THE PLEXUSS PRESIDENTIAL PODCAST SERIES

Dr. JP Novin welcomes Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Chancellor of Dakota State University, for a conversation on the future of higher education in an AI-driven world. Together, they explore how institutions can balance technological innovation with human-centered learning, the growing importance of workforce-aligned education, and the evolving role of liberal arts in preparing adaptable graduates. Dr....

Dr. JP Novin welcomes Dr. Ricky Shabazz, President of San Diego City College, for a conversation on the evolving role of community colleges in preparing students for the future of work. Together, they discuss expanding access through dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and affordable bachelor's degree pathways, the impact of AI on teaching and learning, and the importance of ensuring technology...

Dr. Angela Franklin, President of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, joins Dr. JP Novin to discuss how higher education can prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals in an era shaped by AI and evolving public policy. Together, they explore the future of medical education, ethical AI integration, workforce development, financial challenges facing graduate education, a...

Christina Clark, President of La Roche University, joins Dr. JP Novin to discuss how higher education can prepare students for success in an AI-driven world while staying true to its mission of developing ethical, resilient leaders. Together, they explore AI literacy across every discipline, workforce readiness, experiential learning, federal higher education policy, and the growing importance of...

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Laura R. Walker, Strategic Advisor to the Board of Trustees and former President of Bennington College, to explore how higher education can prepare students for an AI-driven future without losing sight of its core mission. They discuss information literacy, ethical AI, the future of liberal arts, public trust in higher education, and the importance of curiosity, critica...

r. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Lynne Coy-Ogan, President of Husson University, to discuss how experiential learning, technology, and the human element are coming together to prepare students for a changing workforce. From internship-driven learning and online expansion to AI adoption, financial aid policy, and the future of stackable credentials, Dr. Coy-Ogan shares the principles behind what she...

In this episode, Dr. JP Novin sits down with Aaron Sadoff, President of Marian University, to discuss the future of higher education in an era defined by AI, shifting workforce demands, and evolving student expectations. Together, they explore enrollment strategy, higher education policy, work-integrated learning, and the growing importance of partnerships in sustaining institutional success. Pres...

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Mahesh Daas, President of Boston Architectural College, to explore how AI is reshaping the workforce, fueling student anxiety, and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship. They discuss the future of higher education, the importance of adaptability in an era of rapid technological change, and why institutions must balance innovation with enduring human skills...

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Panos Kanelos, Founding President of the University of Austin, for a thought-provoking conversation on artificial intelligence, institutional innovation, and the future of higher education. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping the value of a college education, why universities must focus on cultivating human wisdom rather than simply delivering information, and wh...

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Gregory Jones, President of Belmont University, for a conversation on AI, federal policy, and the future of higher education. Dr. Jones shares how Belmont is navigating growth and innovation while remaining focused on its core mission of developing leaders of character, wisdom, and purpose. Together, they explore the impact of artificial intelligence on learning, th...

In Episode 5 of Season 4 of the Plexus Presidential Podcast, Dr. JP Novin sits down with Steven Weiner, President of Menlo College, to explore how higher education must evolve in an era defined by AI, workforce disruption, and rapid technological change. From Menlo's Silicon Valley roots and mandatory internship program to the growing importance of human skills, adaptability, and experiential...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Rachelle Keck, President of Grand View University, about the future of higher education at the intersection of affordability, federal student aid policy, and artificial intelligence. The conversation explores the importance of access and socioeconomic mobility, the unintended consequences of new graduate loan caps, and why adaptability is becoming the defining skill fo...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Geordie Hyland, President of American College of Education, about the future of affordable, career-focused higher education in the age of AI. The conversation explores student debt, workforce readiness, AI literacy, online learning innovation, and why institutions must prioritize flexibility, teaching quality, and measurable student outcomes to remain relevant in a rapidly...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with John R. Loyack, President of Rider University, about the growing pressures reshaping higher education, from AI and workforce disruption to affordability and federal policy changes. The conversation explores why institutions must become more nimble, experiential, and human-centered to prepare students for a rapidly evolving economy while maintaining the value of the college...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Bryon Grigsby, President of Moravian University, about why higher education is facing an existential moment in the age of AI. The conversation explores institutional transformation, the future of workforce preparation, AI-driven curriculum redesign, and why colleges must evolve beyond traditional learning models to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Higher education is navigating a period of unprecedented transformation as the "Golden Ticket" of the past is being radically rewritten. Coming soon to Season 4 of the Plexus Presidential Podcast, host Dr. JP Novin continues the vital conversations sparked at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit. This season, Dr. Novin acts as a strategic thought partner to leaders from institutions like Dartmouth, UC San Dieg...

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Lynne Coy-Ogan, President of Husson University, to discuss how career-focused institutions are evolving in the age of AI. Dr. Coy-Ogan shares how Husson blends strong employer partnerships and experiential learning—with 93% of students completing internships—to drive a 96% career placement rate. The conversation explores how AI is being integrated as a tool for effi...

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Bennie Harris, Chancellor of the University of South Carolina Upstate, to discuss how higher education is evolving in the age of AI. Dr. Harris shares how USC Upstate is aligning its mission with workforce outcomes, aiming for nearly all graduates to secure employment or enter professional school within months of graduation. The conversation explores AI as an “and”...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Donna Hodge, the 12th and first woman president of Fitchburg State University, about the evolving role of regional public universities in an AI-driven world. Dr. Hodge reframes AI as a fundamental literacy shift and shares how Fitchburg State is embedding AI across disciplines, rethinking pedagogy, and preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce. The conversati...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald, President of Alvernia University, about the headwinds facing higher education, including the enrollment cliff and the rise of AI. They discuss Alvernia’s growth strategy, from supporting first-generation students and launching new programs to integrating AI literacy, experiential learning, and AI-powered admissions tools to prepare students for the e...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Eric Kaler, President of Case Western Reserve University, about higher education, human capital, and the accelerating impact of AI innovation. Dr. Kaler discusses Case Western Reserve’s continued focus on the traditional 18–22-year-old undergraduate experience and why the four-year model remains critical for student development. He also highlights the university’s grow...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Joseph Chillo about the impact of AI on higher education and the future workforce. Dr. Chillo outlines Thomas More University’s strategy for embedding AI and technology across the curriculum, grounded in ethical responsibility and Catholic values. The conversation explores how the university is adapting traditional academic structures through stackable credentials and...

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Christina Clark, President of La Roche University, about the institution’s mission to prepare students as engaged global and U.S. citizens and its expanding international initiatives. The conversation explores the growing impact of AI on higher education and the workforce, with Dr. Clark outlining La Roche’s response to the “fourth industrial revolution” through a facu...

JP Novin welcomes Danielle Wilken, President of the University of Bridgeport, and Elena Cahill, Vice President of Strategic Planning, Innovation, and Advancement, for a conversation on AI in higher education. The discussion explores how the University of Bridgeport is integrating AI into its curriculum as an essential tool for the future workforce, highlighting initiatives such as AI and Robotics...

Dr. JP Novin talks with Dr. Jeffrey Docking about the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in business, research, and higher education. Dr. Docking shares how Adrian College integrates AI across the curriculum, including the creation of RISE Education to support shared courses and new academic pathways. The conversation focuses on higher education’s responsibility to prepare students for an A...