
The EdUp Experience
We welcome YOU to America’s leading higher education podcast! Hosted by Dr. Joe Sallustio, whose down-to-Earth approach & industry experience helps to make dry & complicated educational topics more fun & engaging to discuss. Elvin Freytes, Producer, brings YOU the most innovative leaders in higher education to the microphone. The EdUp Experience team brings over 40 years of experience in higher education - YOU will feel refreshed, upskilled, & reskilled after listening to this podcast.
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Latest episodes

Jul 16, 2025 • 56min
Why This President's Pop-Up Office Strategy Went Viral - with Dr. G. Devin Stephenson, President, Florida Polytechnic University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, President Series #383 powered By Ellucian,YOUR guest is Dr. G. Devin Stephenson, President, Florida Polytechnic UniversityYOUR cohost is Christi Segal, Vice President for Business Development, EllucianYOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio How is Florida Poly producing graduates with the highest income & lowest debt among Florida universities?What makes their STEM-focused education model different from traditional universities?How are pop-up president's offices & president's pins building student connections?Topics include:Leading with emotional intelligence & people-focused leadershipOperating at the speed of business in higher educationBuilding a culture that embraces change & responds to industry needsListen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

Jul 15, 2025 • 45min
What Makes a 96% Job Placement Rate Possible? - with Dr. Bennie L. Harris, Chancellor, University of South Carolina Upstate
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, President Series #382 powered By Ellucian,YOUR guest is Dr. Bennie L. Harris, Chancellor, University of South Carolina UpstateYOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio How did USC Upstate navigate enrollment challenges during COVID?What makes the university's $623 million economic impact so significant?How is the university serving a diverse student population?Topics include:Leading through COVID while cutting $10 million without layoffsAchieving 9-14% increases in new student enrollmentServing a diverse student body with 55% on Pell GrantsListen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

Jul 13, 2025 • 37min
Why Leaders Fail: Human Treachery & Leadership Crucibles - with Dr. Gayle Beebe, President, Westmont College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, President Series #381, Powered By Ellucian, YOUR guest is Dr. Gayle Beebe, President, Westmont College & Author of The Crucibles That Shape Us: Navigating the Defining Challenges of LeadershipYOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio How has Dr. Beebe maintained leadership freshness over 18 years as president?What disciplines contribute to sustainable leadership longevity?How did Peter Drucker influence his approach to leadership development?What are the "crucibles" that shape effective leaders?How is Westmont College addressing AI & educational innovation?Topics include:Developing & deploying highly effective executive teamsCreating a personal "aspiring edge" that prevents stagnationBalancing the liberal arts tradition with innovative programsImplementing a human-centered approach to leadershipManaging the business of higher education with mission focusAddressing enrollment challenges in today's higher education landscapeCultivating disciplined leadership practices that withstand challengesFor EdUp Supporters only via the extended conversation:The "12 principles" for outlasting opposition in leadershipUnderstanding & confronting "human treachery" in organizationsRecognizing the difference between saboteurs & charlatansCultivating emotional presence during organizational changeNavigating the coming enrollment cliff & adaptation strategiesBalancing financial management with educational missionListen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

Jul 10, 2025 • 48min
The AI Paradox: Why This College President Embraces What Others Fear - with Dr. Amy Bosley, President, Northwest Vista College
Dr. Amy Bosley, President of Northwest Vista College, leads a transformative discussion on redefining academic integrity and assessment in higher education. She highlights how AI can be a democratizing force rather than a threat, fostering authentic student engagement. The conversation touches on the institution's innovative School of Emerging Technologies and the integration of humanities into tech programs. Bosley also advocates for personalized assessment techniques, emphasizing critical thinking over traditional testing methods to prepare students for a technology-driven job market.

Jul 9, 2025 • 49min
Why 99% of These Students Get Jobs Before Graduation - with Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President, Kettering University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, President Series #379, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President, Kettering UniversityYOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio How does Kettering's 100-year-old cooperative education model prepare students for the workforce? What makes a 12-week rotation between classroom & professional work so effective? How do students graduate with 2-2.5 years of professional experience alongside their degree? What creates 99-100% placement rates for Kettering graduates? How does real-time industry feedback transform curriculum & teaching methods? Topics include:Revolutionary cooperative education model alternating classroom learning & professional work Students as paid employees with benefits during their co-op rotations Partnership with 500+ companies worldwide across multiple industries Faculty adapting curriculum based on real-time industry feedback from students Early career pivoting opportunities allowing students to find their true passion Breaking the traditional "hunting & gathering" talent acquisition approach Listen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

Jul 8, 2025 • 34min
What Student Affairs Professionals Need to Know About the Future of Higher Ed - with Dr. Amelia Parnell, President, NASPA
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, brought to YOU by UwillYOUR guest is Dr. Amelia Parnell, President, NASPAYOUR host is Elvin Freytes How is NASPA building community among 14,000+ student affairs professionals? What strategies are improving student health & wellbeing on today's campuses? How is the organization supporting professionals across 2,000+ institutions? What role does research & policy analysis play in advancing student affairs? How is NASPA adapting to incorporate AI & new technologies? Topics include:The unique value of NASPA's 100+ year history in higher education Creating personalized membership experiences & curated professional pathways Implementing effective conferences & knowledge communities for networking Developing resources focused on student health, safety & wellbeing Expanding research capacity to identify current & future trends in student affairs Listen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

Jul 6, 2025 • 42min
What Every College Leader Can Learn from Rural University Innovation - with Dr. Kelly A. Ryan, President, Eastern Oregon University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, President Series #378, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Dr. Kelly A. Ryan, President, Eastern Oregon UniversityYOUR cohost is Charlie Anastasi, VP, Revenue & Academic Partnerships, Rize EducationYOUR host is Dr. Jodi (Ashbrook) Blinco, Vice President for Enrollment Management Consulting, EducationDynamics How is Eastern Oregon University serving its unique rural student population?What strategies are improving student success & retention in a frontier setting?How is the university creating a supportive culture for faculty & staff wellness?What role does online education play in providing equitable access in rural America?How is EOU addressing the rural-urban divide in higher education attainment?Topics include:Balancing online & in-person education for different student demographicsCreating "one-stop shop" support services for first-generation studentsImplementing mental health resources through innovative Canvas programsDeveloping professional development opportunities despite budget constraintsExpanding access through new initiatives like adults in custody education programsListen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

7 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 38min
Why Banning AI in Schools Is Like Banning the Internet in 1995 - with Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Academic Strategy, Instructure
It's YOUR time to #EdUpClick here to support Elvin & Joe!In this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Academic Strategy, Instructure YOUR cohost is Bradley Emi , Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does Ryan define academic integrity in the age of AI & why traditional definitions are fundamentally changing? Why is banning AI tools like looking at the internet as a productivity killer in the 1990s? What can educators learn from Ryan's global travels about different approaches to AI & academic integrity? How are students in developing nations approaching AI differently than those in North America & Europe? Why is Ryan predicting a "wave of AI feral children" crashing onto higher education? Topics include:The shift from effort-based to outcome-based measures of academic integrity Why AI literacy must be part of preparing good members of society The need to redesign assessments that can't be "gamed" by AI How AI can be both the cause of & solution to academic integrity challenges The importance of teaching students the "why" behind assignments to prevent shortcuts Moving from "don't use AI" to "here's how to use AI ethically" Creating collaborative AI policies involving teachers, students & administrators The difference between AI as a cheating tool vs. AI as an assistant for learning Why the focus should be on ensuring learning happens, not blocking technology The critical need for human expertise as the "human in the loop" with AI tools Listen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!P.S. If YOU like what YOU hear, feel free to support our efforts to keep us going!

Jul 2, 2025 • 26min
Why the Academic Mission is Losing to the Football Machine - with Jay Paterno, Former Coach, Penn State University, & Author of Blitzed
It's YOUR time to #EdUp Click here to support Elvin & Joe!In this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Jay Paterno, Former Coach, Penn State University, & Author of BlitzedYOUR host is Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Host, EdUp Accreditation Insights How is the new 12-team playoff format affecting student-athletes' academic performance? What mental health challenges are emerging in the NIL & transfer portal era? How are gambling & social media creating new pressures for college athletes? Topics include:Balancing athletic demands with academic priorities in extended playoff seasons Navigating the professionalization of student-athletes through NIL & revenue sharing Examining coaching stability & recruitment challenges in the expanded playoff format Listen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!P.S. If YOU like what YOU hear, feel free to support our efforts to keep us going!

Jul 1, 2025 • 33min
How AI-Powered Feedback is Doubling Student Completion Rates - with Gavin Cooney, CEO & Founder, Learnosity
It's YOUR time to #EdUp Click here to support Elvin & Joe!In this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Gavin Cooney, CEO & Founder, Learnosity YOUR host is Dr. Jodi (Ashbrook) Blinco, Vice President for Enrollment Management Consulting, EducationDynamics How is AI transforming assessment creation & feedback in education? What makes Learnocity's "building block" approach unique in the EdTech landscape? How is AI-powered feedback doubling completion rates in GED programs? Why is authentic assessment becoming more accessible with AI assistance? What should higher education leaders know about adapting to AI disruption? Topics include:Scaling assessment delivery across 40 million users worldwide Creating AI tools that enhance rather than replace human instruction Developing "Author Aid" to generate & customize assessment content Implementing "Feedback Aid" to reduce faculty workload & improve student outcomes Building accessibility features for diverse learning needs Listen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!P.S. If YOU like what YOU hear, feel free to support our efforts to keep us going!