The pathway to college completion remains filled with barriers that disproportionately impact first-generation students, adult learners, and historically underserved communities. But what if these obstacles aren't inherent to students themselves, but rather embedded in our educational systems? Meacie Fairfax, Strategy Director at Complete College A…

Season 10 Episode 497 “Is Telling The Truth Gaslighting?” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

Season 10 Episode 496 "Smacked City" by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

Season 10 Episode 495 “Clip Farming” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

Season 10 Episode 494 “Points Man” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

What happens when college becomes financially out of reach for an entire generation? Kristin McGuire, Executive Director of Young Invincibles, pulls back the curtain on America's broken higher education system and why it matters to all of us. McGuire shares her personal journey from high school activist to leading the nation's largest youth advocac…

Season 10 Episode 493 “Q’s Perfromance Review” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

Season 10 Episode 492 “Q on Suspension” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

Want more insights into the Higher Ed Space? Check-out our Newsletter. Please leave a review on your favorite podcast player!! It helps support the show.By Mike O'Connor

Season 10 Episode 491 “Protect Your Friends” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

Higher ed is at a crossroads. Career services teams are no longer gatekeepers of opportunity—they’re becoming curators of the student-employer relationship. But how do institutions actually make that shift? In this episode, I sit down with Christine Y. Cruzvergara, Chief Education Strategy Officer at Handshake, to unpack: 🎯 The biggest mindset shif…

Season 10 Episode 490 “Don’t Do That” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

What does it take to run a 900-student college in the heart of Silicon Valley—next door to Stanford, no less? Steven Weiner, President of Menlo College, joins me for a deep dive into leadership, strategy, and what makes Menlo stand out in a crowded higher ed ecosystem. In this episode, we discuss: Why small colleges have a unique edge in today’s ma…

Season 10 Episode 489 “Por Qué!!!!!” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

In this part II conversation with Michael Avaltroni, President of Fairleigh Dickinson University, we dive deep into the challenges and opportunities reshaping higher education. Michael shares: How FDU is carving out niche strengths in health sciences and healthcare-adjacent fields. Why partnerships with community colleges and healthcare systems are…

Season 10 Episode 488 "Gimme A Hug" by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

What does it take to lead one of America’s oldest institutions while keeping it future-focused? In this second conversation, Bryon Grigsby, President of Moravian University, shares: How Moravian’s values of equity and access shape everything from tech policies to new program offerings. Why cohort-based learning is the future of higher education. Ho…

Season 10 Episode 487 “Say Drake” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

Season 10 Episode 486 “The Streak Is Still Alive” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

Season 10 Episode 485 “2 Old Men” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

Join us for an engaging conversation with Jason Morrison, a veteran educator with more than 20 years of experience in higher education. Jason takes us through his remarkable journey from a classroom instructor to his current role as president of Trinity Valley Community College. With insights drawn from his leadership at Southern Arkansas Universit…

In this episode, I sit down with Emily Smith, Principal and VP of Partner Success at Collegevine, to explore how AI is reshaping higher education. Emily shares: How AI agents are transforming admissions and student success. The concept of “Time to First Value” and why it matters. How AI can empower staff rather than replace them. Whether you're an …

How do you lead a system with 7 campuses, serve students in urban and rural areas, and align higher ed with workforce needs—all while ensuring faculty and staff are thriving? In this episode, Brendan Kelly, President of the Arkansas State University System, shares how he’s rethinking leadership in higher ed. We discuss: Why alignment—between indust…

Season 10 Episode 484 “Its Crazy Out Here” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

What makes a university truly unique? And how do you scale trust in a crowded higher ed market? In this episode, I sit down with Nuno Fernandes, President of American Public University System (APUS), to uncover the secrets behind their success as the #1 educator of U.S. service members and veterans. We dive into: The power of doubling down on your …

In this episode, I sit down with Roger Best, President of the University of Central Missouri, to discuss the balancing act of modern higher ed leadership. From strategic decision-making to fostering innovation, Roger shares how he steers UCM through challenges like declining enrollments, evolving workforce demands, and integrating cutting-edge tech…

What does it take to transform a community college into a hub of opportunity and equity? Dr. Jermaine Williams, President of Montgomery College, joins me to discuss how he’s aligning systems, leveraging data, and addressing the real needs of students to drive regional transformation. From supporting students with food insecurity to creating systemi…

Season 10 Episode 483 “The Whole Gang is Back” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

Have you ever felt lost in your career path, unsure of where your true passion lies? Meet Brian, a Moravian University alumnus who transformed uncertainty into leadership. From switching between five majors to ultimately discovering his love for English, Brian's story is a testament to the power of mentorship and perseverance. As he shares his jour…

Season 10 Episode 482 "The New Direction Is Back" by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

What if a career in the military could transition into academia? Join us as we explore this fascinating journey with our guest, a former US Army officer who now leads as a college president. This episode promises insights into how adaptability and leadership can forge new paths in personal and professional growth. We also tackle the pressures young…

Season 10 Episode 481 "No Call No Show" by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

Season 10 Episode 480 "Hot Boyz" by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

Season 10 Episode 479 “ Twin Pod” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

What does it take to transform a career from academia into leadership? Find inspiration in the journey of our guest, a leader in higher education who transitioned from a faculty role at the University of Northern Colorado to the presidency at St. Cloud State. Discover their passion for teaching and research in aging and gerontology, which evolved i…

What happens when a passionate prosecutor swaps the courtroom for the classroom? Join us as David shares his unexpected journey from corporate litigator to university president, driven by a love for coaching high school football. Discover how his legal and athletic experiences uniquely inform his approach to leadership in education, especially in t…

Season 10 Episode 478 “I Said Yoooooo!!” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

Join us as we sit down with the extraordinary Amber, an artist turned activist and academic leader, who has merged her passions to create the Justice Fleet—a groundbreaking mobile museum dedicated to social justice. Amber opens up about how her unique background in art and activism shaped her innovative teaching methods, ultimately leading to the b…

Season 10 Episode 477 "10 years" by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

What if your career path zigzagged between academia and corporate worlds before landing at the helm of a prestigious college? Join us as we sit down with the president of Menlo College, who shares his captivating journey from the University of Chicago to a successful stint in healthcare IT consulting. You'll hear how a serendipitous opportunity led…

Season 10 Episode 476 “Man In The Woods” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

What if your career was more a journey than a destination? Join us as we explore the remarkable career evolution of our guest, who transitioned from a vet tech who once aspired to be a veterinarian, to a leader in higher education and nonprofit sectors. Alongside a mentor's crucial guidance, our guest discovered a passion for organizational leaders…

Season 10 Episode 475 “Q reaching Unc Status” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

What happens when a top student with political aspirations discovers a passion for Latin and transforms it into a journey toward leading a community college? Join us as we uncover this fascinating career shift with the president of Hudson County Community College. His story is not just about personal evolution but also about the profound impact com…

Sam, the visionary co-founder of Loper, joins us to illuminate the future of college admissions. Discover how Loper is reshaping the way high school students approach their college applications by offering seamless, personalized insights that bridge the gap between aspirations and academia. With its innovative app, Loper creates a bespoke experienc…

Season 10 Episode 474 "Another 4 Years" by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

Join us for a compelling conversation with the president of Fairmont State University, who navigated a remarkable journey from being a first-generation college student in Connecticut to leading one of the region's prominent public universities. Through candid reflections, Mike shares valuable insights from their academic and professional trajectory…

Season 10 Episode 473 “Not Too Much On Q” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia

What if the journey from a chemistry major to university president could teach you everything about leadership and innovation in higher education? We have an enlightening conversation with Michael, the president of Fairleigh Dickinson University, who shares his remarkable path and the wisdom gained along the way. Discover how Michael's roles have e…

Season 10 Episode 472 “Maybach In The Hood” by EverydayMediaBy EverydayMedia