Engaged By Design

What does a lifetime devoted to teaching look like?In Part 1 of our conversation with Dr. Kimberly Jacobs, we explore her remarkable journey from aspiring classroom teacher to one of the pioneers of online higher education. Kim reflects on her early days helping build courses for a young American Military University, her passion for working with adult learners, and the experiences that shaped her leadership in faculty development.We also discuss her current work as a literacy volunteer in rural Virginia, where she's helping first-grade students develop reading skills and confidence. Along the way, Kim shares powerful insights about learning, service, and the joy of helping individuals discover their potential.In this episode: Kim's path into higher education and online learning  Building courses during the early days of online education  Why she loves working with beginning learners  The connection between literacy and lifelong success  Volunteering with first-grade readers in her local community  Lessons from a career spent helping others learn and grow Key TakeawayTransformation happens one learner at a time. Whether working with first graders or adult students, meaningful education begins with meeting people where they are and helping them take the next step forward.#highereducation #onlinelearning #literacy #leadership #facultydevelopment #engagedbydesignJoin us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more aboutThe Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

As technology accelerates, what becomes more important, not less, in leadership?In this final part of our conversation with Dr. Jennifer Douglas, we explore the human side of leadership in a rapidly changing, AI-driven world.Jenny helps us uncover the hidden patterns that hold leaders back, especially high achievers who appear successful on the outside but feel stuck or isolated internally. From the belief that “I’m not enough” to the loneliness that often comes with leadership, this conversation brings those challenges into the open.We also take a clear-eyed look at AI in leadership—where it helps, where it falls short, and why human judgment and connection still matter deeply.In this episode, we discuss:The hidden beliefs that drive overwork, burnout, and self-doubtWhy leadership can feel isolating, and how to build real supportHow unconscious patterns shape decisions and behaviorA real example of how AI can create dehumanizing experiencesThe limits of AI in decision-making and meaning-makingWhy “human-in-the-loop” leadership is essentialHow leaders can thoughtfully adopt AI without losing their valuesWe close with a powerful reminder: People engage more deeply when they can connect learning to their own story.Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more aboutThe Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

What if the biggest challenge in leadership isn’t strategy, but managing yourself?In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Jennifer Douglas, we shift from external leadership skills to the internal work that makes great leadership possible.Jenny shares why so many high-performing leaders struggle under pressure—and what’s often missing from traditional leadership development. The answer isn’t more frameworks. It’s learning how to integrate your thinking, emotions, and physical well-being into how you lead.This episode is especially practical, with tools you can use immediately.We explore:Why leaders often feel overwhelmed—even when they’re successfulThe gap in leadership development around whole-person well-beingHow a coaching mindset unlocks better thinking and stronger teamsWhat happens in the brain under stress (and why it matters)Simple, actionable techniques to manage stress in real timeHow to “zoom out” of your internal monologue and regain controlA powerful visualization exercise to release tension and refocusOne standout idea: many leaders are operating like a phone with “20 apps running in the background,” draining their capacity without realizing it.In Part 3, we will expand the conversation outward, exploring leadership, loneliness, and what it means to lead humans in an AI-driven world.Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more aboutThe Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

What shapes a leader long before they ever step into a leadership role?In this first part of our conversation with Dr. Jennifer “Jenny” Douglas, we explore the formative experiences that influence how leaders think, learn, and lead. From her upbringing in rural Pennsylvania to her work in higher education leadership, Jenny shares how work ethic, community, and lifelong learning laid the foundation for her leadership approach.We also dive into a powerful idea: writing is thinking. As Jenny explains, the way we structure our thoughts—on paper and in conversation—directly impacts how we lead. In a world increasingly shaped by AI tools, that connection matters more than ever.Along the way, we explore:How early experiences shape leadership mindset and resilienceWhy community and connection still matter in modern leadershipThe link between writing, thinking, and decision-makingThe risks of outsourcing too much thinking to AI toolsHow systems thinking helps leaders collaborate more effectivelyThis episode sets the stage for a deeper conversation about leadership, self-awareness, and navigating complexity in today’s world.In Part 2, we will shift inward, exploring coaching, stress, and the inner work of leadership.Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more aboutThe Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

UDL often comes with a sense of pressure: more to do, more to build, more to manage.In Part 2, Michelle Patterson helps us move past that overwhelm by reframing UDL as an iterative, human-centered design process. Instead of trying to do everything, she introduces practical ways to start small—what she calls the “plus one” approach.The conversation also explores:How systems and leadership support reduce faculty burdenWhy learner choice increases depth and quality of workHow AI can help identify hidden barriers in course designWhat it really means to balance firm goals with flexible pathsIf you’ve ever wondered how to make UDL doable—not theoretical—this episode offers a grounded path forward.Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more aboutThe Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

What if the biggest limitation in our course design is the idea of the “average learner”?In this episode, Michael Cottam sits down with Michelle Patterson to explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a mindset shift—not a checklist. Together, they unpack how designing for learner variability changes how we think about engagement, access, and success.Rather than asking how to “fix” students, Michelle reframes the challenge: where are the barriers in our design?You’ll hear practical examples—from buffet-style learning choices to simple structural supports—that show how small changes can make learning more effective for everyone.This conversation is especially helpful if you’ve ever felt stuck trying to meet the needs of diverse learners with limited time and resources.UDL GuidelinesAbout the UDL 3.0 Guidelines updateHarvard UDL: Explore and UDL: ApplyJoin us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more aboutThe Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In part two of our conversation with President Bruce Kusch of Ensign College, we explore Ensign College’s groundbreaking move to three-year bachelor’s degrees and what that means for the future of higher education.President Kusch discusses accreditation challenges, workforce alignment, vocational education, AI disruption, and why colleges must rethink how they prepare students for meaningful careers. We also discuss leadership longevity, institutional alignment, and how mission clarity enables innovation.This episode is especially relevant for higher education leaders navigating rapid technological and workforce change.Key TopicsThe development of three-year bachelor’s degreesAccreditation and innovation challengesWorkforce alignment and career readinessAI and the future of employmentVocational education and skilled tradesScaling online education globallyLeadership, timing, and institutional changeThe difference between being a student and being a learnerJoin us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more aboutThe Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In part one of our conversation with President Bruce Kusch of Ensign College, we explore the remarkable transformation of the institution formerly known as LDS Business College into a global, applied-learning institution serving students in more than 100 countries.President Kusch shares the story behind the Ensign College mission statement, the institution’s close partnership with BYU-Pathway Worldwide, and the leadership principles that guided rapid innovation and growth. We also discuss practitioner faculty, workforce alignment, student employability, and the importance of building “capable and trusted disciples of Jesus Christ.”This episode offers valuable insights for higher education leaders, instructional designers, and anyone interested in mission-driven institutional change. Key TopicsStudent-run learning environments and Studio EApplied learning and workforce preparationThe evolution from LDS Business College to Ensign CollegeThe influence of prophetic vision and institutional missionBuilding strong partnerships with industryPractitioner faculty and real-world curriculumHiring for mission fit and organizational alignmentLessons learned from institutional transformationJoin us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more aboutThe Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

From gatekeeping to door-opening—and how to truly engage learners.In part two, Kelvin Thompson shifts the conversation from strategy to practice—exploring what it really takes to engage learners in today’s complex educational landscape. From rethinking faculty roles as “door openers” to scaling impact across institutions, Kelvin highlights the power of human connection as the foundation of effective teaching.We also unpack lessons from 200+ podcast episodes, the lasting effects of pandemic learning, and why humanizing education is both a moral imperative and a competitive advantage.Key Takeaways:Why faculty should move from gatekeepers to facilitators of accessThe importance of students feeling “seen” in the learning experienceHow to scale teaching and learning support beyond the “usual suspects”Why technology works best as an amplifier of human connectionJoin us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more aboutThe Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In part one of our conversation with Kelvin Thompson, we explore the deeper purpose behind online learning and digital innovation in higher education. Kelvin shares his journey from K–12 to national leadership in online learning, along with powerful insights on why teaching should be viewed as a core student success intervention.We also dive into how online learning makes teaching more visible—and therefore more improvable—and what that means for faculty, institutions, and the future of learning. Along the way, we tackle the growing influence of generative AI and why human connection still sits at the center of meaningful education.Key Takeaways:Why teaching is one of the most powerful levers for student successHow online learning reveals what’s really happening in course designThe evolving role of AI as a “thought partner” in educationWhy human engagement matters more—not less—in a digital worldJoin us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more aboutThe Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in higher education, institutions are facing new questions about governance, academic integrity, and strategic implementation.In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Michael Cottam and Vernon Smith continue their conversation with Heather Pelkie, who leads AI initiatives at West Coast University and serves as an Assistant Professor of Communication.Heather explains how her institution is building an AI walled garden to create a safe, governed space for experimentation, innovation, and productivity gains. She also shares why governance, policy, human oversight, and intentional design are essential if colleges and universities want to use AI responsibly.The conversation explores the future of AI in teaching and learning, the limits of AI detection tools, the importance of AI fluency, and what it really means to keep humans at the center of educational innovation.This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation on AI, learning design, and the future of higher education.Key Topics DiscussedAcademic integrity in an AI-driven worldWhy institutions need an AI governance structureThe purpose of an AI walled gardenHuman-in-the-loop design for higher-risk AI workflowsManaging permissions, risk, and responsible experimentationWhy AI detection tools are still unreliableReframing assessment design for an AI-rich futureAI as part of the future architecture of educationHow to engage learners more effectively in times of rapid changeHeather Pelkie -  https://heatherpelkie.com  West Coast University - https://www.westcoastuniversity.eduEngaged By Design - https://www.engagedbydesign.comJoin us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more aboutThe Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Episode Description In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Kate Smith, we turn our focus to the future of learning, workforce development, and artificial intelligence in higher education. Kate shares how Rio Salado College is partnering with national employers, emerging industries, and workforce organizations to create flexible, skills-based pathways for learners across the country. We explore partnerships with Guild Education, Walgreens, and a 3D concrete-printing company reshaping construction careers. The conversation then dives deeply into AI literacy, ethics, and the responsibility of colleges to prepare learners for an AI-accelerated world—while preserving critical thinking, questioning, and human judgment. This episode offers a hopeful, pragmatic vision of lifelong learning designed around access, adaptability, and real-world relevance. Key Topics / Show Notes Rio Salado’s national workforce partnerships Working with Guild Education and employer-driven program design Pharmacy, nursing, and career-start pathways 3D-printed housing and future construction careers Preparing learners for emerging industries Serving adult learners, incarcerated learners, and ESL students On-ramps, off-ramps, and stackable credentials Microcredentials and durable skills AI literacy as a core educational responsibility Ethical and responsible use of AI in learning Redesigning teaching and assessment in the age of AI The future of digital learning environments Reducing friction and barriers to postsecondary access How leaders can engage more learners more effectively Reflection Question What can you do right now to embed AI literacy and ethical use into your learners’ pathways?

Episode Description In Part 1 of our conversation, we sit down with Dr. Kate Smith, President of Rio Salado College, to explore how culture, empathy, and innovation shape sustainable leadership in higher education. Kate shares her personal leadership journey—from completing an Ironman to stepping into the presidency at a pivotal moment—and reflects on what it takes to intentionally steward culture over time. We discuss Rio Salado’s long-standing commitment to innovation, the Four Practices of Engagement (mindfulness, empathy, happiness, and resilience), and how those practices helped guide the institution through periods of rapid change. This episode offers a masterclass in values-driven leadership, showing how culture doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through daily, intentional choices. Key Topics / Show Notes Kate Smith’s leadership journey and Ironman story Stepping into the presidency during a moment of change Why culture must be intentionally shaped by leaders Rio Salado’s history of innovation and continuous improvement The Four Practices of Engagement: Mindfulness Empathy Happiness Resilience Building connection and belonging in a distributed, online institution All-employee engagement during COVID Launching Rio Salado’s first Alumni Hall of Fame Empowering students as partners in innovation Learning from other industries to fuel higher-ed innovation Creating space for experimentation and “productive messiness” Reflection Question Where in your leadership are you letting culture happen instead of intentionally shaping it?

Episode Description: In the final episode of this series, Dr. Tom Lombardo challenges us to see the future as a shared act of creation. Wisdom, agency, and responsibility—at both individual and collective levels—are essential to shaping what comes next. Key Topics: - The future as participatory, not predetermined - Wisdom as future-directed action - Individual and collective agency - Nurturing the future through conscious choice Find Dr. Lombardo's work on his website at: https://centerforfutureconsciousness.com/