The HigherEd Podcast

Dr. Jason Altmire, CEO of Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU), breaks down why skilled trades and career programs are surging, how policy shapes higher education, and what “value” and ROI really mean for students and taxpayers. We also talk AI: how it’s changing campuses and why it may increase demand for electricians, HVAC, welding, and more.

AI is everywhere in higher ed, and it’s not going away. Dr. Andy Binanti explains why institutions shouldn’t fear AI, how to teach students to use it the right way, and what role it may play in supporting persistence and success in today’s learning environment.

Dr. Jennifer Teague (Dean, School of Business & Professional Studies at UMass Global) joins Kamar to talk about what leadership looks like when AI is moving fast. They unpack mission-first decision-making, digital literacy, bias awareness, and how universities can adapt without chasing every “new shiny thing.”

What does it really take for a community college to grow in the middle of an enrollment cliff, shrinking populations, and a post-pandemic student body that needs more support than ever? In this episode of the Higher Ed Podcast, host Kamar DeJarnett sits down with Dr. Roger Davis, President of the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC), to talk about:How a “triple HBCU” journey and a single Toni...

Higher Ed might be heading toward fewer institutions—but stronger ones. Kamar DeJarnette and Dr. Emmanuel Lalonde break down why. From the enrollment cliff and demographic shifts to AI adoption, new revenue strategies, and serving a mix of traditional, transfer, dual-enrollment, and adult learners, Dr. Lalonde lays out what it will take to thrive in the next 2–3 years. If you’re thinking about the...

Founding Dean Dr. Bonny Kehm of Columbia Southern University’s College of Nursing & Health Sciences joins The Higher Ed Podcast to unpack how online, post-licensure nursing programs, AI-driven virtual patients, and transparent pricing can expand opportunity without compromising quality. The future of higher ed boils down to the 3 A’s: Affordability, Applicability, Accessibility.

How do we help students right now academically, professionally, and personally? Dr. Charlene Glenn shares a practical mindset series she built for adult learners, why soft skills still drive outcomes, and what the next era of higher ed should look like: shorter, job-tied, and more agile.

Degrees aren’t disappearing but how students earn value is changing. Jeremy Bean from Penn State explains why experience-rich pathways, certificates, and tighter workforce alignment are rising, how AI is accelerating the shift, and what leaders should stop funding to make room for what’s next.

Crisis-tested lessons from Hurricane Andrew and the ValuJet crash to the social media era. Dr. Whiteley explains how leadership, communication, and student engagement evolved across decades.

In this episode of The Higher Ed Podcast, Kamaar DeJarnette sits down with Dr. K. L. Allen of WGU to talk ROI that actually matters, and how tighter employer–university partnerships can shape the next 2–3 years of higher education. From a rural North Carolina origin story to leading WGU across the Northeast, Dr. Allen shares practical leadership lessons, why outcomes must trump inputs, and how to...

Dr. Alicia Harvey-Smith breaks down what the “enrollment cliff” really is and how institutions can respond—nontraditional learners, workforce pathways, and revenue beyond tuition. What is strategic enrollment management and what should you fix first to keep promises to students?

Is higher ed finally proving its value—or still stuck in old habits? In this episode, Charter College’s Josh Swayne joins host Kamaar DeJarnett to talk about the post-COVID reset: why trades are surging, how schools should show outcomes and ROI, and where AI fits (without losing the human touch).

Dr Irma and Kamaar discuss how to make education available to everyone, including providing a blueprint for students to realistically succeed.

Dr. Ames and Kamaar discuss the importance of creating a marketing personalities and the impact AI is going to have on the future of students

Discussing technical education with president Clay Christensen. Christensen shares the greatest challenge technical education faces and the changing perceptions of the public towards alternative paths from college.

Brandon and Kamaar discuss how to connect with students, convince them of the value of higher education, and deliver better outcomes for students.