
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

May 7, 2025 • 45min
This Framework Will Transform Your Storytelling Power Forever - with Dr. Danny Brassell, Co-Founder, The WellCrafted Workshop
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Dr. Danny Brassell, Co-Founder, The WellCrafted WorkshopYOUR host is Dr. Jodi BlincoHow can you transform your personal experiences into powerful business stories?Why is clarity the essential first step in crafting an effective presentation?How does focusing on service rather than selling build stronger connections?What role do the "Five Cs" play in creating presentations that inspire action?Why must speakers address both the "Joe Fridays" & "Julia Roberts" in your audience?Topics include:Creating authentic connections through vulnerabilityThe power of starting with clarity about your audience & problemTransforming failures into relatable stories that build trustThe Home Depot approach: offering both short-term & long-term solutionsSupporting audiences through practical strategies & positive messagingListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank 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!

May 6, 2025 • 47min
How AI & Brain Architecture Are Reshaping the Future of Higher Education - with Dr. Richard J. Bailey, Jr., President, Southern Oregon University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #365, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodCon YOUR guest is Dr. Richard J. Bailey, Jr., President, Southern Oregon UniversityYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is SOU navigating challenges in today's higher education landscape?What makes Ashland, Oregon "the coziest college town in America"?How does SOU balance growth with providing quality education?What strategies help retain students facing social & emotional wellness challenges?How is SOU implementing an accountability mindset across campus?Topics include:Creating a nimble, creative & collaborative university for the futureFinding the "sweet spot" as a regional public university of 5,300 studentsBalancing innovation with accountability through the "five questions" approachRecovering from significant financial challengesAdapting to AI & changing student learning patternsFostering a campus culture centered on personalized attention & love For #EdUp subscribers only via the extended conversation:Implementing an accountability mindset in higher educationBuilding sustainable financial practices after crisis responseCreating transparent processes for new investmentsEstablishing cultural touchstones for institutional accountabilityLearning from difficult decisions to prevent future challengesSetting the stage for long-term institutional successListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank 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!

May 2, 2025 • 37min
How The Community Solution is Transforming Academic Integrity Across Six Campuses - with Dr. Cherron R. Hoppes, Chief Academic Officer, The Community Solution Education System
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is Dr. Cherron R. Hoppes, Chief Academic Officer, The Community Solution Education SystemYOUR cohost is Bradley Emi, Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does Dr. Hoppes define academic integrity & its relationship to meaningful assessment?What strategies does the Community Solution use to maintain consistency across six institutions?How does the system approach integrating AI while preserving academic integrity?What approach do faculty take when balancing AI as a learning tool versus potential cheating risk?Why does Dr. Hoppes focus on creating "teachable moments" rather than punitive measures?Topics include:Creating support systems for academic integrity across multiple institutionsThe importance of faculty designing meaningful assessments versus "busy work"Developing clear & consistent AI policies across disciplinesUsing AI disclosure logs as a learning opportunityThe Academic Administrators Fellowship Academy for faculty developmentThe AI teaching & learning task force initiative connecting cross-institutional expertiseListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank 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!

May 1, 2025 • 43min
What This Appalachian University Did to Build 3 Medical Schools & Revitalize a Region - with Dr. Burton Webb, President, University of Pikeville
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #364, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodCon & EDUP Xcelerated ExcellenceYOUR guest is Dr. Burton Webb, President, University of PikevilleYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow are rural institutions serving as economic catalysts in Appalachia?Why is retaining students & creating educational pathways critical for regional development?How can universities create their own businesses to drive employment?What role does institutional culture play in faculty & staff retention?How is UPIKE addressing healthcare needs in Central Appalachia?Topics include:Building medical & health science education in rural communitiesCreating innovative 7-year undergraduate-to-professional degree pathwaysResponding to natural disasters & supporting community recoveryDriving economic diversification through university-led startupsAdapting to AI & emerging educational technologiesDeveloping zero-cost textbook initiatives using OER resourcesFor YOUR #EdUp subscribers only via the extended conversation:Leadership insights from a decade as university presidentBuilding strong teams & trusting relationshipsNavigating rural institution recruitment challengesTurning crisis into opportunity for innovationTransforming campus culture into a supportive familyEliminating textbook costs through OER adoptionListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank 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!

Apr 30, 2025 • 47min
Why This Consultant Donated His Entire Business to a University - with Frank Casagrande, Senior Consultant, & Dr. David Bauer, Director, Casa Grande Institute for Higher Education Effectiveness
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guests are Frank Casagrande, Senior Consultant, & Dr. David Bauer, Director, Casa Grande Institute for Higher Education EffectivenessYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow did Frank Casagrande donate his consulting firm to Viterbo University?What unique credibility comes from a higher ed consultancy embedded within a university?Why do faculty compensation perspectives differ across institution types?How does the "margin for mission" approach benefit students at Viterbo?What new services is the Institute developing beyond executive & faculty compensation?Topics include:Understanding compensation structures across higher educationNavigating faculty perceptions of fair compensationCreating appropriate benchmark groups for compensation analysisExploring academic program mix analysis for institutional effectivenessBuilding transparency in compensation decision-makingExpanding into grant evaluation & servant leadership developmentListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank 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!

Apr 29, 2025 • 52min
Will This AI Tool Solve Higher Ed's Enrollment Crisis? - with Matt Foran, Founder & CEO, KnowMeQ
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Matt Foran, Founder & CEO, KnowMeQYOUR host is Dr. Jodi BlincoHow can AI tools transform credit for prior learning in higher education?Why is knowing oneself the most important "Q" for career success?How does simplifying prior learning assessment increase student enrollment?What role can AI play in creating equitable educational pathways?Why must institutions improve accessibility for non-traditional students & veterans?Topics include:AI-powered credit assessment solutionsRemoving barriers for adult learnersCreating educational pathways for military veteransTransforming resource-intensive processes into revenue generatorsSupporting lifelong learning through employer partnershipsListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank 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!

Apr 28, 2025 • 42min
AI for Learning vs. AI for Productivity - with Mike Larsen, CEO, Studiosity
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Mike Larsen, CEO, StudiosityYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioWhat is AI for learning versus AI for productivity?How is Studiosity providing learning-focused AI solutions globally?How can institutions implement AI that enhances critical thinking rather than replacing it?What challenges do students face with academic integrity & AI usage?How is Studiosity expanding with new operations in Salt Lake City?Topics include:Creating AI that provides formative feedback rather than correctionsDemonstrating a 4.4X ROI on student retention & satisfactionHelping students develop agency & critical thinking skillsAddressing faculty concerns about AI adoptionTaking an LLM-agnostic approach to future-proof solutionsEncouraging students to rediscover the love of learningListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank 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!

Apr 24, 2025 • 38min
What Makes an Effective AI Policy? - with Dr. Elizabeth Skomp, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs, Stetson University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is Dr. Elizabeth Skomp, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs, Stetson UniversityYOUR cohost is Bradley Emi, Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does Dr. Skomp define academic integrity & its student-led honor system at Stetson? What strategies does Stetson use with their honor pledge & code? How does Stetson integrate AI tools ethically with their 3 syllabus templates? What approach does faculty take when considering AI in course design? Why does the university focus on "learning opportunities" rather than punitive measures? Topics include:Creating a student-led, faculty-advised honor system The importance of faculty modeling academic integrity Developing flexible AI policies that preserve academic freedom Using AI disclosure as a trust-building approach Faculty development for AI-adapted teaching methods The "Hatter Ready" initiative connecting experiential learning & academic integrity Listen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank 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!

Apr 23, 2025 • 38min
Why Trade Schools Are More Popular Than the Ivy League - with Brady Colby, Head of Market Research, Validated Insights
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Brady Colby, Head of Market Research, Validated InsightsYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow are trade schools reaching the "hockey stick" growth phase?Why do trade schools now have higher favorability than Ivy League institutions?How are revenues growing at 11.1% while enrollment rises 4.9%?What differentiates public & proprietary trade school performance?Why aren't traditional institutions seeing the same growth with similar programs?Topics include:Defining trade schools in the higher education landscapeAnalyzing the 60% enrollment in non-degree programsExamining growth areas in healthcare, green energy maintenance & cosmetologyUnderstanding the projected 6.6% annual growth through 2030Exploring whether trade schools "cannibalize" traditional enrollmentListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank 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!

Apr 22, 2025 • 52min
How One College Increased Retention by 5% Through Mobile Technology - with Dr. Anne Clancy, National Executive, Higher Education Strategy, T-Mobile
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Dr. Anne Clancy, National Executive, Higher Education Strategy, T-MobileYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is T-Mobile helping close the digital divide in higher education?What makes ubiquitous connectivity essential for today's students?How can universities justify the investment in technology infrastructure?Why did one college see a 5% increase in retention with T-Mobile's solution?How is campus Wi-Fi no longer sufficient for modern learning needs?Topics include:Digital equity & student successCampus infrastructure enhancementTechnology as a learning resourceMobile-first connectivity solutionsInnovative partnership modelsFor #EdUp Subscribers only via the extended conversation:Transitioning from higher ed to tech industryThe future of credentialing & micro-credentialsChallenges of institutional digital transformationDecision-making processes in tech investmentsAdapting to changing student technology needsListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank 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!