Reimagining HigherEd

In this new episode, host Dr Ashraf Mahate sits down with Prof Bassam Alameddine, President of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), to discuss future-proofing the next generation of graduates. Prof Bassam shared how his own formative journey and struggles - including growing up during the Lebanese civil war - taught him resilience and humility, traits that now drive his forward-think...

Jack Goodman, Founder of Studiosity, joins Chief Academic Officer Prof. Judyth Sachs to explore the profound impact of generative artificial intelligence on higher education, underpinned by the need to rebuild trust in the student-teacher relationship. Goodman addresses the dangers of "cognitive surrender" and the rise of plausible "AI slop," advocating for a shift away from a "police and punish"...

Dr. Joane Serrano, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) joins Prof. Judyth Sachs to discuss the future of open learning and equity in education. Grounded in her background in development communication, Dr. Serrano advocates for a contextualised, people-first strategy to leadership, sharing how UPOU is responding to opportunities and challenges in higher education...

What does true belonging look like on a modern university campus? In this special live-recorded episode of Reimagining Higher Education, we take you directly to our National Reconciliation Week First Nations student panel, hosted by Studiosity at the Sydney Swans Headquarters on Gadigal Country (Moore Park).  Chaired by UNSW's Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous, Prof Leanne Holt, we listen to the p...

In this special episode of the Reimagining Higher Education podcast, Prof Judyth Sachs sits down with Prof Michael Donovan, a Gumbaynggir man and Pro Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) at La Trobe University, to explore the intersection of Indigenous knowledges and academic practice.    Drawing on his diverse background as a nurse, teacher, and Fulbright Schola, Prof Donovan discusses moving beyond tryi...

Dr. Courtney Hills McBeth, Chief Academic Officer and Provost at Western Governors University (WGU) joins host Prof. Judyth Sachs, to discuss the "dual transformation" reshaping WGU. They dive into: Shifting demographics: How WGU is adapting now that 40% of its incoming online students are younger learners with limited career experience. Fostering community: Building belonging in a digital space t...

Professor Nick Klomp, Vice-Chancellor and President of CQUniversity sits down with your host, Professor Judyth Sachs to explore the evolving landscape of regional higher education, focusing on institutional mission, student demographics, the integration of emerging technologies, and future of flexible learning. He reinforces that the sustainable university of the future must balance new technologi...

On Friday 8th May 2026, your panel came together to discuss how institutions can help students to thrive, among all the anxiety and uncertainty of the AI age.  This session explores the intersection of generative AI and student mental health in the higher education sector. Featuring a diverse panel of academic leaders from Australia and Malaysia, and a student representative, the session addresses...

In the lead-up to National Reconciliation Week 2026, Prof Judyth Sachs interviews Indigenous leaders about reconciliation in a higher education context, what it means for them, and how they see their contribution to the institutions in which they work. This first episode in the 2026 series features a conversation between Judyth and Prof Leanne Holt, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous at the Uni...

This week, we're resharing a popular episode from the archives. Dr. Wafa Almansoori, Interim President and Provost of American University of Bahrain (AUBH) joins host, Dr. Ashraf Mahate to discuss: Preparing students for a world with AI, and the challenges for universities in revising curriculum, training faculty, and establishing ethical guidelines. How AUBH are incorporating collaboration across...

At ACEx2026, Dr. Timothy M. Renick and Dr. Kathryn Crowther detailed the results and strategic implications of an innovative pilot program between the National Institute for Student Success (NISS), Georgia State University (GSU), and Studiosity. In an era demanding both efficiency and personalized learning, GSU sought a student support solution that could scale effectively across their diverse stu...

Dr. David Andrews, Chancellor at UMass Global and Studiosity Academic Advisory Board member, joins host and Chief Academic Officer, Professor Judyth Sachs to discuss: The mindset shift and practices needed to "meet students where they are" Reimagining the role of faculty and leveraging AI for efficiencies in grading and feedback Fluidity and flexibility to enable accessible, enjoyable learning exp...

Dr. Rajiv Jhangiani, Vice Provost, Teaching and Learning at Brock University, discusses the data-rich results of their recent pilot and survey with Studiosity. This session was presented live at Re: University on January 29, 2026 and provides a grounded, evidence-based perspective on how AI support tools are impacting students' confidence, study habits, and AI use, and what the outcomes are for in...

Dr. Yolanda Watson Spiva, President of Complete College America (CCA), joins Studiosity Chief Academic Officer, Prof. Judyth Sachs to explore the intersection of equity, access, and institutional transformation, underpinned by CCA’s bold mission of improving completion rates for 10 million students across 53 systems. Dr. Watson Spiva addresses AI and the need to shift away from policing towards a...

Over 2.8 million high schoolers across the U.S. are taking dual enrollment courses, offered in partnership between high schools and local universities and community colleges. With demand increasing, this panel explores the value and impact of dual enrollment programs, career and college readiness and how dual enrollment courses can help students pursue post-secondary aspirations, and some of the b...

Dr. Kemi Jona, Vice Provost for Online Education and Digital Innovation at the University of Virginia and Studiosity Academic Advisory Board member, joins host Prof Judyth Sachs to discuss the perfect storm facing higher education: declining public trust in research, shifting government funding, and the need to prove employability outcomes in a changing labor market. The two leaders reflect on how...

Professor Alex Zelinsky AO reflects on his journey from first-in-family to leading the University of Newcastle, emphasising how his experiences at CSIRO and in defence shaped his commitment to research with real-world impact. Speaking with host, Professor Judyth Sachs, he identifies a ‘triangle of unhappiness’ in the sector, caused by over-regulation, flawed funding models, and a lack of collabora...

Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Vice-Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, speaks to Dr. Ashraf Mahate about the future of higher education, emphasizing the need for adaptability, innovation, and a student-centric approach. Drawing on her personal philosophy of always remaining a student, Prof Martial-Braz shares how Sorbonne Abu Dhabi balances its legacy with the need to be relevant and c...

“If it's not about the students, then what's education about anyway?” Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Clare Pollock’s leadership is defined by her unwavering commitment to student success and equity. In this conversation, she speaks with Professor Judyth Sachs about her strong advocacy for keeping students at the centre of the university experience, which she has carried through roles at...

Professor Lily Kong, Singapore's first local and first female university president, currently leading Singapore Management University (SMU) joins host, Professor Judyth Sachs. Prof. Kong reflects on her own undergraduate experience and how it shaped her focus as a leader - from introducing interdisciplinary curriculum that exposes students to the “big questions”, to cultivating interpersonal and i...

Dr. James Beeby, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse speaks to your host, and Studiosity Chief Academic Officer, Professor Judyth Sachs. Dr. Beeby recounts his personal and professional journey, from first-generation college student from a small village in England, to leading a selective regional public university in the United States. He champions the transformative power of highe...

In a very special episode this week, join three leading HE thought leaders to discuss the existential crisis facing universities today. This high-stakes conversation is hosted by Professor Judyth Sachs (Chief Academic Officer, Studiosity, and former Provost, Macquarie University), and Judyth is joined by: Dr. Noreen Golfman (Studiosity Academic Advisory Board Member, and former Provost, Memorial U...

Professor Imad Hoballah, VP for Institutional Advancement & External Relations at American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) joins host, Dr. Ashraf Mahate. Listen in to hear his insights on: Encouraging students to learn through failure and discovery, rather than memorisation, recalling an early project failure and being told "If you're not failing, you're not pushing boundaries". Equipping...

On 25th September 2025, this panel came together to discuss New Zealand's growth plans for international students, the panelists' personal experiences as international students, the initiatives their universities have to support international students' wellbeing and sense of belonging, and the political and economic challenges facing international education in New Zealand. They also discussed New...

Professor Dato' Elizabeth Lee, Group CEO of Sunway Education Group in Malaysia, speaks to host, Professor Judyth Sachs, about how she is guided by her faith and a 'servant leadership' philosophy. During her early education, Elizabeth felt conflicted between her interest in the arts, and societal expectations to pursue the sciences. Her determination to follow her own path later shaped her vision t...