Higher Ed Leaders by Viv Higher Education

In this conversation, Fairleigh Dickinson University President Dr. Michael Avaltroni shares his remarkable journey from FDU undergraduate student to the institution's ninth president, reflecting on what it means to lead the university that shaped him. He offers a candid and compelling vision for how FDU is navigating higher education's "burning platform" moment, strategically d...

In this conversation, Brooke Barnett reflects on her path to the presidency of Rollins College, sharing how an unplanned career that began in journalism evolved into academic leadership through a passion for storytelling, teaching, and amplifying diverse voices. She discusses her first year in the role as a time of deep listening, relationship-building, and community immersion, emphasizing the imp...

In this episode, Brooke Elliott, Dean of Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, joins host Suzanne to share how a land grant mission and a deep belief in access have shaped one of the most innovative business schools in the country. Brooke traces her unexpected path from aspiring lawyer to academic dean, and explains how Gies Business has challenged the traditiona...

In this episode, Arthur Levine, President of Brandeis University, shares his remarkable leadership journey and the bold transformation he has set in motion at Brandeis since joining in November 2024. Drawing on decades of experience leading institutions like Teachers College, Columbia and the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, Levine describes how he rallied 88% of the faculty to approve a sweeping reinve...

In this episode of the Higher Ed Leaders podcast, Suzan sits down with Scott Beaulier, H.A. (Dave) True Family Dean of Business at the University of Wyoming, to discuss his path from first-generation college student to business school dean and what leadership looks like in today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape. Scott shares how his career in economics gradually led him into academic...

In this episode, Drew University President Hilary shares how she is rethinking the future of higher education through bold, entrepreneurial leadership. From launching an experimental new college designed for real-world problem solving to challenging traditional academic structures and cost models, she offers an honest look at what colleges must do to stay relevant and sustainable. This conversatio...

In this episode of the Higher Ed Leaders podcast, Suzan sits down with Joseph to discuss what leadership looks like in a time of disruption across higher education. Drawing on more than 35 years in higher ed communications and his work as an executive coach, Joseph shares his philosophy of heart-first leadership, which prioritizes empathy, presence, and psychological safety while still holding tea...

In this episode, longtime University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) president Dr. Freeman Hrabowski reflects on three decades of transformational leadership and the lessons that shaped one of the nation’s most innovative public universities. He shares how a relentless focus on student success, equity in STEM, research excellence, and community impact helped UMBC become a national model for i...

In this episode, former UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ reflects on her unexpected path to university leadership and the realities of guiding a major public institution through a period of intense disruption. From free speech controversies and financial pressures to the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting public perceptions of higher education, Christ shares how entrepreneurial thinking, clear comm...

In this episode, Bard College President Leon Botstein reflects on a remarkable five decades in higher education leadership. He shares how he unexpectedly became a college president in his twenties, the lessons learned from leading through financial and cultural change, and how higher education has evolved over time.  The conversation explores the tension between excellence and access, the growing...

In this episode, Greg Karzhevsky, founder of Jersey College, shares how a real workforce need led him to create a nursing school built for adult learners. What began as a way to support medically fragile children and the families who care for them grew into a multi-campus institution focused on student support, access, and outcomes. Greg walks through the challenges of building and scaling a highl...

In this episode, Carlow University President Kathy W. Humphrey shares her leadership story, shaped by her experience as a first-generation college student, her faith, and her lifelong comfort with navigating uncertainty. She reflects on Carlow’s founding mission to meet “the next great need” and how that legacy continues to guide the University’s growth today. Dr. Humphrey discusses entrepreneuria...

Welcome to Higher Ed Leaders, the podcast for higher education professionals who believe colleges and universities are strongest when they are bold, adaptive, and built to last. This season, we’re again focused on entrepreneurial leadership, this time through founding and legacy stories;  exploring how institutions, schools, programs, and major initiatives were first imagined, launched, and sustai...

In this episode of Higher Ed Leaders, Thom D. Chesney, President of Southwestern College, offers an in-depth look at his 40-year journey through higher education and the leadership lessons he has learned along the way. Now in his third presidency, Thom reflects on his path from faculty roles to executive leadership, the influence of his humanities background, and the value of servant leadership an...

In this episode, President Michael Hammond of Gordon College shares his unconventional path into higher education leadership. His journey was not the result of a set career plan, but rather a desire to combine intellectual inquiry with meaningful community engagement. He reflects on Gordon’s founding mission to provide education to marginalized individuals and to integrate Christian service with r...

In this episode, we delve into the transformative journey of Karlyn Crowley, Provost of Ohio Wesleyan University, exploring her profound impact on higher education. From her early experiences that solidified her belief in the liberal arts to her innovative leadership during the challenging times of the pandemic and beyond, Karlyn shares insights into fostering inclusive environments, navigating di...

This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Jeff, a seasoned leader in higher education, currently serving as the president of Caldwell University. Jeff shares his unique and extensive career journey, moving from a faculty role to various administrative positions across diverse institutions, including large public universities, liberal arts colleges, and professional-focused school...

In this episode, Kent, a seasoned higher education leader at Augustana College, shares his journey and insights into navigating the evolving landscape of higher education. He discusses Augustana's strategic initiatives, including a focus on student-ready campuses, immersive learning, and community engagement. He emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial leadership, deep listening, and adap...

This episode features an interview with Monique Guillory, President of Dillard University, Louisiana's oldest HBCU. She discusses the challenges facing higher education, including the demographic cliff and the need to prove the value of a college degree. President Guillory outlines Dillard's strategy to address these challenges, focusing on a holistic liberal arts education, emphasizing...

In this episode, Jenny shares her journey in higher education marketing, from her early days in the private sector to her current role as CMO at the University of Montana. She discusses the challenges of rebranding institutions, including navigating cultural tensions and internal skepticism, as exemplified by the "World Needs More Cowboys" campaign at the University of Wyoming. Jenny emp...

In this episode, Willem, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing at Geneva College, shares his journey in higher education and the innovative strategies driving Geneva's success. He discusses the college's recent rebranding efforts, the implementation of the tuition promise initiative, and the unique value proposition of a Christian liberal arts education. Willem emphasizes the import...

This podcast features Debra, Provost of Quinnipiac University, discussing her journey into higher education leadership and her perspective on navigating the current challenges and opportunities in the field. She highlights Quinnipiac's entrepreneurial spirit, rooted in its founding, and how this has enabled the university to make bold moves, like expanding during the pandemic, building strate...

Frank, a higher education leader at Adrian College, shares insights from his career and the college’s remarkable enrollment growth. Starting in supply chain management, he shifted to higher education to work more closely with students. Over the past 15 years at Adrian College, he has played a key role in doubling enrollment under President Docking’s leadership. This success stems from strategic in...

Nathan, VP of Enrollment at Knox College in Illinois, shares his unique journey from high school band director to higher education administrator. He explains how Knox achieved a remarkable 60% enrollment increase despite nationwide challenges, crediting key strategies like partnering with EAB, streamlining operational processes, building a regional recruitment team, and introducing the innovative...

In this episode, Lisa Keegan, VP of Enrollment at Bucknell University, shares her unconventional path in higher education—from starting in admissions at Elon University to briefly pursuing law before returning to the field. She discusses the challenges and opportunities facing institutions today, emphasizing mission-driven leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Lisa highlights Bucknell’s focus...