Campus Talks by Times Higher Education Campus interview: Susan Aldridge, president of Thomas Jefferson University on educating career-ready graduates
Sep 15, 2025
Susan Aldridge, President of Thomas Jefferson University, brings a wealth of experience in higher education with her innovative focus on interdisciplinary and applied learning. She discusses the university's impressive 98% success rate in graduate employment or further study. Aldridge emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into curricula and promoting collaboration among diverse disciplines to prepare students for the evolving job market. She also highlights the need for university leaders to effectively communicate the value of higher education amidst growing skepticism.
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Prepare Students For Rapid Change
- Thomas Jefferson prioritises lifelong learning because professional knowledge (especially in medicine) changes rapidly.
- The university focuses on resilience, adaptability and interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare students for uncertain careers.
Students Redesign IV Carts
- Jefferson students solve real clinical and design problems, like redesigning IV carts to stop tubing tangles.
- These interdisciplinary projects produce tangible products and give students practical teamwork experience employers value.
Create Employer-Aligned Track-Up Programs
- Align programmes tightly with employer needs and offer track-up pathways to advanced degrees.
- Build seamless bachelor-to-master routes to boost retention and graduate career readiness.