Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

In a special crossover episode, Michael and Jeff are joined by Chronicle of Higher Education reporter Jack Stripling to discuss a recent piece by the Chronicle: a March Madness-style bracket of the most memorable higher ed controversies of the last 25 years. The trio relives infamous scandals—from Jetgate and Varsity Blues to faculty feuds, presidential meltdowns, and that $550 olive jar. Along the way, they explore what these stories reveal about rising presidential compensation, the role of athletics in university life, the erosion of shared governance, and the shifting relationship between the public and higher ed. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and Gates Foundation.Links We MentionHigher Ed Controversy Draft, College Matter from the ChronicleChapters0:00 - Intro5:12 - March Madness for Higher Ed Controversies8:53 - Controversies on the Bubble12:30 - Jetgate16:17 - The UVA Re-Hire20:01 - Presidential Compensation23:49 - The Prominent Role of Athletics in Scandals28:42 - Who’s Watching Higher Ed?31:38 - What Scandals Tell Us About Higher Ed Financing38:38 - The State of the College Presidency48:59 - Fighting Factions

Claire Fiddian-Green, President and CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, dives into Indiana's groundbreaking efforts to emulate Switzerland's apprenticeship model. She discusses transforming high school graduation requirements and establishing industry-led talent associations. The conversation highlights the challenges of cultural shifts and stakeholder collaboration, aiming to create robust pathways that intertwine real-world work experience with education. Fiddian-Green emphasizes the crucial need for strong employer partnerships to redefine the value of apprenticeships in the state.

Mushtaq Gunja, Executive Director of the Carnegie Classification Systems and Senior Vice President at ACE, leads a critical discussion on the transformative changes to the Carnegie Classifications. He delves into how these new groupings aim to prioritize student access and earnings. The conversation uncovers the potential impact on institutional behavior, funding strategies, and the race for R1 status. Gunja also addresses the challenges of measuring outcomes and the need for clearer metrics to promote equity in higher education.

In this enlightening discussion, Rick Staisloff, founder of RPK Group, shares his expertise on college budgeting intricacies. He delves into the differences between centralized and decentralized budget models, shedding light on tuition discounting challenges. Rick emphasizes the need for data-driven decision-making and accountability to enhance financial sustainability. He also unpacks the significance of auxiliary revenues and the importance of adopting an ROI mindset to navigate today’s financial pressures facing higher education institutions.

Katie Caves, Director at Switzerland’s Center on the Economics and Management of Education and Training Systems, shares her expertise on the Swiss apprenticeship model. She reveals how this system effectively balances vocational and academic pathways, involving about 70% of Swiss youth. Caves discusses the model's prestige, its economic benefits for employers, and how American institutions can learn from its structured approach. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced in building similar systems in the U.S., particularly in Indiana.

Ann Krischner, a university professor at CUNY and ASU, and Chris Hein, Field CTO at Google Public Sector, delve into the transformative potential of AI in higher education. They discuss the urgent need for comprehensive institutional AI strategies and the implications for workforce education. The conversation highlights the importance of partnerships between universities and tech companies to ensure equitable access to AI resources. They also explore the challenges for liberal arts amidst a STEM focus and the significance of ethical considerations in AI adoption.

Mergers aren’t easy. They demand careful analysis, difficult decisions, and tricky stakeholder management. But they are becoming increasingly necessary as dropping enrollments make going it alone less viable for more and more institutions. So, Michael and Jeff sat down with the presidents of two colleges in Ohio that are in the process of merging and the consultant that helped guide them through it to learn more about how to do so successfully. They discuss how to find the right partner, navigate federal approval processes, and manage the emotional elements. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and The Gates Foundation. Links We MentionStrategic Mergers in Higher Education by Ricardo Azziz et al. Chapters0:00 - Introduction01:32 - Future U’s Coverage of M&A03:26 - A Merger in Northwest Ohio04:44 - Pursuing a Partnership08:29 - Finding the Right Fit10:45 - The Challenging Federal Approval Process16:21 - Managing Stakeholder Communications22:09 - Lessons Learned27:04 - The Leadership Characteristics Required30:46 - The Timeline of Mergers39:03 - Managing the Emotional Element 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.

This year, thousands of students will be accepted to colleges without ever submitting a formal application. That’s because more and more schools are automatically accepting students who meet preset performance thresholds through direct admissions programs. To learn more about this growing trend, Michael and Jeff welcome Luke Skurman who is CEO of Niche.com, one of the nation’s largest direct admissions platforms. They discuss the benefits and risks of this innovation and dig into how it changes the dynamics between schools and students. Michael and Jeff then envision the variety of changes required in the college admissions process. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Gates Foundation, and the American College of Education. Chapters0:00 Intro02:26 - The Backstory on Direct Admissions06:35 - How Niche Direct Admissions Works09:09 - The Benefit to Students and Institutions11:29 - Another Application Count Booster?14:25 - Obstacle or Litmus Test?15:56 - Changing Dynamics19:40 - The Competitive Landscape20:41 - What’s Next?25:38 - The Three Parts of Admissions30:23 - Weighing the Pros and Cons of Direct Admissions36:26 - Reimagining the College Admissions Process 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.

Richard Reeves, author of "Of Boys and Men" and president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, dives into the widening gender gap in higher education. He discusses the alarming decline in male enrollment, examining societal implications and cultural shifts that affect young men's education. Reeves highlights the role of academic preparedness and college recruitment strategies, the impact of the pandemic, and the troubling trend of young males disengaging from education and work. He calls for targeted interventions to address these pressing challenges.

As the new year unfolds, experts predict a transformative phase for higher education by 2025. They highlight significant challenges, from outdated infrastructure to shifting student demands. The urgent need for innovative learning methods and institutional collaboration is emphasized. The tide of competition intensifies, with rival institutions facing enrollment battles. Additionally, many academics are leaving universities for industry roles, reshaping the research landscape. Accelerated programs and financial partnerships are set to redefine traditional educational values.