Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

To kick off the new year, host Jeff Selingo welcomes Lynn Perry Wooten, President of Simmons University, for a conversation on the unique position of smaller universities in higher education. They discuss some vital concerns facing smaller universities like Simmons, such as combining less popular liberal arts majors, combatting dropping college enrollment numbers, and embracing online education programs. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.Links MentionedStrategies for Digital TransformationKey Moments(0:00) - Intro(4:10) - Small college challenges and strategic planning(11:51) - Small college competitiveness and online education(19:58) - Leadership and collaboration in higher education(21:31) - Higher education leadership and decision-making(27:00) - Higher education data analysis and institutional growth(32:42) - Online education and revenue diversification at Simmons College 

Hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn wrap up 2023 by discussing some headlines in higher ed, including the reaction on campuses to the Israel-Hamas War, the big changes afoot at 2U, and more college closures. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.LinksNo Revenge for Nerds? Evaluating the Careers of Ivy League AthletesKey Moments(0:00) - Intro(2:29) - College campuses and generational divides(9:20) - Higher education challenges and solutions(13:31) - The decline of 2U and the future of online education(19:03) - Online education, university finances, and potential bankruptcy(26:14) - College admissions and career outcomes(32:54) - Nate Silver hiring preferences

David Leonhardt, New York Times columnist and author of "Ours Was The Shining Future," dives into higher education's pivotal role in shaping the American Dream. He explores the historical impact of the high-school movement and draws parallels to potential changes in higher ed today. The conversation tackles the question of college value amidst skepticism, the need for diverse educational pathways, and the increasing political polarization affecting public support for education. Leonhardt advocates for an inclusive and innovative approach to learning.

Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn take their conversation on the road with another stop on the Future U. Campus Tour, this time visiting the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. They sat down with president Santa Ono to discuss the future of higher education and Michigan's role in the local and global communities. Following that interview, Jeff and Michael had a discussion with a panel on a range of topics from sustainability to student wellness, and highlighting what it means in 2023 to be a public flagship with a national profile and serve the community at the same time. This episode is sponsored by Dell Technologies and Google Chrome OS.Key Moments(0:00) - Intro(4:54) - The role of the University of Michigan in the state and beyond(10:36) - Higher education, trust, and community involvement in Detroit(16:04) - The future of higher education and the Big Ten conference(21:37) - Mental health challenges in college students(27:41) - Mental health support for college students during pandemic(30:29) - Pandemic's impact on college experience and mental health(32:40) - Supporting international students at the University of Michigan(34:56) - Collective impact and sustainability in higher education(36:40) - Value of study abroad(42:45) - Global education and diversity at the University of Michigan(46:59) - Mental health supports for university staff(52:14) - Jeff Selingo's takeaways(54:07) - Michael Horn's Takeaways Connect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)ThreadsConnect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedInSubmit 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 Part 2 of our conversation with Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Chancellor of Reach University, we discuss why their model of the apprenticeship teacher is better than the traditional student-teacher model, how public universities that historically educated the bulk of teachers are following the Reach model, and how the idea can be scaled to other public-sector jobs in rural areas. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group.Links We MentionReach University Key Moments(0:00) - Intro(2:47) - Teacher training and education in rural areas(6:38) - Apprenticeship-based teacher education model and its potential expansion(10:08) - Teacher shortages and innovative solutions(15:58) - Job-embedded learning in various industries(17:33) - Education model for teacher preparation.(28:57) - Rural education and apprenticeships 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)ThreadsLinkedIn Connect 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 too many rural areas, workers lack access to affordable training pathways to high-quality jobs. Jeff and Michael sit down with Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Chancellor of Reach University, to learn about how Reach is addressing this challenge with an apprenticeship approach to teacher education. In the first of this two-part conversation, they discuss the theory and practice that informed Reach’s founding and the college’s innovative enrollment, training, and funding models. Michael considers how Reach’s clear focus helps keep their costs low, and Jeff discusses the importance of career-connected learning. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group.LinksAscendium Education GroupKey Moments(0:00) - Intro(2:45) - Innovative higher education model(4:57) - Rural teacher shortages and innovative solutions(8:28) - The importance of experience in education(11:54) - Alternative university model for teacher certification(17:57) - Education and career development(23:38) - Innovative teacher education model for rural areas

Author Ana Homayoun discusses cultivating relationships for student success in higher ed, focusing on social connections, soft skills development, and redefining success beyond grades. Topics include networking challenges, intergenerational relationships, and fostering meaningful connections in college.

Jeff and Michael are joined by the CEOs of Academic Partnerships, Fernando Bleichmar, and Coursera, Jeff Maggioncalda, to talk about the future of online learning, including a new study on ROI, the role of degrees vs. credentials in the job market, and what AI will mean for online ed. This episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.Key Moments00:00 - Intro04:58 - ROI of Online Programs at Universities10:45 - Online Education and Pricing with Coursera and Academic Partners16:04 - Future of Higher Education Partnerships21:01 - Online learning, Certifications, and Their Value in the Job Market26:27 - The Impact of AI on Higher Education.33:17 - Higher Education Innovation And Online Learning36:42 - Disruptive Innovation In Higher Education With A Focus On Pricing40:29 - Higher Ed Partnerships And Their Impact On The Future Of Online Education47:09 - Education and Government RegulationLinks We MentionedAcademic Partnerships Report on ROI

In this episode, hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn delve into the world of data analytics, as they discuss the evolution of data science needs across various industries and how universities are preparing students to meet those needs in the workforce. They then offer hot takes on recent higher ed headlines, from disenchantment with higher ed to the lack of economic diversity at exclusive institutions. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.Key MomentsIntroduction [02:38]: The hosts, Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo, introduce the episode and discuss the annual New York Times Education Issue and the importance of data science skills across various industries. New York Times Education Issue [00:13:25]: Michael and Jeff delve into the New York Times Education Issue, discussing its timing, content, and the use of outside writers for the issue. Value of Higher Education [00:15:00]: The hosts analyze an article by Paul Tough on the declining faith in the value of college, discussing root causes of this disenchantment, and the role of informal learning through non-accredited institutions, online platforms, apprenticeships, and certification programs.College Access Index [00:21:51]: Jeff discusses the New York Times magazine story David Leonhardt and Ashley Wu about the college access index.Links We MentionTurning Data into WisdomUpcoming Next Office Hour Webinars and Archives

Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn review  recent headlines around higher ed before they speak in person to a community college board at a retreat in Sun Valley, Idaho. They compare the different value propositions of two- and four-year colleges and discuss government intervention into university mergers and acquisitions. Other topics they discuss include legacy admissions and the value of credentials from prestigious universities. And Jeff makes an exciting announcement: his new book! The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.   Key Moments00:00 Intro00:03:36 Declining enrollment at community colleges.00:09:35 Co-location with four-year colleges.00:12:13 Dual enrollment in community colleges.00:14:28 Dual enrollment funding disparities.00:18:29 Merger and acquisition reviews.00:22:03 Community college focus on employment.00:24:24 Legacy admissions in higher education.00:28:56 Seeing colleges as businesses.00:31:21 Cheaper credentials and alumni networks.00:34:30 Planning for college challenges.   Links We MentionedDually Noted: Understanding the Link Between Dual Enrollment Course Characteristics and Students’ Course and College Enrollment OutcomesHow Can Community Colleges Afford to Offer Dual Enrollment College Courses to High School Students at a Discount?