Shows
Life in Higher EdFaculty Mentoring: what mentees need today - R. Todd BensonSend us a textIn this episode, we sit down with R. Todd Benson from COACHE (Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education) to explore what makes faculty mentoring truly effective. Todd shares insights from COACHE's extensive research on faculty job satisfaction and workplace climate across hundreds of institutions. We discuss the data-driven elements that contribute to successful mentoring relationships, common pitfalls departments face, and practical strategies for creating a culture where both new and established faculty can thrive. Whether you're a department chair, a seasoned mentor, or a junior faculty member seeking guidance, this conversation offers...
2025-10-0846 minLife in Higher EdIn crisis and calm: building an essential partnership with your institution's legal counsel - Guilherme CostaSend us a textFrom navigating routine compliance challenges to managing full-blown institutional crises, discover how administrators cultivate strategic partnerships with their legal advisor that prove invaluable when the stakes are highest. Guilherne Costa shares candid insights on building trust during quiet periods, establishing clear communication protocols, and why the best crisis responses start long before trouble hits campus. Whether you're facing student protests, Title IX investigations, or unexpected legal challenges, this episode reveals how to transform your general counsel from reactive advisor to proactive strategic partner.Guilherme M. CostaGuilherme...
2025-09-1244 minLife in Higher EdBeyond the application: the changing face of college admissions - Kent BarndsSend us a textWith recent shifts in federal and state policies, legal rulings, and evolving demographics, how are institutions adapting their approaches to student recruitment and selection? This question is on the minds of educators, administrators, and families across the nation. W. Kent Barnds, executive vice president for strategy and innovation, Augustana CollegeKent brings over 30 years of strategic leadership experience in higher education to today's conversation. As a seasoned higher ed professional who has served in key roles including Vice President for Enrollment, Communication, and Planning and Executive Vice P...
2025-08-1234 minLife in Higher EdResilience Redefined: Leading in Turbulent Times - Ralph GigliottiSend us a textWhen chaos strikes, how do leaders step up, steady the ship, and guide their organizations toward resilience and renewal? This is on the minds of leaders across higher ed and beyond. Dr. Ralph Gigliotti, whose work focuses on helping leaders transform moments of crisis into opportunities for growth and reinvention, shares his insights and recommendations for navigating challenging times.Ralph GigliottiAs Assistant Vice President for Organizational Leadership in University Academic Affairs at Rutgers University, Ralph directs the Office of Organizational Leadership and provides executive leadership for...
2025-05-0433 minLife in Higher EdHigher education and politics: finding your path in 2025 - Teresa Valerio ParrotSend us a textThings have become more complicated for higher education in 2025, with executive orders, grant terminations, funding reductions, and investigations. This isn't the first time higher education has faced a crisis; what's different this time, or is it? Teresa Valerio Parrot provides perspective and advice on navigating tumultuous times.Teresa Valerio Parrot, Principal, TVP CommunicationsTeresa is known for honesty juxtaposed with optimism; the two combine to provide communications counsel focused on transparent leadership and relationship building. Teresa helps higher education executives truthfully share excellence and genuinely own mistakes...
2025-03-2534 minLife in Higher EdDEI: Why is it being used to divide America? - Dr. Daryl G. SmithSend us a textIn this episode, we delve into the attacks on DEI with Dr. Daryl G. Smith, author of Diversity's Promise for Higher Education. Dr. Smith discusses the complex dynamics of institutional capacity building and offers insights into mission advancement during these turbulent times. Dr. Daryl G. Smith, PhDDr. Smith is a Senior Research Fellow and Professor Emerita of Education andPsychology at Claremont Graduate University. She joined CGU as a facultymember after serving for years as a college administrator in planning and researchan...
2025-02-2543 minLife in Higher EdUnbias: Unconscious bias at work - Stacey A. GordonSend us a textIn this episode Stacey Gordon, founder and principal consultant of Rework Work and author of Unbias: Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work, Stacey commented, “The awareness piece is so big. When I first started DEI work, about a decade ago, I really thought it was all about action, and I was that person, like, you need to take action. (“...”) But the more I do this work, the more I am scaling back and just keep coming back to the awareness piece, because I can't make you take an action, can't make you do anything, but onc...
2025-02-0437 minLife in Higher EdDecoding Higher Ed - Nana Kofi Nti and Mashama ThompsonSend us a textIn this episode, Nana Kofi Nti and Mashama Thompson, co-founders of 510 Media, discuss the challenges facing colleges and universities in the attention economy. They note that institutions of higher education must work to distinguish themselves from the ubiquity of crowdsourced online learning.Kofi Nti and Thompson challenge us to reflect critically on whether higher education is truly developing quality minds. They suggest that education is not a finite destination, but rather a continual process of growth and learning.Nana Kofi NtiNana Kofi Nti is...
2024-11-2043 minLife in Higher EdNavigating Higher Ed: persistence, perseverance, and promise - Nadege DadySend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Nadege Dady, dean of Student Affairs and assistant professor for the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem, NYC campus, talks about remaining flexible in moments of transition and positively engaged and "always work from a place of integrity." Nadege Dady, EdDDr. Nadege Dady is Dean of Students Affairs and Assistant Professor for the TouroCOM Harlem, NYC Campus. As the appointed Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Dady provides oversight of the admissions, registrar, financial aid, and bursar offices as well as alumni relations...
2024-09-0138 minLife in Higher EdAI in higher ed: resistance is futile - James SpellosSend us a textIn this episode, James Spellos, president of Meeting U, talks about generative AI and addresses the concern many educators have voiced, "So it's never going to replace the acumen of an educator, never. But what it's going to do is supplement the ability to maybe do a first pass on information, use the tool." James SpellosFor over 20 years, Jim has led Meeting U with a mission to make technology more accessible and impactful. His innovative approach to AI and education has made him a recognized industry l...
2024-08-2834 minLife in Higher EdJustice education: learning across differences - Dr. Kimberly Drake and Bernie HernandezSend us a textIn this episode, Professor Kim Drake and Bernie Hernandez discuss the Inside-Out Justice Initiative and the transformative impact of educational exchange programs. As a faculty member involved in the program, Professor Drake highlights the collaborative nature of the initiative, emphasizing, "It is about collaboration; a kind of equity across the demographics of those who participate in the Inside-Out Program." She further observes, "The inside students push themselves so hard that the outside students have to step up their game."Kimberly Drake, PhDKimberly Drake teaches writing and...
2024-05-2040 minLife in Higher EdStudent success; everyone's responsibility - Bernie SavareseSend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Bernie Savarese, vice president for Academic Affairs, Research, and Student Success at the University of Tennessee System, talks about the shared responsibility of student engagement for positive outcomes."Student success it is about more than just metrics, it is about life, families, dreams and communities". Bernie Savarese, EdD, MBADr. Bernie Savarese, vice president for Academic Affairs, Research, and Student Success, joined the University of Tennessee System in 2021. In this role, he convenes and works closely with the chief academic, research, a...
2024-04-1933 minLife in Higher EdThe college presidency: educational access and workforce development - President Aisha FrancisSend us a textIn the episode, Dr. Aisha Francis, President and CEO of the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, talks about access to education and workforce development, "one of the challenges we have is to push the limits of what it means to deliver access for all."Aisha Franklin, PhDIn 2021, Aisha Francis, PhD, became the first female President in the 113-year history of Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, now known as Franklin Cummings Tech. Dr. Francis is an award-winning academic, nonprofit leader, and strategist with broad...
2024-03-0530 minLife in Higher EdFrom faculty to administration: making the shift - Gretchen Edwalds-GilbertSend us a textIn the episode, Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert, provost at the University of the Pacific, talks about making the transition from faculty member to chief academic officer, " People are coachable and can develop their skills if they are interested in doing it."Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert, Ph.D, B.A.Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert serves as Provost at the University of the Pacific, a position she began in July 2023. Before joining Pacific as Provost, Gretchen served for six years as associate dean of the faculty at Scripps College, one of the five...
2024-01-2336 minLife in Higher EdNavigating leadership transitions - Brian SteevesSend us a textIn this episode, Brian Steeves, executive director of the board of regents and corporate secretary of the University of Minnesota, talks about leadership transitions, "We need to remember that every single person is a master of change. It's a constant in our lives all the time."Brian Steeves, B.A., MPABrian Steeves serves as executive director of the board of regents and corporate secretary of the University of Minnesota. In this role, he leads annual board planning, guides agenda development, oversees policy work, serves as a...
2023-10-1627 minLife in Higher EdEmbracing a strategic mindset - Binti HarveySend us a textIn this episode, Binti Harvey talks about developing and using a strategic mindset, "I've seen people grow in this way of thinking when they have clarity about what the objective is and what the desired outcome is." Binti Harvey, B.A., M.S.Binti Harvey is a seasoned relationship builder, strategist, and change manager with asignificant record of accomplishment in empowering leaders, teams, and institutions tosuccessfully advance reputational and financial goals. Ms. Harvey is the Vice President for External Relations and Institutional Advancement...
2023-09-0728 minLife in Higher EdCharting a path to professional growth - Trish Beck and Michael MillerSend us a textIn this episode, NYU Steinhardt EDLI alumni, Drs. Trish Beck and Michael Miller, talk about professional renewal and reinvention, "It begins with your connection to purpose. Your connection to your personal and professional purpose. And oftentimes there is significant overlap."Trish Beck, EdD, MS, RN, NE-BC, FACHEDr. Trish Beck is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Education Leadership and Policy Studies in the Department of Administration, Leadership, and Technology at NYU and the Program Director for the Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation. Trish obtained...
2023-08-0334 minLife in Higher EdDeveloping leaders through mentorship - Aristide CollinsSend us a textIn this episode, Aristide Collins talks about the value of and relationship between mentors and mentees. "Mentorship is foundational. It's something that we all should hopefully seek. And I think it would really make all of us better, stronger professionals and leaders."Aristide Collins, BA, MPA, EdDAristide J. Collins Jr., vice president, chief of staff, and secretary of the university at The George Washington University, will be leaving his role in July 2023 to become the executive vice president, chief administrative officer, and chief of staff at...
2023-06-2228 minLife in Higher EdOffice politics - Kai SwansonSend us a textIn this episode, Kai Swanson talks about evolutionary biology and the sabre-toothed tigers of office politics. "You cannot control the weather but there are things you can and if you focus on the things you can you can address or attenuate the negative impacts of those things."Kai SwansonKai Swanson is special assistant to Augustana College’s president, a position he’s held since 2005, though he's been on the staff of the college since his graduation in 1986.He grew up in Rock Island, just acro...
2023-06-0136 min
Life in Higher EdWe all need friends - Denise and HerminioSend us a textIn this first episode, Denise and Herminio explore the importance of having a friend in the workplace and how friends can make a difference in your professional and personal life. Denise Nelson Nash, MFA, EdD Denise is vice president, secretary of the Board of Trustees, convener of the IDEA Initiative, Scripps College. Denise joined Scripps College in 2013 as vice president and secretary of the board of trustees. With over 25 years of experience in higher education, she works directly with the president and board on a wide array o...
2023-05-2811 minLife in Higher EdDemystifying Governance - Katie HerschedeSend us a textIn this episode, Katie Herschede talks about demystifying governance. " Higher education is best when we all know each other. When we all work together. When we all are engaged in the governance process. When we all engaged in the life and the rhythms of the campus."Katie Herschede, EdDKatie is the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff at Widener University. She previously served in senior roles at Northern Kentucky University. Connect with Katie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieherschede
2023-05-0820 minLife in Higher EdInclusive Leadership: How to Influence and Bring Others Along on the Journey - Sangeeta LambaSend us a textIn this episode, Sangeeta Lamba talks about inclusive leadership. "Equity minded means that you have to be mindful that each person's experience is very different. So you so if you can be intentional and equity-minded and be committed to almost every step, every decision you make, I think that's probably the way that the dial will move."Sangeeta (Gita) Lamba, MD, MS-HPEdSangeeta Lamba is the Vice President for Faculty Development and Diversity within University Equity and Inclusion at Rutgers University. She leads the Faculty Diversity Collaborative...
2023-05-0824 minLife in Higher EdMy first 90 days - Eleanor FlemingSend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Eleanor Fleming talks about the first 90 days in a new role. Dr. Fleming offers the following thought about taking on a new role, "encouraging your audience to trust everything that they've done. Whether it's epidemiology or law or whatever, bring that to bear and see and be open to applying your lens in these new spaces."Dr. Eleanor Fleming (she/her/hers) Ph.D., DDS, MPH, FICD, Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health. Dr. Fleming is an unapologetic Black and i...
2023-05-0836 minLife in Higher EdWhen coaching is needed - Christine GoldthwaiteSend us a textIn this episode, Christine Goldthwaite talks about when coaching is needed. Dr. Goldthwaite shares that "a coaching engagement is hopefully designed to help the person enhance their self-awareness; become more reflective. That's the foundation of leadership development."Christine Goldthwaite, PhDChristine is the associate director of the Rutgers Center for Organizational Leadership. In this role she coordinates the Center’s organizational development portfolio in the areas of planning and priority setting, organizational assessment, workplace culture/climate, and retreat design and facilitation. As an organizational communication scholar, her re...
2023-05-0824 min