Trusted Voices

The academic year might be over, but higher ed's biggest problems aren't taking a summer vacation. In this season’s finale of Trusted Voices, Teresa and Erin lay out exactly what leaders should be planning for before students return. From the identity crisis sparked by rushed AI rollouts in the CSU system to the looming chaos of July 1st's federal financial aid changes, this episode is a must-list...

Temple University President John Fry joins Teresa and Erin to talk consolidation, mergers, and what 24 years in the presidency has taught him about leading well — and leaving work at the office.

In this episode of Trusted Voices, Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot unpack the realities facing higher education leaders today. Drawing from recent conferences and sector-wide conversations, they explore how institutions are navigating overlapping challenges—from policy shifts and leadership turnover to the growing uncertainty in international education.

In this episode of Trusted Voices, Anne Harris, president of Grinnell College, shares her perspective on leading a liberal arts institution through a time of political volatility and cultural change. From navigating government relations to fostering a culture of critique on campus, Harris explores how colleges can stay grounded in their mission while adapting to external pressures.

Live from the ACE Experience conference, Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy discuss early insights from the upcoming 2026 Survey of College and University Presidents. From sustained institutional risk and political pressure to AI governance and public accountability, this episode explores how higher ed leaders are navigating an increasingly complex operating environment — and what that means...

State politics are playing a larger role in shaping higher education governance. In this episode of Trusted Voices, Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy sit down with governance scholar Michael Harris to examine presidential searches, board authority, transparency, and the shifting balance of power between campuses and capitols.

In this episode of Trusted Voices, Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot reflect on the close of the year and turn their attention to what lies ahead for higher education in 2026. From evolving federal priorities and campus protests to financial sustainability and the growing role of trustees, the conversation explores how institutions can move from reactive to prepared.

Leadership in higher education demands more than strategy—it requires energy, focus, and the courage to think creatively. In this episode, Todd Henry joins Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy to unpack what drains leaders most, why pruning distractions matters, and how authenticity and optimism can fuel brave, meaningful action on campus.

The hosts of Trusted Voices and Campus Docket join forces to break down the Trump administration’s higher education compact and its legal, political, and governance implications for colleges and universities navigating unprecedented federal oversight.

In this episode of Trusted Voices, hosts Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot explore the legal and political pressures reshaping higher education. From UNC’s FOIA lawsuit to Title IX and Title VI compliance, they examine how institutions can balance transparency, student equity, and governance. The hosts also spotlight challenges international athletes face in the NIL era and reflect on public...

Saint Francis University stunned many in higher ed by announcing its move from Division I to Division III athletics. In this episode of Trusted Voices, Teresa Valerio Parrot and guest host Michael Harris, SMU dean ad interim, sit down with Saint Francis President Fr. Malachi Van Tassell to unpack that momentous decision. From transfer portals to NIL, accreditation to governance, the discussion goe...

In the Trusted Voices season 4 premiere, Erin and Teresa evaluate Gallup’s reassessment of public trust, discuss trending news, and promise to continue their focus on industry trends and provide perspective beyond the intersection of the Trump administration and higher ed.

In their Season 3 finale, Trusted Voices co-hosts Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot reflect on a year of bold conversations, policy pitfalls, and personal growth. From a heartfelt encounter with Ruth Simmons to sobering insights on student aid and political pressure, this episode is a reminder that in higher ed, leadership means speaking up—even when it’s risky.

Hosts Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot speak with Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education. Mitchell offers a candid look at the challenges facing higher ed today—from policy uncertainty to misinformation and funding cuts. He shares insights on how to navigate this "dumpster fire" while also highlighting the often-overlooked work happening at regional campuses and commun...

Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot unpack Harvard’s bold defiance of the Trump administration, what it means for international students, and why higher ed leaders must decide when to fight, when to stay quiet, and how to lead with intention in the court of public opinion.

Staying silent isn’t always the safest choice. Hosts Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot sit down with Holden Thorp to discuss why higher ed leaders must embrace transparency, communicate with the public, and advocate for the value of academia. Thorp also reflects on his own leadership journey, including his decision to share his autism diagnosis.

Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot assess the impact of NIH funding cuts on local communities and brace for the unknown future of the Department of Education as the Trump administration continues to target higher education.

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy invite Inside Higher Ed’s Sara Custer to reflect on her first year as editor-in-chief, exploring the evolving media landscape, the challenges facing higher education and the importance of fostering honest, impactful conversations between journalists and institutional leaders.

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy dive into the new year discussing enrollment trends, a new Department of Education, and the true role of crisis communicators as they look ahead to the topics that will shape higher education storylines in 2025.

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy close out the fall semester by examining shifting trends in college presidencies and thought leadership, offering insights into the evolving challenges facing higher education.

Dr. Belle S. Wheelan joins Teresa and Erin to discuss accreditation, the responsibilities and roles of accrediting bodies and the plans for higher ed under a second Trump administration.

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy welcome Dr. Vann R. Newkirk Sr., president of Wilberforce University, to discuss the critical need for resources, strategic federal support and innovative retention strategies — ever heard of a Chief Door Knocker? — to uplift HBCUs in today’s educational landscape.

Erin and Teresa talk about natural disasters, offer resources for campuses navigating election season and disinformation, and highlight leaders willing to be vulnerable about the challenges they're facing.

Kevin McClure and Jorge Burmicky join the Trusted Voices Podcast to share why their presidential competencies are far more than a leadership checklist.

Finances, elections, and leadership: Erin and Teresa kick off Season 3 by looking ahead to the drivers of fall on campus.