The Rant Podcast

Send us Fan MailThe SAT is back in the Regents’ conversation at the University of California, and I’m not convinced we’re asking the right question. When a small group of faculty points to “math preparedness” and reaches for a high-stakes standardized test as the solution, it can sound reasonable on the surface. But UC is a public research university funded by Californians, built to create talent and knowledge for the state. That public mission changes what “merit” should mean and how UC admissions should work.I walk through what’s driving the new pressure, including the reality that many current students came through high school during COVID-era disruption, lost access to teachers and counselors, and faced a very different learning environment. Then I bring it back to the evidence: UC moved away from the SAT for a reason, and UC’s institutional data since 2020 shows diverse classes and stable (or slightly improved) outcomes in course completion, retention, and graduation. If student success isn’t falling, why are we racing toward a tool that mostly rations seats and fuels a test-prep marketplace?I also lay out what a real, modern alternative can look like: data-driven admissions that use multiple measures, smarter readiness signals, and serious collaboration with the K-12 pipeline to diagnose gaps instead of cutting students off at the door. If you care about college readiness, standardized testing, and the future of public higher education in California, listen through and tell me where you land. Subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the conversation.

Send us Fan MailMost people feel federal higher education rules as a surprise email from financial aid or a sudden compliance deadline. We wanted to show you the machinery behind those moments and why negotiated rulemaking is where so many high-stakes decisions actually take shape. I sit down with Kristen Holtquist, founder of HCM Strategists, and Dr. Andy Vaughn, president and CEO of Alliant University, fresh off their work inside recent negotiated rulemaking committees. We break down what negotiated rulemaking is, how the Department of Education turns legislation into regulations, and why the “bumpers” set by Congress matter more than most outsiders realize. You’ll hear how Workforce Pell moved from a long-advocated idea to real regulatory design, and why the new accountability baseline is being sold as common-sense consumer protection for learners, especially first-generation students who need clear signals about program value. We also get into graduate student loan limits, the Graduate PLUS debate, and why “denial is not a strategy” for campus leaders. Andy explains how showing up with facts, data, and a coalition can change outcomes, while Kristen shares what surprised her most about federal policy, including the system’s obsession with time as a proxy for quality. We talk accreditation reform as the next big lever, especially for professional licensure programs with specialty accreditation requirements that drive costs. If you care about Title IV, student debt, accountability, and how to influence federal higher education policy before it becomes your next emergency, this conversation is your roadmap. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review with the question you want us to tackle next.

Send us Fan MailNegotiated rulemaking is where higher education policy turns into the rules that hit your campus, your budget, and your students. We sit down with higher ed policy expert Kristin Hultquist of HCM Strategists and Dr. Andy Vaughn, president and CEO of Alliant University, to explain how the U.S. Department of Education writes federal regulations after Congress passes a major bill and why the people in the room can shape outcomes that last for years. We get specific about what each committee tackled, from Workforce Pell and its completion and in-field job placement requirements, to the new accountability floor that asks a simple question: do graduates earn more than a high school graduate a few years after completion? Kristin walks through how negotiators navigate tight statutory constraints, caucus sessions behind closed doors, and the constant push and pull between stakeholder demands and learner-centered consumer protection. Andy shares what it looks like to “lean in” as an institutional leader when Title IV changes and graduate student loan limits threaten real programs. He breaks down how facts, data, and coalition-building helped influence the professional designation list, and why waiting for politics to change is a losing strategy. We also dig into the next big frontier: accreditation reform, especially for graduate licensure programs where specialty accreditors can drive costs in ways colleges cannot solve alone. If you care about college affordability, federal student aid, Workforce Pell, graduate student debt, and accountability metrics that define program value, this conversation will help you understand what’s coming and how to respond. Subscribe, share this episode with a colleague, and leave a review so more higher ed leaders can find it.https://www.alliant.edu/https://hcmstrategists.com/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailCollege was never meant to be the center of a working adult’s life and pretending otherwise is one reason so many learners stall out. We talk with Dr. John Wood, chief academic officer and provost of the University of Phoenix, as the university marks 50 years of building higher education around working learners who juggle full-time jobs, caregiving, and everything else life throws at them.We get specific about what learner-centered design actually means: mobile-friendly coursework, support that works outside 9 to 5, and faculty who are real-world practitioners. Then we dig into one of the biggest shifts in online education and workforce alignment right now: skills-based learning. John explains how Phoenix mapped its curriculum to job skills using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, industry advisory councils, programmatic accreditors, alumni feedback, and faculty expertise, then turned that work into visible skills profiles, micro-credentials, and digital badges that students can share with employers.We also cover how to measure economic mobility in ways that go beyond marketing, why transfer credit mobility matters for cost and time, and what partnership can look like with community colleges. From competency-based education to AI in higher education, we explore what changes when every graduate is expected to be AI fluent and when AI is used to improve service, efficiency, and learning outcomes without replacing human judgment.If you care about adult learners, workforce skills, credential transparency, and what the next version of higher ed should be, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review with the one change you think would make college work better for working adults.

Send us Fan MailUniversity of Phoenix has been a lightning rod in higher education for decades, but its 50-year milestone raises a more useful question than reputations: what does it look like to design a university around working adults who are balancing jobs, caregiving, and everything else life throws at them? I sit down with Dr. John Wood, Chief Academic Officer and Provost, to talk about what “working-learner first” means in day-to-day practice and why that mindset matters for every college staring down shifting demographics and rising expectations.We get specific about skills-based education and the push toward skills-based hiring. John walks through how Phoenix mapped its curriculum to workforce skills using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, industry advisory councils, programmatic accreditors, alumni feedback, and practitioner faculty experience. We also dig into micro-credentials and digital badges that let students communicate what they can do, not just what they completed, plus how skills profiles can connect learners to real job postings while they are still in school.From there, we hit the accountability questions: how to measure economic mobility, what outcomes data will look like under new regulations, and how alumni feedback can reveal whether programs deliver on the promise. We also talk transfer partnerships with community colleges, transfer-friendly degree design, competency-based education models that save time and money, and the growing need to teach durable human skills alongside technical skills.AI is the throughline, too: AI policy that must keep evolving, AI fluency embedded across programs, and AI tools that improve service and learning support without pretending there’s a single “silver bullet.” Subscribe, share this conversation with a colleague, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway or your toughest question about skills, outcomes, or AI in higher [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThree million calls a month is not a marketing flex. It’s a signal that higher education is moving into a new operating model, where AI can expand student support without pushing humans out of the picture. I sit down with Ruben Harris and Timor Maester, co-founders of Outrival (and previously Career Karma), to unpack what they mean by a “digital workforce” and why outbound AI agents are becoming a real tool for admissions, advising, retention, and re-enrollment. We get specific about how colleges and universities can deploy agentic AI in ways that are measurable and responsible. Ruben explains why treating AI like an intern with a job description and a clear objective helps leaders move past vague pilots and into outcomes you can track. Timor shares use cases that work on the ground, from proactively reaching stop-outs months after they’ve gone silent to re-engaging applicants who started the process and then disappeared, all while giving students the option to connect to the right human at the right time. We also talk about what most vendors gloss over: performance management, experimentation, and compliance. Dashboards, text-based feedback loops, call reviews, and even A/B testing voices and scripts can help teams improve the quality of conversations while respecting policies and outreach rules. We close with a five-year vision of real personalization at scale, where a student can text their college 24/7 and feel known, guided, and supported. Subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review so more higher ed leaders can learn what’s actually working with AI right now.

Send us Fan MailAI in higher education is everywhere right now, but most of what schools hear is theory, hype, or another vendor promise. We wanted something more concrete, so I sat down with Ruben Harris and Timur Meyster, co-founders of Outrival (and previously Career Karma), to talk about what it looks like to deploy a real “digital workforce” that supports students at scale without pushing humans out of the loop.We get specific about outbound AI agents that call and text proactively across the student lifecycle, from enrollment to retention and re-enrollment. Ruben and Timur share why they avoid one-size-fits-all bots and instead give each digital worker a clear job description tied to measurable goals like meaningful conversations, contact rates, persistence, and ROI. We also dig into practical use cases colleges can start with quickly, including reaching out to stop-outs, following up with prospective students who went quiet, and helping learners navigate complex steps like financial aid and missing documents, all while integrating with systems like Slate and Salesforce.Then we talk about what leaders actually need to manage this well: student feedback via text surveys, dashboards that surface patterns across thousands of conversations, and a real supervision model that includes training, objection handling, tone and voice tuning, and ongoing compliance considerations like FERPA and responsible outreach. We also preview Ruben and Timur’s new series, The New Normal, focused on institutions using AI in production at scale.Subscribe, share this episode with a colleague, and leave a review if it helped you think more clearly about AI strategy that actually shows results.https://www.outrival.com/https://www.outrival.com/blog/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailMost higher ed systems still treat the “typical” student like someone with a wide-open schedule and a campus life built around them. That assumption falls apart the moment you meet a working parent, a service member with deployment orders, or a community college transfer juggling rent, kids, and a job while trying to move up. I’m joined by Dr. Mark Milliron, president of National University, to talk about what it looks like to design for those learners on purpose. Mark calls them “Anders” because they are students and employees, students and parents, students and deployed. We get into National University’s Navy-rooted history, why short four- and eight-week courses can lower cognitive load, and how program design, student support, and real-world experiences have to work together if we want adult learners to finish strong and see real economic mobility. We also dig into affordability and access: tuition strategy, scholarships, emergency aid, and a clear pathway for community college transfers, including how Pell-eligible ADT students can see tuition effectively covered. Then we go head-on at AI in higher education, including National’s cross-functional AI council, the “about, with, and beyond” learning framework, and Raise Five, a simple rubric that makes AI expectations clear for every assignment while pushing faculty to rethink what learning should look like now. If you care about working learners, military-connected students, and practical innovation that keeps humans at the center, you’ll take a lot from this conversation. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review with the one change you think colleges should make [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail$4.4 trillion is a hard number to even picture, so we bring it down to earth. We’re unpacking new California economic impact research created with the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, focused on what happens if the state reaches 70% postsecondary attainment for working age adults with credentials that actually pay off in the labor market. Think certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees that lead to higher wages, stronger careers, and real economic mobility.We talk through the stakes behind Governor Gavin Newsom’s 70% attainment goal, starting from where California sits today and why “average progress” is not enough if entire regions and demographic groups are left behind. You’ll hear how the analysis estimates $4.4 trillion in economic opportunity, how that benefit shows up for individuals and public budgets, and why the ripple effects can reshape communities over generations. We also face the cost question head on: what additional investment could be required, when returns can start to pay back, and why alignment between higher education and workforce demand is the difference between a credential and a cul-de-sac.Then we zoom out to the deeper point: if the pathway to college and training depends on random luck, the system is failing the very people it claims to serve. We connect the data to the lived reality of Californians who do not see the California dream as reachable, and we lay out what redesigned, flexible pathways for today’s learners could look like, especially for working adults.If you care about California higher education, workforce development, economic equity, and the future of opportunity, listen now, share it with someone who debates the value of college, and subscribe and leave a review so more people can find the conversation.

Send us Fan Mail$4.4 trillion. That’s the projected economic opportunity California could unlock if we hit a 70% postsecondary attainment rate and do it across every community, not just in the places that already have the most options. We dig into new work created with the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, and we ask the question underneath the headline: what changes when more working-age Californians earn credentials of value that the labor market actually rewards?We walk through the real mechanics behind the number with Georgetown’s Jeff Strohl: how lifetime earnings drive most of the gain, how tax revenue and public coffers benefit, and why ripple effects matter when wages rise and spending follows. We also face the investment side directly, including the estimate of roughly $198 billion in additional spending on top of what California already invests through UC, CSU, community colleges, Cal Grant, and workforce education and training.Then we widen the lens to the stakes that don’t fit neatly in a spreadsheet: economic mobility, attainment gaps by zip code and background, adult learners who need flexible pathways, and a state that can be both one of the richest places on earth and home to the nation’s highest poverty rate. If the California Dream is going to mean something again, we can’t keep designing education around a learner who no longer exists, and we can’t keep accepting luck as the default system.If this conversation hits home, subscribe, share the episode with someone who cares about California’s future, and leave a review with the one change you think would make the biggest difference.https://collegefutures.org/our-golden-ticket/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailAccreditation sounds like a backstage technicality until you realize it controls the front door to college for millions of students. If an institution loses accreditation, it can lose access to Title IV funding like Pell Grants, and that single lever can reshape who gets served, what gets taught, and what leaders feel safe saying out loud.<br><br>I’m joined by Mike Gavin, president of the Alliance for Higher Education, to unpack why accreditation has become the next big battleground in Washington, DC. We talk through negotiated rulemaking, the growing rhetoric that treats accreditation as a political tool, and the real-world stakes of proposals that could restrict practices many campuses rely on, like disaggregating student data by race or gender. Mike also explains why a federally imposed view of “intellectual diversity” could narrow curriculum and trigger a chilling effect on classrooms, syllabi, and campus decision-making.<br><br>We don’t let the current system off the hook. We also dig into the toughest critiques of accreditation: uneven accountability, limited competition among accreditors, and the slow pace of approving innovation like competency-based education. From community colleges to four-year universities, we explore what meaningful outcomes should look like, why ROI is not the whole story, and how higher education can prove value while still protecting institutional autonomy and academic freedom.<br><br>If you care about the future of higher education policy, student financial aid, and campus freedom, listen, share this conversation with a colleague, and leave a review so more leaders find it.https://allianceforhighered.org/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailThe fastest changes in higher education are hitting the students with the least margin for error and community colleges are the ones standing in the middle of it. I sit down with Dr Anne Kress, President of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), to get specific about what student success looks like when you serve 76,000 learners across six campuses, including thousands of high school dual enrollment students and working adults balancing jobs, childcare, and long commutes.We dig into the hard question families keep asking: is college worth it? Anne explains how community colleges can earn trust through higher education accountability, clear return on investment (ROI), and transparent outcomes like transfer savings and wage gains. We also unpack the confusing credential economy and what “market value credentials” should actually mean: industry-recognized credentials tied to real hiring demand, tracked results, and stackable pathways that turn short-term training into college credit so there is no wrong door.Then we move into generative AI in education and the AI-powered economy growing around Northern Virginia’s data centers. Anne makes the case that students do not always need an AI degree, but they do need AI skill sets inside programs like healthcare, cybersecurity, skilled trades, and IT. On the operations side, we talk about using data and AI to deliver a more personalized learning experience, from smarter transcript evaluation to coaching and career support that helps students stay on track and finish.If you care about community college leadership, workforce credentials, transfer pathways, and AI for student success, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share the episode with a colleague, and leave a review with your biggest [email protected]

Send us Fan MailHigher education feels like it’s moving on fast forward and the last year has been proof. We’re taking a moment to say thank you to everyone who’s watched, listened, subscribed, and helped grow The Rant Podcast across nearly 80 episodes, and then we pivot to what’s coming next as the education marketplace gets reshaped in real time.Conference season is here, and whether you’re headed to the ASU GSV Summit, Ellucian Live, or any gathering in the higher ed universe, one topic keeps taking over every hallway conversation: AI in higher education. I talk through why artificial intelligence is showing up everywhere from student experience and institutional data strategy to day to day fears about what happens to jobs. We also dig into the real opportunity if we get this right: using AI to lower the cost of providing education, reach more learners, and create more personal learning experiences for working adults, military learners, and students balancing life and school.I also share what we’re wrestling with in philanthropy and workforce development, and why state leaders are now treating AI and postsecondary attainment as economic strategy. A new report we’re publishing with Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce will spotlight the economic impact of not reaching more working learners in California and what that signal could mean for the rest of the country.If you care about college access, affordability, economic mobility, and practical ways technology can strengthen learning across a lifetime, hit play. Subscribe, share the show with a colleague, and leave a review so more people can find these [email protected]

Send us Fan MailEloy Ortiz Oakley hosts The Rant podcast and welcomes back Laura Ipsen, CEO of Ellucian, to discuss how higher education is navigating intensified pressures around accountability, affordability, enrollment, staffing constraints, and workforce alignment. Ipsen explains that better data transparency is essential to building trust and improving outcomes, and describes Ellucian’s work helping institutions modernize from on-prem to SaaS, clean and connect siloed data, and adopt AI and agentic capabilities to streamline workflows and support decision-making while keeping humans central. She highlights rising AI adoption across higher education, new governance efforts, and Ellucian’s platform direction, including Ellucian Student, skills-to-jobs tools, and a partnership bringing Ariana Huffington’s Thrive wellbeing resources into the student experience. They also preview priorities for the upcoming Ellucian Live event and Ipsen’s vision for broader modernization over the next 3–5 [email protected]

Send us Fan MailHost Eloy Ortiz Oakley welcomes former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings, now leading the Bipartisan Policy Center, to discuss BPC’s Commission on the American Workforce and its report, “A Nation at Risk to A Nation at Work.” They outline the need for a national talent strategy that breaks down federal silos across agencies and better aligns education, workforce systems, employers, and support services like childcare and transportation. Spellings describes the commission’s structure, why urgency is growing amid post-pandemic disruption and AI-driven workforce change, and recommends creating a national-level American Talent Council, improving data and transparency, and focusing policy on workers and learners. They also discuss bipartisanship, the federal role in civil rights and accountability, and BPC’s broader work on housing, energy, fiscal policy, and election governance.https://bipartisanpolicy.org/event/americas-workforce-blueprint-national-talent-strategy/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailForget the clichés about online college. We take a clear-eyed look at the University of Phoenix with CIO Jamie Smith and unpack how how the university is rebuilding around a simple rule: design for working learners by assuming school is the third priority after family and work. That shift changes everything—from the reliability of the tech stack to the tone of a nudge—and it’s driving a wave of practical innovation that blends human care with AI “bionics.”Jamie shares how Phoenix differentiates through a clean, multi-petabyte data foundation, long-honed risk models, and a relentless focus on reducing friction outside the classroom. We explore why generic AI often fails without trustworthy data, how to set legal and ethical guardrails in a regulated space, and what it means to “build it in, not bolt it on.” You’ll hear concrete examples, from celebratory confetti that actually boosts motivation to skills-mapped coursework that flags when a learner is job-ready—then points to local openings.Culture is the other headline. Phoenix carved out weekly “AI leverage time” so engineers could experiment, document, and demo progress, while also opening safe on-ramps for non-technical teams to build useful tools without creating security headaches. Looking ahead, Jamie sketches a near future of zero-UI experiences and personal GPT copilots that know a student’s goals and rhythms, escalating to human advisors when nuance matters. We close with pragmatic advice for traditional universities under enrollment pressure: strengthen data, clarify ambitions, avoid vendor sprawl, and move IT from back-office to strategic co-leadership.If this conversation reshaped how you see online learning, subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a review to tell us what you want explored next.https://www.phoenix.edu/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailSkills without progress are just potential. We sat down with WGU Provost Courtney Hills McBeth and Calbright College President and CEO Ajita Talwalker Menon to break down how competency-based education turns learning into jobs, promotions, and lasting economic value for working adults. No hype—just practical models that measure what you can do, not how long you sat in class.We dig into two complementary approaches: WGU’s course-based CBE that maps to the credit hour, and Calbright’s direct assessment for short-term, skills-forward credentials. Both start from the same promise: meet learners where they are, honor prior knowledge, and personalize the path using AI, data dashboards, and one-to-one mentorship. You’ll hear how faculty roles are redesigned around proactive support, how pacing flexes with life and work, and how durable skills like problem solving and communication anchor technical training to outlast industry shifts.Economic mobility runs through every choice. WGU won’t launch programs without strong regional job demand and tracks factored graduate return to keep tuition low and value high. Calbright broadens the definition of outcomes to include wage gains, career pivots, benefits, and flexibility—because security is more than a paycheck. We also spotlight embedded work-based learning at scale: simulations, micro-internships, clinicals, and teacher apprenticeships at WGU, plus Calbright’s Career Bridge projects with partners like Riipen and HubSpot that produce real portfolio artifacts and references.Accreditation is changing, too. Our guests outline why quality assurance must recognize multiple pathways to outcomes, support speed to market for workforce-aligned programs, and evaluate direct assessment with clear standards. Finally, we talk partnerships—WGU and Calbright are building seamless pathways from short-term credentials to degrees, while employers and rural communities signal where talent is needed most.If you care about adult learners, ROI, and making education count at work, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to help more people find the [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat if the ROI debate could be settled with simple math and clear outcomes? We open the year by pulling apart the “enrollment cliff” narrative and focusing on what actually moves learners forward: affordable, workforce-aligned online programs with measurable value. Our guest, Risepoint CEO Fernando Bleichmar, shares Ipsos data showing average tuition around $20,000, first-year salary gains near $13,000, and compounding earnings growth by year three—plus a surprising stat that more than half of surveyed graduates took no loans.We talk through how regional universities can compete with mega players by designing for the modern learner and linking tightly to local employers. That means building programs around real demand, offering flexible formats, and telling a sharper story to the community. We dig into practical services that make a difference—analytics to spot melt, PR to reach the right audiences, and student experience tools that support persistence—so presidents and deans can focus on teaching and outcomes.AI gets the “human in the loop” treatment here. Faculty can use generative tools to accelerate course design and free up time for high-impact interactions. Marketing adapts as search behavior changes and AI answers reshape discovery. And along the student journey, technology handles speed and personalization while people step in at moments that matter. We also unpack the policy landscape: long-standing federal clarity on public-private partnerships and emerging state frameworks that prioritize transparency and accountability.If you care about economic mobility, regional strength, and real outcomes for working adults, this conversation offers a grounded playbook: start with ROI, build programs for the learners you have, connect to employers, use AI wisely, and measure everything. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a fresh strategy, and leave a review to tell us what you want to hear next.https://risepoint.com/https://risepoint.com/student-roi/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat if AI actually made college more human—more supportive, more accessible, and more affordable? We sat down with Arizona State University CIO Lev Gonick to unpack how agentic AI, low-code tools, and faculty communities are transforming the student journey from recruitment to graduation.Lev takes us inside “Agentic AI and the Student Experience,” a standing-room-only event that drew 650+ attendees from 25 countries. The focus wasn’t jargon; it was outcomes. We talk about “Experience AI” as a design principle that keeps value visible: faster curriculum design with human-in-the-loop checks, assessment aligned to skills and competencies, and agents that scout resources, research, and opportunities while faculty sleep. You’ll hear how ASU empowers staff and instructors through CreateAI, a low-code platform that moves innovation closer to the work, and why the university is replacing data silos with “data rivers” that support learners end to end.We also dive deep on trust. Privacy, IP protection, and security aren’t footnotes; they’re the foundation. Lev explains how ASU differentiates its environment from consumer platforms, educates students and faculty on how AI engines operate, and uses principled innovation to set ethical guardrails. The result is a culture that scales experimentation without abandoning accountability. On the access front, we explore how agentic, multimodal recruiting tools help first-gen and low-income students discover pathways, compare programs, and get timely guidance that used to be out of reach.If you care about student success, equity, or the future of learning, this conversation offers a clear, usable playbook: build communities of practice, define your trust posture, pilot targeted use cases, and scale what proves value. Enjoy the episode, share it with a colleague, and if it resonates, subscribe and leave a review so more educators and leaders can find it.https://ai.asu.edu/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailA single number now threatens to define whether a program survives: does it deliver an earnings premium over a high school diploma? We sit down with Phil Hill to unpack how federal accountability just shifted from dashboards to consequences, why the current metric is misaligned with how real labor markets work, and what leaders must fix before 2026.We break down the design choices that matter—statewide medians versus sub‑state regions, demographic blind spots, and the absence of program cost and debt from the core test. Phil points to stronger models in state systems and long‑running research from Georgetown CEW, then lays out practical steps for negotiated rulemaking that would keep accountability sharp while avoiding collateral damage to open‑access colleges and regionally constrained programs.The conversation turns to graduate loan caps and the end of easy cross‑subsidies. Expect new pricing discipline, tougher portfolio management, and experiments in financing that need safeguards to avoid a repeat of the 2000s. We also map the OPM shakeout: why some giants stumbled, how mid‑market firms are adapting, and where state‑level transparency rules are reshaping contracts. With generative AI accelerating change in curriculum, support, and marketing, universities need partners—and policies—that keep pace without losing sight of honest outcomes.If you care about ROI, mobility, transparency, and the future of online learning, this is your field guide to the next era of higher ed policy. Listen, share with a colleague who owns program strategy, and leave a review telling us which metric you’d add—or drop.https://onedtech.philhillaa.com/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailTrust in college is slipping, yet the desire for opportunity is stronger than ever. We dig into that tension and lay out a clearer path forward: build programs around working learners, publish honest numbers, and align skills with jobs so students see—and feel—real value.We unpack fresh survey findings showing that Americans still view higher education as a path to mobility, but frustration with cost, debt, and opaque outcomes is eroding confidence. From soaring living expenses to schedules that ignore adult realities, the experience often works against the very people it claims to serve. We talk through why earnings-only measurements are too blunt, how better data can tell a fuller story, and what it takes to communicate value before a student ever sets foot in class.We also spotlight lessons from adult-serving institutions like UMGC and their intentional design mindset: modular pathways, flexible pacing, data-driven support, and clear connections between competencies and careers. The takeaway is practical and actionable: every offer letter should state total cost, time to completion, and typical outcomes; every program should maintain a living map between learned skills and local job demand; and every institution should treat continuous improvement as a duty to learners, not a branding exercise.If you care about rebuilding trust in higher education, you’ll find a blueprint here for transparency, employer alignment, and many on-ramps to postsecondary success. Subscribe, share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to rethink student value, and leave a review with one change you want to see on your campus.

Send us Fan MailAmericans still believe a college education opens doors, but patience is running out for a system that too often feels overpriced, inflexible, and out of touch. We sit down with New America’s Sophie Nguyen to unpack the Varying Degrees 2025 survey and what the data really says about confidence, cost, and the changing needs of working learners. The headline: value and frustration now live side by side.We dig into where Americans agree across party lines—purpose, value, and the importance of job training—while also highlighting what people expect beyond employment: critical thinking, communication, and civic readiness. Sophie explains how opinion has stayed surprisingly stable over nine years, even as support dips slightly on questions about return on investment. We connect the dots to affordability, student debt, and the programs that fail to deliver promised outcomes, then explore clear moves leaders can make to rebuild trust.From UMGC and WGU to ASU and SNHU, we point to models delivering flexibility at scale: online-first design, competency-based pathways, credit for prior learning, and embedded student support. We talk about why the media spotlight on elite campuses distorts public perception and why local open-access institutions deserve a louder voice. With AI reshaping work and adults needing to upskill multiple times, states that act now on flexible, stackable, and transparent pathways will lead the talent race.Ready to rethink what college looks like for working adults—and how we tell that story with evidence, not hype? Tap play, then share your take. Subscribe, leave a review, and pass this along to someone who cares about making higher education work better for more learners.https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/reports/varying-degrees-2025-americans-find-common-ground-in-higher-education/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat does it look like when a “global campus” is truly global—and built for working learners from the ground up? We sit with UMGC president Dr. Greg Fowler to trace a line from faculty boarding planes after WWII to teaching through evacuations, tsunamis, and base alerts, all while keeping one promise: meet students where they are and prove value with real outcomes. Along the way, we dig into credit for prior learning mapped directly to military rank, why time is the enemy of the poor, and how skills-first, competency-based assessment can shorten time to degree without lowering the bar.<br><br>Greg shares how UMGC partners with employers to define the skills that matter, then designs assessments that mirror real work—lead teams, teach a class, solve a problem—rather than lean on brittle tests and essays. We explore AI as augmented intelligence: a personal learning assistant that adapts content, flags gaps early, and enables scalable oral checks and simulations. From submarines in port to rural education deserts, we examine what it means to deliver flexible, high-quality learning across 170+ locations and online, with a steady hand through policy shifts and market uncertainty.<br><br>If you care about economic mobility, ROI, and restoring public trust in higher ed, this conversation offers a practical playbook: validate experience, personalize support, measure what learners can do, and keep the North Star fixed on better jobs and better lives. Subscribe, share this episode with a colleague wrestling with adult learner design, and leave a review telling us what should count for credit in a skills-first [email protected]

Send us Fan MailSeason four of the Rant Podcast kicks off with a deep dive into educational value and economic mobility. Host Eloy Ortiz-Oakley welcomes returning guest Michael Itzkowitz to discuss their groundbreaking "Golden Returns" report examining which California community colleges and certificate programs deliver the strongest financial returns for students.The conversation unveils surprising findings about which two-year institutions truly help students climb the economic ladder. Itzkowitz explains how they measured return on investment by comparing attendance costs against earnings premiums, revealing that some institutions enable students to recoup their educational investment in as little as a year through higher earnings. The analysis spans 327 institutions across 12 California regions, recognizing that most community college students choose schools within driving distance of home.What makes this research particularly timely is its alignment with new federal accountability measures. As Ortiz-Oakley and Itzkowitz discuss, recent legislation will require degree programs to demonstrate that graduates earn more than typical high school graduates – though certificate programs remain exempt despite being analyzed in the Golden Returns report. This accountability gap represents both a challenge and opportunity for institutions and policymakers.Beyond the data, the conversation explores how institutional leaders are responding to these findings. Some college presidents, like Dr. Keith Curry from Compton College, are using even less-than-flattering results as catalysts for improvement, examining program offerings and workforce alignment. This exemplifies the report's ultimate purpose: not to shame institutions, but to spark meaningful conversations about educational value.Whether you're a student weighing educational options, an institutional leader seeking improvement strategies, or a policy advocate working toward greater transparency in higher education, this episode offers invaluable insights into the economics of two-year college education. Check out the full Golden Returns report at collegefutures.org to see how institutions in your region [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThe education landscape has transformed dramatically over the past six months, and we're only at the beginning of what promises to be a defining era for colleges and universities nationwide. As we wrap up Season 3 with our milestone 65th episode, we reflect on the seismic shifts reshaping higher education while looking ahead to even greater disruption in 2025 and beyond.Throughout our journey, we've been fortunate to partner with forward-thinking sponsors who recognize the importance of having candid conversations about higher education's future. Organizations like Arizona State University, RisePoint, Open Classrooms, and others have enabled us to bring you insightful discussions with industry leaders who are navigating these challenging waters.Season 4 promises to tackle the most pressing issues facing educational institutions today: the integration of artificial intelligence into learning environments, the policy impacts of the Trump administration, a new national accountability framework, and the fundamental reconsideration of higher education's value proposition. These aren't merely academic discussions—they represent existential challenges for institutions clinging to outdated models while students demand greater transparency and return on investment.My final rant of the season addresses what's truly at stake: the future of higher education as a vehicle for economic mobility and societal advancement. From the new Workforce Pell Program to accountability frameworks centered on ROI, the message is clear—higher education must confront its shortcomings in affordability, accessibility, and demonstrated outcomes. Leaders who hide from these challenges, who abandon institutional missions in the face of political pressure, will find themselves on the wrong side of history. Instead, we need bold leadership that embraces change while maintaining an unwavering commitment to equity and student success.Which kind of leader will you be? Join us for Season 4 as we continue to pull back the curtain on the people, policies, and politics shaping higher education's future. Subscribe now so you don't miss a single episode of what promises to be our most revealing season [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThe higher education landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, with a new focus on measuring value and ensuring economic mobility for students. In this revealing conversation with Kelly McManus, Vice President of Higher Education at Arnold Ventures, we explore the reconciliation bill currently moving through Congress and its far-reaching implications for colleges, universities, and most importantly, students.At the heart of this policy shift lies a deceptively simple question: Are students better off for having attended a particular program? Both Democratic and Republican policymakers increasingly agree that programs receiving federal dollars should demonstrate their value through graduates' economic outcomes. The reconciliation bill represents this emerging bipartisan consensus, with provisions that would end Title IV funding eligibility for programs that leave more than half their students worse off than typical high school graduates.Graduate education faces particularly significant changes, with the bill proposing to end the unlimited Grad PLUS loan program and institute caps of $100,000 for master's degrees and $200,000 for professional programs. This addresses growing concerns about the proliferation of expensive graduate degrees that fail to deliver proportionate economic returns.McManus offers a compelling framework for low-income and first-generation student advocates: these vulnerable populations need protection from predatory programs that promise economic mobility but fail to deliver. True equity requires ensuring that all programs provide genuine value, not just access to debt.Looking ahead, implementation will be crucial. Arnold Ventures is already working with states to develop credentials of value frameworks and scale evidence-based models like CUNY ASAP. As budgets tighten, institutions that truly center students rather than revenue will be those that thrive in this new accountability era.Whether you're a policy professional, higher education leader, or concerned student, this episode provides essential context for understanding how the measurement of college value is fundamentally changing. Subscribe to the Rant Podcast for more insightful conversations on higher education's most pressing challenges.https://www.arnoldventures.org/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailThe American higher education system stands at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges that threaten its very foundation. In this revealing conversation, Eloy Ortiz Oakley sits down with Ted Mitchell, President of the American Council on Education (ACE), to discuss how colleges and universities across the country are responding to these threats.Mitchell, whose organization represents over 1,700 diverse institutions, offers a compelling perspective on how higher education is uniting across traditional dividing lines. "Higher ed sticks together, especially in times of crisis," Mitchell explains, highlighting the solidarity forming among institutions from community colleges to elite research universities as they face common threats from policy changes, funding cuts, and declining public confidence.The conversation takes a deep dive into the devastating impact of recent research funding cuts, which Mitchell calls "one of the single worst policy initiatives" of the current administration. Beyond the immediate layoffs at institutions like Johns Hopkins and hiring freezes at the University of California, Mitchell paints a vivid picture of the long-term consequences: potential medical breakthroughs abandoned, the next generation of scientists left without training, and top researchers fleeing to more welcoming countries.Perhaps most refreshing is Mitchell's candid acknowledgment of higher education's self-inflicted wounds. From dismal completion rates to opaque admissions processes at elite institutions, he doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truth: "We've earned some of the disrespect we're being treated with." Mitchell outlines ACE's "Higher Ed Builds America" campaign, which aims to refocus all institutions on their primary mission: student success.Looking forward, Mitchell offers a compelling vision of education transformed through artificial intelligence—not merely as a technological tool, but as a force that could revolutionize student services, faculty capabilities, and learning itself. His call for integrating humanities scholars into AI development to ensure technology partners with humans rather than replaces them reveals a nuanced understanding of both innovation's promise and its potential pitfalls.What emerges is a portrait of an education leader determined to guide institutions through turbulent times by returning to higher education's core purpose: creating opportunity and success for all students. For anyone concerned about the future of American higher education—whether educator, policymaker, or citizen—this conversation offers essential insights into the challenges we face and the changes needed to overcome them.ACENet.eduhttps://www.acenet.edu/Pages/dotedu/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when artificial intelligence meets human connection? Magic, according to Andrew (Drew) Magliozzi, CEO and co-founder of Mainstay.In this eye-opening conversation from the ASU GSV Summit, Drew reveals the surprising secret behind effective AI in education: human involvement. After a decade of deploying conversational AI to support college students, Mainstay discovered that having just 2% of messages sent by actual humans triples the effectiveness of their system. Students feel comfortable being vulnerable with AI because it doesn't judge them, but they need that human connection to feel accountable.The results speak volumes. When Georgia State University partnered with Mainstay to combat "summer melt" (students who commit but never show up), they saw a 27% reduction in melt and a 4% boost in enrollment. When they expanded to supporting students through graduation, they helped approximately 1,200 students avoid dropping out.Drew takes us behind the curtain of AI implementation, sharing the moment when GPT-4's release prompted him to tell his team to "stop everything" and pivot their entire approach despite having patents on their previous methods. This adaptability highlights a crucial lesson for educational institutions navigating today's AI landscape: focus not just on what AI can do, but what it should do to amplify desired outcomes and close achievement gaps.The conversation explores AI's potential to transform education fundamentally – from providing personalized, on-demand learning experiences to shifting assessment from summative to truly formative. Drew envisions AI not as a replacement for educators but as an "Iron Man suit" that enhances their capabilities.Whether you're an education leader wondering how to approach AI implementation, a faculty member concerned about its classroom impact, or simply curious about how technology can make education more personal rather than less, this conversation offers valuable insights about the human-AI partnership that's quietly revolutionizing student success.Curious about how AI and human support can work together to transform your institution's student experience? Listen now and discover why the future of education technology isn't about replacing people – it's about empowering [email protected]

Send us Fan MailEllie Bertani, CEO of GitLab Foundation, revolutionizes philanthropy with a data-driven approach that puts measurable economic impact at the center of every grant decision. This eye-opening conversation reveals how GitLab Foundation aims to generate at least $100 in increased earnings for every dollar they invest – a "North Star 100X goal" that guides their work across the United States, Colombia, and Kenya.What happens when you apply financial modeling to philanthropy? Bertani explains how her foundation builds ROI projections for every potential grant, allowing them to identify high-impact opportunities that might otherwise go unfunded. This approach enables GitLab Foundation to take calculated risks on innovative, sometimes "crazy" ideas that more conservative funders might avoid – precisely the role philanthropy should play in our ecosystem.The conversation explores GitLab's unique partnerships, including their collaboration with OpenAI and the Balmer Group on an AI for Economic Opportunity Fund. These partnerships amplify their impact while ensuring emerging technologies benefit those who need them most. As Bertani notes, historically, technological advances haven't immediately helped lower-income communities – a pattern she's determined to break.Against the backdrop of political uncertainty and growing scrutiny of philanthropy, Bertani shares why GitLab's focus on measurable outcomes and economic mobility for Americans remains vital. Her journey from early-career nonprofit work to the Gates Foundation to leading frontline workforce initiatives at Walmart and Wells Fargo uniquely positions her to bridge sectors and maximize impact.For foundation leaders, nonprofit professionals, and anyone interested in evidence-based approaches to creating opportunity, this conversation offers practical insights on measuring what matters. How can philanthropic dollars drive real economic change? What does true partnership between funders, grantees, and industry look like? Listen now to discover how data-driven giving can transform lives.https://www.gitlabfoundation.org/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhen higher education comes under attack, who stands up to defend its core mission? In this compelling conversation, Chancellor John King of the State University of New York brings his unique perspective as a former high school teacher, Secretary of Education under President Obama, and leader of a major education advocacy organization to address the most pressing challenges facing American universities today. Chancellor King doesn't mince words as he articulates how SUNY maintains its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion despite political headwinds: "For us, diversity, equity, inclusion is in our DNA." He shares concrete examples of how SUNY serves 370,000 degree-seeking students while ensuring campuses remain places of belonging for everyone, regardless of background. The conversation takes a sobering turn when discussing research funding cuts threatened by the current administration. "It's a disaster for the country," King explains, detailing how the proposed $79 million reduction in NIH funding alone would devastate critical research on cancer treatments, Alzheimer's, and 9/11 first responder care. "Our international competitors are laughing at us," he notes, calling this a "willful dismantling of our competitive advantage. "Drawing on his experience as Education Secretary, King provides a masterful breakdown of the Department of Education's four essential functions – from supporting vulnerable students to protecting civil rights – and why dismantling it would harm America's future. He outlines potential areas for bipartisan progress, including thoughtfully designed short-term credential programs and renewed investment in research that could usher in "a golden age" of scientific advancement. For anyone concerned about the future of American higher education, this conversation reveals both the gravity of current threats and a path forward rooted in demonstrating value and serving communities. As Chancellor King advises emerging leaders, we must be "obsessed with demonstrating value" – both economic and civic – while building strong peer networks to navigate these challenging times.

Send us Fan MailThe drumbeat against higher education continues to grow louder. In this revealing conversation with Janet Napolitano—former Arizona Governor, Secretary of Homeland Security under President Obama, and President of the University of California—we explore the existential threats facing America's great research universities.Janet pulls no punches when discussing the political headwinds threatening higher education. With potential cuts that could strip "billions of dollars" from research universities like UC, we're witnessing what she describes as "eating our seed corn"—jeopardizing the very innovation pipeline that has powered America's global leadership. Graduate students, who become tomorrow's researchers and innovators, are already feeling the impact as professors hesitate to hire them amid funding uncertainty.Equally concerning is the assault on First Amendment rights on campus. While Janet clearly disagrees with many of the protest positions on issues like Gaza, she warns that universities have historically been strongholds of free speech—and current efforts to punish institutions and students for protected expression marks a dangerous shift in American values.Perhaps most illuminating is Janet's description of public universities as "the secret sauce for how the United States has become the top performing economy in the world." This isn't just rhetoric—it's backed by decades of evidence showing how accessible higher education creates social mobility and economic prosperity. Yet this story isn't reaching enough Americans, as costs rise and communication failures allow stereotypes to flourish.For those feeling overwhelmed by today's political polarization, Janet offers practical wisdom: limit social media consumption, contact your representatives, and organize around issues you care about. "Democracy takes work," she reminds us. "You can't just be a passive recipient of democracy." In these challenging times for higher education and democratic institutions alike, her experienced voice provides both warning and hope.

Send us Fan MailRepublican political consultant Mike Madrid joins host Eloy Ortiz-Oakley to examine the seismic shifts occurring in American democracy through the unique lens of Latino voter behavior. As co-founder of the Lincoln Project and author of "The Latino Century," Madrid brings data-driven insights that challenge conventional wisdom about minority voting patterns. The conversation delves deep into how Latino voters—now America's largest minority voting bloc—are transforming the political landscape. Madrid reveals compelling evidence that Latinos aren't becoming more conservative but more populist, rejecting both major parties at unprecedented rates. "The Republican Party is winning Latino votes despite their best efforts, not because of them," Madrid explains, detailing how economic concerns consistently outweigh identity politics for this diverse demographic. His analysis of multi-generational shifts within Latino communities offers a fascinating window into America's changing electorate. The discussion takes a particularly thought-provoking turn when examining higher education's precarious position in today's populist moment. Madrid argues that colleges and universities have become deeply vulnerable by institutionalizing ideological frameworks without demonstrating clear economic returns. "The cash-on-cash return on investment of higher education in the digital age isn't really bearing out," he notes, explaining how the college degree has become America's most significant political dividing line—more so than income or geography. Madrid's insights offer essential guidance for higher education leaders navigating these turbulent times. He challenges institutions to strip down to fundamentals and rebuild for a digital age where information flows horizontally rather than through traditional hierarchies. For anyone seeking to understand the forces reshaping American democracy and higher education's place within it, this episode provides illuminating perspectives that transcend conventional political categories.https://www.amazon.com/Latino-Century-Americas-Transforming-Democracy/dp/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailThe pursuit of higher education has always been seen as a pathway to success, but how effectively are colleges serving low and moderate-income students? In this episode, we engage with Michael Itzkowitz to unveil the California Mobility Index, a new tool that examines how various institutions rank in terms of creating genuine opportunities for their students. The Mobility Index serves not merely to illuminate which colleges offer the best return on investment but to challenge traditional perceptions of educational value.As we navigate through this enlightening discussion, we discover how the index highlights institutions that are already making strides in advancing economic mobility. Most notably, it emphasizes the role of public and Hispanic-serving colleges in providing essential support to a wide array of learners and delivering impressive results when it comes to true value in education. Throughout our conversation, we also tackle pressing questions surrounding the allocation of taxpayer funds and the necessity for effective government oversight of educational institutions. Given the dynamic landscape of today’s workforce, understanding which colleges are best suited to extend opportunities is vital for both economic growth and social equity. Join us as we dive deeper into the statistics, share insights into the findings, and encourage listeners to think critically about their own educational journeys. We invite you to reflect on what it means for a college to create real value and how the California Mobility Index can facilitate better decision-making for students and families alike. Don't miss this opportunity to broaden your perspective on higher education and explore paths toward equitable access to quality education. Be sure to tune in, share your thoughts, and subscribe for more discussions like this!https://collegefutures.org/california-mobility-index/https://www.theheagroup.com/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat if the challenges plaguing the edtech sector are actually opportunities in disguise? Join us as we welcome Phil Hill, the publisher of the On EdTech newsletter, who offers a wealth of insights into the complexities of the education technology landscape. Together, we tackle the financial struggles of major players like 2U and Anthology while uncovering the potential for stabilization and growth. Phil also sheds light on the groundbreaking role of generative AI in education, discussing the lessons gleaned from the LA Unified School District's AI tutor initiative.The discussion takes a turn into the nuanced realm of education policy, where intense polarization has shaped the U.S. Department of Education's decision-making processes. From the influence of organizations like the Heritage Foundation to the efforts of the Bipartisan Policy Center, we explore strategies for finding common ground. Phil highlights the importance of Congress in shaping policy and shares thoughts on how bipartisan cooperation can focus on shared goals like school accountability and economic mobility, paving the way for progress in a divided climate.As Linda McMahon prepares to step into her role at the Department of Education, we examine the strategic signals that could define her tenure. From potential appointments to regulatory shifts, we explore how changes could impact everything from online education to vocational training. Phil offers astute advice for higher education leaders, emphasizing the need for institutions to evolve structurally to meet the demands of modern learners and overcome financial hurdles. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that unpacks the trends and challenges shaping the future of education.https://onedtech.philhillaa.com/https://www.4leggedmedia.com/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailEver wondered how immersive, real-world learning can redefine higher education? Join us as we engage with Brandon Busteed, the innovative CEO of BrandEd, as he unravels the transformative power of work-based learning, especially during disruptive times like the Trump years ahead. Brandon shares his unique vision for BrandEd since his 2024 appointment, highlighting partnerships with prestigious brands such as The New York Times, Sotheby's, Manchester City and Vogue. These collaborations offer students extraordinary hands-on experiences that bridge education and career mobility, from pre-college programs to custom master's degrees. Get ready to unlock the potential of global collaborations in education. We'll explore how BrandEd teams up with industry giants to provide students with behind-the-scenes access and professional insights. By integrating experts as educators and leveraging real organizational spaces, students gain unmatched exposure to their fields of interest. We spotlight the pivotal role of early industry exposure in pre-college programs and the ever-growing impact of technology and AI. Our discussion also highlights BrandEd's commitment to diverse, inclusive education through significant scholarship initiatives, ensuring learners from all backgrounds are empowered. Looking ahead, we delve into BrandEd's role as a strategic partner for educational institutions worldwide. Discover how their institutional partnership team is crafting connections with schools and colleges to offer distinctive programs like the Vogue and Manchester City Sports Business School. Through Brandon's personal anecdotes, we emphasize the joy and engagement in learning. Wrapping up, we invite you to explore the dynamic educational landscapes BrandEd offers. Visit their website for more details, and stay connected with us for enriching conversations that redefine learning.https://branded-edu.com/https://www.4leggedmedia.com/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailThis episode delves into the transformative changes in higher education under the Biden Administration, featuring insights from Undersecretary of Education James Kvaal. Key topics include student loan forgiveness achievements, the simplification of FAFSA, and the future of education amidst emerging technologies and political challenges.• Highlights the significant accomplishments in student loan forgiveness • Discusses the ongoing modernization of FAFSA • Provides advice for future administrations regarding educational equity • Explores the impact of AI and technology on higher education • Reflects on criticism faced in leadership positions Thank you for listening and engaging with our [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThe future of higher education faces uncertainty as 2025 approaches, emphasizing the need for innovation, inclusivity, and economic mobility. The episode discusses the critical role of artificial intelligence, the challenges rejective institutions will face, and the ongoing fight for equity.• Reflection on 2024 achievements and past guests • Challenges and opportunities for higher education in 2025 • The role of AI in transforming learning experiences • Economic mobility and value as guiding principles • The defensive position of less inclusive institutions • The importance of inclusivity in educational spaces • Ongoing struggle for equity and its broader societal implications • Call for listener engagement and active participation in educational reform

Send us Fan MailJoin Eloy Ortiz-Oakley for an interesting conversation with Bijal Shah, the trailblazing CEO of Guild, as we unravel the company's transformative journey in reshaping talent development. Want to uncover how a mailroom employee discovered their true potential as a pharmacy technician? This episode reveals the secret sauce behind Guild's innovative coaching services that unlock hidden talents and align them with career dreams, including the embrace of generative AI to stay ahead in today's fast-paced market. Bijal Shah shares her groundbreaking vision for Guild, illustrating how strategic educational partnerships are crucial in keeping employees and employers competitive.Explore the pressing challenges of today's workforce, from the shortage of skilled workers to the critical need for upskilling, particularly in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing. Discover how Guild is stepping up to the plate, working hand-in-hand with local and state governments to create personalized pathways for economic mobility, bridging the skills gap, and fostering continuous learning nationwide. As we spotlight Colorado's forward-thinking workforce development initiatives, learn how Guild’s unique marketplace model is poised to transform regions lacking academic infrastructure. Whether you're an employer or an education provider, this episode is your gateway to understanding how Guild is unlocking opportunities and redefining the future of work in [email protected]

Send us Fan MailUnlock the key to higher education's future as we dissect the post-2024 election landscape with me, Eloy Ortiz-Oakley, on the Rant Podcast. This episode promises to unravel the pressing demand for transparency and career alignment within the education sector, highlighting the vital shifts needed to match academic offerings with the economic ambitions of today's students. We'll explore the electorate's clear message: economic mobility and opportunity are paramount, and educational institutions must evolve to meet these expectations.Join our discussion on the essential role of work-based learning and how employers are becoming pivotal players in educational transformation. With voters demanding accountability, especially for first-generation learners, we examine the transformative strategies that could redefine the relationship between academia and the workforce. Discover how these changes can pave the way for a more prosperous society by ensuring that education is a true stepping stone to career success and economic stability for individuals and their families.https://www.4leggedmedia.com/[email protected]

Send us Fan MailDiscover the transformative journey of Alliant International University with insights from Andy Vaughn, its President and CEO, as he unveils the institution's strategic focus on professional practice degrees in mental health, nursing, and teaching, all designed for state licensure. Andy shares the university’s storied legacy of inclusivity and social justice, along with its evolution into a top provider of licensed clinical psychologists in the U.S. Since 2015, Alliant has honed its mission, emphasizing global thinking, diversity, and the innovative use of technology to advance higher education.Uncover the secrets behind the affordability and effectiveness of Alliant's clinical PsyD program in California, where graduates enjoy strong employment prospects and low student loan default rates. The episode explores how gainful employment regulations have adapted to the unique journey of clinical psychologists and delves into the increased demand for mental health professionals post-pandemic. We also spotlight Alliant's unique governance model, highlighting its partnership with Bertelsmann, which supports long-term educational growth, particularly in addressing critical shortages within health sciences. Join us to learn how AI is reshaping higher education at Alliant, empowering staff to tackle complex challenges while keeping curricula globally relevant.https://www.alliant.edu

Send us Fan MailWhat if the future of higher education doesn't lie in reinventing the wheel, but in reimagining who the wheel serves? Join me for an insightful conversation with Dr. Lisa Vollendorf, president of Empire State University, where we tackle this compelling question head-on. As a trailblazer in the SUNY system, Dr. Vollendorf shares how Empire State is setting new standards for online education, creating a flexible and inclusive learning environment for students aged 15 to 80. We shed light on the university's transformative journey from its 1971 inception to its current role as a leader in online education, especially post-pandemic, while emphasizing the shift in perception from non-traditional to the new traditional learners.Navigating the complex world of higher education leadership, we confront the challenges of balancing innovation with tradition and fostering inclusivity by valuing students' prior experiences. At Empire State University, inclusivity isn't just a buzzword; it's a practice, offering credit transfers and valuing diverse backgrounds. Through our discussion, we explore the delicate act of refining brand identity and embracing artificial intelligence, essential for modernizing operations and meeting the demands of today's learners. This episode promises to provoke thought on how universities can truly reflect and adapt to the evolving educational landscape, ensuring every learner's needs are met with precision and care.

Send us Fan MailCan higher education be the key to economic mobility for low and moderate-income learners in California? In our latest episode, we welcome back Michael Itzkowitz from the HEA Group to delve into this pressing question. Uncover the surprising findings of his latest report with the College Futures Foundation, "California Programs that Pay: Measuring Return on Investment Across Majors and Credentials." Discover how an impressive 88% of college programs in California allow students to recoup their educational expenses within just five years, with a significant portion achieving this feat in only one year. Michael shares invaluable insights into how different majors and credentials can shape the financial future of graduates, providing crucial knowledge for learners navigating the complex landscape of higher education.The conversation takes a critical look at the role of for-profit institutions and shorter-term certificate programs, particularly in serving underserved communities like women and students of color. We tackle the potential risks these programs pose in perpetuating socioeconomic inequality while highlighting the necessity of transparency in educational investments. As education costs soar and student debt burdens grow, understanding the economic mobility metric becomes vital. We also challenge the notion of prestigious institution brands as the sole path to mobility, emphasizing the diverse opportunities available in California's rich educational landscape. Tune in to empower yourself with the insights needed to make informed choices that could shape your economic destiny.www.CollegeFutures.org

Send us Fan MailDiscover a groundbreaking approach to teacher education as Dr. Mallory Palish, former chancellor of REACH University and CEO of Craft Education, unveils her innovative solutions to the pressing challenges in academia. This episode promises to enlighten listeners on how REACH University’s apprenticeship model is bridging the gap between higher education and the teacher labor market. Learn how this model enables future educators to earn their degrees through a combination of evening and weekend Zoom classes and practical on-the-job experience, all while minimizing student loan debt.Gain insights into how REACH University’s flexible schedule and affordable structure are empowering students to balance work, childcare, and studies seamlessly. The discussion also touches on the critical role of schools in nominating students for teaching positions upon graduation, drastically improving retention and job placement rates.Explore the broader implications of teaching apprenticeships in the U.S., as Dr. Palish highlights both the triumphs and obstacles faced by different states. From the economic mobility offered to mid-career paraprofessionals and recent high school graduates to the systemic issues of teacher pay and support, this episode addresses the multifaceted nature of teacher education reform. Through engaging anecdotes and professional insights, Dr. Palish underscores the necessity for adaptable and experienced educators in shaping the future of our education system.

Send us Fan MailHollywood film producer Scott Budnick, known for blockbusters like the Hangover Trilogy and Just Mercy, shares his journey from making hits to transforming lives through prison reform. What triggered a successful Hollywood producer to dedicate his life to mentoring incarcerated youth? Scott reveals the heart-wrenching encounters that steered him down this path and how his collaborations, including introducing Kim Kardashian to prison reform, have amplified his impact.Education can change lives, even behind bars. Listen as Scott recounts his experiences teaching and mentoring in maximum-security prisons and the dramatic improvements they’ve observed. From the inmates’ newfound hope to the better work environment for correctional officers, these stories illustrate the ripple effect of knowledge and compassion. This chapter underscores the need for systemic change to support reintegration through education.Wrapping up the episode are inspiring success stories, such as that of Ramon Escobar, who went from incarceration to founding a thriving security company employing people with similar pasts. Scott discusses legislative strides and initiatives like the Hollywood CPR program at West LA College, which opens the door to high-paying union jobs for its graduates. Ending on a hopeful note, Scott delves into his current efforts with One Community, crafting narratives that foster empathy and unity in major films and shows. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on redemption and the undeniable power of education and support.

Send us Fan MailWhat if setbacks could actually fuel your success? This week on The Rant Podcast, we kick off season three with the extraordinary Tim Storey, a global thought leader and life strategist known for his transformative impact. We unravel the complexities of the mental health crisis in higher education and provide valuable insights for college students navigating obstacles. Tim underscores the significance of community and partnership, warning against the pitfalls of isolation. Plus, we explore how educators can foster mutual growth by sharing their experiences and creating a collaborative learning environment.Ever wondered how a mindset shift can change your life? Tim introduces us to his 'Miracle Mentality' philosophy and shares inspiring stories from his journey as a life coach to over 300 entertainers. Growing up in Compton, Tim's exposure to broader horizons ignited his growth mindset. His humanitarian efforts and unique connections with celebrities and athletes reveal a multifaceted role dedicated to positive global impact. Learn the criteria for choosing a qualified life coach and why honoring everyone's unique journey is essential.Imagine overcoming setbacks with resilience and a supportive community. In our final discussion, Tim provides actionable strategies for students to balance recovery from past traumas with new opportunities. Addressing the mental health effects of the pandemic, we emphasize the importance of reconnecting with the world outside. For educators, Tim advocates creating a platform where students can voice their struggles and feel supported. We wrap up with a heartfelt conversation on living fully in the moment and appreciating the present, showcasing the profound influence of a positive mindset. https://www.timstorey.com/https://www.4leggedmedia.com/Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to lead a university through two decades of transformative change? Join us as Paul LeBlanc, the former president of Southern New Hampshire University, unpacks his remarkable 21-year tenure. Recorded at the ASU GSV Summit in San Diego, Paul opens up about his decision to step down, the growth of SNHU under his leadership, and his vision for the future. You'll learn why timing and leaving an institution in a robust position are crucial for any leader considering a transition. Paul's reflections offer invaluable insights for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of higher education.Ever felt out of place despite the allure of prestige? Paul shares a personal anecdote from 2003 about nearly accepting a prestigious role that turned out to be a poor fit. This story serves as a gateway to a broader conversation about the changing paradigms of leadership. We discuss why authenticity and vulnerability are becoming more essential than traditional markers of authority and expertise. In a world where trust in institutions is waning, connecting on a human level has never been more important. Listen in as we explore new leadership models that resonate with today’s challenges.The future of learning is here, and AI is at the forefront. We delve into the visionary work of Human Systems, a public benefits company co-founded by Paul, aimed at designing a human-centered learning model for the AI era. We challenge conventional educational assumptions and consider how AI could redefine knowledge work, freeing us to focus on crucial human-centric roles. We also touch on the turbulent transition predicted by economist Carlotta Perez, emphasizing the need for preparation for significant societal shifts. Join us as we envision a future where meaningful human jobs are not just preserved but celebrated.

Send us Fan MailWhat if the future of higher education is already here, driven by cutting-edge technology and strategic innovation? In this episode, we sit down with Laura Ipsen, CEO of Ellucian, live from the bustling ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego. Laura provides a front-row seat to the pivotal conversations reshaping higher education. From the integration of AI to enhance learning outcomes and streamline administrative tasks to the importance of digital transformation, community interaction, and workforce development, we cover it all. Laura also sheds light on how Ellucian's agile approach supports institutions worldwide and their role in addressing challenges like student mental health and the enrollment cliff.Discover how cloud technology is revolutionizing educational institutions, boosting productivity, and aiding in the reskilling of non-traditional workers. Laura discusses Ellucian's strategic partnership with AWS and the use of AI for data privacy and cybersecurity. We also reflect on the excitement of Ellucian Live 2024, featuring notable speakers like Bill Nye and William Shatner, and drawing over 5,500 attendees. Laura's insights into evaluating and integrating new ed-tech solutions through open APIs and partnerships are not to be missed. Plus, we'll give you a sneak peek into our upcoming event in Orlando, promising even more engaging discussions and fresh ideas. Join us for an episode packed with innovation, strategy, and a vision for the future of higher education.

Send us Fan MailPrepare to unlock the future of higher education as we sit down with Dr. Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University, at the 14th ASU+GSV Summit. Discover how pioneering technologies, especially artificial intelligence, are revolutionizing the learning landscape. With two decades at the helm of ASU, Dr. Crow shares his insights on democratizing education and using tech to expand classroom boundaries. Whether you're an educator, student, or tech enthusiast, this conversation is packed with transformative ideas and forward-thinking strategies.Ever wondered why our higher education system feels out of sync with today's needs? We tackle the systemic barriers stifling creativity and innovation within academia. Dr. Crow debunks the myth that innovation is a solo act, highlighting the critical role of collaboration. We challenge the entrenched elitism in American higher education and advocate for diverse institutions that prioritize learner outcomes over inputs. If you’re passionate about education reform, this segment offers a thought-provoking critique and vision for inclusive, impactful change.Finally, we journey through history to draw lessons that can shape the future of learning. From the resilience of figures like Frederick Douglass to the educational power of YouTube, we explore unconventional pathways to knowledge. Dr. Crow discusses how informal learning platforms can be structured into formal educational systems, sharing personal stories that underscore the practical applications of these resources. Tune in to understand how historical perspectives and modern technology can converge to create a robust, adaptive, and inclusive educational framework.Interested in sponsoring The Rant? Email me at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailGet behind the data and value of higher education as I engage in a focused conversation with Michael Itzkowitz of the HEA Group. Together, we dissect the College Futures Foundation commissioned "Golden Opportunities" report, delving into the intricacies of California's higher education investments and what they mean for students from low-to-moderate-income economic backgrounds. You'll emerge from this episode with a nuanced understanding of how data is revolutionizing both the transparency and the economic success rates of colleges and universities, offering essential guidance for students charting their academic futures.The staggering $1.8 trillion student debt crisis is more than just a number; it symbolizes the delicate balance between education as an avenue to a better career and the financial burdens it imposes. This episode takes a hard look at the economic benchmarks and the heightened scrutiny on the value of higher education in the wake of skyrocketing tuition costs. Michael and I scrutinize the public's hefty $21 billion investment in California education, advocating for increased accountability from institutions, and consider the implications for learners and policymakers alike.Lastly, the financial journey of students at Cal State Polytechnic, Humboldt serves as our case study, putting a spotlight on the true cost and potential returns of their educational investments. We explore the factors that sway these outcomes, such as the impact of degree completion and choice of major on post-graduation earnings. Moreover, we address the challenges faced by the 'some college, no degree' demographic, emphasizing the importance of clear pathways to success for all students. Tune in for an eye-opening exploration of how education pays off in the long run, and what that means for today's learners.

Send us Fan MailUnlock the full potential  within the millions of Americans who have stepped away from higher education. Join the conversation with Tara Crews, the CEO of ReUp Education, as we dissect the multifaceted hurdles that keep 41 million working learners from completing their degrees. This episode isn't just about understanding the barriers; it's about forging pathways to reengagement and success. We're peeling back the layers of financial strain, time poverty, and the longing for a sense of belonging to reveal how these factors intertwine, creating a complex challenge for students, institutions, and policymakers alike.Our candid talk traverses from the personal plights of individuals to the sweeping implications for state economies, inviting you to consider how re-educating learners ripples out to benefit families and communities. With a spotlight on the innovative strategies like New Jersey's centralized support system, we scrutinize the role of artificial intelligence in education, advocating for a delicate balance between technology and the irreplaceable human touch. Prepare to be enlightened on the transformative power of re-engaging learners, with insights that could reshape the landscape of higher education and the workforce.