Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, host Chase Hagood sits down with Dr. Richard Preiss, President of the Academic Senate and Associate Professor of English at the University of Utah. Dr. Preiss shares his perspective as a faculty member navigating the evolving role of higher education and how his work challenges traditional assumptions about the purpose, value, and future of the uni...

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, host Chase Hagood sits down with Dr. Allison Calhoun-Brown, Senior Vice President for Student Success and Chief Enrollment Officer at Georgia State University. Dr. Calhoun-Brown shares her remarkable journey from faculty member to national leader in student success and how Georgia State became a model for closing opportunity gaps and driving studen...

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast, Harvard professor and bestselling author Dr. Arthur Brooks explores meaning, belonging, flourishing, and leadership in today’s university culture. Arthur Brooks shares his remarkable journey from classical musician to internationally recognized social scientist, reflecting on how purpose and belonging have shaped his path and research. He examines...

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast , we’re joined by Dr. Chris Hulleman, Professor of Education at the University of Virginia and Director of the Motivate Lab. Dr. Hulleman shares his unique journey from being a college football player and social worker to a nationally recognized motivation science expert. He talks about how combining the instincts of excellent teaching with research...

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast , we’re joined by Dr. Jason Taylor, Associate Professor in the College of Education and Assistant Dean for Transfer Student Success at the University of Utah. Jason shares his journey from being a first-generation student and music major to becoming a national scholar in transfer policy and community colleges. He dives deep into how personal mentors...

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast, we’re joined by Jason Perry, Vice President for Government Relations and Director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah, to explore how student internships, public policy, government relations, and listening shape higher education today. Jason shares his journey from law and government service into higher ed leadership, hi...

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Taylor Randall, President of the University of Utah, and Dr. Greg Peterson, President of Salt Lake Community College, to explore the power of institutional partnerships in expanding student success and access to higher education. The presidents discuss the unique strengths of the SLCC-UU partnership, emphasizing how collaboratio...

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast , we’re joined by Jim Agutter, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Innovation and Faculty Success at the University of Utah, to explore how artificial intelligence and design thinking are shaping the future of student success and teaching practices. Jim shares his unconventional journey from a struggling high school student to a leader in higher educ...

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Lori McDonald, Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Utah, to discuss the evolving role of student affairs in shaping student success and campus life. Dr. McDonald shares her journey from biology major to higher ed leader, the mentors who guided her path, and the philosophy behind People, Passion, and Purpose....

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Annie Isabel Fukushima and Dr. Alexa Sand to explore the transformative impact of undergraduate research. Dr. Fukushima and Dr. Sand share their journeys into academia, the mentors who shaped their careers, and how they now empower students to become researchers, innovators, and leaders. They discuss the importance of fostering...

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast , we’re joined by Dr. Erin Castro and Dr. Andy Eisen of the University of Utah Prison Education Project (UPEP). Dr. Castro and Dr. Eisen share their journeys into higher education and prison education, starting as graduate students with the Education Justice Project and evolving into leaders at the University of Utah. Together, they reflect on the c...

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast , we’re joined by Geoffrey Landward, Commissioner of the Utah System of Higher Education. Commissioner Landward shares his journey into higher education, from growing up with two deans of students in his family to navigating a career that led him to his current leadership role. He reflects on the importance of system-level leadership, the challenges...

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast , we’re joined by Dr. Morgan Lyon Cotti, Associate Director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah. Dr. Lyon Cotti reflects on her journey from being a Hinckley intern as a student to her role today, where she helps connect students with valuable internships and opportunities. She talks about the importance of hands-on learn...

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Naomi Norman, a classics professor, archeologist, and expert in teaching and faculty development at the University of Georgia. Dr. Norman shares how her career in higher education has been shaped by innovative teaching methods like "Reacting to the Past," a role-playing game that empowers students to take an active rol...

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast , we're joined by Dr. Ruth Watkins, President Emerita of the University of Utah and current leader in post-secondary education initiatives at Strada Education Foundation. Dr. Watkins shares her inspiring journey, highlighting the impact of mentorship, student-centered leadership, and collaborative change within higher education. She explores St...

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, we're joined by Malika Clinkscales, Vice President for Faculty Mentor Strategy at Western Governors University.  Malika shares her own journey, emphasizing the power of collaboration, empathy, and institutional innovation to drive stronger outcomes for students. She then dives into the importance of fresh perspectives on mentorship and the evo...

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, we’re joined by Cathy Badger, the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Academic Services at the University of Utah. Cathy discusses her commitment to helping student athletes achieve academic success while excelling both on and off the field. With a notable 94% graduation rate, her goal is to ensure that every athlete earns their degree. She sha...

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, we’re joined by J. Janell Cerva, Chief Impact & Strategy Officer at Utah Community Action (UCA), who oversees the Data & Policy Team and manages Resource Development, Communications, and Marketing. Janell shares how UCA provides essential legal support and emphasizes the importance of engagement and collaboration in driving transformative c...

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, host T. Chase Hagood, Vice Provost for Student Success at the University of Utah, sits down with Joshua Sine to explore the transformative power of data in higher education. They discuss how institutions can leverage student data to enhance support, personalize interactions, and ensure every student's voice is valued. Tune in to discover how d...