Podcast appearances and mentions of bridget burns

Recorded live at the ASU GSV Summit in San Diego, this episode of The Disagreement Podcast tackles the pressing question: Is college still worth it? Host Alex Grodd moderates a dynamic debate between higher education experts Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, and Ryan Craig, Managing Director at Achieve Partners and author of Apprentice Nation. Together, they unpack whether the traditional college model delivers economic and societal value in today's economy, or if shorter, skills-based alternatives like apprenticeships offer a better path. The discussion dives into ROI, workforce readiness, and the need for institutional reform, with Burns defending college's broader societal benefits and Craig advocating for "earn and learn" pathways to address employability gaps.With sharp insights, personal anecdotes, and a candid exchange of ideas, this episode challenges assumptions about higher education's role in a rapidly changing world. From the alarming statistic that only a quarter of college matriculants achieve their desired job outcomes to the call for integrating work-based learning into curricula, Burns and Craig offer compelling perspectives. A lively “steel man” exercise caps the debate, showcasing their ability to articulate each other's arguments. This episode is a must-listen for parents, students, and educators grappling with the future of post-secondary education.Key Takeaways:College's economic ROI is under scrutiny, with nearly half of students not completing degrees and over half of graduates underemployed.Societal benefits of college, like critical thinking and civic engagement, remain vital but must be balanced with better employment outcomes.Apprenticeships and work-based learning offer viable alternatives, though they may limit long-term career flexibility.Higher education needs reform to align curricula with workforce demands, especially in the AI-driven economy.The debate highlights the need for diverse, adaptable educational pathways rather than a one-size-fits-all model.“College is not a monolith, and it is a very individual choice, and we have to do a far better job actually helping people be successful with it.” – Dr. Bridget BurnsLearn 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 introduces two trailblazers from the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) Fellows Program, Amy Martin and Renata Opoczynski, who share their transformative journey at Michigan State University (MSU). Recorded at the UIA National Summit, the episode highlights how MSU sustained student success despite significant challenges, including seven presidents and five provosts in a decade, alongside institutional trauma. Amy and Renata reveal the power of process mapping—a low-cost, high-impact tool sparked by a 2015 UIA convening at Georgia State—that drove systemic change by exposing inefficiencies and fostering student-centered solutions. Their story underscores the Fellows Program's role in building a pipeline of innovative, empathetic leaders for higher education.The episode dives into five key strategies MSU employed to maintain momentum: embedding a “learn, thrive, graduate” vision in campus culture, focusing on incremental action through strategic doing, fostering collaborative change, co-designing with students, and empowering UIA fellows as strategic leaders. Amy and Renata's firsthand accounts offer practical insights and inspiration for institutions navigating turnover and complexity while prioritizing student outcomes.Key Takeaways:Process mapping reveals systemic flaws, enabling effective student success interventions.Embedding a clear vision, like “learn, thrive, graduate,” anchors progress amid leadership changes.Strategic doing and collaborative frameworks drive consistent, incremental advancements.Co-designing with students ensures solutions address real barriers.Empowering fellows as strategic leaders fosters innovation and sustains momentum.“You can't bring a good solution into a toxic system. You need to actually see the system for how it is and not how you fantasize it to be.” – Bridget BurnsLearn 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 well-being. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Today's disagreement is about college and its worth-it-ness. Does the traditional college model still make sense in today's economy? Should we embrace shorter-term skills-based alternatives? And how can institutions balance access, affordability, and workforce readiness in a rapidly changing world?Ryan Craig is a Managing Director at Achieve Partners and co-founder of Apprenticeships for America. Ryan is also the author of Apprentice Nation: How the "Earn and Learn" Alternative to Higher Education Will Create a Stronger and Fairer America.Dr. Bridget Burns is founding CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, a ‘multi-campus laboratory' for student success in higher education. Previously, Dr. Burns served as an American Council on Education Fellow at Arizona State University and a Senior Policy Advisor and Chief of Staff for the Oregon University System.Episode Notes02:00 - Bridget's Perspective04:15 - Ryan's Counterpoint06:12 - Defining 'Worth It': Beyond Economic ROI09:59 - The Role of Higher Education in Society15:19 - The Need for Accountability and Reform17:14 - The Apprenticeship Dilemma21:04 - College or Chipotle21:32 - The European Model vs. The American System22:59 - The Need for Adaptability and Social Skills25:05 - The Cost and Value of College Education26:17 - The Future of College and Employment33:28 - Steel ManThis episode was recorded live in San Diego at the annual ASU+GSV Summit. You can watch the live stream of it on YouTube. Questions or comments about this episode? Email us at podcast@thedisagreement.com or find us on X and Instagram @thedisagreementhq. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://thedisagreement.substack.com/

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.

If higher education feels like the Hunger Games, Dr. Bridget Burns is building the resistance.In Part One, Bridget shares her journey from growing up in rural Montana to becoming CEO of the University Innovation Alliance—a national coalition of public research universities working together (yes, together) to improve outcomes for low-income and first-generation students.She pulls back the curtain on the real problem in academia: a culture of competition, hierarchy, and duplicated failure masked as innovation. Instead, she offers a new model: universities learning from each other, mapping broken processes, and holding themselves accountable to real results. This episode is for anyone tired of hearing that higher ed can't change—and ready to hear from someone who's actually changing it.Key Highlights of Our Interview:Out of the Cul-De-Sac: Bridget's Escape from Rural Isolation“I grew up surrounded by racism, misogyny, and homophobia. Getting out was everything.”From Student Leader to System Architect“At 22, I went from student government to hiring university presidents. That's when I saw how broken the system really was.”The Problem Isn't Resistance to Change—It's Bad Design“No one resists change when it's their idea. We resist top-down mandates that ignore lived experience.”Why Higher Ed Feels Like a Zero-Sum Game“Presidents are rewarded for beating each other in rankings, not for helping more students graduate.”Building the University Innovation Alliance“I wasn't trying to form a club. I wanted to create a working lab for collaborative problem-solving.”The Trust-Building Work No One Sees“I flew to 11 campuses, built real relationships, and got them to sign off on data sharing and joint accountability.”How Process Mapping Saved 450 Emails and 50 Student Holds“Michigan State found it was overwhelming new students with hundreds of emails and dozens of unknown account blocks—just by putting everyone in the same room.”From Bureaucrat to Entrepreneur“Michael Crow told me I'd need to break out of my bureaucratic mindset. He was right. I had to become a builder.”Innovation Isn't Flashy—It's Often Inconvenient“We glamorize innovation, but it's messy. Slower. More painful. That's why it needs to be built around people, not power.”______________________Connect with Us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Bridget Burns  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.18 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1.5% Podcast.Top 10 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>170,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.

If students are graduating into a broken job market, can we really call that success?In Part Two, Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, zooms out to expose the cracks between graduation and employment—and shares what it actually takes to close them. From outdated career services buried in basement offices to siloed AI initiatives happening in secret, Bridget makes the case for a total redesign of higher education's operating system.With a blend of empathy and systems thinking, she outlines how her team redesigned career prep using design sprints, empathy interviews, and playbooks adopted across campuses. If you care about mobility, modern learning, or making education work for today's students, this conversation goes beyond policy—it gets personal.Key Highlights of Our Interview:Nobody Likes Change—Unless It's Theirs“Everyone who says they like change is a liar. You only like the change you helped create.”Empathy Is a Skill, Not a Soft Word“People are walking around with broken hearts—because leaders shelved the thing they built or made them feel disposable.”AI in Higher Ed: Same Problems, New Arms Race“Thousands of staff are working on the same AI problem in silos. What a waste.”The Risk of Reinventing the Wheel—Again and Again“Everyone's designing alone, heads down. Students lose while schools compete.”Career Services, Reimagined from Scratch“We mapped the mess, interviewed students, and redesigned career prep as part of the classroom—not just a résumé workshop in the basement.”Faculty as Career Coaches? Yes, and Here's How“We embedded career activities into every course, starting from day one.”From Data Deserts to Playbooks“Most schools didn't even track career services usage. That's not strategy—that's hiding the scoreboard.”The Real Measure of Value: Social Mobility at Scale“We're done with ‘graduate and goodbye.' Now we're building systems that track—and improve—students' lives after college.”Designing a Smart Future, Not Just Smart Classrooms“Higher ed wasn't built for today's students. We're fixing that—with urgency, alignment, and a new North Star: mobility.”______________________Connect with Us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Bridget Burns  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.18 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1.5% Podcast.Top 10 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>170,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.

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.

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.

Higher education often feels like a reality TV show—full of rivalries, dramatic eliminations, and schools fighting for the top spot. But what if universities actually worked together?Enter Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) and host of The Innovating Together Podcast. From her small-town roots to becoming a driving force in educational reform, Bridget is on a mission to replace academic competition with collaboration. She's tackling the “Higher Ed Hunger Games” head-on, working to boost graduation rates and open doors for low-income students—no cutthroat eliminations required.Key Highlights of Our Interview:Overcoming Adversity: Bridget's Journey from Isolation to Empowerment“I grew up in a cul de sac of racism, homophobia, misogyny—very rural America—and getting out was super important.”Problem in Universities: Unveiling the Diffusion of Innovation Problem“We don't know if what we're doing is any good, or how to scale it.”Higher Ed Hunger Games: Tackling the Cutthroat Competition"Higher education is highly competitive, hierarchical, set up to pit you against others, which leaves very little space to share about shared problems."Real Change or Just for Show? Scouting for True Innovators in Academia"We need to figure out who else is a worker bee, who's interested in doing the really hard stuff and not just drawn to the image."Who Actually Likes Change? Spoiler: No One“Everyone who says they like change is a liar. You only like change that is your idea and that you actively participate in creating.”______________________Connect with Us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Bridget Burns______________________--**Chief Change Officer**--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs,Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts.6 Million+ All-Time Downloads.Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.Global Top 3% Podcast.Top 10 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.

Higher education often feels like a reality TV show—full of rivalries, dramatic eliminations, and schools fighting for the top spot. But what if universities actually worked together?Enter Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) and host of The Innovating Together Podcast. From her small-town roots to becoming a driving force in educational reform, Bridget is on a mission to replace academic competition with collaboration. She's tackling the “Higher Ed Hunger Games” head-on, working to boost graduation rates and open doors for low-income students—no cutthroat eliminations required.Key Highlights of Our Interview:Who Actually Likes Change? Spoiler: No One“Everyone who says they like change is a liar. You only like change that is your idea and that you actively participate in creating.”30:07—Mending Hearts in the Office: When Leaders Turn into Heartbreakers"There are a lot of people walking around with broken hearts because they've had a leader who's betrayed them."33:39—The AI Rat Race: Why Can't We All Just Get Along?"This natural tendency to compete with each other. There's like an arms race and that's what's happening with AI.”38:41—From Cap and Gown to Capable and Grown: Reinventing the Grad-to-Gig Highway"There should be coaches for faculty to embed career readiness into every single classroom, starting from the first class a student takes."______________________Connect with Us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Bridget Burns______________________--**Chief Change Officer**--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs,Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts.6 Million+ All-Time Downloads.Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.Global Top 3% Podcast.Top 10 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.

Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, joins Dustin for a candid conversation about the urgent need for higher ed to take a proactive role in shaping the future workforce. From talent shortages to AI's impact on job readiness, Bridget shares why hope isn't a strategy—and what institutions must do to stay ahead. She challenges universities to work together, rethink traditional learning models, and create real-world solutions that benefit students and society.Guest Name: Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO at the University Innovation AllianceGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: As a trusted advisor to university presidents and policymakers, Dr. Bridget Burns is on a mission to transform the way institutions think about and take action on behalf of low-income, first generation, and students of color. She is the founding CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, a multi-campus laboratory for student success innovation that helps university leaders dramatically accelerate the implementation of scalable solutions to increase the number and diversity of college graduates. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

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.

What if universities worked together instead of competing like contestants on a reality TV show? In this episode, we explore the “Higher Ed Hunger Games,” where rivalry rules the day. Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) and host of The Innovating Together Podcast, shares her journey from a small-town upbringing in rural America to becoming a trailblazer in educational reform. Her mission? To unite academic institutions, boost graduation rates, and create better employment opportunities for low-income students—all through collaboration and innovation. No drama, just teamwork. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Who Actually Likes Change? Spoiler: No One “Everyone who says they like change is a liar. You only like change that is your idea and that you actively participate in creating.” 30:07—Mending Hearts in the Office: When Leaders Turn into Heartbreakers "There are a lot of people walking around with broken hearts because they've had a leader who's betrayed them." 33:39—The AI Rat Race: Why Can't We All Just Get Along? "This natural tendency to compete with each other. There's like an arms race and that's what's happening with AI.” 38:41—From Cap and Gown to Capable and Grown: Reinventing the Grad-to-Gig Highway "There should be coaches for faculty to embed career readiness into every single classroom, starting from the first class a student takes." Connect with Us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Bridget Burns ______________________ Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 3.5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries

What if universities worked together instead of competing like contestants on a reality TV show? In this episode, we explore the “Higher Ed Hunger Games,” where rivalry rules the day. Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) and host of The Innovating Together Podcast, shares her journey from a small-town upbringing in rural America to becoming a trailblazer in educational reform. Her mission? To unite academic institutions, boost graduation rates, and create better employment opportunities for low-income students—all through collaboration and innovation. No drama, just teamwork. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Overcoming Adversity: Bridget's Journey from Isolation to Empowerment “I grew up in a cul de sac of racism, homophobia, misogyny—very rural America—and getting out was super important.” Problem in Universities: Unveiling the Diffusion of Innovation Problem “We don't know if what we're doing is any good, or how to scale it.” Higher Ed Hunger Games: Tackling the Cutthroat Competition "Higher education is highly competitive, hierarchical, set up to pit you against others, which leaves very little space to share about shared problems." Real Change or Just for Show? Scouting for True Innovators in Academia "We need to figure out who else is a worker bee, who's interested in doing the really hard stuff and not just drawn to the image." Who Actually Likes Change? Spoiler: No One “Everyone who says they like change is a liar. You only like change that is your idea and that you actively participate in creating.” Connect with Us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Bridget Burns ______________________ Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 3.5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries

Dr. Bridget Burns founded the University Innovation Alliance as a means to bring diverse universities together around their common need for innovation. With a passion to focus on our human-center and to bridge the gap between education and those struggling with poverty, Dr. Burns shares with us the ways in which we can embrace innovation without harming the very people we hope to serve.

Dr. Bridget Burns founded the University Innovation Alliance as a means to bring diverse universities together around their common need for innovation. With a passion to focus on our human center and to bridge the gap between education and those struggling with poverty, Dr. Burns shares with us how we can embrace innovation without harming the very people we hope to serve.

Dustin is pleased to sit down with Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA). Bridget shares her journey of leading the UIA, focusing on scaling innovative ideas to improve student outcomes across universities. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of fostering innovation in higher education, the impact of institutional closures, and the importance of empathy and user-centered design in creating effective educational experiences.Guest Name: Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO at the University Innovation AllianceGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: As a trusted advisor to university presidents and policymakers, Dr. Bridget Burns is on a mission to transform the way institutions think about and take action on behalf of low-income, first generation, and students of color. She is the founding CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, a multi-campus laboratory for student success innovation that helps university leaders dramatically accelerate the implementation of scalable solutions to increase the number and diversity of college graduates. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/https://twitter.com/HigherEd_GeekAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Generation AI and I Wanna Work There. Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

What happens when higher education is plagued by competition and a lack of collaboration? Ever wondered what would happen if higher education was more like a reality TV show? In this episode, we tackle the “Higher Ed Hunger Games,” where universities are too busy competing to work together. Dr. Bridget Burns, the CEO of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) and the host of The Innovating Together Podcast, takes us from her small-town roots in rural America to the front lines of educational reform. She's on a mission to turn these academic rivals into allies. Bridget's goal? To boost graduation and employment rates for low-income students by transforming higher education into a more cooperative and innovative field. Forget the drama, we're talking real change here—no politics is needed, just good old-fashioned teamwork that is centered on humanity. Episode Breakdown: 00:35—Introduction: Rundown of today's episode 03:20—Overcoming Adversity: Bridget's Journey from Isolation to Empowerment “I grew up in a cul de sac of racism, homophobia, misogyny—very rural America—and getting out was super important.” 06:33—Problem in Universities: Unveiling the Diffusion of Innovation Problem “We don't know if what we're doing is any good, or how to scale it.” 10:59—Higher Ed Hunger Games: Tackling the Cutthroat Competition "Higher education is highly competitive, hierarchical, set up to pit you against others, which leaves very little space to share about shared problems." 16:03—Real Change or Just for Show? Scouting for True Innovators in Academia "We need to figure out who else is a worker bee, who's interested in doing the really hard stuff and not just drawn to the image." 18:48—Who Actually Likes Change? Spoiler: No One “Everyone who says they like change is a liar. You only like change that is your idea and that you actively participate in creating.” 30:07—Mending Hearts in the Office: When Leaders Turn into Heartbreakers "There are a lot of people walking around with broken hearts because they've had a leader who's betrayed them." 33:39—The AI Rat Race: Why Can't We All Just Get Along? "This natural tendency to compete with each other. There's like an arms race and that's what's happening with AI.” 38:41—From Cap and Gown to Capable and Grown: Reinventing the Grad-to-Gig Highway "There should be coaches for faculty to embed career readiness into every single classroom, starting from the first class a student takes." Connect with Us: Dr. Bridget Burns and Vince Chan Chief Change Officer: Listen Ambitiously. A Modernist Home to Career Mastery for Progressive Minds 600,299 Downloads and 29,899 Followers Since Launch Highest Apple Podcasts Rankings in Careers: #1 US, Canada, Mexico, Ireland and Switzerland #2 UK, France, Sweden, India and Singapore #4-5-6 Japan-Germany-Australia

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

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

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

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 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 this special episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, Bridget Burns is a guest on the Ascend podcast with hosts Jared Tippett and Eric Kirby. Bridget talks about her career path and the idea of “tripwires” in higher education. These tripwires are small administrative obstacles that impede student success. She stresses the importance of universities listening to their students, comprehending their experiences and goals, and taking action based on their feedback. Bridget introduces the concept of the "Listening Lab for Transformation" and explores the significance of a supportive culture, effective student engagement, and the utilization of data to enhance student success.  "Your brain is going to lie to you, and it is going to exaggerate fear around anything that is new. You need to question your brain because it's going to tell you lies." - Bridget Burns What you will learn - The Tripwires in Higher Education The importance of empathy and student perspective Measuring student success and the limitations of current metrics Supporting students through empathy and process mapping Learn more about Jared Tippets and Eric Kirby by visiting: Apple Podcast 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 this episode of the "Innovating Together," Bridget Burns and Ian Wilhelm interview Dr. Tim Renick, the founder of the National Institute for Student Success. The episode focuses on the issue of high DFW rates in higher education institutions and the need for better data and evidence-based approaches to solve this problem. Dr. Renick talks about the innovative practices that Georgia State University has implemented, such as the Accelerator Program, to improve student success. They also discuss biases within higher education institutions and the importance of recognizing and addressing them to promote innovation and effective solutions. "We're literally failing these students in their classes, and we need to take this as a common responsibility to work out a cooperative solution across the whole institution, rather than saying this is on the faculty member teaching the class to figure out a problem that is a national in scope." - Dr. Tim Renick What you will learn - The problem of DFW rates and the need for change Troubling trends in student performance The effectiveness of using AI-enhanced chatbots in academic courses Leadership and making tough decisions Learn more about Dr. Tim Renick 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

On this episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, Mark Becker, President of Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), discusses the evolving expectations for university presidents. He emphasizes the significance of universities delivering value in terms of job prospects for students. President Becker also reflects on his own leadership journey and the challenges faced by university presidents in the current political climate. Bridget Burns, adds that the presidency in higher education should be elevated as a crucial leadership role, and presidents should be respected and learned from. "Today, people want to know if I go to your institution, am I going to get a degree that is going to lead to a job in a career that I want?" - President Mark Becker What you will learn - The importance of job placement for students Challenges Faced by Universities Listening and Communicating with Different Perspectives The need for a nuanced conversation about higher education   Learn more about President Mark Becker 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

In today's episode, Bridget Burns and Doug Lederman preview the next season of weekly wisdom and review the interviews from the past season that they each found most compelling. They also discussed the challenges and opportunities facing higher education in this moment, particularly the elements that will challenge leadership in the chapter ahead. They emphasize the importance of leaders taking the initiative to shape the future of higher education, rather than being reactive to external pressures. They highlight the need for authenticity in leadership and reflect on some of the most valuable conversations from previous episodes. They also discuss the issue of turnover in leadership positions and the impact it has on innovation, while stressing the importance of leaders having a clear vision and the ability to inspire and bring people together.  "There's a level of candor and accessibility that is needed in this next chapter, like you and I see all the time, the skepticism about higher ed and the public,  skepticism about higher education by the public.?" - Bridget Burns What you will learn - ​​The defense versus offense analogy Reflection on past episodes and interesting conversations The pivot and potential constraint Turnover and transition challenges Learn more about Doug Lederman 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 today's episode of the Innovating Together podcast, hosts Bridget Burns and Doug Lederman talk with Vincent Rougeau, a former law dean, and the current President of College of the Holy Cross. President Rougeau spent a good part of his career in legal education, and was a law dean prior to taking the Holy Cross job. Today, he shares his insights on how his legal training and experience leading in a law school has affected how he leads.  President Rougeau believes that in order to be an effective leader, it requires a deep understanding of oneself. To be an authentic leader, you must be able to recognize your strengths, weaknesses, values, goals, and interests and use them to your advantage. He believes that it is just as important to see those in others. This means that as the leader, you should focus on serving the needs of the team and the organization, rather than your own personal needs and desires. President Rougeau stated that this can be difficult, as the natural instinct of a leader is to focus on their own needs and desires first. However, by focusing on the needs of the team and the organization, the leader is able to create an environment of collaboration and trust. This allows the team and the organization to thrive and grow. “I was fortunate enough to have a role model in my life who taught me the importance of leading with service. My father was deeply devoted to principles, often making serious sacrifices to benefit many people beyond himself. He was involved in the civil rights movement and was jailed for his work. From him, I learned that if you lead primarily to gain something for yourself, it may not be the best motivation. Instead, if you lead to improve an organization or institution on behalf of many, then you will be more successful.” - President Rougeau What you will learn - Authentic leadership is key Diverse leadership in institutions Building a Positive Community Many pathways to success Learn more about President Rougeau 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

In today's episode of the Innovating Together podcast, Bridget Burns and Dr. Candice Staples welcomes Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker, President of Colorado State University Global, as the guest. Dr. Takeda-Tinker discusses her extensive career and shares insights on leadership. As the president of the nation's first 100% online and fully accredited state nonprofit university, Dr. Takeda-Tinker discusses her extensive career and shares insights on leadership. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with others on a human level and uniting people as a leader. Dr. Takeda-Tinker also highlights the fast-paced nature of the industry, the need for data tracking and understanding student outcomes, and the importance of partnerships with industries. She discusses her leadership style, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and open communication. Dr. Takeda-Tinker encourages leaders to embrace failure, continuously adapt, and prioritize happiness in their careers. The episode concludes with appreciation for Dr. Takeda-Tinker's perspective. "If it's not making you happy, why are you doing it?" - Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker What you will learn - The importance of human connectedness in leadership The unique leadership style required for online institutions The speed of industry and the impact of AI The importance of trying new things Learn more about Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker by visiting: LinkedIn 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

In this week's episode of Weekly Wisdom, Bridget Burns and Doug Lederman announced that Virginia Commonwealth University has joined the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) as a new member. Bridget explained, “The University Innovation Alliance is a collection of institutions who are scaling innovation to eliminate their equity gaps and actually improve outcomes and produce more high-quality graduates across the country.”  Michael Rao, the President of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and VCU Health, a research and teaching institution and comprehensive healthcare system, was this week's guest. A few of the main topics discussed were the partnership between UIA and VCU, collaborative endeavors, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted VCU's role in the community. Doug began off the conversation by asking, “What attracted VCU to UIA?” and “What does your institution gain from this partnership?”  President Rao said, “We have a lot in common. We are motivated to make a difference. We are geared to research that matters to people.” He shared that he likes having regular contact with colleagues to learn from each other.  Bridget added that “VCU shares UIA's values.” She said, the UIA president is willing to talk about the hard stuff. President Rao continued to answer Doug's question by sharing that when he started as President of VCU the graduation rate was under 50% in terms of their 6-year graduation rate and now the graduation rate is around 70%.  He feels there is more that can be done to reach diverse populations. He thinks colleagues can learn from each other – and what works and doesn't work for different groups of people. “What we as presidents expect to gain from each other is sharing positive energy about what's possible.” Bridget asked President Rao to share examples of collaborative endeavors he has experienced. He shared that when he was on the NCAA board, he discovered, “it was worth every second I put into it because I got so much back.” He found chatting with other presidents in between board meetings about similar issues they were both dealing with and asked, “What do you think?”   He also said that when he was chair of the statewide council of presidents, along with the president of the University of Virginia, they were connecting two to three times a week via phone and eventually via video during COVID-19.  It helped to not be a “lonely island.”  “Putting people in the right place” is critical for a president, said XXX. Strategies are shaped by conversations with other presidents.  Doug asked, “How has VCU's role in the community shifted during the pandemic?”  President Rao responded, “a lot of the changes are focused on more inclusively engaging with people who have not been a part of what has been going on.”  He shared an example of how they switched their freshman convocation from an indoor event to an outdoor event with more than 4,000 people there.  Several students expressed appreciation for not canceling the in-person event and not being in front of a screen. There were also many students who asked, “Can you get more stuff online for us? We really like that option.”  He shared with the freshmen, “There is more information out there than there has ever been, but also more agenda's than there have ever been. You've got to develop your own sense and your own gut of what you believe in. What are your values? Decide whether what you are hearing matches that.”  He believes it's important that public universities be disciplined to be places where people can look to for the truth Learn more about President Rao by visiting: Website 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

In this episode of the “Innovating Together” podcast, host Bridget Burns and co-host Doug Lederman are joined by Mark  D. Milliron, President of National University in California. President Milliron discusses his experience serving on various boards and how it has shaped his understanding of building great board relationships. He emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and involving board members in strategic and policy work. President Milliron also highlights the need for collaboration in higher education, particularly in improving the success of low-income, first-generation students. He shares valuable career advice, including the importance of playing to one's strengths and creating an authentic and mission-driven environment. "I've absolutely fundamentally dedicated my life to helping more, and more diverse, students be more successful in the world of higher education so that they have more opportunities in their lives." - President Milliron What you will learn - The power of grace and understanding Creating a meaningful environment The core elements of good leadership Taking care of oneself as a leader Learn more about President Mark  D. Milliron 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 week's episode of Weekly Wisdom, Bridget Burns and Doug Lederman announced that Virginia Commonwealth University has joined the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) as a new member. Bridget explained, “The University Innovation Alliance is a collection of institutions who are scaling innovation to eliminate their equity gaps and actually improve outcomes and produce more high-quality graduates across the country.”  Michael Rao, the President of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and VCU Health, a research and teaching institution and comprehensive healthcare system, was this week's guest. A few of the main topics discussed were the partnership between UIA and VCU, collaborative endeavors, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted VCU's role in the community. Bridget asked President Rao to share examples of collaborative endeavors he has experienced. He shared that when he was on the NCAA board, he discovered, “it was worth every second I put into it because I got so much back.” He found chatting with other presidents in between board meetings about similar issues they were both dealing with and asked, “What do you think?”   He also said that when he was chair of the statewide council of presidents, along with the president of the University of Virginia, they were connecting two to three times a week via phone and eventually via video during COVID-19.  It helped to not be a “lonely island.”  “Putting people in the right place” is critical for a president, said XXX. Strategies are shaped by conversations with other presidents.  Bridget asked President Rao to expand about why it is helpful for presidents to team up. He shared an example, “One of my big jobs was to start a new medical school at the other institution from which I had come. I teamed up with a president who had started a new medical school. He was literally just a year or two ahead of me. I went and visited him and his team, and I came back with a very clear plan.” Several students expressed appreciation for not canceling the in-person event and not being in front of a screen. There were also many students who asked, “Can you get more stuff online for us? We really like that option.”  He shared with the freshmen, “There is more information out there than there has ever been, but also more agenda's than there have ever been. You've got to develop your own sense and your own gut of what you believe in. What are your values? Decide whether what you are hearing matches that.”  Learn more about President Rao 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

Weekly Wisdom Interview with UIC Interim Chancellor Javier Reyes On today's episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, hosts Bridget Burns and Doug Lederman interview Javier Reyes, interim chancellor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. We discussed his experience as an interim chancellor and the importance of collaboration and teamwork in leadership. Chancellor Reyes emphasized the need to gather input from all team members and to maintain collegiality, even when there are disagreements. He acknowledged the challenge of being the ultimate decision-maker and taking responsibility for those decisions. He mentioned some surprising elements of the chancellorship, such as the singleness of being the decision-maker, the need to balance the demands of the role with maintaining a sense of humanity and empathy for those affected by the decisions being made. Chancellor Reyes also shared his advice for those earlier in their careers, suggesting that they not only listen to the person speaking, but also to others who may have heard different perspectives. Two books that have been particularly helpful in Chancellor Reyes leadership journey have been: “The Speed of Trust” by Stephen M.R. Covey and “It's Your Ship” by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff. "Being a president or chancellor requires complete focus and attention for the institution, and is a lifestyle rather than just a job." - Chancellor Reyes What you will learn - The Role of an Interim Chancellor Challenges of Interim Leadership The Importance of Collaboration and Trust in Leadership Learn more about Chancellor Reyes by visiting: Twitter LinkedIn 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

Weekly Wisdom Commencement Special Episode With Bridget Burns & Doug Lederman --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/innovationalliance/message

In today's episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, hosts Bridget Burns and Doug Lederman are interviewing President Daria Willis.  President Willis is the current president of Howard Community College. President Willis shares her experience and advice on how to navigate the early stages of a new presidency. She emphasizes the importance of listening to various perspectives, and avoiding disparaging one's predecessor.  Being a new leader in an institution can be a daunting task, especially if you're the first person of color or woman in the role. President Willis offers valuable advice for new presidents on how to navigate the early stages of their presidency. She emphasizes the importance of being guarded and not trusting everyone immediately, especially those who may have their own agendas. She advises taking the time to listen to various perspectives and picking up on common themes to gain a clearer picture of the institution. She suggests taking a strategic approach to leadership and bringing in trusted colleagues to provide a different perspective. Today's conversation also touches on the challenges of turnover and the importance of long-term planning for institutions. President Willis discuss the pressure to differentiate oneself from the previous leader, and how boards can contribute to this pressure by emphasizing the need for a new leader to take the institution to the "next level," without defining what that means. She notes that this can set new leaders up for failure, especially if they are the first person of color or woman in the role. President Willis talks about the importance of having a coach who can help you think from a business and entrepreneurial mindset, especially if you come from a non-business background. She also emphasizes the need for boards to have more diverse representation to better understand and support the president's vision. President Willis shares her positive experience with a former board chair who provided her with a safe space to discuss issues and helped her move forward during the pandemic. President Willis provides valuable insights and advice for new community college presidents, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, listening to various perspectives, and finding time for reflection and personal growth. President Willis's experience and wisdom serve as a valuable resource for anyone navigating the early stages of a new presidency. “I have learned that who you see, what you see is what you get. I'm going to keep it 100, and I know how to act when I get in front of state legislators and all of that stuff, but I'm still Dr. Willis.” - President Daria Willis What you will learn - Authentic leadership is key Diverse leadership in institutions Building a Positive Community Many pathways to success Learn more about President Willis by visiting: About LinkedIn Twitter 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

The University Innovation Alliance (UIA) is a multi-campus laboratory for student success innovation that helps university leaders dramatically accelerate the implementation of scalable solutions to increase the number and diversity of college graduates. Founder and CEO Dr. Bridget Burns sits down with Elana Leoni, CEO of Leoni Consulting Group, to discuss what it means to collaborate, how to best serve any kind of audience, and some basic ways in which the EdTech industry could be more responsive to its market.Show notes: leoniconsultinggroup.com/41

In today's episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, hosts Bridget Burns & Ian Wilhelm interview Drew Magliozzi, the CEO of Mainstay about the rise of ChatGPT and the impact of generative AI on college student success.   Drew, Bridget, and Ian discuss the breakthrough innovations of ChatGPT's large language model (LLM), as well as the need for institutions to vet their technology partners carefully and look for those with relevant experience in higher education. They touch on both the risks and opportunities of AI in education, and the importance of balancing the technology's potential (e.g., creating more personalized learning experiences and supporting with grading) with its pitfalls (including privacy concerns and the risk of bias).    What you will learn - Innovation takes time and resources Invest in technology to help students Vet technology partners carefully Embrace innovation opportunities Learn more about Drew Magliozzi by visiting: LinkedIn Website 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

Today marks the 100th episode of the Innovating Together podcast, and Bridget Burns is in the hot seat to discuss the show's success. While the University Innovation Alliance has been around for several years, Weekly Wisdom just kicked off around the time of Covid. Bridget says it was needed for a variety of reasons, one being the palpable sense of people looking for optimism and leadership. The UIA was also ready to expand and had identified institutions it wanted to include. They wanted a way to interview presidents without signaling who they were considering, and weekly wisdom presented an opportunity to hear about the values of a leader. She shared that she loves hearing from the audience and what types of questions they find most useful and what guests have had an impact on them. Leadership can be a very lonely job, especially in higher ed. The podcast aims to give people a sense that they are a part of something bigger, and that someone, somewhere, is dealing with the same things they are. Bridget has felt so fortunate to be able to meet so many leaders through this podcast. She has been inspired through all the lessons shared by her guests. Bridget shared that she has worked with over 40 college presidents and chancellors thus far, and observed a marked difference amongst them. To her, visionary leaders have a compelling vision, and an ability to get others enrolled in that vision. Her current work enables her to help university presidents see a shared, collective vision, and move in a common direction. She does this through genuine curiosity, empathy, and care. She takes the time to observe people in leadership roles, in order to really understand, to help them identify underlying challenges, and then to overcome those challenges. When asked about important advice, she offered that people should aim to be less interested in who gets credit for the work and more about getting the work done. She shared leadership advice that has been helpful to her from presidents and chancellors, including that taking care of yourself and your health is critical to being an effective leader, because you need energy to make difficult decisions. She suggested two books that were powerful in her journey: Leadership and Self Deception by the Arbinger Institute, and The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey. What You'll Learn: How negative examples can teach us just as much as positive ones. What it means to be a true leader. Why a president's tenure matter when it comes to innovation Favorite Quote: “The most presidential moments on the show have been the ones where people have shown their true heart.” -Bridget Burns --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovationalliance/message

Bridget Burns' Guest Appearance on An Educated Guest Podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovationalliance/message

In a special episode recorded at The Chronicle of Higher Education Festival, Jeff Selingo and guest co-host Bridget Burns talk with three students about what has worked (and what hasn't) in their college experiences. With support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.

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.

Bridget Burns, Executive Director of the University Innovation Alliance, and Jeff Selingo, author, columnist, and special advisor at Arizona State University, are inviting insight and experiences from presidents and chancellors of universities navigating the challenge in real-time. Today's guest is Michael Sorrell, who is the president of Paul Quinn College. President Sorrell is one of the 10 most innovative college presidents in the country and one of the world's top 50 leaders. How is He Holding Up, and What is Keeping Him Positive? President Sorrell stays positive because of the gratitude for the amount of family time he gets to have; the sight of his family sharing his office and going in-and-out of it makes him happy. Part of his career involves being a crisis manager, so he feels like he is at an advantage and could plan to send students home on time. What Kind of Leadership Principle is Serving Him? President Sorrell`s leadership principle is on the base of love, and he is more concerned about the wellbeing of his staff and students. He has created a safe space in staff meetings to encourage staff members to open up to boost their productivity. How Does He Separate and Manage the Day's Work, Today's Chaos, and Plans? President Sorrell said the best course of action is to be honest about being overwhelmed because nobody has ever lived through a pandemic. Accepting his vulnerability and acting to minimize regrets, being cautious, and analyzing the situation carefully. How is He Still Optimistic About the Future of His School? President Sorrell shares his story about how his school was at a rough patch when he took over, and they came out and kept going irrespective of the sad odds. He likened the experience of Paul Quinn at that point to the current pandemic and said the difficulties would provide room for growth. Sorrell quotes lessons from his faith, saying, “without the test, you will never get a testimony” and says this is the time to be resilient as leaders to raise resilient students. He advises: if you pray, pray, then get up and believe in the inevitability of your success. Is there any book he has read in the past that is helpful now? He said there is a need for a message of hope, and focusing on other people helps him. He is reading Just Mercy by Stevenson, On Duties, and Building an International University. Family time, exercising, and a positive mindset have kept him going so far. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovationalliance/message

“Transformation” is a buzzword in today's world, and it's easy to talk about why it's necessary. But how do you actually do the hard work of bringing about change within a college or university? This week's episode of The Key features highlights from a panel session at this month's SXSWedu conference in Austin, Tex. The discussion, heavy on practical advice for leading change within and across institutions, includes Michael Sorrell, president of Paul Quinn College; Michelle Weise, vice chancellor for strategy and innovation at the National University System; and Bridget Burns, executive director of the University Innovation Alliance. Inside Higher Ed's editor and host of The Key, Doug Lederman, moderated the discussion. This episode is sponsored by Pearson Inclusive Access.