouth announces AI partnership with Anthropic, company accused of plagiarizing Dartmouth professors’ publications,” in The Dartmouth.
“What an Ivy League Education Really Gets You,” in The Atlantic.
Chapters0:00 - Introduction
1:52 - An Up-and-Coming College President
4:17 - ‘Leading With Values’
6:24 - The Choice to Be Outspoken in this Moment
7:16 - How Should We Think About the Modern College Presidency?
8:33 - How to Respond to Controversial World Events
10:00 - Why Does College Seem So Much Harder and Less Satisfying to Students Today?
12:24 - How Can Colleges Provide More Work Experience?
15:30 - Helping Students Learn Soft Skills
18:04 - What Role Should Colleges Play With AI?
20:15 - Do Students Need Colleges to Learn in an AI Era?
22:27 - How Should College Presidents Engage With Students?
24:53 - Should Highly-Selective Colleges Expand Their Classes
26:39 - Sponsor Break
27:24 - The Importance of Clarity of Mission
33:04 - How Should Colleges Talk About the Soft Skills They Teach?
35:20 - How Personal Stories Bleed Through in Leadership
37:10 - The Challenge of Presidents Forging Relationships With Students
40:27 - Lightning Round with Sian Beilock
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As winter thaws and spring arrives, Jeff and Michael reflect on six big issues facing higher education. First up, why they think the campus building boom is over — and what comes next. They also discuss how AI is changing both higher ed and the world of work; what recent scandals involving college presidents mean for the sustainability of that job; and why the finances of college sports just don’t add up. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Relevant Links:“From Building to Stewardship,” by Jeff Selingo.
“Labor market impacts of AI: A new measure and early evidence,” by Anthropic.
“AI Isn’t Lightening Workloads. It’s Making Them More Intense,” in The Wall Street Journal.
“2026 Survey of College and University Presidents,” in Inside Higher Ed.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
1:59 - The Campus Building Boom Is Over
4:30 - Moving to ‘Facilities Stewardship’
12:47 - Is Higher Ed Too Negative About AI?
17:47 - ‘AI-Native Universities Will Be Pretty Disruptive’
21:13 - Why the Cost of Acquiring Students Is Key
23:13 - New Report on How AI Is Changing Jobs
29:22 - What’s Happening With the University Presidency?
32:00 - New Survey of College Presidents
33:22 - Why the Finances of College Athletics Don’t Add Up
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It’s March Madness, a prime time for college sports – and for sports betting. Some two-thirds of college students now bet on sports, and the meteoric rise in popularity brings a mix of tough challenges for campus leaders. On this episode, Jeff and Michael talk with two officials from the NCAA, Clint Hangebrauck and Mark Hicks, to understand why a rise in student gambling could become “the next big public health crisis” for campuses. This episode is supported exclusively by Ascendium Education Group.
Related Links“U.S. sports betting: Where all 50 states stand on online sports betting sites,” in CBS Sports.
“Federal prosecutors charge 26 men with alleged conspiracy to manipulate college basketball games,” in The Athletic.
Suspensions, arrests and lifetime bans: A timeline of sports betting scandals since the repeal of PASPA,” in ESPN.
“NCAA won't allow pro sports betting by college athletes and staff amid gambling scandals,” in PBS NewsHour.“
‘Is This Insider Information?’ The Prediction Market Bets Driving a Campus Frenzy,” in The Wall Street Journal.
Chapters0:00 - Sports Betting Is Suddenly Everywhere
2:10 - The Turning Point That Drove a Gambling Boom
3:11 - Scandals Threaten the Integrity of Games
3:53 - Why ‘Prop Bets’ Pose Threats for Athletes
4:44 - The NCAA’s Role and Introducing Our Guests
5:45 - Laying Out the Landscape of College Betting
8:37 - How Widespread Are Problems Related to Sports Betting?
12:07 - Why College Presidents Should Be Concerned About Gambling
15:56 - Which Sports or Schools Face the Biggest Impact of Sports Betting?
20:04 - Should Student Athletes Be Allowed to Bet on Pro Sports?
22:51 - What Should Colleges Do About Sports Betting?
25:15 - What Is the NCAA Doing to Protect Student Athletes?
29:40 - How NCAA Collaborates With Betting Companies
33:52 - What’s Next for Sports Betting?
36:42 - A Wake-Up Call to the Issue of Sports Betting
40:53 - Sports Betting Touches Many Parts of Campus
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For 30 years now, colleges have relied on the Learning Management System, or LMS, as a key portal for professors and students to teach and learn. It's a tool that has helped colleges adapt to online learning and bring digital tools to classroom teaching. But generative AI seems poised to disrupt the LMS. And it’s unclear whether the LMS will evolve—or be replaced altogether. For this episode, Jeff and Michael talk with a pioneer of the technology, Matthew Pittinsky, about the lessons of past moments of tech disruption like the smartphone and cloud computing and about what could be different this time. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Relevant LinksThe LMS at 30: From Course Management to Learning Management (At Last), by Matthew Pittinsky in OnTech.
LMS at 30 Part 2: Learning Management in the AI Era, by Matthew Pittinsky in OnTech.
“Pygmalion in the Classroom: Teacher Expectation and Pupils' Intellectual Development,” by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson
“Two-Sigma Tutoring: Separating Science Fiction from Science Fact,” by Paul T. von Hippel in Education Next.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
1:34 - How the LMS Became Key Infrastructure at Colleges
3:04 - What Was the Sales Pitch When the LMS First Emerged?
5:15 - Why Blackboard Bought Up So Many Competitors
7:36 - AI Will Disrupt LMS Even Though Previous Tech Didn’t
10:57 - Could AI Can Bring ‘Hogwarts Magical Study Aids’?
12:22 - Is the LMS Needed In an Age of AI?
14:14 - Should LMS Providers Build Guardrails to Prevent Cheat-Bots?
18:25 - What Lessons From the Past Can Help Respond to AI?
19:52 - A New Leader at Blackboard
21:06 - Sponsor Break
22:00 - How Faculty Are Key to Change
28:03 - Why Change From AI Might Be Discipline-Specific
34:50 - Lightning Round With Matt Pittinsky
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Tenure is a defining feature of U.S. higher education, but these days the practice is in decline and under attack by critics. On this episode, Jeff and Michael talk with Jacques Berlinerblau, a Georgetown University professor who has written extensively about the tenure system, for an explainer on its colorful origins as well as a look at the dramatic changes that seem to be coming. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
2:50 - The Colorful History of Tenure
8:14 - A Distinctly American System
9:14 - How Tenure Works
13:26 - What Is the Legal Nature of Tenure?
14:46 - Which Types of Colleges Use Tenure?
16:19 - Is Tenure Different in Different Disciplines?
18:52 - How Difficult Is It For Colleges to Dismiss a Tenured Faculty Member?
20:40 - Can Tenured Departments Be Eliminated for Lack of Student Demand?
22:57 - Complaints Against the Tenure System
24:43 - A Turning Point in the 1990s
31:43 - A Renewed Campaign to Erode Tenure
34:31 - How Professors Are Partly to Blame for Tenure’s Woes
37:33 - Will Only Elite Universities Keep Tenure?
38:49 - Are Younger Faculty As Excited About Tenure?
41:48 - What Can Professors Do in the Face of Tenure’s Erosion?
Relevant Links:“1915 Declaration of Principles on Academic Freedom and Academic Tenure,” and a history of the American Association of University Professors.
“1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure,” from the American Association of University Professors.
"Professors Lay Dying: Selecting a College Amidst an Educational Crisis," by Jacques Berlinerblau
“They’ve Been Scheming to Cut Tenure for Years. It’s Happening,” by Jacques Berlinerblau in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
“Laboratories of Autocracy: A Wake-Up Call from Behind the Lines,” by David Pepper.
“The War on Tenure,” by Deepa Das Acevedo
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Colleges and other providers have flooded the market with non-degree credentials in the past decade. But a recent analysis shows that only one in three credentials bring meaningful returns for graduates. Jeff and Michael talk with Matt Sigelman, president of the Burning Glass Institute, who is working to provide data to consumers and policymakers about the ROI of non-degree credentials. Given many of the returns of credentials come to those with traditional degrees already, the future of the degree and credentials are inextricably tied together. This episode is supported exclusively by Ascendium Education Group.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
1:21 - Creating a Way to Measure Real-Time Labor Market Data
3:15 - Charting an Explosion of Non-Degree Credentials
7:14 - Helping Consumers Find Which Credentials Have Value
11:36 - What is the ROI of Non-Degree Credentials?
12:51 - How Could the Data on These Credentials Be Improved?
14:20 - The Challenge of Getting Data to Consumers
18:38 - Will Better Data Push Providers to Improve Degree Offerings?
20:52 - How Will Non-Degree Credentials Impact the Four-Year Degree?
24:25 - Sponsor Break
25:38 - Why Creating Measurement Tools Takes So Long
27:49 - New Credentials Could Increase the Value of the Four-Year Degree
30:02 - Providing Data Doesn’t Mean Students Will Use It
35:06 - Addressing the ‘AI Paralysis' in Hiring
39:53 - Lightning Round With Matt Sigelman
Relevant Links“Counting Credentials 2025 Report,” by the nonprofit Credential Engine.
Credential Value Index Navigator by The Burning Glass Institute.
Education Quality Outcome Standards (EQOS), a collaboration of Jobs for the Future and The Burning Glass Institute.
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College trustees consider more than just the monetary policies of universities. And former Brown University trustee Lauren Zalaznick is out with a new book that aims to humanize these often secretive roles with letters of reflection by Brown board members going back more than 100 years, some of them during other turbulent times in U.S. history. She brings the sensibility from her career as a television executive, when she led the Bravo network as it created The Real Housewives franchise and hits like Project Runway and Top Chef. Jeff and Michael talk to Zalaznick about her new book and her views on how colleges need to reassert their broader social value to meet this moment of crisis for higher ed. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
4:05 - What Led to the Book of Trustee Letters?
6:40 - The Value of Sharing Once-Secret Letters
9:01 - A Reality TV Pioneer’s Interest in University History
11:34 - What Is the Role of University Trustees?
15:40 - The Case for Large University Boards
20:14 - Hearing From a Diversity of Voices
23:52 - From Rabble-Rousers to Trustees
26:42 - How Do College Boards Navigate All Those Diverse Voices?
31:24 - Reflecting on Brown University’s Deal with the Trump Administration
36:58 - Should Every College Adopt the Tradition of Sharing Reflections From Board Members?
41:55 - Sponsor Break
42:43 - How Important Is It That College Board Members Be Alums?
46:45 - Making the Board Feel Like a Team
49:54 - More on Trustees Who As Students Criticized Leadership
52:37 - Getting the Right Mix on a Board
54:03 - How Large Should a Board Be?
Relevant Links“Letters from the Corporation of Brown University,” edited by Lauren Zalaznick.
“The Affluencer,” profile of Lauren Zalaznick in The New York Times.
“Navigating a Merger as a College Trustee,” past Future U episode.
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To kick off 2026, Jeff and Michael weigh in on some key higher ed issues making headlines these days, starting with a deep dive into grade inflation at the nation’s colleges. A range of sources show that more students are getting A’s even as they are spending less time on schoolwork and deep reading. Meanwhile, AI is raising questions about the validity of college assessments when students can offload their work to chatbots. How can colleges respond? Other issues discussed include whether colleges should change what they teach as employers embrace AI, what types of colleges employers recruit from these days, and recent data on where online learning is most prevalent. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Chapters0:00 - Introduction
1:34 - Are Those 2026 Coming True?
2:26 - Why Grade Inflation Is a Big Story Now
4:55 - How the Grade Inflation Issue Has Changed Since Al Franken Joked About It in 2002
6:43 - Why Professors Shouldn’t Grade the Students They Teach
8:38 - What If Mastery-Based Learning Upends Grading?
10:43 - Encouraging Students to Focus More on Feedback Than on Grades
12:16 - Has We Become an ‘Accomodations Nation’?
13:09 - Colleges Are Returning to Admissions Tests
15:01 - AI Could Help Admissions Officers Analyze Transcripts
19:17 - Are Elite Colleges Back at the Top of the List for Company Recruiters?
26:28 - Entry Into the Job Market Is Not Linear
27:55 - Sponsor Break
28:36 - What If AI Changes Nothing About What Students Need to Learn?
35:23 - New Data On Who Offers Online-Only Education
Relevant Links:“Education Secretary Says She Wants to Shift Away From Higher Ed,” by Ryan Quinn in Inside Higher Ed.
“UC San Diego Sees Students’ Math Skills Plummet,” by Emma Whitford in Inside Higher Ed.
“High Grades are Presumably the Goal. So Why is Everyone Freaking Out?” by Michael Horn on Substack.
“Colleges Have Struggled To Curb Grade Inflation. Can Harvard Beat the Odds?” in the Harvard Crimson.
Sen. Al Franken’s 2002 Class Day speech at Harvard, from CSPAN.
“Accommodation Nation,” by Rose Horowitch in The Atlantic.
"Elite Colleges Are Back at the Top of the List for Company Recruiters.” by Lindsay Ellis in The Wall Street Journal.
“AI Changes Nothing About What Students Need to Learn,” by Rick Hess in Education Next.
“Fall 2024 IPEDS Data: Profile of US Higher Ed Online Education,” by Phil Hill In OnEdtech.
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Co-op programs are trending these days, with many colleges looking to offer students on-the-job experiences while taking classes. Jeff and Michael talk with Robert McMahan, president of Kettering University, which has a long-running co-op program for all students. He argues that more colleges could incorporate and scale the approach. But there are obstacles, both cultural and logistical. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
1:44 - An Unusual History of a Co-op Model
3:28 - Kettering Presidents’ Path to University Leadership
6:17 - Why Colleges Should Think of Employers as Their Customers
11:23 - Why Colleges Can’t Learn Everything They Need On Campuses
17:17 - How Kettering University’s Co-op Model Differs Than Others
20:44 - Why Isn’t Kettering More Popular?
24:44 - What Is Keeping More Universities From Doing Co-op Programs?
29:30 - Sponsor Break
31:05 - How More Colleges Can Move to a Co-op Model
35:36 - Companies Don’t Have Enough Internships to Meet Demand
39:08 - Could There Be ‘31 Flavors’ of Experiential Learning?
41:50 - Will We See a Return of the Corporate University?
45:52 - Lightning Round With Robert McMahan
Links“Colleges Teach Learning, but They’re Not Learning How to Survive,” by Robert McMahan in Fortune.
“Former Governor Dishes on Connecting Work and College,” past Future U episode.
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Should colleges actively resist the Trump administration or find ways to engage and compromise? Vanderbilt University’s chancellor, Daniel Diermeier, has emerged as a leading example of engagement — facing a mix of cheers and jeers in the academy. Jeff and Michael talked with Diermeier about why he thinks higher education needs to change, and his ambitions to grow his institution’s prestige and research impact. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Relevant Links:“Live from Milken: One-on-One with Bill Ackman,” preview Future U episode.
“Arizona State’s President Is Pulling Out All the Stops to Get on Trump’s Good Side,” in The New York Times.
“The Elite-University Presidents Who Despise One Another,” in The Atlantic.
“The (Not So) Quiet Schism Among Academic Leaders,” in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
“College-Age Jews Are Heading South,” in The Atlantic.
Chapters0:00 - Introduction
2:07 - Why Vanderbilt’s Chancellor Stands Out in This Moment
4:46 - Is Vanderbilt Trying to Beat the Ivies?
7:23 - Why Vanderbilt Chose Dialogue With Trump Administration
10:06 - Did Higher Ed Get Too Comfortable?
11:12 - Are Higher Ed Institutions Up to the Challenge of Responding to Trump?
15:22 - What Daniel Diermeier Sees As Most Needed Reform for Higher Ed
17:40 - Will 'Resistance" by Colleges Hurt Federal Funding Broadly?
21:48 - Could the U.S. Lose the Lead In Higher Ed?
23:25 - Why Jewish Students are Flocking to Vanderbilt -
26:58 - A Plan for Expansion to Other Cities
29:03 - Sponsor Break
29:43 - Is Trump the Symptom or Cause of Higher Ed’s Challenges?
34:37 - A Rift Over How to Respond to Skepticism of College
37:40 - How Could the Research Process Be Reformed?
39:41 - The Fallout from October 7 Protests
43:40 - The Challenge of Political Diversity on Campus
49:37 - Can a New Group of Campuses Unseat the Ivy League?
52:06 - The Role of College Athletics in Campus Prestige
53:06 - A Regional Shift in Prominence
57:55 - Lightning Round With Daniel Diermeier
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As the year comes to a close, Jeff and Michael step back to review some themes from recent episodes. They home in on how to build innovative campus cultures, and how colleges can respond to AI. And they look ahead, offering predictions for higher ed for 2026. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group, Adobe, and Butler University.
Relevant Links“A Looming Crisis: New Analysis Shows Dozens of Well-Known Colleges Are Near Financial Trouble,”
Michael Horn and Steven Shulman
"The Financially Sustainable University,"
Jeff Denneen and Tom Dretler
Chapters0:00 - Introduction
4:22 - A Case for Massive Experimentation
6:30 - Making Shared Governance an Asset
10:00 - Building Innovation Into Campus Culture
11:41 - Lessons From Silicon Valley
13:17 - What Parents Are Asking About AI at Colleges
14:54 - Importance of Experiential Learning
18:40 - How Liberal Arts Can Be Taught Differently in the AI Age
21:11 - Being Creative v. Being a Creator
22:20 - Time for Colleges to Step Back and Strategize About AI
28:00 - New Research Reveals Mid-Size Colleges Could At Financial Risk
33:43 - Understanding the Details of New Student Loan Caps
37:37 - Breaking Down the Latest Enrollment Numbers
40:07 - Michael’s Predictions for 2026
41:56 - Jeff’s Predictions for 2026
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On the latest stop of Future U.'s campus tour, hosts Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo visit Bowie State University to speak with President Aminta Breaux, as well as faculty and administrators at the Maryland institution about increased enrollment at HBCUs, partnerships with employers, and student engagement. With support from Salesforce.org.
When Marymount Manhattan College’s board of trustees decided last year to merge with Northeastern University, becoming a part of that Boston-based university’s global system, the vote was unanimous. As Jeff and Michael continue their ongoing exploration (some might say obsession) with mergers and acquisitions in higher ed, they talk to one of Marymount Manhattan’s trustees, Abby Fiorella, on this episode to get a board member’s perspective on how mergers can be strategic wins for smaller institutions, as well as key to protecting their core missions. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Relevant Links“God and Man at Yale,” by William F. Buckley.
"The Abundant University: Remaking Higher Education for a Digital World," by Michael Smith,
Mission statement of Arizona State University
Mission statement of Southern New Hampshire University
“Why a University Proactively Sought a Merger," our other episode this season about M&A in higher ed.
Chapters0:00 - Why Do We Keep Talking About Mergers?
3:50 - Introducing Our Guest, Abby Fiorella
5:17 - How to Prepare a Board for a Merger
9:19 - Deciding on Institutional Priorities
12:44 - What Is Marymount Manhattan College Doing to Preserve Its Identity?
17:17 - How Can a Board Come to Peace With a Merger?
21:40 - How Can Boards Make Mergers Less Taboo?
24:29 - Reframing Merging As an Opportunity
27:01 - Closing Thoughts From a Trustee
28:54 - Sponsor Break
29:38 - What It Means for a Board to Be Responsible to a Mission
36:21 - How Can Universities Put Mission Statements Into Practice?
38:52 - Why College Mergers Require ‘Courage’
39:21 - Making Time in Board Meetings for Strategic Planning
44:56 - The Role of Communication Between Presidents and Boards in Considering Mergers
47:59 - Why Most Boards Should Set Up Systems to Prepare for an Uncertain Future
48:37 - Lightning Round With Abby Fiorella
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In this special episode recorded live at Adobe’s EduMAX conference, Jeff and Michael explore practical ways to harness AI in higher education to prepare students to be more effective creators. They were joined by a panel of industry and academic experts including Jennifer Sparrow, New York University’s chief academic technology officer; Simon Koh, who has led early career recruiting at Raymond James and KPMG, among other organizations; and Allison Salisbury, founder and CEO of Humanist Venture Studio.
Relevant Links:“AI Is Not Just Ending Entry-Level Jobs. It’s the End of the Career Ladder as We Know It,” CNBC“
The Rise of AI Will Make Liberal Arts Degrees Popular Again. Here’s Why,” in Inc magazine.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
3:49 - What Is an AI-Ready Graduate?
7:52 - How AI is Changing Early-Career Jobs
11:00 - What Skills and Mindsets Do Students Need?
14:31 - How Colleges Can Increase Experiential Education With Employers
22:19 - What Colleges Do As Employers Pull Back on Internships
28:37 - What is the Purpose of College in an AI World?
34:14 - How the Signaling Power of College Could Change in the AI Era
37:38 - How Students Are Using AI to Create
41:25 - Will AI Bring Resurgence of Liberal Arts?
45:50 - How Creativity is Important Even in the Finance Sector
49:31 - Why AI is More Creative Than Humans
51:40 - What Colleges Can Do in the Next 12 Months
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In this time of uncertainty and pullback of federal support for higher education, is it time for states to step up and play a greater leadership role in helping colleges better serve students? And if so, how? Jeff and Michael debate those questions on this episode. To set the stage, they talk with Ruth Watkins, president of postsecondary education for Strada Education Foundation and a former college president, about Strada’s new State Opportunity Index. A key theme: the state level may be the ideal one to match educational offerings with available jobs, especially as AI reshapes so many industries. This episode is made with support from Strada Education Foundation.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
3:40 - How a New Report Measures State Higher Ed Efforts
5:53 - Is This a Time for States to Lead?
8:17 - How to Encourage Competition Among States
10:12 - Which States Lead In Higher Ed ROI
12:52 - Low Tuition Doesn’t Guarantee Good ROI
15:39 - What Can Colleges Do If Job Prospects Are Low in a State?
19:00 - Who Is the Audience for the State Opportunity Index?
21:09 - How Can State Measure Return on Investing in Higher Ed?
23:52 - What Can States Do in Higher Ed to Respond to AI?
26:45 - Sponsor Break
27:55 - Some Context for How States Interact With Federal Higher Ed Support
29:40 - Why Jeff Thinks States and the Feds Aren’t ‘Rowing in the Same Direction’
32:00 - Why Michael Sees More Alignment in State and Federal Efforts
34:15 - Will States Step In to Support Research?
37:07 - Are Some States Doing Better on Work-Based Learning?
40:54 - Colleges Still Aren’t Comfortable in Their Role of Getting Students Jobs
46:29 - New Leadership Opportunity In Human Capital in the AI Era
48:18 - A Better Way to Measure State Investment
51:56 - Lightning Round With Ruth Watkins
Relevant Links:2025 Strada State Opportunity Index
Strada Education Foundation
2025 Grapevine Report
State Higher Education Executive Officers Association
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On the latest stop of Future U.'s campus tour, Michael and Jeff visit Butler University to talk with Butler president Jim Danko and other campus leaders. They explore how, out of a mix of excitement about serving students and fear of potential competitive threats on the horizon, the university built a culture and infrastructure to encourage innovation.
Relevant LinksButler University’s Transformation Lab website.
Chapters0:00 - Why We Wanted to Visit Butler University
3:46 - What Butler’s President Said He Would Do When He First Started
7:22 - Some Early Wins In Sparking Innovation
9:16 - The Importance of Time and Patience in College Leadership
13:25 - How Presidents Can Best Work With Trustees to Encourage Innovation
15:46 - How a Business Background Influenced Leading a University
19:37 - Why Did Butler Push for Innovation?
21:11 - Putting a Vision Into Practice
22:50 - The Importance of Wanting to Win
28:01 - A Chief Strategy Officer’s Viewpoint
35:35 - A Faculty Perspective on Innovation
37:04 - The 50-50 Rule of Running the Board of Trustees
38:53 - What Butler Ventures Looks Like Today
47:43 - What Grade Would Butler Give Its Innovation Efforts?
52:00 - Closing Observations
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How can AI be adopted in a way that turns more students into “explorers” rather than “passengers” in their learning? This week we bring you a conversation with the co-author of a book on student disengagement in school, Rebecca Winthrop, who is also researching the impact of AI on education. The episode is by one of Future U’s producers, Jeff Young, from his new podcast, Learning Curve.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
4:19 - When the ‘Student Disengagement Crisis’ Started
7:25 - A Framework for Describing Levels of Student Engagement
15:18 - How AI Is Impacting Student Motivation
19:00 - Why ChatGPT’s ‘Study Mode’ Is Not the Answer
25:05 - Advice for Companies Making AI Tools for Education
29:32 - Tips for Students
34:42 - A High School Student’s Take on AI
48:30 - Advice For Teachers on Dealing with AI
51:35 - What Is the Purpose of School in the Age of Generative AI?
Publications Mentioned:“The Disengaged Teen,”
by Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson
“Minnesota high school student weighs the benefits and pitfalls of AI,”
Minnesota Now
“I’m a High Schooler. AI Is Demolishing My Education,”
The Atlantic
Brookings Global Task Force on AI in Education
website
‘We Have to Really Rethink the Purpose of Education,’
The Ezra Klein Show
“Attention Please: Professors Struggle With Student Disengagement,”
EdSurge
“Playing the Grade Game,”
Bootstraps podcast series
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Parents and prospective students want to know how colleges are responding to the rise of generative AI — and to other recent developments like federal budget cuts to research. On this episode, Jeff and Michael share what they’re both hearing as they visit campuses around the country this fall. And they offer their analysis of what AI could mean for higher education, and whether the time is ripe for new entrants to enter the college landscape. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Publications MentionedShould College Get Harder?
Joshua Rothman in The New Yorker
Student Loan Debt Is Strangling Gen X
Oyin Adedoyin in The Wall Street Journal
Charlie Javice sentenced to 7 years in prison for $175M fraud
ABC News
Anthology Declares Bankruptcy, Blackboard to Remain as the Core,
Phil Hill, in OnEdTech
Chapters0:00 - Intro
2:23 - What Jeff Is Hearing On His Book Tour for ‘Dream School’
4:25 - Should College Get Harder Because of AI?
7:27 - Why Different Kinds of Colleges Will Be Impacted Differently
10:48 - Startup Universities Are Emerging With an AI Focus
14:25 - Redesigning the College Experience Around Activities and Personal Development
17:39 - Will a New Kind of Expertise Be Required On Campuses?
19:20 - Will Employers Trust Degrees In the AI Era?
24:40 - Sponsor Break
25:35 - How Student Loan Debt Is Impacting Gen X
28:22 - A Republican Effort to Question Consultants That Help Set College Prices
30:15 - Charlie Javice Sentenced In Fraud Case
31:44 - Anthology, Owner of Blackboard LMS, Goes Bankrupt
34:00 - Some Trade Schools Exempted From New Federal Rules
35:00 - Making Changes at Colleges Stick
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Mergers and acquisitions are usually seen as bad things in higher ed. But there’s a growing sense that many colleges could benefit by teaming up, especially as the fiscal cliff means fewer potential students. Jeff and Michael continue to dive into their fascination with M&A by talking to Walter Iwanenko Jr, the president of Gannon University in Erie, Pa., about how and why the institution sought a merger with Ursuline College near Cleveland. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group
Publications Mentioned:“Two North Carolina universities announced a merger. Why some alumni are pushing back,” in USA Today.
“A Midwest Merger: How Two Ohio Colleges Are Coming Together,” from Future U, season 8.
Chapters3:42 - Why Mergers and Acquisitions Are Increasingly Important In HIgher Ed
6:15 - What Led Gannon University to Look for a Merger?
9:30 - What Gannon University Hoped For in a Partner
13:01 - How Gannon University Found Ursuline College
16:21 - What’s Stopping More Colleges From Seeking Mergers?
21:36 - Learning From Other Mergers That Failed
23:04 - What Should Change to Help More Mergers Happen?
27:02 - Sponsor Break
29:00 - How to Change the Perception of M&A in Higher Ed
35:46 - Finding the Right Leadership
38:30 - What is the Trump Administration’s Stance on Making College Mergers Easier?
41:08 - Lightning Round
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We’re bringing back a favorite format to go behind the headlines with top beat reporters covering colleges. Our latest roundtable focuses on how the Trump administration’s many executive orders, research grant cancellations, and crackdowns on international students are changing the higher ed landscape in the U.S. and globally. Jeff and Michael are joined by reporters from The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, and The Chronicle of Higher Education to hear their insights and analysis. This episode made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Chapters0:00 - Introducing the Reporters in the Roundtable
4:10 - How the Trump Administration Picks Which Colleges to Target?
8:36 - A Shift from Ivies to SEC Schools
11:01 - How the Campus Mood Is Different at Mizzou Than at Harvard
13:05 - What’s New With International Students on Campus
14:55 - Will International Education Decline Globally?
17:17 - The Impact of International Student Decline on Colleges’ Bottom Lines
19:07 - How Much Has International Enrollment Declined?
20:55 - Will International Students Fear Returning Home for the Summer?
22:24 - Sponsor Break
22:36 - Lessons from the Santa Ono Bid to Lead University of Florida
26:50 - Divide Between Red State and Blue State Universities
29:25 - Will Trump Changes to Higher Ed Stick?
35:38 - Predicting How the Supreme Court Will Rule on Harvard Case
37:13 - Lightning Round
Publications Mentioned:"Universities in Red States and Heartland May Be Winners as Ivy League Contends with Trump Onslaught,"
by Hilary Burns in The Boston Globe
“Trump Administration’s Cuts to Harvard Funding Are Unconstitutional, Judge Rules,”
by Doug Belkin in The Wall Street Journal
"Even as Classes Begin, Some Foreign Students Are Still in Visa Limbo,”
by Karin Fischer in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
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In this era of uncertainty, many parents view highly-selective colleges as the best bet for their student’s futures. In his new book just out this month, Future U co-host Jeff Selingo challenges that assumption. For this episode, Jeff moves from the host chair to being a guest to share highlights from the book, ‘Dream School.’ He talks about going beyond which college’s name looks most impressive as a bumper sticker on the family car to focusing on the quality of a college’s teaching, whether it really fits the budget, and other factors that are specific to each student. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Relevant Links:Jeff Selingo’s new book, Dream School
Chapters0:00 - Intro
2:06 - Why write this book?
3:23 - The ‘New Dream School’ List
11:28 - When Mismatched Schools Cause Dropouts
14:26 - Sponsor Break
16:51 - The Importance of Making Trade-offs
18:44 - Understanding What’s Motivating Choice
19:35 - How AI is Impacting Jobs and Causing Uncertainty About College
20:56 - What Should Colleges Do?
23:23 - Giving Families ‘Social Proof’ of a Broader Group of College
25:29 - The Doom Loop of College Finances
27:56 - How Future U Shaped the Book
29:14 - How Jeff Gets the Word Out on His Book
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This summer brought no rest for college leaders. With the Trump Administration’s continuing push to reshape the college world, plus lots of announcements in Artificial Intelligence, there are many higher ed headlines to recap. So Jeff and Michael kick off season 9 with their take on the most important developments of the past couple of months. That includes Columbia University’s unprecedented settlement with the federal government, a new executive order on college admissions, and college trustees pushing for action on AI. And they unveil a new ‘speed round’ segment. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Publications Mentioned:The Elite University Presidents Who Despise One Another: Inside the civil war between the Ivy League and the South in The Atlantic
Great Expectations, Fragile Foundations in On EdTech
Chapters1:36 - Our Summer Recap
4:09 - Behind the Scenes of Jeff’s Book Launch
8:10 - Meet the Future U Production Team
12:18 - Columbia University Settlement
21:00 - Trump’s Executive Order on Admissions
30:00 - What College Business Officers Are Talking About
34:15 - One Big Beautiful Bill’s Impact
39:30 - New ‘Lightning Round’ Segment
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Jeff and Michael are joined by Mushtaq Gunja, Executive Director of the Carnegie Classification Systems and Senior Vice President at ACE, to unpack the sweeping changes to the Carnegie Classifications. They explore how the new system aims to better group institutions, highlight student access and earnings, and shift incentives across funding, accountability, and rankings. The conversation dives into the implications for colleges chasing R1 status, the normative power of classifications, and whether these changes will meaningfully alter institutional behavior or simply create a new hierarchy. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Gates Foundation.
Links We Mention2025 Institutional Classifications, Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education
2025 Research Activity Designations, Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education
Chapters0:00 - Intro
05:50 - The Changing Higher Ed Landscape
08:06 - The Impact of the New Classifications
10:42 - Anticipating the Normative Effects
16:55 - New Funding Criteria
18:13 - Shifting to a Focus on Outcomes
21:17 - Measuring Access and Earnings
24:53 - Encouraging Good Use of the New Classifications
34:24 - Considering the Impact on Research Dollars
40:28 - Institutional Response to Access and Earnings Designations
46:30 - What This Means for Rankings
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The U.S. has a lot to learn when it comes to systematizing apprenticeship. Thankfully, there are successful international models, like Switzerland’s, that we can study. Katie Caves, the Director at Switzerland’s Center on the Economics and Management of Education and Training Systems, joins the podcast to discuss the Swiss model and what can be gleaned from it. They discuss its permeability between academic and vocational tracks, proving its value to employers, the prestige of Swiss apprenticeships, and the principles that hold across borders. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group
Publications Mentioned:Return on investment of apprenticeship systems for enterprises: Evidence from cost-benefit analyses
by Samuel Muehlemann & Stefan C Wolter
Chapters0:00 - Intro
3:35 - Swiss Apprenticeship 101
6:56 - Path Selection and Funding
13:46 - The Status of Apprenticeship in Switzerland
18:58 - Borrowing Across Borders
25:15 - The ROI to Employers
29:47 - Evaluating Indiana’s Apprenticeship Model
33:45 - Imbuing Prestige in American Apprenticeship
38:49 - Striking the Balance
43:01 - The Influence of Accountability
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What does a community college in Idaho have to do with mounting economic tensions between the U.S. and China? A lot, actually.
On this episode of Future U., Michael and Jeff dive into what the CHIPS and Science Act—the federal spending package designed to reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign manufacturers for microchips and other advanced technologies—means for a segment of American postsecondary institutions that’s often forgotten in these conversations: community colleges. They talk with nonprofit and government leaders about how the CHIPS supports the education and training of a high tech workforce. They then go deep with the team at the College of Western Idaho to get a view of how they are developing these programs in collaboration with their corporate partner, Micron. This episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group.
In this special bonus episode of Future U, Michael Horn moderates a panel discussion on the future of work and learning in the age of AI. Recorded at a Western Governors University event in Boston, the conversation features insights from industry leaders across technology, consulting, and higher education.
Panelists Paul Bingham (WGU), Will Bass (formerly of Comcast), Kara Kara Wieckowski (Accenture), and Wayne Duso (former VP at AWS) explore the transformative impact of AI on workforce development, talent acquisition, and educational models. They discuss whether we should view AI as revolutionary like the smartphone or complementary like the microwave, share strategies for upskilling at both individual and organizational levels, and examine innovative approaches to virtual internships and experiential learning.
Whether you're an educator, administrator, business leader, or student contemplating your career path, this episode provides valuable insights on navigating the rapidly evolving intersection of work, technology, and education.
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
2:34 - AI Perspectives: Optimism vs. Concerns
6:28 - The Microwave vs. Smartphone Analogy
9:09 - AI as an Accelerant of Change
12:29 - Job Anxiety and Workforce Evolution
21:22 - Rethinking Talent Acquisition and Development
23:25 - Creating a Holistic Talent Approach
24:41 - Accenture's AI Talent Strategy
27:29 - The Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Approach
33:58 - Learning at the Speed of Human Capacity
37:23 - Skill Forward: Balancing Organization and Individual Growth
40:45 - Learning Models for Different Types of Adopters
43:39 - On-the-Job Training and Strategic Learning
47:55 - The Challenge of Finding Time to Learn
53:04 - Virtual Experiences and the Future of Internships
Further Reading
"AI Skills Fundamentals Certificate" - Western Governors University
WGU's certificate program designed to help professionals develop foundational AI knowledge and skills applicable across various industries, supporting both personal growth and organizational innovation.
"AI Won't Replace Humans—But Humans With AI Will Replace Humans Without AI" - Harvard Business Review
An insightful article by Harvard professor Karim Lakhani explaining how AI will lower the cost of cognition and why business leaders must experiment with AI applications for all employees, not just tech workers.
"The Upskilling Imperative: Required at Scale for the Future of Work" - McKinsey
Research highlighting how companies can take a larger role in upskilling employees by eliminating barriers of time and cost, with specific strategies for developing critical workforce capabilities.
"ChatGPT is Going to Change Education, Not Destroy It" - MIT Technology Review
An examination of how AI tools like ChatGPT are being reevaluated by educators as potential classroom aids rather than threats, with practical examples of implementation across educational settings.
"The Future of Skills: Employment in 2030" - Pearson
A comprehensive research report that identifies which occupations and skills are likely to be in demand by 2030, considering seven megatrends including technological change, globalization, and demographic shifts.
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While college-going rates have increased over recent decades, completion rates have hardly budged. On this episode, Michael and Jeff sit down with one entrepreneur working to change that. Mike Larsson is the co-founder and CEO of Duet, an organization collaborating with an online university to provide on-the-ground coaching and physical space for students. They discuss the role wraparound supports play in supporting more students towards graduation, the keys to reengaging students who have stopped out, the nationwide spread of hybrid models like Duet’s, and more.
Links We ShareCollege Reimagined by Jon Gabrieli et al.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
02:12 - The Founding Story of Duet
08:53 - Reaching Students with “Some College No Degree”
11:23 - A Personal Trainer for College
13:17 - Duet’s Outcomes
17:07 - “The Hard Policy Answer”
21:00 - The Growth of Hybrid College
24:39 - Affordability, Flexibility, and Disruption
29:46 - Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to Better Serve Adult Learners
33:26 - Improving the Outcomes of Community Colleges
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As colleges navigate increasing financial pressure, many struggle to balance mission with sustainability. In this episode, Jeff and Michael welcome Rick Staisloff, founder of rpk GROUP, for a crash course in how college budgets really work. From centralized vs. decentralized models to the challenges of tuition discounting, Rick breaks down the major drivers of revenue and expense in higher ed. He also highlights why better business intelligence, clearer accountability, and a shift toward ROI thinking are essential for financial sustainability. Whether you're a board member or just curious, this episode offers practical insight into what’s working—and what’s not—in college budgeting. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Gates Foundation.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
03:45 - How colleges put together their budgets
9:05 - Implementation challenges and best practices
15:04 - Non-tuition revenue sources
26:21 - Cost drivers
29:41 - Solving the “Financial Bucket Problem”
35:41 - Deferred maintenance
38:11 - Shifting to an ROI mindset
41:04 - The levers to pull
43:14 - On the margins
46:44 - College cash sources
49:03 - Our most promising strategies
Relevant LinksRPK Group Official Website
Access the official online presence of RPK Group, the consulting firm founded by episode guest Rick Staisloff. This resource provides further information regarding their advisory services in higher education finance and the development of sustainable institutional business models.
Responsibility Centered Management (RCM) Manual - Kent State University
This document offers a comprehensive exposition of Responsibility Centered Management (RCM), a decentralized budgetary framework prevalent within higher education institutions. Review for detailed insight into its operational principles and implementation methodologies.
Tuition Discounting Hits Another High - Inside Higher Ed
Consult this article for current data and analysis pertaining to the escalating rates of tuition discounting at private nonprofit colleges. The content elucidates the impact of institutional financial aid on net tuition revenue, a critical financial metric discussed herein.
A National Study of Capital Infrastructure at Colleges and Schools of Agriculture | APLU
This report details the substantial and accumulating challenges of deferred maintenance across tertiary education establishments. It provides quantitative data and analytical perspectives on infrastructure-related financial burdens as referenced by Mr. Staisloff.
Understanding Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems in EdTech - Ellucian
This resource provides an overview of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, elaborating on their function as integrated platforms for managing administrative and academic operations. It highlights their utility in enhancing institutional efficiency, business intelligence, and data-driven strategic planning within higher education.
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We revisit one of the most impactful episodes from season 8, The Lost Boys of Higher Ed. Women have outnumbered men on college campuses for decades, but the divergence in postsecondary success has widened in recent years, and it is both a cause and symptom of the struggles of the modern man. Richard Reeves, author of Of Boys and Men joins the podcast to discuss the drivers of these challenges, promising interventions, and whether we should care about the plight of men in a world where they continue to wield power. This episode is made with support from the Gates Foundation, Ascendium Education Group, and The American College of Education.
Links We ShareOf Boys and Men:Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What To Do About It
by Richard Reeves
https://www.menincollege.com
American Institute for Boys and Men
Chapters00:00 - Intro
04:15 - Where We Are (and Aren't) Seeing the Gender Divide
05:56 - Designing College with The Modern Young Man in Mind
12:28 - Drivers of the Higher Ed Gender Divide
16:30 - The Effects of the Pandemic
19:41 - The Larger Significance of the Problem
26:50 - Opting Out of Adulting
31:52 - Masculinity and Majors
34:22 - K12 Solutions: Nobody's Fault, Everyone's Responsibility
37:32 - What Higher Ed Can Do
41:47 - International Parallels
44:38 - Rebalancing Education Systems
49:06 - Zero-Sum Game or Growing the Pie?
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Jeff and Michael conclude the eighth season of Future U. with a one-on-one discussion of the lessons and themes from this year’s conversations. They address the range of topics covered - from the transformative effects of AI to the recent flurry of Federal executive orders to the reckoning to be done in higher education. For each, they summon the insights from this season’s guests to analyze how they have shaped the higher ed landscape and consider how they will continue to do so going forward. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Gates Foundation.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
1:39 - Jeff’s Next Book
5:17 - Trump’s Effect on the Year of Reckoning
15:20 - The Shifting Power Balance
20:13 - Demonstrating Value
25:27 - Colleges’ Core Competencies
38:11 - Who’s Looking Forward?
42:19 - Saying Goodbye for Summer
Further Reading2025 Higher Education Trends Report | Deloitte Insights
Comprehensive analysis of the challenges facing higher education in 2025, including financial pressures, risk management, and strategic planning that aligns with the "year of reckoning" discussion.
12 Higher Ed Challenges in 2025 and Exemplars Solving Them
Detailed examination of enrollment declines, AI disruption, and institutional responses with real-world examples of colleges successfully addressing these challenges.
Trump Administration Executive Orders on Higher Education | U.S. Department of Education
Official statements and details about the executive orders affecting higher education, including accreditation reform and foreign funding transparency.
How Will AI Influence Higher Ed in 2025? | Inside Higher Ed
Expert predictions and guidance for how colleges and universities will navigate AI integration in 2025, directly supporting the AI theme in the podcast.
The Future of AI in Higher Education | EDUCAUSE
Survey results showing how higher education professionals view AI's future role in learning analytics, accessibility, and institutional operations.
Combating the Enrollment Cliff | NAFSA
Analysis of how the demographic cliff beginning in 2025 might offer opportunities for international student recruitment and institutional adaptation.
Bill Ackman: How to Fix Harvard | The Free Press
Ackman's detailed critique of Harvard and higher education, providing context for the discussion about his views on institutional reform and federal funding.
How Can College Leaders Navigate Mergers and Closures in 2025? | Higher Ed Dive
Expert guidance on merger strategy and the complexities of "Big Scary Change" that institutions face, relating to the slow merger discussion.
Sian Beilock Leadership Profile | Aspen Ideas
Background on Dartmouth's president who was highlighted as exemplifying strong leadership during campus challenges and free speech issues.
AI and Education: Shaping the Future | Inside Higher Ed
Insights from Stanford's AI+Education Summit 2025 about coordinated efforts needed across higher education for responsible AI implementation.
AI in Education: 2025 Statistics & Future of Learning
Data-driven analysis showing that 89% of students use ChatGPT for homework and other statistics relevant to the AI adoption discussion.
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In this episode, former Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift joins Jeff and Michael to explore how to rebuild the broken college-to-career pipeline. Now leading Education at Work, a nonprofit that provides work-based learning opportunities for undergraduates, Swift shares how her organization supports first-generation and Pell-eligible students with paid, career-relevant jobs during college. The conversation also dives into the policy vacuum left by congressional inaction, the role of states in driving innovation, and where bipartisan opportunities still exist in connecting higher education to the workforce. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Gates Foundation.
Publications Mentioned:Handshake 2025 Annual Report
Chapters0:00 - Intro
02:57 - Fixing the College to Career Pipeline
14:48 - Building Soft Skills
17:47 - The Higher Ed Policy Vacuum
24:28 - Federal Policy Enablers for Work-Based Learning
28:06 - State Governments to the Rescue?
30:46 - The Opportunity for Bipartisanship
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With higher education policy increasingly driven by executive action, Michael and Jeff explore why Congress has been largely absent from the conversation—and what that means for students and institutions. They’re joined by James Kvaal, former Under Secretary of Education under the Biden Administration, and Preston Cooper of the American Enterprise Institute, for a bipartisan discussion about stalled reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, cuts to the Department of Education, the future of international students at American colleges, and more. This episode is made with support from the Gates Foundation.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
04:44 - The Cost of Congressional Inaction
13:28 - Unlocking Movement on Higher Ed
19:53 - Areas for Bipartisan Compromise
23:15 - The Big Change We Need
28:33 - The Impact of Cuts to the Department of Education
32:58 - Immigration and International Students
38:23 - Agreement Across the Aisle
43:55 - Changes Since the Last HEA Reauthorization
48:12 - Too Much Focus on the Elites?
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In a special episode recorded at the Milken Global Institute, Jeff moderates a wide-ranging panel with higher education leaders including the presidents of Dartmouth, Stanford, UC San Diego, Yeshiva University, and the CEO of ETS. The conversation explores the crises and critiques facing higher ed—from campus protests and declining public trust to research funding and economic ROI. The leaders discuss how institutions can reaffirm their missions, serve a broader public, and restore faith in the value of a degree in an era of polarization and political scrutiny.
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In this second part from the Milken Global Institute, Jeff Selingo engages in a provocative conversation with investor and Harvard critic Bill Ackman. They discuss the challenges facing elite higher education today—from DEI rollbacks and government funding threats to what Ackman describes as Harvard's financial crisis and governance failures. Ackman argues that administrative bloat, viewpoint homogeneity, and an unsustainable business model have undermined top institutions, while suggesting Harvard's $53 billion endowment may be significantly overvalued. The discussion explores contentious issues in admissions fairness, including legacy preferences, and concludes with Ackman's vision for higher education's future, where competition from new models might force established universities to reform or risk irrelevance.
Key Moments0:00 - Intro
1:04 - Federal Funding as a Lever of Influence
8:07 - Board Insulation at Harvard
13:08 - Limiting Class Size
14:25 - Fairness in Admissions
18:27 - Where We Go From Here
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In this special episode, recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit, hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn dive into the rapidly evolving higher ed landscape in President Trump’s second term. They discuss massive cuts at the U.S. Department of Education, mounting challenges around international student enrollment, and looming threats to federal research funding. They examine the broader, longer-term implications of these shifts for colleges and draw from their recent research to discuss how leaders can nurture positive campus culture during these challenging times. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Gates Foundation.
Links We ShareMark Schneider: Blowing Up Ed Research is Easy. Rebuilding it is ‘What Matters’
Chapters0:00 - Intro
7:32 - Cuts to the Department of Education
20:40 - Targeting International Students
23:48 - Withholding of Federal Research Grants
39:25 - Our Favorite Higher Ed Commentary
46:31 - Changing Campus Culture
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In a special crossover episode, Michael and Jeff are joined by Chronicle of Higher Education reporter Jack Stripling to discuss a recent piece by the Chronicle: a March Madness-style bracket of the most memorable higher ed controversies of the last 25 years. The trio relives infamous scandals—from Jetgate and Varsity Blues to faculty feuds, presidential meltdowns, and that $550 olive jar. Along the way, they explore what these stories reveal about rising presidential compensation, the role of athletics in university life, the erosion of shared governance, and the shifting relationship between the public and higher ed. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and Gates Foundation.
Links We MentionHigher Ed Controversy Draft, College Matter from the Chronicle
Chapters0:00 - Intro
5:12 - March Madness for Higher Ed Controversies
8:53 - Controversies on the Bubble
12:30 - Jetgate
16:17 - The UVA Re-Hire
20:01 - Presidential Compensation
23:49 - The Prominent Role of Athletics in Scandals
28:42 - Who’s Watching Higher Ed?
31:38 - What Scandals Tell Us About Higher Ed Financing
38:38 - The State of the College Presidency
48:59 - Fighting Factions
In part two of their series on apprenticeships, Jeff talks with Claire Fiddian-Green, president and CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, about Indiana’s ambitious efforts to adapt lessons from Switzerland’s gold-standard model. They explore how Indiana is transforming high school graduation requirements, building industry-led talent associations, and designing scalable pathways that center real-world work experience. The conversation covers the challenges of shifting culture, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring permeability between career and college tracks—all with the goal of making apprenticeships a respected and rigorous route to success after high school. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Publications Mentioned“No Time to Lose: How to Build a World-Class Education System State by State,” - The National Council of State Legislatures
Apprentice Nation: How the "Earn and Learn" Alternative to Higher Education Will Create a Stronger and Fairer America, - Ryan Craig
“Career and Technical Education for All,” - Daniel Curtis and Michael B. Horn
Chapters0:00 - Intro
3:32 - Focusing Indiana on CTE
5:00 - Applying Lessons Learned from Swiss Apprenticeship in Indiana
8:05 - Building an Apprenticeship System at Scale
10:58 - Adjusting Graduation Requirements
13:52 - The Keys to Successful Stakeholder Collaboration in Indiana
15:10 - Centering Permeability
19:05 - States in the Lead on Apprenticeship
21:56 - Putting Employers in the Driver’s Seat
26:30 - Carving Out Apprenticeship Pathways in High Schools
31:30 - Bringing it Back to the Why
Jeff and Michael are joined by Mushtaq Gunja, Executive Director of the Carnegie Classification Systems and Senior Vice President at ACE, to unpack the sweeping changes to the Carnegie Classifications. They explore how the new system aims to better group institutions, highlight student access and earnings, and shift incentives across funding, accountability, and rankings. The conversation dives into the implications for colleges chasing R1 status, the normative power of classifications, and whether these changes will meaningfully alter institutional behavior or simply create a new hierarchy. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Gates Foundation.
Links We Mention2025 Institutional Classifications, Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education
2025 Research Activity Designations, Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education
Chapters0:00 - Intro
05:50 - The Changing Higher Ed Landscape
08:06 - The Impact of the New Classifications
10:42 - Anticipating the Normative Effects
16:55 - New Funding Criteria
18:13 - Shifting to a Focus on Outcomes
21:17 - Measuring Access and Earnings
24:53 - Encouraging Good Use of the New Classifications
34:24 - Considering the Impact on Research Dollars
40:28 - Institutional Response to Access and Earnings Designations
46:30 - What This Means for Rankings
As colleges navigate increasing financial pressure, many struggle to balance mission with sustainability. In this episode, Jeff and Michael welcome Rick Staisloff, founder of rpk GROUP, for a crash course in how college budgets really work. From centralized vs. decentralized models to the challenges of tuition discounting, Rick breaks down the major drivers of revenue and expense in higher ed. He also highlights why better business intelligence, clearer accountability, and a shift toward ROI thinking are essential for financial sustainability. Whether you're a board member or just curious, this episode offers practical insight into what’s working—and what’s not—in college budgeting. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Gates Foundation.
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
03:45 - How colleges put together their budgets
9:05 - Implementation challenges and best practices
15:04 - Non-tuition revenue sources
26:21 - Cost drivers
29:41 - Solving the “Financial Bucket Problem”
35:41 - Deferred maintenance
38:11 - Shifting to an ROI mindset
41:04 - The levers to pull
43:14 - On the margins
46:44 - College cash sources
49:03 - Our most promising strategies
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The U.S. has a lot to learn when it comes to systematizing apprenticeship. Thankfully, there are successful international models, like Switzerland’s, that we can study. Katie Caves, the Director at Switzerland’s Center on the Economics and Management of Education and Training Systems, joins the podcast to discuss the Swiss model and what can be gleaned from it. They discuss its permeability between academic and vocational tracks, proving its value to employers, the prestige of Swiss apprenticeships, and the principles that hold across borders. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Publications Mentioned:Return on investment of apprenticeship systems for enterprises: Evidence from cost-benefit analyses
by Samuel Muehlemann & Stefan C Wolter
Chapters0:00 - Intro
3:35 - Swiss Apprenticeship 101
6:56 - Path Selection and Funding
13:46 - The Status of Apprenticeship in Switzerland
18:58 - Borrowing Across Borders
25:15 - The ROI to Employers
29:47 - Evaluating Indiana’s Apprenticeship Model
33:45 - Imbuing Prestige in American Apprenticeship
38:49 - Striking the Balance
43:01 - The Influence of Accountability
AI is evolving at a rapid rate, and its implications for higher ed are changing in lock step. So, Michael and Jeff dove back into the topic at the Google Public Sector GenAI Live & Labs Conference with a panel of experts: Ann Krischner of CUNY and ASU, Pace University’s Marvin Krislov, and Google’s Chris Hein. They discussed the necessity of an institutional AI strategy, the tech’s implications for the future of work, and why university partnerships will be essential to equity in the age of AI. This episode is made with support from Google.
0:00 - Intro
1:40 - Campus-Wide AI Strategy
6:02 - Skills in the Age of AI
9:52 - AI Policy and Faculty Training
11:49 - The Dislocation of Entry Level Jobs
15:33 - Teaching AI
18:39 - Mounting the Liberal Arts Comeback
21:25 - The Future of Academic Research
24:37 - Building Access through Partnership
31:12 - Questionable Assumptions
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Mergers aren’t easy. They demand careful analysis, difficult decisions, and tricky stakeholder management. But they are becoming increasingly necessary as dropping enrollments make going it alone less viable for more and more institutions. So, Michael and Jeff sat down with the presidents of two colleges in Ohio that are in the process of merging and the consultant that helped guide them through it to learn more about how to do so successfully. They discuss how to find the right partner, navigate federal approval processes, and manage the emotional elements. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and The Gates Foundation.
Links We MentionStrategic Mergers in Higher Education by Ricardo Azziz et al.
Chapters0:00 - Introduction
01:32 - Future U’s Coverage of M&A
03:26 - A Merger in Northwest Ohio
04:44 - Pursuing a Partnership
08:29 - Finding the Right Fit
10:45 - The Challenging Federal Approval Process
16:21 - Managing Stakeholder Communications
22:09 - Lessons Learned
27:04 - The Leadership Characteristics Required
30:46 - The Timeline of Mergers
39:03 - Managing the Emotional Element
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This year, thousands of students will be accepted to colleges without ever submitting a formal application. That’s because more and more schools are automatically accepting students who meet preset performance thresholds through direct admissions programs. To learn more about this growing trend, Michael and Jeff welcome Luke Skurman who is CEO of Niche.com, one of the nation’s largest direct admissions platforms. They discuss the benefits and risks of this innovation and dig into how it changes the dynamics between schools and students. Michael and Jeff then envision the variety of changes required in the college admissions process. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Gates Foundation, and the American College of Education.
Chapters0:00 Intro
02:26 - The Backstory on Direct Admissions
06:35 - How Niche Direct Admissions Works
09:09 - The Benefit to Students and Institutions
11:29 - Another Application Count Booster?
14:25 - Obstacle or Litmus Test?
15:56 - Changing Dynamics
19:40 - The Competitive Landscape
20:41 - What’s Next?
25:38 - The Three Parts of Admissions
30:23 - Weighing the Pros and Cons of Direct Admissions
36:26 - Reimagining the College Admissions Process
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Women have outnumbered men on college campuses for decades, but the divergence in postsecondary success has widened in recent years, and it is both a cause and symptom of the struggles of the modern man. Richard Reeves, author of Of Boys and Men joins the podcast to discuss the drivers of these challenges, promising interventions, and whether we should care about the plight of men in a world where they continue to wield power. This episode is made with support from the Gates Foundation, Ascendium Education Group, and The American College of Education.
Links We ShareOf Boys and Men:Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What To Do About It
by Richard Reeves
https://www.menincollege.com
American Institute for Boys and Men
Chapters00:00 - Intro
04:15 - Where We Are (and Aren't) Seeing the Gender Divide
05:56 - Designing College with The Modern Young Man in Mind
12:28 - Drivers of the Higher Ed Gender Divide
16:30 - The Effects of the Pandemic
19:41 - The Larger Significance of the Problem
26:50 - Opting Out of Adulting
31:52 - Masculinity and Majors
34:22 - K12 Solutions: Nobody's Fault, Everyone's Responsibility
37:32 - What Higher Ed Can Do
41:47 - International Parallels
44:38 - Rebalancing Education Systems
49:06 - Zero-Sum Game or Growing the Pie?
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At the turn of the new year, Jeff and Michael dive into the predictions and trends set to shape the landscape of higher education in 2025. They discuss how this may be a year of reckoning for colleges and where changes will be required to make long-needed improvements. They dig in on infrastructure adjustments, reimagined degree programs, and what appears to be a new ultimatum for many struggling colleges: partner or perish. This episode made with support from The American College of Education, The Gates Foundation, and Ascendium Education Group.
Links We Share“Which Colleges Always Lose Money?” by Robert Kelchen
“Where the Grass Is Greener” by Robert Shaw, Harvard Magazine
Chapters0:00 - Intro
01:49 - A Year of Reckoning for Higher Ed
09:57 - The Changes Needed
16:51 - Quick Hits: Athletes as Employees, Hostile Competition, and More
26:37 - Expanding Research Outside of Academia
30:58 - Shortening Degree Programs
On this episode, Jeff sits down with one of the authors of Job Moves: 9 Steps To Making Progress in Your Career, Future U.’s very own Michael B. Horn. The two discuss the lessons that the book, which offers research-based guidance to individuals searching for new work, holds for students and the colleges that serve them. They then dive into discussing a topic they each get a lot of questions about: what it’s like to write a book. This episode made with support from The American College of Education, The Gates Foundation, and Ascendium Education Group.
Links We MentionJob Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career
Career and Technical Education for All by Michael B. Horn and Daniel Curtis, Education Next
Chapters0:00 - Intro
02:40 - Job Moves in a Nutshell
04:02 - How Job Moves Applies to Colleges
07:17 - Balancing Skills Development Against Credentials
09:26 - Helping Students Make More Informed Choices
16:16 - Next Steps for Higher Ed
22:43 - Michael's Process for Writing a Book
26:55 - Making the Time to Write
29:53 - Planner or Plunger?
32:36 - Working with a Publisher
35:49 - The Hard Part that No One Talks About
38:32 - Where to Find More on Job Moves
More than a decade ago, a wave of research pointing to the inefficacy of remedial education was followed by a massive investment in rethinking how we prepare students who need extra support to access college. So why, after all that, does remedial ed still play such a big role on college campuses today? To help us tackle that question, we’re joined by Anne Kim, FutureEd Senior Fellow and author of a recent report on the remedial education reform movement. She discusses the history of remedial education in America and what it will take to move reform forward. Then, Jeff fields some provocative questions from Michael about who should go to college and how we can align incentives so no one profits off of unprepared students. This episode is made with support from the Gates Foundation.
Links We ShareIncomplete: The Unfinished Revolution in College Remedial Education by Anne Kim, FutureEd
Student Success 2.0, Future U.
The New Student Ready College, Future U
Chapters0:00 - Intro
02:49 - Remedial Education in Context
07:26 - Calls for Change
11:29 - A Wave of Reform
14:53 - Progress Stalls
16:59 - Recommendations for a Reform Rebound
19:33 - Responding to Criticisms of Remedial Ed
24:58 - A New System with More Options
31:00 - Correcting a Broken Business Model
What does a community college in Idaho have to do with mounting economic tensions between the U.S. and China? A lot, actually.
On this episode of Future U., Michael and Jeff dive into what the CHIPS and Science Act—the federal spending package designed to reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign manufacturers for microchips and other advanced technologies—means for a segment of American postsecondary institutions that’s often forgotten in these conversations: community colleges. They talk with nonprofit and government leaders about how the CHIPS supports the education and training of a high tech workforce. They then go deep with the team at the College of Western Idaho to get a view of how they are developing these programs in collaboration with their corporate partner, Micron. This episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group.
Technology is an increasingly important element of everything that colleges do, yet it remains a distinct and separate function at too many schools. Jeff visited the Educause Conference, focused on tech in higher ed, to chat with college leaders about how they are leveraging IT on their campuses. They discuss best practices in bridging the tech-academic divide, the role of data in decision making, how IT departments can support efforts to improve the value proposition of higher ed, and more. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Gates Foundation.
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
5:49 - IT Then and Now
9:02 - The Disconnect Between Tech and Academic Teams
11:56 - Using Data Strategically
16:01 - Data-Driven v. Data-Informed Decision Making
24:02 - Public-Private Partnerships
31:50 - Communicating Across the Tech and Academic Sides
34:57 - Getting Started in Online Education
37:16 - Improving Perceptions of Higher Ed
42:31 - The Future of Tech in Higher Ed
Regional public universities have been hit harder than most colleges by recent enrollment decreases. On this episode, Michael and Jeff sit down with President Jonathan Koppell of Montclair State University, a regional that has bucked this trend, to learn more about their success. They dig in on lessons Koppell learned as a dean at ASU, the college’s programs for underserved students, and how the college is competing for students. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Gates Foundation.
Links We ShareBeating the Odds, Bain & Co.
Chapters00:00 - Intro
03:52 - Lessons Learned at ASU
06:52 - Attracting Students to Montclair
12:36 -Supporting Post-Secondary Attainment for Men
18:25 -How Colleges Can Win Back Engagement
24:33 -The Steps to Culture Change
27:40 - How to Fix the College President Job
32:06 - Addressing the Talk by Walking the Walk
33:58 - Aiming Above the Line
37:50 - Shifting Towards User-Centered Language
39:34 - Building Infrastructure around Differentiation
41:02 - Data and Innovation to Support Men in Higher Ed
45:49 - Providing Students with What They Need
48:53 - Coalescing Around the “Why”
While college-going rates have increased over recent decades, completion rates have hardly budged. On this episode, Michael and Jeff sit down with one entrepreneur working to change that. Mike Larsson is the co-founder and CEO of Duet, an organization collaborating with an online university to provide on-the-ground coaching and physical space for students. They discuss the role wraparound supports play in supporting more students towards graduation, the keys to reengaging students who have stopped out, the nationwide spread of hybrid models like Duet’s, and more. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Philanthropy and the Gates Foundation.
Links We ShareCollege Reimagined by Jon Gabrieli et al.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
02:12 - The Founding Story of Duet
08:53 - Reaching Students with “Some College No Degree”
11:23 - A Personal Trainer for College
13:17 - Duet’s Outcomes
17:07 - “The Hard Policy Answer”
21:00 - The Growth of Hybrid College
24:39 - Affordability, Flexibility, and Disruption
29:46 - Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to Better Serve Adult Learners
33:26 - Improving the Outcomes of Community Colleges
On this episode of the Future U. Campus Tour, Michael and Jeff sit down with leaders from Western Governors University to learn about innovations around the university, with special attention paid to those at WGU’s fast-growing School of Education. They discuss the expansion of work-based learning with President Pulsipher and Provost Hills McBeth, examine the drivers of the Ed. School’s growth with Dean Ludwig Johnson, and hear from a WGU student (and 4th grade teacher), Madelyn Hurst, on how the college’s competency-based approach is shaping her teaching. This episode is made with the support of Western Governors University.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
03:26 - The History and Students of Western Governors University
09:48 - Drivers of WGU’s Growing Programs
16:36 - Expanding Apprenticeship-Based Degrees
20:52 - The Future of the Degree in Skills-Based World
24:10 - How AI Will Change the Work and Learning Landscape
29:47 - The Current State of K-12 Education
33:07 - How WGU has Evolved to Meet Changing Needs of Schools
36:17 - Taking the Long View
38:25 - The Downstream Effects of Competency Based Teacher Education
42:47 - The Growth of WGU’S School of Education
45:05 - How Apprenticeship is Transforming Teacher Education
47:35 - Closing Thoughts
On this episode, Michael and Jeff riff through a range of topics. Among them: how no constituency is actually in favor of cost cutting on college campuses; whether consultants can play any productive role in higher ed; and how Disney’s succession drama holds many lessons for boards of trustees at colleges and universities. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Philanthropy and the Gates Foundation.
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
3:37 - Lessons for Higher Ed from Disney Succession Drama
08:12 - Boards of Trustees and College Rankings
13:57 - Cutting into the Cost of College
19:18 - Consultants in Higher Ed
23:51 - Professional Networks Built On-Campus
31:30 - The Leaky K-12 to College Pipeline
The impact of college athletics is felt throughout institutions, but too often sports are considered separate from the rest of higher ed. On this episode, Michael and Jeff connect the dots between recent changes to college athletics and the campus-wide ripple effects they could have. They are joined by Matt Brown, author of the college sports newsletter, Extra Points, to chat NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), the transfer portal, and the implications of the student-athlete employment case. This episode is made with support from the Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Links We ShareExtra Points Newsletter by Matt Brown
Chapters(0:00) - Introduction
(05:59) - Why College Athletics Impacts All of Higher Ed
(08:16) - The NIL Case
(16:06) - Will Student-Athletes Become University Employees?
(18:36) - The General Manager Role in College Athletics
(23:10) - The Transfer Portal
(27:02) - The Implications for Lower Revenue Sports and Divisions
(33:19) - Conference Realignment
(35:51) - The Intersection of Politics and College Athletics
(40:42) - The Interdependency of Colleges
(47:20) - The Transfer Portal’s Impact on Student Success
(52:45) - Potential Ripple Effects of Student-Athlete Employment Ruling
Much of the buzz around artificial intelligence centers on its potential to transform the college of tomorrow, but there are many schools making meaningful change with this technology today. On this episode, we go deep on the applications of AI from recruitment to instruction to supporting post-grad success. We sit down Lev Gonick, Chief Information Officer at Arizona State University, and Ashley Budd, Senior Marketing Director at Cornell University, to dig into the ways their colleges are leveraging the power of AI. This episode is made with support from CollegeVine.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
01:19 - A Brief Recent History of AI
05:05 - AI Partnerships at ASU
08:29 - An Admonition on Privacy
10:56 - Classroom and Administrative Applications of AI
15:46 - Prioritizing Projects
18:15 - ASU’s Approach to Tech Partnerships
22:35 - AI in the Year Ahead
25:50 - AI’s Impact on Research
30:11 - Diversifying the Project Portfolio
33:55 - AI and Stanford’s Conference Decision
35:27 - AI’s Applications in Recruitment and Admissions
44:06 - Standardizing the Transcript
48:51 - The AI Arms Race
54:20 - Transactional or Transformational?
Links We MentionAI-powered educational experiences underway at ASU
Four Singularities for Research by Ethan Mollick
Reading Ease Calculator created by Todd Rogers and Jessica Lasky-Fink, authors of Writing for Busy Readers
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On this episode, Jeff and Michael tackle the question everyone is asking: how will AI transform higher ed? For help in finding the answer, they turn to bestselling author and professor of computer science at Georgetown University, Cal Newport. They discuss AI’s academic and operational implications, its ethical and practical considerations, and the stages and timeline over which we can expect this technological transformation to unfold. This episode is made with support from CollegeVine.
Links We Share“Bad Bets,” Lightcast
“Good Jobs in Bad Times,” Future U
Chapters(0:00) Intro
(4:06) Contextualizing AI in Higher Ed History
(7:03) Factors Delaying Implementation
(8:50) How AI is Changing Knowledge Work
(11:19) Should we Be Teaching about AI?
(18:45) Educating Students on AI’s Ethical Implications
(21:51) Differential Effects on Coding and Writing
(23:46) How AI Could Impact Higher Ed Inside and Outside the Classroom
(29:21) “The Development of AI That We’re Worried About”
(33:12) Parallels with the Days of The Early Internet
(40:56) AI’s Impacts on Writing
(43:15) Adaptations Required to Integrate AI in Higher Ed
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To kick off Season 8, Michael and Jeff break down the summer’s higher ed headlines. They discuss this year’s FAFSA rollout, recent campus protest fallout, leadership changes, college closures, online program management providers, the presidential election, and high school grading. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Gates Foundation.
Key Moments
0:00 - Intro
03:49 - Jeff and Michael’s Summer Updates
09:32 - This Year’s FAFSA Rollout
10:25 - More Campus Protest Fallout
13:07 - Florida A&M’s Gift Controversy
17:28 - College Closures
34:51 - Online Program Management Providers
36:20 - The Presidential Election
38:25 - High School Grading
Links We Mention"Varying Degrees 2024” Survey, New America
“How High School Students Are Thinking About Higher Ed” Survey, Third Way
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In this episode, Jeff and Michael dive into the complex world of dual enrollment, examining its rapid growth, potential benefits, and emerging challenges. They speak with John Fink, a senior research associate at the Community College Research Center, to understand the various dual enrollment arrangements, the students they serve, and the outcomes they achieve. The conversation also explores the financial incentives for districts and colleges, the concerns around course quality and rigor, and the implications for high school and college experiences. This episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Key Moments(0:00) - Intro
(4:02) - Dual enrollment programs and their benefits
(12:48) - Dual enrollment sustainability and transferability of credits
(16:51) - Dual enrollment programs and their effectiveness in higher education
(21:44) - Improving dual enrollment programs for underrepresented students
(27:34) - Dual enrollment courses and their impact on college readiness
(33:21) - Dual enrollment courses' rigor and value
(37:50) - Dual enrollment courses and their impact on higher education
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In this special episode, Jeff engages in a lively conversation with Tina Gridiron of ACT and Kennon Harrison of ETS about the future of skills-based hiring. The discussion, recorded live during the Horizons Summit powered by Jobs for the Future (JFF), revolved around how employers can better assess the skills job candidates have, how candidates can better understand what skills are needed for most jobs, and ultimately, the role of higher ed in this ecosystem.
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Hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn are joined by Dr. Len Cassuto, an author and professor at Fordham University, and focus their conversation on the role of PhD students and what the challenges in that part of academia might mean for higher ed. They dive into the subjects that Len explores in his new book, The New PhD: How to Build a Better Graduate Education, such as the changes that should be made to better prepare PhD students for their careers, and how universities might be exploiting free labor from students under the guise of an academic apprenticeship. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Links MentionedThe New PhD: How to Build a Better Graduate Education
Key Moments(0:00) - Intro
(3:19) - The state of PhD programs and graduate education.
(8:16) - Improving graduate education.
(13:25) - Ph.D. education and career diversity.
(19:03) - Graduate education and labor costs in higher education.
(26:20) - Preparing PhDs for career diversity and addressing challenges in higher education.
(38:33) - Redesigning PhD programs for a changing academic landscape.
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In this rerun from episode 150, Jeff Selingo welcomes Lynn Perry Wooten, President of Simmons University, for a conversation on the unique position of smaller universities in higher education. They discuss some vital concerns facing smaller universities like Simmons, such as combining less popular liberal arts majors, combatting dropping college enrollment numbers, and embracing online education programs. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Links MentionedStrategies for Digital Transformation
Key Moments(0:00) - Intro
(4:10) - Small college challenges and strategic planning
(11:51) - Small college competitiveness and online education
(19:58) - Leadership and collaboration in higher education
(21:31) - Higher education leadership and decision-making
(27:00) - Higher education data analysis and institutional growth
(32:42) - Online education and revenue diversification at Simmons College
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New York Times columnist and author David Leonhardt discusses his new book, “Ours Was The Shining Future: The Story of the American Dream." In his conversation with Michael and Jeff, they talk about the impact of the high-school movement on the U.S. economy last century, what a similar higher ed movement might look like in this century, and why the value of the college is being questioned. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
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In too many rural areas, workers lack access to affordable training pathways to high-quality jobs. Jeff and Michael sit down with Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Chancellor of Reach University, to learn about how Reach is addressing this challenge with an apprenticeship approach to teacher education. In the first of this two-part conversation, they discuss the theory and practice that informed Reach’s founding and the college’s innovative enrollment, training, and funding models. Michael considers how Reach’s clear focus helps keep their costs low, and Jeff discusses the importance of career-connected learning. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group.
Links
Ascendium Education Group
Key Moments
(0:00) - Intro
(2:45) - Innovative higher education model
(4:57) - Rural teacher shortages and innovative solutions
(8:28) - The importance of experience in education
(11:54) - Alternative university model for teacher certification
(17:57) - Education and career development
(23:38) - Innovative teacher education model for rural areas
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Jeff and Michael are joined by the CEOs of Academic Partnerships, Fernando Bleichmar, and Coursera, Jeff Maggioncalda, to talk about the future of online learning, including a new study on ROI, the role of degrees vs. credentials in the job market, and what AI will mean for online ed. This episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Key Moments00:00 - Intro
04:58 - ROI of Online Programs at Universities
10:45 - Online Education and Pricing with Coursera and Academic Partners
16:04 - Future of Higher Education Partnerships
21:01 - Online learning, Certifications, and Their Value in the Job Market
26:27 - The Impact of AI on Higher Education.
33:17 - Higher Education Innovation And Online Learning
36:42 - Disruptive Innovation In Higher Education With A Focus On Pricing
40:29 - Higher Ed Partnerships And Their Impact On The Future Of Online Education
47:09 - Education and Government Regulation
Links We MentionedAcademic Partnerships Report on ROI
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In this season 7 wrap-up episode of Future U., Jeff and Michael go to a rapid-fire format and break down six topics in higher education: recent enrollment trends, the state of online education and OPMs, the ongoing FAFSA issues, campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the increasing focus on value in higher education, and recent developments in compensating college athletes. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Gates Foundation.
Season 8 Planning Surveyhttps://bit.ly/3Xtcfd0
Relevant LinksThe Great Misalignment
Key Moments(00:00) Enrollment Challenges and the Future of Higher Education
(07:06) The Growth of Online Education and Challenges in the OPM Market
(09:23) The Long-Term Impact of FAFSA on Enrollment and Financial Aid
(10:48) Campus Protests: A Continuing Issue in Higher Education
(13:07) Blending High School and College: Creating Value in Education
(16:02) The NCAA Settlement and the Future of College Athletics
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Learning is at the heart of higher ed’s purpose, but how many institutions have a strong sense of the skills and knowledge students are gaining? On this episode, Michael and Jeff welcome two innovators helping colleges to better validate student learning through competency-based education (CBE): Amber Garrison Duncan of the Competency Based Education Network and Kelle Parsons of the American Institutes of Research. They discuss the benefits that this learning and assessment system accrues to students and institutions, the how and why of syncing skills certification with employer needs, and the institutions leading the way on implementation. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Surveyhttps://bit.ly/3Xtcfd0
Relevant LinksOn Prior Learning Assessment/Credit for Prior Learning:
CAEL: The PLA Boost
AIR Informing Improved Recognition of Military Learning
CBE & Skills Based Practices Brief:
AIR Same Idea, Different Evolution: Skills-Based Practices and CBE
Other CBE & Skills Based Practices Research
AIR Measuring Skills at Work: Lessons from the Field
AIR Postsecondary CBE Program Model Mapping Tool
AIR 2020 National Survey of Postsecondary CBE
Key Moments(00:00) Introduction: The Value and Challenges of Higher Education
(06:14) Defining Competency-Based Education and the Role of Assessment
(11:17) Recognizing Prior Learning and the Benefits of CBE
(27:02) Institutions and Organizations Leading the Way in CBE
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Boards of Trustees are the principal governing bodies of higher ed institutions, but they can also be the furthest from their day-to-day operations. So how can colleges best leverage their leadership? To tackle this question, Michael and Jeff welcome Chris Romer and Jane Scaccetti, trustees from the boards of Colorado Mountain College and Temple University, respectively. They discuss the Board’s role in improving the value proposition of higher ed, engaging communities, representing stakeholders, and handling crises. They also discuss what boards need to do all of this most effectively. This episode is made with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Chapters0:00 - Intro
4:00 - Path to Becoming a Trustee
6:25 - Perspective of Trustees on the Value of Higher Ed
11:16 - Strategic Planning and Informed Support for Trustees
18:00 - The Complexities of Higher Education Governance
Links We MentionAssociation of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges
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There has been an exodus from higher ed - that much is understood. But what's causing it and what can we do to ensure students are still accessing pathways to opportunity? In this episode, Jeff and Michael grapple with this question with the help of Terrell Dunn whose recent research, done in partnership with HCM Strategists and Edge Research, addresses this very topic. They discuss the increasing focus on job outcomes revealed in her findings and consider the role of colleges in supporting - or even ensuring - employment for their graduates. The conversation touches on the importance of providing students with exposure to diverse career paths and the potential benefits and challenges of integrating work experiences into the college curriculum. This episode is made with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Key Moments00:00 The Decline in College Enrollment
03:13 The Importance of Job Guarantee and Economic Security
05:13 The Value of Job Training and Professional Certificates
15:19 The Need for Colleges to Explain Their Value and Support Students
LinksHCM Strategists
Gates Foundation
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Jeff and Michael examine the complex world of community colleges and challenge traditional notions of success. Drawing from recent research by Strada Education Foundation, they explore the multifaceted roles these institutions play in students' lives and the importance of looking beyond degree completion rates to assess their true value. With insights from Strada’s Senior Vice President, Dave Clayton, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the value of community colleges and their vital role in empowering students personally and economically in the 21st century. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Key Moments00:00 Intro
02:44 Motivations for Enrolling in Community Colleges
04:42 The Role of Employers in Assessing Community Colleges
07:00 Measuring Success Beyond Getting a Better Job
10:21 Challenges in Fulfilling Career Motivations
19:14 Measuring Value Based on Students' Goals and Outcomes
21:08 The Need for a True Unit Record System in Higher Education
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In this thought-provoking episode of Future U., we sit down with Greg Lukianoff, president and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and co-author of the bestselling book "The Coddling of the American Mind," as well as the new book, "The Canceling of the American Mind." Lukianoff shares his insights on the state of free speech on college campuses and examines the rise of cancel culture, the debate over the limits of free expression, and the potential double standards in how universities approach these issues. He argues that certain campus trends, such as "safetyism" and the suppression of viewpoint diversity, may be harming student mental health and resilience. He emphasizes the importance of open inquiry, intellectual diversity, and the ability to challenge prevailing orthodoxies as essential components of a thriving university education. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Key Moments
(0:00) - Intro
(3:53) - Free speech issues in higher education, particularly anti-Semitism and double standards
(8:30) - Free speech and academic freedom in higher education
(14:21) - Limitations of free speech on campus viewpoint diversity, and campus violence
(17:41) - Mental Health and Technology
(24:17) - Free Speech Challenges in Higher Ed
(30:39) - Free speech impacts admissions
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In this episode, Jeff and Michael dive into the complex world of dual enrollment, examining its rapid growth, potential benefits, and emerging challenges. They speak with John Fink, a senior research associate at the Community College Research Center, to understand the various dual enrollment arrangements, the students they serve, and the outcomes they achieve. The conversation also explores the financial incentives for districts and colleges, the concerns around course quality and rigor, and the implications for high school and college experiences. This episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Key Moments
(0:00) - Intro
(4:02) - Dual enrollment programs and their benefits
(12:48) - Dual enrollment sustainability and transferability of credits
(16:51) - Dual enrollment programs and their effectiveness in higher education
(21:44) - Improving dual enrollment programs for underrepresented students
(27:34) - Dual enrollment courses and their impact on college readiness
(33:21) - Dual enrollment courses' rigor and value
(37:50) - Dual enrollment courses and their impact on higher education
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More and more business leaders, policy makers, and educators are looking to apprenticeships to prepare the American workforce for in-demand careers. The US system leans on its community colleges to facilitate these programs, but they have not always been the most effective quarterbacks.
On this episode, we hear from two innovators helping community colleges better play their lead role in growing apprenticeship in America. We spoke with Mitchell Harp, Dean of Apprenticeship Programs at Trident Technical College, about the keys to his school’s thriving program. We also sat down with Pierre Dubuc, CEO of OpenClassrooms, about how community colleges are leveraging his company’s expertise and online learning platform to level up their apprenticeship programs. This episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group.
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Michael and Jeff go deep on the revised FAFSA and the challenges encountered in its rollout. They sat down with Andrew LaCasse, who helped develop the simplified FAFSA in his former role as a senior education policy advisor on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, to learn about the back-story behind the legislation and its underlying policy goals. They also spoke with John Marshall, President of Colorado Mesa University, about how they are supporting students through the delay and confusion caused by the FAFSA’s rocky rollout. The episode is sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Key Moments
- (0:00) - Intro
- (1:29) - Simplifying the FAFSA and its impact on higher education
- (8:27) - Simplifying the FAFSA form and its impact on college affordability
- (14:25) - FAFSA changes and their impact on higher education
- (20:33) - How colleges are responding to the FAFSA delay
- (26:58) - College affordability and FAFSA changes
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Jeff and Michael dive into the higher ed acronyms that have been in the headlines these past few weeks: SAT/ACT, NLRB, and FAFSA. What's next for test-optional after announcements from Dartmouth and Yale; what does it mean that the Dartmouth men's basketball team is trying to unionize; and what will the impact be of the difficult FAFSA rollout. This episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Key Moments(0:00) - Introduction
(3:21) - Test-optional admissions and its impact on students and institutions
(8:45) - AI in admissions
(13:45) - College athletes as employees and potential changes in college sports
(19:29) - Future of the NCAA
(22:58) - FAFSA delays and their impact on higher education
(28:03) - Higher education challenges
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Hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn are joined by Dr. Len Cassuto, an author and professor at Fordham University, and focus their conversation on the role of PhD students and what the challenges in that part of academia might mean for higher ed. They dive into the subjects that Len explores in his new book, The New PhD: How to Build a Better Graduate Education, such as the changes that should be made to better prepare PhD students for their careers, and how universities might be exploiting free labor from students under the guise of an academic apprenticeship. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Links MentionedThe New PhD: How to Build a Better Graduate Education
Key Moments(0:00) - Intro
(3:19) - The state of PhD programs and graduate education.
(8:16) - Improving graduate education.
(13:25) - Ph.D. education and career diversity.
(19:03) - Graduate education and labor costs in higher education.
(26:20) - Preparing PhDs for career diversity and addressing challenges in higher education.
(38:33) - Redesigning PhD programs for a changing academic landscape.
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Last season, Jeff and Michael explored the reinstatement of the Pell Grant for incarcerated learners. The question now is what’s next for these learners and where can they actually get to use their federal funds? In this episode, Jeff and Michael look at the innovative College Unbound model with co-founder and president Adam Bush and Jose Rodriguez, the assistant vice president for community and belonging. College Unbound is an accredited college with a single degree and a model that allows learning to happen wherever it happens, in kitchens or even in prisons. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group.
Key Moments(0:00) - Intro
(1:15) - Innovative college model and accreditation
(5:34) - Prison education program and its impact on inmates' lives
(9:19) - Scaling a non-traditional college model
(12:02) - College Unbound's innovative approach to adult education
(19:31) - Higher education for incarcerated individuals
LinksCollege Unbound
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The Hechinger Report’s Jon Marcus and Chris Quintana of USA Today join hosts Jeff and Michael for a roundtable discussion to talk about recent headlines in higher ed. Jon discusses the impact of lower birth rates in Japan on university enrollment, while Chris dives into the current state of the Biden Administration’s student loan debt repayment plans. Other topics include efforts by universities to articulate the value of higher ed, the rollout of the simplified FAFSA, and culture wars on campus. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Key Moments(0:00) - Intro
(2:47) - Declining college enrollment in Japan and US
(8:04) - Student loan forgiveness and career centers in higher education
(12:35) - College career preparation and job placement
(14:37) - FAFSA simplification, college affordability, and higher ed news
(20:25) - Higher education trends and challenges in the US
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How do you engage learners in the post-pandemic age? Hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn are joined by Carrie Bartek, from Wake Technical Community College, and Randi Harris, from Portland State University, to ask some important questions: What has changed for students since the pandemic? And what needs to change moving forward to ensure students’ success? They consider the evolving landscape of higher education and the importance of addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of students to ensure their success in this new educational paradigm. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Key Moments(0:00) - Intro
(4:18) - College enrollment decline and re-enrollment during COVID-19
(6:07) - Student success strategies during COVID-19 pandemic
(15:22) - Transforming higher education to meet students' changing needs
(18:47) - College enrollment trends and dual enrollment programs
(23:12) - Innovating and improving student success in higher education
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To kick off the new year, host Jeff Selingo welcomes Lynn Perry Wooten, President of Simmons University, for a conversation on the unique position of smaller universities in higher education. They discuss some vital concerns facing smaller universities like Simmons, such as combining less popular liberal arts majors, combatting dropping college enrollment numbers, and embracing online education programs. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Links MentionedStrategies for Digital Transformation
Key Moments(0:00) - Intro
(4:10) - Small college challenges and strategic planning
(11:51) - Small college competitiveness and online education
(19:58) - Leadership and collaboration in higher education
(21:31) - Higher education leadership and decision-making
(27:00) - Higher education data analysis and institutional growth
(32:42) - Online education and revenue diversification at Simmons College
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Hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn wrap up 2023 by discussing some headlines in higher ed, including the reaction on campuses to the Israel-Hamas War, the big changes afoot at 2U, and more college closures. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
LinksNo Revenge for Nerds? Evaluating the Careers of Ivy League Athletes
Key Moments(0:00) - Intro
(2:29) - College campuses and generational divides
(9:20) - Higher education challenges and solutions
(13:31) - The decline of 2U and the future of online education
(19:03) - Online education, university finances, and potential bankruptcy
(26:14) - College admissions and career outcomes
(32:54) - Nate Silver hiring preferences
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New York Times columnist and author David Leonhardt discusses his new book, “Ours Was The Shining Future: The Story of the American Dream." In his conversation with Michael and Jeff, they talk about the impact of the high-school movement on the U.S. economy last century, what a similar higher ed movement might look like in this century, and why the value of the college is being questioned. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Key Moments(0:00) - Intro
(6:18) - The evolution of high school education and its impact on society
(11:27) - Public higher education expansion and quality in the US
(15:10) - Higher education's role in society and political polarization
(21:34) - Economic inequality and political polarization in the US
(27:10) - Education after high school, including college and non-college pathways
(35:28) - Higher education growth and innovation
Links We SharedOurs Was the Shining Future
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Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn take their conversation on the road with another stop on the Future U. Campus Tour, this time visiting the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. They sat down with president Santa Ono to discuss the future of higher education and Michigan's role in the local and global communities. Following that interview, Jeff and Michael had a discussion with a panel on a range of topics from sustainability to student wellness, and highlighting what it means in 2023 to be a public flagship with a national profile and serve the community at the same time. This episode is sponsored by Dell Technologies and Google Chrome OS.
Key Moments
(0:00) - Intro
(4:54) - The role of the University of Michigan in the state and beyond
(10:36) - Higher education, trust, and community involvement in Detroit
(16:04) - The future of higher education and the Big Ten conference
(21:37) - Mental health challenges in college students
(27:41) - Mental health support for college students during pandemic
(30:29) - Pandemic's impact on college experience and mental health
(32:40) - Supporting international students at the University of Michigan
(34:56) - Collective impact and sustainability in higher education
(36:40) - Value of study abroad
(42:45) - Global education and diversity at the University of Michigan
(46:59) - Mental health supports for university staff
(52:14) - Jeff Selingo's takeaways
(54:07) - Michael Horn's Takeaways
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In Part 2 of our conversation with Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Chancellor of Reach University, we discuss why their model of the apprenticeship teacher is better than the traditional student-teacher model, how public universities that historically educated the bulk of teachers are following the Reach model, and how the idea can be scaled to other public-sector jobs in rural areas. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group.
Links We Mention
Reach University
Key Moments
(0:00) - Intro
(2:47) - Teacher training and education in rural areas
(6:38) - Apprenticeship-based teacher education model and its potential expansion
(10:08) - Teacher shortages and innovative solutions
(15:58) - Job-embedded learning in various industries
(17:33) - Education model for teacher preparation.
(28:57) - Rural education and apprenticeships
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In too many rural areas, workers lack access to affordable training pathways to high-quality jobs. Jeff and Michael sit down with Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Chancellor of Reach University, to learn about how Reach is addressing this challenge with an apprenticeship approach to teacher education. In the first of this two-part conversation, they discuss the theory and practice that informed Reach’s founding and the college’s innovative enrollment, training, and funding models. Michael considers how Reach’s clear focus helps keep their costs low, and Jeff discusses the importance of career-connected learning. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group.
Links
Ascendium Education Group
Key Moments
(0:00) - Intro
(2:45) - Innovative higher education model
(4:57) - Rural teacher shortages and innovative solutions
(8:28) - The importance of experience in education
(11:54) - Alternative university model for teacher certification
(17:57) - Education and career development
(23:38) - Innovative teacher education model for rural areas
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Author Ana Homayoun joins hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn to discuss her new book "Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admission." They ask what other measures for success should we consider for a student in higher ed beyond academics. The conversation explores expanding one’s social circles, networking, finding mentors, and developing life management skills. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Key Moments
00:00 - Introduction
05:41 - Intentional College Experiences and Connections
09:31 - College Social Connections and Their Impact On Economic Mobility
16:34 - College Students' Soft Skills and How Colleges Can Help
20:12 - Redefining Success In College And Beyond
25:33 - Education And Career Goals With Ana Homayoun
26:39 - College Students' Networking Challenges and Strategies
31:34 - Networking, Career Advice, and Hands-on Learning.
35:46- Intergenerational Relationships and Connecting Students Across Differences
Links We Share
ERASING THE FINISH LINE: The New Blueprint For Success Beyond Grades and College Admissions
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Jeff and Michael are joined by the CEOs of Academic Partnerships, Fernando Bleichmar, and Coursera, Jeff Maggioncalda, to talk about the future of online learning, including a new study on ROI, the role of degrees vs. credentials in the job market, and what AI will mean for online ed. This episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Key Moments00:00 - Intro
04:58 - ROI of Online Programs at Universities
10:45 - Online Education and Pricing with Coursera and Academic Partners
16:04 - Future of Higher Education Partnerships
21:01 - Online learning, Certifications, and Their Value in the Job Market
26:27 - The Impact of AI on Higher Education.
33:17 - Higher Education Innovation And Online Learning
36:42 - Disruptive Innovation In Higher Education With A Focus On Pricing
40:29 - Higher Ed Partnerships And Their Impact On The Future Of Online Education
47:09 - Education and Government Regulation
Links We MentionedAcademic Partnerships Report on ROI
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In this episode, hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn delve into the world of data analytics, as they discuss the evolution of data science needs across various industries and how universities are preparing students to meet those needs in the workforce. They then offer hot takes on recent higher ed headlines, from disenchantment with higher ed to the lack of economic diversity at exclusive institutions. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Key MomentsIntroduction [02:38]: The hosts, Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo, introduce the episode and discuss the annual New York Times Education Issue and the importance of data science skills across various industries.
New York Times Education Issue [00:13:25]: Michael and Jeff delve into the New York Times Education Issue, discussing its timing, content, and the use of outside writers for the issue.
Value of Higher Education [00:15:00]: The hosts analyze an article by Paul Tough on the declining faith in the value of college, discussing root causes of this disenchantment, and the role of informal learning through non-accredited institutions, online platforms, apprenticeships, and certification programs.
College Access Index [00:21:51]: Jeff discusses the New York Times magazine story David Leonhardt and Ashley Wu about the college access index.
Links We MentionTurning Data into Wisdom
Upcoming Next Office Hour Webinars and Archives
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Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn review recent headlines around higher ed before they speak in person to a community college board at a retreat in Sun Valley, Idaho. They compare the different value propositions of two- and four-year colleges and discuss government intervention into university mergers and acquisitions. Other topics they discuss include legacy admissions and the value of credentials from prestigious universities. And Jeff makes an exciting announcement: his new book! The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Key Moments00:00 Intro
00:03:36 Declining enrollment at community colleges.
00:09:35 Co-location with four-year colleges.
00:12:13 Dual enrollment in community colleges.
00:14:28 Dual enrollment funding disparities.
00:18:29 Merger and acquisition reviews.
00:22:03 Community college focus on employment.
00:24:24 Legacy admissions in higher education.
00:28:56 Seeing colleges as businesses.
00:31:21 Cheaper credentials and alumni networks.
00:34:30 Planning for college challenges.
Links We MentionedDually Noted: Understanding the Link Between Dual Enrollment Course Characteristics and Students’ Course and College Enrollment Outcomes
How Can Community Colleges Afford to Offer Dual Enrollment College Courses to High School Students at a Discount?
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Hosts Jeff and Michael are joined by President Jim Gash of Pepperdine University to discuss student resilience and mental health and Pepperdine’s attempt to proactively support students through its RISE (Resilience-Informed Skills Education) program. President Gash also spoke about the impact of cancel culture on student wellbeing and the importance of campuses being places where students grapple with difficult ideas with which they may not agree. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Key Moments00:00 Intro
00:03:12 Colleges can help students build resilience.
00:08:07 Integrating resilience into the curriculum.
00:11:07 Resilience programs benefit student mental health.
00:16:14 Importance of global experiences.
00:24:30 Promote civil discourse in education.
00:31:38 Addressing mental health through resilience.
00:32:08 Integrating resilience into education.
00:37:14 Importance of building resilience
00:43:04 Lean into differences for success.
LinksPepperdine Resilience-Informed Skills Education (RISE) Program
American College President Report
Research by Richard Sagor
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In this Season 7 kickoff episode, Jeff and Michael discuss a wide array of headlines from the summer that have long-term impacts on higher education.
Key Moments* 00:02:49 - Michael Horn Book Update * 00:05:45 - "This year is about a new normal." * 00:06:55 - "The Pac-12 Collapsed Overnight" * 00:11:37 - "…you cannot outspend reality." * 00:17:00 - "The nation's best known public universities have been on an unfettered spending spree." * 00:19:23 - "These places are just devouring money, offering everything to everyone all at once is unsustainable." * 00:21:49 - "policy should be focusing on student outcomes…" * 00:24:30 - "I don't think they're going to negatively impact those liberal arts programs that in my view offer very valuable skills and credentials in the labor market." * 00:26:34 - "I think that was all fair. And I actually was shocked. I thought the article did a really good job of depicting the purpose of secret societies in my mind, which is really to broaden your social experience." * 00:30:45 - "it was a very patriotic, pro-American, deeply affected campus that doesn't accord at all with some of the allegations that were printed in the article." * 00:32:49 - "A Return of the Presidential Fitness Test?"
Relevant LinksAcademy for Innovative Higher Ed Leadership
Colleges Spend Like There’s No Tomorrow. ‘These Places Are Just Devouring Money.’
Higher Ed Spending Problem Demands Attention No Matter Court’s Opinion
It’s time to rethink incentives for higher ed
Michael Horn’s Testimony to Congress
How Ron DeSantis Joined the “Ruling Class” - and Turned Against It
SummaryThe ‘New Normal’Jeff Selingo brings up what people are referring to as the ‘New Normal.’ He discusses the changes that higher education institutions, such as West Virginia University, are having to make to adapt to the changing landscape.
The 'New Normal' he describes is characterized by financial challenges, changing demographics, and shifting priorities in higher education. Selingo uses the example of West Virginia University, which is planning to cut more than two dozen programs to close a projected $75 million deficit by 2028. This deficit was largely due to overly optimistic enrollment goals that were not met. The university initially planned to cut all its language programs, but later decided to retain Spanish and Chinese, while graduate programs and math programs are still at risk.
Michael Horn brings up a related point regarding the demographics of college-aged students, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, which are not favorable. This could be another aspect of the 'New Normal' that Selingo is referring to - universities having to adapt to changing demographics and potentially declining student populations. This example illustrates the 'New Normal' of universities having to make tough decisions and prioritize certain programs over others due to financial constraints and demographic shifts.
Selingo suggests that this trend is likely to continue as universities navigate the challenges and changes brought about by the pandemic, demographic changes and other factors. This 'New Normal' will require universities to reassess their strategies and adapt to new realities in higher education.
Conference RealignmentJeff explains how the PAC-12 athletic conference collapsed overnight while attempting to secure a new television deal. This resulted in the University of Washington and the University of Oregon leaving for the Big 10, while the University of Arizona, Arizona State, and the University of Utah moved to the Big-12.
These moves were financially motivated as these universities needed funds to maintain their expenditures on coaches and facilities. Selingo suggests that the traditional linear television model, which presently provides significant funding, is on the decline. He also believes that streaming services like Apple could become a financial lifeline for universities by the end of the decade.
Selingo also links these events to the 'New Normal' in higher education. The changes in the PAC-12 and other athletic conferences can be seen as part of this broader shift in the higher education landscape.
Harvard's Opportunity Insights ProjectHarvard's Opportunity Insights Project included a study conducted by economist Raj Chetty using data compiled by Open Campus. The study used tax records to measure the wealth of students attending various colleges. The top 1% in the study referred to families with incomes of $660,000 a year and above, while the top 0.1% were significantly higher.
The study found that at a group of 12 institutions, including the entire Ivy League, Stanford, Duke, MIT, and the University of Chicago, applicants from families in the top 1% were 34% more likely to gain admission than applicants with the same SAT and ACT scores from lower-income families. Those from the top 0.1% were more than twice as likely to be admitted.
The study didn't just focus on elite universities, but also included 139 institutions in total. The results showed that the ultra-rich are not only enrolling at Ivy League schools but also at other institutions further down the ranking, such as Elon or Wake Forest.
Public School SpendingMichael Horn discusses a Wall Street Journal article by Melissa Korn, Andrea Fuller, and Jennifer Forsyth, which detailed the spending spree of these institutions, stating "The nation's best known public universities have been on an unfettered spending spree."
The University of Kentucky was cited as an example, having upgraded its campus to the tune of $805,000 a day for more than a decade. A graphic indicated that spending has risen much faster than enrollment from 2002 to 2022, leading to increased spending per student. At the median flagship university, spending rose 38% over these two decades.
For every $1 lost in state support, the median school increased tuition and fee revenue by nearly $2.40. Michael argues that these universities, driven by prestige and revenue growth, lack economies of scale and tend to overspend. Horn also touches on the enrollment patterns of wealthy families, suggesting that attracting such families can have long-term implications for the universities' finances.
Ron DeSantis at YaleMichael Horn shares about his experiences at Yale, especially in relation to the description given by Governor Ron DeSantis in a recent article, and his involvement in a secret society. Michael explains that the society serves as a way of opening up and introducing members to other students they would not have otherwise met, and presents an intimate way to broaden horizons. Horn mentions that these society members weren't his friends before, but many of them have since become close friends. He confirms that DKE, where DeSantis was a member, is known as the wilder fraternity on campus, mostly filled with athletes.
Horn disagrees with DeSantis' depiction of Yale as a place of fervent anti-Americanism, stating that his experience was different. He acknowledges that Yale leans more politically liberal but also points out there are conservative enclaves, particularly in the history department. It's not hard to express one’s opinion, even if it's not the majority view. Horn also discusses some of the social issues on campus during his time at Yale, including graduate students' efforts to organize as employees and concerns about Yale's clothing being made in sweatshops.
He suggests that the university environment might have changed since his time, possibly aligning more with DeSantis' allegations. However, he also recalls a statement from Rick Levin who said, "Look, the Wall Street Journal is going to print what it prints about Yale. And they have this view that is so out of touch with the majority experience on campus that you just can't read too much into it." While Horn senses that the campus culture has changed, he advises caution when extrapolating too much from these articles, which tend to generalize and create caricatures. Lastly, Horn notes that the 9/11 attacks occurred after DeSantis' time at Yale, during his own senior year, which may have influenced the campus culture and experiences of students.
Recommendation by Vivek Ramaswamy - The Presidential Fitness TestMichael and Jeff express skepticism about Vivek Ramaswamy's recommendation to bring back the Presidential Fitness Test as a section of the SAT. Selingo, after delving into the history of the test and its components, acknowledges the importance of physical activity for students but dismisses the idea of its relevance as a criterion for college admission. He suggests that this proposal shouldn't be given any more attention. Both Jeff and Michael seem to view the idea as a distraction from more important topics related to college admissions.
In this special episode of the Future U Podcast, hosts Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo engage in a lively conversation with faculty members Crystal White from the University of Memphis, and Stephanie Speicher from Weber State University. The discussion, sponsored by Course Hero and recorded live during their annual summit, revolves around the need for leadership, connection, relevance, and a culture of care in higher education. The podcast delves into the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive environment in the classroom, as well as the disparity between the racial and ethnic diversity of faculty and students in U.S colleges and universities.
Jeff and Michael look back on Season 6 and the stories they’ve covered, from college rankings and affirmative action to religion and student mental health. They each pick their favorite episode from this season and make predictions for what the higher ed headlines will be next season when Future U. resumes after its traditional summer hiatus. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.
Relevant Links
The Financially Resilient University
On the Marymount University campus, Michael speaks with University President Irma Becerra about the university's decision to incorporate the liberal arts in the context of high-demand programs that result in jobs, while Jeff fields a panel discussion on how to keep Higher Ed current and how best to prepare students for their futures. This episode is made possible with support from Dell and Google ChromeOS.
Far too often, individuals in higher education don't understand the nuances of how accreditors operate and the role they play in supporting—or constraining—institutions. Jeff and Michael welcome Barbara Brittingham, former president of the New England Commission on Higher Education, to give the history of accreditation, break down how accrediting agencies operate, show how they compare to one another, and delve into how they might evolve in the future with an eye toward how these organizations impact institutional transformation and support learners in achieving their education and career goals. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.
Even as higher education in America has its roots in religion, over the centuries it's drifted away from those beginnings. And yet, as our guest informs us, enrollment at religious higher ed institutions has actually risen over the past 20 years, as these institutions serve as havens for young people looking for belonging. Jeff and Michael discuss the role of religion in higher education with Clark Gilbert, Commissioner of Education of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and hear him delve into the unique value that schools like these present to tackle some of the central challenges facing higher education, such as accessibility, affordability, and value. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.
Relevant Links
Dare to be Different
Populace Insights
What Does Stanford Stand For?
In a discussion with George Mason University president Dr. Gregory Washington, Jeff and Michael delve into a few ways to get to and through college: programs that allow students to more seamlessly move from community college to four-year college programs, the difficulties faced by transfer students, and the importance of presidential leadership to improve the situation. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group.
At the recent National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) annual meeting, Debra Wilson, the incoming president of the NAIS, flips the script and interviews Jeff and Michael about key takeaways from the pandemic for schools and higher education, how mental health plays into students’ transition to college, and how colleges can encourage more students to enter the teaching profession. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.
It’s often a forgone conclusion that you should not only go to a four-year college, but also that the better the university’s ranking, the better you’ll do in life. On this episode, Jeff and Michael dig into the data behind these assumptions. Might the U.S. News and World Report college rankings even disappear?And do you still need to invest in a four-year degree in order to excel professionally or are employers putting less stock in a bachelor's? This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.
Relevant Links
Report on Bachelor's Degrees from Jeff Selingo and Matt Sigelman
With Florida politics and the current governor’s recent moves in higher ed attracting so much attention, we caught up with former Florida Governor Jeb Bush to add context to the current debates. Bush reflected on his own experiences, successes, and regrets when it comes to the high ed policies he championed. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.
As Chat GPT and other AI tools have garnered immense interest in the last few months, people have begun to wonder how these tools will impact higher ed: Will it represent the end of writing? Will we see a rampant rise in cheating? Or maybe these tools herald a new age of an improved quality of student work? Jeff and Michael pose these questions and more to computer science experts Charles Isbell of Georgia Institute of Technology College of Computing and Michael Littman of Brown University. This episode is made possible with sponsorship from Course Hero.
The role of Online Program Managers (OPMs) in the recruitment of students for online university programs has been a controversial issue, and one that is still up for debate. Michael and Jeff delve into OPMs, as well the federal government’s guidance on third party services, like OPMs, over the last few administrations.
The digital economy has been driving job growth across the country for much of the last decade-plus. But nearly all of those jobs, no matter the industry, were created in major metropolitan areas. Michael and Jeff look at how one town and one university in Ohio can serve as a national blueprint for growing the rural economy. This episode made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group.
Listen to more episode on our website at www.futureupodcast.com.
Relevant Links
Economic Impact of Hospitals and Higher Education Institutions Revealed in New Tool from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on affirmative action yet again, the president of James Madison University, who played a key role as a lawyer in the University of Michigan's Supreme Court cases 20 years earlier, joins the show to offer historical perspective and an explanation of how the Court's decision could impact far more than just higher education admissions. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.
New CDC data show that more than half of teenaged girls in the U.S. felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, but it's not just girls who are struggling. Lisa Damour, author of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, breaks down the struggles of teenagers and the implications for colleges and universities from admissions to graduation and beyond. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.
Many people believed the pandemic would bring a wave of mergers and acquisitions. That didn’t happen, but guests Sally Amoruso and Mary Ludden, who both know a lot about M&A, say a wave among small regional private institutions could be coming. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.
Listen to the March 2022 Future U episode on college consolidations at https://www.futureupodcast.com/episodes/is-consolidation-coming/
Higher Dive is tracking closings, mergers, acquisitions and other consolidation among public and private nonprofit institutions from 2016 to the present: https://www.highereddive.com/news/how-many-colleges-and-universities-have-closed-since-2016/539379/
Fitch Ratings anticipates a deteriorating credit environment for U.S. Public Finance Higher Education in 2023 relative to 2022.
A new study from researchers at Harvard University and the National Bureau of Economic Research finds that health system mergers only marginally improve the quality of care, but at significantly higher cost.
In the late 1990s, several members of Congress made a push for cost controls in higher education. To learn more, listen to Episode 119 of Future U for our interview with Bill Troutt, former chair of the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education who's also President Emeritus of Rhodes College in Tennessee, and Harvard economist Susan Dynarski.
Historically, rapid technological change sidelines unskilled or under-skilled workers. Michael and Jeff talk to the leaders of Merit America and the Marcy Lab School, two institutions providing an on-ramp to working adults who either never enrolled or dropped out of college. This episode is made possible with support from Course Hero, Ascendium Education Group, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
View More episodes on our website: www.FutureUPodcast.com
Back by popular demand: Reporters' Roundtable. Pam Kelley on how a motivational speaker and businessman turned around High Point University; Emma Pettit on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's efforts to overhaul higher ed; and Paul Fain on the future of the bachelor degree. This episode made possible with sponsorship from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.
Relevant Links
A Harbinger for 2023? Presentation College, a small private institution in South Dakota, has announced its plans to close due to "slumping enrollment and rising costs."
How to Sell a University -- An examination of High Point University President Nido Qubein turned HIgh Point University around "wow" amenities, flag-waving patriotism and a focus on life skills.
High Point's Controversial New Law Dean Speaks Out (Sort Of) -- Critics of former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Martin say he needs to take responsibilty for his role in fighting the 2020 election outcomes.
DeSantis's Higher-Ed Push Just Got Bigger. Fresh Resistance is Starting to Buggle Up -- DeSantis announced a wide-ranging plan that includes greater authority for boards and college presidents to hire and fire, including tenured faculty members
What is Happening in Florida? -- Demands for diversity data, a governing-board overhaul, and a pledge to strip "trendy ideology" from higher ed. Is Ron DeSantis just getting started?
DeSantis Asked Florida Universities to Detail their Their University Spending. Here's How They Answered -- The amounts the state’s public universities reported spending on diversity and critical race theory came out to 1 percent or less of their overall budgets.
Pennsylvania is axing its college degree requirement for 65,000 state jobs, calling it an "arbitrary requirement" Measuring the returns on college -- Paul Fain examines several studies on the value of college credentials.
A 'Divorce' Creates Florida's 11th University -- Jeff's 2001 article on the creation of New College of Florida.
A record 50.5 million Americans quit their jobs in 2022. Most left for offers of higher pay or the ability to work remotely. Higher Ed isn’t immune. Michael and Jeff talk with a former university human resource officer and a professor who studies how colleges manage their talent. This episode is made possible with sponsorship from Course Hero and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Three years after the start of the pandemic, professors still report a disconcerting level of disconnection among students even as campuses return to “normal.” Michael and Jeff talk with MIT's former head of digital learning initiatives about what the science tells us on how to reach and teach students. This episode made possible with sponsorship from Course Hero.
We have come to accept there is no cure for rising costs in higher ed, so we treat the symptoms with measures like loan forgiveness. What are the root causes and what to do about them? Michael and Jeff ask two veterans of the college cost debate on this episode, made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Some 1.5 million people are in state and federal prisons in the United States, but for more than two decades they haven’t been eligible for federal Pell Grants. That’s about to change on July 1, 2023, offering an opportunity for incarcerated people and colleges alike. Michael and Jeff talk with a scholar in prison education and a formerly incarcerated student who went on to earn his degree about providing meaningful rehabilitation through a college education. This episode made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group
Elite law schools are ditching the U.S. News rankings but what does it mean for the undergrad rankings? Also, Georgetown is making a bet on an online undergrad degree with Coursera. Plus, Michael asks about Jeff's piece for New York Magazine on the SATs. Send us your questions!
This episode made possible with support from Course Hero, Ascendium Education Group, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
About 91% of colleges understate or don't include the net price in their financial-aid offers to would-be students, the U.S. Government Accountability Office has found in a new report. We go into the archives for a 2019 episode when Rachel Fishman from New America joined us to discuss her research. With support from Ascendium Education Group and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Relevant Links:
Report from GAO: https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-104708.pdf
Wall Street Journal article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/most-colleges-give-inaccurate-price-details-in-financial-aid-letters-federal-report-finds-11670273500
Decoding the Cost of College: https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/policy-papers/decoding-cost-college/
Design Principles for Financial Aid Offers: https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/reports/design-principles-financial-aid-offers/
Nothing Has Changed Much With Financial Aid Offers. Congress Must Act: https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/edcentral/nothing-has-changed-with-financial-aid-offers-congress-must-act/
On the latest stop of Future U.'s campus tour, hosts Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo visit Bowie State University to speak with President Aminta Breaux, as well as faculty and administrators at the Maryland institution about increased enrollment at HBCUs, partnerships with employers, and student engagement. With support from Salesforce.org.
In a special episode recorded at The Chronicle of Higher Education Festival, Jeff Selingo and guest co-host Bridget Burns talk with three students about what has worked (and what hasn't) in their college experiences. With support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.
Penn State’s new president Neeli Bendapudi sits down with Jeff and Michael to talk about not only her personal leadership journey, but also shifting demographics, clear pullback in public financing of higher ed, college athletics, and more. With support from Course Hero and Ascendium Education Group.
In the second half of their conversation with Victoria Jackson and Matt Brown, Michael and Jeff dive into "Name Image Likeness," paying student athletes, and what shifting professional pathways to sports can mean for rethinking college athletics overall. This episode made possible with sponsorship from Course Hero and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
So many headlines to parse this week: What the NYU brouhaha says about how we educate top students; how the coverage of ACT scores missed the real headline; and is it better to serve in the U.S. Senate or as a university president. Michael and Jeff break it all down.
This episode made possible with support from Course Hero, Ascendium Education Group, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Relevant Links:
NYU’s Firing of a Chemistry Professor Caused a Furor. Here’s What He Has to Say About It.
It's not often a university president talks about how degrees are being devalued and how higher education must align with workforce needs, but that's exactly what new Temple University president, Jason Wingard, does when he joins Jeff and Michael to discuss his book, “The College Devaluation Crisis," and what's next for Temple.
This episode made possible with sponsorship from Ascendium Education Group, Course Hero, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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With all the talk about the metaverse, Michael and Jeff examine where the latest bright shiny objects in edtech--augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR)--really stand when it to comes to transforming teaching and learning.
This episode made possible with sponsorship from Course Hero.
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The pandemic accelerated experimentation across industries, including education. Jeff Selingo interviews co-host Michael Horn about his new book called From Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)Creating School for Every Child. The book provides educators with practical examples and roadmaps for change in K-12, many of which can also be applied to higher ed. This episode made possible with sponsorship from Ascendium Education Group and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Purchase From Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)Creating School for Every Child
It was bombshell news when the Big Ten announced this summer that UCLA and USC would be joining the conference in two years. Many think this latest edition of athletic conference realignment in higher ed has nothing to do with the wellbeing of students and it’s all about the money for their institutions. Reporter Matt Brown from The Athletic and Arizona State University sports historian Victoria Jackson break down why the conferences have so much power over the historical foundations of American higher education.
This episode made possible with sponsorship from Ascendium Education Group and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Jeff and Michael discuss the current state of higher ed. The impact of economic conditions, a massive realignment of NCAA athletic conferences, the great resignation, and how to re-engage students in their learning after the last academic year are just some topics they'll investigate in Season 6.
This episode made possible with sponsorship from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Relevant Links
From Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)Creating School for Every Child Hardcover – July 13, 2022
Is Biden’s student debt cancellation a moral hazard? | Higher Ed Dive
Biden Just Forgave Some Student-Loan Debt. Now What?
2022 CHLOE 7 Report | Quality Matters
The Financially Sustainable University: The Lost Decade | Bain & Company
The real reasons why “alarming” numbers of Americans are rejecting college
Tune in for the Season 5 finale of the Future U podcast, as hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn reflect on the challenges and changes in higher ed as the country emerges from the pandemic, the end of federal stimulus dollars, the podcast's 100th episode, and the Future U. campus tour. Listen to their predictions for the coming year, and get ready for a new season this fall, as the podcast hits the road again with a visit to Bowie State University.
Relevant Links:
Education Needs to Strengthen Its Approach to Monitoring Colleges' Arrangements with Online Program Managers | US GAO
From Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)Creating School for Every Child Hardcover – July 13, 2022
On the campus of Georgia Tech, Future U. host Michael Horn and guest host Aimée Eubanks Davis talk with Georgia Tech's President Ángel Cabrera, Emory University's President Greg Fenves, and members of both communities on strengthening student wellbeing, the role of an urban campus, and the impact of research universities.
- President Ángel Cabrera, Georgia Tech
- President Gregory L. Fenves, Emory University
- Dean Charles Isbell, College of Computing, Georgia Tech
- Joyelle Harris, Faculty Director, Georgia Tech
- Eric Weeks, Director, Emory's Center for Faculty Development and Excellence
- Razan Fasheh-Roberts, Senior Director, Salesforce
Two storied Jesuit institutions, the College of Holy Cross and Fordham Universities, have their first lay presidents. But Vincent Rougeau and Tania Tetlow are also both trained lawyers and each one respectively is the first Black president and first woman president to lead their institutions. Michael and Jeff welcome Vince and Tania to the podcast.
Relevant Links:
The future(s) of public higher education: How state universities can survive–and thrive–in a new era
Choosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions Throughout Your Life by Michael B. Horn and Bob Moesta
Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made by David Gergen
The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam by Barbara Tuchman
The second stop of the Future U campus tour took hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Chancellor Gene Block and a panel of guests from the UCLA community fielded questions about the impact of university size on access, a flexible student experience, and the future of the higher education workforce.
With support from Salesforce.org. Learn more about the podcast at futureupodcast.com
Given all we hear about the pandemic, learning loss, and mental health issues in K-12, how will Covid-era kids fare as they leave high school behind, and what will the ripple effect be on colleges and universities over the next decade-plus?
Relevant Links:
The Stolen Year: How COVID Changed Children's Lives, and Where We Go Now , Anya Kamentez
From Reopen to Reinvent
Rethinking Student Success Strategies for Engaging Learners in a Post-Pandemic Era by Jeff Selingo
Michael and Jeff celebrate the 100th episode of the podcast, with its origin story, some themes that have emerged in five seasons, and lots of predictions from previous guests and our listeners.
In its fifth season, Future U took the show on the road and recorded on campus at Northeastern University. University President Joseph Aoun, faculty, staff, and students weighed on the future of higher ed, in a post-pandemic world.
Relevant Links:
The New U papers by Jeff Selingo
Watch this event on YouTube
A perfect storm of economic factors are driving the narrative for mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships in higher education. John MacIntosh and Kasia Lundy, both advisors to colleges and universities, join Michael and Jeff to explain the landscape and what's next for the sector.
Relevant Links:
Unlocking the Power of Collaboration: How to Develop a Successful Collaborative Network in and around Higher Education
Mergers, Acquisitions & Higher Ed: Mergers and acquisitions are common in the corporate world but not so much in higher ed. With so much talk about colleges going out of business as we come out of the pandemic, Jeff and Michael explore the idea of mergers and acquisitions with Jeff Senese, the president of Saint Leo University, which recently acquired a college thousands of miles away and wants to build a national network of Catholic colleges.
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Salesforce.org. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook
Sean Gallagher, an author and expert on college credentials, joins Michael and Jeff to explain the rise in new kinds of credentials and what they mean for the value of the degree in the job market.
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Salesforce.org. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Salesforce.org. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook
Legendary University President Freeman Hrabowski takes Future U on a tour of University of Maryland Baltimore County as he prepares to turn over leadership of the institution. He leaves a strong legacy of student success for the university to build on.
Authors Beth Akers and Josh Mitchell join the podcast to talk about what's next for student loans as the Covid-19 pause in payments is lifted in January.
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook
Phil Hill's Blog - "Phil On Ed Tech"
OPM Market Landscape Graphic: https://philonedtech.com/opm-market-landscape-and-dynamics-fall-2020-updates/
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Nelnet Campus Commerce. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook
Music from Xylo-Ziko "Submersible" - under CC License - No Changes Made
New York Times economics writer Ben Casselman and Guild CEO and co-founder Rachel Romer Carlson join the Jeff and Michael to talk about why there are so many Help Wanted signs and how higher ed might fill the void for giving workers needed skills.
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Nelnet Campus Commerce. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Nelnet Campus Commerce. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook
David Thomas, president of Morehouse College, joins us to talk about the challenges of building on the legacy of a storied institution and stretching traditions in transformative ways.
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Nelnet Campus Commerce. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook
So much for the much-heralded “hot vax summer.” As Jeff and Michael return from their summer break, they continue to talk about the impact of Covid on higher ed and catch up on the news headlines from the sale of edX to the Supreme Court's NCAA ruling as well as preview what's to come on Season 5 of Future U.
Relevant Links
Education Next: College Sports Cartel Crashes as Athletes Prepare to Cash in on “Name, Image, and Likeness” [Link]
White paper: What's Next for Higher Education Pricing [Link]
LinkedIn:How to Fly and Attend Conferences in 2021 [Link]
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
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Jeff and Michael recap what they've learned from this past year, answer audience questions, and look ahead to next fall in the final episode of this season of Future U.
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As the academic year comes to a close, Jeff and Michael spoke with higher education reporters from the Washington Post, NPR, and the Chronicle for HIgher Education and Open Campus about their perspective on the past year and what the future will hold for campuses—including the stories that they believe aren't being discussed nearly enough.
In the wake of COVID-19, many university presidents have struggled to communicate amidst a fluid and fast-changing set of circumstances outside their control. What does it take to lead in these times? David Gergen, advisor to four U.S. presidents and several university presidents, joins Jeff and Michael for a wide ranging conversation on leadership on campus in these challenging times.
Michael Baston, president of Rockland Community College, joins Jeff and Michael to talk about the precipitous decline in enrollments in community colleges since COVID-19 and to reflect on what it will take to boost student outcomes at community colleges.
Tamara Hiler joins us to talk through the opinions of higher education institutions and policy by students and the public, and Jeff and Michael reflect on key issues one year into the pandemic response.
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook
Former Secretaries of Education Margaret Spellings and John King join Jeff and Michael to discuss their views about the new administration in Washington, DC and what they hope is on the horizon for higher ed policy. High on their list? A return to normalcy and support for the neediest students.
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Nelnet Campus Commerce. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook
With daily signs of momentum in the effort to vaccinate U.S. adults, college leaders are beginning to plan for a new normal in higher ed after the pandemic. The president of Georgia State University, which has been a leader in the student success movement, joins Future U to talk about what institutions need to do to improve the student experience in the decade ahead.
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Colleges have received more than $36 billion from federal stimulus bills over the last year. Two former Hill staffers representing both sides of the aisle, Alison Griffin and Julie Peller, discuss how higher ed legislation really moves on Capitol Hill and what Congress should be tackling next.
The pandemic has dramatically changed the outlook for new college graduates. Matt Sigelman, CEO of Burning Glass Technologies, a labor-market analytics firm, discusses what higher ed can do to help students prepare for life after college, including the academic programs to put in place.
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook
Michelle Weise returns to Future U to talk about her new book, Long Life Learning: Preparing for Jobs that Don’t Even Exist Yet and why creating a new learning ecosystem for what’s ahead is so critical for all of us.
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
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As part of an annual tradition on the podcast, Jeff and Michael sit down with higher ed reporters to talk about the biggest stories and trends. Melissa Korn from the Wall Street Journal and Kirk Carapezza from GBH radio in Boston.
The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook
The 23-campus California State University system was among the first to announce in the spring it would go mostly online for the fall (and eventually for the spring). As a complement to the previous episode where Jeff and Michael talked about what it took to welcome students back to campus, in this episode they talk with the president of Sonoma State University about why the Cal State system made the early call to go online.
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
As colleges considered whether to open their campuses to students in-person for the fall, different institutions approached the question from different vantage points. In this episode, Michael and Jeff talk with the president of Boston University, which welcomed students back, to understand what went into that decision and the logistics behind pulling it off.
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Emily Oster joins Michael and Jeff as the debate over reopening both K–12 schools and colleges has reached a fever pitch. Oster, a Brown University economist, has been at the forefront of the public conversation about schools and COVID-19. Jeff and Michael asked Oster about the dynamics of being a public intellectual on a university campus and how she deals with criticism.
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Regional public universities are the workhorses of the higher ed systems of many states. Overall, the 400-plus regional public universities across the U.S. educate some 40% of all American undergraduates. But often they are stuck in the middle between better known public flagship universities and community colleges. After years of declining state revenues, and in some states declining enrollments, many have arrived at a crossroads. In this episode, Dan Greenstein, the chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, talks about his plan to remake the Pennsylvania system as well as why similar institutions elsewhere need to recapture their affordability edge.
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
When we think of hybrid education we tend to think of the classroom–a mix between online and face-to-face learning. In this episode, Marni Baker Stein, provost and chief academic officer at Western Governors University talks about how the fast-growing online institution had to rethink all its services and offerings to students in the virtual world, providing a roadmap to traditional institutions in what a hybrid world after Covid-19 might look like.
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Southern New Hampshire University has skyrocketed to the top of largest higher education institutions over the past decade, as its president, Paul LeBlanc, has led it through a dramatic transformation. In this episode, LeBlanc talks about the perilous state of higher education, its importance for the nation and world, what Covid-19 and the recession will and won’t accelerate, and how the distinction between learning online and on campus may fade in the years to come.
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
With international enrollment down sharply, especially in STEM fields, and potential students questioning the worth of mostly online education, how can graduate schools adapt and innovate? We talk to David Poole of the University of Miami College of Engineering and Jillian Baer of Liaison International about graduate admissions in 2020 and beyond.
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Jeff and Michael preview Jeff’s new book, Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, which goes on sale September 15. Jeff, who embedded in three different college admissions offices, pulls back the curtain on how admissions decisions get made and discusses how their choices are much more than just GPAs and test scores.
Please make sure to order your own copy of Jeff’s book today!
https://archive.org/download/episode-64-s-4-e-3/Episode%2064%20%28S4%2C%20E3%29.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Higher education is now facing another fall of remote learning, just months after many colleges and universities had announced they’d be coming back to campus. Jeff and Michael talk to the president and CFO at one of the first institutions that decided to reverse course, Dickinson College. They also catch up with the College Crisis Initiative at Davidson College.
https://archive.org/download/episode-63-s-4-e-2/Episode%2063%20%28S4%2C%20E2%29.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Is summer over already? Higher ed didn’t have much of a summer break this year, and Michael and Jeff begin the fourth season of FutureU by reviewing the big headlines and talk about the trends that will shape the coming academic year — as well as a preview of Jeff’s new book that will be released in September.
https://archive.org/download/episode-62-s-4-e-1/Episode%2062%20%28S4%2C%20E1%29.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
When Michael and Jeff began season three of the podcast last August, few could have imagined the disruptions to higher ed and the country by the time this season comes to a close. In the last episode before the regular summer hiatus, Michael and Jeff look back on their favorite episodes and ahead on the issues that will shape the coming months.
https://archive.org/download/ep-61-final/Ep%2061%20-%20Final.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Martin Van Der Werf from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce joins the podcast to discuss the center’s attempts to rank colleges and universities on the return on investment of their degrees.
https://archive.org/download/episode-60-final/Episode%2060%20Final.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
As colleges and universities announce their plans for getting students back on campus, Michael and Jeff talk with Farnam Jahanian, president of Carnegie Mellon University and Lenore Rodicio, provost at Miami Dade College about their approaches to returning this fall.
https://archive.org/download/episode-59_202006/Episode%2059.mp3
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John Katzman, founder and CEO of Noodle Partners, and Ben Nelson, founder and CEO of the Minerva Project, join Jeff and Michael to talk about how COVID-19 might transform higher education in the longer – and what institutions should be doing in response.
https://archive.org/download/episode-58/Episode%2058.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Fernando Bleichmar from Cengage joins Michael and Jeff to talk about three waves of the higher ed response to Covid-19, what’s worked and not worked on campuses, and the results of a new survey of faculty and institutions the company conducted with the Online Learning Consortium, UPCEA, and other organizations.
This episode of Future U is brought to you by Cengage.
https://archive.org/download/episode-57/Episode%2057.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
What happens to enrollment and revenue for colleges and universities in the next few months amidst a recession and COVID-19 shuttering physical campuses remains uncertain. Deloitte’s Pete Fritz joined Jeff and Michael to talk through how universities should plan and what’s likely to happen.
This episode of Future U is brought to you by Deloitte’s Center for Higher Education Excellence.
https://archive.org/download/episode-56/Episode%2056.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Carol Quillen, president of Davidson College, is the guest with Michael and Jeff to talk about how to build community with students spread out and maintain a college’s vision and mission in the midst of crisis management.
https://archive.org/download/episode55_202004/Episode%2055.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Deloitte’s Scott Friedman and Tim Hurley join Jeff and Michael to talk about what the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be on university finances and how institutions can plan their cash flow in the rocky months ahead.
This episode of Future U is brought to you by Deloitte’s Center for Higher Education Excellence.
https://archive.org/download/episode54_202004/Episode%2054.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
The co-chair of Northeastern’s COVID-19 task force, Mike Armini, joins Michael and Jeff to discuss what’s next for university planning after most institutions have sent their residential students home and shifted to remote learning for the rest of the spring semester.
https://archive.org/download/episode53_202003/Episode%2053.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Angel B. Pérez, vice president for enrollment and student success at Trinity College, in Hartford, joins Jeff and guest co-host Karin Fischer to discuss his efforts to bring socioeconomic diversity to a liberal arts college and the tradeoffs admissions deans need to make to fulfill institutional priorities.
https://archive.org/download/episode52_202003/Episode%2052.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
A provost at a regional public university and a faculty member at a private college join Michael and Jeff to talk about what it’s really like to turn a residential campus into a virtual one almost overnight.
https://archive.org/download/episode51coronavirus2/Episode%2051%20Coronavirus%202.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Scott Cowen, who led Tulane University in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, joined Michael and Jeff to talk about how to manage a campus through an interrupted semester.
https://archive.org/download/episode50coronavirus1/Episode%2050%20Coronavirus%201.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Mary Marcy, the president of Dominican University of California joins Jeff and Michael to talk about her new book The Small College Imperative, and how such institutions can innovate. She also shares lessons from her own innovations, including a partnership with a coding school.
https://archive.org/download/episode49_202003/Episode%2049.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Jeff sits down with reporters Goldie Blumenstyk of the Chronicle of Higher Education, Open Campus’s Sara Hebel, and Paul Fain of Inside Higher Ed to discuss this year’s biggest stories and most interesting trends in higher education.
https://archive.org/download/episode48_202002/Episode%2048.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Louisiana’s Commissioner of Higher Education, Kim Hunter Reed, join Jeff and guest co-host Paul Fain to talk about the state’s new master plan for higher ed, which sets an ambitious goal for doubling the number of credentials produced annually.
https://archive.org/download/episode47_202002/Episode%2047.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Edmit cofounders Sabrina Manville and Nick Ducoff join Michael and Jeff to talk about the controversy behind their projections of the financial collapse of certain colleges and universities–and how their efforts are intended to help families make better financial decisions around college.
https://archive.org/download/episode46_202001/Episode%2046.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Michael and Jeff take a look back at last year’s biggest higher ed stories and share and react to listeners’ predictions for 2020.
https://archive.org/download/episode45newyear2020/Episode%2045%20-%20New%20Year%202020.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
As Future U takes a brief break in December, Michael previews what’s coming up on the podcast in 2020.
https://archive.org/download/decemberupdate/December%20Update.mp3
Marcia Ballinger, the president of Lorain County (Ohio) Community College, talks to Jeff and Michael about some of the approaches she’s implemented that have resulted in boosting student success, including guided pathways and CUNY ASAP.
https://archive.org/download/episode44marciaballinger/Episode%2044%20-%20Marcia%20Ballinger.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Joe May, the chancellor of the Dallas County (Texas) Community College District, joins Jeff and Michael to talk about how his institutions discovered the barriers to student success, what they’re doing to help students overcome them, and the importance of upskilling local residents who feel left behind in the new economy.
https://archive.org/download/episode43joemay/Episode%2043%20-%20Joe%20May.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Michael and Jeff sat down with Beth Akers, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and the co-author of “Game of Loans: The Rhetoric and Reality of Student Debt.” Among the student debt issues she discusses, she explains why she thinks student loan forgiveness is a “pie in the sky idea.”
https://archive.org/download/episode42bethakers/Episode%2042%20-%20Beth%20Akers.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Purdue University President Mitch Daniels talks to Jeff and Michael about the innovations he’s brought to Purdue since arriving there in 2013. The former Indiana governor also talked about what he’s learned on his journey from elected official to college administrator.
https://archive.org/download/episode41mitchdaniels/Episode%2041%20-%20Mitch%20Daniels.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Jeff puts Michael on the hot seat along with his coauthor of Choosing College, Bob Moesta, for this episode as he grills them about their new book (click to purchase Choosing College). They explore why students choose the school they do and what that means for designing better educational experiences, whether more data would help students make better choices, and how choosing a college is kind of like buying a mattress.
https://archive.org/download/episode40hornmoesta/Episode%2040%20-%20Horn%20Moesta.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Season 3 of Future U kicks off with Jeff and Michael catching up on what happened over the summer in higher ed as well as what’s new in their lives, including an update on their books.
https://archive.org/download/season3debutfullep/Season%203%20debut%20Full%20Ep.mp3
Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.
Michael and Jeff wrap up Season 2 of Future U by answering some of our listener questions.
https://archive.org/download/FutureUMailbag/Last%20Ep%20Full%20ep.mp3
MIT professor Anant Agarwal, the founder and CEO of edX, a non-profit online learning destination, talks with Michael and Jeff about the evolution and impact of edX and how it competes with the growing for-profit online education industry.
https://archive.org/download/AgarwalFullEp/Agarwal%20Full%20Ep.mp3
Katie Lynch-Holmes, Principal Strategic Consultant at Ellucian sat down with Michael and Jeff to unpack the results of a recent study Ellucian conducted that explored how much value college students and hiring managers place on degrees relative to credentials.
https://archive.org/download/EllucianFullEp/Ellucian%20full%20ep.mp3
Rachel Fishman, a financial aid policy expert at New America, sat down with Michael and Jeff to discuss her research into the transparency problems and inconsistencies with financial aid letters.
https://archive.org/download/FishmanFullEp/Fishman%20full%20ep.mp3
In a round of lightning interviews in front of a studio audience at the annual ASU-GSV summit, Michael and guest co-host Goldie Blumenstyk of the Chronicle for Higher Education dig in with two of the hottest young companies in education and training, the president who helped turn a struggling university around, and the longest-tenured member of the Gates Foundation’s postsecondary success team.
Show note: Here’s a link to the story in the Chronicle that was referenced in this episode.
https://archive.org/download/ASUGSVEp2/ASU-GSV%20Ep2.mp3
In a round of lightning interviews in front of a studio audience at the annual ASU-GSV summit, Michael and Jeff talk with the architects of the biggest deal announced at the conference as well as with leading CEOs and entrepreneurs about the future of traditional colleges and workplace learning.
https://archive.org/download/ASUGSVEp1/ASU-GSV%20Ep1.mp3
Harvard University associate professor of public policy Joshua Goodman sat down with Michael and Jeff to talk about his research into how taking the SAT more than once factors into college admissions and what inequities exist in standardized testing patterns.
https://archive.org/download/GoodmanFullEp/Goodman%20full%20ep.mp3
After a college admissions scandal rocked the world of higher education, Michael interviews Jeff to learn how it happened and what it means for the future of athletics, standardized tests, and admissions.
https://archive.org/download/ScandalFullEp/Scandal%20full%20ep.mp3
The president of American Council on Education Ted Mitchell joins Michael and Jeff to discuss his organization’s role in a future where colleges and universities may not have a monopoly on producing content but can lead on quality assurance. Mitchell, a former college president and undersecretary of education in the Obama administration, also talked about the differences in being an advocate for the government vs. higher ed and how to restore public trust in colleges and universities.
https://archive.org/download/TedMitchellFullEp/Ted%20Mitchell%20full%20ep.mp3
Michael and Jeff talk with Scott Pulsipher, president of Western Governors University, who discusses how high-quality education can be achieved at scale.
https://archive.org/download/PulsipherFullEp/Pulsipher%20full%20ep.mp3
Simmons University President Helen Drinan talked to Michael and Jeff about where small private colleges fit in the higher ed landscape and explained how her university bucked the trend of small schools that have failed.
https://archive.org/download/DrinanFullEp/Drinan%20full%20ep.mp3
Holden Thorp and Buck Goldstein, authors of the book “Our Higher Calling: Rebuilding the Partnership Between America and Its Colleges and Universities,” talk to Michael and Jeff about the tenuous relationship between higher education and the public, especially the lack of clarity of what roles students, faculty, administrators and government officials should have in that relationship.
https://archive.org/download/BuckGoldsteinAndHoldenThorpFullEp/Buck%20Goldstein%20and%20Holden%20Thorp%20full%20ep.mp3
Gov. Kate Brown, D-Ore., joins Michael and guest co-host Paul Freedman and discusses some of the major issues facing higher education including access and affordability, the future of online learning and the growth of apprenticeships.
https://archive.org/download/GovBrownFullEp_201901/GovbrownFullEp.mp3
Trilogy Education Services CEO and Founder Dan Sommer talks with Jeff and Michael about the growing number of partnerships between colleges and for-profit companies like Trilogy that offer skills-based education bootcamps.
https://archive.org/download/DanSommerFullEp/Dan%20Sommer%20full%20ep.mp3
The Atlantic’s Adam Harris joins Michael and Jeff to talk about the affirmative action lawsuit against Harvard and other stories making headlines in higher ed.
https://archive.org/download/AdamHarrisFullEp/Adam%20Harris%20full%20ep.mp3
Michelle Weise, the Chief Innovation Officer & SVP, Workforce Strategies at Strada Education Network, talks to Michael and Jeff about the future of work and what it means for higher education.
https://archive.org/download/MichelleWeiseFullEp/Michelle%20Weise%20full%20ep.mp3
Jason Delisle, a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, talks to Michael about the student loan default process, how high default rates are affecting colleges and universities, and how the federal government may deal with the issue in the future.
https://archive.org/download/JasonDelisleFullEp/Jason%20Delisle%20full%20ep.mp3
McKinsey Global Institute partner Susan Lund talks with Michael about what’s on the horizon for the workforce and the economy and how it will affect the future of higher education.
https://archive.org/download/SusanLundFullEp/Susan%20Lund%20full%20ep.mp3
Michael and Jeff talk to 2U CEO and Co-Founder Chip Paucek about his company’s efforts to deliver digital higher education at scale as well as the overall future of online higher ed.
https://archive.org/download/ChipPaucekFullEp/Chip%20Paucek%20full%20ep.mp3
After a summer hiatus, Michael and Jeff preview Season 2 of Future U and give an update on what they’ve been up to during their break, including a sneak preview of their upcoming books.
https://archive.org/download/Episode19_20180924/Episode%2019.mp3
Gallup’s Brandon Busteed chats with Jeff and Michael about what Americans think about their colleges and about how relevant their higher ed experiences are to them now.
https://archive.org/download/Episode18_20180617/Episode%2018.mp3
Pat McGuire, president of Trinity Washington University, talks to Jeff and Michael about what changes and innovations she’s implemented during her three decades in charge to keep Trinity competitive.
https://archive.org/download/Episode17_201806/Episode%2017.mp3
Randy Bass, the Vice Provost for Education at Georgetown University, tells Jeff and Michael how his school has introduced structural changes to introduce innovation at an elite institution and offer its students more flexibility.
https://archive.org/download/Episode16_20180605/Episode%2016.mp3
Lumina Foundation President and CEO Jamie Merisotis talks with Jeff and Michael about his organization’s goal to help higher ed institutions develop students to be better prepared to contribute to the future workforce.
https://archive.org/download/Episode15_201805/Episode%2015.mp3
Long-time higher ed entrepreneur Paul Freedman talks to Jeff and Michael about his newest venture, Entangled, and how he hopes to help solve the challenges facing colleges and universities.
https://archive.org/download/Episode14_201805/Episode%2014.mp3
Jeff and Michael talk to Hunt Lambert, dean of Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education and University Extension, about the imperative for lifelong learning and how Harvard maintains rigorous education quality while offering open enrollment.
https://archive.org/download/Episode13_201805/Episode%2013.mp3
Jeff and Michael sat down with Bridget Burns, the executive director of the University Innovation Alliance, who discussed how collaboration between higher ed institutions has helped solve some problems facing colleges and universities.
https://archive.org/download/Episode12_201805/Episode%2012.mp3
Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell talks to Jeff and Michael about how he turned around the school, which was in a financial crisis and facing a potential loss of accreditation, and transformed it into a “new urban college.”
https://archive.org/download/Episode11_201804/Episode%2011.mp3
Arizona State University President Michael Crow discusses the waves of innovation throughout the history of higher ed and how it impacts what’s next on campuses. Plus, he talks about what he’s reading right now.
https://archive.org/download/Episode10_201804/Episode%2010.mp3
Deborah Quazzo, the Founder and Managing Partner, GSV Acceleration Fund and the Co-Founder of the annual ASU+GSV Summit joined Jeff and Michael at this week’s summit in San Diego to talk about the evolution of private capital in higher ed and how the future of education blends work and learning.
https://archive.org/download/Episode9_201804/Episode9.mp3
University of California at Merced sociology professor Laura Hamilton, author of “Parenting to a Degree,” joins Michael and Jeff to discuss student success and the role of parents on campus.
https://archive.org/download/Episode8_201804/Episode%208.mp3
CUNY Professor Cathy Davidson chats with Jeff and Michael about her new book, “The New Education,” and discusses why she thinks innovation in higher education isn’t happening fast enough.
https://archive.org/download/Episode7_201804/Episode%207.mp3
West Virginia University President Gordon Gee joins Jeff and Michael. He reveals what he thinks is the number one issue facing colleges and universities and also previews his upcoming book on land-grant universities.
https://archive.org/download/Episode6_20180326/Episode6a.mp3
Doug Lederman, Editor of Inside Higher Ed, sat down with Jeff and Michael to discuss big changes in the for-profit college industry as well as turmoil in the non-profit college arena.
https://archive.org/download/Episode5_20180319/Episode%205.mp3
This week, Jeff and Michael chat about some of the hot topics in higher education. Also, Northeastern University President Joseph Aoun sits down with Jeff to discuss how colleges and universities need to respond to better prepare students for the future of work.
https://archive.org/download/Episode4_20180312/Episode%204.mp3
Goldie Blumenstyk, senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education, chats with Jeff and Michael about the market for adult students and why they are so poorly served.
https://archive.org/download/Episode3_201803/Episode%203.mp3
Carleton College economics professor Nathan Grawe, author of “Demographics and the Demand for Higher Education,” talks to Jeff and Michael about how higher ed leaders are dealing with the constantly changing demographics of college applicants.
https://archive.org/download/Episode2_201803/Episode%202.mp3
Get to know Jeff and Michael, the hosts of Future U and how they became experts on higher education.
https://archive.org/download/Episode1_20180228/Episode%201.mp3
Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn introduce themselves and discuss what’s on tap for their new podcast, Future U.
https://archive.org/download/Episode0_20180227/Episode%200.mp3