EdUp Insights

John Thelin is a nationally respected historian of higher education and Professor Emeritus of Higher Education and Public Policy at the University of Kentucky. He is widely known for bringing historical perspective to today's most pressing issues in higher education, including college access, affordability, governance, and the role of athletics. Over a distinguished academic career, John has authored several influential books, including A History of American Higher Education, Going to College in the Sixties, and Games Colleges Play, which examine campus life, institutional culture, and the evolution of college sports. His work is frequently cited by scholars, policymakers, and journalists, and he is a sought‑after voice for understanding how the past shapes the future of American colleges and universities.If you want, I can also tailor this specifically for college athletics, NIL conversations, or a higher‑ed leadership audience.

Heather Colley is an emerging literary talent whose work has already captured national attention, including recognition on Forbes' “2025 Books to Watch” list. A graduate of the University of Michigan and currently pursuing her PhD in literature, Heather blends academic depth with sharp narrative craft to explore campus culture, identity, power dynamics, and the psychological complexities of young adulthood. Her debut novel, The Gilded Butterfly Effect, uses vivid characterization and bold storytelling to illuminate the beauty—and the darker undercurrents—of Greek life and student experiences at large universities. Drawing from her own undergraduate years, her love of reading, and her fascination with the doppelgänger motif, Heather's writing invites readers and listeners to examine the unseen forces that shape college life, mental health, belonging, and the desire to fit in. She continues to build a compelling body of work through fiction, short stories, and ongoing scholarly research.

Dr. Mark A. Brown is a distinguished leader whose journey spans military service, government stewardship, and higher‑education transformation. A Tuskegee University alumnus who rose from humble beginnings, he served 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Major General and shaping the future of airmen through education, training, and talent development. After military service, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer for Federal Student Aid at the U.S. Department of Education, overseeing more than $1.7 trillion in federal student loans and grants. Today, as President of Tuskegee University, Dr. Brown brings together his lived experience, deep belief in access and equity, and commitment to innovation—leading one of America's most historic institutions with purpose, humility, and a relentless focus on unlocking human potential.

Get ready for a compelling conversation on Ed Up Insights as we welcome our newest guest, Robert Kelchen, one of the nation's leading voices in higher education policy and finance. Known for his data‑driven approach and clear-eyed analysis of college accountability, student aid, and institutional behavior, Kelchen brings both depth and clarity to some of the most pressing issues shaping the future of postsecondary education. In this episode, he breaks down the numbers behind enrollment trends, funding challenges, and policy shifts—and offers practical insights that campus leaders, policymakers, and families alike can use to better understand the evolving higher‑ed landscape. This is an episode you won't want to miss.

Deepa Das Acevedo is a law and anthropology scholar whose work sits at the intersection of academic labor, institutional culture, and the evolving structures of higher education. A professor at Emory University, she blends rigorous legal analysis with anthropological insight to illuminate how faculty roles, employment contracts, and academic norms shape the lived realities of scholars. Her acclaimed book The War on Tenure—recognized as one of the top higher ed titles of 2025—offers a rare, deeply researched, and highly accessible look into what tenure truly is, how it operates, and why its future matters for both academic freedom and the stability of the profession. Known for her clarity, intellectual curiosity, and willingness to challenge entrenched assumptions, Deepa brings a fresh, grounded, and urgent perspective to questions of accountability, trust, and the future of academic work in an era of rapid change.

Carole G. Basile is the Dean and Professor of the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University, where she is nationally recognized for pioneering the Next Education Workforce movement—a structural redesign that replaces the traditional “one teacher, one classroom” model with team-based approaches that better support learner variability and educator well‑being. With more than 30 years of experience spanning educator preparation, organizational design, and national policy influence, Basile has led transformative work focused on equity, community partnership, and system-level change. Her leadership blends creativity, research-grounded innovation, and an entrepreneurial mindset, helping institutions rethink how educators are prepared, how schools are structured, and how technology—including AI—can strengthen human relationships in learning. Her work now reaches hundreds of schools across the U.S. and internationally, positioning her as one of the most forward‑thinking voices shaping the future of education.

Ed Up Insights: From the Field is a candid, experience‑driven conversation hosted by Chuck Ambrose and Therese Scanlan, bringing real‑world insights from campuses across higher education. Each episode dives into the pressing financial, operational, and strategic challenges institutions face—budgeting, cash flow, structural deficits, student success, workforce alignment, and the courageous decisions required to build sustainable futures. Grounded in on‑the‑ground consulting, data‑informed tools, and decades of leadership experience, From the Field translates complex issues into practical, actionable guidance for presidents, boards, CFOs, and campus leaders navigating the evolving landscape of higher ed.

Dr. Joe Sallustio is one of higher education's most influential voices, bringing more than two decades of leadership across enrollment, marketing, student services, accreditation, and institutional strategy. As Co‑Founder and Host of The EdUp Experience, he's led hundreds of conversations with higher‑ed leaders, making the show a trusted space for candid, forward‑thinking dialogue.Elvin Freytes, Co‑Founder and Co‑Producer of The EdUp Experience, adds over 20 years of expertise across admissions, international recruitment, housing, financial aid, and student affairs. With a background spanning major universities and global education work, Elvin curates and elevates the most innovative voices shaping the future of higher ed.Together, Joe and Elvin bring depth, personality, and authenticity to every episode—helping listeners learn, laugh, and rethink what's possible in higher education.

Paul LeBlanc is a pioneering figure in higher education, best known for transforming Southern New Hampshire University into the largest nonprofit online education provider in the United States. A first-generation college graduate, LeBlanc has dedicated his career to expanding access and equity in learning, championing innovative models like competency-based education and global outreach initiatives for underserved communities. His leadership philosophy emphasizes human relationships as the cornerstone of meaningful education, even as he advocates for the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies like AI to enhance student success. Widely recognized as one of America's most innovative college presidents, LeBlanc's influence extends beyond academia through his policy work, thought leadership, and acclaimed books, which challenge traditional systems and envision a future where education is more personalized, flexible, and inclusive.

Ned Laff, a veteran educator and academic strategist, champions student-centered learning and personalized pathways in higher education. Scott Carlson, a senior writer for The Chronicle of Higher Education, brings sharp insights into systemic challenges and innovation in academia. Together, they co-authored Hacking College, a bold manifesto urging students to rethink majors and craft meaningful, marketable degrees through intentional choices and real-world connections.

Elliot Felix is a leading voice in higher education strategy, widely recognized as an author, speaker, and consultant who has worked with more than a hundred colleges and universities to improve student success. With a background in design, Felix focuses on creating “connected colleges” by reimagining spaces, services, and technology to foster belonging and streamline the student experience. He founded Brightspot Strategy in 2011, which was later acquired by Buro Happold in 2020, where he now leads the higher education advisory practice. Over two decades, his work has impacted over one million students and earned him speaking engagements at major conferences like SXSW EDU. Felix has authored two influential books: How to Get the Most Out of College (2022), praised by Kirkus Reviews, and The Connected College: Leadership Strategies for Student Success (2025), which debuted as a #1 new release in education administration. His thought leadership appears in outlets such as Fast Company, Forbes, and The Chronicle of Higher Education, and he continues to inspire institutional leaders to break down silos, adopt design thinking, and prioritize student-centered strategies.

Dr. Kiko Suarez is a dynamic leader in higher education and workforce development, best known for his pioneering work in apprenticeship models and educational innovation. Currently serving as Chief Impact Officer and Head of Partnerships at Reach University, he also co-hosts the “Apprenticeship 2.0” podcast, where he discusses strategies for aligning AmeriCorps, apprenticeship frameworks, and career pathways—highlighting, for instance, Colorado's integration of AmeriCorps with registered apprenticeships. A former European academic turned American changemaker, he's also delivered the TEDx talk “Our Inner ‘E,'” exploring identity, entrepreneurship, and self-discovery—underscoring his belief that personal growth fuels educational transformation. Dr. Suarez's contributions on Ed Up Insights would draw from his deep experience building partnerships, scaling apprenticeship solutions, and inspiring a mindset of innovation in educators and students alike—making him a valuable voice in the conversation around reshaping higher education for the future.

In this episode of Ed Up Insights "From the Field", Chuck Ambrose and Therese Scanlan dive into one of the most critical yet underutilized tools in higher education—the Academic Performance and Program Viability (APPV) portfolio. They break down what an academic portfolio really is, why it matters, and how it transforms from a simple assessment tool into a powerful management resource for institutional strategy.

Jamie Merisotis joins us for an insightful conversation on the future of work, learning, and leadership. As president and CEO of Lumina Foundation since 2008, Jamie is a globally recognized voice in higher education, human work, and public policy. His thought leadership has shaped national conversations on college affordability and workforce readiness, and his bestselling books—America Needs Talent and Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines—explore how talent and technology intersect in today's economy. A frequent contributor to major outlets like The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Forbes, Jamie brings decades of experience as a policy innovator, philanthropist, and advisor to organizations tackling complex challenges in education and AI. Tune in as we dive into his vision for a world where learning and human potential drive progress.

The latest Ed Up Insights episode spotlights Paul Glastris, Editor in Chief of Washington Monthly, in a compelling conversation about building campuses that prepare students for citizenship and societal impact. Glastris shares actionable ideas on fostering democratic engagement, improving affordability, and aligning higher education with economic mobility and public service. This episode offers practical strategies for leaders seeking to make institutions more accessible while maintaining quality—an essential listen for anyone committed to shaping a future-ready campus.

The Ed Up Insights “From the Field” episode with Therese Scanlan and Chuck Ambrose explores practical strategies for higher education leaders. Together, they share decades of experience on enrollment, financial sustainability, and innovation—making this a must-listen for anyone shaping the future of colleges and universities.

Mike Nietzel is a leading voice in higher education and former President of Missouri State University. He's served as a senior policy advisor to Missouri's governor and now writes for Forbes on college access and affordability. With decades of experience shaping education policy and leadership, Mike offers sharp insights on the future of universities and student success.

Dr. Adam Bush is the co-founder and President of College Unbound, an accredited institution focused on adult learners and educational equity. He champions project-based learning and flexible pathways for students balancing work and family. A jazz oral historian with a Ph.D. from USC, Bush has earned national recognition for civic engagement and innovation in higher education, including the K. Patricia Cross Award and the John Saltmarsh Award. His work centers on justice, lifelong learning, and trauma-informed pedagogy.

Amy Privette Perko is a leading voice in college sports reform and the Chief Executive Officer of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, a role she has held since 2016 after serving as its executive director since 2005. Under her leadership, the Commission has driven transformative changes in NCAA policy, including requiring teams to meet academic benchmarks for postseason eligibility and revising revenue distribution to reward educational outcomes. Perko has championed financial transparency, gender equity, and athlete well-being through initiatives like the C.A.R.E. Model, which aligns athletics revenue with educational priorities. A former standout basketball player at Wake Forest University, where she earned Academic All-America honors and set multiple school records, Perko combines athletic experience with decades of administrative leadership at the NCAA and the University of Kansas. Her contributions have earned her prestigious honors such as the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award, the Dick Enberg Award, and recognition as a “Game Changer” by Sports Business Journal. Beyond policy advocacy, she is a frequent media commentator and keynote speaker, shaping national conversations on governance, athlete compensation, and the future of college sports.

We're diving into the world of higher education with Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab, a trailblazing scholar and advocate for college affordability. Known for founding the #RealCollege movement and The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, Dr. Goldrick-Rab has reshaped how we think about student success by spotlighting issues like food and housing insecurity. Her groundbreaking book Paying the Price and her work with policymakers have driven real change, making her one of the most influential voices in education today. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about equity, access, and the future of college in America.

Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab is a sociologist transforming student struggles into systemic solutions.  Founder of the #RealCollege movement to support students' basic needs, author of the best-selling book Paying the Price, College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream, leader of path-breaking research, and translator of that science into changes in how colleges support students, she has driven dozens of state and federal policies making higher education more humane and affordable. Her nonprofit, Believe in Students, works with faculty nationwide, and the American Federation of Teachers, to directly support students with emergency aid while also equipping faculty with the tools needed to improve working and learning conditions on campus.  Named by Politico “one of the top 50 people shaping American politics,” Dr. Goldrick-Rab is a Carnegie Scholar, a William T. Grant Faculty Scholar, and recipient of the Grawemeyer Award in Education. She currently advises college leaders and policymakers from Philadelphia, where she also teaches sociology at the only community college in the poorest large American city.

I spent a long time on the inside of the higher education ecosystem, beginning in the last century. But the environment today is quite different from when I first enlisted.  The role and import of the higher ed sector in society is undeniably in flux. The drivers of the education process have been increasingly external, and less academic, in nature. The view from the inside is very different now. In this episode I'll discuss what has changed, what those changes portend, and what the view looks like today. Higher Education is at a tipping point.  I'll stand on that point and look back and ahead.EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network

Higher education has been dealing with a swarm of predicaments this year that has diverted it from its core mission to serve students. So what's the problem here?  Is it DEI, or cultural postures, or a clash of political ideologies?  Or is it maybe the inability of higher education leadership to manage these issues while struggling with an outdated business model that is out of step with rest of the American economy? I don't think any of these quandaries are the problem, and in this episode I'll tell you why they are only symptoms of the larger problem.  And what could that be?EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

One of the latest updates on the state of online education gave me a serious case of déjà vu. Once again, we have been brought up to date on who online students are and what we need to know in order to serve them. And once again, the only thing that has changed is the date on the report. In this episode I'll review all the latest old news and astound listeners with higher education's ability to repackage what we already know in new accoutrements.EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

In the last exciting episode, I opined that higher education is not a spectator sport.  In America, it's also not a team sport. Ben Franklin is credited with saying, “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” In this episode I'll consider how this admonition to American revolutionaries applies to higher education today.  There are multiple political, cultural and financial pressures facing all of higher ed, yet we often see institutions struggling with these individually, rather than leveraging the considerable talent and resources of higher education as an integrated sector to present a united front to pursue resolution to the benefit of all.EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

There is a lot of speculation about the future of higher education. In this episode I'll suggest where we might look for the future. And it's not inside the higher ed ecosystem. Perhaps the most impactful transformation of higher education to date came with the online revolution. But this disruption was not the result of a natural evolution of the traditional model. It came from higher education adopting technological advances that were driving change in the American economy. Following the development of virtual higher education, I'll assess higher ed's current interface with AI and what it portends for the future. Importantly, higher ed will need either to watch things happen or make them happen.EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

In Greek mythology Cassandra was a Trojan princess who was bestowed the gift of prophecy by Apollo.  But after the two had a falling out, Apollo punished her with the curse that her prophecies would not be believed. In this episode I'll look at several visionary innovations in higher education that were ignored, resisted and reviled for decades but eventually became widespread throughout the higher ed ecosystem. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

Higher education has intentionally plunged into the choppy cultural waters that currently engulf American society and finds that it can't swim.  Traditional funding mechanisms are becoming uncertain as social and political swells are creating a relentless undertow that higher ed must avoid.  Calls for curricular and infrastructure reforms have institutions scrambling to stay afloat or, in some cases, attempting to struggle against the currents of what increasingly appears to be an inevitable and imminent new era.  In this episode I'll look for potential life preservers that might help keep higher ed buoyant as it looks for a way to survive rough seas.EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

Research finds that associate and bachelor's degree holders have similar growth in earnings right after graduation, but that the differences widen over time.  Accordingly, it has been posited that the longer out you look at growth in earnings, the better the impact of a degree can be determined. Raw numbers would appear to support the premise that the higher the degree, the greater the growth in earnings over time. But is this correlation or causation? That is, are there other factors, academic or otherwise, that affect longitudinal growth in earnings?  In fact, is it possible that the longer out you look at the earnings, the less a specific degree might be an impacting factor?  Tune in and check it out.EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

There is growing concern that students do not come to higher education prepared to engage in constructive, civil discourse, nor is this proficiency sufficiently fostered in the higher education community. Politics and social issues have become personal matters in America, and higher education has allowed itself to be unduly influenced by polarizing external factors. The result is that bias is impeding the pursuit of knowledge.  In this episode I'll ponder whether higher education is relinquishing its role as an impartial arbiter and how it can regain that prominence.EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

In an effort to recover from the blowback of having taken public positions on political and social issues, institutions of higher education are seeking refuge in the shelter of institutional neutrality.  By wading into the contentious fray of current events, institutions have learned the difference between being an impartial facilitator dedicated to fostering open discourse and an active advocate of specific political, social and moral issues.  Many have found the latter posture to be both uncomfortable and injurious. In this episode I'll examine how institutional neutrality is faring and what the future may hold. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

There is considerable angst being expressed about the impact that the new administration will have on higher education.  There is worry that the sector is being targeted in the executive orders that are flowing from Washington, as well as by state governments.  In this episode I'll try to sort out some of the rhetoric from reality.  I'll look at the evolving relationship of government to higher education and how higher ed might fare going forward.  And why none of it should come as a surprise. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network

Authority in higher education is a dicey issue. It has traditionally been assumed that faculty own the curriculum, protected by the principles of academic freedom that allow them the license to pursue controversial topics in teaching and research. This stands apart from the First Amendment right of free speech enjoyed by all American citizens. Recent actions by state boards of trustees and legislatures, most notably in Florida, have impacted the content and structure of general education curricula. Faculty have characterized this as an infringement of academic freedom. In this episode I'll examine how ownership of the curriculum has become a political hotbed that blurs the line between academic freedom and freedom of speech. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

There is considerable disagreement these days over what constitutes general education and who determines what the curriculum should be.  One point of view characterizes the core of general education as a body of content that provides students with a common, unifying body of knowledge that all educated Americans can build upon.  Another view sees the core as including a survey of culturally relevant current topics that provide students with an understanding of contemporary issues. Central to managing the tension between these positions is the question of who makes the decision about what constitutes the core and whether the two points of view can be accommodated in a single curriculum. In this episode I'll look at this struggle and how forces both internal and external to higher education are dealing with the academics and politics of the situation. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

Recently, the higher education sector has been attempting to redefine its role in both the education ecosystem and society. This episode looks at how the function, but not the form, of higher education has evolved from serving an agrarian society to today's knowledge-based economy. Specifically, I'll maintain that the struggles of higher education to re-establish a self-identity come from higher ed remaining monolithic as society has become diversified and specialized. The democratization of education has occurred as higher education watched.  Now it needs to engage and compete. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

The ongoing debate about how students figure into the higher education business model has a new entry.  They should be treated as “clients.” In this episode I'll contrast this view with the traditional view of students as empty vessels to be filled and the student-as-customer view. In all cases, I'll reveal that the models are not really about serving students; they are about faculty, institutions, and control. In the end, higher ed needs to more clearly understand the roles involved in the education process, and what the process is. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

Higher education is facing a perilous metaphor.  It is approaching a demographic cliff, a precipitous decline in student population that could have devastating consequences for the higher ed ecosystem. Recent studies chide higher education for not responding to a change that has been projected for some time, and that apparently comes as a shock to many institutions. In this episode I'll explain how simple math could have mitigated the effects of this phenomenon and ask what higher ed has done, or not done, to avoid what is coming.  EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

Noam Chomsky once said, “Nobody is going to pour truth into your brain. It's something you have to find out for yourself.” As I reflect on some of the turmoil in higher education—and society in general—it occurs to me that Chomsky's counsel is falling on deaf ears.  Increasingly, the public is relying on the media as a proxy for direct access to information and the truth. This has resulted in the epidemic of misinformation and disinformation that is infecting and influencing the higher education ecosystem.  In this episode I'll assess the necessity of maintaining skepticism and critical thinking as we consume information filtered through the media and poured into our brains. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast Network

A recent study by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association outlines trends in the relative contributions made by states, the federal government, and students to the cost of higher education. The study also makes several policy recommendations that might ease the burden on students. That sounds promising, except that the recommendations all involve increasing state and federal allocations. Since funds for these allocations come from tax dollars, the real recommendations involve robbing Peter to pay Paul. In this episode I'll take a look at the smoke and mirrors involved in determining the allocation of costs. I'll then go way off the rails and suggest how a rational budget process for the higher education sector could enable it to become sustainable and integrated into the fabric of the American economy. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast Network.

There is considerable speculation about what a new administration in Washington will mean for higher education in America, and in particular for the Department of Education. It is likely that issues like DEI, rising costs, campus unrest, and federal policy missteps could lead to increased scrutiny of the education sector and possible policy changes.  But would this be a bad thing? In this episode I'll assess the chances of a second Trump administration making substantial changes to a department that has weathered persistent attacks since its creation some 45 years ago. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast Network.

There's a lot of conflict in higher ed these days. Students battle with institutions. Faculty battle with students. Everybody battles with state and federal government. But there is relatively little compromise or resolution. And that is because the fine art of negotiation has been abandoned. Combatants in higher education, as well as in broader society, have rejected compromise in favor of chaotic, winner-take-all skirmishes that lose sight of the end game, in case there is one. Without an effort to achieve collaborative negotiation on the part of all parties, the war cannot be won because there is no war, just disjointed battles. Tune in and I'll explain. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast Network.

Research and teaching have always been considered fundamental elements of the higher education faculty experience. Graduate curricula regularly include courses in research methods and strategies, and degree completion is usually based in large part upon students' ability to demonstrate proficiency in research. Once in the faculty ranks, research will be a major component in determining overall achievement in the higher ed community. But what about teaching? Although faculty are assessed on pedagogical acumen, graduate education places relatively little emphasis on teaching preparation.  In this episode I'll ask why this is and what can be done about it. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast Network.

Amid the current turmoil in higher education, there are those who remind us about and lament the demise of the good old days.  In this episode I'll look at two hallmarks of the higher ed ecosystem that are fading into the forgotten annals of history—the graduate student experience and tenure. I'll look at both of these milestones in the higher ed process and how they are part of the redefinition of the higher education experience. More to the point, I'll assess what these changes portend for the future of higher education. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network.

Sometimes we miss the forest for the trees.  And we tend to forget that the forest changes as new trees are planted and grow. By the same token, sometimes we miss the big picture of higher education by not connecting the dots that reveal the whole ecosystem. And sometimes we rely on old dots that give us an outdated and inaccurate account of what the sector looks like. In this episode I'll consider an array of dots, both old and new, that need to be connected to give us an accurate picture of where higher ed stands today.   EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network

Higher ed is very concerned, if not obsessed, with the effects of Artificial Intelligence on the education experience.  Worries abound about how it will reshape the student-faculty interface. Will it make it easier for students to cheat?  Will it usurp faculty roles? A recent article asked “Will AI Make Things Better or Worse?” But couching the question in these terms makes it seem like AI is a living, active force. It is not. AI is transactional. It does not act on its own. Humans are transformational. They take action to impact their own destiny.  AI is a tool that only “does” what humans program it to do. Humans are not the victims of AI, they are its master.  In this episode I'll look at recent research that describes how a proactive approach to AI in higher education can show AI to be a valuable tool—and little more.  EdUp Insights is part of the EdUp Experience network

A recent study revisits the now decades-old struggle of higher education to keep up with the march of technology.  This analysis updates the print vs. digital resources debate, with predictable conclusions. In this episode I'll discuss what progress is being made or impeded, where faculty stand on the issue, and why the current state of affairs is both heartening and disappointing. EdUp Insights is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast network

Higher education has traditionally sought to homogenize the student experience, from intake to outcomes.  The assumption is that students should be uniformly prepared to achieve a uniform set of outcomes in order to be prepared for a post education world experience.  The problem with this is that students are diverse coming in, and the real world on the other side of education is also diverse. This often leads to a complex, frustrating experience that is tied to enforcing artificial norms and leveling cultural deficiencies.  In this episode I'll discuss how simplifying the education experience without homogenization celebrates how cultural diversity contributes to the workforce and society.  EdUp Insights is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast Network

In a bold and insightful move, The University of Dayton is taking preemptive action to safeguard its future.   In this episode I'll discuss the wisdom of taking a reasoned, proactive approach to dealing with the future, as opposed to the conventional, reactive posture that characterizes much of higher education. Dayton is in no imminent peril. And it wants to stay that way. Change is both inevitable and necessary. Dayton is taking the initiative to specify and implement change now, rather than reacting later to external pressures that will force change. Tune in and listen to how it has determined the way forward. EdUp Insights is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast Network

In this inaugural episode for the academic year, I'll reveal my prophecies for the coming year.  I'll predict the effect of the Presidential election on the state of higher education and foretell the fates of FAFSA, and loan forgiveness.  I'll also look at the future of entrance exams and remediation (again) as they deal with DEI. What will happen with the flight of university presidents, and how will the business model impact this exodus?  Tune in to find out.  And you won't want to miss my prediction for the future of the EdUp Experience. EdUp Insights is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast Network

As I head off for summer vacation, this episode will leave you with a short list of things I hope we won't have to revisit again (and again) during the fall semester. There are two parts to the list.  The first contains issues that are rehashed on a regular basis with lots of words and comparatively little action, things like competency-based education, reducing time to degree, workforce demands, and the ever-deliberated need to serve working adults.  The second part of the list contains the more recent set of concerns that has distracted higher education from its primary academic purpose. And more to the point, how venturing beyond the ivy-covered walls has affected the higher education sector.   EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience

We all tend to accept reports that are grounded in numerical data and statistics as accurate accounts. We also know that numbers don't lie.  But what the numbers tell us depends on what question we ask them. And on what story we want them to tell.  In this episode I'll look at how economic indicators are subject to interpretation, and how apparent trends in higher education may not indicate exactly what we are led to believe. EdUp Insights with Bill Pepicello is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast Network.