Alliant University

IMPACTful Conversations

Education EN ↓ 5 episodes

While living by your values isn't always easy, it can transform your life and your community. At Alliant International University, we believe the values of Inclusion, Mentorship, Passion, Accountability, Communication, and Teamwork are more than ideals—they’re the foundation for meaningful change. Join Alliant president Dr. Andy Vaughn for conversations with guests who’ve faced challenges, broken barriers, and made a lasting IMPACT by putting these values into action.

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Alliant University

Episodes

Ep. 5: What 2026 Financial Aid Changes Mean for Graduate Students with Deb Spindler 04.12.2025 17:03

In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Alliant University President & CEO Andy Vaughn sits down with longtime Alliant Director of Financial Aid, Deb Spindler, to unpack the sweeping federal financial aid changes coming in 2026 under the One Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB). Andy draws from his experience as one of the federal negotiators crafting these regulations, while Deb breaks down what st...

Ep. 4: Partnering to Build a Behavioral Health Workforce with Dr. Dan Gizzo 09.10.2025 30:39

Alliant is proud to partner with the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy to help Kaiser employees earn degrees and pursue difference-making careers. In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations , Alliant president Andy Vaughn speaks with Dan Gizzo, PhD, a clinical psychologist, Alliant alum, and executive director of the Academy. They discuss the importance of addressing mental health s...

Ep. 3: Adversity and Adaptability as APA President with Dr. Debra Kawahara 18.09.2025 29:56

In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations , Alliant University President Andy Vaughn visits with Dr. Debra Kawahara, 2025 President of the American Psychological Association (APA) and a Distinguished Professor at Alliant. She discusses her journey to leadership, the challenges faced during her APA presidency, and the importance of adaptability in leadership roles. She emphasizes the significance...

Ep. 2: Navigating History, Identity, and Inclusion with Dr. Lawrence Moore 07.08.2025 26:10

In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Dr. Lawrence Moore shares his journey from a small rural town in Arizona to becoming a prominent board member at Alliant University. He reflects on his experiences growing up as an African-American boy before and after the Civil Rights Act, his military service during the Vietnam era and the Cold War, and the challenges he has faced as a gay man through...

Ep. 1: Transforming Education Through Values and Skills with Dr. Andrew Shean 07.07.2025 41:35

In the premiere episode of IMPACTful Conversations , Andrew Shean, Chief Learning Officer at Penn Foster, shares insights on the importance of values in education, the role of AI literacy and critical thinking in workforce readiness, and the future of higher education amidst technological disruption. He emphasizes the need for compassion in local communities and the significance of a well-educate...