Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

Jeff Selingo, co-host of Future U and author of 'Dream School,' brings fresh insights into college selection. He dismantles the myth that only highly-selective colleges lead to success, emphasizing a thoughtful approach to finding the right fit for each student. Selingo discusses the importance of teaching quality, budget considerations, and individual motivations. He also tackles the impact of college choice on dropout rates and the evolving landscape of higher education influenced by societal expectations and financial challenges.

College leaders faced a tumultuous summer as the Trump Administration moved to reshape higher education. Key topics include an unprecedented settlement involving Columbia University and a new executive order impacting college admissions. The discussion highlights the financial strains on prestigious institutions and the rising influence of Artificial Intelligence in academia. Additionally, a new ‘lightning round’ segment introduces rapid-fire insights that keep the conversation lively and engaging.

Mushtaq Gunja, the Executive Director of the Carnegie Classification Systems and Senior VP at ACE, joins the hosts to discuss transformative updates to the Carnegie Classifications. They dive into how these changes aim to promote student access and focus on outcomes, possibly reshaping college prestige. The conversation covers the implications for institutions vying for R1 status and the potential shift in funding and accountability. Gunja also reflects on the need for inclusivity in rankings and the broader impact of these new classifications on educational dynamics.

The U.S. has a lot to learn when it comes to systematizing apprenticeship. Thankfully, there are successful international models, like Switzerland’s, that we can study. Katie Caves, the Director at Switzerland’s Center on the Economics and Management of Education and Training Systems, joins the podcast to discuss the Swiss model and what can be gleaned from it. They discuss its permeability between academic and vocational tracks, proving its value to employers, the prestige of Swiss apprenticeships, and the principles that hold across borders. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education GroupPublications Mentioned:Return on investment of apprenticeship systems for enterprises: Evidence from cost-benefit analysesby Samuel Muehlemann & Stefan C WolterChapters0:00 - Intro3:35 - Swiss Apprenticeship 1016:56 - Path Selection and Funding13:46 - The Status of Apprenticeship in Switzerland18:58 - Borrowing Across Borders25:15 - The ROI to Employers29:47 - Evaluating Indiana’s Apprenticeship Model33:45 - Imbuing Prestige in American Apprenticeship38:49 - Striking the Balance43:01 - The Influence of AccountabilityConnect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)Threads  Connect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedIn  Submit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

What does a community college in Idaho have to do with mounting economic tensions between the U.S. and China? A lot, actually. On this episode of Future U., Michael and Jeff dive into what the CHIPS and Science Act—the federal spending package designed to reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign manufacturers for microchips and other advanced technologies—means for a segment of American postsecondary institutions that’s often forgotten in these conversations: community colleges. They talk with nonprofit and government leaders about how the CHIPS supports the education and training of a high tech workforce. They then go deep with the team at the College of Western Idaho to get a view of how they are developing these programs in collaboration with their corporate partner, Micron. This episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group.

In this discussion, Michael Horn speaks with industry leaders including Will Bass, a gig economy expert formerly at Comcast; Kara Wiekowski from Accenture, who delves into AI's role in workforce development; Wayne Duso, a former AWS VP, discussing AI's impact on leadership; and Paul Bingham, WGU's Executive Dean, sharing insights on the future of work. They tackle how AI is reshaping talent acquisition and development, compare its impact to past tech revolutions, and stress the need for adaptive learning in a rapidly evolving job market.

Mike Larsson, co-founder and CEO of Duet, discusses groundbreaking ways to support student success in higher education. He emphasizes the effectiveness of hybrid models that combine online learning with personalized coaching. The conversation dives into the challenges of re-engaging students who have stopped out and the importance of wraparound supports for degree completion. Larsson highlights innovative partnerships aimed at helping low-income adult learners navigate their educational paths, offering flexible options to fit their busy lives.

As colleges navigate increasing financial pressure, many struggle to balance mission with sustainability. In this episode, Jeff and Michael welcome Rick Staisloff, founder of rpk GROUP, for a crash course in how college budgets really work. From centralized vs. decentralized models to the challenges of tuition discounting, Rick breaks down the major drivers of revenue and expense in higher ed. He also highlights why better business intelligence, clearer accountability, and a shift toward ROI thinking are essential for financial sustainability. Whether you're a board member or just curious, this episode offers practical insight into what’s working—and what’s not—in college budgeting. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Gates Foundation.Chapters0:00 - Intro03:45 - How colleges put together their budgets9:05 - Implementation challenges and best practices15:04 - Non-tuition revenue sources26:21 - Cost drivers29:41 - Solving the “Financial Bucket Problem”35:41 - Deferred maintenance38:11 - Shifting to an ROI mindset41:04 - The levers to pull43:14 - On the margins46:44 - College cash sources49:03 - Our most promising strategiesRelevant LinksRPK Group Official WebsiteAccess the official online presence of RPK Group, the consulting firm founded by episode guest Rick Staisloff. This resource provides further information regarding their advisory services in higher education finance and the development of sustainable institutional business models.Responsibility Centered Management (RCM) Manual - Kent State UniversityThis document offers a comprehensive exposition of Responsibility Centered Management (RCM), a decentralized budgetary framework prevalent within higher education institutions. Review for detailed insight into its operational principles and implementation methodologies.Tuition Discounting Hits Another High - Inside Higher EdConsult this article for current data and analysis pertaining to the escalating rates of tuition discounting at private nonprofit colleges. The content elucidates the impact of institutional financial aid on net tuition revenue, a critical financial metric discussed herein.A National Study of Capital Infrastructure at Colleges and Schools of Agriculture | APLUThis report details the substantial and accumulating challenges of deferred maintenance across tertiary education establishments. It provides quantitative data and analytical perspectives on infrastructure-related financial burdens as referenced by Mr. Staisloff.Understanding Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems in EdTech - EllucianThis resource provides an overview of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, elaborating on their function as integrated platforms for managing administrative and academic operations. It highlights their utility in enhancing institutional efficiency, business intelligence, and data-driven strategic planning within higher education.Connect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)Threads  Connect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedIn  Submit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

We revisit one of the most impactful episodes from season 8, The Lost Boys of Higher Ed. Women have outnumbered men on college campuses for decades, but the divergence in postsecondary success has widened in recent years, and it is both a cause and symptom of the struggles of the modern man. Richard Reeves, author of Of Boys and Men joins the podcast to discuss the drivers of these challenges, promising interventions, and whether we should care about the plight of men in a world where they continue to wield power. This episode is made with support from the Gates Foundation, Ascendium Education Group, and The American College of Education. Links We ShareOf Boys and Men:Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What To Do About Itby Richard Reeveshttps://www.menincollege.comAmerican Institute for Boys and MenChapters00:00 - Intro04:15 - Where We Are (and Aren't) Seeing the Gender Divide05:56 - Designing College with The Modern Young Man in Mind12:28 - Drivers of the Higher Ed Gender Divide16:30 - The Effects of the Pandemic19:41 - The Larger Significance of the Problem26:50 - Opting Out of Adulting31:52 - Masculinity and Majors34:22 - K12 Solutions: Nobody's Fault, Everyone's Responsibility37:32 - What Higher Ed Can Do41:47 - International Parallels 44:38 - Rebalancing Education Systems49:06 - Zero-Sum Game or Growing the Pie?Connect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)Threads  Connect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedIn  Submit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

In this wrap-up discussion, the hosts explore transformative changes in higher education, driven by AI and recent federal actions. They reflect on a 'year of reckoning,' addressing political influences and challenges like declining enrollments. The conversation touches on the need for universities to redefine their core competencies and demonstrate value in a rapidly evolving landscape. Insights from guests throughout the season provide a rich context for understanding the future of academic institutions.