
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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edupexperience.com
We make education YOUR business!
Latest episodes

Jan 13, 2025 • 55min
What Running a Global University Looks Like in 2025 - with Dr. Alan Kadish, President, Touro University
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #1,013, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #332, & brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Dr. Alan Kadish, President, Touro University
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How does Touro manage operations across 11 cities & multiple academic models?
What drove Touro's successful pivot to remote learning during COVID-19?
Why is transparency with faculty & board relationships critical for presidential longevity?
How is Touro integrating AI into healthcare education & operations?
What role do provosts play in managing complex institutional diversity?
How does Touro maintain stability while serving diverse student populations?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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?
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Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.com
Thank 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!

Jan 10, 2025 • 45min
How to Spot a Failing College: A Professor's Warning - with Jonathan Nichols, Former Professor, Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, & Author, Requiem for a College
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #1,012, part of a special EdUp College Closure Miniseries - Through the Eyes of..., brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference & Ellucian LIVE 2025
YOUR guest is Jonathan Nichols, Former Professor, Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, & Author, Requiem for a College
YOUR host is Dr. Jay M. Keehn. Dr. Jay M. Keehn was employed by Union Institute & University for eighteen years. UI&U formerly announced its’ closure in June, 2024. During his tenure, he held roles as faculty, director of academic programs, campus executive director, and dean of students. Dr. Keehn is the founder of THE CLUB, a monthly get-together of professionals affected by their college closing. In THE CLUB, people share their stories and socialize around the current landscape while looking at what may be Tomorrow’s Higher Education.
How do faculty members navigate the challenging path of institutional closure?
What are the warning signs of potential college closure?
How does institutional closure impact faculty mental health & wellness?
What measures can help faculty prepare for potential closures?
How can institutions better manage communication during crisis?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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?
Do YOU want to get all this while helping to sustain EdUp?
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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 10, 2025 • 54min
What Hollywood Isn't Telling YOU About Film School - with Michael Young, President, & Sonny Calderon, VP of Academic Affairs, New York Film Academy
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #1,011, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #331, & brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guests are Michael Young, President, & Sonny Calderon, VP of Academic Affairs, New York Film Academy
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How did NYFA evolve from a hands-on conservatory to offering comprehensive degree programs?
What makes NYFA's faculty "unicorns" in combining professional work & teaching?
How does storytelling remain constant amid rapidly changing technology?
What role does AI play in the future of filmmaking & creative education?
Why are the arts & hands-on creative experiences essential for human development?
How does NYFA's global student community enhance the learning experience?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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?
Do YOU want to get all this while helping to sustain EdUp?
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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 10, 2025 • 46min
How 250 Years of Resignation Letters Reveal Higher Ed's True Evolution - with Lauren Zalaznick, Editor, Letters from the Corporation of Brown University
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #1,010, brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference & Ellucian LIVE 2025
YOUR guest is Lauren Zalaznick, Editor, Letters from the Corporation of Brown University
YOUR host is Dr. Jodi Blinko
How do resignation letters tell the story of higher education's evolution from 1764-2023?
What drove Brown University's growth in academic programs & inclusiveness?
How does diverse leadership contribute to institutional excellence & student success?
Why is understanding historical context valuable for today's campus challenges?
What role do institutional values & mission play in navigating modern challenges?
How can higher ed maintain core values while adapting to contemporary needs?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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, & much 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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 9, 2025 • 42min
How Transparent Leadership & Innovation Doubled Enrollment at Rowan - with Dr. Ali A. Houshmand, President, Rowan University
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #1,009, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #330, & brought to YOU by Uwill
YOUR guest is Dr. Ali A. Houshmand, President, Rowan University
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How did Rowan transform from a normal school to a major research university?
What drives the university's commitment to low-income student access & affordability?
How has transparent leadership & collaboration led to doubling enrollment?
Why is Rowan one of only two universities nationally with three medical schools?
How are innovative partnerships with community colleges expanding access?
What role does AI & technology play in reshaping higher education's future?
Ad-Free & extended conversation ONLY for #EdUp Subscribers includes:
Dr. Houshmand's insights on community college partnerships
The importance of maintaining liberal arts education
His perspective on ROI beyond first job outcomes
Strategic approaches to system-building & student access
Views on trade education & comprehensive programming
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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?
Do YOU want to get all this while helping to sustain EdUp?
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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 9, 2025 • 53min
When Colleges Close: A President's Perspective & The Impact on Community- with Dr. David Evans, Former President, Southern Vermont College
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #1,008, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #329, part of a special EdUp College Closure Miniseries - Through the Eyes of..., brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference & Ellucian LIVE 2025
YOUR guest is Dr. David Evans, Former President, Southern Vermont College
YOUR host is Dr. Jay M. Keehn. Dr. Jay M. Keehn was employed by Union Institute & University for eighteen years. UI&U formerly announced its’ closure in June, 2024. During his tenure, he held roles as faculty, director of academic programs, campus executive director, and dean of students. Dr. Keehn is the founder of THE CLUB, a monthly get-together of professionals affected by their college closing. In THE CLUB, people share their stories and socialize around the current landscape while looking at what may be Tomorrow’s Higher Education.
How do college presidents navigate the challenging path to institutional closure?
What happens when multiple survival strategies don't align with timing?
How do leaders balance transparency with board directives during crisis?
What measures can be taken to protect students & faculty during closure?
How does institutional closure impact leadership mental health & wellness?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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?
Do YOU want to get all this while helping to sustain EdUp?
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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 8, 2025 • 43min
How to Serve the Some-College-No-Credential Market - with Sara Leoni, CEO, Ziplines Education
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #1,007, brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference & Ellucian LIVE 2025
YOUR guest is Sara Leoni, CEO, Ziplines Education
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
What makes short-term certificates different from traditional degrees?
How does Ziplines partner with universities to deliver relevant curriculum?
Why is updating curriculum weekly sometimes necessary in tech-focused courses?
How can institutions better serve the some-college-no-credential market?
What role does personalization play in student success?
How does regional labor market data inform course offerings & career paths?
Ad-Free & extended conversation ONLY for #EdUp Subscribers includes:
Deep dive into digital marketing strategies
Discussion of student acquisition costs
Strategic approaches to conversion optimization
Insights on building scalable education models
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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?
Do YOU want to get all this while helping to sustain EdUp?
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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 6, 2025 • 38min
Sticky Campuses - w/ Joe Ross, Reach University, Dr. Char Perlas, College of the Siskiyous, Dr. Dennis C. Rittle, Dr. Diana Johnson, & Dr. Justin White, Northwest Arkansas Community College
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #1,006, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #326, #327, #328, & brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guests are Joe Ross, President, Reach University, Dr. Char Perlas, Superintendent/President, College of the Siskiyous, Dr. Dennis C. Rittle, President, Dr. Diana Johnson, Senior VP of Learning, & Dr. Justin White, VP of Student Affairs & Strategic Initiatives, Northwest Arkansas Community College
YOUR host is Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Host, EdUp Accreditation Insights
How are institutions preparing for election day impacts on campus?
What strategies are colleges implementing for AI integration & training?
How are institutions supporting students' post-COVID mental health needs?
Why is creating a "sticky campus" crucial for student success?
What advice do presidents have for aspiring higher ed leaders?
How do presidents maintain work-life balance in demanding roles?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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?
Do YOU want to get all this while helping to sustain EdUp?
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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 4, 2025 • 44min
What Systemic Change Looks Like: Inside Houston's New Education System - with Mike Miles, Superintendent, Houston ISD
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #1,005, brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Mike Miles, Superintendent, Houston ISD
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is HISD transforming education with their New Education System (NES)?
What makes whole-scale systemic reform different from incremental changes?
Why did NES expand from 28 to 130 schools in just two years?
How is HISD addressing educational inequity across the district?
What role does AI & critical thinking play in preparing students for 2035?
Why is the Art of Thinking course crucial for modern education?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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?
Do YOU want to get all this while helping to sustain EdUp?
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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 4, 2025 • 40min
How Hiring Has Changed: Navigating the Convergence Zone in Higher Ed Recruitment - with Marcie Glenn, CEO, Another Source
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #1,004, brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Marcie Glenn, CEO, Another Source
YOUR cohost is Dr. Greg Pillar, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, Queens University of Charlotte
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is the "convergence zone" reshaping higher ed hiring?
What makes job descriptions & job advertisements fundamentally different?
Why should cover letters come later in the hiring process?
How can institutions speed up their hiring timeline?
What role does AI play in modern recruitment?
Why do generational differences matter in benefits & job marketing?
Ad-Free & extended conversation ONLY for #EdUp Subscribers includes:
Deep dive into AI's impact on hiring processes
Discussion of DEI considerations in recruitment
Strategic approaches to candidate evaluation
Insights on building inclusive teams
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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?
Do YOU want to get all this while helping to sustain EdUp?
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.com
Thank 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!