PODCAST · education
EDUP Xcelerated Excellence
by Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP
A podcast for the advancement of educational excellence and equity for traditional and non-traditional educational experiences and contexts, across higher education and beyond. The podcast seeks to engage educators, scholars, entrepreneurs, advocates, and policy makers at all levels.
Episodes
-
Dr. Stephanie Johnson and Diane Edwards—Mentoring New Principals in a Circle of Trust
Our guests, Dr. Stephanie D. B. Johnson and Diane W. Edwards, are school leader mentors and retired administrators. Dr. Stephanie D. B. Johnson is a highly accomplished educational leader recognized for her transformative impact on school administration and mentorship. As Co-Owner of Monitoring &...
-
Jimmy Adams—Leading NASDTEC and Championing Educator Ethics and Standards for Novice Teachers
Our guest, Jimmy Adams, is the Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Educationand, Certification (NASDTEC). He worked in public education for 27 years serving as the Chief of Human Resources for JeffersonCounty Public Schools (JCPS) in Louisville, Kentucky,...
-
Dr. Marianne Lucas Lescher—Life Beyond Retirement: Giving Back by Mentoring School Leadership Teams
Our guest, Dr. Marianne Lucas Lescher, is a lifelong educator, as a teacher, district curriculum director, and school principal for total of 43 years. In her 26 years as a K-5 and K-8 principal,she led her school to a National Blue-Ribbon recognition, the highest award a school can receive. Her...
-
James Wilson—Youth Leadership and Developing Education as a Community Good through Policy
Our Guest, James Wilson, is a public policy professional, education advocate, and graduate student at Georgia StateUniversity’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, where he is pursuing a Master of Public Administration. A recent cum laude graduate of Georgia State with a degree in Public…
more -
Dr. Dani Molle—Leading School Districts for Equity with the Wallace Foundation
Our guest, Dr. Daniella Molle, is a qualitative researcher who conducts inquiries related to equitable education for historically underserved students. She has a background in the teaching and learning of English as an additional language. For a decade, her work focused on expanding educators’...
-
Dr. Mohammed Elmeski—Leadership through Convening: Building Educational Equity and Agency across the African Diasporas
Our guest, Mohammed Elmeski, PhD, is a university professor, senior education advisor, researcher, and international development professional with nearly three decades of experience spanning education policy, higher education, school improvement, and system reform. His career has bridged...
-
Eric Scheninger—Leading Principals in Asking the Right Questions for Student Achievement through Aspire Change EDU
Our guest, Eric Scheninger, is founder and CEO of Aspire Change EDU. He works with schools worldwide, helping educators meet and exceed their potential to improve learner outcomes. Aspire Change EDU, a collaborative consultancy, provides personalized support to educational systems. Prior, Eric…
more -
Dr. Scott McLeod, J.D.—Research and Practice on Supporting Principals to Make Learning Interesting
Our guest, Dr. Scott McLeod, J.D., is a Professor of Educational Leadership. He is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading experts on P-12 school leadership, deeper learning, technology, and innovation. He is on a mission to make students’ day-to-day learning less boring and more...
-
Dr. Jean-Philippe Marelli—Building community capacity for the ecological preservation of the stingless bee and it honey resource
Our guest, Dr. Jean-Philippe Marelli, is a scientist and beekeeper. Along with Psychologist Carlos André Santana, he founded Arimubee, with a mission to demonstrate thatexceptional food can be produced while regenerating forests, protecting native bees, and creating positive impact on society....
-
Reyan Warren, Yiwei Guo, and Lorena Valer—Council members on the impact and future of the AACTE Holmes Scholars Program, celebrating 35 years
Our guest, Reyan Warren, is a doctoral student in the Social Justice in Education program at the University of San Diego and the current President of the AACTE Holmes Scholars Program. A proud graduate of Victor Valley College, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her journey from community...
-
Todd Nesloney—Prioritizing the learning and development of Texas’ school principals at National School Leaders’ Conference 2026
Our guest, Todd Nesloney, is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). He has also served as an award-winning principal of a PreK-5th Grade campus of over 775 students in a rural town inTexas. He has been recognized…
more -
Dr. T. J. Vari and Kim Gameroz—Supporting social emotional learning and college and career readiness at the National School Leaders’ Conference 2026
Our guest, Dr. T.J. Vari, is the Senior Director of Product Strategy at MaiaLearning with a focus on postsecondary planning for students worldwide. Dr. Vari is a former deputy superintendent, middle school assistant principal and principal, and high school English teacher. Dr. Vari is an...
-
Dr. André O. Hudson—Strengthening Access for Science Education with a focus on Happy Individuals at RIT
Our guest, Dr. André O. Hudson, is Dean of the College of Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), a role he has held since 2023. He previously served as Head of the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences from 2017 to 2022. Originally from Jamaica, he emigrated to the United...
-
Dr. Andrew (Andy) Jacks—Celebrating and Supporting Principals at the National School Leaders Conference powered by NAESP
Our guest, Dr. Andy Jacks, is an award-winning principal, speaker, author, and leadership coach dedicated tohelping educators build thriving school communities full of energy, growth, and fun. A former Virginia Principal of the Year and National Distinguished Principal, he shares practical,...
-
Dr. E. M. Nuñez and Malik Harouna—Supporting first-generation student success through entrepreneurship, learning from positive failure
Our guests, Dr. E. M. Nuñez and Malik Harouna, are Assistant Director for Scholar Support & Educational Access at San FrancisBay University (SFBU) (SFBU Scholars Program) and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) for Aline, respectively. Dr. Nuñez (they/them) is a higher education and nonprofit leader…
more -
Dr. Maylén Sullivan—(Re)envisioning world languages instruction for social engagement and change as the 2026 California Language Teacher of the Year
Our guest, Dr. Maylén R.R. Sullivan, is the 2026 SWCOLT and California Language Teacher of the Year. A passionate trilingual educator originally from Cuba, she serves as the Coronado Unified School District World Language Teacher on Special Assignment (ToSA), where she leads K-12 professional...
-
Tiffani Jaseph—Championing high-quality special education as the 2026 Arizona Teacher of the Year
Our Guest, Tiffani Jaseph, is a dedicated special education professional with 16 years of teaching experience. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of Arizona. Driven by her passion for children, Ms. Jaseph began her...
-
Ed Alvarez and Dr. Cheryl Ingram—Dismantling Inequities for Educational Excellence at the Silicon Valley Equity in Education Institute
Our Guests, Ed Alvarez and Dr. Cheryl Ingram, are Executive and Executive Deputy Directors, respectively, of the Silicon Valley Equity in Education Institute (SVEEI). Ed’s education experience spans the past 25 years, including roles as President and Board Chair of The National Hispanic…
more -
Dr. Terrance McNeil—Elevating the work of HBCU Teacher Preparation with the AACTE HBCU TAG
Our Guest, Dr. Terrance McNeil, is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Practice and Leadership at Tennessee State University, where he serves as Program Coordinator of the Higher Education Leadership Ed.D. program. With over 20 years of experience in K-12 and higher...
-
Dr. Taha Duri—Leading Architecture & Design as a Social Tool at American University in the Emirates
Our Guest, Dr. Taha Duri, is a figure in the fields of architecture and design. Currently, he serves as the “Dean of the College of Design” at the American University in the Emirates (AUE). He has a rich academic background and extensive professional experience in architecture, interior design…
more -
Dr. Brad Fuster—Championing Innovation in Higher Education at San Francisco Bay University and EDUP Innovation
Our Guest, Dr. Brad Fuster, is Provost and Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs at San Francisco Bay University and Host of EdUp Innovation. Brad Fuster has extensive experience in higher education leadership. As a respected music professor and academic leader, Fuster brings deep…
more -
Prince Johnson—NYTOTY2026: Championing Sustainability, Civics Education, Career and Technical Education (Part 2 of 2)
Our Guest, Prince Johnson, a 26-year veteran educator, is the 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year as well as the 2025 Gilder Lehrman New York History Teacher of the Year. A passionate advocate for career and technical education (CTE) and a leader in sustainability, he teaches social studies…
more -
Prince Johnson—NYTOTY2026: Championing Sustainability, Civics Education, Career and Technical Education (Part 1of 2)
Our Guest, Prince Johnson, a 26-year veteran educator, is the 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year as well as the 2025 Gilder Lehrman New York History Teacher of the Year. A passionate advocate for career and technical education (CTE) and a leader in sustainability, he teaches social studies…
more -
Xcelerating Excellence Listening Tour
Engage in the hashtag#XEListeningTour. Listen to and reflect on a voice that is often overlooked in your community surrounding educational excellence or equity. Share your perspective via voicemail at edupxe.com.
-
Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace—Leaving a STAMP on Education and Her ATE Presidency (Part 2 of 2)
Our Guest, Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace, is a tenured Associate Professor/Coordinator of the. Doctoral Program-Educational Leadership for the College of Education at Jackson State University, a Tier II research university, where she presently serves as JSU Faculty Senate President. Dr. Wallace…
more -
Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace—Leaving a STAMP on Education and Her ATE Presidency (Part 1 of 2)
Our Guest, Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace, is a tenured Associate Professor/Coordinator of the. Doctoral Program-Educational Leadership for the College of Education at Jackson State University, a Tier II research university, where she presently serves as JSU Faculty Senate President. Dr. Wallace…
more -
Dr. Larry J. Walker —Policy Preparation and Development for Educational Justice
Our Guest, Dr. Larry J. Walker, is an Associate Professor and Doctoral Program Coordinator at the University of Central Florida. Previously, he held faculty appointments at Howard University and Loyola University Maryland. His research focused on leadership, policy, and racism. In addition, he...
-
Dr. Awad Ibrahim—Acronymization of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and the Need for EDI-Data Informed Policy
Our Guest, Awad Ibrahim, is full professor, Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence and holder of the Air Canada Professorship on Anti-Racism. He is a curriculum theorist with special interest in economy of hospitality (Derrida), cultural studies, Hip-Hop, youth and Black popular...
-
The most expensive mistake in education? Assuming silence equals agreement. Join the XE Listening Tour!
The Thesis (The Why): Listening is more than hearing—it's the engine of transformation. When leaders truly listen, they unlock hidden insights and spark meaningful change. The power of listening turns quiet voices into catalysts for excellence and equity. In education, it’s tempting to equate a...
-
Alicia Harper —Leading Achievement First and Redefining Joy in Schools
Our Guest, Alicia Harper, is a Superintendent at Achievement First. She is a turnaround strategist, and LinkedIn content creator known for her exceptional leadership in school transformation. As a former principal, she led a turnaround school where math and reading proficiency rose from ~30% to...
-
Dr. Marvin Lynn—Leading Educator Preparation and Justice through Collaboration & Engagement
Our Guest, Dr. Marvin Lynn, Dean of the School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) at the University of Colorado Denver, has enjoyed a robust career as a teacher, scholar, public university administrator, and artist. SEHD is a statewide and national leader for education quality and access...
-
Listen—Advancing Educational Excellence and Equity
Listen! Are you listening? This is Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP, host of the EDUP Xcelerated Excellence podcast where we seek to advance educational excellence and equity. What if the key to educational excellence isn't just what we teach, but how well we listen? Listening isn't just about hearing...
-
Bryce Thompson—Black Male Teachers in Education Inspiring Love and Community
Our Guest, Bryce Jhourdyn Thompson, is an educator, mentor, and emerging school leader committed to creating equitable, student-centered learning environments. He began my journey in education as a Future Teachers of Excellence Fellow (Cohort ’21), where he developed a strong foundation in...
-
Marlene Megos—Supporting Data-Driven Quality for Clinically-Rich Educator Preparation with Equate Education
Our Guest, Marlene Megos, is the founder and CEO of Equate Education, a data-driven platform supporting educator preparation programs with a focus on residency and apprenticeships. With over 30 years of experience from classroom to state level educational leadership, she developed and led one of...
-
Anna Young—Literacy Development Through Community-Based Education at Sunnyside Literacy Lab
Our Guest, Anna Young, founder of Sunnyside Literacy Lab, started her career with Teach for America and has worked in education as a humanities teacher, special educator, and academic interventionist. She currently supervises graduate students at CUNY Hunter College. She earned a B.A. in…
more -
Dr. Christopher Bonn—The Good, Bad, and the Ugly of AI Use in Schools
Our Guest, Dr. Christopher Bonn, is President and CEO of BonFire Leadership Solutions. He is a celebrated educator, leadership coach, author, college professor, and musician. With over 35 years of experience, he has led institutional turnarounds, inspired educators worldwide, and…
more -
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Thanks, Santa, for helping us at EDUP Xcelerated Excellence, spread cheer and joy.
-
Michelle Maslowski—Leading Philanthropy for Non-Profits and a Culture of Excellence at Carter
Our Guest, Michelle Maslowski, MBA, CFRE, is Managing Director, Carter. With over 15 years of experience as a senior development leader in the nonprofit sector, Michelle, has a proven track record of developing and executing high-impactfundraising strategies that result in transformational gifts...
-
Kalebe E. Easley—Maximizing Sports Performance through Support and Mindset
Our Guest, Kalebe Easley, is a youth sports performance coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Prime Evolution Fitness & Sports Performance, one of the fastest-rising athletic development programs in Southern California. Based in Orange County, Kalebe specializes in speed, agility, strength, and...
-
Eric R. Almonte, JD, —Leading Giving at Princeton for Educational Accessibility and Affordability
Our Guest, Eric R. Almonte, serves as Assistant Vice President for Capital Giving at Princeton University, Princeton, NJ. In this role, he supervises an extremely dedicated and professional staff, including three frontline fundraising teams and the support staff for Leadership Gifts…
more -
Dr. Paul Campbell—Research, Policy, and Practice of Leadership and the Wellbeing for Teachers in Hong Kong and Beyond
Our Guest, Dr. Paul Campbell, is Assistant Professor of Educational Administration and Leadership at The University of Hong Kong, where he also serves as an elected member of the university Senate, a Management Committee member of the Education Policy Unit, and Advisory Board Member for the...
-
Dr. Gracie Branch—NAESP, Nurturing Belonging for the Success of Students and their School Communities
Our Guest, Dr. Gracie Branch, serves as the Associate Executive Director for Professional Learning at the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and formerly served as the Executive Director for Elementary Principals at the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School...
-
Dr. Sundeep R. Muppidi—21st Century Media Instruction, Critical Thinking, Polarization, and Social Responsibility (Part 2 of 2)
Our Guest, Dr. Sundeep R. Muppidi, is a transformative higher education leader and Professor of Digital Media and Journalism at the University of Hartford. He has substantive experience driving institutional excellence through strategic innovation, adaptable program review systems, multi-year...
-
Dr. Sundeep R. Muppidi—21st Century Media Instruction, Critical Thinking, Polarization, and Social Responsibility (Part 1 of 2)
Our Guest, Dr. Sundeep R. Muppidi, is a transformativehigher education leader and Professor of Digital Media and Journalism at the University of Hartford. He has substantive experience driving institutional excellence through strategic innovation, adaptable program review systems, multi-year...
-
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah—Identity and Learning to Relearn for Affirming Classrooms (Part 2 of 2)
Our guest, Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, is the founder of Identity TalkConsulting, LLC, a global educational consulting firm that specializes in developing K-12 teachers into identity-affirming educators. Rooted in the core values of equity, empowerment, and authenticity, Identity Talk Consulting, LLC...
-
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah—Identity and Learning to Relearn for Affirming Classrooms (Part 1 of 2)
Our guest, Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, is the founder of Identity Talk Consulting, LLC, a global educational consulting firm that specializes in developing K-12 teachers into identity-affirming educators. Rooted in the core values of equity, empowerment, and authenticity, Identity Talk Consulting, LLC...
-
Dr. Jamal Watson—Exploring the Role of Journalism in Education and Reporting on the Student Debt Crisis (Part 2 of 2)
Our guest, Dr. Jamal Watson, is anaward-winning journalist. He has held numerous roles at Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. He has been a senior staff writer, managing editor, executiveeditor and editor-at-large. He has written and edited for the publication since 2005. He is currently on the...
-
Dr. Jamal Watson—Exploring the Role of Journalism in Education and Reporting on the Student Debt Crisis (Part 1 of 2)
Our guest, Dr. Jamal Watson, is an award-winning journalist. He has held numerous roles at Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. He has been a senior staff writer, managing editor, executiveeditor and editor-at-large. He has written and edited for the publication since 2005. He is currently on the...
-
Jerrica Thurman—Excellence through Inclusive Communications
Our guest, Jerrica Thurman, is the visionary founder behind Elation Communications, a trailblazing firm helping mission-driven organizations amplify their voice, elevate their brand, and accelerate impact. With more than two decades of leadership at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and...
-
Dr. Nicholas D. Hartlep —Examining Student Loan Debt as a Wicked Problem
Our guest, Nicholas D. Hartlep, Ph.D., holds the Robert Charles Billings Endowed Chair in Education at Berea College wherehe has Chaired the Education Studies Department since 2019. He is currently enjoying a research sabbatical year (2025–2026). A scholar of educational foundations and critical...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast for the advancement of educational excellence and equity for traditional and non-traditional educational experiences and contexts, across higher education and beyond. The podcast seeks to engage educators, scholars, entrepreneurs, advocates, and policy makers at all levels.
HOSTED BY
Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does EDUP Xcelerated Excellence have?
EDUP Xcelerated Excellence currently has 108 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is EDUP Xcelerated Excellence about?
A podcast for the advancement of educational excellence and equity for traditional and non-traditional educational experiences and contexts, across higher education and beyond. The podcast seeks to engage educators, scholars, entrepreneurs, advocates, and policy makers at all levels.
How often does EDUP Xcelerated Excellence release new episodes?
EDUP Xcelerated Excellence publishes regularly with 108 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to EDUP Xcelerated Excellence?
You can listen to EDUP Xcelerated Excellence on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts EDUP Xcelerated Excellence?
EDUP Xcelerated Excellence is created and hosted by Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP.
URL copied to clipboard!