Rebuilding The American Dream: Recent Episodes
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In this podcast we introduce you to thought leaders who are shaping the lives of the next generation, to discuss the challenges and innovations shaping higher education and how it can adapt to give students a strong foundation for their futures. Through in-depth conversations with leading voices in education, we discover what it takes to give students the tools they need to excel and succeed in order to rebuild the American Dream.
Utah State Senator Ann Millner is intensely focused on improving Utah through education and workforce development. She is a Regents Professor of Health Administration and former President at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. A proponent of flexible certifications and pathways in higher education, Senator Millner shares more about what Dual Mission Institutions are, and why they are necessary for today's students - those working adults who want to move up the ladder and those emerging adults seeking to find their career paths and passions.
Senator Millner earned degrees from University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, Texas State University, and a doctorate in education from Brigham Young University.
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With a legal background steeped in higher education and diversity, President Jonathan Alger of James Madison University quickly learned his passion was in combining the three fields. As he says in this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream: "I've always been interested in using education and knowledge to make a difference in the world. That's what I loved about being a lawyer, frankly, is that you can use the tools of the law and legal reasoning to improve society's responses to major issues and and solve problems."
President Alger has taken that charge seriously at JMU. He has developed a wide number of initiatives; short, medium and long term goals with action and accountability at the core, to affect change and help the JMU students make a difference in the world.
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Dr. David Mellott is the head of Christian Theological Seminary, a unique institution with a series of core values upon which their mission is focused. Not just from the perspective of training clergy, but Dr. Mellott and CTS are focused on teaching the values of human dignity, justice, diversity to their students and impacting real and lasting change across communities. As Dr. Mellott shares: "I do see our students really coming to life when they realize that so much of what's important about life isn't necessarily about their own individual lives, but about the community."
Dr. Mellott holds a PhD from Emory University, an MA in Religious Studies and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, and a BA in English Literature and Latin American Studies from the Pontifical College Josephinum.
To learn more about the lecture series available to the public called "Our Life In Common", please visit www.cts.edu
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With a unique topic not often addressed in conversations in collegiate sports, today we discuss the disability sports communities and the importance of bringing those communities and student-athletes within the umbrella of formal college athletic departments. Our guest is Dr. J. P. Barfield. With over 25 years of experience in the adaptive physical activity and sports fields, Dr. Barfield's work focuses on health related and quality of life outcomes of adaptive physical activity and disability sports. He examines both competitive and recreational sports to identify factors that help participants increase their social and health outcomes.
Doctor Barfield is the Professor and chairperson of the Department of Applied Physiology, Health and Clinical Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He received degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Appalachian State University and Middle Tennessee state.
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Dr. Gregory Washington, President of George Mason University, could not have imagined during his childhood that he would have the experiences and opportunities that would lead him to now be the President of GMU, one of the largest public universities in the country. What he has seen, while reflecting on his youth, are the ways in which pathways were presented at critical times, ways lit for him by those who went before. Join us for this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream to learn more from Dr. Washington, but more importantly - his motivation behind all of his actions - "I feel that I have not just a mission, but A) a responsibility to a be that for others, as someone was for me, but B) put in place systems and pathways and initiatives and programs to as many young people as we possibly can, and ensure that they have somebody there for them."
First generation college student himself, Dr. Washington earned bachelors and masters degrees and his PhD, all in mechanical engineering at North Carolina State University.
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The University of Rhode Island, while located in a small state, has a tremendous amount of impact in the local communities and even state-wide. In building coalitions and partnerships with local, state and federal officials, Dr. Parlange has been able to create great champions for the work that URI is doing to better the citizens of the state and entice folks from out of state to enroll and enjoy the incredible programs and beautiful nature URI has to offer - which has shown in its increase in enrollment numbers over the last two years.
Dr. Parlange received his Masters of Science and his doctorate from Cornell University and his Bachelor of Science degree from Griffith University in Australia.
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Higher education institutions face many of the same challenges, but often work alone in finding solutions. In this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream, Dr. James Henderson, President of the University of Louisiana System, shares several programs and specific experiences where the UL System (a public, nine campus university system) has been able to come together and support each other, find solutions for collective problems and empower individuals to create larger system-wide impact - while still allowing each institution to best manifest it's own mission.
Dr. Henderson has dedicated his career to serving the people of his home state of Louisiana. He has served as president of his alma mater, Northwestern State University and Chancellor of Bossier Parish Community College. Dr. Henderson holds degrees from Northwestern State University, University of West Florida, and a doctorate of management from the University of Maryland—University College.
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Director of Athletics, Mike Kinnison, embodies Delta State University athletics and the family environment. At DSU for over 40 years as a student-athlete, teacher, coach and now Athletic Director, he has had astounding success on the fields (particularly in baseball). More importantly his pride lies in the exponential positive influence on thousands of young people over the years. Join this conversation on how Coach Kinnison and DSU invest in their student-athletes by setting expectations early and often and giving them confidence to succeed 5, 10, 40 years down the line - and it starts with their education first.
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President Geoffrey S. Mearns has a unique and exciting history: a student-athelete preparing to compete in Olympic trials, a trial lawyer and prosecutor in high profile cases and now 17th President of Ball State University. President Mearns shares how those experiences prepared him for leadership in higher education and the inspirational stories that motivate him and the staff, students and faculty to change the world every day - by changing their communities.
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In this podcast episode, we interview Brent Jones, Director of Athletics at Troy University. Brent discusses his drive and enthusiasm for the programs they are building at Troy and the hard work necessary to achieve those goals. He also shares with us great advice for how he builds his coaching staff at Troy and what it takes to be a great leader. (Hint: It's not as hard as you would think, but "There are no shortcuts", he says. "We are going to take the stairs.")
Brent is a 2013 graduate of the prestigious D1A Institute and a member of NACDA, ICLA, and NACMA. He joined the Troy staff from Southern Miss where he served as the Senior Associate AD for External Affairs. Prior to Southern Miss, he was Georgia Southern University,
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An incredible career trajectory that ranged from a city planner to mayor of San Antonio and now President of Rust College, Dr. Ivy Taylor has a unique perspective on the impact that a college experience and the environments from which the students begin, can change life trajectories. "[I] have an interest in understanding how people interact with the built environment around them and how it can either inspire or not inspire them. That definitely comes in handy as president of a college because you're creating kind of like this special place where people have some of the most memorable and formative times of their lives." Join this conversation with Dr. Taylor to take a deeper look at how we can help students gain outcomes that are not dictated based on where they started.
Dr. Taylor holds degrees from Yale University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Doctorate of Education at the University of Pennsylvania.
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Dr. Thomas Newsom, President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University shares important insights about widening gaps in our higher education systems. Gaps in normative learning experiences due to the effects of COVID, helping students cross the gap from two-year to four-year institutions, connecting with partnerships for community success and the correcting the misperception of the value of college. These gaps, while they existed prior to the pandemic, have become very prevalent. Dr. Newsom shares ways that Southeastern Oklahoma State University and other higher education institutions "have to be even more intentional" in addressing those gaps.
Dr. Newsom earned degrees from Austin College, Texas A&M-Commerce, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from The University of North Texas.
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Wendy Reid brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as an athletic director but also a communications professional. She shares with us the importance of - and advice for - developing stronger communication skills, both online and in-person.
Wendy is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Before her current position, she was the Director of Athletic Communications at Trinity Christian College, the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at Calumet College of St. Joseph, and the Sports Information Director at Olivet Nazarene University.
Since this recording, Trinity Christian has announced some of the programs Wendy mentioned. They have dropped tuition by 40% to make Christian, liberal arts education more affordable.
https://www.trnty.edu/transparency/
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Wendy Reid brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as an athletic director but also a communications professional. She shares with us the importance of - and advice for - developing stronger communication skills, both online and in-person.
Wendy is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Before her current position, she was the Director of Athletic Communications at Trinity Christian College, the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at Calumet College of St. Joseph, and the Sports Information Director at Olivet Nazarene University.
Since this recording, Trinity Christian has announced some of the programs Wendy mentioned. They have dropped tuition by 40% to make Christian, liberal arts education more affordable.
https://www.trnty.edu/transparency/
Find out more on our website: AmericanDream.fm
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn @degreeinsurance.
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Since his election to the presidency of University of Holy Cross in Louisiana in 2019, Dr. Stanton F. McNeely III, has led the university to great success through the twin challenges of COVID-19 and Hurriance Ida.
The key to this success, says Dr. McNeely, is the connectedness of the university to its students, to the campus faculty and staff and to the larger community. That connectedness can sometimes be as simple, and lifesaving, as a text.
Dr. McNeely, an undergraduate of the University of Holy Cross, earned a doctorate in Education from Northcentral University, and an MBA from Loyola University.
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Elmhurst University Athletic Director Glen Brittich discovered his greatest passion was helping each student-athlete discover their own passions and get to graduation day with the most well-rounded experience Elmhurst could provide. Join the conversation to learn more about what Glen and Elmhurst are doing to build experience for their student-athletes.
Glen holds a bachelor’s degree from Albion College and a master’s degree from Adams State University and is currently pursuing his doctorate in higher education leadership from Maryville University. In 2020, he was selected as one of 20 participants to the NCAA’s Pathway Program, the NCAA’s premier leadership development program for athletic administrators.
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Dr. Mary Darden, President and CEO of Higher Education Innovation, LLC, an independent company with the mission to research, study, and provide entrepreneurial training for higher education leaders to help their institutions thrive.
Dr. Darden holds a doctorate in higher education administration and leadership from Baylor University. She is the author of two books, and in her recent book, Entrepreneuring the Future of Higher Education: Radical Transformation in Times of Profound Change, she outlines a plan that all universities and colleges can take advantage of to secure their futures even in the face of major crises.
Website: https://www.heisuccess.com
Dr. Darden's Books:
Entrepreneuring the Future of Higher Education (2021)
Beyond 2020: Envisioning the Future of Universities in America (2009)
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Andy Carter, Director of Athletics at Missouri Western State University has over 30 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics. Now, as he enters what he calls the 4th quarter of his career, he shares some great truths and frank advice about how we (student-athletes, administrators and listeners alike) can make the most of rewarding experiences we are given.
Andy earned a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Baptist University and a MBA from Lindenwood University. He was appointed to the NCAA Division II Membership Committee in 2019 and has served in numerous other leadership roles at NCAA conference levels.
As an entirely online institution focused on graphic and web design and digital media, Sessions College is in a unique position to lead out on online learning trends and technology growth. But they also spend a great deal of time developing how instruction happens and the importance of getting a student ready for the constant changing needs of the workforce. And, more importantly, helping students become "successful advocates of their own work at the same time as being proficient."
As President, Gordon Drummond is an educator and instructional designer with a passion for art, design, and technology. Gordon has extensive experience in school accreditation and holds a Master’s in English Literature from The University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Article about student art mentioned in the podcast: https://www.sessions.edu/campus-news/lefever-heritage-pasifika-art/
"We might be the best school in America" reads the Wabash College website, just above a list of over a dozen top rankings from The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Princeton Review and others. The small all-mens college in central Indiana offers unique experiences inside and out of the classroom, an engaging alumni network and competitive athletic programs. Matt Tanney, Wabash's Director of Athletics and Campus Wellness joins us to share more about the singular, nationally recognized, Wabash experience, shaped by it's incredible alumni engagement.
Matt is a graduate from Wabash, and he earned his law degree from the Robert H. McKinney School of Law at Indiana University.
Dr. Les Guice has contributed to and played a central role in creating the culture and vision for the future of Louisiana Tech almost since he first stepped onto the campus in 1972 as an architecture student. In this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream, he shares some of the innovative projects and partnerships that have been happening at Louisiana Tech with concerted and purposeful collaboration across departments, businesses and the community of Ruston, LA.
Dr. Guice received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Louisiana Tech, and his Ph.D. in civil engineering from Texas A&M University. In 2013, he was appointed the 14th president of the University.
Jamie Boggs is nationally recognized leader in collegiate athletics, guiding the Lopes to competitive and student-athlete success. That success is all carefully built and sustained through a framework that Jamie calls the 'Four Cs.' These four pillars help Jamie and the entire athletic department build authentic relationships and guide everything they do - and are applicable to all industries. Learn more about the 'Four Cs' and Jamie Boggs in this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream: The Student-Athlete Experience. Plus bonus a tip for anyone interested in working at GCU Athletics!
Jamie earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego and a law degree from the University of Arizona.
In a truly inspirational discussion, Dr. Mary Dana Hinton, President of Hollins University shares her deep and abiding commitment to educational access, equity, and the education of women. Reflecting on her own experiences, Dr. Hinton envisions, and strives for, a truly inclusive and equitable growth experience for those at Hollins.
View Dr. Hinton's TEDx talk "Leading from the Margins" here: https://www.ted.com/talks/mary_dana_hinton_leading_from_the_margins
Dr. Hinton earned a Ph.D. in religion and religious education with high honors from Fordham University, a Master of Arts degree in clinical child psychology from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Williams College. She also holds two honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from Misericordia University and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
In a truly inspirational discussion, Dr. Mary Dana Hinton, President of Hollins University shares her deep and abiding commitment to educational access, equity, and the education of women. Reflecting on her own experiences, Dr. Hinton envisions, and strives for, a truly inclusive and equitable growth experience for those at Hollins.
View Dr. Hinton's TEDx talk "Leading from the Margins" here: https://www.ted.com/talks/mary_dana_hinton_leading_from_the_margins
Dr. Hinton earned a Ph.D. in religion and religious education with high honors from Fordham University, a Master of Arts degree in clinical child psychology from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Williams College. She also holds two honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from Misericordia University and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Despite facing some immense challenges during his time as Athletic Director of William Carey University, DJ Pulley has still been able to produce a winning atmosphere and national recognition for his department and the university through two main principles - patience and perseverance. As the needs and attributes of incoming student-athletes continue to change, DJ has some great insight on how to develop the emerging adults into the leaders needed for tomorrow.
DJ earned his bachelor's degree from William Carey in 2003 and his MBA in 2004. In early 2022, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics named him as a Cushman and Wakefield AD of the Year.
As educators, we want to be sharing the information and teaching the skills that lead to growth and learning. But what questions should we be asking of students, colleagues and ourselves, that will force us to asses how we're doing?
Dr. Lake Lambert, President of Hanover College joins this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream with some suggestions on how to keep innovating in higher education through asking those tough questions - and listening to those hard answers. Dr. Lambert earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Theological Studies degrees from Emory University and earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Princeton Theological Seminary.
As educators, we want to be sharing the information and teaching the skills that lead to growth and learning. But what questions should we be asking of students, colleagues and ourselves, that will force us to asses how we're doing?
Dr. Lake Lambert, President of Hanover College joins this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream with some suggestions on how to keep innovating in higher education through asking those tough questions - and listening to those hard answers. Dr. Lambert earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Theological Studies degrees from Emory University and earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Princeton Theological Seminary.
As we know, most student-athletes are going to go pro in something other than sports. In this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream: The Student-Athlete experience, Dr. Cade Smith, Athletic Director, University of Alabama in Huntsville, shares why his student-athletes are moving ahead of the game - thanks to the rigorous academics of UAH and the supportive, growing community of Huntsville.
Dr. Smith earned all of his degrees from Harding University, and another Master’s degree from UAH.
Please also enjoy the behind the scenes peek into the real life of an athletic director- as you may hear noises of activities in the background of this episode.
Join us for this inspiring and forward thinking episode of Rebuilding the American Dream with President Brian Hemphill of Old Dominion University. As many know, there are significant challenges ahead in higher education. President Hemphill and his faculty and staff will not allow themselves to get comfortable as they look ahead. They are working to make sure Old Dominion is well prepared for what may come next: highlighting ODU's unique regional footprint, 35+ years of distance learning experience and "playing to the strengths of the institution."
President Hemphill held Radford University, West Virginia State University, Northern Illinois University, University of Arkansas, University of North Carolina Wilmington, and Cornell College. He has earned degrees from Saint Augustine’s University, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa.
A student-athlete before becoming a coach and now the Athletic Director at The University of Sioux Falls, Pam Gohl thrives in creating and fostering a small community feel on campus for all students. One of The University of Sioux Falls Athletic Department mission statements is a 'Dedication to Family' and she embodies that as she champions that sense of family belonging in her university, staff and student-athletes.
Join us for this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream: The Student-Athlete Experience as we learn more about The University of Sioux Falls and Athletic Director, Pam Gohl (could not a better name for an AD!) Pam earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education at Augustana University, and a Master’s degree in Sports Management from St. Cloud (Minn.) State University.
"How do we help [higher education institutions] thrive in perpetuity?" Dr. Sean Creighton asks in this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream. A key part of that answer, he believes, is in the support of and collaboration between individual institutions. At The New American Colleges & Universities, they are building just that: "A trusted environment that comes with bringing together like-minded, like-missioned institutions who are not direct competitors."
Dr. Sean Creighton has been President of The New American Colleges & Universities since 2019. Throughout his distinguished career, he has developed major education and community partnerships, introduced innovative programming, and enhanced the reputation of the organizations he has served. Dr. Creighton holds degrees from Marist College, New York University, and earned his Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University. He also currently serves as a principal investigator on research projects for the Kettering Foundation and TIAA Institute.
"How do we help [higher education institutions] thrive in perpetuity?" Dr. Sean Creighton asks in this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream. A key part of that answer, he believes, is in the support of and collaboration between individual institutions. At The New American Colleges & Universities, they are building just that: "A trusted environment that comes with bringing together like-minded, like-missioned institutions who are not direct competitors."
Dr. Sean Creighton has been President of The New American Colleges & Universities since 2019. Throughout his distinguished career, he has developed major education and community partnerships, introduced innovative programming, and enhanced the reputation of the organizations he has served. Dr. Creighton holds degrees from Marist College, New York University, and earned his Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University. He also currently serves as a principal investigator on research projects for the Kettering Foundation and TIAA Institute.
Josh Morton, Athletic Director at Augustana University has immeasurable pride in his community, campus and especially the Student-Athletes of Augustana University. Winning on and off the field, and celebrating each of those wins, is in Josh's blood and he has spent his career building pathways to help the teams he serves succeed.
Prior to Augustana, Josh was at athletic departments at Michigan State and University of North Dakota. He brings a unique perspective to his position as he was a TV sports anchor for 11 years before beginning his career in college athletics. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota.
Josh Morton, Athletic Director at Augustana University has immeasurable pride in his community, campus and especially the Student-Athletes of Augustana University. Winning on and off the field, and celebrating each of those wins, is in Josh's blood and he has spent his career building pathways to help the teams he serves succeed.
Prior to Augustana, Josh was at athletic departments at Michigan State and University of North Dakota. He brings a unique perspective to his position as he was a TV sports anchor for 11 years before beginning his career in college athletics. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota.
The key to providing the best possible educational experience for non-traditional students is understanding who they are and the obstacles they are currently facing. For National American University, 75% of their students are low income, 68% are single, divorced or widowed, 47% are racially diverse, 69% female, 35% low income single parents, 75% low income households with children and 36 years old as the average age. As Dr. Shape shares in this podcast, a traditional structure cannot best serve non-traditional students and NAU's infrastructure can.
Dr. Ronald Shape, President and CEO of National American University. He began his career at NAU in 1991, and since then, he has held various leadership roles in different capacities and was named President in 2016. National American University, has more than 35 campus locations in 10 states and Dr. Shape has been successfully growing the institution throughout his tenure and launching the University’s “Service Center” education model and successfully took the company public to become one of only 14 publicly-traded, post-secondary organizations in the country.
On this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream: The Student-Athlete Experience, we speak with Sam Lucas, a second-year Division I Swimmer for the University of Utah and current Degree Insurance Summer Associate. Sam shares his experiences growing up in high-level competitive athletics and how he is learning to navigate that competition within the pressures of college and looking towards the future.
During Sam’s career at Utah he has been a part of the Utah PAC-12 Championship team during both of his years. Sam is also a Summer Associate at Degree Insurance, and studying to earn his degree in Business Administration. Prior to the University of Utah, he was a swimmer of 12 years for 19th Nationally ranked club team Lakeside Aquatic Club, and 4-time state qualifier in the state of Texas.
Energetic and thought-provoking, this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream is with Dr. Makola Abdullah, President of Virginia State University. Dr. Abdullah discusses the range of challenges and opportunities facing young people and communities today, with excitement and hope. But, as he shares, the first thing they need is a chance. Don't miss this inspiring episode!
Dr. Makola Abdullah is an internationally-renowned educator. Prior to his appointment as president of VSU, Dr. Abdullah served as provost and senior vice president at Bethune-Cookman University. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard University and his doctorate and master’s degrees from Northwestern University. Dr. Abdullah is a very active member with various organizations and was recently appointed to the President’s Board of Advisors (PBA) on HBCUs.
We are thrilled that in our first episode of Rebuilding the American Dream: The Student-Athlete Experience, we are joined by Debbie Corum, Athletic Director at Southern Utah University. As the first female Division I Athletic Director in the state of Utah, Debbie brings decades of insight into the ever changing role of the student-athlete. Our conversation ranges from the new NIL landscape, impact of title IX, to her upcoming retirement - all incredible times of transitions.
Debbie has been athletic director at four NCAA Division 1 institutions: Stanford University, LSU, UConn, and Southern Utah University. Additionally, she spent 18 years in the SEC Commissioner's Office, culminating with 12 years as the Associate Commissioner for Sports Administration and championships.
Listen now to this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream as Dr. Tom Stritikus, President of Fort Lewis College, joins us to discuss the benefits of success while working with students to make the college experience better - and the steep cost if we fail.
Prior to the appointment as president at Fort Lewis College, Dr. Stritikus was a deputy director of K-12 Education at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the dean of the University of Washington College of Education. He earned his doctorate in Language, Literacy, and Culture at the University of California, Berkeley. In addition to his work in global education, Dr. Stritikus spent three years leading work in improving education in the United States, where he oversaw initiatives of personalized learning, assessment for student learning, instructional leadership, and teacher preparation.
As a low-income, first-generation college student, Former President Lovell brought enthusiasm to Adams State’s mission to provide access and opportunity to all students, especially for historically under-served groups. She is passionate about addressing how a college degree helps move people up the economic ladder and creates social mobility within their lives.
Dr. Lovell received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of West Georgia and her Ph.D. in Higher Education from Florida State University. She has 35+ years of extensive leadership experiences in higher education in Georgia, Texas, Arkansas, Florida, and Colorado.
In this inspirational episode of Rebuilding the American Dream, Dr. Ali Malekzadeh, president of Roosevelt University shares with us the special role that Roosevelt plays in rebuilding, and reconsidering, the American Dream. Dr, Malekzadeh is very proud of his students, faculty and the kinds of experiences created at Roosevelt. We know you will be impressed by these stories as well.
Dr. Malekzadeh holds degrees from the University of Denver and the University of Utah. He believes that access to higher education is every American’s right and one of the pathways to living the American Dream. He champions Roosevelt University’s mission of social justice as he is passionate about women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, affirmative action and access to higher education.
Eureka College has a special history and looking forward, they are working on innovative approaches to enrollment, affordability and access. In this episode of the Rebuilding the American Dream, Dr. Jamel Wright, president of Eureka College joins us to share why that history and the future of Eureka College have been, and will continue to be, transformative to students, faculty, staff and the community - A Uniquely Eureka experience.
Dr. Jamel Wright is the first woman and African American to serve as president of the 167-year-old institution. While at Eureka, she has successfully led the effort to ensure the college’s financial health & stability, increase its endowment, and establish strategic community partnerships. Dr. Wright received a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Western State University, and a master’s and doctorate degree from University of Kansas, all in Communication Studies.
Dr. Jared Tippets, Vice President of Student Affairs at Southern Utah University, joins us on The Rebuilding the American Dream Podcast to discuss a universal challenge to all colleges and universities - retention. Addressing the retention of top faculty and staff AND students, Jared shares the ASCEND Model, the basis for a book he co-authored ASCEND to Higher Retention Rates: Practical Strategies for Increasing Student Retention, Completion, and Student Success.
Dr. Tippets earned degrees from Utah State University, University of Missouri-Columbia, and has a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Kentucky where his dissertation topic was about organizational change in higher education. Prior to working at SUU, he worked at Purdue University, the University of Kentucky, University of Missouri-Columbia, and Utah Valley University.
"Tutoring is not a new concept. It's something that institutions know can drive students towards better persistence and completion rates and student engagement," says Samyr Qureshi, Co-Founder and CEO of Knack.
So what are Samyr and his innovative team doing to bring that traditional concept of tutoring into a new model - and have incredible success? Listen now to this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream as Samyr joins us to share more about Knack and their thoughtful approach to engaging with the post-traditional student.
Samyr Qureshi is the Co-founder and CEO of Knack, an app based company dedicated to helping students succeed by connecting them with their peers for academic support. As a first generation immigrant, he knew the importance of obtaining a college degree to attain a better future. Because of his innovative ideas, Samyr has been named on the 2020 Class of Forbes 30 Under 30, and as Tampa’s 2020 Emerging Tech Leader of the Year.
You can also learn more about Knack and how to partner with them through the links below.
https://www.joinknack.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samyrq/
samyr at joinknack.com
Dr. Stephen Standifird, President of Bradley University is an expert in organizational behavior, organizational design and change, and principles of management. His experiences with business and higher education are contributing to his success as President of Bradley University.
With an incredible team of faculty and staff, Bradley University is setting out to rethink almost every approach to higher education - from budgets to mentorship to enrollments and majors. President Standifird is leading first with not just a student-concerned approach, but student-centric and reshaping the university around the needs and interests of today's students.
Dr. Standifird holds degrees from Purdue University, Northwestern University and a Ph.D. in organization studies from the University of Oregon. His interests in teaching and research include strategic management, power, and politics in organization and internal management.
Dr. David Wright, President of Indiana Wesleyan University recently announced his plan to retire at the end of the 2021-22 school year, which will conclude a 35-year career in Christian higher education with 25 years being at IWU. Additionally, he spent time working internationally in Haiti, and then in England. His areas of professional expertise include higher education policy, the design and administration of non-traditional and online programs, and higher education leadership.
In this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream, Dr. Wright reflects on his storied career, his philosophy and methods for finding a fulfilling life. Of timely importance is Dr. Wright's advice and guidance for allowing higher education to help us become clear about who we are, what is important to us and how to share that with our communities.
From someone believing in you, to the power of suggestion by a mentor, to receiving equitable access to funding to discovering your own passion and potential; a path through to higher education usually is started with a spark. How do we take that spark, whether our own or that of the students we serve, and kindle it into lifelong learning?
In this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream, we are speaking with LSU President Emeritus Thomas Galligan. A lawyer, legal scholar and educator with more than 35 years of working in higher education, President Galligan shares wise advice for everyone, at every stage of academic achievement and leadership.
Most recently, Galligan presided over LSU from January 2020 - April 2021. President Galligan received a Bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, a J.D. degree from Seattle University School of Law, and a LL.M. degree from Columbia Law School. Recently, he returned to his love of teaching, and is a law professor at LSU.
Peter Smith is a former state senator, Lieutenant Governor, and Congressman for the state of Vermont. The founder of two institutions – The Community College of Vermont and California State University Monterey Bay, he also served as Assistant Director General for Education for UNESCO.
Peter has advocated for new models of adult learning for more than 50 years. In his new book, Stories From the Educational Underground: The New Frontier for Learning and Work, he once again challenges the practices in traditional higher education.
Looking through the eyes of a diverse array of adult learners, Peter Smith makes the case for the value of all learning and knowledge, regardless of where or how it was gained. This discussion around his new book is for educators, employers, political leaders and policy-makers at the state and federal levels and the general public because it wraps policy, practice, personal growth, economic security, and social justice into one compelling DNA.
Look for his book at Kendall Hunt Publishing.
President Steve Easton, of Dickinson State University, graduated summa cum laude from DSU with a bachelor's degree in accounting and a minor in business administration. He was the third generation of his family to choose Dickinson State. After earning his undergraduate degree at DSU, Easton enrolled in Stanford Law School, where he earned his J.D. and worked as a lawyer for 20 years before returning to his alma mater. His business acumen and deep love of Dickinson State have given President Easton a unique view into the increasingly complex business of higher education, both the challenges and opportunities.
Join the conversation on this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream to learn more of President Easton’s plans to prepare for the challenges just ahead and embrace the incredible opportunities Dickinson State (and other schools like it) have to offer.
Alcorn State University is America’s oldest Historically Black Land-Grant University, recently celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding. It is not surprising that Dr. Felecia Nave, Alcorn’s first female president, has embraced the challenge of making her own impact on her storied alma mater. In this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream, Dr. Nave shares her journey through the ranks of academia, leading her back to Alcorn. “I think the path to where I am now began long before I even knew that this is where I would be,”she says. Dr. Nave also shares her passion for transforming the lives of students and how their experiences at Alcorn set them apart.
Prior to her appointment as Alcorn’s president in 2019, Dr. Nave served as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at North Carolina Central University and served in various academic and administrative roles at Prairie View A&M University. Dr. Nave graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Alcorn State University in 1996. She holds a master’s degree in chemical and environmental engineering and a doctorate in engineering, both from the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio.
Dr. Michael Lindsay spent thousands of hours interviewing over 550 of the most prominent and well-known people today. He learned in the process that every single person has experiences he calls Hinge Moments, the title to his most recent book. President Lindsay learned that it was HOW they "responded to those hinge moments of their life [that] had a disproportionate impact on the angle of the rest of the trajectory of their life." Listen to this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream to learn some of the incredible stories and the impact that it has made on his own life at time at Taylor University.
Dr. Lindsay became president of Taylor University in Upland, Indiana in 2021. He previously served as President of Gordon College in Massachusetts and he was a member of the sociology faculty at Rice University. President Lindsay earned his Ph.D. in sociology from Princeton University and graduate theological degrees from Wycliffe Hall at Oxford University and Princeton Theological Seminary. He is a summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Baylor University. His book Faith in the Halls of Power: How Evangelicals Joined the American Elite, which was nominated for the nonfiction Pulitzer Prize in 2007. His most recent book, Hinge Moments, was launched globally on the Taylor campus in 2021.
This week, starting March 13, 2022, has been designated by the U.S. Senate as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week. Tribal Colleges and Universities play a critical role in higher education but also preservation - a charge to carry forward the knowledge, culture and identity of Native communities. In this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream, we have the privilege of visiting with Dr. Twyla Baker, President of Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College in New Town, ND. Dr. Baker shares with us the important mission of NHSC, her passion for the history of her people and culture, and the progressive steps NHSC is taking to "level the playing field" for all of its students.
Born and raised on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in northwest North Dakota, Dr. Twyla Baker's worldview through an Indigenous lens informs nearly everything she does professionally and personally. She has spent a lifetime establishing her credibility among her Tribal people and with stakeholders including community members, the state, and the region. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental geology and technology and earned a Master of Science degree in education general studies, and a Ph.D in Teaching & Learning/research methodologies.
In memory of Dr. Baker's father, Emerson Baker (1938-2022).
In this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream, Dr. Timothy Mottet shares a bold vision for CSU - Pueblo: To become The People's University of the Southwest. That vision is focused entirely on remaining true to the individual students and the first-gen community at large. "Being humble and being a university that serves the people and that it is accessible and affordable... Also as a minority serving institution to connect students to a part of their heritage that is very important."
Dr. Mottet is the 15th president of Colorado State University-Pueblo. As a higher education leader, he is recognized for designing innovative learning systems that allow all students to be successful. He has a record of success in developing high-performing educators, aligning people and processes to enhance organizational sustainability, facilitating and implementing strategic planning processes, and building consensus among diverse groups of individuals. Dr.Mottet earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from William Jewell College, a Master of Science in Mass Communication from Boston University, and a Doctoral Degree in Instructional Communication from West Virginia University.
Vincennes University in Indiana has been able to create remarkable work-based learning partnerships, where the individual learners are getting both an academic credential but also getting work based experience. President Chuck Johnson has been at the helm of many of these partnerships, yet gives the full credit to his faculty and staff. He shares some of their many successes in this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream. "We have a faculty who are committed. First of all, to helping students be successful, and they're committed to their craft. They're committed to their field and they enjoy being innovative. They enjoy problem solving and they want to own their programs."
President Johnson was appointed President of VU in 2015, after careers in both academia and corporate worlds. He is actively engaged in workforce development efforts with leading manufacturing-focused organizations. A native of Washington, Indiana, President Johnson earned a Ph.D. at Purdue University, an MBA from Bowling Green, and a B.S. in Economics from Indiana State University.
Dr. Walter Kimbrough, President of Dillard University, has been recognized for his research and writings on HBCUs and African American men in college. Recently, he has emerged as one of the leaders discussing free speech on college campuses. Dr. Kimbrough is well known throughout U.S. higher ed for his social media savvy and has been featured in several publications highlighting his successes in engagement.
In this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream, Dr. Kimbrough discusses the paths to his success, his experiences at Dillard and especially the secret to his incredible success in engaging alumni, students and families all at the same time. Dr. Kimbrough will be retiring from Dillard at the end of this academic year. We want to thank him for his time and dedication to Dillard and continuing to improve higher education in his next chapter.
"Radical" is not often a term associated with higher education institutions. President Laurie M. Joyner of Saint Xavier University in Chicago shares why radical, and more importantly, intentional conversations are needed today to improve student outcomes. "Education is the passport to a more meaningful life and successful careers", she says and we need to be better about communicating what higher education entails through that radical transparency, as people contemplate their futures. Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., brought extensive leadership experience to Saint Xavier University in Chicago as the institution's 20th president, joining in 2017. Prior to SXU, Dr. Joyner served as president of Wittenberg University in Ohio as well as in multiple vice presidential and decanal roles at Rollins College in Florida.
President Richard Dunsworth, of the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas joins us on this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream. A first generation college graduate, Rich shares some of the advice and counsel he gives to each incoming first year student: Invite someone to invest in you. And as you move through your collegiate experiences, are you investing in your own growth, not just in the classroom, but in the community?
Richard Dunsworth became the 25th president of University of the Ozarks in 2013. The university has been consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its annual “Great Schools, Great Prices,” category. Prior to arriving at Ozarks, President Dunsworth was an administrator for 22 years at Millikin University in Decatur, IL. A native of Colorado, Dunsworth has earned degrees from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Eastern Illinois University and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Dr. Roger Parrott has developed a unique leadership style and college growth path that discards traditional long range destination planning. Built on trust, embracing speed and looking for opportunities, Dr. Parrott and Belhaven University have changed the culture of their operations away from traditional models of university growth plans. In this very engaging episode of Rebuilding the American Dream, Dr. Parrott shares some of those insights, the benefits gained by becoming a more agile institution and practical ways to make changes across campus cultures.
Dr. Parrott is a third generation college president, first accepting the role at age 34. Belhaven is one of the fastest growing and most innovative colleges, serving 5,000 students, including an online campus in China and was named one of “America’s Best Colleges to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education. Dr. Parrott was named one of “The 10 Most Visionary Education Leaders of 2021” by Education Magazine. Dr. Parrott's new book, Opportunity Leadership: Stop Planning and Start Getting Results was released February 1, 2022 and can be found wherever books are sold. Learn more at https://www.opportunityleadership.com
President Brad Mortensen has a penchant for understanding and appreciating the dedication that the people of Ogden, Utah have for Weber State University. A history buff, he shares in this latest episode of Rebuilding the American Dream podcast, some of the challenges that Weber State has faced and how it has overcome and continued to grow through the building and leveraging of partnerships. Not only with the citizens, but the local and statewide government, business, health care and other institutions of higher learning.
President Brad Mortensen joined Weber State in Utah in 2004 and has led efforts in alumni relations, economic development, government relations, marketing and communications beyond the university. Brad has been active with several northern Utah organizations and was named as Utah business as 2018 CXO of the year.
Dr. Tina Holland of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University has service focused at the heart of everything she does. As a second generation American and a former intelligence officer in the US Marine Corp, Dr. Holland has an inherent call to civic duty and community.
In this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream, Dr. Holland discusses what those working in higher education owe to students; and in turn what new graduates owe to the the community. Additionally, she offers some great practical advice for helping to discern one's own vocation.
President Thomas Hudson of Jackson State University has spent his career lifting others up, from his time as a lawyer with a private practice with an equity based focused, to his current tenure as Jackson State University's president.
Dedicated to the community that JSU anchors, President Hudson has described JSU's role for students, employees, businesses, citizens as holistic. "This is being a beacon, if you will... To be a part of that solution to drive progressive ideas in in different ways of doing things, to help the surrounding community and make things better."
Listen to this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream to learn more about what President Hudson and JSU are doing to fortify its mission to produce ethical and technologically advanced global leaders who properly address societal problems and compete effectively.
Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, president of Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota has spent her career in research, teaching, public service, corporate leadership, economic development, and higher education administration. She has served in presidential appointments to several national committees, let projects for federal agencies and has received over 20 significant awards in science, technology, teaching and the advancement of women in these fields.
In this episode of Rebuilding the American Dream, Dr. Griffiths discusses the challenges and successes of preparing today's students for technical jobs that do not yet exist. We also delve into thoughtful conversation about partnerships between public issues and university research, up-skilling and stacking credentials and the benefit of having a guarantee on your degree.
President Troy VanAken has helped to grow Elmhurst University (IL) in ways not often seen consistently, and certainly incredible in the middle of a pandemic.
In this episode of the Rebuilding the American Dream podcast, President VanAken shared some of the keys to his success over the past 5 years and what he, the faculty and staff are doing at Elmhurst to build a sustainable model for their continued growth.
Before beginning his role as Trinity Christian College’s president in July 2015, President Dykstra served as mayor of the City of Holland, Michigan, and as the senior vice president and community president of Mercantile Bank of Michigan. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Marquette Law School, he was a judicial law clerk for the Wisconsin Supreme Court and practiced law for 15 years. President Dykstra also was a part-time member of the faculty at Hope College and served on the board of Northwestern College (Iowa), his alma mater.
In this recent episode of Rebuilding the American Dream, President Dykstra discusses the experiences that shaped his leadership style; how he and Trinity Christian College are finding new paths to adapt to the future of higher education and the importance of nurturing the totality of a person - brain, body, spirit and soul - for the betterment of the person, institution and surrounding community.
As a registered pharmacist, Dr. Cynthia Warrick is highly skilled at recommending treatments and remedies. Now in her historic career as an HBCU president, Dr. Warrick continues to be a problem solver and stabilizer in distressed environments.
Dr. Warrick is a native of San Antonio, Texas and graduated from Howard University with the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, and completed the Masters of Science in Public Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the Doctorate in Environmental Science & Public Policy from George Mason University.
The first female president of Stillman College joins the Rebuilding the American Dream Podcast where she discusses her drive for entering higher education leadership; the need to connect students to career and industries sooner and the importance of the general education core for holistic education.
Dr. Julie Basler is President of Platt College in Aurora, Colorado. Prior to coming to Platt College in 2007, Dr. Basler served as the Coordinator of Fine Arts and Associate Professor of English and Speech Communications at Columbia State Community College in middle Tennessee for nearly a decade. Dr. Basler earned her degrees from the University of Tennessee at Martin, Murray State University in Kentucky, and Middle Tennessee State University.
Fiercely proud of, and grateful for, her upbringing and education in small communities, Dr. Basler shares in this episode why individualized mentorship is life changing, helping all students to feel valued; the importance of allowing our students to make, and correct, mistakes; and then celebrating the successes - especially the small ones.
Kelly Damphousse was appointed Chancellor at Arkansas State University in 2017. The Canadian native, the first in his family to attend college, knows first-hand the profound impact higher education can have on a lifetime. Prior to joining A-State, Chancellor Damphousse was at Oklahoma University where he was Dean of the College of Arts and Science. Accessible to all, his personal touch with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the A-State community is a Damphousse hallmark.
In this conversation, Chancellor Damphousse discusses the changing landscape of college athletics; the growth of online Instruction and the continuing importance of in-person classes; and finding ways to help students to understand the value proposition of college. He also shares his thoughts on what "The American Dream" means and how a college education is central to that success.
Nicholas Perrin is President at Trinity International University. Appointed to the role in 2019, he became the 16th President of the evangelical Christian university headquartered in Illinois. Before this, he served as Franklin S. Dyrness Professor of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College, and also as dean of Wheaton Graduate School for five years. In this conversation, President Perrin discusses diversity on campus - why it’s so crucial and how it can shape the conversation around academic freedom; explains how colleges are missing an opportunity to create “meaningful contact” for students through mentorship; and describes the United States as somewhere that people can rise “from the bottom to the top”, with higher education as a valuable safety net.
Dr. Guiyou Huang is president of Western Illinois University. Appointed to the role this year, he is focused on increasing student attendance and retention, and encouraging University innovation. Prior to this, he spent nearly four decades at educational institutions in China and the United States. In this conversation, Dr. Huang reflects on his unexpected path into the higher education sphere - how he never initially intended to become a teacher, nor a University president, and what then attracted him to the sector; explores the wide variety of barriers that he feels are currently standing in the way of potential students feeling University is right for them; and explains the work he and his institution are doing to drive forward inclusivity, and remove some of the current obstacles for the next generation of college-bound students.
Nouman Kante is student body president at Southern Utah University. He was elected into this role in March last year, and is currently in his second term. A business student, he completed his undergraduate degree in business and is now pursuing his MBA. His role is to act as a bridge between students and the administration, by representing the interest of the whole community. In this conversation, Nouman discusses his own experience attending College and the difficulties he found adapting to this new environment; explains why he was motivated to, and wants to encourage others to partake in student government; and shares the role scholarships played in encouraging him to attend College in the first instance, and the many financial barriers that still exist.
Ephraim Kum is student body president at University of Utah. Working on a major in political science, he was elected into the role earlier this year. A US immigrant who left Ghana aged one, he is the third Black student body president, and the first Ghanian-born president in the University’s history. His student voice work centers around affordability, transparency, connectivity and being able to “redefine the access students have.” In this conversation, Ephraim delves into his College experience so far, and the breadth of opportunity he’s been given in this; describes how Utah are adapting to the changing needs of its students, particularly moving towards a hybrid model of education; and explains why Government need to better prioritise higher education, with cost still being a huge barrier that makes the experience exclusive, rather than as it should be, inclusive.
Dr Beth Akers is an academic, author and economist. Currently a resident at the American Enterprise Institute, she was formerly a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and staff economist with the ‘Council of Economic Advisors’ under President George W. Bush. Also a writer, she co-authored ‘Game of Loans: The Rhetoric and Reality of Student Debt,’ and her writing has also been featured in; The New York Times, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal. In this conversation, Beth shares her opinion on why access to higher education is so important - as a key driver for country-wide social mobility; describes the significant role innovation plays in the sector, and how this has been forcefully encouraged by the pandemic; and explains why she thinks College isn’t too expensive, but too risky, and how we can begin minimising this risk.
Danielle Corbett is student body president at Utah Valley University. In her current position, she focuses on taking a systemic approach to combat social problems; centered around mental health, sustainability and accessibility to educational opportunities. Danielle is the first female student to be elected into the role since the 90s, and is proud of UVU’s mission to “come as you are.” In this conversation, Danielle reflects on being a first-generation student, and the people who inspired her into higher education; explains the significance of representation in student government, and how vital it is that all students feel comfortable and accounted for; and discusses some of the obstacles preventing young people from applying for College - namely a lack of education around financial aid, and concerns of accumulating student loan debt.
Carol Aslanian is president and founder of Aslanian Market Research. Established in 2009, the Education Dynamics company is a leader in higher education intelligence - assessing increased enrollment, in-demand programs, student satisfaction and more. Previously, Carol was chief executive of the Aslanian Group in New York City, which focused on assisting colleges and universities in the recruitment and servicing of adult students. In this conversation, Carol delves into the significance of higher education, and how it’s “something no one can take away from you;” explains the sector’s current data trends and predictions for its future, particularly an emphasis on hybrid and blended learning models; and gives her take on what students want from their College experience - namely a low price, and a job.
Ryan Tipton is provost and vice president at the University of The Southwest (USW). Founded in 1962, the New Mexico based-institution is a private, four-year Christian University offering wide-ranging degrees both on campus and online. Starting out his career as an entrepreneur growing an oil company, he pivoted into education when he enrolled at Walden University. He later joined USW as Dean, before being appointed to his current position in 2019. In this conversation, he discusses how College bureaucracy holds institutions back from much-needed change and innovation; explains the changing educational landscape - and how with the rise of the internet, Universities are no longer the sole “gatekeepers to knowledge;” and describes the complexities of student debt, and how the decision of going to College must be best on the value proposition.
Mike Nietzel is the former president of Missouri State University. Starting out at the University of Kentucky, as director of the Clinical Psychology Program he then moved on to become the chair of the department of psychology, dean of the graduate school, and finally, provost. Author of two books ‘Degrees and Pedigrees: The Education of America's Top Executives’ and ‘Coming to Grips With Higher Education,’ - following his retirement he became senior policy advisor to Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. In this conversation, Mike discusses the impact the pandemic has had on the sector, particularly the ongoing issue of access and affordability for first-generation and students of colour; explains why it’s so important for young people to get all the way through the College process - from the admissions, to receiving their credentials; and describes why there’s a public lack of confidence in higher education right now, and how its value mustn’t be forgotten.
Michael Brickman is a national policy leader and principal at Sheer Partners. The Washington D.C-based advisory focuses on guidance at the intersection of education and careers. Previously, he served as a senior advisor for the U.S Department of Education, and was National policy director of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute. In this conversation, Michael explains how his experience in higher education spurred him on to improving the institution for the next generation, and his hopes to make it more of an enjoyable journey; describes ongoing disparities in student attainment and the impact this is set to have on employers being unable to meet their quotas; and shares how important it is for the purpose and goals of institutions to be aligned with the pursuits of the students that are attending them.
Emily Hernandez-Alzamora is student association President at Salt Lake Community College. A first-generation student of the school, she was elected in 2020 to “act as a bridge between the students and administration by representing and expressing the opinions and interests of SLCC students.” In this conversation, Emily reflects on how she was taught about the meaning and value of higher education from a young age; explains the impact the pandemic has had on College life, and the difficulties students’ have faced in pursuing their academic interests this year; and describes the financial obstacles posed by higher education, and how we all have to do more to make sure that every young person who wants to access it, can.
Randy Pembrook is chancellor of Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Appointed in 2016, he returned to the campus where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education and piano performance. A long career in the sector, he has taken on roles including; vice president for academic affairs at Washburn University; dean of the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City; and interim provost and vice president for enrollment management at Baker University. In this conversation, Randy reflects on his experience at College - from being a first-generation student, to experiencing an entire career in the sector; explains how vital liberal arts degrees are to society, equipping students’ with a much broader variety of skills; and discusses the ever-increasing cost of higher education, and how we need to remember that it is “a force for public good.”
Jeff Selingo is a New York Times best-selling author and special advisor for innovation to the President of Arizona State University. A regular contributor for The Atlantic and The Washington Post, he was previously the top editor for The Chronicle of Higher Education, where he worked for 16 years. In his latest book ‘Who Gets In & Why: A Year Inside College Admissions,’ he takes readers on a journey through the college selection process to reveal what really matters to the gatekeepers. In this conversation, Jeff describes the recent trends in the sector, and whether the changes brought about by the pandemic are here to stay; gives his take on the elite College admissions process, and the importance for students to think about their “skill sets and competencies” over specific majors, ; and shares his forecast for the future of higher education - hybrid models, free courses and of course, debt.
Salen Churi is co-founder and general partner at Trust Ventures. The venture capital fund facilitates the next generation of start-ups with funding, policy and innovation advice to help unleash their potential. Before this, he was a law professor at the University of Chicago where he founded its Innovation Clinic, and also worked at international firms - Kirkland & Ellis and Sidley Austin. In this conversation, Salen reflects on educational complacency and how the pandemic has spurred much needed innovation and transformation in the sector; describes his work with different tech start-ups and his drive to make policy and regulation meet their needs; and explains what the American Dream means to him - from not finishing High School, to building a business from the ground up.
Ruzwana Bashir is co-founder and chief executive of Peek.com. The award-winning platform is a one-stop shop to book high-quality activities, while also empowering tour operators to automate their business and grow revenues. Starting her career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs, she then moved into private equity at Blackstone. She was also named in Forbes ‘30 Under 30’ and was one of Fortune's ‘Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs.’ In this conversation, Ruzwana describes how going to College and gaining many intangible skills set her on the path to success; gives her take on how the last year has transformed entrepreneurship - encouraging a mindset of innovation and experimentation;explains the many boundaries and barriers to higher education for many young people, and argues that we all have a part to play in making it more accessible for everyone.
Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management. Author of the popular weekly USA Today column, "Ask HR” he is a member of the White House American Workforce Policy Advisory Board, and was appointed by former president Donald Trump as Chair of the President's Advisory Board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In this conversation, Johnny reflects on his College experience, being the first-generation in his family to attend, and the importance of helping young people get “entrance into the game.” He explains how the higher education landscape is continuing to change, with 2020 being a symbolic year for race relations in the US, some of the bias is going away but the country still has a way to go. Lastly, Johnny describes the mentality needed to achieve the American Dream, and how in his opinion, education always pays off.
Davis Warnock is managing director at Mercato Partners Prelude, which supports entrepreneurs and experienced founders who are building deep customer relationships through product leadership and nimble execution. Before this, he was at the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) - the global community for middle market M&A dealmakers and business leaders focused on driving growth. In this conversation, Davis discusses the value of higher education in developing personal character and strengthening networks – opening individuals up to greater opportunities later on in life. He describes the huge financial commitment and pressures that going to College can pose, for not only the students’, but their families too. Lastly, Davis states the importance of previous generations in providing guidance and encouragement to young people coming through turbulent economic and political times.
Burke Davis is a partner at Sorenson Capital. He joined in 2014 as a member of the firm’s technology practice, focused on the way that data and information shape the world. Previously, he was a financial analyst with Citigroup’s Global Technology Group, where he advised some of the world’s most influential technology companies, before serving as a senior financial analyst at Samsung NEXT. In this conversation, Burke describes how finishing higher education with a degree enables you to add value to society immediately,- which is both financially beneficial to individuals and society as a whole; argues there is currently a lack of data, tools and infrastructure to help young adults make big life decisions, such as which College they should attend or what major they should take to achieve their career goals. He shares how despite his father not being traditionally educated, seeing him succeed as a self-made entrepreneur, and “create something out of nothing” helped him become a “big believer” in the American Dream.
Darcy Howe is founder and managing director of KCRise Fund, a Kansas City-based venture capital firm designed to connect high-net-worth individuals and corporations with those in need of investment. She has served on the boards of multiple companies, with over 20 years’ experience as an angel investor, and a founding member of Women’s Capital Connection, who invest in women-led, early stage business. In this conversation, Darcy discusses the importance of Colleges in thinking about the economic development of their regions and how students’ skills can foster regional growth; describes the value of higher education in building long-term relationships as “a place where anybody can find their people.” Lastly, she argues “smart universities will ask their students for help with innovation,” with students being more adept at breaking the old-fashioned mould.
Marie Sanderson is a partner at Guidepost Strategy - a federal strategic consulting and government affairs firm assisting in message positioning, legislative strategy, issue management and advocacy. Starting her career in public service on Capitol Hill for Senator Thad Cochran, she then worked alongside Governor Haley Barbour as their policy director. Last year, she co-founded the MS 30 Day Fund, a nonprofit to support small businesses impacted by the pandemic. In this conversation, she describes the importance of college cities and towns in keeping the talent at home, fostering a stimulating job market that enables students to use their degrees after graduation; argues that policy is vital in bringing about sector-wide change and to facilitate educational innovation; and explains why education must be nimble and move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to cater for a wider array of students.
Chris Campbell is chief strategist at Duff & Phelps - a multinational financial consultancy firm based in New York City. Prior to this, he had a long esteemed career on Capitol Hill, and most recently served as the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Institutions. In this role, he oversaw policy and program areas such as government-sponsored enterprises, community development, and affordable housing policy. Chris is one of the few Presidential nominees in recent history to be unanimously appointed by both sides to such a significant role, and was named one of Congress’ most influential staffers seven years in a row. In this conversation, he shares how coming from humble beginnings, and at times being “episodically homeless”, education was important in shaping his perceptions of people and the future of the country; describes the many barriers of transforming education policy in D.C to create meaningful change, and shares his predictions and thoughts on what the administration can do to make college more affordable.
Lindsay Hadley is the founder and chief executive of Hadley Impact Consulting. The firm works with nonprofits, corporations, artists and influencers to transform great ideas into social impact using technological innovation, social movements, and world-class events. Early in her career, she facilitated humanitarian projects in Kenya, Peru, Mexico, and Thailand - raising more than $35m for her clients and leveraging billions for important causes. She was executive producer of ‘The End of Polio Concert’ and the ‘Global Citizen Festival’, and also launched FilmRaise, an online platform that connects filmmakers, charities, and viewers for social change. In this conversation, Lindsay describes how despite encouragement to be a “stay-at-home mom’, she was driven to college by her love for soccer - receiving scholarships which led to her becoming a Division I athlete; argues there is great value in online education, and that the pandemic exposed universities that needed to be more agile and entrepreneurial in embracing new technologies; and shares her concerns for the “looming financial crisis for US colleges”, especially HBCUs, and the need for colleges that understand students’ different cultures and experiences.
Chuck Staben is the former president of the University of Idaho. Attending public universities, he earned his PhD at the University of California-Berkeley in biochemistry. He spent the next 19 years as a professor, department chair, associate vice president for research, and acting head of the Research Office at the University of Kentucky. Chuck later served as a Provost at the University of South Dakota for five years, before his most recent tenure as president of the University of Idaho. In this episode, Chuck describes some of the barriers preventing people from accessing higher education, including moving away from home and a lack of finance and planning for the future; argues non-revenue sports are a good investment for the state and that more dollars should be spent on athletics and attracting student athletes, and explains why “it’s graduating from college that makes the difference” to a student’s future and the economy.
Anthony Scaramucci is an entrepreneur and the founder of SkyBridge Capital. He is also the founder and chairman of Salt Conference, a global gathering that brings together leading investors, business leaders and thinkers to discuss big ideas in the world of finance, technology and public policy. He famously served as Donald Trump’s communications director for just 11 days, and is now a vocal critic of the President. Anthony is also the author of four books and host of the podcast, Mooch FM - where he explores the top news stories with the biggest names in media, business, politics and beyond. In this episode, he describes growing up in an “aspirational blue collar family” and how his perception of the American Dream has evolved; shares his experience and concerns for collective bias, but is optimistic that society will transform into a “platform of equal opportunity and outcomes”; and describes how discovering a passion, or “inner happiness” in your teen years is a “gift”, which should be taken with you into your working life.
Dr Elaine Maimon is president of Governors State University in Chicago. She’s also the author of a book recommending changes for higher education entitled ‘Leading Academic Change: Vision, Strategy, Transformation’. In this episode, Elaine explains her transformative work to turn the university into a place that celebrates innovation and experimentation. She describes why she rails against the principle that not everyone should go to college, and explores the effectiveness of the university’s ‘Family Development Centre’ which offers courses to parents of infants and preschoolers, to set them up for college in the future. Elaine has strong feelings on the need for reforming our approach to divisions between areas of education, like STEM versus the liberal arts, and says we need to address the challenges of financial restrictions. She says it will take real courage and leadership, but addressing societal issues within higher education in the US is crucial - that democracy is at risk, and there’s no time to wait.