An Educated Guest

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. 

What does it mean to be an equity-serving institution? And how can universities actually serve learners for life? Michelle Marks, Chancellor of the University of Colorado, Denver (CU Denver), sheds light on these topics in the quest to redefine the public, urban research institution. On this episode of An Educated Guest, hosted by Todd Zipper, EVP and GM at Wiley, Todd and Michelle explore CU Denver's ambitious strategic goals to equitably serve a diverse population of students for life. Key Takeaways: How CU Denver is redefining the public urban research institution The impact of CU Denver partnering with Apple and K-12 to teach tech skills early How the university's Smart Cities living laboratory can improve Coloradans' quality of life How CU Denver's work as an “age-friendly university” is creating a new, non-traditional learner demographic Guest Bio Michelle Marks is the Chancellor of the University of Colorado, Denver, as well as a tenured professor. She is well-known for developing innovative programs that help students succeed, attracting new student populations, facilitating research opportunities, and driving new revenue growth. Previously, Michelle served as vice president for academic innovation and new ventures at George Mason University. In this role, she focused on leading strategic partnerships to deliver online programming at scale and support adult degree completion. Michelle holds a BS in psychology from James Madison University and an MA and PhD in industrial/organizational psychology from George Mason University.

To value student centricity is easy. But to prove these values are actualized in student outcomes bears asking, “How do we really know we do what we say we do?” This is one among many spirited insights from guest Dr. Gregory Fowler, President of the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), in this episode of An Educated Guest. Dr. Fowler and host Todd Zipper, Executive Vice President and GM at Wiley, discuss a wide range of topics in career-connected education, such as the true implications of student centricity, how to meaningfully surface skills through lifelong learning, and the broader implications of AI and ChatGPT. Key Takeaways: What led UMGC to become the number one college serving transfer students  How the university is experimenting with a “metaversity” to help learners develop skills  The importance of learners' dispositions beyond knowledge and skills How successful student outcomes hinge on validating and communicating skills  Guest Bio Dr. Gregory Fowler is the President of the University of Maryland Global Campus, the largest public online university in the US, with courses offered online and in more than 20 countries and territories worldwide. Gregory is a nationally recognized scholar and leader in developing innovative learning models and experiences for adult and non-traditional learner populations.   Prior to UMGC, he served on the leadership teams of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Global Campus and Western Governor's University. At SNHU, he led efforts to develop competency-based online and hybrid programs that respond to the rapidly changing demands of the workforce and global communities, including disadvantaged students in Los Angeles, refugees in Africa and the Middle East, and learners in Mexico and Columbia. In addition to his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Morehouse College, George Mason University, and SUNY–Buffalo, Gregory holds an MBA from Western Governors University and completed programs at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education and Business School.

Power skills. Capability academies. Learning in the flow of work. Cutting-edge concepts will redefine how higher ed and corporations innovate learning. And one HR guru is leading the charge: Josh Bersin.    In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper, Executive Vice President and GM at Wiley, welcomes Josh Bersin, founder and CEO of The Josh Bersin Company. Todd and Josh explore new frontiers in skill- and capability-building that higher ed institutions and employers need to future-proof themselves.  Key Takeaways: Why all businesses have a skills gap and how the evolution of business is making it worse  Why “power skills” are the most essential and in-demand yet hardest to teach  Why educators and business leaders should be developing capabilities, not just skills  How apprenticeships and ‘hire-train-deploy' models create long-term value Guest Bio Josh Bersin is the Founder and CEO of The Josh Bersin Company, a global leader in research, advisory services, and professional development for HR teams around the world. He is known as an analyst, author, educator, and thought leader focusing on the global talent market and the challenges and trends impacting business workforces around the world. Recently, he launched the Josh Bersin Academy. In his role as dean, Josh guides program offerings, interacts with members, and shares relevant research and insights to help HR and talent professionals stay current on the trends and practices needed to drive success in the modern world of work.  Josh has a BS in engineering from Cornell University, an MS in engineering from Stanford University, and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.

Greg Shove made it his mission to provide learners with the value of an elite business degree at a fraction of the cost. But how did this big idea become a reality? In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Greg Shove, CEO of Section4. They discuss how Greg and founder, Scott Galloway, are making elite business education more relevant, accessible, and affordable to all.  Key takeaways: How Section4 brought key features of in-person learning online at scale  How the company aims to disrupt the business school market through its 80-10-1 model  Why Section4 vets students “on the way out,” not on the way in  The benefit of “live learning” from today's top business leaders  Guest Bio Greg Shove is the CEO of Section4, a new business school designed to help curious, ambitious thinkers excel in the tech economy. He believes that business education needs to be reinvented. That's why Section4 offers affordable and accessible all-access membership plans for online courses featuring cohort-based learning, a mix of lesson videos with live lectures, and TA office hours. Prior to Section4, Greg founded five companies resulting in three exits, two of which were over $100M (2Market to AOL, SocialChorus to Sumeru Equity Partners). He is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and Stanford Graduate School of Business. 

How can higher ed ensure everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life? That's precisely the question The Gates Foundation seeks to answer through its US Program in Postsecondary Success. In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Patrick Methvin, Director of Postsecondary Success at The Gates Foundation. Todd and Patrick discuss the role of philanthropy in higher ed and how the postsecondary sector can help fulfill the promise of economic mobility for all, regardless of race, gender, or family income. Key Takeaways: The Gates Foundation's roots in funding education The importance of higher ed advancing socioeconomic mobility How their education funding stacks from K-12 to postsecondary to the workforce Postsecondary funding areas the Gates Foundation targets How the Foundation seeks to close attainment gaps Guest Bio Patrick Methvin is the Director of Postsecondary Success at The Gates Foundation. He oversees work designed to significantly increase the number of Americans achieving post-high school credentials and eliminate educational attainment disparities by race and income. Previously, Patrick served as a principal in the Boston Consulting Group's Social Impact and Consumer Goods Practice Areas. In this role, he supported higher ed institutions in managing operating model changes required by their rapidly changing funding environments. Patrick holds an MBA from the Wharton School, a master's in educational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, and a BA in Economics and Political Science from the University of North Carolina.

“The next step is not your last.” That's why Amazon is focused on creating new paths to career success with the Career Choice program. In this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Tammy Thieman, Global Program Director of Amazon Career Choice. Todd and Tammy explore how Amazon is providing a workplace where employees can advance their careers through access to “industry-busting” education providers and skills training. Key Takeaways: How Amazon Career Choice created a 45% enrollment increase in the first six months of 2022  How Career Choice helps employees be good consumers of their education and land opportunities wherever their careers take them  Why they rigorously vet education providers in their network  How Career Choice is part of Amazon's greater education pledge of $1.2 billion by 2025  Why the program will continue measuring results relentlessly and share learns widely  Guest Bio Tammy Thieman is the Global Program Director of Amazon Career Choice. Currently available in 14 countries with over 80,000 participants, Career Choice is Amazon's education program focused on career advancement and skills training for hourly employees with the goal of helping move them into higher-paying, in-demand jobs.  In her time at Amazon, Tammy has focused on upskilling initiatives such as supporting veteran hiring in tech and launching Amazon's first Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program. Tammy began her career as an active-duty Army officer and recently retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army Reserve where she was the Pacific Northwest leader for Command and General Staff College. She currently lives in Las Vegas with her husband and two children.

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.