The Education & Empowerment Podcast

In this episode, Charles H. Pryor II was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Charles H. Pryor II, Vice President for Student Engagement at Stella and Charles Guttman Community College, CUNY, is a groundbreaking veteran of higher education who has dedicated his career to directly combatting the low college graduation rates of marginalized communities by developing data-based academic programming, diver...

In this episode, Dr. Gregory Washington was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. George Mason University President Gregory N. Washington leads the largest and most diverse public university in Virginia, a Tier 1 research university as categorized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. He became Mason’s eighth president on July 1, 2020. Dr. Washington, the former dean of the...

In this episode, Christopher Mediratta was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Christopher is the President and Chief Operating Officer at ILSC Education Group and in that role, he is responsible for the daily operations of its ILSC Language Schools, Greystone College locations and language testing operations in Australia, Canada, India and the United States. Christopher is an experienced senior execu...

In this episode, Lynn Pasquerella was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Lynn Pasquerella was appointed president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities in 2016, after serving as the eighteenth president of Mount Holyoke College. She has held positions as provost at the University of Hartford and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School at the University of...

In this episode, Jonathan Alger was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Jonathan Alger became the 6th president of James Madison University (JMU) on July 1, 2012. Under his leadership, this public comprehensive university in Virginia with 22,000 students developed a bold new vision to be "the national model of the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world," and a strategic plan focused on e...

In this episode, Nina Oduro and Carlhey Bolz are interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Nina Oduro is the senior advisor for youth and leadership at IREX. She works across the organization’s portfolio of global programs to catalyze the potential of youth and enhance the capacity of leaders to drive positive change. Nina brings experience in youth and leadership development, research, and training to her...

In this episode, Andrew Flagel was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Andrew Flagel is President and CEO of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area. He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Consortium member George Washington University,  where he served as a regional director of admissions before being appointed as director of admissions for the Congres...

In this episode, Michael Akin was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Michael Akin is a community builder and changemaker who has consistently and successfully tackled challenges by committing to the idea that doing well and doing good are not mutually exclusive. He has done so while building authentic relationships and connections locally and around the world that help people, organizations, and inst...

In this episode, Dr. Tom Harnisch was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Dr. Tom Harnisch joined SHEEO in January 2020. As vice president for government relations, Dr. Harnisch will be located in Washington, D.C., where his primary leadership responsibility will be for planning, implementing, and coordinating SHEEO’s portfolio of federal relations, policy, communication, and advocacy work. He will mo...

In this episode, Dr. Von Stange was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Dr. Von Stange has over 35 years experience as a student-centered housing professional. Have worked in public and private, mid-sized and large institutions. Dr. Von Stange has nonetheless been plenty busy with association response to COVID. Dr. Von Stange is experienced in crisis management (floods and tornado), occupancy manageme...

In this episode, Dr. Vicki Johnson was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Dr. Vicki Johnson is the Founder and CEO of ProFellow, the world’s leading online resource for professional and academic fellowships. She is a four-time fellow, top Ph. D. scholar, Fulbright recipient, and an award-winning social entrepreneur. She is the Creator and Director of Fully Funded , her signature online course and men...

In this episode, Andrea Kemp-Ford was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Andrea Kemp-Ford is a highly experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the University of the Potomac. Andrea has demonstrated the ability to lead diverse teams of professionals to new levels of success in a highly competitive industry and fast-paced environment. Andrea possesses strong technical and business qualifications w...

In this episode, Anna Esaki Smith was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Anna Esaki Smith, a global education expert, currently advising higher education institutions, private companies and education organizations on international strategies and thought leadership. Specializes in market scoping, student decision-making analysis, recruitment advising and content development. Forbes contributor writing...

In this episode, Thomas Torres-Gil was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Thomas Torres-Gil has worked with international students since 2006 and at the Peralta Community College District since 2008. At PCCD, Thomas had led initiatives that include opening a dedicated Berkeley City College International Office, converting the international student application to a 100% digital process (Terra Dotta),...

Ryan Akers is a higher education professional who has worked at a variety of colleges and institutions helping students from diverse backgrounds achieve academic success. He is currently a Student Employment Coordinator & Career Counselor at California Lutheran University. In this role he helps lifelong learners and students with their specialized career concerns related to advancing their pro...

In this episode, Dr. George Boggs was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Dr. George R. Boggs is President and CEO Emeritus of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and Superintendent/President Emeritus of Palomar College in San Marcos, California. He continues to be an active consultant, teacher, author, and speaker and is very well recognized in higher education. He is the author of...

In this episode, Ian Sladen was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Ian Sladen, who has nearly 25 years of experience as a higher education professional and currently serves as Drexel University’s Vice President of Cooperative Education and Career Development. He provides leadership for the Steinbright Career Development Center through vision and strategic direction for cooperative education and caree...

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Clinton was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Dr. Jennifer Clinton is President & CEO of Cultural Vistas. Cultural Vistas, a nonprofit international exchange organization based in New York with offices in Washington DC and Berlin. Each year, Cultural Vistas supports over 1,000 businesses and organizations and over 6,000 students, professionals, and emerging leaders...

In this episode, Dr. Shakeer Abdullah was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Dr. Shakeer Abdullah earned his undergraduate degree from Wittenberg University, his M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the Ohio State University, and his Ph. D. in the Administration of Higher Education from Auburn University. His education includes extensive international study including travel to Lumbadzi,...

In this episode, Dr. Kevin Kruger was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Dr. Kevin Kruger draws on more than 40 years of experience in higher education. Since 2012, he has served as president and CEO for NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. Prior to his role as president, Dr. Kruger worked for 18 years as the associate executive director and served as the chief operating office...

In this episode, Mr. Barsoum and Ms. Zuroff were interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Mr. Barsoum and Ms. Zuroff lead the Office of Global Services at America’s highly ranked and respected higher education institution, The New York University, which hosts the most international students of any university in the USA. The first speaker, Sherif Barsoum is the associate Vice President for global services a...

In this episode, Dr. Martyn Miller was interviewed by Bakhtiyor Isoev. Dr. Martyn Miller, Assistant VP of International Affairs at Temple University, Chairman of StudyPA a consortium of higher education institutions in Pennsylvania. Dr. Miller, holds master’s and doctoral degrees in Fantasy and Medieval English Literature from The University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree (with distinction) in...

In this episode, Bakhtiyor Isoev interviews Dr. Matthew Shank, the 8th President Of Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges, a consortium of 15 private universities in the Commonwealth of Virginia and also currently serving as interim President of the World Affairs Council in DC (a non-profit exchange organizations). Prior to this, Dr. Shank has been serving as President of Marymount Universit...

In this episode, Bakhtiyor Isoev explores his journey, international education and plans for the Education and Empowerment Podcast. Show Notes: The early years and success as a student Challenges outside the classroom Selling ice cream Journey in International Education 4stay:  Online Marketplace and Intern Housing 4stay: Helping Student's Accommodations 4stay: To connect with Students, Inter...