THE PLEXUSS PRESIDENTIAL PODCAST SERIES

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, President of Claflin University, to discuss the evolving role of HBCUs, the future of higher education, and how institutions can create greater access and opportunity for students. Drawing on his journey as a first-generation college student from Detroit to becoming a university president, Dr. Warmack shares how education, mentorship, and a strong...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Ali Houshmand, President of Rowan University, about the future of higher education in the age of AI. Drawing on his journey from growing up in Iran with limited resources to leading one of the fastest-growing public research universities in the Northeast, Dr. Houshmand shares why affordability, access to knowledge, and opportunity matter now more than ever. They discus...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Andrew Hsu, President of the College of Charleston, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education and the workforce. Drawing on his background in engineering and industry, Dr. Hsu discusses AI fluency, the importance of foundational knowledge and critical thinking, and how universities can integrate AI across disciplines. He also shares why institutio...

JP Novin speaks with Dr. Daniel Allen, President of La Salle University, about how higher education can embrace artificial intelligence while preserving the human skills that matter most. They discuss ethical AI, critical thinking, student-professor relationships, and the enduring value of a college degree. Dr. Allen also shares how La Salle’s Lasallian mission, strong alumni network, and focus on...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Mary Dana Hinton, President of Hollins University, about the deeply human purpose of higher education in an increasingly technology-driven world. They explore why AI cannot replace empathy, mentorship, vulnerability, and meaningful human connection, and why students need more than information to become thoughtful, engaged citizens. Dr. Hinton also shares Hollins’ commi...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Nariman Farvardin, President of Stevens Institute of Technology, about how AI is reshaping higher education, the workforce, and the skills students need for the future. They explore AI’s impact on jobs, the growing importance of AI literacy, and why ethics, moral reasoning, mentorship, and human judgment remain essential in an increasingly technology-driven world. Dr....

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Roslyn Artis, President of Benedict College, about the evolving purpose of higher education in the age of artificial intelligence. They explore why critical thinking, intellectual agility, and problem-solving remain central to a college education, and why HBCUs have an important role in ensuring AI reflects diverse perspectives and experiences. Dr. Artis also shares ho...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Michael Shannon, President of the University of North Georgia, about how AI is changing the role of higher education and the skills students need for an uncertain future. They discuss the importance of wisdom, courage, critical thinking, and human problem-solving in an era when knowledge is increasingly accessible. Dr. Shannon also explores how universities can better conn...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Kristi Kirk, President of Concordia University Texas, about the enduring mission of higher education and how institutions can adapt without losing sight of their purpose. They explore AI in the classroom, responsible use of the technology, the value of liberal arts education, and the importance of preparing students for meaningful work. Dr. Kirk also discusses Concordi...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Danielle Wilkins, President of the University of Bridgeport, about the evolving role of higher education and what institutions must do to prepare students for the workforce. They discuss affordability, career-focused learning, industry partnerships, and Bridgeport’s approach to artificial intelligence, including its AI programs and innovative use of AI technology. Dr....

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Aondover Tarhule, President of Illinois State University, about leading a historic institution through a rapidly changing higher education landscape. They explore how AI is reshaping education and the workforce, why universities must focus on critical thinking and adaptability rather than rote learning, and the enduring role of higher education in creating social mobil...

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Andrea Talentino, President of Augustana College, to explore how liberal arts education is evolving in an era of AI and rapid workforce change. They discuss the value of critical thinking, communication, and whole-person development, how colleges can prepare students for a changing job market, and the importance of modernizing programs while staying true to institut...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Susan L. Parish, President of Mercy University, about creating pathways to success for first-generation, low-income, and commuter students. They explore Mercy’s approach to work-based learning, student retention, AI integration, affordability, and preparing students with the human and technical skills they need for the future.

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Jonathan Koppell, President of Montclair State University, to explore how higher education must evolve in the face of demographic shifts, AI, changing workforce demands, and growing questions about the value of a degree. They discuss the future of learning, human creativity, social mobility, and what it takes for universities to become more adaptive, innovative, and res...

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Timothy Lynch, President of the College of Staten Island, to explore how public higher education can expand opportunity while adapting to a rapidly changing workforce. They discuss enrollment growth, affordability, career preparation, AI integration, student support, and the role of higher education in advancing economic and social mobility.

In this episode, Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Matthew Draud, President of Briar Cliff University, to explore how institutions can pursue sustainable growth while adapting to the rapid evolution of AI and the workforce. They discuss Briar Cliff’s enrollment growth and financial turnaround, the role of AI in admissions and across the curriculum, and the challenges facing healthcare programs amid...

In Episode 24 of Season 4 of the Plexuss Presidential Podcast, Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Alan Kadish, President of Touro University, to explore how higher education can adapt to an era of rapid technological change. They discuss AI’s impact on the workforce, the importance of liberal arts education, and why critical thinking, communication, and human judgment remain essential as technology c...

Dr. JP Novin is joined by Michael J. Avaltroni, Ph. D., President of Fairleigh Dickinson University, for a conversation about the future of higher education in an era of artificial intelligence, shifting workforce demands, and growing institutional pressures. President Avaltroni shares how FDU is reimagining education through its “humanics” approach, combining technological and data literacy with...

Dr. JP Novin is joined by Dr. Krista Newkirk, President of the University of Redlands, for a conversation on the future of higher education in the age of artificial intelligence. Together, they explore why a liberal arts education remains essential for developing the critical thinking, communication, and ethical leadership skills that AI cannot replace. President Newkirk also shares how the Univer...

Dr. Pradeep K. Khosla, Chancellor of UC San Diego, joins Dr. JP Novin to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education and what it will take for institutions to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world. Together, they explore AI's impact on the workforce, the growing importance of balancing technological innovation with human-centered learning, and why the humanities...

Dr. Ali Malekzadeh, President of Roosevelt University, joins Dr. JP Novin to discuss how institutions can remain resilient in an era of enrollment challenges, financial pressures, and rapid technological change. From Roosevelt's remarkable enrollment turnaround to the strategic use of AI across university operations, they explore how innovation can improve efficiency, strengthen student succes...

Hillary Link, President of Drew University, joins Dr. JP Novin to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming higher education and why institutions must rethink traditional models of learning. Together, they discuss individualized education, the future of work, AI-driven innovation, and how universities can foster creativity, adaptability, and human potential in a rapidly changing world.

James Lentini, President of Molloy University, joins Dr. JP Novin to explore how higher education can adapt in an era of rapid technological change, evolving federal policy, and shifting workforce demands. Together, they discuss AI's growing role on campus, the future of healthcare education, enrollment challenges, and why agile leadership and strategic planning are essential for colleges and...

Dr. JP Novin welcomes Dr. Mohamed Abousalem, President of Keck Graduate Institute, for a conversation on the future of healthcare education in an AI-driven world. Together, they discuss how graduate institutions can prepare students for rapidly evolving careers in the life sciences, the importance of industry partnerships in shaping curriculum, and why human judgment and interdisciplinary collabor...

Dr. JP Novin welcomes Dr. Dan Myers, President of Misericordia University, for a conversation on the future of higher education in an era of demographic change, evolving workforce demands, and artificial intelligence. Together, they discuss innovative enrollment strategies, the role of AI in improving institutional efficiency, and how universities can develop new academic programs that meet the ne...