Mastering the Next

The MBA landscape is shifting faster than ever. Programs are experimenting with online hybrids, one-year accelerators, and specialized tracks. With so many formats competing for attention, how can schools adapt and stay relevant? In this episode, Oren Margolis , Founder of Pinetree & Palm Consulting , offers a candid look at what business schools are getting right and where they risk falling short...

In a saturated higher education landscape, how can a business school stand out without the budget or brand power of top-tier competitors? In this episode, we talk with Matt Alex , Director of Marketing at Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University, who is leading a comprehensive brand refresh rooted in Peter Drucker’s legacy. Matt shares how the school is navigating the challeng...

The notion of reimagining education alongside generative AI is no longer a simple sentiment but a necessity. Chris Agnew , Director of the Generative AI for Education Hub at Stanford Accelerator for Learning , joins Ray to outline three roles AI plays in higher education: efficiency, outcomes, and reimagining the classroom. Chris shares what his team has learned about AI’s ability to support educa...

As Canadian higher education faces unprecedented financial pressures and rapid technological change, AI has emerged as both a solution and a challenge. In this episode, Dr. Andre De Freitas , Founder of EdVisingU , joins Ray to explore how AI is reshaping governance, teaching, and student engagement across Canadian universities and colleges. From the risks of top-down decision-making to the urgenc...

What happens when brilliant PhD researchers want to turn groundbreaking ideas into real-world ventures, but lack the entrepreneurial playbook? In this episode, Ray sits down with Michael Escosia of Cornell Tech ’s Runway Startups Program, a unique postdoctoral initiative that helps PhDs become startup founders. Michael shares how the program fills critical gaps in business skills, fosters team-bui...

In this episode, Ray is joined by Anika Jackson , Executive Director at The ICL Foundation , to explore how brands can stay human in a world increasingly driven by technology. From Gen Z’s demand for authenticity to the growing role of AI in marketing, we unpack what it truly takes for brands to build trust — and what happens when they fall short. Anika shares real-world insights on user-generated...

Is the traditional MBA losing its edge, or is it simply evolving? In this episode, Andrew Crisp , owner of CarringtonCrisp , joins Ray to answer that question with insights from the firm’s comprehensive and influential Tomorrow’s MBA study.  From the surprising drop in interest in international MBA programs to the surging demand for specializations in AI, healthcare, and sustainability, Andrew dra...

Higher education stands at another pivotal crossroads. With online learning now mainstream and AI rapidly reshaping how students search, learn, and engage, institutions are under pressure to move beyond outdated debates and embrace meaningful transformation. In this episode, Beth Hollenberg , CEO at Everspring , joins Ray to explore the shifts reshaping higher ed — from outdated tech debates to th...

At a time when misinformation spreads faster than ever and trust in media is under fire, how do we prepare the next generation of ethical, resilient journalists? In this episode of Mastering the Next, we speak with Colleen Leigh , Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY . A former TV reporter turned higher education lea...

In this episode, Ray chats with Julio Peña , Vicerrector de Educación Abierta y Organizaciones at Universidad Tecmilenio , one of Mexico’s most innovative universities. Together, they explore how flexible learning models, purpose-driven education, and a deep focus on well-being are transforming student outcomes — and setting new global standards for employability. Julio shares how Tecmilenio has b...

International students face unique financial challenges when pursuing education abroad, from securing loans without cosigners to navigating shifting immigration policies. In this episode, Ray sits down with Arbaaz Hashmi , Director of Business Development at Sallie Mae , to unpack the evolving landscape of international student financing. They explore how universities, lenders, and financial insti...

Higher education is changing fast, and online learning is at the center of it all. In this episode, Dr. Whitney Kilgore , Co-founder and Chief Academic Officer of iDesign , joins Ray to unpack the biggest trends shaping the future of education. From the rise of AI to the importance of instructional design, Whitney shares why some institutions are leading the charge while others struggle to keep up...

Online program management (OPM) companies play a crucial role in helping universities navigate the complexities of digital education and online student recruitment. But as skepticism around the OPM model has grown, institutions must carefully weigh their options. In this episode, Ray sits down with Jim Lummus , Executive VP - University Solutions at AllCampus , to break down common misconceptions...

The graduate school experience can be as psychologically challenging as it is academically rigorous. Many students struggle with imposter phenomenon, financial stress, and unclear expectations — challenges that impact not only their confidence but also their academic success. In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Cisco and Dr. Jayme Cisco , co-founders of The Grad Academy , join Ray to share insights on t...

In this bonus episode of Mastering the Next recorded live at the ASU+GSV AI Show, host Ray Lutzky chats with Professor Erin Hill of Jessup University about how her team is transforming legal education through AI in higher education. With the launch of Jessup+AI, one of the first fully AI-immersive learning experiences in U.S. legal education, Erin shares how this model blends AI-powered customizat...

At ASU+GSV Conference 2025, Ray is joined by Bryan Aylward, AVP, Office of Academic Innovation, Operations and Technology for The University of Arizona Global Campus. Guest Name: Bryan Aylward Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-aylward-psyd-17436210 Guest Bio: AVP, Office of Academic Innovation, Operations and Technology for The University of Arizona Global Campus - - - - Connect With...

The healthcare workforce is at a critical crossroads, with a growing labor shortage and increasing patient demands. How can education and industry come together to create sustainable solutions? Ray sits down with Geoffrey Roche , Director of Workforce Development at Siemens Healthineers , to explore the challenges and opportunities in healthcare workforce development. From strategic partnerships b...

Digital accessibility in higher education recruitment isn't just about compliance — it's about ensuring every prospective student can fully engage with your institution's story. Today, we're exploring how to build a stronger case for accessibility in graduate recruitment and marketing. Ray is joined by Eugene Woo , CEO and Founder of Venngage , who's helping institutions create accessible visual c...

Higher education unionization is experiencing unprecedented popularity, particularly among graduate student workers, creating new challenges and opportunities for institutions across the country. Ray explores this rapidly evolving landscape with Jennifer Kulbeck, Assistant Provost at Saint Mary's College of California, who brings a decade of experience working with faculty unions, and Matt Ciprian...

In this episode, we're diving into the radical transformation of online education from pandemic necessity to strategic imperative. Joining Ray is Taylor Swaak, Senior Reporter at The Chronicle of Higher Education , whose article out this week “The Online Overhaul” tracks this seismic shift in the higher education landscape. Taylor's recent analysis reveals how institutions nationwide are scramblin...

San Francisco Bay University is innovating their core curriculum with Agility Praxis Pathways, or APP reflecting their commitment to a new paradigm of higher education.  What excites me about the APP Model is how it reframes the age-old challenge of bridging theory and practice in higher education. While many institutions talk about innovation, San Francisco Bay University has created a framework...

The MBA admissions landscape has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, with AI tools promising to help candidates craft the 'perfect' application. But here's what fascinates Ray - we're seeing a growing tension between automation and authenticity, and that’s apparent in the world of international MBA admissions. While generative AI can help write essays, the truly successful candidates are th...

Hispanic Serving Institutions are playing an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of American higher education, enrolling millions of students across the country. In this episode, Ray isjoined by Dr. Mike Flores, Chancellor of Alamo Colleges District and past Chair of the Governing Board of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). We'll explore HACU's evolving mission...

The shifting labor dynamics in higher education represent one of the most profound transformations in academia's history, with contingent faculty now making up a whopping 68% of the academic workforce. In a provocative recent article for The Evolllution , Bob Ubell, Vice Dean Emeritus at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, explores what he calls the 'Uberfication' of higher education and its implica...

San Jose State University sits at the epicenter of technological innovation, bridging the world of higher education with the dynamic ecosystem of Silicon Valley. As universities across the country grapple with reimagining digital learning, SJSU is reinventing how higher education can be enhanced through innovative technologies. To explore their approach, Ray is joined by Dr. Vincent Del Casino, Pr...