EDUCAUSE Rising Voices

This conversation, recorded live at EDUCAUSE 2026, cuts through the buzzwords and crisis headlines to explore what truly matters in higher education—to the people who work and learn in it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As John O’Brien prepares to retire, he joins Sarah Buszka and Alycia Baggett Chastang to reflect on eleven years of the Young Professionals Advisory Committee (YPAC) and its role in expanding leadership pathways and building a community for emerging higher education technology professionals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode examines professional development as more than skill building, arguing that the most impactful learning experiences are those that foster connection, community, and belonging. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How much of cybersecurity is really about understanding people? This episode explores the human side of cybersecurity and institutional resilience, discussing how higher education institutions prepare for and respond to major disruptions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explains how remote, hybrid, and in-person work models are evolving in higher education and how they impact productivity and collaboration. It also highlights the difference between inclusion and genuine connection while exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping jobs and increasing the importance of human skills such as adaptability and communication. Hosted on Acast. See aca...

Credibility and visibility are not always distributed equitably across technology organizations. These imbalances can influence workplace culture and shape the organization itself. This conversation explores what it means for women to find their voices, claim space, and lead in higher education technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Purdue developed a structured onboarding program for student help desk employees. Their structured, collaborative onboarding programs are transforming student help desk roles. Through course-based training, mentorship, and real-world practice, student employees gain confidence and cross-campus awareness—leading to stronger IT support and better preparation for future careers. Hosted on Acast. See...

Personal branding starts with self-awareness, not self-promotion. In this episode, we discuss how social media can be a powerful amplifier of a young professional's authentic strengths. It is a space where they can evolve and grow their brand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many young professionals struggle to find their footing as they build their careers. This conversation explores how community, mentorship, and shared experiences within higher education technology create confidence, spark growth, and open unexpected opportunities for those seeking connection and meaningful professional pathways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping higher education in complex and sometimes uneasy ways. This episode features a discussion of institutional risk, responsible adoption, workforce uncertainty, and how leaders can prepare campuses for an AI driven future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere in higher education—but how it’s being implemented varies widely. In this special live recording of EDUCAUSE Rising Voices, two educational technologists from different institutions sit down for a candid conversation about their unique “AI stacks”: the tools, trainings, policies, and workflows shaping AI adoption at their universities. Hosted on Acast. Se...

In this episode, the Rising Voices crew reflects on a turbulent year marked by rapid change and shifting workplace dynamics, emphasizing community and connection. They also share their thoughts on upcoming intentions for 2026 and strategies for navigating accelerating change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Chester, Vice Chancellor of IT at the University System of Georgia joins the episode to discuss developing diverse, resilient IT teams through leadership that prioritizes growth, accountability, and long-term human investment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Networking is an important part of building your higher education career, but it doesn't have to be a daunting task. Members of the EDUCAUSE Young Professionals Advisory Committee discuss strategies for making professional connections and finding your community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, the young professionals share candid stories about career pivots, growth, and knowing when to move on. They discuss the tools needed to find and act on professional opportunities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Navigating higher education as a newcomer means learning to balance institutional culture, organizational politics, and constant change. This conversation offers practical strategies, personal stories, and insights to help you build confidence, make connections, and grow—whether you're early in your career or transitioning from another industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...

In this episode, we hear from professionals at different stages of their career journeys as they reflect on risk, resilience, and growth. They share advice on stepping into leadership roles, recognizing when it may be time for a change, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores the role of belonging in the workplace and how mentorship, identity, and self-advocacy shape professional growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mentoring is a powerful, evolving relationship that fosters growth for both the mentor and the mentee. This conversation delves into the practical aspects of mentorship, from initiating connections to navigating participants' needs to learning from every interaction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Storytelling is an essential skill for higher education professionals, enabling them to connect with colleagues, make complex ideas more accessible, and drive meaningful conversation. In this episode, we explore the art of narrative storytelling techniques adapted expressly for IT professionals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate National Mentoring Month, we discuss the transformative power of mentorship in higher education, exploring the qualities and impact of a successful mentor-mentee relationship, and the value of both formal and informal guidance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, hosts and guests discuss five essential principles for effectively managing or collaborating with young professionals, including the importance of feedback, meaningful work, transparency, personalized support, and a culture of continuous learning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, the discussion centers around leadership insights from Brene Brown’s book Dare to Lead, exploring themes like authenticity, vulnerability, and building trust in the workplace. Hosts Wes Johnson and Sarah J. Buszka also share tips for making the most of your EDUCAUSE 2024 Conference experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The higher education technology profession has become increasingly interdisciplinary, and many young professionals are entering technology roles from nontraditional backgrounds. In this episode, we discuss how nontechnical strengths contribute to a better technical organization. You can also watch the episode  on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss some of the reasons young professionals gravitate toward a career in higher education. You can also watch the episode  on YouTube . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.