SEASON 3: Ep. 9 One Foot in the Street with Arthur Levine, Brandeis University

In this episode, Arthur Levine, President of Brandeis University, shares his remarkable leadership journey and the bold transformation he has set in motion at Brandeis since joining in November 2024. Drawing on decades of experience leading institutions like Teachers College, Columbia and the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, Levine describes how he rallied 88% of the faculty to approve a sweeping reinvention of the liberal arts, one that combines competency-based general education, a new Center for Applied Liberal Arts and Careers, an innovative second transcript, and a full reorganization of the university's academic structure. He argues that higher education is at a critical inflection point, with 20-25% of institutions at risk of closing, and that the liberal arts must regain their practical footing, keeping "one foot in the library and one foot in the street." Throughout the conversation, Levine offers candid, actionable advice for higher ed leaders, emphasizing the importance of telling faculty the truth about the stakes, enlisting them as partners in change, deeply understanding the students you serve, and being willing to dream big while starting small.This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education About Viv Higher EducationViv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.Website: https://vivhied.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/