Mastering the Next

The landscape of online program management companies (or OPM) is undergoing significant transformation, with universities facing complex strategic decisions and OPM companies merging and shifting business strategies. Political and regulatory changes are creating both challenges and opportunities for higher education institutions seeking to expand their online learning offerings. To help us unpack...

Access to affordable, high-quality education is a challenge many institutions aspire to solve, but few approach it as boldly as Campus. From free college credits for high schoolers to personalized student support services, Campus is an innovative new approach to online community college that is redefining what accessibility and success mean in higher education. In this episode Ray is joined by Mik...

The competition for international graduate students, especially those hailing from India, is fiercer than ever. Navigating complex visa processes, working with education agents, and standing out in a crowded marketplace requires agile, data-driven strategies. In this episode, Ray is joined by Abhyuday Pai, the Assistant Dean for International Graduate Recruitment at the University of Buffalo, to g...

Innovation in graduate student education is something we talk a lot about here on “Mastering the Next,” but making it really work is a challenge for lots of schools.  Initiatives can lack strategic focus and, frankly, an understanding of the needs of today’s graduate students.  In this episode, Ray is joined by Dr. Tom Rock, Associate Vice President & Chief Student Affairs Officer at   of Columbia...

Building partnerships between universities and companies is an old idea – today, however, companies need universities more than ever as they seek to make their teams “future ready.”  From upskilling and reskilling to finding ways to reward high potential employees, sophisticated employers are looking for schools that offer high quality, affordable, online education and are sponsoring tuition throu...

Arizona State University is annually ranked the nation’s most innovative university by U.S. News & World Report. From their approach to accessible online learning to their partnerships with industry, ASU has a proven track record of staying at the leading edge of higher ed trends.  Earlier this year the university announced a unique educational partnership with OpenAI –  Ray is joined by Dr. Lev G...

This episode covers one of Ray’s favorite topics – the liberal arts and sciences.  As colleges and universities are pressured to demonstrate the return on investment for their cost of attendance, many have prioritized science, technology and engineering fields with higher employability and starting salaries.  This has shifted focus from the liberal arts at a time when AI technology is becoming mor...

Ray interviews Dr. Doug Koch, Interim Provost at Southeast Missouri State University–they explore how AI is reshaping graduate student engagement at the university. With advancements in technology, regional public universities are finding new ways to create meaningful connections between students and faculty, and Dr. Koch will share insights on how AI is driving these innovations at SEMO, diving ...

Got a story to tell? An innovative idea to share? Fill out our guest nomination form , and let's chat! In this episode Ray is joined by Dr. Thilla Sivakumaran, Vice President for TXST Global at Texas State University. With a rapidly changing landscape in global education, Dr. Sivakumaran shares his insights into the innovative strategies Texas State Global is using to expand their online program r...

In this episode we explore the future of accessibility and neurodiversity in graduate education with Dr. Kimberly White-Smith, Dean of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, also known as “SOLES,” at the University of San Diego. Dr. White-Smith will share her thoughts on how institutions can better support neurodiverse learners and foster inclusivity within their programs and what SOLES...

In recent years, the conversation around the value of higher education in the U.S. has intensified, with concerns about the mismatch between curriculum and job market demands, rising tuition, and inefficiencies such as low graduation rates.   I'm joined by Dr. Nick Ladany, President of San Francisco Bay University, to explore these unspoken realities of American higher ed. Drawing from his thought...

In this episode we’re joined by Dr. Aric Krause, Dean of Academic and Administrative Affairs at Rensselaer at Work, the online and professional education arm of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).  RPI, the nation’s first technological university, celebrates its bicentennial this year, and Rensselaer at Work has offered professional graduate education in STEM for more than 70 years. Traditiona...

In this episode of “Mastering the Next” we delve into the future of graduate admissions and how data and AI are set to transform the process. I’m joined by Dean Tsantir, Executive Director of the Graduate School Admissions Office at the University of Minnesota, for his perspective on how these technologies are revolutionizing the way institutions select and support their students. Together, we exp...

In this episode we explore the evolving landscape of affordable public education. I’m joined by Dr. Kathie Fleck, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Ivy Tech Community College, one of the largest community college systems in the United States.  We’ll discuss innovative strategies for positioning high-quality, accessible education in the public eye and uncover what's next for promoti...

In this episode, “Mastering the Next” welcomes Dr. MJ Knoll-Finn, Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success at NYU, to discuss a pressing topic in higher education today: the role of AI in student support. As AI continues to reshape various aspects of our lives, NYU is at the forefront, integrating these technologies into their student services. The interview explores how...

In this episode, we're joined by Robina Schepp, Vice President for Enrollment and Placement at Pace University in New York. Our discussion explores the strategies behind successful graduate student career placement and discusses how Pace, a school known for its deep connections with industry and employers, is helping students navigate the evolving job market.  Robina is here to share her insights...

Financial aid is something that’s been on the mind of many higher education and enrollment management leaders this past year, particularly with the botched roll-out of the new FAFSA; the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  In this episode I’m joined by Dan Currell, who served as Deputy Under Secretary and Senior Advisor in the U.S. Department of Education from 2018 to 2021 and now, among ot...

In this episode of “Mastering the Next,” Sara Custer, Editor-in-Chief at Inside Higher Ed, discusses the future of AI in transforming classroom engagement. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to reshape how instructors connect with students is immense. We delve into the promising tools and methods emerging in this space, explore the ethical implications, and consider how institutions can harn...

In this live episode from NACAC 2024, Dr. Ray Lutzky sits down with Fatema Dalal, Director of Admissions for the School of Engineering at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City. They discuss Cooper Union’s path toward becoming a 100% tuition-free institution by 2029 and the impact of its recent announcement providing free tuition for current seniors. The conversat...

Research in graduate enrollment management is a growing area of interest.  In this episode we take a deep-dive in the latest research on graduate enrollment management from NAGAP, the Association for Graduate Enrollment Management.  Two lead researchers, Dr. Amanda Ostreko, Assistant Vice Provost and Director of Graduate Enrollment Management at The University of Kansas, and Dr. Ariana Balayan, Di...

Universities are grappling with the unique challenges and opportunities to launch programs tailored for adult education and professional studies, which have expanded in recent years.  In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Sparrow, Chief Academic Officer at the City University of New York School of Professional Studies shares insights into how CUNY SPS is redefining the educational landscape for adult lear...

In this high level conversation we explore the future of graduate education at California State University Channel Islands. I'm joined by Dr. Richard Yao, President of Cal State Channel Islands, who offers actionable insights and discusses the exciting developments and strategic initiatives shaping their graduate programs. Dr. Yao looks to the future to highlight what's next for CSU Channel Island...

In this episode of “Mastering the Next” we’re joined by Dr. Colin Potts, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Missouri University of Science and Technology. The episode delves into strategic planning at Missouri S&T, focusing on the growth of non-thesis Master's programs and research-based PhD and MS programs, exploring how these initiatives are shaping the future of gradu...

Virtual learning has skyrocketed in popularity, and many faculty are being asked to bring their pedagogy online. In this episode we hear from Dr. Amanda Smith, the Chief Academic and Product Officer at Risepoint, a leading organization dedicated to empowering educational institutions to improve access and affordability for their academic programs through online learning. Risepoint specializes in p...

Social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public universities have come under scrutiny by local and state governments, significantly impacting the lives of graduate students nationwide.  In this episode Dr. Bil Leipold, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services & Experience at Rutgers University-Newark, explores the critical topic of Social Justice in Graduate Enroll...