Shows
The World of Higher EducationThe Year the Money Ran Out: Global Higher Ed ReviewIn this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, co-producer, Tiffany MacLennan is our host and Alex Usher takes a turn in the question seat. Together, they review the most significant global higher education stories of the year, discussing topics such as the impacts of Trump's policies on international education, massification, the role of private higher education, and the financial challenges faced by universities worldwide. The conversation highlights examples from various countries, including Ireland, Uzbekistan, Dubai, Nigeria, Egypt, and more, while also examining the potential effects of funding cuts to American science on global research.👉 Episode Lin...
2025-06-1224 min
The World of Higher EducationCut, Coerce, Control: What Trump Is Doing to U.S. UniversitiesIn this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher discusses the Trump administration's unprecedented actions against science and universities. Billions of dollars in funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health have been stripped, international students are facing deportation, and low-income students are seeing cuts to loans and grants. Brendan Cantwell from Michigan State University returns to analyze these strategies and tactics, drawing on insights from the controversial Project 2025. They explore the administration's coercive measures, the sector's response, and the potential future of higher education under these policies. Please note, t...
2025-06-0528 min
The World of Higher EducationOpening January 2026: Inside One of the Biggest University Mergers in AustraliaIn this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the historic merger of two major Australian universities—the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia—set to be completed by January 2026. This merger will form Adelaide University, which will be one of the largest academic institutions in the country. Alex interviews David Lloyd, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of South Australia, and Co-Vice Chancellor of Adelaide University, who shares insights about the motivations, strategic planning, and potential impacts of this significant merger. David also elaborates on the potential benefits, challenges in m...
2025-05-2931 min
The World of Higher EducationIncremental Change or System Overhaul? An Update on Higher Ed Reform in NZ with Roger SmythJoin Alex Usher in the latest episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast as he discusses the hyperactive state of New Zealand's higher education policy with Roger Smyth, a former senior New Zealand public servant, now a consultant. The episode delves into the recent activities of the University Advisory Group, government decisions affecting institutional frameworks, the controversial halt in humanities and social sciences research funding, the financial challenges faced by universities, and the merger of polytechnics into one national institution. Roger provides insightful updates on the progress and impacts of these changes, shedding light on the broader implications...
2025-05-2226 min
The World of Higher EducationBetween Excellence and Relevance: The Regional University DilemmaIn this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher is joined by Dr. Romulo Pinheiro, a professor at the University of Agder, Norway. They discuss the evolving role of universities in regional economic development, particularly in peripheral areas. Dr. Pinheiro shares insights on the challenges and strategies for universities in less densely populated regions, their global and local ambitions, and the vital role of trust. They also explore the balance between global excellence and regional relevance, the effect of institutional and disciplinary structures, and the importance of autonomy and diversity in ensuring institutional resilience. Tune in...
2025-05-1527 min
The World of Higher EducationBanking on Human Capital: How RBC Sees the Future of Talent, Innovation, and the Role of Post-Secondary InstitutionsJoin Alex Usher on the World of Higher Education Podcast as he delves into the future of Canadian higher education amidst economic shifts with guest John Stackhouse, Senior Vice President at the Royal Bank of Canada. The discussion focuses on the necessity for post-secondary education reform, the vital role of human capital, and how universities can better align with evolving labor market needs. Learn about the complexities facing the sector, from outdated budget models to the integration of research and development, and the imperative steps needed to create a more resilient and innovative higher education system in Canada.
2025-05-0826 min
The World of Higher EducationLean, Global, and Tuition-Free: The University of the People ModelJoin host Alex Usher in the World of Higher Education Podcast as he interviews Shai Reshef, Founder and President of University of the People. Discover how this online institution serves 150,000 students across 209 countries with a tuition-free model. Learn the economics behind running a mega online university, the role of technology and volunteers, and how they achieve quality education at a fraction of the cost of traditional universities. Listen in as Reshef shares insights about their unique admission process, accreditation challenges, and the future of higher education.👉 Episode Links: University of the PeoplePlease note, the...
2025-05-0125 min
The World of Higher EducationOverskilled and Underused? What PIAAC Reveals About the Canadian WorkforceIn this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher delves into a discussion about the Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) with guest Noel Baldwin, Executive Director of Canada's Future Skills Centre. Baldwin explains the scope and purpose of PIAAC, compares it to PISA, and delves into its implications on policies, particularly how governments utilize the data. Key topics include global declines in adult literacy, factors affecting these trends, the use of skills data in Canada, and the future of PIAAC. The episode also touches on the potential impact on workforce skills, literacy...
2025-04-2424 min
The World of Higher EducationInnovation Without Borders: Galileo’s Networked Approach to Better Higher Education SystemIn this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher talks with Nicolas Badré, Chief Operating Officer of Galileo Global Education, about the rise of private higher education in Europe. They explore the unique business model of Galileo Global Education, its rapid expansion, and its innovative approaches, including leveraging AI for content creation, student experience, and operational efficiency. They also discuss Galileo's new initiative, Copernia, and its master's program focused on innovation and technology in education. Learn how private institutions are adapting to new educational demands.👉 Episode Links: Galileo Global Educa...
2025-04-1725 min
The World of Higher Education“Anything Can Be Done With Anything”: Innovative Universities with Dara MelnykIn this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher delves into the nuances of innovation in universities with guest Dara Melnyk. They discuss the catalysts for innovation in higher education, the required structure and leadership for sustaining innovation, and the global differences in institutional approaches. Dara shares insights from the Innovative University's Global Webinar series, highlighting practical and impractical motivations behind institutional innovation, criteria for selecting innovative cases, and the impact of external and internal challenges. 👉 Episode Links: Innovative Universities Webinar: https://constructor.university/innovative-universities-global-webinar-series World of Higher Education Podcas...
2025-04-0323 min
The World of Higher EducationThe Learning Centred University with Steven MintzIn this interview, Alex speaks with Steven Mintz, a renowned scholar and postdoctoral researcher, and author of the book, "The Learning-Centered University: Making College a More Developmental, Transformational, and Equitable Experience" In the following conversation, Mintz discusses what makes a learning-centered university, the benefits of active learning over traditional lectures, and the practical challenges faced in implementing these changes. The discussion also delves into alternative scalable learning models, competency-based education, and the importance of holistic student support systems. Steven also reflects on his experience leading digital learning transformations and provides actionable steps for universities aiming to become learning-centered institutions.
2025-03-2722 min
The World of Higher EducationFrom Soviet Influence to Market Economy: Mongolia’s Higher Education JourneyIn this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher interviews Dendev Badarch, a professor at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, about the evolution and current state of higher education in Mongolia. They discuss the historical Soviet influence, the impact of Mongolia's transition to a market economy, the rise of private colleges, and recent legislative changes aimed at university autonomy. Badarch also outlines the challenges and opportunities facing Mongolian higher education, including funding issues, the need for stronger research culture, and the potential for international collaboration and digital technologies.👉 Episode Links:I...
2025-03-2021 min
The World of Higher EducationConnecting Universities in a Divided World: International Association of Universities’ MissionJoin Alex Usher in this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast where he chats with Hilligje van 't Land, Secretary General of the International Association of Universities (IAU). They delve into the evolution and role of IAU, challenges of global higher education, and how universities from diverse backgrounds can work together towards common goals. 👉 Episode Links:IAU Webinar Series on the Future of Higher EducationPlease note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or o...
2025-03-1326 min
The World of Higher EducationWhy Boycott? Maya Wind on the Case Against Israeli UniversitiesIn this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher engages with Maya Wind, postdoctoral scholar at UC Riverside, to discuss her book 'Towers of Ivory and Steel: How Israeli Universities Deny Palestinian Freedom.' Maya Wind discusses the rationale behind the academic boycott of Israeli institutions, the ethical debate surrounding academic involvement in state policies, and the implications of institutional complicity in systemic oppression. 👉 Episode Links:Towers of Ivory and Steel: How Israeli Universities Deny Palestinian FreedomStudiosityPlease note, the views and opinions expressed in each...
2025-03-0629 min
The World of Higher EducationStudents on the Frontlines: The Ongoing Protests in Serbia with Jim DickinsonIn this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, to discuss the significant role of student movements in Serbian political history. The conversation covers the origins and growth of the current protests, spurred by a tragic incident at a railway station, and their impact on anti-corruption efforts and political change in the country. The episode explores the differences between official student unions and more radical, unofficial student movements, highlighting their influences on national politics, and assesses the future success prospects of these movements. 👉 Episode Lin...
2025-02-2025 minThe World of Higher EducationData, Decisions, and Disruptions: Inside the World of University RankingsIn this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Duncan Ross, former Chief Data Officer of Times Higher Education Rankings. Duncan shares his journey from the tech sector to leading university rankings at THE in 2015. He discusses the initial challenges of unifying ranking data, expanding the geographic diversity of rankings, and dealing with methodological and ethical issues in university evaluations. Duncan also introduced the Times Impact Rankings, which assess universities based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and highlights how these rankings offer a new perspective on university excellence. 👉 Episode Link...
2025-02-1326 minThe World of Higher EducationThe Great Brain Race, 15 years later with Ben WildavskyJoin Alex Usher on the World of Higher Education podcast as he revisits 'The Great Brain Race' with author Ben Wildavsky. They explore the book's thesis on globalization in higher education, the trends of student and faculty mobility, and the phenomena of global university rankings and branch campuses. They also discuss the current status of the 'global war for talent' and the impact of global rankings and for-profit universities on education. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the progress and challenges in global higher education over the past 15 years.👉 Episode Links:Book: The Great Brain Rac...
2025-02-0628 minThe World of Higher EducationColombia's Higher Ed Utopia or Illusion? Insights with Javier BoteroIn this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Javier Botero, a lead consultant at the World Bank and former Vice Minister of Higher Education in Colombia. They delve into the overlooked but significant developments in Colombia's higher education system under President Gustavo Petro. Topics include the implementation of free tuition, student assistance programs, challenges faced by private and state institutions, and specific cases such as the financial crisis and protests at the University of Antioquia. Javier provides insights into the financial constraints, political hurdles, and future prospects for higher education policies...
2025-01-3021 minThe World of Higher EducationThe Governance of European Higher Education: Convergence or Divergence? with Michael ShattockIn this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher sits down with Michael Shattock to discuss the complexities of university governance across Europe. The discussion covers the fundamental differences between the British, French Napoleonic, and German Humboldtian models, and their practical impacts on the relationship between universities and the state. Michael Shattock provides insights from his book, 'The Governance of European Higher Education: Convergence or Divergence,' co-authored with Aniko Horvath and JĂĽrgen Enders, highlighting the ongoing divergence in governance approaches despite pushes for convergence. The episode also delves into the role of students i...
2025-01-2324 minThe World of Higher EducationBeyond the Rhetoric: Mexico’s Higher Education Reality with Alma Maldonado MaldonadoIn this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher welcomes back Alma Maldonado, an education researcher at CINVESTAV, to discuss the state of higher education in Mexico. The conversation covers the transition from former president AMLO to the new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and the impact of Morena's policies on universities. Topics include budget cuts, the controversial Benito Juarez universities, and the future of public and private higher education institutions in Mexico. Despite Sheinbaum's academic background and pro-science rhetoric, the outlook remains challenging for Mexican higher education.00:00 Introduction and Recap
2025-01-1623 minThe World of Higher EducationWhere Canada lies in Global Trends with Alex UsherIn this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, Alex Usher discusses global trends and challenges in higher education funding. He outlines systemic issues like slow economic growth, price volatility, and skepticism about the value of higher education, examining how these factors affect countries worldwide. The discussion includes specific insights into the Canadian higher education system, the impact of international students, and the trend towards vocational education. Tune in to understand how global pressures and local policies shape the higher education landscape.👉 Episode Links:3.1: Higher Education in a Polarized World with Simon Marginson: https://youtu.be...
2025-01-0922 minThe World of Higher EducationTop 10 U.S. Higher Ed Stories of 2024 with Robert KelchenJoin Alex Usher and Robert Kelchen as they discuss the top 10 higher education stories in the U.S. for 2024 in this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast. Topics include changes in big-time college athletics, college closures, international student trends, state funding dynamics, political realignment, accreditation issues, diversity, equity and inclusion policies, and the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court decisions on education policy. Don't miss this comprehensive analysis of significant shifts and challenges in American higher education.👉 Episode Links:Robert Kelchen’s website: https://robertkelchen.com/HESA’s AI-CADEMY: Canada Summit...
2024-12-1223 minThe World of Higher EducationSkilled for the Future: How China is Transforming Vocational Education with Gerard PostiglioneIn this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher explores China's vocational higher education system with Professor Gerard Postiglione from the University of Hong Kong. They discuss the origins of China's vocational education policy, recent successes, and the development of vocational universities. Tune in for insights on the transformation of Chinese tertiary education, its alignment with industry needs, and the broader implications for the global higher education landscape.👉 Episode Links:International experience in TVET-industry cooperation for China’s poorest province: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/14480220.2019.1629730?needAccess=true...
2024-12-0521 minThe World of Higher EducationFrom 36,000 to 12,000: Tracking the Decline in EU Students Post-Brexit with Paul WakelingIn this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, we delve into the consequences of Brexit on European students attending UK universities. Host Alex Usher is joined by Paul Wakeling, Professor of Education at the University of York, to discuss the shift in student mobility, financial implications, and broader impacts on UK higher education. They explore not only the dramatic drop in EU student enrolments, but also the shifts in institutional representation and potential strategies that universities might have considered. Join us to understand the ripple effects of this significant policy change.
2024-11-2823 minThe World of Higher EducationUnrest and Reform: Bangladesh’s Youth Movement and Higher Education with Sharowat ShaminIn this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, hosted by Alex Usher, we dive deep into the surprising student protests in Bangladesh that shook the government in the summer of last year. The catalyst was a controversial job quota system, but the movement quickly gained momentum against the increasingly authoritarian regime. Joining us to discuss is Sharowat Shaman, an academic at the University of Dhaka and the School for Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. Together, they explore the history of student political movements in Bangladesh, the intricacies of the country's labor market, and...
2024-11-2124 minThe World of Higher EducationThe Lost Potential of Institutional Research: Insights from 'Outsourcing Student Success'In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Joseph Wycoff, author of 'Outsourcing Student Success: The History of Institutional Research and the Future of Higher Education'. They dive into the unique and underappreciated field of institutional research within higher education institutions. Wycoff explores the origins, development, and deprofessionalization of institutional research, its struggle for recognition as a science, and its impact on higher education policy and management. The discussion also covers the tension between institutional researchers and academia, the comparison with the role of librarians, and the consequences of institutional research's...
2024-11-1423 minThe World of Higher EducationThe University Advisory Group: Reimagining New Zealand’s Higher Ed Future with Chris WhelanIn this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher speaks with Chris Whelan, Chief Executive of Universities New Zealand, about the country's new University Advisory Group. The discussion covers the challenges facing New Zealand's higher education system, including declining government funding and the impact of COVID-19 on student numbers. Whelan explains the purpose and scope of the advisory group and outlines the potential obstacles to implementing its recommendations. Tune in to understand the complexities of New Zealand's higher education landscape and the government's efforts to seek expert advice for its future.
2024-11-0722 minThe World of Higher EducationUtopian Universities: A Global History of the New Campuses of the 1960 with Dr. Miles TaylorIn this episode of 'The World of Higher Education' podcast, Alex Usher speaks with co-editor Miles Taylor about 'Utopian Universities: A Global History of the New Campuses of the 1960s.' They delve into the distinctive characteristics of universities founded during this period, the vision behind their creation, and why these institutions often ended up very different from their founders' original plans. They also discuss the lasting legacy of these 'utopian' campuses and the role of architecture and interdisciplinarity in shaping their identities. 👉 Episode Links:Book: https://www.bloomsbury.com/ca/utopian-universities-9781350138636/
2024-10-3123 minThe World of Higher EducationGlobal Mega-Science: Universities, Research Collaboration, and Knowledge Production with David BakerJoin host Alex Usher in this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast as he interviews Dr. David Baker, coauthor of 'Global Mega-Science: Universities, Research Collaborations, and Knowledge Production.' They delve into the historical transformation of universities into major scientific research hubs, covering the evolution from individual labs to global mega-science collaborations. The discussion touches on the rise of the university science model, the significant role universities play in producing research publications, the impact of research commercialization, and how educational access has facilitated this development. They also explore international cooperation despite political and economic challenges, and the...
2024-10-1724 minThe World of Higher EducationDutch Higher Education at a Crossroads with Marijk van der WendeIn this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the dramatic changes in Dutch higher education funding with Marijk van der Wende, Distinguished Faculty Professor at Utrecht University. They explore the recent election of the Party for Freedom, PVV, and its impact on government priorities, including a significant cut in higher education funding. The dialogue touches upon the challenges faced by Dutch universities due to the decline in per-student funding and restrictions on international student intake. Van der Wende provides insights into Dutch government formation, the socio-political landscape, and the potential wider European implications...
2024-10-1028 minThe World of Higher EducationCenters for Teaching and Learning with Mary C. WrightThis episode, hosted by Alex Usher, features a discussion with Mary C. Wright from Brown University about Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs) in higher education. Wright, the author of a recent book on CTLs, shares insights from her research on the evolving aims and strategies of these centers across U.S. campuses. The conversation explores CTLs as change agents, advocating for inclusive learning environments despite structural challenges. Wright introduces the HITS framework, categorizing CTLs based on their change strategies—Hubs, Incubators, Temples, and Sieves—and discusses their role in policy implementation and leadership. 👉 Episode...
2024-10-0323 minThe World of Higher EducationBuilding the Future: Inside Qatar Foundation's Vision for Education and InnovationIn this episode, Alex speaks with Francisco Marmolejo about the origins and evolution of the Qatar Foundation, which was established by the royal family of Qatar in 1995. They delve into the unique approach Qatar took by partnering with top international institutions to build a robust education system aimed at transitioning to a knowledge-based economy. Francisco discusses the distribution of students at Education City, the collaborative efforts between various universities, and how the Foundation's initiatives have contributed to the country's development. They also explore the long-term vision for the Foundation and its impact on Qatar's future.Episode Links:
2024-09-2725 minThe World of Higher EducationWhat a Second Trump Presidency Could Mean for US Higher Education with Brendan CantwellIn this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the potential effects of a second Trump administration on U.S. higher education with Brendan Cantwell, a Michigan State University professor. The conversation delves into the federal government's role in higher education, potential changes to student financial aid and research funding, and the influence of the Supreme Court on educational policy. They also explore the challenges and risks higher education institutions may face under another Trump presidency and compare them to a possible Kamala Harris administration. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of the political...
2024-09-1929 minThe World of Higher EducationRhetoric and Realities: The Evolution of UK Higher Education with Nick HillmanIn this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, Alex Usher discusses the financial challenges facing higher education in the UK, focusing on England, with Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute in London. They explore the impact of the Conservative Party's 14-year rule, the policy directions of the new Labour government under Keir Starmer, and what this means for universities and students. The conversation highlights funding issues, strategies universities are employing to cope, and the potential future scenarios for the sector. Tune in to hear an in-depth analysis of higher education policy developments and the...
2024-09-1226 min
The World of Higher EducationHigher Education in a Polarized World with Simon MarginsonJoin host Alex Usher and guest Simon Marginson, Emeritus Professor of Higher Education at Oxford University, as they discuss the current state of global higher education in this inaugural episode of Season 3 of the World of Higher Education podcast. They explore which countries are thriving, the implications of geopolitical tensions, the evolving missions of universities worldwide, and the challenges faced by the higher education sector amidst growing populist attacks and state control. Discover Simon's views on the roles and influence of big American universities, China's educational advancements, and the critical balance between employability and academic freedom.
2024-09-0528 minThe World of Higher Education2.34: Empire of Ideas: Creating the Modern University from Germany to America to China with William C. KirbyToday's guest, for the final episode of the season, is William C. Kirby, T. M. Chang Professor of China Studies at Harvard University and Spangler Family Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School, and formerly that university’s dean of the faculty of Arts and Sciences. Two years ago he wrote a book called Empire of Ideas: Creating the Modern University for Germany to America to China. Dr. Kirby, having had the rare good fortune to teach in all three countries is extremely well-placed to talk about how the top institutions in all three have evolved over th...
2024-06-1328 minThe World of Higher Education2.33: Illiberal UniversitiesOur guests this week are Andrea Petö from the Central European University in Vienna and Jo-Anne Dillabough of Cambridge University in the UK. These two are collaborators on the UK ESRC project Higher Education, States of Precarity and Conflict in the 'Global North' and 'Global South': UK, Hungary, South Africa, and Turkey and the Horizon Europe project Rising nationalisms, shifting geopolitics and the future of European higher education and research openness. In early May, they jointly penned an article for University World News entitled New Deceptions: How Illiberalism is hijacking the university. Today’s discussion ranges over the history of...
2024-06-0632 minThe World of Higher Education2.32: 2 Topics, 1 Episode: German Higher Education and U-MultirankThis week's guest is Dr. Gero Federkeil, head of international projects at the Centrum fur Hochschulenwicklung, or Center for Higher Education, in GĂĽtersloh, Germany. He's with us to talk about two totally unrelated topics: the changing profile of university enrolments in Germany, and rankings — specifically U-Multirank.Â
2024-05-3020 minThe World of Higher Education2.31: Korean Higher EducationToday's guest today is Dr. Jisun Jung of the University of Hong Kong. She is an expert in Korean higher education and the discussion today ranges from the post-war history of higher education to the very real and immanent challenges that institutions are facing with respect to declining enrolment.Â
2024-05-2332 minThe World of Higher Education2.30: European Universities AssociationToday's guest is Thomas Jorgensen, the Director for Policy Coordination and Foresight at the European University Association. He walk us through the way policy is made in Brussels and how European Commission has gradually acquired competencies in areas relevant to higher education.
2024-05-1625 minThe World of Higher Education2.29: Higher Education in ChinaThis week's guest is Dr. Gerard Postiglione, Professor Emeritus and Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Hong Kong. In this episode, Gerry takes us through changes in higher education in China, from the initial opening under Deng Xiaoping, through the rapid system expansion under Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, to the present system under Xi Jinping.Â
2024-05-0927 minThe World of Higher Education2.28: Culture Wars in American Higher EducationTo help sort out all the complexities of the US system, our guest today is Brendan Cantwell, professor at Michigan State University who specializes in the political economy of higher education. He takes us through some of the more notable state-level battles going on right now in America, the difference in how Republicans attack public vs private institutions, and most interestingly of all, the question of whether there is some actual governance objectives behind all of the culture wars, or whether it is just performative theatre.
2024-05-0228 minThe World of Higher Education2.27: EdTech with Phil HillToday my guest is Phil Hill, an ed tech consultant and Lead at Phill Hill and Associates. Today he joins us to talk about the last twenty years and how they have shaped the sector. The conversation ranges pretty widely across a number of topics here, one of the most interesting has to do with the historic role of MOOCs. Alex and Phil agree that they are a historic failure judged by the claims made about their impact at the time, but Phil argues – pretty persuasively, that they might just possibly have been a key turning point in the hi...
2024-04-1828 minThe World of Higher Education2.26: Private Higher Education in IndiaToday's guest is Professor N. V. Varghese, the Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration in New Delhi. He's the co-editor of a recent book entitled India Higher Education Report 2021, Private Higher Education and he's with us today to discuss his book. Two points really stand out. The first is the truly different worlds inhabited by private colleges in India and that inhabited by private universities. And the second is the role that large corporations and philanthropists are playing in the development of these new top universities.Â
2024-04-1127 minThe World of Higher Education2.25: Mariupol State University: The Invincible UniversityToday's guest is Dr. Mykola Trofymenko, the President of Mariupol State University. He agreed to join the show to talk about the events of early 2022, how he steered the institution through the siege and after it, and how the institution, now known as “the Invincible University” came to gain a new home in Kyiv. It’s a harrowing story, but also an inspiring one — and one that gets to the heart of the question: what makes a university — bricks and mortar, or people?To support Mariupol State University please click here.
2024-04-0434 minThe World of Higher Education2.24: Australian Universities Accord – One Year Follow Up with Andrew NortonThis week we welcome back our very first podcast guest, Andrew Norton, Professor in the Practice of Higher Education Policy at Australian National University, to follow up on the Australian Universities Accord. Andrew has been at the forefront of higher education policy debates in Australia for over two decades, and is the author of several editions of “Mapping Australian Higher Education”. Today, Andrew's back to give us his expert take on questions including, what exactly does the final report recommend? How workable are recommendations? How much of it will the government actually choose to implement? Links:Aust...
2024-03-2824 minThe World of Higher Education2.23: Higher Education in RussiaWith us today is Maria Yudkevich, a professor of Higher Education at the University of Haifa in Israel. She is the co-author, with Yaroslav Kuzminov of the excellent book Higher Education in Russia, published in 2022 by Johns Hopkins Press. She’s an expert guide to both the elements of change and continuity that have gone along with a century of constant upheaval, and, as a former academic in the Russian system, she also has a strong sense of the current system’s strengths and weaknesses. Maybe her most interesting point has to do with the nature of power in and...
2024-03-2130 minThe World of Higher Education2.22: England’s Lifelong Learning EntitlementWith us this week is David Kernohan, Deputy Editor of the website WonkHE. which is as close to a sister organization to Higher Education Strategy Associates as exists anywhere on the globe, David, more than anyone, has been tracking the development of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement since it was a wee nugget of a policy notion. He tells us about how the policy has changed over time, what recent pilot projects tell us about the policy’s chances for success are and – crucially – gives us some odds on the likelihood of this policy ever seeing the light of day given...
2024-03-1427 minThe World of Higher Education2.21: Lumina Foundation & National Education Attainment GoalsWith us today is Courtney Brown, Vice President of Impact and Planning at Lumina Foundation and the person most responsible for making sure the foundation hits its goals and develops new and even more meaningful ones. The conversation covers how Lumina went about its goal setting process, what tactics it's used to build a wide network of alliances across the U.S., how close it's come to succeeding in its goals, and what the organization's next set of goals might be.Â
2024-03-0728 minThe World of Higher Education2.20: Taiwanese Higher EducationToday's guest is Angela Yung-Chi Hou. She is currently a Professor of National Chengchi University in Taipei and for nearly two decades has been the foremost English-language scholar of Taiwanese higher education. Bu her career has not been restricted to Academia; for much of the past few years she was also head of the Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council of Taiwan, which is one of the most important bodies in the Taiwanese higher ed ecosystem. That makes her an ideal guide to the history and politics of higher education in Taiwan.
2024-02-2229 minThe World of Higher Education2.19: Alex Usher on Canadian Higher EducationOur guest this week is Alex Usher, President and CEO of Higher Education Strategy Associates. Alex joins co-producer Tiffany MacLennan to talk about the Canadian Higher Education sector, higher education consulting, and his thoughts on the future of higher education.Â
2024-02-1528 minThe World of Higher Education2.18: Higher Education in FranceToday's guest is Andrée Sursock, a higher education consultant and Senior Advisor to the European Universities Association. She's here to take us on a guided tour of the French system and its history and also to describe the rapid pace of reforms that have taken place over the last two decades, in particular through the presidencies of Nicolas Sarkozy and Emmanuel Macron.Past episodes referenced:1.10: Autonomy ScorecardBooks referenced:Academic Star Wars, Excellence Initiatives in Global PerspectiveEdited by Jamil Salmi, Philip Altbach, Maria Yudkevich
2024-02-0826 minThe World of Higher Education2.17: Malaysian Higher EducationToday's guest is Dr. Morshidi Sirat. He’s one of Malaysia’s most experienced higher education observers and policy-makers. Over the last two decades he;s been a Dean, a Vice-Chancellor, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education, Director General of Higher Education for Malaysia and the Founding Director of Malaysia’s Commonwealth Tertiary Education Facility. In our discussion, he guides us through the ins-and-outs of Malaysia’s success over many decades of higher education investment.Â
2024-02-0127 minThe World of Higher Education2.16: The Failed Fees Free Policy in New ZealandWith us today is Roger Smyth. He’s a consultant based in Christchurch New Zealand and a former senior official in New Zealand’s Ministry of Education, and he’s had a privileged perch to observe changes in the country’s student assistance policies over the past two decades. Roger is skeptical about the value of the new program. But what was fascinating in this interview is how much evidence actually exists that the previous policy of making first year free had almost no impact either. Links referenced:Education Counts: Fees Free tertiary educationRoger Smyth: The new take...
2024-01-2524 minThe World of Higher Education2.15: "Whatever It Is, I’m Against It: Resistance to Change in Higher Education” with Brian RosenbergToday my guest is Brian Rosenberg, a former president of Macalester University of Minnesota and currently a president in residence — that's really a thing — at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education. He's just written a book about academic politics with the wonderful title, “Whatever It Is, I'm Against It”: Resistance to Change in Higher Education. In it, Rosenberg describes how powerless are most universities, those supposed bastions of evidence and truth, to get their faculty to actually pay attention to anything regarding to the science of learning. Or even getting faculty to collectively agree to change of any sort. Lin...
2024-01-1826 minThe World of Higher Education2.14: Javier Milei and Argentinian Higher EducationWith us today is Marcelo Rabossi, a professor of higher education policy and management at Universidad Torcuato di Tella in Buenos Aires. Over the course of this conversation, he guides us through the ins and outs of the country's public and private university systems, provides insight into previous attempts to introduce tuition fees in the system, and reflects on the deep conservatism in the sense of resistance to change that exists within Argentina's universities.
2024-01-1126 minThe World of Higher Education2.13: Global Academic Excellence InitiativesToday's guest is Philip Altbach. Phil is Professor Emeritus at Boston College, the former Founding Director of that university's internationally-renowned Centre for International Higher Education, and author of countless books and articles on HE. The new book "Academic Star Wars: Excellence Initiatives in Global Perspective", which consists of a series of nine national case studies edited by Philip Altbach, Maria Yudkevich, Jamil Salmi is available here:Academic Star Wars: Excellence Initiatives in Global PerspectiveOpen Access Link
2023-12-1527 minThe World of Higher Education2.12: Top 10 Stories of 2023 in American Higher EducationJoining us today is Robert Kelchen, professor and head of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and author of the genuinely excellent book Higher Education Accountability from Johns Hopkins Press. In his pre-administration life when he was at Seton Hall University, Robert kept up a very active blog o higher education issues, and one of his most-read features was an annual list of the top ten most important stories in American Higher Education, published each December. We asked Robert a couple of months ago if he’d come on the show to...
2023-12-0725 minThe World of Higher Education2.11: Post-Soviet Higher EducationThis week, we welcome Professor Isak Froumin onto the podcast. Froumin is Head of the Observatory of Higher Education Innovations at Jacobs University, in Bremen Germany and the co-editor of two key books on what has happened to universities across the 15 ex-republics. The first, 25 Years of Transformations of Higher Education Systems in Post-Soviet Countries: Reform and Continuity, which appeared in 2018, and the second is Building Research Capacity at Universities: Insights from Post-Soviet Countries, out earlier this year from Palgrave Macmillan. The discussion ranges over a wide variety of topics: how to develop system typologies in post-Soviet space, how various...
2023-11-3027 minThe World of Higher Education2.10: The Floating UniversityWith us today is Tamson Pietsch, author of a new book on the Floating University from the University of Chicago Press. Her book covers a number of facets of this story: the extraordinary journey itself to over 40 ports around the world, the students’ curriculum and on-shore activities (which included meeting an extraordinary number of world leaders), and the extraordinary shenanigans that went on between NYU and Lough that threatened to stop the voyage before it even began. It’s a multi-faceted story, concentrating to a significant extent on the politics of educational tourism: which students got to take part, what...
2023-11-2328 minThe World of Higher Education2.9: Chile: A Decade of GratuidadThis week's episode features Paula Clasing Manquian, a postdoctoral researcher in education from Chile’s Nucleo Milenio de Educacion Superior. The discussion takes a look back at the past dozen years and how the politics of higher education in Chile have changed, including the rise of individuals such as Gabriel Boric, Camila Vallejo and Giorgio Jackson, the compromises that were required to bring “gratuidad” into existence, and how this policy has become universally accepted across the political spectrum.Â
2023-11-1625 minThe World of Higher Education2.8: Universidad Nacional AutĂłnoma de MĂ©xico (UNAM) — Selecting a RectorToday's guest is Marion Lloyd, a higher education researcher at UNAM, and she’s here today to give a tour of UNAM’s electoral system, the behind-the-scenes power politics that accompanies this process and handicaps the current race which is coming to a head in the next week or so.  Â
2023-11-0922 minThe World of Higher Education2.7: OECD and the Geography of Higher EducationToday's guest is Raffaele Trapasso, a Senior Economist at the OECD who heads the that organizations Platform for the Entrepreneurship Education Collaboration and Engagement Network or EECOLE. This episode ranges over a number of issues including the role that the UN Sustainable Development Goals in focussing collaborations, how best to formalize ties between institutions and communities, and the continuing differences between Europe and America in terms of the pattern of collaboration.Related Blog Post:Smart Specialization
2023-11-0227 minThe World of Higher Education2.6: African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA)Today's guest is Dr. Ernest Aryeetey. He has not only led one of Africa’s premier universities — the University of Ghana — but is also currently the Secretary-General of the African Research Universities Alliance, or ARUA.Previous episodes mentioned:2.4: Higher Education in India1.5: Corruption in South African Higher Education
2023-10-1227 minThe World of Higher Education2.5: Brazilian Higher EducationToday our guest is Professor Marcelo Knobel. He is a highly respected Physicist and Science Educator. He also holds the rare distinction of having been a rector both at one of Brazil’s top public universities, Universidade Estadual de Campinas or UNICAMP and also at a rising private university, the Insper Institute of Education and Research in Sao Paolo. And that makes him a fantastically knowledgeable guide to the growth, structure and politics of higher education in Brazil.
2023-10-0523 minThe World of Higher Education2.4: Higher Education in IndiaToday's guest is Dr. Pushkar — just one name — the Director and Chief Executive of the International Centre Goa, and a frequent commentator on higher education in India. Dr. Pushkar and Alex cover how the Modi government is attempting to raise standards through the creation of a National Research Foundation, a system of “Institutions of Eminence” and by inviting foreign universities to set up campuses on the country.Â
2023-09-2829 minThe World of Higher Education2.3: Confessions of a Minor Bureaucrat at a Chinese UniversityToday’s guest is Daniel A. Bell, a professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Hong Kong. Originally from Montreal, he became a specialist in this study of Confucius from the angle of political theory, worked his way into a position at the famed Tsinghua university in Beijing before being named Dean of the School of Political Science and Public Administration at Shandong University. Bell — so far as I know — is the first westerner to be given senior responsibilities of this nature at a Chinese university, and he has written a charming book about his experiences, called...
2023-09-2124 minThe World of Higher Education2.2: Romanian Higher EducationJoining us this week is Romania’s Minister of Education, Ligia Deca. Ministers in Romania are not generally speaking elected politicians — the country works on a model similar to that in France — and over the past two decades, an astoundingly high proportion of Education Ministers in Romania are university Presidents or Senate Chairs on temporary leave from their position. Ligia’s experience both as a student leader and a policy analyst means she represents the experiences of a wider constituency than most of her predecessors.SPEC 2023:The State of Postsecondary Education in Canada, 2023
2023-09-1424 minThe World of Higher Education2.1: Selective Schools and Holistic AdmissionsWe're back! Welcome back to the World of Higher Education, Season 2. In this episode, Alex Usher is joined by one of his favourite authors, Jeff Selingo, author of Who Gets in and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions. If you’re not American, listen hard to this podcast. Drink in all the weird details about the admissions process, and the amount of effort selective institutions put into identifying things which are not academic achievement but which are nevertheless similarly correlated to wealth and privilege. Have a listen.Book:Jeff Selingo, Who Gets in and Why: A Ye...
2023-09-0727 minThe World of Higher Education1.18: Admissions, Affirmative Action, and SCOTUSOn the season finale of the World of Higher Education Podcast, we’re joined by Zach Bleemer, currently an Assistant Professor of Economics at Yale
2023-06-1522 minThe World of Higher Education1.17: Higher Education in Saudi ArabiaJoining us on today’s episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast is Annalisa Pavan from University of Padova Italy. She's been studying Saudi higher education for many years. In particular, the way the country's most prestigious scholarship program, the scholarship of the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques functions. This episode discusses how the country's human resource development system is changing under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's leadership, and in particular, how the country is using study abroad as a tool for long-term economic development and diversification.Â
2023-06-1226 minThe World of Higher Education1.16: University Governance in Canada: Navigating ComplexityLast fall, a quartet of Canadian higher education scholars – Julia Eastman, Olivier Bégin-Caouette Glen Jones, and Claude René Trottier, published a book with U of T Press entitled University Governance in Canada: Navigating Complexity. Joining on the World of Higher Education Podcast today is one of those four authors, Julia Eastman. Read the book:University Governance in Canada: Navigating Complexity
2023-06-0123 minThe World of Higher Education1.15: Performance-Based Funding in EuropeIf you’re in North America, you know that one of the perennial debates in higher education finance is about the efficacy of performance-based funding, or PBF, with the bulk of the academic evidence suggesting in one way or another that such schemes do not achieve their purported aims. On this week’s episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, Dr. Ben Jongbloed from the Centre for Higher Education Policy Studies – that’s CHEPS – at the University of Twente in Enschede, the Netherlands joins us to a discuss a recent European Commission report on the subject. Read the r...
2023-05-2620 minThe World of Higher Education1.14: Colombian Higher EducationOn this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, Javier Botero joins us to discuss Colombian higher education. These days he's a lead consultant at the World Bank, but formerly he was the Vice Minister of Higher Education in Columbia, and he's here with us today to provide an overview of recent policy developments in the nation.
2023-05-1821 minThe World of Higher Education1.13: Nigerian Higher EducationOn today’s episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, we’re talking about Nigerian higher education. Economically and politically, Nigeria is one of Africa's powerhouses. Yet, when it comes to higher education, it trails significantly. To help us understand why that's the case, Dr. Olabisi Deji-Folutile joins us. Dr. Deji-Folutile is editor-in-chief of Frank Talk Now and chief operating officer of AF24 News, and who writes frequently on higher education matters from Lagos.Â
2023-05-1125 minThe World of Higher Education1.12: Universities on FireBryan Alexander joins us to talk about his new book, Universities on Fire, Higher Education in the Climate Crisis. Download PDF transcript
2023-05-0422 minThe World of Higher Education1.11: Higher Education in IrelandJoin Alex Usher as he talks all things Irish higher education. Joining as expert guide to the terrain is guest, Ellen Hazelkorn, principal at BH Associates, a Higher Education consultancy in Ireland, a Professor Emerita at the Technological University of Dublin and one of the sharpest all-around minds in European higher education.Download PDF transcript
2023-04-2020 minThe World of Higher Education1.10: Autonomy ScorecardThis week’s guest is Enora Bennetot Pruvot, Deputy Director Governance, Funding & Public Policy Development at the European University Association. She joins Alex Usher from Brussels to talk about the EUA’s recently-released University Autonomy Scorecard, of which she was a co-author.Download PDF transcript
2023-04-1320 minThe World of Higher Education1.9: Venezuelan Higher EducationThis week’s guest is Juan Carlos Navarro, International expert in higher education, innovation and digital talent; Senior advisor to several international institutions and universities; and Member of the international faculty of the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administración, in Caracas, Venezuela. He joins us talk about what has happened to higher education in Venezuela under the rule of Hugo Chavez, Nicolas Maduro, and their Bolivarian Socialist regime over the past 25 years.
2023-04-0620 minThe World of Higher Education1.8: InstrumentalityThis week’s guest on The World of Higher Education Podcast is Ethan Schrum, Associate Professor of history at Asuza Pacific University in California. Ethan is the author of a very nice work called The Instrumental University: Education in the Service of the National Agenda Since World War II which puts into perspective a very important piece of the history of higher education in North America.Download PDF transcript
2023-03-3022 minThe World of Higher Education1.7: Study Gods and LosersThis week’s guest on the World of Higher Education Podcast is Yi-Lin Chiang, author of Study Gods: How the New Chinese Elite Prepare for Global Competition which was published in 2022 by Princeton University Press. It’s a really extraordinary work of ethnography, following a group of students from a pair of elite Beijing secondary schools as they make their way towards China’s extremely challenging Gaokao system and on to university in China and beyond. Have a listen.Download PDF transcript
2023-03-2321 minThe World of Higher Education1.6: Higher Education in the Arab WorldThis week’s The World of Higher Education podcast features the work of Dr. Elizabeth Buckner from the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Dr. Buckner is the author of Degrees of Dignity: Arab Higher Education in the Global Era, published by the U of T Press in 2022.Download PDF transcript
2023-03-1624 minThe World of Higher Education1.5: Corruption in South African Higher EducationThis week, Alex Usher is joined by guest, Dr. Jonathan Jansen. Jansen is a professor of education at Stellenbosch University, and the President of the Academy of Science in South Africa. He joins Alex Usher to discuss his harrowing new book, Corrupted, a study in chronic dysfunction in South African universities.Download PDF transcript
2023-03-0922 minThe World of Higher Education1.4: Access Gaps in Low- and Middle-Income CountriesThis week's guest is Jamil Salmi, former tertiary education co-ordinator with the World Bank, global higher education consultant and all-around mensch.Back in the mid-to-late 2000s, Jamil was perhaps the world-expert on the phenomenon of World-Class universities and his recipe for creating them — money plus talent plus good governance, and let stir for a few decades — has certainly stood the test of time.Over the past couple of years, Jamil's been working extensively on the issue of equality of access in different parts of the world, in particular in low- and middle-income countries. You will not b...
2023-02-2325 minThe World of Higher Education1.3: The Year Ahead in American Higher EducationJoin host Alex Usher as he meets with Chris Marsicano, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies at Davidson College in North Carolina, to discuss what's ahead for Higher Education in the United States in 2023.Host: Alex Usher Guest: Chris MarsicanoProduced by: Tiffany MacLennan and Samantha PufekPDF Transcript
2023-02-1621 minThe World of Higher Education1.2: The Jacinda Ardern LegacyIn this episode, Alex Usher is joined by Dave Guerin, Chief Executive and Editor-in-Chief of Tertiary Insight, a higher education news service based in Wellington, New Zealand. The subject: the higher education record of recently resigned New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.Host: Alex Usher Guest: Dave GuerinProduced by: Tiffany MacLennan and Samantha PufekPDF Transcript
2023-02-0917 minThe World of Higher Education1.1: Australian Universities Accord with Andrew NortonIn this episode, Andrew Norton, Professor in the Practice of Higher Education at the Centre for Social Research and Methods at the Australian National University joins host Alex Usher to talk about the new Labour Government’s “Universities Accord”. Andrew has been a long-time observer of the higher education scene in Australia. For many years, he wrote the Mapping Higher Education in Australia, which was the inspiration for Higher Education Strategy Associates’ State of Post-Secondary Education in Canada.Host: Alex Usher Guest: Andrew NortonProduced by: Tiffany MacLennan and Samantha PufekPDF Transcript
2023-02-0118 min