The Innovating Together Podcast

In this episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, host Bridget Burns spotlights one of the most inspiring leadership journeys in the University Innovation Alliance's history: Dr. Ryan Goodwin. A member of the UIA's inaugural Fellows cohort, Dr. Goodwin reflects on his evolution from a fresh post-grad working out of a closet office at UCF to now serving as Senior Assistant Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff in UCF's largest division.Listeners will hear how the UIA Fellows Program laid the foundation for Dr. Goodwin's extraordinary career: shaping policy, leading advising reform, and helping UCF make student success its top strategic priority. His story illustrates the power of believing in people early, investing in collaboration, and the transformative impact of empowering others to lead. From pioneering one of the largest advising reforms in the country to cutting student-to-coach ratios in half and dramatically improving graduation rates, this conversation highlights how incremental, daily efforts can create breakthroughs.Key Takeaways:Great change comes from consistent small steps, not one-time innovations.Investing in early-career professionals unlocks scalable, long-term impact.UIA's Fellows Program is a powerful pipeline for future higher ed leaders.Cross-functional collaboration and bold risk-taking are essential to institutional transformation.Student success isn't a strategy, it's a culture.“Transformation isn't a single stroke of genius. It's the daily intentional efforts to drive forward, to innovate, and to uplift those around you.” — Dr. Ryan GoodwinLearn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

In this episode of the Innovating Together podcast, host Bridget Burns is joined by Dr. Allison Calhoun-Brown, Senior Vice President for Student Success at Georgia State University, to explore how the university moved from fragmented, paper-based advising to becoming a national exemplar of proactive, data-informed student support. This conversation highlights the real-world steps Georgia State took to transform advising; boosting graduation rates, closing equity gaps, and creating scalable systems that prioritize student care and timely intervention.Listeners will gain practical insight into:How to clean and organize institutional data for actionable useThe difference between predictive analytics and proactive advisingBuilding cross-campus buy-in and securing leadership supportCreating consistent advising standards and trainingEngaging students meaningfully and equitably in support systems“You can do good and do well at the same time.” - Dr. Calhoun-BrownLearn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

In this episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, host Bridget Burns sits down with Dr. Toyia Younger of Iowa State University to shine a spotlight on one of the most overlooked drivers of social mobility in higher education: transfer student success. Dr. Younger, a national thought leader and passionate advocate for transfer students, shares her personal journey; from her early days as Director of Student Activities at a community college to becoming a national voice for reform through her work with the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS).This episode revisits her riveting Ed Talk from the UIA National Summit, a session that sparked vital conversations about why higher ed must prioritize transfer pathways if we truly care about equity and mobility. Dr. Younger recounts the lessons she learned working alongside students who shattered outdated stereotypes about community colleges, and she calls out institutions for the glaring disparities in resources and support between first-time freshmen and transfer students. With humor, candor, and clarity, she challenges leaders to stop paying lip service and start implementing real, systemic change.You'll learn:We can't talk about social mobility without addressing transfer success.Institutional inequities in support and resources for transfer students are unacceptable.Authentic commitment means scaling programs, funding, and services proportionately.The power of collaboration and transparency—we must share what works.Transfer work is not optional for any institution serious about student success.This episode is a rallying cry: whether you're a policymaker, administrator, or practitioner, it's time to take action. Listen now and commit to transforming how your institution supports transfer students because together, we go farther.“Don't tell me you're committed to transfer students if you have two people doing transfer at an institution with 30,000 students.”Learn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click Mainstay.

In this episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, host Bridget Burns sits down with Steve Wuhs and Claire Creighton from Oregon State University to review a transformational story of change. How do you drive institutional change in a way that's people-centered, ambitious, and built to last; especially in a complex, decentralized university? Oregon State has cracked the code.Steve and Claire share their journey of developing a student success architecture that's not just a slogan but a fully embedded, action-oriented strategy. They explain how they moved beyond reports gathering dust on shelves to build a collaborative framework that spans leadership teams, engages advisors, and ensures that every student, not just a select few, has the support to thrive.You'll learn about their strategic plan, “Every Student Graduates,” why building consensus and community matters more than top-down mandates, and how they created structures to sustain progress even through presidential transitions. Expect practical insights on:Designing effective leadership teams at the college levelDemocratizing data access to fuel real-time decisionsFixing broken task force modelsTurning decentralization from a barrier into an assetKeeping the human element at the heart of student success work"We didn't just want a metric. We wanted a mindset: every student who starts here should have what they need to finish."Learn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click Mainstay.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

In this episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, host Bridget Burns welcomes Dr. Raj Chetty from Opportunity Insights for an insightful discussion on social mobility, economic opportunity, and higher education's role in shaping the future. Recorded at the UIA National Summit, this episode dives into the data-driven realities of economic mobility in America, highlighting the disparities that exist and the actionable steps institutions can take to close the gap.Dr. Chetty breaks down the powerful research behind social mobility, explaining how race and geography play critical roles in shaping economic outcomes. He discusses the latest findings on how universities can serve as catalysts for mobility, leveraging student success initiatives, data-driven interventions, and innovative partnerships. This episode also features a live Q&A segment where audience members ask thought-provoking questions, pushing the conversation further into policy changes, systemic barriers, and new approaches to measuring university impact.Key Takeaways: • The Role of Higher Education in Social Mobility: How universities can drive economic opportunity. • Geographic and Racial Disparities: Insights from nationwide data on where social mobility thrives and where it struggles. • The Power of Social Capital: Why networks and relationships matter in economic success. • Redefining Institutional Rankings: How new classification methods could reward universities that prioritize student success.Higher education leaders, policymakers, and changemakers won't want to miss this episode. If you're passionate about reshaping the future of student success and economic mobility, listen now and take action to drive meaningful change.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about Angela Duckworth by visiting: About Website Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about Jamie Merisotis by visiting: About LinkedIn Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about President Danley by visiting: PDF Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

In this episode of the Innovating Together podcast, hosted by Bridget Burns from the University Innovation Alliance, we shared a panel from the ASU GSV Summit. The conversation explores the challenge of aligning the interests of students and institutions, drawing from experts across the field, including Patrick Methvin, Scott Pulsipher, Marjorie Hass, Michael Sorrell & Bridget Burns. The episode features insights from prominent educational leaders, discussing the alignment between student needs and institutional offerings, the shifting perceptions of higher education's value, and the innovative models that address these challenges. Join us for a compelling conversation that dives into how higher education institutions can better serve their students by being responsive, adaptive, and focused on both cognitive and non-cognitive needs. "We're not just addressing cognitive needs; we're solving acute financial barriers that significantly impact student success." What you will learn - Economic Mobility vs. Lifelong Learning Innovative Models in Higher Education Funding and Support for HBCUs Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about John B. King Jr. by visiting: LinkedIn Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

On today's episode of the Innovating Together podcast, Bridget Burns discusses the need for a structured approach to change in higher education institutions. She suggests having annual events where these organizations can reflect, set goals, and celebrate achievements. Bridget points out the lack of a collaborative space for these institutions to collectively focus on student success and innovation. Drawing inspiration from other sectors and past summits, she proposes that regular retreats and events like the UIA National Summit can provide opportunities for higher education leaders to strategize and collaborate. Bridget encourages creating aspirational moments to motivate institutions to be bold and innovative in enhancing student outcomes. "We need to consistently elevate stories of significant improvements because we need to remind ourselves that change is possible despite the stories we tell ourselves about how we can't." What you will learn - Creating an aspirational environment The missing change architecture Annual retreat and reflection Suspending reality and collaboration Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about President Pulsipher by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

In this episode, Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, discusses the imperative to scale and innovate in higher education to improve access and outcomes for low-income and underrepresented students. She emphasizes the need for systemic change, the role of technology, and learning from failures to create a diverse and effective educational landscape. The conversation also touches on the potential of edtech companies to contribute to this transformation. "Higher education needs to shift and change. I'm of the mind that it should change, it can change, and we work on that all the time." What you will learn - Collaborative Efforts Innovation, Scale, and Diffusion The importance of scale in higher education Engaging with universities and accelerating learning with edtech Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about President Dr. Casey Sacks by visiting: Website Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about Dr. Charles Welch by visiting: Website Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Stats don't lie – the gaps in bachelor's degree attainment are stark and speak volumes. On this episode of the Innovating Together podcast, hosts Bridget Burns and Doug Lederman provide an update on higher education trends, the UIA's goal setting process and Bridget shared the dates for the UIA National Summit. Bridget also discussed some new data trends of concern, including:  Why are men and boys less likely to pursue higher education? How do we bridge the urban-rural education divide? And much more.   Listen in as we explore cross-sector solutions and the concerted effort needed to chart a new course for inclusivity in learning. "We have to prepare teachers better, think differently about how we support them, and deal with the broader question's about the value of going to college." What you will learn - Recent events in higher education Challenges and opportunities in higher education Addressing social mobility, resilient graduates, gender gaps, and urban-rural disparities UIA National Summit dates Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

Learn more about President Dr. Lisa Vollendorf by visiting: About LinkedIn Twitter Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message