An Educated Guest: Recent Episodes
Wiley - Todd Zipper
An Educated Guest, a podcast that brings together great minds in higher ed to delve deeper into the innovations and trends guiding the future of education, hosted by the EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, Todd Zipper.
What happens when our modern schooling system reaches its logical conclusion—one optimized for a thin slice of intellectual testing that the computer in our pocket can now ace in seconds? In this episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Abby Falik, the founder of Global Citizen Year and the creator of the flight school, an innovative global community without a physical campus designed to provide an education higher than higher ed. Abby shares how her early experiences as a Backroads trip guide and her two decades of dedicated Vipassana meditation practice converged to form a living laboratory aimed at moving learning entirely beyond traditional schooling.
The conversation dives deep into the concept of human agency, exploring how the hyper-distractions of 2026 threaten our innate ability to choose our responses to the world around us. Abby explains why the flight school completely upends the classic "gap year" narrative, choosing instead to view this transitional life stage as a structured "launch year." By guiding ambitious young seekers from dozens of countries through specialized modules on rethinking success, time, attention, and money, the program serves as a secure base for daring global explorations that reshape identity from the inside out.
Ultimately, Todd and Abby unpack the exhilarating inflection point currently facing higher education as the traditional credential economy faces unprecedented disruption. Moving past rigid metrics and AP-course arms races, they discuss what it truly means to build learning pathways centered around the "immeasurables"—qualities like equanimity, attention, and vitality. Whether you are an institutional leader looking to navigate the era of AI, a parent trying to foster resilience in your children, or a seeker trying to align your livelihood with genuine aliveness, this episode serves as a beautiful invitation to make the leap from fear to freedom.
What happens when an entrepreneur builds a business not out of a tech epiphany, but simply to survive? In this episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Tal Frankfurt, Founder and CEO of Cloud for Good, to trace the company's remarkable evolution from a one-bedroom apartment to a premier Salesforce implementation partner spanning three continents. Tal shares his candid journey from managing giant, un-scalable spreadsheets for a small youth nonprofit to building an organization that now powers the data infrastructure for 75% of R1 higher education institutions and massive humanitarian networks like Feeding America.
The heart of the conversation dives into how Cloud for Good is actively solving the tech industry's "experience gap" through its pioneering Talent for Good apprenticeship program. Strikingly more selective than elite universities, the program completely upends the classic tuition-heavy coding bootcamp model by paying career-changing individuals from day one to learn, get certified, and deploy directly into high-impact client systems. Tal discusses the incredible social impact of this pipeline—which brings massive demographic diversity into tech—without ever compromising on the rigorous quality demands of the modern enterprise workforce.
Beyond workforce development, Todd and Tal unpack what it truly takes to scale a healthy company culture in a fully remote environment. From the dangers of "mistake hoarding" to the strategic shift toward becoming an IP-backed services company in the age of AI commodity, this episode is a masterclass in operational intentionality. Whether you are an educational leader navigating digital transformation, an entrepreneur scaling a remote team, or a professional looking to understand how AI will genuinely multiply human capability rather than replace it, this conversation offers invaluable, real-world blueprints.
What happens when a high school student decides to skip his Harvard admission to launch a healthcare technology company? You get the four-decade entrepreneurial odyssey of Doug Becker, the founder and CEO of Cintana Education. In this episode of An Educated Guest, we sit down with Doug to deconstruct his legendary career building, running, and investing in some of the largest educational ecosystems on the planet.
We trace Doug's journey from his early days co-founding Sterling Partners to taking the reins of Sylvan Learning Systems, where he scaled K-12 supplemental tutoring across North America. Doug shares the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of Sylvan Prometric—pioneering the global infrastructure for modern computer-based testing—and how that international footprint laid the groundwork for Laureate Education, a global university network that scaled to over one million students. We also dive into his historic move to embed a public good mandate into a publicly traded company by turning Laureate into the world's largest Certified B Corp.
Finally, Doug gives us an inside look at the architecture of his latest venture, Cintana Education. Operating in an asset-light, alliance-based model alongside Arizona State University and Dr. Michael Crow, Cintana is rapidly expanding high-quality higher education across 30 countries without the need to buy or build physical campuses. Whether you are an educator, a builder, or an investor, this episode offers a masterclass in the realities of balancing academic quality with massive global scale.
What if the future of American education didn’t involve multi-million dollar buildings, century-old factory models, or teaching to the "mythical center" of a 30-student classroom? In this episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Don Soifer, co-founder and CEO of the National Microschooling Center, to pull back the curtain on the fastest-growing narrative in K-12 education. From an accidental public-private partnership during the pandemic to a national movement spanning over a million and a half children, Soifer breaks down what microschools actually look like and why they are exploding in popularity across red, blue, and purple states alike.
We dive deep into the unique economics and demographics of the modern microschool. Operating at a fraction of the cost of traditional public schooling—averaging $8,000 per child compared to upwards of $20,000—microschools are challenging long-held assumptions about educational productivity. Far from a playground for the privileged, data reveals a beautifully diversified landscape where 40% of pre-launch founders are Black or African American, and the vast majority of schools are intentionally designed to serve neurodivergent children, students with special needs, and those lagging behind state grade levels.
Finally, Soifer explains how these nimble learning environments are preparing kids for the modern gig economy. By utilizing mastery transcripts, project-based learning, and cutting-edge AI tools, microschools are turning passive students into active learners. Tune in to discover the bureaucratic hurdles these micro-innovators face—from archaic fire codes to zoning laws—and why the micro-schooling movement might just be the most sustainable disruption to American education in a generation.
What happens when the traditional promises of higher education, standardized testing, and steady middle-class milestones no longer align with reality? In this episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with acclaimed author and journalist Anya Kamenetz for a wide-ranging conversation on high-stakes tests, debt, generational justice, screen-time, and more.
The conversation begins with a fifteen-year retrospective on Anya’s landmark book, DIY U, exploring how the concept of "unbundling" higher education has evolved in an age dominated by mobile technology and alternative credentials. Together, Todd and Anya tackle the structural flaws of high-stakes testing in K-12 public schools, the long-tail impacts of the pandemic on student mental health, and why a "learning recession" has persisted despite decades of standardized metric optimization.
Finally, Anya shares insights from her latest efforts regarding youth climate anxiety, outlining her guiding philosophy of "generational justice"—the fundamental responsibility we hold to leave a better, more stable world for those who come after us. Whether you are a parent navigating screen time limits, an edtech innovator, or an observer of cultural trends, this episode offers a profound look at how we can rebuild human flourishing into the DNA of modern education.
For decades, colleges and universities have treated the financial aid office as a dense, back-office administrative function—a labyrinth of tax-code-like regulations to be managed out of sight. But as higher education faces a stark demographic cliff and intense competition for shrinking student cohorts, this legacy mindset is proving fatal. In this episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Robert Heil, CEO of Financial Aid Services (FAS), to discuss why financial aid is actually the chief influencer of student yield and freshman retention.
Robert breaks down the hidden risks threatening institutional survival today, highlighting a critical staffing crisis where more than half of all financial aid offices across the United States are operating at 75% capacity or less. He shares sobering data from the field, noting that under-resourced schools that fell out of Title IV compliance in 2025 faced an average of $750,000 in fines, fees, and penalties. Beyond compliance, Robert reveals the exact statistical timeline of student behavior, explaining why delaying a financial aid package past a two-week window drastically slashes a university's enrollment success.
The conversation also goes macro, tackling the incoming July 1st aggregate loan limits for graduate programs and the potential of Workforce Pell to fund short-term job readiness. Finally, Robert shares his "Secretary of Education" wish list, explaining how dismantling the 120-year-old Carnegie unit framework could finally spark a wave of modern, affordable, competency-based innovation across higher education. Tune in to learn how forward-thinking institutions are leveraging financial aid as a service to drive net tuition revenue and secure operational stability.
When it comes to the path from education to financial security, the "golden ticket" narrative we grew up with is showing significant cracks. Today, students who work hard and play by the rules find themselves facing a steep experiential paradox: entry-level job listings frequently require multiple years of prior work history, yet securing a competitive, paid internship during college has become arguably more selective than gaining admission to an Ivy League university. This structural failure leaves massive pools of early career talent stranded, widening inequalities across the socioeconomic spectrum.
In this episode, we sit down with Jane Swift, CEO of Education at Work and former Governor of Massachusetts, to dissect the friction points spanning K-12, higher education, and the workforce. Drawing from her historical role in crafting Massachusetts' legendary 1993 Education Reform Act and her current appointment to the National Assessment Governing Board, Jane brings unmatched policy expertise to the table. We discuss why state education metrics were sliding long before the pandemic hit, the hidden societal headwinds impacting the adolescent brain, and why wealthy families find alternative academic safety valves while low-income and first-generation students are left behind.
Finally, we turn our attention toward actionable solutions for the future of work-based learning. Jane shares how Education at Work is successfully building an instructional workflow layer that partners with Fortune 500 giants to scale paid corporate roles for thousands of students. She also lays out a provocative blueprint for the future: reimagining rigid public funding models and forcing higher education institutions to leverage their massive institutional procurement power to mandate paid career opportunities for the very students they serve. Tune in for an honest, deeply experienced look at what it takes to rebuild the system from the ground up.
What does the future of the American workforce look like when you bypass the traditional four-year college track entirely? In this episode of An Educated Guest, we sit down with Kermit Cook, the CEO of Penn Foster, to explore how a distance-learning model founded in 1890 to train coal miners has evolved into a hyper-modern platform educating hundreds of thousands of middle-skill workers. Kermit shares his unique personal trajectory from management consulting and Teach for America to the helm of a massive EdTech ecosystem, explaining the passion for equitable career pathways that drives his work.
We dive deep into the booming market of online high schools. Kermit breaks down why an online diploma provides far more robust workforce pathways than a traditional GED, and how a student profile that is largely 37-year-old working women is leveraging asynchronous learning to achieve economic mobility. He pulls back the curtain on the real-world economics of their model, contrasting Penn Foster's $1,600 total tuition against the skyrocketing per-pupil costs of traditional public education.
Finally, we tackle the highly anticipated role of artificial intelligence in education. Kermit moves past the San Francisco tech hype to discuss practical, continuous-improvement pedagogy. He reveals how Penn Foster is using AI to analyze exactly where students get stuck in difficult courses, boosting completion rates from 20% to 70%, and how automated outreach allows their human coaches to step in exactly when a struggling adult learner needs a lifeline.
As the 2026 labor market faces an enrollment cliff and a massive influx of AI automation hollowing out traditional white-collar entry-level work, the "what is college for" debate has reached a fever pitch. Students are increasingly wary of high-debt, four-year degree conveyor belts that fail to guarantee day-one productivity. In this episode of An Educated Guest, we sit down with John Colborn, the co-founder of Apprenticeships for America, to explore how "learn-and-earn" models can reshape American workforce development.
John walks us through his career journey and unpacks the current state of apprenticeships, grading the bipartisan political efforts—including a look at how the Trump administration is performing on its milestone goal of reaching 1 million active apprentices. We break down the structural differences between the US market and European "powerhouses," exploring why the UK's policy levers might offer a more realistic blueprint for the US than the classic Swiss or German models. From the role of trusted intermediaries to implementing a systematic "pay-for-apprenticeship" funding mechanism, John shares the major solutions needed to scale the system.
Finally, we look at the strategic intersection of higher education and the workforce. John explains how colleges and universities can embrace apprenticeship degrees as a risk-mitigation tool against declining enrollments, and how small-to-medium enterprises can band together to leverage these programs. Tune in to discover the 10-year best-case scenario for the learn-and-earn movement and find out why the ultimate career path of the future might just start with a job, not a degree.
What happens when a tenured professor realizes that the very system she serves is "irreparably broken"? In this episode, Todd Zipper sits down with Dr. Maria Murray, the force behind The Reading League, to discuss the staggering reality of American literacy. Despite massive financial investment in our K-12 systems, only three out of ten students read at grade level—a statistic Murray argues is the "biggest public health issue" in our country. She shares her journey from the "science closet" of academia to launching a national movement that empowers teachers with the tools they were never given in their initial preparation.
We dive deep into the "Science of Reading," a term often misunderstood as a mere return to phonics. Murray clarifies that this body of knowledge is an interdisciplinary "ology" that explains how the brain develops, why students struggle, and how to effectively remediate reading difficulties. We discuss the "Mississippi Miracle" and the power of explicit, systematic instruction that moves beyond "child-centered" theories to proven, causal claims that deliver superior outcomes for almost all students.
Finally, the conversation turns to the systemic hurdles preventing this knowledge from becoming ubiquitous. From the lack of market signals in schools of education to the pushback from unions and the "myth" of learning styles, Murray pulls no punches on what it will take to reach the 90% success rate that the data proves is possible. Whether you are an educator, a parent of a child with dyslexia, or a policymaker, this episode offers a compelling roadmap for how we can finally fulfill the moral imperative of ensuring every child has the human right to read.
Is the "Iron Triangle" of higher education—cost, quality, and access—officially under siege? In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper sits down with Nick Dirks, President of the New York Academy of Sciences and former Chancellor of UC Berkeley, to discuss the existential challenges facing modern universities and the scientific community.
The conversation explores the "Experience Paradox" within the ivory tower. Nick reflects on his transition from a researcher in rural India to managing a $650 million faculty budget at Columbia, noting the systemic failure of the "mini-PhD" model that often prioritizes institutional prestige over student outcomes. They dive into why 50% of graduates are currently underemployed and how diversifying pathways—including the "California model" of community college transfers—could be the key to restoring the American degree's ROI.
They also tackle the massive disruption of AI in Science. While AI is accelerating breakthroughs in drug discovery and data processing, Nick warns of a looming crisis in peer review and scientific integrity. From the creation of the International Science Reserve to the political pressures of leading a public flagship university, this episode offers a rare, high-level view of the forces reshaping how we learn and how we discover.
Is the $1.8 trillion student debt crisis a symptom of a broken "Iron Triangle" in higher education? In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper sits down with Daniel Pianko, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Achieve Partners, to dissect why 50% of college graduates are currently underemployed and how the "Learn and Earn" model is disrupting the status quo.
The conversation dives deep into the "Experience Paradox," a systemic failure where a majority of entry-level job descriptions require years of experience that recent graduates simply do not have. Drawing on his career—from Goldman Sachs to founding University Ventures—Pianko explains how Achieve Partners is addressing this head-on. He discusses their recently raised $450 million fund designed to acquire service businesses and integrate high-value training programs, effectively marrying the educational process directly to the needs of the employer.
We also tackle the friction within Prior Learning Assessment. Pianko highlights the frustrating reality that military veterans, such as battlefield medical corpsmen, often receive zero credit toward nursing school for their elite experience. We discuss the urgent need to fix these pathways and create a more fluid system for credit transfer that respects real-world expertise.
Finally, we explore:
- AI as a high-powered research tool: Moving the conversation past "cheating" and toward professional utility.
- The radical shift in funding: The idea of moving federal support from academic infrastructure toward tangible, job-based outcomes.
- The search for "Purple Squirrels": Identifying high-aptitude talent currently working in retail or service roles and providing the missing link to the corporate world.
This episode provides a blueprint for a more functional relationship between learning and earning, offering a roadmap for students, educators, and employers looking to restore the ROI of the American degree.
The Forest is the Classroom: How Terris King II is Revolutionizing Early Education
Can the future of education be found in the woods? In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper sits down with Terris King II, founder of Temple X Schools, to explore how nature-based micro-schools are transforming urban education.
Terris shares his journey from teaching at the world-renowned Shanghai American School to developing "Forest Schools" in Baltimore that serve hundreds of children. We dive into his "Sacred Trinity" model—a partnership between public schools, churches, and forest systems—and discuss why he believes "Participatory Science" is the key to proving the academic rigor of outdoor learning. Plus, Terris discusses the urgent need for a "Digital Bill of Rights" to protect students in an increasingly screen-addicted world.
Is your degree program past its "sell-by date"?
In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper sits down with Norm Allgood, Dean and CEO of the Lyonova Institute at Saint Leo University, for a candid look at the "mechanical truths" of higher education. After years of building Synergis Education and advising over 75 institutions, Norm is sounding the alarm: higher education is sleepwalking toward a cliff.
Norm breaks down the framework from his latest book, 10 Pillars of AI Enablement, explaining how universities can move beyond "detecting" AI to leveraging it as a force multiplier for student success. We dive into "Operation Relaunch" at Saint Leo, the urgent need to close the "experience gap" for graduates, and why the 1906 architecture of the Carnegie Unit is the biggest barrier to innovation in Title IV funding today.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why "Super Catholics" and mission-aligned work brought Norm back to the institutional side.
- The difference between AI implementation and AI enablement.
- The rise of "Category Killers": How non-Title IV providers are out-pacing traditional degrees in ROI.
- Why the 18-to-24-month window for AI adoption is the make-or-break moment for "laggard" institutions.
Getting into college is a massive achievement—but for first-generation students, graduating is often just the beginning of a new struggle. Why are so many talented graduates stuck in "underemployment" traps?
In this episode, Todd Zipper sits down with Sheila Sarem, Co-Founder and CEO of Basta. Sheila shares her journey from the front lines of hiring at DC Public Schools and KIPP to launching a nonprofit that bridges the "Last Mile" between college completion and career launch.
We discuss:
- The systemic "signaling" problems that keep recruiters from finding first-gen talent.
- How the Seekr Survey provides a roadmap for career readiness.
- The "Experience Paradox": How to land an entry-level job when you don't have a traditional internship.
- Basta's recent expansion into the Carolinas and Philadelphia.
- What university presidents should be measuring beyond graduation rates.
Whether you are an educator, a hiring manager, or a student of the labor market, this conversation offers a data-driven look at how we can finally fulfill the promise of higher education for everyone.
In this episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Rob Holmes, co-founder of ForgeNow, to discuss the revolutionary "Micro-College" model. As traditional higher education faces a crisis of cost and duration, ForgeNow is providing a high-speed, high-ROI alternative by training students in the essential trades—HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Facilities Maintenance—in just eight weeks.
Rob shares the "red thread" behind ForgeNow’s mission: providing a pathway to a middle-class life without the burden of soul-crushing debt. We explore the specific success they’ve had with the veteran community through the DoD SkillBridge program, the importance of "Workforce Pell" in modernizing federal aid, and why the trades are no longer just a "Plan B," but a primary path to a fulfilling career. Whether you’re an edtech innovator or a policy seeker, this conversation offers a blueprint for how we can better align education with the immediate needs of the workforce.
On this episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Mark Milliron, President of National University, to explore how higher education can better serve the majority of today's learners: non-traditional, working, and military students. Mark breaks down National University's unique 54-year history and its innovative four-week course model designed to reduce cognitive load for busy adults.
The conversation dives deep into the true value of a degree, defining it through the three buckets of credentials, connections, and experiences. Mark also shares his "possibilist" view on artificial intelligence, explaining why AI should be viewed as a tool for "collective intelligence" rather than a threat of cognitive offloading. Finally, they discuss the critical need to expand employer tuition assistance to fuel a new era of learn-and-earn pathways.
Are we handing the keys of AI to a generation of "passengers"? In this episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper talks with Rebecca Winthrop, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of The Disengaged Teen.
Rebecca shares her journey from refugee camps to the halls of Brookings, explaining why she believes the current risks of generative AI for K-12 learners outweigh the benefits—unless we change the way we teach. We dive into her "Four Learning Modes" framework to understand the spike in teenage disengagement and discuss the chilling reality of a workforce where "AI agents" are increasingly preferred over entry-level human hires.
From the "Experience Paradox" to the "Cognitive Offboarding" trap, Rebecca provides a roadmap for parents and educators to help students move from being passive recipients of information to intrinsically motivated "Explorers" who can partner with AI rather than be replaced by it.
What happens when you apply the principles of design thinking to the Ivy League career journey? In this episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper talks with Joe Catrino, the Executive Director of the Dartmouth Center for Career Design.
Joe shares his "circuitous" journey from first-gen history major to ESPN and Yale admissions, eventually finding his calling in "Life Design"—a methodology pioneered at Stanford that encourages students to prototype their way through college. We dive deep into Dartmouth’s landmark $30 million internship endowment, which provides students with grants up to $6,500 to pursue unpaid roles in government, non-profits, and startups.
Beyond the funding, we discuss the "Entry-Level Paradox" and how Joe’s office is leveraging digital tools to help students visualize non-linear career paths from philosophy majors to tech leaders. Whether you are a parent worried about the 2026 job market or a higher ed leader looking to scale student outcomes, this episode provides a masterclass in modern career design.
Can the emotional power of a blockbuster movie actually help a student master organic chemistry? In this episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper talks with Josh Reibel, CEO of Dreamscape Learn, about the radical redesign of the learning experience.
Josh shares his "circuitous" 35-year journey from being a high school teacher in the late 80s to serving as the CEO of Amplify Learning and eventually partnering with Michael Crow and Walter Parkes to lead Dreamscape Learn. We dive into the "Alien Zoo"—the flagship VR curriculum where students become field biologists in a cinematic intergalactic sanctuary—and discuss why emotional engagement is the key to student persistence.
Beyond the headsets, Josh explains the logistics of the "Immersive Classroom" and how VR can serve as a "departure hub" for students regardless of their geography or socio-economic background. Whether you are a college president worried about the enrollment cliff or an educator looking for the next frontier of student engagement, this conversation provides a blueprint for the future of the 21st-century classroom.
Is a liberal arts degree actually the secret weapon in the age of AI?
On this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper sits down with Dr. David Watts, the Director of the Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Colby College. David recently made headlines by leaving a top executive role at IBM to lead this initiative at a small liberal arts college.
They discuss why the future of the workforce demands more than just technical skills and why "interdisciplinary" thinking is the new currency. David opens up about the challenge of "cognitive offboarding"—the risk that students might outsource their critical thinking to algorithms—and how higher education must pivot to prevent it.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why "entry-level" jobs are disappearing (or at least, changing forever).
- How to teach AI ethics without it feeling like a "compliance checkbox."
- The surprising intersection of AI, philosophy, and the arts.
- How faculty are moving from grading "outputs" to grading "process."
To learn more about the Davis Institute, visit the Colby College website.
Why does a bachelor’s degree take four years? Is it because that is how long it takes to learn, or is it just a historical accident?
On this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper sits down with Madeleine Green of the "College in 3 Exchange" to discuss the movement that is challenging the 120-credit hour monopoly. Madeleine explains how the four-year standard was originally created not for students, but for a faculty pension scheme, and why the time is right to redesign the undergraduate experience.
In this episode, we cover:
- The surprising history of the "Carnegie Unit" and seat-time requirements.
- How institutions are redesigning curricula to cut fluff without sacrificing quality.
- The financial and career benefits for students entering the workforce a year early.
- The regulatory hurdles at the state level that are slowing down innovation.
- Why "College in 3" is about rigorous design, not just speed.
To learn more about the institutions involved, visit the College in 3 Exchange website.
How does a university reach 180,000 students while maintaining a billion-dollar research engine and a "perpetual" culture of innovation? In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper sits down with Dr. Chris Howard, EVP and COO of Arizona State University, to explore the "Public Enterprise" model that is shaking the foundations of higher education.
Chris shares his remarkable journey from being a Rhodes Scholar and helicopter pilot to leading ASU’s operations alongside President Michael Crow. We dive into the "Crow Transformation," the crisis of belief in modern higher ed, and how ASU is using Hollywood-style storytelling through Dreamscape Learn to revolutionize the way students learn biology.
We also tackle the complex world of college athletics, the legacy of Pat Tillman, and why Chris believes that partnership—not just enrollment—is the key to a resilient workforce. Whether you're curious about the future of AI in the classroom or how military leadership translates to the boardroom, this conversation offers a masterclass in agency, service, and strategic growth.
Is the United States facing a new "Sputnik moment" in education? On this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper sits down with Jeff Riley, the leader of Day of AI, to discuss the urgent need for AI literacy in our schools.
Jeff, a veteran educator with over three decades of public service, argues that AI is no longer optional—it is the "Fourth R" of education, as fundamental as reading, writing, and arithmetic.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why the U.S. risks falling behind globally in AI literacy by 2029.
- The "Driver's Ed" analogy: Why we need to teach students how to drive the technology before giving them the keys.
- How AI can finally unlock true differentiation and personalization in the classroom.
- The dangerous "knowledge gap" between what kids are doing with AI companions and what parents actually know.
- Practical advice for parents and educators on navigating this rapid technological shift.
To learn more about the free curriculum and tools discussed, visit the Day of AI website.
What happens when you stop asking kids to sit in 45-minute "silos" and instead ask them to solve real-world problems for their community? In this episode, host Todd Zipper sits down with Jeremy Lugbill, CEO of the Career Academy Network of Public Schools (CANOPS) in Indiana, to discuss the radical redesign of the American high school.
Jeremy shares how his network achieved a staggering 98.48% graduation rate by focusing on "durable skills" like communication, critical thinking, and agency. We explore the Portage School of Leaders, where students operate without bells and engage in three-week interdisciplinary "immersions" to tackle local challenges. Jeremy also dives into the power of "blurring the lines" between K-12 and industry through their award-winning partnership with the Boys & Girls Club and their pioneering AI Career Pathway.
Whether it's student-run manufacturing businesses or earning stackable credentials in healthcare while still in high school, this conversation is a masterclass in how to move from "school type" debates to high-quality student outcomes.
It is an all-too-common story: a student graduates with a degree but is rejected from entry-level jobs because they lack "real-world experience." On this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper sits down with Dana Stephenson, co-founder of Riipen, to discuss how his company is dismantling this barrier.
Dana shares how Riipen connects universities with a global network of employers to embed real-world projects directly into the curriculum. Instead of theoretical case studies, students work on actual business challenges, allowing them to build a portfolio and professional network before they ever leave campus.
Key topics discussed:
- The Origin Story: How a student project at the University of Victoria turned into a global marketplace.
- The Ecosystem: Solving the "chicken and egg" problem for schools and companies.
- Equity in Access: How virtual, project-based learning opens doors for non-traditional students and those who can’t afford unpaid internships.
- The Future of Work: Why 61% of entry-level jobs now require 3+ years of experience and how higher ed can adapt.
Sabari Raja, Managing Partner at JFF Ventures, joins us to discuss her unique journey from founder (NEPRIS, now Pathful) to leading a pioneering venture fund focused on economic mobility. JFF Ventures operates at the intersection of philanthropy and venture scale, proving that investments focused on the middle and low-wage worker can achieve both high returns and massive social impact.
In this powerful conversation, Sabari breaks down the three main investment themes that target the worker's full journey, from skills access to career advancement. We dive into the most difficult areas of the market, including the challenge of investing in wrap-around support like childcare and credit access.
Sabari shares the questions every investor and founder should be asking about AI—is it taking away agency or expanding it? Finally, she reveals a surprising area of alignment for future capital: the $1 trillion investment needed to support the industrial backbone of the AI economy (power grids, data centers, and semiconductors).
Key Takeaways You Won't Want to Miss:
- Impact as an Enabler: Why JFF Ventures views strong outcomes (like reduced transfer credit loss via companies like Advisely) as a direct line to revenue and growth.
- The AI Agency Test: The fundamental question investors should ask to gauge a startup’s longevity: Does your AI give the worker more agency or less?
- The Industrial Investment Thesis: How JFF Ventures is aligning with the global infrastructure boom, targeting the massive labor shortage in energy and utilities.
- The Lived Experience: Why founders with a lived understanding of problems—like the transfer credit crisis or lack of social capital—are better positioned to build mission-driven, scalable solutions.
In this insightful episode, host Todd Zipper sits down with Jeanne Allen, Founder and CEO of the Center for Education Reform (CER). Jeanne walks us through her three decades of relentless advocacy, tracing the evolution of education reform from the dawn of the charter school movement to today's rapidly accelerating landscape of school choice.
They discuss the principles of the Yass Prize's STOP framework—finding providers who are Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless—and the monumental impact it has on scaling innovation. Jeanne unpacks the complexity of education funding, addressing criticisms of choice programs by revealing the opaque, century-old way government-run public education is funded. She also details the Parent Power Index, an initiative designed to hold state leaders accountable and truly empower parents with information on their education laws. Finally, they explore the critical need for civics education through the "Why America" initiative, the importance of foundational virtues and a moral compass in schooling, and the necessity of teacher autonomy as a means to increase student engagement and satisfaction.
Don't miss this conversation on how we can accelerate the pace of change, put students first, and ensure a better future for education in America.
Join us on Educated Guest as we sit down with Dr. Shaun McAlmont, a true visionary in the education sector. With an extraordinary career spanning three decades, Shaun has impacted every level of learning, from K-12 to higher education and workforce development.
In this episode, Shaun shares his journey, beginning with his early days advising students at Stanford and his core belief that every student holds untapped potential. We delve into:
- The Power of Vocational Training: Shaun's experience as CEO of Lincoln Tech, discussing the vital role of for-profit institutions in providing alternative career paths and gainful employment, even amidst tough regulatory challenges.
- K-12's Career Revolution: How he pioneered virtual Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Stride (formerly K-12 Inc.), bridging academic learning with real-world career preparation for high school students.
- Adult Learning & Cybersecurity: His innovative approach to behavior change in corporate cybersecurity training with NINJIO, leveraging storytelling and adaptive methods to address human vulnerabilities.
- Reimagining Higher Ed Efficiency: Shaun's latest work with CHESS (Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services), tackling the high costs and complexities of technology adoption in colleges through a shared service model.
Shaun's insights reveal a consistent thread: building systems that empower learners to set goals, find motivation, and achieve career success. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the future of education and how we can better prepare every individual for a fulfilling career.
The AI Agent Revolution: Mark Naufel on Why the $1.8T Higher Ed System Must Change Now
Mark Naufel is not just talking about the future of education; he’s building it. As the Founder of Axio Education and the President of the University of Silicon Valley, Mark has a unique, radical view of how Agentic AI is finally forcing higher education to innovate.
In this explosive conversation, Mark details his journey from running the "Skunk Works" lab at ASU to founding Axio, the AI-native operating system designed to dramatically increase learning quality while cutting costs.
Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:
- The Dystopian Classroom: Why the current "click-click-click" online learning model is unsustainable and how Axio’s Socratic AI replaces static content with active, conversational learning.
- Agentic Workflows: A masterclass on the difference between basic Generative AI and the Agentic AI systems that power the ability to create dynamic, relevant curricula in seconds.
- The Polymathic Mandate: Why Mark is re-chartering USV to fuse liberal arts and technical skills, ensuring graduates are prepared to be "entrepreneurs" and "great thinkers" rather than just entry-level coders.
- The Cost Correction: Mark’s bold prediction on why the student debt crisis will force costs down significantly, and how AI is the only way to deliver better quality for less money.
- Advice for the New CEO: Mark offers direct, high-level advice on scaling the company and maintaining a mission-driven, polymathic team culture.
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Karin Athanas, Executive Director of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Karin shares her strategic vision for the organization, focusing on how FCS professionals are uniquely positioned to empower individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. We dive deep into AAFCS's crucial advocacy efforts to ensure Family and Consumer Sciences is formally recognized as a core Career Cluster in education, equipping students with essential skills from personal finance and nutrition to human development. Learn about the value of AAFCS professional certifications, the new Collaborative Network fostering community, and the surprising, modern relevance of this foundational field. If you're passionate about life skills education, career pathways, and community well-being, you won't want to miss this conversation!
On today’s podcast, we are talking to Karin Athanas who is with AAFCS. Karin is the Executive Director of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), the premier professional association for the FCS field. She is a recognized nonprofit leader and an expert in standards and conformity assessment, bringing a scientific mind and strategic vision to the association. Since joining in 2023, Karin has focused on advancing the FCS mission to empower individuals, families, and communities through research, leadership, and service, and she is a strong advocate for establishing Family and Consumer Sciences as a key Career Cluster in national education frameworks.
In this insightful episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Katie Boody Adorno, Founder and CEO of LEANLAB Education. Katie shares her journey from the front lines of a middle school classroom to becoming a national voice for community-led innovation. She explains the genesis of LEANLAB, which was born from the frustrating realization that conventional reform efforts were failing to close the achievement and opportunity gaps for vulnerable student populations. The core of the conversation revolves around LEANLAB's signature co-creation model—the imperative of building EdTech solutions directly with students and teachers, rather than imposing them from the outside. Katie also provides a nuanced perspective on the AI revolution, discussing its immense potential for personalized learning and the critical need for constant accountability to ensure technology serves the mission of equity. This is a must-listen for investors, EdTech founders, and education leaders who want to build solutions that generate real, measurable impact.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- The Mission of Equity: Why finding educational breakthroughs must be done within the students' lifetimes.
- The Power of Co-Creation: How involving families, students, and educators in design leads to highly capable and impactful tools.
- The Role of the Teacher: Why teachers are the most important experts and must drive the innovation agenda.
- Leadership in a Changing World: Katie's philosophy on maintaining purpose, checking assumptions, and fostering a culture of constant learning in the face of rapid change.
About Our Guest:
Katie Boody Adorno is the Founder and CEO of LEANLAB Education, a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating educational innovation through community co-creation. She began her career as a middle school teacher in Kansas City and is a recognized thought leader on EdTech, equity, and student-centered design.
In this exclusive episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with John Baker, the visionary Founder and CEO of D2L. John shares the remarkable 25-year journey of D2L, tracing its evolution from a student startup into a publicly traded global learning platform. The conversation explores the massive industry shift from simply managing content to building a "true perpetual learning platform" that serves K-12, higher education, and corporate clients. John argues that AI is the critical enabler—the final piece of the puzzle that will solve chronic issues like lack of personalization and high student failure rates, making models like competency-based education easier to implement than ever before. He provides a fascinating look at SkillsWave, discussing why employers are demanding stackable micro-credentials and why the future of education is less about the traditional degree and more about building skills for "more caring, more impactful work." John also addresses the challenge of AI-enabled cheating and offers a bold prediction for how personalization will redefine quality education in the next decade.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- The Power of AI in the LMS: How D2L’s generative AI tool, LUMI, is already transforming the faculty workflow by automating assignment and quiz creation, freeing up time for human mentorship.
- Competency-Based Education (CBE): Why CBE, long seen as theoretical, is now poised for mainstream adoption, thanks to AI simplifying the difficult work of mapping skills and creating personalized pathways.
- The Global Advantage: Insights into how D2L achieved market leadership in countries like Singapore and Canada by obsessing over client problems and incorporating local innovations into its global product.
- Building Enduring Companies: John's advice on how a relentless focus on solving the client's biggest problem—and treating change as a constant—is the only sustainable strategy in EdTech.
About Our Guest:
John Baker is the Founder and CEO of D2L and the Executive Chairman of SkillsWave. He successfully led D2L through its IPO and remains a driving force in its strategic direction. He is recognized globally for his expertise in learning science, technology, and the future of work.
In this deeply personal and timely episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Shaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children. Shaka shares his compelling journey from the classroom and the courtroom into the heart of the school choice movement. He explains why his advocacy is driven by his core belief that education is the "surest way to access Whatever your version of the American dream is," and why the current system fails to deliver that promise for too many children.
The conversation delves into the necessity of educational choice as a policy matter, focusing on how parents are demanding better options for their children. Shaka offers a powerful, community-based perspective on why resources should follow the student and how choice can serve as the critical mechanism to access the right education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the moral and strategic imperative driving the school choice revolution today.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- The School Choice Imperative: Shaka's belief that a child's background should not determine the quality of their education.
- Policy and Practice: How Shaka’s legal and educational experience informs his work in shaping state-level policy.
- The Role of Parents: A discussion on the rising power of parents and their demand for better educational options.
- Finding the Right Fit: Why a one-size-fits-all model doesn't work, and how choice creates the opportunity for a better educational experience for every single child.
About Our Guest:
Shaka Mitchell is a Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children. A former educator and lawyer, Shaka has dedicated his career to driving educational reform and expanding opportunities for children in underserved communities.
In this powerful episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Michael Moe, Founder and CEO of GSV Ventures, to discuss the seismic shifts occurring across the entire learning ecosystem. Michael, who was a key figure in analyzing the first online education boom, shares his perspective on the current state of education, which he describes as a mix of "chaos and dynamic opportunity." The conversation moves from the historical rise and fall of institutions like the University of Phoenix to the present-day impact of AI. Michael makes a compelling case that AI will accelerate the need for continuous, lifelong learning and discusses his framework of the Seven C's—the foundational, durable skills required for success in the 21st-century workforce. He also offers an unvarnished view of the K-12 and Higher Education funding landscape, highlighting how the rise of school choice and the immense burden of student debt are creating both a crisis and a golden age for innovative education models. Michael concludes by offering his bullish take on why now is the ideal time to invest capital in the EdTech space.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- The Shift from Degree to Skills: Why the degree is no longer the sole ticket to prosperity, and how employers are moving to skills-based hiring.
- The Power of Invisible Learning: How gamification and new models will thread learning into our daily lives, making it continuous and engaging.
- School Choice and Accountability: Michael's belief that school choice, supported by 75% of Americans, is forcing necessary market accountability onto the entire K-12 system.
- The Investment Thesis: Why EdTech valuations are "dramatically too pessimistic" and why the industry's talent and opportunity have never been stronger.
- A Bold Prediction: Michael's long-term vision for American education to reclaim its status as the "best in the world," where "elite means excellence, not scarcity."
About Our Guest:
Michael Moe is the Founder and CEO of GSV Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on the multi-trillion-dollar education and future of work sectors. He is the co-founder of the ASU GSV Summit and is renowned for his expertise in analyzing disruptive, high-growth businesses.
In this fascinating episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Matthew Pittinsky, a true pioneer in education technology. Matt, the co-founder of Blackboard and former CEO of Parchment, shares his incredible journey from the dawn of the internet to the age of AI. He takes us back to 1997 to reveal the core problem he and his co-founder, Michael Chasen, were trying to solve with Blackboard and how that platform became a ubiquitous force in online learning.
The conversation then pivots to his time at Parchment, where he saw a new opportunity to disrupt the antiquated process of academic credentialing. Matt discusses his vision for a digital credential that is more than just a list of courses and grades—one that truly represents a student's skills and competencies. He offers a compelling take on the student debt crisis, the future of the four-year degree, and why he believes the integrity of the credential is the most important mission of any university. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of EdTech, the future of credentials, and how AI will fundamentally change how we learn and what we teach.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- The LMS Defined: A clear and concise definition of what a learning management system is, its pros and cons, and why it has remained relatively unchanged for over two decades.
- The Power of the Digital Credential: An exploration of how a student-managed digital record of learning and skills could solve a myriad of problems, from college admissions to skills-based hiring.
- AI's Role in EdTech: Matt shares his optimistic view on AI as a "sustaining" force that can make learning more efficient and a "disruptive" force that could reorder the entire EdTech landscape.
- A "Crawl, Walk, Run" Approach to Innovation: Matt's pragmatic advice for universities on how to innovate with technology without disrupting their core mission.
- A Bold Prediction: Matt's vision for an AI agent that will serve as an omnipresent guide for students, helping them navigate their education and career pathways.
About Our Guest:
Matthew Pittinsky is an EdTech pioneer and the co-founder of Blackboard, where he served as CEO and Chairman. After earning a Ph.D. from Columbia University's Teachers College, he went on to become the CEO of Parchment, a global leader in digital credentials. Matt is also an active angel investor and a respected thought leader in the education technology space.
In this illuminating episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Sari Factor, the Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer of Imagine Learning, to discuss the monumental shifts occurring in K-12 education. With a career spanning several decades, Sari shares the powerful journey of Imagine Learning, from its early days as a credit recovery provider to its current position as a leader in digital-first curriculum, serving over 15 million students.
The conversation delves into the most pressing challenges facing schools today: the end of pandemic-era federal funding, the proficiency crisis in reading and math, and the disruptive rise of school choice. Sari offers both a realistic and hopeful perspective, sharing how a focus on high-quality instructional materials and teacher development is creating a "bright side" to the current challenges. She also provides a compelling vision for the future, exploring the transformative potential of AI to personalize learning, empower teachers, and solve some of education's most persistent problems. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the K-12 landscape and what it will take to prepare a new generation for the future.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- Imagine Learning's Evolution: The founding story of a company built on the mission of personalized learning and its growth into a major K-12 education provider.
- The Post-Pandemic K-12 Reality: A breakdown of the key macro forces—from funding cuts to declining birth rates—that are forcing public schools to reinvent themselves.
- The Science of Learning: An exploration of what evidence-based practices, such as the "science of reading," are actually working to reverse the proficiency crisis in reading and math.
- AI's Role as a Co-Pilot: How AI can and should be used to augment a teacher's role, shifting their focus from mundane tasks to the human-centric work of mentoring and motivating students.
- The Power of Durable Skills: A discussion on why skills like resilience and empathy are becoming more crucial than ever and how schools can teach them effectively.
About Our Guest:
Sari Factor is the Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer of Imagine Learning. With a career spanning over four decades in the K-12 education space, Sari has served as a visionary leader at companies like McGraw Hill and Kaplan. She is a recognized expert on the future of education, technology's role in the classroom, and the importance of professional learning for educators.
In this powerful episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Carl Madi, the founder and CEO of Stepful. Carl shares his journey from Uber and Handy, where he developed a passion for creating career mobility for workers, to building a company that is radically transforming how the healthcare workforce is trained. He explains how Stepful's innovative model addresses chronic shortages in allied health, providing a more affordable and time-efficient alternative to traditional trade schools and community colleges.
Carl delves into the core of Stepful's success: a tech-enabled, outcomes-based model that combines bite-sized, interactive learning with hands-on externships and AI-powered feedback. He reveals how this approach is leading to incredible completion and placement rates that are well above the national average. The conversation also explores the future of healthcare jobs in the age of AI, the power of employer-sponsored apprenticeships, and Carl's bold prediction for a new education system driven by employers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in EdTech, workforce development, or the future of healthcare.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- Stepful's Unique Model: A deep dive into Stepful's hybrid learning approach that combines online courses, AI-powered simulations, and real-world externships to deliver exceptional outcomes.
- Solving the Healthcare Skills Gap: How Stepful is directly addressing the chronic shortage of allied health workers by removing key barriers to entry like cost and time.
- The Future of AI in Healthcare: Insights into how AI will augment or eliminate jobs in the healthcare industry and the new roles that will emerge.
- Apprenticeships & Employer Partnerships: A compelling case study on how Stepful's partnerships with health systems are dramatically cutting time-to-hire and improving employee retention.
- A New Vision for Education: Carl's bold prediction for a shift to an employer-centric, debt-free education system that is modular, flexible, and tied directly to career pathways.
- The Power of People: A discussion on the vital role of human instructors and coaches in the learning experience, even as technology evolves, to ensure students feel supported and nurtured.
About Our Guest:
Carl Madi is the founder and CEO of Stepful, a company he launched to provide a fast, affordable, and effective pathway into high-demand healthcare jobs. Carl's background includes leadership roles at Uber and Handy, where he developed a passion for creating career mobility for workers. Stepful was recently named the number one EdTech company by Time magazine.
In this eye-opening episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Matt Sigelman, CEO of the Burning Glass Institute, to decode the seismic shifts occurring in the labor market. Matt shares data-driven insights from his groundbreaking research, including the "experience paradox," which reveals why so many entry-level jobs now demand prior experience, and what that means for recent college graduates.
The conversation delves into the accelerating pace of skill obsolescence, the rise of AI, and how these forces are creating a critical disconnect between what employers need and what education provides. Matt introduces the concept of the "Expertise Upheaval," offering a look at how AI is transforming careers and what skills will make workers more valuable with AI, not just more efficient. He also makes a compelling case for greater accountability in education, using data to show which credentials and programs actually lead to a real return on investment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the data, trends, and solutions that will shape the workforce of tomorrow.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- The Experience Paradox: A deep dive into the data showing that most entry-level jobs now require several years of experience, and the implications for hiring and education.
- The Pace of Change: Why skills are becoming obsolete faster than ever, and how this is impacting career trajectories and the need for lifelong learning.
- The "Expertise Upheaval": An exploration of how AI is not just about automation, but about a more profound shift in the skills required to be an expert in any given field.
- Education-to-Workforce Accountability: How data can be used to hold colleges and credential providers accountable, ensuring that programs lead to real-world outcomes and economic mobility.
- A New Kind of Workforce: Matt discusses the shift from a "schooled society" to a "learning society," and how we must prepare for a future where learning is a continuous, lifelong process.
About Our Guest:
Matt Sigelman is the CEO of the Burning Glass Institute, a fully independent, nonprofit research center that works at the intersection of work and learning. Prior to the Institute, he spent 20 years building a private sector data provider (now called Lightcast). Matt is a recognized leader in using big data to shed light on labor market trends, inform policy, and drive economic mobility.
In this engaging episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Raoul-Gabriel Urma, the founder and CEO of Cambridge Spark. Raoul shares his unique journey from a self-taught coder to leading a company at the forefront of the AI education revolution. The conversation explores how Cambridge Spark is helping individuals and organizations prosper in the age of AI by equipping them with critical data and technical skills.
Raoul offers a compelling perspective on AI’s impact on the workforce, arguing that while it may not reduce our workload, it will redirect our focus from routine tasks to strategic, creative, and collaborative problem-solving. He also delves into the importance of a blended learning approach—combining AI-powered companions with human mentorship and social learning to foster a new generation of adaptable workers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the real-world implications of AI on careers, education, and entrepreneurship.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- The Future of Work is AI-Augmented: Raoul makes the case that every job will require AI literacy, reframing the conversation from job replacement to skill augmentation.
- Beyond the Enterprise Hype: Get a realistic perspective on where AI is currently delivering significant value (cost efficiency) versus where its full potential (new revenue creation) is still unfolding.
- The Entrepreneurial Shift: Understand how AI and accessible technology have lowered the barrier to entry for entrepreneurs, shifting the focus from coding to problem-solving and opportunity identification.
- The Power of Blended Learning: Learn why the most effective learning models for the future will combine AI's personalized feedback loops with human mentorship and social collaboration.
- The Importance of Apprenticeships: Discover why the apprenticeship model, especially in technical fields like data and AI, is a highly effective way to bridge the skills gap and provide immediate career impact.
- The Coding Evolution: Explore how the role of a coder is changing from writing code from scratch to a more strategic function of owning, maintaining, and architecting solutions in a world of automated code generation.
About Our Guest:
Raoul-Gabriel Urma is the founder and CEO of Cambridge Spark, a UK-based education company focused on AI and data science. With a background as a software engineer and a passion for education, Raoul built Cambridge Spark with the vision of helping everyone prosper in the age of AI. He is also the co-author of the best-selling book Java 8 in Action.
In this deeply inspiring episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Erika Halstead, CEO of Minds Matter National, an organization close to Todd's heart. Erika shares her personal journey from starting her career as a bilingual teacher to leading Minds Matter, an organization that started in 1991 with no full-time employees and has grown to serve 1,100 high-achieving, low-income students annually with the support of 2,000 volunteers across 14 chapters.
Erika unpacks Minds Matter's unique multi-year mentorship model, emphasizing why its "people-to-people" approach, focusing on social-emotional learning and expanding students' horizons, remains paramount even amidst technological advancements like AI. She reveals how Minds Matter helps students secure over $2.5 million in scholarships annually, enabling them to attend top-tier colleges while paying significantly less than their peers. The conversation also explores the challenges facing the non-profit sector, including the post-pandemic decline in volunteerism, and how Minds Matter is adapting its funding and visibility strategies, including recent features with celebrities like Jalen Hurts. Finally, Erika shares her bold vision for scaling Minds Matter's impact to end poverty through education, advocating for a nationwide movement that champions talent from underserved communities.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- The Minds Matter Model: A deep dive into the unique volunteer-driven, multi-year mentorship program that provides comprehensive college advising, test prep, and holistic student development.
- Tangible Economic Mobility: How Minds Matter's support translates into real financial outcomes, helping students secure significant scholarships and pay substantially less for college.
- Human Connection vs. AI: A compelling argument for why human mentorship and in-person relationships remain the most critical lever for student success, even as AI transforms other aspects of education.
- Navigating Non-Profit Challenges: Insights into the current state of the non-profit sector, including funding dynamics, the post-pandemic decline in volunteerism, and strategies for sustainable growth and visibility.
- Scaling for Systemic Change: Erika's ambitious vision to dramatically expand Minds Matter's reach, creating a national movement to address systemic inequities and unlock talent from low-income communities.
About Our Guest:
Erika Halstead is the CEO of Minds Matter National. With a background as a bilingual teacher and a deep personal connection to education's transformative power, Erika has dedicated over a decade to Minds Matter. She has led the organization's growth from the Executive Director of the New York City chapter to her current national role, championing access and equity for high-achieving, low-income students across the United States.
In this insightful episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper welcomes Andy Rosen, CEO of Kaplan, for a deep dive into the evolution of one of the world's most enduring education companies. Andy shares his personal journey at Kaplan, reflecting on over 30 years of continuous reinvention that transformed a test prep company into a global powerhouse in higher education, professional training, and international student pathways.
The conversation explores Kaplan's unique "outcomes-first" DNA, its strategic approach to M&A as a tool for capability building, and how its long-term orientation, supported by Graham Holdings, enables strategic patience. Andy provides a compelling look at the future of assessment in an AI-driven world, including Kaplan's innovative performance-based evaluations for high-stakes professions. He discusses the critical role of corporate partnerships, exemplified by Kaplan's work with Amazon's Career Choice program, and reveals how Kaplan cultivates a culture that keeps its diverse global team motivated and passionate, earning it a spot as a Newsweek Global Most Loved Workplace. This episode offers invaluable lessons on leadership, innovation at scale, and adapting to the ever-changing demands of the education and workforce landscape.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- The Power of Reinvention: How Kaplan's culture of continuous transformation and outcome-driven approach has enabled it to adapt and thrive through decades of industry shifts.
- Strategic M&A: Kaplan's philosophy of using acquisitions as a tool to acquire specific capabilities that align with its long-term vision, rather than solely for scale.
- Assessment in the AI Era: Insights into how AI is redefining the landscape of assessment, moving towards more rigorous, performance-based evaluations that validate uniquely human skills.
- Optimizing Corporate Education: A deep dive into Kaplan's role in major corporate partnerships like Amazon Career Choice, demonstrating how tailored educational advising can maximize ROI for both employers and learners.
- Building a Loved Workplace at Scale: Lessons on fostering a highly motivated and engaged workforce in a large, global education company, contributing to Kaplan's recognition as a top "Most Loved Workplace."
- Global Education Trends: Andy's perspective on the massive demographic shifts driving international education growth and the strategic importance of global alignment in educational development.
About Our Guest:
Andy Rosen is the CEO of Kaplan, a leading global provider of educational and career services. With over three decades at the company, Andy has played a pivotal role in Kaplan's strategic evolution, expanding its reach across test preparation, higher education, professional licensure, and international student pathways. He is recognized for his leadership in driving innovation, fostering a strong company culture, and maintaining a relentless focus on student outcomes.
In this provocative and incredibly insightful episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with John Katzman, a serial entrepreneur and one of the most influential figures in education, known for founding The Princeton Review and Noodle. John offers a no-holds-barred perspective on the seismic shifts needed across the entire education landscape.
The conversation delves into the evolution of online program management (OPM), why its traditional model is unsustainable, and how Noodle aims to redefine university partnerships. John tackles the soaring costs of higher education, proposing systemic solutions to the $1.7 trillion student debt crisis that challenge conventional thinking. He then pivots to K-12, dissecting its "governance problem" and explaining why top-down reforms continually fail. This episode is packed with John's unique, often controversial, takes on everything from the resurgence of for-profits to the transformative (and sometimes reckless) potential of AI in education, all while offering powerful insights for edtech founders and a glimpse into his vision for the future of learning.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- OPM's Future: John's candid assessment of the Online Program Management (OPM) industry, why he believes it's "transitional," and how Noodle is forging a new path for university partnerships.
- Solving the Student Debt Crisis: A deep dive into the true cost of higher education and innovative, systemic solutions to the $1.7 trillion student debt burden, including state-level incentives.
- K-12's Governance Challenge: An incisive critique of the American K-12 system, arguing that curricular reforms fail due to a fundamental "governance problem" that requires radical change.
- AI's Dual Impact: Insights into how Artificial Intelligence can dramatically lower administrative costs and enable powerful, affordable learning simulations, but also its potential pitfalls if deployed carelessly.
- Why EdTech Philanthropy Falls Short: A frank discussion on why billions of dollars invested in education reform have yielded limited impact, citing arrogance, systemic inertia, and a lack of true R&D.
- The Power of Data & Networked Universities: Discover how data can personalize student support and why forging strong university networks is crucial for adaptability and innovation in a rapidly changing world.
About Our Guest:
John Katzman is a legendary entrepreneur and visionary in the education sector, having founded three incredibly impactful companies: The Princeton Review, 2U (formerly), and Noodle. As the Founder and former CEO of Noodle, he has been at the forefront of transforming higher education through online program management and strategic partnerships. Katzman is a frequent commentator on educational trends, policy, and innovation.
In this illuminating episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Joe Ross, CEO of Reach University, a pioneering non-profit college. Joe shares his compelling personal journey to education leadership and unpacks Reach University's groundbreaking model, which literally "turns jobs into degrees" to address critical talent shortages, particularly in teaching. He explains the "ABC's" of the apprenticeship degree – Affordability, being Based in the workplace from day one, and earning Credit for learning at work – fundamentally flipping the traditional education pipeline.
The conversation delves into how this innovative approach delivers traditional bachelor's degrees for as little as $75 a month (after aid), enabling students to graduate debt-free. Joe provides surprising early data showing that graduates of these work-integrated programs often outperform and have higher retention rates in their jobs. They discuss the systemic barriers holding back apprenticeship growth in the U.S., Reach's vision to scale this model nationwide for 3 million enrollments, and why this "job-first" pathway might be the future of accessible, outcome-driven higher education.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- Transforming Education for Shortages: Discover Reach University's groundbreaking model, which "turns jobs into degrees" to directly address critical talent shortages, particularly in the U.S. teaching profession.
- Debt-Free Degree Pathways: Learn how students can earn a traditional bachelor's degree for as little as $75/month (after aid), making quality higher education genuinely affordable and debt-free.
- The "ABC's" of Apprenticeship Degrees: Unpack the three core tenets of this innovative model: Affordability, being Based in the workplace from day one, and earning Academic Credit for on-the-job learning.
- Superior Outcomes from Earn-and-Learn: Hear surprising early data indicating that graduates of these work-integrated programs often perform better in jobs and have higher retention rates with employers compared to traditional graduates.
- A National Catalyst for Apprenticeship Growth: Explore Reach University's ambitious vision to scale this model nationwide, aiming for 3 million apprenticeship degree enrollments in the U.S. within a decade across various high-demand fields.
About Our Guest:
Joe Ross is the CEO of Reach University, a non-profit college dedicated to advancing the apprenticeship degree. His work focuses on creating accessible, affordable, and work-integrated pathways to high-demand careers, particularly in education and healthcare.
In this highly anticipated return episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper welcomes back Paul LeBlanc, former President of SNHU and current Chairman of the new AI education startup, Matter and Space. This captivating conversation dives deep into how Artificial Intelligence is not just a buzzword, but a transformative force fundamentally reshaping education.
Paul explains how AI is being leveraged today for massive productivity gains in operations and curriculum design, challenging educators to rethink pedagogy from "product" to "process." They explore the critical question of whether AI can finally bend the cost curve of higher education and democratize access, where previous technologies fell short. The discussion also bravely confronts the societal implications of AI, from its potential to inadvertently increase loneliness if not carefully managed, to its power to unlock a "golden age" focused on uniquely human jobs like teaching, social work, and healthcare. Paul shares his vision for Matter and Space's human-centered approach to AI-powered learning and paints a compelling picture of what the learning ecosystem could look like in 5-10 years.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- AI's Real-World Impact in Education: Discover how AI is driving significant productivity gains in university operations and curriculum development right now.
- Rethinking Pedagogy in the AI Age: Learn why educators must shift their focus from assessing "products" (like essays) to guiding the "process" of learning with AI, using advanced prompting and critical evaluation.
- Bending the Cost Curve: Paul's perspective on whether AI can finally make quality higher education radically more affordable and accessible, addressing the systemic challenges he outlined in his book "Broken."
- The Human-Centered Future of Work: A bold vision for how AI might displace information-age jobs, creating an imperative to prioritize and properly value distinctly human roles focused on care, connection, and community.
- AI's Societal Dichotomy: A candid discussion on the risk of increased loneliness and decreased social competency due to technology, and AI's potential to either exacerbate or mitigate these challenges by fostering genuine human interaction in learning environments.
About Our Guest:
Paul LeBlanc is the former transformative President of Southern New Hampshire University and now serves as Chairman of Matter and Space, an AI education startup. A renowned innovator and author of "Broken," Paul is recognized for his pioneering work in online and competency-based education, and his deep insights into the future of learning, technology, and access.
In this captivating episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Dr. Robert Rohm, a renowned expert in human behavior and the DISC model, for a deep dive into understanding ourselves and others. Dr. Rohm shares the fascinating personal story that ignited his lifelong dedication to personality insights, and then unpacks the foundational principles of DISC – revealing how this powerful framework can revolutionize communication, leadership, and personal effectiveness in every aspect of life.
The conversation goes beyond simple collaboration, exploring how companies can strategically leverage DISC for everything from optimizing hiring and sales to fostering a more empathetic and productive culture. Dr. Rohm also makes a compelling case for integrating personality assessments into K-12 and higher education, demonstrating how understanding behavioral styles can help tailor teaching, improve student relationships, and guide career exploration. Ultimately, this episode offers actionable takeaways for applying DISC to achieve greater personal and professional success, even as technology like AI reshapes our interactions.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- The Unexpected Origin of DISC's Impact: Hear Dr. Rohm's surprising personal story of how his "difficult" daughter became the unexpected catalyst for his lifelong dedication to understanding human behavior.
- DISC for Strategic Business Growth: Discover how companies can leverage DISC insights beyond basic teamwork to optimize hiring, enhance leadership, resolve conflict, and improve customer relations, ensuring the right personalities are in the right roles.
- The Vital Role of "Soft Skills": Dr. Rohm makes a powerful case for why communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills, often dismissed as "soft," are in fact the most fundamental and vital for success in every area of life.
- Revolutionizing Education with DISC: Learn how schools can transform classrooms by understanding student and teacher personality types, fostering better engagement, tailoring instruction, and preparing students for real-world interactions and career exploration.
- Practical Application & Lifelong Growth: While AI can offer DISC insights, Dr. Rohm reveals why true mastery of human behavior comes from continuous learning, intentionally building diverse relationships, and relentless personal practice.
About Our Guest:
Dr. Robert Rohm is a highly respected expert in human behavior and personality insights. As a leading voice in the application of the DISC model, he helps individuals and organizations understand diverse communication styles. Through his company, Personality Insights, he's dedicated his career to empowering people to improve collaboration, leadership, and personal effectiveness. His work extends across corporate training, professional development, and educational settings, guiding both employers and employees to greater success.
In this premiere episode of An Educated Guest Season 3, host Todd Zipper sits down with Brandon Busteed, CEO of BrandEd, for a compelling conversation about the seismic shifts occurring at the intersection of education and workforce development. This episode explores why employer brands are increasingly stepping into the role of educators, redefining how talent is developed and valued in a rapidly changing economy. From the growing skepticism about traditional degrees to the urgent need for relevant skills, Brandon offers a nuanced perspective on the forces driving companies to build innovative learning solutions and strategic partnerships.
The discussion delves into critical data points, including why today's 18-24 year-olds represent the least working generation in U.S. history despite high demand for internships. Brandon makes a powerful case for why employers must embrace work-integrated learning, viewing it as a crucial "try before you buy" strategy for talent acquisition. They discuss the vital importance of effectively measuring the return on investment for these educational initiatives, and Brandon shares a bold prediction: the future will see the distinction between a school and a workplace become increasingly indistinguishable, creating a new educational blueprint for the 21st century.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- The "Least Working Generation": Understanding the alarming trend of declining work experience among young adults and its implications for the future workforce.
- Employers as Educators: How leading companies are building their own educational programs and talent pipelines to address critical skills gaps and drive competitive advantage.
- The ROI Imperative: The vital need for robust metrics to quantify the true return on investment for employer-sponsored education and talent development.
- Work-Integrated Learning: Why hands-on, real-world experiences (like internships and apprenticeships) are becoming non-negotiable for student success and employer recruitment.
- Blurred Lines: Brandon's vision for a future where education and the workplace are seamlessly integrated, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.
About Our Guest:
Brandon Busteed is a prominent figure in the education and workforce development space, currently serving as the CEO of Branded. He is widely recognized as a thought leader on the future of higher education, career readiness, and the evolving relationship between employers and educational institutions. His work often focuses on how to improve America's "talent health" by aligning educational outcomes with workforce needs and demonstrating the value of education through career success.
How do you build skills and cause proven, sustained wage gains for young adults in the US? Just ask Gerald Chertavian, founder and CEO of the youth workforce development non-profit, Year Up.
Tune into this episode of An Educated Guest and join Gerald and host Todd Zipper, Executive Vice President and GM at Wiley, to learn how Year Up is closing the Opportunity Divide, returning $2.46 to society for every $1 invested in the organization, and teaching employers how to implement inclusive, skills-based hiring.
Key Takeaways: Year Up’s leadership in operationalizing emergent talent at scale by combining workforce and youth development How the organization has caused the largest proven sustained wage gains for young adults in the US How Year Up provides high support and high expectations through its multi-modality, three-stage program Why social capital and building higher socio-economic connections are critical to talent career success Year Up’s virtuous, ecosystem approach of bringing young adults and employers together through skills-based hiring
Guest Bio Gerald Chertavian is dedicated to closing the Opportunity Divide that exists in our nation. Determined to make his vision a reality, Gerald combined his entrepreneurial skills and his passion for working with young adults to found Year Up in 2000.
Gerald’s commitment to working with young adults spans more than 25 years. In 1999, he sold his technology company, Conduit Communications, and left his career on Wall Street to help low-income, at-risk youth. A year later, in 2000, Year Up was born.
Gerald holds a B.A. in Economics from Bowdoin College and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. He’s also a New York Times best-selling author of his book published in 2012 called A Year Up.
Higher ed was never designed around students. But Dr. Bridget Burns is determined to disrupt that.
In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Dr. Bridget Burns, Founder and CEO of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA). Together, they explore how empathy, design thinking, accessible data, trusting each other to fail, and the UIA’s six policy areas have innovated scalable solutions for student success.
Key Takeaways: • Why tools like predictive analytics and proactive advising are fundamental to diagnosing students’ problems and providing immediate support • How chatbots can resolve students’ issues and help staff be more effective • Why career services need to become part of every classroom experience • How $1000 grants have ensured students graduate on time • How creating the social safety to fail is key to innovation
Guest Bio Dr. Bridget Burns is the founder and CEO of University Innovation Alliance, a multi-campus laboratory for student success innovation that helps university leaders implement scalable solutions to increase the number and diversity of college graduates. In 2020, Bridget was recognized by Diverse Issues as one of "35 Leading Women in Higher Education" and named one of the “16 Most Innovative People in Higher Education” by Washington Monthly magazine. In addition, her work has been highlighted in national outlets like The New York Times, Fast Company, and 60 Minutes. She was also featured in the documentary “Unlikely." Bridget received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and master’s degree in Public Policy from Oregon State University and her Doctorate in Higher Education, Leadership & Policy from Vanderbilt University.
Imagine a future where learners can instantly verify their skills, credentials, and employment. Thanks to the National Student Clearinghouse, this future is already becoming a reality.
In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Rick Torres, President and CEO of the National Student Clearinghouse. They discuss topics such as the “K-20 to workforce continuum”, the top factors accelerating enrollment declines, and how a “point of no return” now requires higher ed to pivot for good.
Key Takeaways: How the Clearinghouse is evolving paper transcripts into a digital credentials wallet How the credentials ecosystem is becoming less of a “wild west” Why employers have been upskilling talent in-house and how higher ed institutions can help Understanding recent enrollment declines via the community college sector Why universities, states, and federal policy makers must work in tandem to track education and job outcomes
Guest Bio Rick Torres joined the National Student Clearinghouse as President and CEO in 2008. Under his leadership, the Clearinghouse has provided access-driven educational reporting, data exchange, verification, and research services to help learners, institutions, and organizations maximize human potential across the “K-20 to workforce continuum.”
Rick currently serves as a board member of the John Tyler Community College Foundation and Achieving the Dream. He is also a founding member of the Groningen Declaration Network Group, a multinational group of leaders dedicated to developing a trusted international data exchange ecosystem. Rick holds an MBA in international finance from Georgetown University and undergraduate degrees in both marketing and management from Manhattan College.
“Are we the problem?” This simple question would lead Dr. Tim Renick to leverage big data at scale and profoundly improve Georgia State University (GSU) students’ outcomes.
In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Dr. Tim Renick, founding Executive Director of Georgia State University’s National Institute of Student Success (NISS). They explore how personalized approaches to data and technology have revolutionized student success, created equitable career outcomes for historically under-resourced learners, and increased revenue at GSU.
Key Takeaways: • How GSU dramatically improved outcomes for low-income students and students of color • How proactive chat technology helped reduce GSU’s summer melt by over 30% • The unique strategies GSU uses to help students connect education and career • How Tim founded NISS using a systematic, data-informed, and technology-enhanced approach • The four service areas NISS offers to help universities boost student success
Guest Bio Dr. Tim Renick is the founding Executive Director of Georgia State University’s new National Institute for Student Success. Immediately before his transition, he served as Professor of Religious Studies and Senior Vice President for Student Success at GSU. Under his leadership, the university has produced one of the fastest-growing graduation rates in the nation and has eliminated achievement gaps based on students’ race, ethnicity, and income levels. Tim has testified before the U.S. Senate on strategies that help university students succeed and has been invited to speak at the White House twice. In addition, his work has been covered by national news media, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time, and CNN. He is also the principal investigator for a $9 million U.S. Department of Education grant to study the impact of predictive-analytics-based advisement on 10,000 low-income and first-generation students. Tim graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College and holds master’s and doctor’s degrees in religion from Princeton University.
Google’s search bar gives power to the everyday learner. But now, Google is working to develop lifelong learners too.
In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Steven Butschi, Director of Education at Google Cloud. Todd and Steven discuss Google’s approach, partnerships, and advancements in the world of higher ed and careers.
Key Takeaways: How Google is investing in an ecosystem of lifelong learning, from in-house certificates to traditional degree programs with partner universities How new employer-recognized certificate programs compare to typical MOOC courses Why a machine-learning approach, predictive analytics, and user search experience can improve the educational process How Google is personalizing higher education with AI, from advancing DE&I to improving financial aid support
Guest Bio Steven Butschi is the Director of Education at Google Cloud. In his role, he works with school districts, universities, colleges, and EdTech companies to digitally transform by adopting cloud computing products. Steven joined the Google Education team in 2009 after working in IT consulting and volunteering as an adult English Language Learner (ELL) teacher.
In his time at Google, Steven has helped universities migrate to Google Workspace for Education, worked on the founding team to bring Chromebooks to the education market, and launched efforts to bring the Google Cloud Platform to researchers, universities, and EdTech companies. Steven holds a BA from Brown University in International Relations and French.
Western Governors University (WGU) is breaking the mold of traditional education. Discover how taking a student-centered approach can shape the future of higher ed and skills-based hiring practices.
In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Marni Baker Stein, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Western Governors University to discuss some of their top innovations.
Key Takeaways: The impact of personalizing education around individual learners’ needs How competency-based education translates into surfacing skills within the workplace How WGU was inspired by health care to pioneer the Community of Care, a 360-degree case management model How WGU is democratizing access to skills-based hiring and empowering learners with a skills-based achievement wallet through the Open Skills Network WGU’s sophisticated approach to learner outcomes data and how they hope to advance competency-based education in the future
Guest Bio Dr. Marni Baker Stein is Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Western Governors University. Marni has more than 25 years of experience designing and scaling programs to improve access, affordability, and student success. In her current role, she’s responsible for driving the university’s focus on academic quality and student success, contributing to making Western Governors University one of the leading online universities in the United States today.
Prior to WGU, she worked for several educational institutions in the U.S. and abroad on the development and administration of pioneering high school, undergraduate, graduate, and continuing and professional programming models. These institutions include the University of Texas System, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of California Santa Barbara, Pennsylvania State University, SUNY Buffalo (Latvia), and the United States Information Agency (Turkey, Japan). Marni earned her Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum from the University of Pennsylvania.
How has higher ed trended this year? Just ask Richard Garrett. With nearly 25 years of experience in higher ed research, consulting, and policy, he has his finger on the pulse of postsecondary education’s current trends and future trajectory.
In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Richard Garrett, Chief Research Officer of Eduventures to review his predictions for higher ed in 2022.
Key Takeaways: How developments in alternative credentials and online learning at elite universities can shape the future of higher ed The background of the “gainful” employment rule and how it could evolve and impact non-profits and consumers The issue of student debt cancellation and how we can expect it to play out How approaching peak bachelor’s degrees can pave the way for options that better serve learners How new, state-led learning initiatives can localize the online learning experience
Guest Bio Richard Garrett is Chief Research Officer at Eduventures, a higher ed research and advisory firm under Encoura. Richard is also Co-Director of the CHLOE Project. CHLOE—Changing Landscape of Online Education—is an annual survey of online leaders in US colleges and universities that monitors how online learning strategy, policy and practice is evolving.
Prior to Eduventures, Richard was the North America Director for i-graduate, working with clients of the International Student Barometer. From 2015 to 2019, Richard was Director of the Observatory on Borderless Higher Education, focused on global developments in online learning, internationalization, and commercial activity and partnerships. He also worked as a researcher in the School of Education & Continuing Studies at the University of Surrey in the UK and as a policy analyst at the UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. He has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from King’s College London and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Cambridge.
Higher ed must serve the many, not the few. That’s why journalist, Paul Fain, covers outcome-focused, career-connected education for all.
In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes independent journalist, Paul Fain. Todd and Paul dive into some of the timeliest topics in higher ed, from big tech’s investments in credentials to the future of an equity-driven Carnegie classification system.
Key Takeaways: How we can make non-degrees, alternative credentials, and apprenticeships more career-connected at scale for all How employers can do more for their employees in terms of career mobility, diversity, equity, and inclusion The motivations and challenges of recent big tech investments in non-degree credentials Why community colleges have been struggling despite being a pathway to affordable learning The impact of including social mobility and DE&I in the Carnegie Ranking System
Guest Bio : Paul is a well-respected journalist in higher ed, having written for Inside Higher Ed, The Chronicle of Higher Education, C-VILLE Weekly, The New York Times, Washington City Paper, and Mother Jones. He is currently a Senior Fellow for Strada Center for Education Consumer Insights, where he creates content to shed light on the gap between postsecondary education and the workforce. He also hosted the podcast, When Policy Meets Practice, which features conversations with community college leaders about the policy approaches that produce results for workers, learners, and employers.
Paul won a journalism award for beat reporting from the Education Writers Association and the Dick Schaap Excellence in Sports Journalism Award. He attended the University of Delaware and got hooked on journalism while working at the student newspaper, The Review.
Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Pierre Dubuc, Co-founder & CEO of OpenClassrooms. Todd and Pierre discuss making higher ed more accessible with resources like OpenClassrooms, an online education platform that trains learners, places them in the workforce, and provides job-ready talent to employers.
Topics Discussed: How OpenClassrooms plans to bridge the gap between higher ed and career by offering skills-based and practical curriculum The benefits of connecting learners with mentors and career coaches The opportunity for digital apprenticeships to solve the growing skills gap How upskilling and reskilling relate to workforce development and the future of work
Guest Bio: Pierre Dubuc has been working on creating the education of tomorrow for the past 20 years, designing his first-ever online course in 1999, at age 11. In 2016, Pierre appeared among Forbes “30 under 30” for social entrepreneurship. Now, he is on a mission: to make education more accessible.
Pierre is the Co-founder and current CEO of OpenClassrooms, an online education platform offering top-quality education-to-employment programs and career coaching services for students worldwide. OpenClassrooms trains over 300,000 students per month in over 100 countries, featuring curriculum that teaches the skills and competencies needed for the most in-demand jobs in the market today. This includes programs in areas such as web development, data analysis, and design.
Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Richard Vedder, Distinguished Professor of Economics Emeritus at Ohio University. In this episode, Todd and Richard discuss the current affordability crisis in higher ed, the idea of free college, and alternative ways for students to finance their education.
Topics Discussed: Why college enrollments have declined in the past decade How the rise of student loans in the 1970s led to massive tuition increases and student debt Why prestigious universities continue to grow The impact of the free college movement The benefits of implementing a college exit exam for graduates
Guest Bio Richard Vedder is a Distinguished Professor of Economics Emeritus at Ohio University and Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute. He is well known for his work as an economic historian with a focus on the economics of higher ed. Previously, he served on the Spellings Commission on the Future of Higher Education, ran the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, and administered Forbes’ Best Colleges rankings.
Richard is also a prolific writer. He has authored over 200 scholarly papers and many books including, Going Broke by Degree: Why College Costs Too Much, Restoring the Promise: Higher Education in America, and Out of Work: Unemployment and Government in Twentieth-Century America.
Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Sean Gallagher, Founder and Executive Director of Northeastern University’s Center for the Future of Higher Education and Talent Strategy, and Executive Professor of Educational Policy. Todd and Sean discuss the changing higher ed landscape, including MOOCs, alternative credentials, and the skills gap.
Topics Discussed: • How innovations are evolving the higher ed model during a transitional period • Why the value chain of higher ed has gone from vertically integrated to a horizontal model • Why employers are creating their own credentials and training programs and how they can partner with universities in the future • How a shift in employers’ requirements for applicants can cause universities to change their content
Guest Bio: Sean Gallagher is the Founder and Executive Director of Northeastern University’s Center for the Future of Higher Education and Talent Strategy, and Executive Professor of Educational Policy. He is a nationally recognized expert with nearly 20 years of experience in higher ed. Sean’s writing and commentary have been featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and CBS Television.
Prior to Northeastern, Sean worked at Eduventures, advising executives at hundreds of universities, education companies, and investors. In 2016, he became a published author with his book, “The Future of University Credentials: New Developments at the Intersection of Higher Education and Hiring." Sean holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree from Northeastern University; an M.B.A. from the New York Institute of Technology; and a B.S. in Marketing from Northeastern.
Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Reuben Ogbonna, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Marcy Lab School. Todd and Reuben discuss alternative education and how it can help underrepresented high school students find tech opportunities without financial burden.
Topics Discussed: The Marcy Lab School’s journey to becoming an impactful alternative education pathway The role technology plays in correcting challenges in society Why excellent pedagogy and 1:1 feedback prepares students for career success The profound impact of equipping Black and Brown students with language and learning that validates their lived experiences How to nurture and scale an ecosystem for alternative education
Guest Bio Reuben Ogbonna is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Marcy Lab School, an alternative education opportunity for underrepresented and underserved high school graduates that focuses on launching financially rewarding and purpose-driven careers in tech. Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, his family is split between Imo State, Nigeria and Shreveport, Louisiana.
Previously, Reuben coached teachers across New York City as a Director at Teach for America. He also served as the Dean of Students at Coney Island Prep High School and taught 8th-grade math in the greater New York City area. He has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Duke University.
Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Christine Cruzvergara, Chief Education Strategy Officer at Handshake. Todd and Christine discuss how higher ed can better integrate career services into the college student experience. Additionally, they expand on career readiness outcomes, the ways colleges can apply metrics to define student success, and the great resignation.
Topics Discussed: How Handshake works with students, universities, and employers to help young professionals jump start their careers Why the democratization of hiring practices leads to a more diverse candidate pool The industries and roles that are seeing high growth rates The ways higher ed can acknowledge the new learner and shift to accommodate these students The three main skills students need to be career ready
Guest Bio: Christine Cruzvergara is the Chief Education Strategy Officer at Handshake, a company focused on connecting college students with employers and internships, helping them land the job that they crave. She is recognized within the field of career education and is often referenced in national media, has diligently contributed thought pieces, led trainings, and consulted extensively with colleagues across the nation and internationally.
Previously, Christine held senior level positions and board roles at Wellesley College, George Mason University, Georgetown University, The George Washington University, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, and the American College Personnel Association. In 2017, she was awarded the Career Excellence Award from NACE and the Innovation Award from Eduventures. Christine also received national recognition for co-authoring the article “10 Future Trends in College Career Services” and more recently, the article “5 Future Directions in University Career Services.”
Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Ken Oliver, Executive Director at Checkr.org and John Koufos, Executive Director at Taking Action for Good Foundation. Todd, Ken, and John dive into what works and what doesn’t for the justice involved community and how we can increase access to outcomes-driven education.
Topics Discussed: Reimagining the re-entry experience for formerly incarcerated individuals through investments in housing, education, and job-readiness
The importance of transforming the prison system from one that punishes to one that reforms How second chance hiring in corporate America can provide meaningful job opportunities The barriers to online education in the prison system and solutions for change How society can help restore a sense of belonging for formerly incarcerated individuals
Guest Bios
Ken Oliver Ken Oliver has over 28 years of direct experience with the criminal justice system, leading and representing the justice involved in their quest to learn, manage, and restore their civil and human rights. He was a major catalyst for a landmark litigation to end the use of solitary confinement as a status-based deprivation in California. As a result of his litigation efforts, Ken’s life sentence was recalled, and he was released from prison early.
Soon after his release, Ken was hired as a paralegal for a public interest law firm and quickly became the organization’s policy director based on his work and strong advocacy efforts. During his tenure as policy director, Ken’s innovative and impact-driven approach to solving re-entry and fair-chance employment challenges made him a sought-after speaker on issues related to technology in re-entry, talent development, and the California Governor’s Future of Work Initiative.
John Koufos John Koufos works with the public and private sector to build partnerships that lead to better employment outcomes and safer communities. Prior to his incarceration, John was a criminal trial attorney. After his release, John’s work began in New Jersey, where he helped the Christie Administration, and five former Governors implement effective, evidence-based re-entry services. He went on to design New Jersey’s nationally recognized legal program, combining staff lawyers with approximately 70 pro bono lawyers to help the re-entry community clear old tickets and warrants to restore their driver’s licenses and secure jobs.
His leadership in the business community was recognized in 2016 when NJBIZ named him one of New Jersey’s “Top 40 Under 40.” With lived experience on both sides of the criminal justice system, John has become a regular speaker, known for helping cities, states, and the federal government to optimize re-entry systems.
Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Eric Bing, Chancellor & CEO of The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP). Todd and Eric discuss CHCP’s stackable credentials model, the benefits of short-term, hands-on training, and program outcomes.
Topics Discussed: The need for flexible reskilling and upskilling opportunities in healthcare Why traditional colleges were not built for adult learners with busy lives Why CHCP focuses on job placement over graduation The results CHCP alumni are seeing upon program completion, including an average salary increase of $15,000
Guest Bio Eric Bing is the Chancellor & CEO of The College of Health Care Professions. He is known for his work in post-secondary education, healthcare human capital, and workforce training. Eric leads award-winning teams in the development and implementation of post-secondary education, providing opportunities for first generation students and individuals from underserved communities. Under his leadership, CHCP saw enrollment growth of over 20% per year and mostly through referrals. CHCP is now the largest provider of allied health graduates in the state of Texas.
Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Lisa Flesher, Chief of Realm 4, Project Acceleration at Arizona State University (ASU). Todd and Lisa discuss the new Dreamscape Learn Pod, the Center for Education Through Exploration, and the amazing results ASU is seeing with high-quality virtual reality experiences.
Topics Discussed:
The five teaching and learning realms at ASU and how they support innovation
The opportunity for virtual spaces to turn students into explorers
How Hollywood and higher ed came together to create fully immersive edutainment
The ways virtual reality can serve as a compliment to face-to-face learning
How ASU’s corporate partnerships resulted in better retention rates for businesses
Guest Bio Lisa Flesher is the Chief of Realm 4, Project Acceleration at Arizona State University. She guides unique, technology-enhanced projects to advance initiatives including Dreamscape Learn, which empowers learners through fully immersive and interactive virtual reality experiences.
Lisa’s background includes developing technical tools and solutions focused on student support and success, including Starbucks, Global Freshman Academy, me3, and ASU’s partnership with the Al Ghurair Foundation for Education. She earned her undergraduate degree in education and taught seventh grade math before pursuing a master’s in higher and postsecondary education.
Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Dr. Angela Jackson, Managing Partner at New Profit. Todd and Angela discuss how New Profit is bringing the principles of venture capital into private sector philanthropy and how we can modernize the education to career system.
Topics Discussed:
Why students need access to good coaching so they can succeed in the corporate world
Why we should invest in proximate leaders who have lived the problems we need to fix
How the Future of Work Grand Challenge encourages innovators to solve current workforce challenges
The importance of outcomes-based reporting for universities and MOOCs
Guest Bio
Dr. Angela Jackson is the Managing Partner at New Profit, a Boston-based Venture Fund, where she manages a $50M investment portfolio spanning education and workforce tech. She is passionate about modernizing the public education to career system and advancing academic and professional opportunities for women, people of color, and veterans.
Angela launched the Future of Work Grand Challenge initiative that resulted in the development of an ecosystem of over 60 employers, foundations, and education operating partners that reskilled and placed 25,000 workers impacted by COVID-19 into living-wage jobs. She serves as an advisor to Freedom Learning Group and Education Design Lab and is on the Board of Beyond 12 and Summer Search. Angela is widely published in leading journals including Harvard Business Review and Stanford Social Innovation Review. Her work and writing have been featured in CNN, Huffington Post, Chicago Tribune, and she has spoken at numerous conferences including The Economist, Wall Street Journal, and TED.
Guest: Michael Sorrell, President, Paul Quinn College
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College. Todd and Michael discuss the unique ideas that revived Paul Quinn College and why it was important to transform the school into a work college. Topics Discussed: The need for higher ed to advocate for students in underserved communities
The innovations and successes of Paul Quinn College, including reducing student debt from $40,000 to $12,000
Why we should take an open-minded and no-fear of failure approach to drive innovation
How to build a brand through strategic partnerships
Guest Bio Michael Sorrell is the longest serving President in the 148-year history of Paul Quinn College and is one of the most decorated college presidents in America. Under his leadership, Paul Quinn has become a national movement for its efforts to remake higher education to serve the needs of under-resourced students and communities. Michael was named Higher Education’s President of the Year by Education Dive and one of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders by Fortune Magazine. He is the only three-time recipient of the HBCU Male President of the Year Award (2018, 2016 and 2012). Michael received his J.D. and M.A. in Public Policy from Duke University and his Ed.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Kathleen deLaski, Founder and CEO of Education Design Lab. Todd and Kathleen discuss building new education pathways that better serve students.
Topics Discussed: • The emergence of “the new majority learner” • The biggest challenges of a skills-based economy • The reason why only 17% of community college learners working towards a four-year degree attain it • The benefits of the micropathway approach • How the COVID-19 pandemic helped providers understand and meet the changing needs of learners
Guest Bio Kathleen deLaski is the Founder and CEO of Education Design Lab, a non-profit that designs, tests, and implements unique higher education models that address the rapidly changing economy and emerging technology opportunities. She is a social entrepreneur who launched or co-launched four non-profits over the last two decades, all centered on improving the quality of education for students. Kathleen also serves as the president of the deLaski Family Foundation, a leading grant maker in education reform.
Previously, Kathleen created Sallie Mae’s award-winning college access foundation, co-founded Building Hope, a non-profit dedicated to providing facilities, financial, and operational services to charter schools, and helped Michelle Rhee create StudentsFirst, a national advocacy movement to improve school options and quality. She also worked as a journalist and was named by President Clinton as Chief Spokesman for the Pentagon, where she oversaw the military’s worldwide public information team.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Michael London, CEO of Uwill, a technology-based platform that connects students with experienced mental health professionals. Todd and Michael discuss Uwill’s mission and how higher ed can continue to expand its mental health access for students in need.
Topics Discussed:
• How Uwill compliments campus-based resources to provide increased access to students requiring more flexibility • The need for universities to understand and address the high percentage of students who are struggling and not seeking help • The importance of providing mental health support as a central service
Guest Bio Michael London is the CEO of Uwill and has over 20 years of experience in EdTech. In 2013, Michael founded Examity, the world leader in learning validation and online proctoring. Over a five-year period, the company grew to more than 1,000 employees and $30 million in revenue. Previously, he was the founding CEO for Bloomberg Institute, funded by Mayor Bloomberg and Bloomberg Ventures. Their flagship solution was offered in more than 500 universities and 45 countries. Michael is a current Trustee at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and The Rivers School, as well as a Member of the Advisory Board at Babson College, where he graduated with honors. He received his MBA from Boston University.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Bob Ubell, Vice Dean Emeritus of Online Learning at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering & Senior Advisor to Stevens Institute of Technology. Todd and Bob discuss the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on online learning and the future of digital education.
Topics Discussed: • The shift in attitude, from pre-pandemic to now, on the efficiency of online learning • How online, digital education will be crucial for universities long-term • How online learning is shifting from a faculty-centered learning model to an active learning model • The need for university leadership to devote the same energy to online programs as their on-campus programs
Guest Bio Bob Ubell is Vice Dean Emeritus of Online Learning at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering and Senior Advisor to Stevens Institute of Technology. Considered an expert of digital education, he consults for universities and edtech companies including Coursera, NYU, and The New School and his online programs have enrolled more than 30,000 students. For almost a decade, he headed Tandon Online, ranked #2 by US News & World Report of the nation’s Computer Information Technology online graduate programs.
Bob has also taken his expertise overseas. In China, he headed three online master’s programs and was a member of the board of the Lianyungang Universal Vehicle Manufacturing Company. In London, he served as American Publisher of Nature, the prominent science weekly, and launched the journal, Nature Biotechnology.
Bob has contributed nearly 90 articles to scholarly and general periodicals, is a columnist for EdSurge, a contributor for Inside Higher Ed, and is the author or editor of 20 books. His most recent book, Staying Online: How to Navigate Digital Higher Education, was released in September 2021.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Tess Michaels, Founder and CEO of Stride Funding. As student debt rises, borrowers are looking for other ways to fund their higher education. Todd and Tess discuss the details of outcome-based funding options and what it means for borrowers.
Topics Discussed: • The benefits of outcome-based funding options and how they rely on future cash flows and the ability to repay once employed • How Stride is offering more than funding options; including academic, career, and mental health support to drive retention and positive outcomes for students • Why the cost and value of education requires alignment across learners, education providers, employers, and finance providers
Guest Bio Tess Michaels is the Founder and CEO of Stride Funding, an alternate way to pay for higher education through outcome-based funding options such as income-share agreements and deferred tuition. Stride Funding provides flexibility for student borrowers by offering personalized rates, a simple application, and shorter repayment plans.
Prior to Stride Funding, Tess worked at Vista Equity Partners as a Private Equity Associate and at Goldman Sachs as an Investment Banking Analyst. In 2020, she was included on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list for education. Tess received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology at the University of Pennsylvania, a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management at The Wharton School, and an MBA at Harvard Business School.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Ben Nelson, Founder and CEO of the Minerva Project and Minerva University. Todd and Ben discuss how Minerva is evolving higher ed and preparing students for a fulfilling, lifelong career. By offering challenging curriculum, global experiences, and top-notch career development, Minerva’s goal is to inform better leaders, smarter innovators, and more informed global citizens.
Topics Discussed: • Why Minerva University is a reformer, not a disrupter • How to leverage social and experiential learning to provide the best outcomes for students • How courses and curriculum can build off each other to deeply engage learners • The importance of teaching transferable and practical knowledge • The future of learning and artificial intelligence • Why higher ed needs to focus more on education and engagement, not certification
Guest Bio Ben Nelson is the Founder and CEO of the Minerva Project and Minerva University. Driven by his passion to reinvent higher ed, Ben founded Minerva in 2011 with the goal of preparing exceptional learners.
Before Minerva, Ben spent over 10 years at Snapfish, where he helped build the company from a startup to the world’s largest personal publishing service. He served as CEO at Snapfish from 2005 to 2010 and led the company’s sale to Hewlett Packard for $300 million. Prior to Snapfish, he was President and CEO of Community Ventures, a network of locally branded portals for American communities.
Ben received a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. He became the chair of the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education, a pedagogical think tank that is the oldest and only non-elected student government body at the University of Pennsylvania.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Ted Mitchell, President of the American Council on Education (ACE). Todd and Ted discuss what ACE is currently working on and how are they helping colleges and universities through innovation. Plus, Ted shares his thoughts on how higher education will evolve under the Biden administration.
Topics Discussed • What to expect from the Biden Administration regarding affordability and accountability • How the pandemic negatively impacted enrollment rates for adult learners • The current student loan debt crisis and potential solutions to solve it • The effect digital credentialing will have on higher ed • How institutions can leverage investments from the big MOOC and platform players to bring down costs and drive better outcomes for students
Guest Bio Ted Mitchell is the President of ACE, the coordinating body for higher education institutions in the United States. ACE’s work encompasses policy advocacy, program development, and research focusing on equity, access, and student achievement.
Ted’s leadership of ACE, and of the nation’s higher education sector, is informed by a lifetime of work in higher education as a Professor, Dean, College President, Trustee, and most recently as U.S. Under Secretary of Education in the Obama administration. Previously, he served as the President of the California State Board of Education and CEO of the NewSchools Venture Fund, a venture philanthropy investing in K–12 innovation to support low-income students, schools, and communities.
Ted received his bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees from Stanford University. He lives in Washington, DC, with his wife, Christine, and their two children.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Tracy Lorenz, CEO & President of Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Todd and Tracy discuss the benefits of online culinary and pastry arts classes. The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is the only accredited institution in the United States to offer fully online diploma and degree programs with hands-on industry externships.
Topics Discussed: • How Auguste Escoffier disrupted the culinary model and proved that effective vocational education can be delivered online • Ways to create a 1:1 learning environment online, which is often cited by students as a reason for selecting the program at Auguste Escoffier • The current demand for chefs and the desire for credentials in the restaurant industry • How to take advantage of the scale of online education to provide affordable training
Guest Bio Tracy Lorenz has more than 20 years of leadership experience in higher ed, including both online and campus-based operations. Currently, Tracy leads her team as the CEO and President of Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts to provide fully online, accredited culinary and pastry programs for adults.
Prior to joining Auguste Escoffier, Tracy served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Western International University, where she later stepped into the role of President. Tracy has held a variety of key executive roles at Career Education Corporation where she led operations, strategy and development, as well as investor relations and corporate communications. Previously, she held positions at McDonald’s International and KPMG in finance and accounting. Tracy passed the Illinois CPA exam and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Master’s of Strategic Management Degree from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Ryan Craig, Managing Director of Achieve Partners. Todd and Ryan discuss the crisis of affordability and employability in higher ed, along with higher ed's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and academic integrity.
Topics Discussed: • The combination of student loan debt, lack of degree completion, and underemployment are a warning sign that higher ed isn’t working as it should • How a shift in the labor market impacts the ability for many to get good first jobs • The importance of teaching the skills that employers are looking for and funding innovative new models that are not “education up”, but “employer down” • How the Talent as a Service model creates a faster and cheaper pathway to employment • The benefits of an immersive, practical experience paired with online learning
Guest Bio Ryan Craig is the Managing Director of Achieve Partners. He is a prolific writer, known for his work as a Senior Contributor at Forbes and for his blog, Gap Letter. Ryan is also the author of two books. His first, College Disrupted: The Great Unbundling of Higher Education (2015), focuses on how he sees the future of higher education: in online degrees that unbundle course offerings. His second book, A New U: Faster + Cheaper Alternatives to College (2018), highlights bootcamps, apprenticeships, and more. Prior to Achieve Partners, Ryan led the Education & Training sector at Warburg Pincus where he was the founding Director of Bridgepoint Education, one of the largest online universities in the United States. Ryan received his bachelor’s degree from Yale University, and his law degree from the Yale Law School.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Zvi Galil, creator of the Online Master of Computer Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s College of Computing. Todd and Zvi discuss the launch of this program in 2014, which is regarded as the first affordable, fully online MOOC-based master’s degree in the United States. Zvi disputes the premises that we should be afraid of online, and that in-person teaching is superior.
Topics Discussed:
• The impact of the first MOOC-based degree at Georgia Tech, and how it opened-up a larger, global market • Opportunities for universities to deliver online degrees at a fraction of the cost and to a larger student population • The expansion of high-quality and low-cost MOOC-based degrees into the undergraduate realm • How success was driven through the board of trustees, critical faculty, and an investment from a corporation
Guest Bio
Zvi Galil is the creator of the Online Master of Computer Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s College of Computing, who The Wall Street Journal dubbed “The man who made online college work.” Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, he earned BS and MS degrees in Applied Mathematics from Tel Aviv University, both summa cum laude. Zvi later obtained a PhD in Computer Science from Cornell University.
In 1982, he joined the faculty of Columbia University, served as the chair of the Computer Science Department in 1989-1994, and became dean of The Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science in 1995-2007. In 2007, he returned to Tel Aviv University to serve as president. Zvi then took over as the third John P. Imlay Jr. Dean of Computing at Georgia Tech from July 2010 through June 2019.
He has written over 200 scientific papers, edited five books, and has given more than 150 lectures in 20 countries. Zvi has served as editor in chief of two journals and as the chief computer science adviser in the United States to the Oxford University Press. Recently, he was named one of the 10 most influential computer scientists in the last decade by Academic Influence.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Angela Kersenbrock, President, Community College Baccalaureate Association (CCBA). Todd and Angela discuss the importance of community colleges offering baccalaureate degrees and how the CCBA supports this mission.
Topics Discussed:
• The dynamic and critical relationship between higher ed and industry, and the communities that they serve • How the CCBA is supporting institutions and associations with efforts to increase the number of states allowing community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees • The impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on those without baccalaureate degrees, and how legislators, industries, and communities are responding to this impact • The concept of family-sustaining careers and innovations on the horizon for community college baccalaureates
Guest Bio Angela Kersenbrock is currently the president of the Community College Baccalaureate Association. An accomplished educator with experience at the associates, bachelor, master’s, and doctoral levels, she recently retired after 34 years at Seminole State College in Florida. There, she was a tenured faculty member, department chair, dean, and the associate vice president of the School of Business, Health, and Public Safety.
Angela holds a doctorate degree in higher education and public policy and is a masters prepared registered nurse. She has been involved with workforce education programs, having developed almost 30 different degrees and certificates, as well as several baccalaureate programs, including business and information management, nursing, health sciences, and information systems. She has also led partnerships between multiple stakeholders to gain regional approval for baccalaureate degrees.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Dan Avida, CEO and Co-founder of Engageli. Todd and Dan discuss how the pandemic highlighted the need for more engaging online learning.
Topics Discussed:
• The need for engaging synchronous tools in online education and ways to improve asynchronous learning • The shortcomings of traditional teleconferencing tools like Google Meet, Slack, and Teams • Ways to improve engagement and collaboration between instructors and students to help drive quality outcomes at scale • How to address inclusivity, equity, and diversity through platform design and functionality • The future of the personalized learning journey, machine learning, use of data, dashboards, and AI
Guest Bio Dan Avida has been working in technology companies as an executive and/or board member for over three decades. Several of these companies have scaled from a small founding team to over $100M in revenues and valuations of over $1B. He started Engageli in 2020 with wife and Coursera co-founder Daphne Koller, Stanford emeritus professor Serge Plotkin, and former executive at 2U and Trilogy, Jamie Nacht Farrell. He earned his B.S. in Computer Engineering from Technion, the Israel Institute of Technology, summa cum laude.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Shai Reshef, President of University of the People. Todd and Shai discuss how University of the People provides tuition-free online education to qualified individuals regardless of geographic, financial, or societal constraints. Topics Discussed: • Maximizing open-source technology and resources to increase access to affordable, quality education across the globe • Disrupting the industry with a low cost, tuition-free model powered by the support of 25,000 volunteers • Leveraging peer-to-peer learning and instructor supervision to achieve scale while maintaining course quality and a 14:1 learner to instructor ratio • Ensuring learner success through a unique admissions model and individual support throughout the learner’s journey • Collaborating with global universities to provide increased access and pathways to higher education
Guest Bio Shai Reshef is the President of University of the People, the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, American, accredited online university, dedicated to opening access to higher education.
An educational entrepreneur, Shai Reshef received a PhD from the Open University and has more than 30 years of experience in international education. From 1989 to 2005, he served as Chairman of the Kidum Group, a for-profit educational services company. Starting in 2001, Shai also chaired KIT eLearning, the online learning partner of the University of Liverpool and the first online university outside of the United States.
Shai is a member of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration; being named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business; selected by OneWorld as one of its ‘People of 2009;’ awarded an Ashoka fellowship; joined UN-GAID as a High-level Adviser; presented at TED; granted an RSA Fellowship; selected by The Huffington Post as the Ultimate Game Changer in Education; nominated as one of Wired Magazine’s 50 People Changing the World; and selected as a Top Global Thinker by Foreign Policy Magazine. Recently, he was awarded the Prince’s Prize for Innovative Philanthropy by Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Dr. Scott Ralls, President of Wake Technical Community College. Todd and Scott discuss the importance of apprenticeships and how they benefit both students and employers.
Topics Discussed: • The reason community colleges are America’s opportunity colleges • The ways the Biden Administration could impact funding for community colleges • Why apprenticeships are considered the gold standard of workplace learning • How the WakeWorks Apprenticeship Program provides individuals with on-the-job training while also working towards a college degree • How education impacts economic mobility Guest Bio Dr. Scott Ralls became the fourth President of Wake Technical Community College in April 2019. Before coming to Wake Tech, he served as President of Northern Virginia Community College from 2015-2019, President of the NC Community College System from 2008-2015, and President of Craven Community College in New Bern from 2002-2008. He has also worked for the NC Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of Labor.
He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Distinguished Public Service Award from the North Carolina Chamber, and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor.
Dr. Ralls earned his bachelor’s degree at UNC-Chapel Hill and master’s and doctorate degrees in Industrial and Organization Psychology from the University of Maryland.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Manoj Kutty, CEO and Founder of GreenLight Credentials. Todd and Manoj discuss how GreenLight is putting the student first and setting them up for future success through the secure storage and sharing of lifelong verified credentials.
Topics Discussed: • The growing need for verifiable digital records of lifelong learning • How blockchain technology can secure student records • The appetite for a common language when evaluating credentials versus degrees • An employer’s role in the accelerating trend of verified digital credentials • COVID-19’s impact on the adoption of this technology
Guest Bio Manoj Kutty is the Founder/CEO of GreenLight Credentials and a leader in ed tech for the past 28 years. He founded LoudCloud Systems in 2010, a competency-based learning platform with clients in North America, Australia, and India. In 2016, LoudCloud was sold to Barnes and Noble Education. Kutty then served on the leadership team to transition and integrate LoudCloud into the digital business. From 1993-2010 he was the President of Tata Interactive Systems, one of the world’s largest developers of custom e-learning products and services. He serves on several Boards, including the Dallas Education Foundation and the Center of Brain Health at UT Dallas.
Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services, welcomes Paul LeBlanc, President of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). They discuss how SNHU reimagined affordability and accessibility to drive quality outcomes for more learners.
Topics Discussed: • Implementing systems and processes that work specifically for the online learner • Rethinking the delivery of programs to be more experiential and project-based • Using competency-based education to deliver learning in equitable ways • Building a learning ecosystem that accommodates true lifelong learning • Creating short, affordable, skills-based offerings applicable to in-demand jobs
Guest Bio Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc is President of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Since 2003, under Paul’s leadership, SNHU has grown from 2,800 students to over 170,000 learners and is the largest nonprofit provider of online higher education in the country. Forbes Magazine has listed LeBlanc as one of its 15 “Classroom Revolutionaries” and one of the “most influential people in higher education.” Washington Monthly named him one of America’s ten most innovative university presidents. His book, Students First: Equity, Access, and Opportunity in Higher Education will be available later this year.