Shows
A Higher EducationA President's Perspective with Dr. Barry Corey and Dr. Robin BakerThis month we sat down with two university presidents and spent some time diving into their roles and how they support the work of student development. Dr. Robin Baker (George Fox University) and Dr. Barry Corey (Biola University) are legends in the field of Christian higher education and this hour+ conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and the reflections of two friends and leaders that we know you'll enjoy. Kara and Mark get the benefit of working on their campuses each day and are excited to share this episode with you!CHAPTERS2025-06-011h 15
A Higher EducationSharra Hynes on Seeing the Potential in StudentsToday's episode is with Dr. Sharra Hynes, newly minted VP for Student Life at Baylor University, and we had a wonderful conversation that ranged from discussion student conduct to the differences (and similarities) to be found working in the many kinds of university contexts there are. As Dr. Hynes steps into the studio with us, you'll be encouraged by her wisdom and encouragement for the good work of student you do on your own campus. CHAPTERS0:49 - in which Kara takes her comprehensive exams3:30 - meet Dr. Sharra Hynes!2025-05-0149 min
A Higher EducationHow to Know if it's Time to Become a DoctorMany professionals in our field are somewhere on the continuum of considering doctoral work to completing doctoral work. We recorded this episode for you all. It features advice from professionals who work all over the country. At the end of the day, this is your journey and you get to choose what it looks like. But if you're asking, "How do I know if it's time?" or "How do I start?" or "How do I stay motivated?" you might find something in this episode that speaks to you.CHAPTERS0:00 Topic introduction2025-04-011h 00
A Higher EducationDelight Darenya on the Grad Assistant ExperienceThis month we are joined by Delight Darenya, a MAHE graduate student at Taylor University, who shares about her experience as a student while serving as a Graduate Assistant in both the Taylor University Student Development department and honors college. We also hear from Delight a bit about the role of mentors in her journey, studying and leading in a different cultural context, and how a GA role is helping shape her vision for the future.00:31 - SuperBowl reflections03:00 - developing a Student Life internship program06:00 - introducing Delight Darenya2025-03-0244 min
A Higher EducationJamie Johnson on Wonderfully KnownThis month we sit down with Dr. Jamie Johnson, Dean for Spiritual Life at George Fox University, to unpack the 2025 ACSD Conference Theme "Wonderfully Known". Along the way, expect to learn more about George Fox, Newberg, and other conference details.
0:00 Episode introduction
4:15 Guest introduction
7:35 Speed round questions
12:30 The Wonderfully Known theme
22:50 What it takes to plan the conference
27:20 Highlights of Campus, Newberg, and Oregon
31:45 Jamie's best conference memories
36:30 Behind the scenes of a conference planning session
38:33 Excursion options2025-02-0347 min
A Higher EducationCoba Canales on First Gen Student ExperiencesThe career of Dr. Coba Canales has both breadth and depth in the field of Christian college student development, and this interview certainly reflects his variety of expertise. We touch on how Coba journeyed to the Dean of Students role at Azusa Pacific University, how first generation college students explore their career options, what it means to value hospitality in personal and professional life, and how Gen Z students are shifting our approach to discipling for spiritual development. Tune in for any one topic of interest using the chapter links below or stay for the full conversation culminating in...2025-01-0659 min
A Higher EducationRahn Franklin Jr. on Inclusive ExcellencePop quiz: how do you think your students would describe the way your campus looks and feels? Dr. Rahn Franklin Jr. serves at Bethel University in Minnesota as the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence where he works to ensure that the campus climate, composition, and character are diverse and inclusive. He is driven by a singular mission - that Bethel would look and feel like the house of God. Join us as we learn from this wise and engaging professional-athlete-turned-educator.
0:00 Guest introduction
6:00 Speed round questions
14:10 Rahn's professional background and current ro...2024-12-031h 01
A Higher EducationEddie Shepard on the Purpose of AthleticsWe are rounding out our two-episode mini-series about athletics with Eddie Shepard from Biola University. He brings to the pod an entire career in college athletics, previously as a coach and currently as an Associate Athletic Director. His experience more than qualifies him to describe how athletic programs elevate the college experience of the individual athletes and the co-curricular outcomes of the institution as a whole. Listen to the end to find out if the Biola mascot is named after our podcast guest...
5:40 Guest introduction
8:46 Eddie's speed round
11:22 Unique aspects of the student athl...2024-11-0157 min
A Higher EducationCraig Inglesby on Mentoring College AthletesHave you ever met a first year student athlete who is struggling with their sense of worth or wondering about their identity? We're thinking the answer is probably "yes". Craig Inglesby has spent a considerable part of his career helping new college athletes transition into college and helping retiring college athletes transition into the rest of their lives. His vision for our work is highly likely to inspire your work generally or specifically this week.
Episode Chapters:
4:30 Craig's Introduction
9:20 Speed Round
12:14 What is special about working with college...2024-10-0150 min
A Higher EducationLarissa Lilly on Collaboration in LeadershipEver wondered what it is like to make the jump to a Dean of Students position? We could think of no better guest to answer this question than Larissa Lilly of Northwest University. Expect to learn the joys and trials of a DOS role, the privileges of raising a family on a college campus, and how collaboration can be the key to both successful leadership and fulfilling friendships.
Episode Chapters:
1:06 Kara's big bike trip
7:21 Mark's summer in Yosemite
8:29 Guest introduction
12:07 Speed round with Larissa
17:26...2024-09-111h 03
A Higher EducationStudent Life StoriesOur work can be a number of things; chaotic… meaningful… tiring… inspiring… wild… exciting… and that’s just before noon.
This episode was recorded during a workshop session at ACSD 2024 to capture the stories that make our daily labor all these things and more. And through the sharing and hearing of these stories, we realize a restful sense of belonging and solidarity, knowing that we are not alone in the moments that cause us to ask ‘what the heck is my job?!’
Listen in as we hear stories collected from all over the country prompted by the kinds of qu...2024-08-0142 min
A Higher EducationJosh Arnold on Personal and Institutional CourageFrom 2020, this is episode four of the inaugural season of A Higher Education.2024-07-2258 min
A Higher EducationJoe Wuest on Using Social Media to Engage StudentsFrom 2020, this is episode three of the inaugural season of A Higher Education.2024-07-1550 min
A Higher EducationSarah Baldwin on Leading through the Asbury RevivalIn the spring of 2023, Asbury University experienced a spontaneous spiritual revival that culminated in over 50,000 people visiting their small Kentucky campus over the following weeks. We sat down with Dr. Sarah Baldwin, Vice President for Student Life at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, to discuss her experience leading the campus through that season. We also spent some time hearing her share about being a woman in pastoral roles and much more!
0:45 In which we celebrate both of us being ultramarathoners now
6:42 Dr. Sarah Baldwin and the speed round questions
10:10 Early...2024-07-0158 min
A Higher EducationKaitlyn Schiess on Faithful Engagement of PoliticsAre you anticipating that the 2024 US presidential election may bring tension to your campus? Do you dream of a world where your students have healthy and helpful political conversations that bridge gaps and consider alternative perspectives? Is there a part of you that wonders how to engage thoughtfully and faithfully in the current political climate? This episode with Kaitlyn Schiess, author of "The Liturgy of Politics" and "The Ballot and the Bible" may not answer all your questions, but it will certainly begin to answer many of them. Join us as we discuss the intersection of Christian faith, higher...2024-06-041h 25
A Higher EducationJoel Pérez on Cultural HumilityBuilding cultural humility is a communal effort, and there is no defined end-point of having arrived as a perfectly culturally humble leader. This month, Joel Pérez introduces the idea of cultural humility - what it is, why it's important, and how to grow it. He talks about his own racial identity development, and concludes the episode with advice for individual professionals and institutions as a whole on how to employ cultural humility in their diversity efforts.
3:04 Episode Introduction
5:39 Guest Introduction
8:15 Joel's racial identity development
13:42 What is cultural humility?
19:50 Wh...2024-05-0248 min
A Higher EducationCreativity in the Co-CurricularCreativity is one of the most highly valued employee traits in today's work environment. Fortunately, creativity can be developed! Grab a paper and pen for this month's topical deep-dive into why creativity matters in our work, how it is possible to become a creative person, and what habits will grow your already creative mind. From the philosophical to the practical, this episode will encourage you to infuse creative habits into your own life and will demonstrate how to inspire creativity from your students and staff right alongside you.
0:56 Why is creativity important in our...2024-04-021h 19
A Higher EducationMike McCarthy and Michael Burns on the ACSD ConferenceIt's March. We've been in the spring semester for a while and we still have a while to go. Is your soul eager for some rest? Join our guests Michael Burns and Mike McCarthy from UMHB this month as they share their excitement for the upcoming ACSD conference. They describe how our three days together will be permeated with pictures and practices of rest drawn from scripture. It might just provide the hope and anticipation you're looking for these days.
0:31 Detroit vs Everybody and running marathons
3:20 Guest introductions
7:20 Conference Theme: Re...2024-03-0142 min
A Higher EducationZach Mills on Finding, Keeping, and Developing StaffDid you realize that how you onboard team members has a big impact on if they stay at your institution, or even in the field of Student Affairs at all? Our guest, Dr. Zach Mills of Baylor University, did the hard work on finding out the things that matter in terms of employee retention so that you didn't have to, and he's here to selflessly share the things he's learned with the rest of us. He also waxes poetic about what makes a doctoral degree so worth it. If you've been looking for that little nudge into the next d...2024-02-0156 min
A Higher EducationKristy McGarvey on Investing in PeopleThe hardest work of this January episode was naming it something more specific than "Kristy McGarvey on Everything". There is something here for you if you are or work with graduate students, if you are concerned about or excited for the future of Christian higher education, if you have or are considering uprooting yourself for a new job, if you are or support a woman in a leadership role, or if you are a human being with deep thoughts and feelings. In other words, it's for everyone. We could think of no better way to start your new year as...2024-01-031h 04
A Higher EducationBrad Lau and Steve Beers on Mental HealthFrom 2020, this is episode two of the inaugural season of A Higher Education.
"Dr. Brad Lau and Dr. Steve Beers discuss the praxis briefing they wrote with several colleagues on mental health on college campuses. Mental Health on the Campus: Defining Challenges and Opportunities is published in the Spring 2019 edition of ACSD's Growth Journal. We discuss the impetus for the praxis (and what a praxis is), the model they created and what campuses are doing and can do to support the mental health and wellness of their students."2023-12-2957 min
A Higher EducationEdee Shultze on LeadershipA Higher Education is pleased to re-release the episodes from the inaugural season back in 2020. Enjoy this first ever episode as you travel for the holidays or take some needed alone time on a neighborhood stroll.
"In our debut episode, Andrea talks to Dr. Edee Schultze, Vice President for Student Life at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. Edee talks about the way her leadership was challenged during the 2017-18 fires that threatened the Westmont campus and the ensuing mudslides that proved even more personally devastating. Edee also shares her thoughts about women in leadership and challenging...2023-12-201h 02
A Higher EducationHistory of Higher EducationIf you wrote "a podcast to learn more about the foundational history of higher education" on your Christmas list, then call us Santa Claus. This topical episode will cover some fun facts about the history of our industry followed by some in-depth examples of why historical context matters to student development work. We'll discuss historical moments within the higher education system and wrap up with how some major world events shaped what education is and who has access to it. Hint: there are more cows and pirates than you'd think.
0:00 Opening banter
2:27 Episode introduction2023-12-0148 min
A Higher EducationNeal Anderson on Leading UpThe work of Student Development can often mean programming leadership lessons for students while neglecting your own leadership development. In this episode, Neal talks about the concept of Leading Up and how student development folks can be working on their leadership skills in five specific ways. The episode ends with an extensive list of books for the curious listener as well as ways to get connected with ACSD Webmaster and Colorado Christian University's wonderful Dean of Enrollment, Dr. Neal Anderson.
1:50 Introduction of guest
5:25 Neal's leadership philosophy development
7:20 Leading Up defined
10:10 5 Requirements...2023-11-0141 min
A Higher EducationYicaury Melo on Initiating Multicultural Work"Your students are your best PR." Come for this and more sweet nuggets of wisdom from the current ACSD Diversity Chair, Yicaury Melo. She hails from Gordon College in the greater Boston area where she has worked for years on raising the multicultural program on campus from the ground up. This episode is rich with specific strategies and ideas that Yicaury has employed successfully on her campus. It also features an in-depth description of a new certification opportunity through the ACSD called Elevate. Be sure to follow up at acsd.org for more information if you are interested in...2023-10-0340 min
A Higher EducationKristy Morgan and Steve Ivester on the ACSD PresidencyWe're back! Recorded at the ACSD conference in June 2023, Episode 7 will introduce you to Kristy Morgan and Steve Ivester. At the time of recording, Kristy served as the President of ACSD and Steve was the President Elect. If you have been looking for a passive way to learn more about the association, you've come to the right spot! Together, you'll hear them share the mission and vision of the ACSD. Kristy and Steve are wonderful people, engaging speakers, and both are thoroughly experienced in the field. They were an insightful and delightful pair to speak with as our first...2023-09-0529 min
A Higher EducationLyndsey Rupp on TransitionsIn this world of Higher Ed, summer is notorious for transitions. Whether you are making a job change yourself or welcoming a new teammate in the coming months, you'll find something relatable in this episode with Lyndsey. Our guest has served nearly a year as the Assistant Director of Residence Life Programs at Taylor University. As a former colleague and close friend to both our hosts, this episode platforms a round-table conversation about change and transition. Each voice brings something valuable to the conversation having navigated simultaneous as each spent the summer of 2022 moving to a new state and...2023-06-0855 min
A Higher EducationAlex Staup on Student Development TheoryDo you have imposter syndrome about your imposter syndrome? Alex Staup is the Director of Student Engagement at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, and he hits on this and more relatable points as he walks us through his professional and educational history. He has held a number of roles in Student Development all while at Lee, complimented by a completed Masters in Higher Education and PhD in progress at Purdue in Educational Studies. Alex is a an avid proponent of student development theory, but like all good Student Development professionals, he knows the magic lies in turning theory into...2023-05-1747 min
A Higher EducationJose Brown on the ACSD ConferenceJose Brown is a Residence Director at Anderson University in Anderson, South Carolina, which happens to be the site of the 2023 ACSD conference. In this episode, Jose describes some of the work that goes into hosting the annual conference and what attendees can expect, but his episode is much more than that. We also explore his experience in Christian Higher Education as a person of color and hear his experience in working with teams of student leaders to help foster a passion for diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice in their own lives. Jose is passionate about the spiritual lives...2023-04-1151 min
A Higher EducationLisa Igram on Wholistic WellnessLisa Igram is currently the Interim Vice President and Dean of Student Wellness in the division of Student Development at Biola University in La Mirada, California. She is also in the midst of a PhD program of Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen. In this uplifting conversation, Lisa tells us about how her work is driven by her deep and broad-spanning passions, but also how she is able to "keep the wheels on" during institutional seasons of need. In her Dean role, Lisa has been able to drive the conversation of wholistic wellness at Biola in n...2023-03-1650 min
A Higher EducationKatie Garrett on Spiritual Formation of College StudentsKatie Garrett is currently the Assistant Director of Programming at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this episode, Katie tells us stories of her time spent in multiple roles at different types of institutions. She discusses how her passion for and education in spiritual formation paired with her rich experience in camp ministry and Christian higher education is benefitting her role now at a non-faith based institution.2023-02-1736 min
A Higher EducationKara Martin and Mark Muha on Relaunching the PodcastWhat is A Higher Education podcast? And why re-launch it after some time off? Dr. Mark Muha, Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students at Trinity International University, along with Kara Martin, Associate Director of Residence Life at George Fox University, introduce themselves as co-hosts and answer why a podcast through the ACSD could be helpful to student development professionals.2023-01-3138 min