The EdUp WrapUp Newsletter

Welcome to the first edition of The EdUp WrapUp Newsletter, where you'll get insights from previous episodes of The EdUp Experience podcast. We realized, after releasing over 700 episodes in less than four years, that we have a responsibility to the #highereducation community to give you amazing insights from our interviews so YOU can #edup and help more students, and revive the public trust in higher education. Let's catch you up a bit by giving you individual and synthesized insights from our three most popular episodes to date!

Learning from Education Leaders

We’ve taken our three most popular episodes and given you key insights from each.? Each of these leaders we interviewed were inspiring and they shared their insights on leading through change, the future of higher education, and strategies to support today's students. Though from different backgrounds, some common themes emerged from these conversations that are relevant for anyone working in higher education today.

Episode #42 – with Creston Davis, PhD , Founder & President of GCAS College Dublin, Ltd.

A New Model in Higher Education based on Quality, Financial Equity, and Cryptocurrency

• Outlined an innovative model of low-cost tuition and students earning ownership shares
• Described a blended learning model with seminars held around the world
• Discussed empowering students financially through cryptocurrency incentives
• Explained the goal of creating an ethical model focused on caring for students holistically

Episode #535 – with Dr. Cynthia Osborne , Founder & Executive Director of the National Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center

Prenatal Ed to Higher Ed

• Highlighted the importance of the prenatal period and ages 0-3 for early childhood development and lifelong learning
• Discussed the impact of fathers attending prenatal visits and being involved early on
• Explained how community colleges are using technology to train the next generation of childcare workers
• Emphasized the need for state policies like paid family leave to support early childhood development

Episode #527 – with Laurie Shanderson, PhD, FACHE , Chancellor of Methodist College

Keys to Presidential Longevity

• Discussed strong relationships with the board and community as key to longevity as a college president
• Explained how technology allows more efficient teaching methods compared to past decades
• Highlighted the increase in student housing and food insecurity seen on college campuses
• Emphasized engaging current students to explain the value of higher education to prospective students
• Learning from Innovators in Higher Education ?

Common Themes

Some common themes that emerged from these episodes were the importance of student-centered approaches, thinking innovatively, and increasing accessibility and affordability in higher education. These higher ed leaders emphasized focusing on the full student experience academically, economically, and socially. They discussed leveraging technology to enhance learning and engagement. There was also a shared focus on being willing to reimagine traditional university models and structures. As Dr. Laurie Shanderson of Methodist College said, "Students have to feel that this is the place where they can grow, develop, and become." Dr. Creston Davis of the Global Center for Advanced Studies also aims to "empower students on every level imaginable," including financially.

Identifiable Trends

Notable trends included more colleges exploring online, hybrid, and decentralized learning models. These leaders highlighted a growing focus on demonstrating the ongoing value proposition of higher education. There was increased attention on access, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Modularity through stackable certificates and microcredentials was another trend. Dr. Davis described a "decentralized, blended learning model with low-residency seminars around the world." Dr. Cynthia Osborne of the National Prenatal to 3 Policy Impact Center highlighted how community colleges are using technology to train the next generation of childcare workers.

Practical Insights

Practical insights included the power of establishing strong board relationships for presidents, focusing on career development and pathways to improve employee retention, using current students to explain the value of college to prospective students, building partnerships between universities and community organizations, and emphasizing demonstrated competencies not just degrees.

Key Takeaways

• Consider partnerships, pathways, and pipelines to increase access and affordability
• Examine new modular and stackable learning options and microcredentials
• Leverage technology to enhance student experience, engagement, and career readiness
• Emphasize demonstrated competencies not just degrees
• Focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion and serving the local community’s needs
• Be open to reimagining learning models, structures, and traditional paradigms
• Develop strong relationships across campus and the broader community

These episodes offer thought-provoking ideas and strategies to help prepare higher education leaders to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Subscribe for more insights each week and visit www.edupexperience.com to listen to the full episodes.