
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.
LEARN MORE:
edupexperience.com
We make education YOUR business!
Latest episodes

Dec 2, 2024 • 54min
993: 30 Years of Innovation & Growth - with Dr. Mary B. Hawkins, President, Bellevue University
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #993, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #321, & brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Dr. Mary B. Hawkins, President, Bellevue University
YOUR cohost is Kevin Harrington, Co-Founder & CEO, Rize Education
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How has Bellevue maintained its innovative culture for three decades?
What's their approach to supporting faculty in driving change?
How are they adapting to meet changing student needs?
Why is being called "not legit" a badge of honor?
How do they evaluate which programs align with their mission?
What role does transparency play in institutional leadership?
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, for only $2.99 a month?
Then subscribe today to lock in YOUR $2.99/m life long founders rate!
This offer ends December 31, 2024!
Don't miss out - subscribe before the price jumps to $19.99/month!
BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY!
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!

Nov 27, 2024 • 40min
992: Community, Partnerships & Purpose - with Dr. Warren Hilton, President, Onondaga Community College
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #992, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #320, & brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Dr. Warren Hilton, President, Onondaga Community College (OCC)
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is OCC partnering with Micron on their historic $100B investment?
What role do navigators play in their student success strategy?
How are they achieving 70% of graduates with zero student loan debt?
What's driving their first persistence rate increase since 2016?
How are they breaking down silos with the four disciplines of execution?
Why is community their middle name & what does that mean for students?
Ad-Free & extended conversation ONLY for #EdUp Subscribers includes:
What's Warren's "master influencer" reputation all about?
What personal experiences drive his passion for community college leadership?
How does he manage program expansion while maintaining focus?
What's his "wild idea" for breaking down institutional silos?
How does he see private equity impacting skilled trades education?
What's his vision for higher ed institutions that will be "wildly successful"?
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, for only $2.99 a month?
Then subscribe today to lock in YOUR $2.99/m life long founders rate!
This offer ends December 31, 2024!
Don't miss out - subscribe before the price jumps to $19.99/month!
BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY!
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!

Nov 25, 2024 • 58min
991: Breaking the Tuition Code - with Ross Allen, President, Bethel University
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #991, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #319, & brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Ross Allen, President, Bethel University
YOUR cohost is Charlie Anastasi, VP, Revenue & Academic Partnerships, Rize Education
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is Bethel's tuition transparency initiative transforming access?
Why did they restructure to a discipline-based model starting with health sciences?
How are they maintaining mission while driving innovation?
What lessons from private industry apply to higher ed leadership?
How are they leveraging alumni relationships for transformational gifts?
What's their vision for the future of higher ed collaboration?
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, for only $2.99 a month?
Then subscribe today to lock in YOUR $2.99/m life long founders rate!
This offer ends December 31, 2024!
Don't miss out - subscribe before the price jumps to $19.99/month!
BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY!
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!

Nov 24, 2024 • 46min
990: The Power of Recognition - with Joshua Wyner, Founder & Executive Director of the College Excellence Program, Aspen Institute
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #990, brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR host is Joshua Wyner, Founder & Executive Director of the College Excellence Program, Aspen Institute
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How has the Aspen Prize transformed community college excellence?
What drives successful college leadership & presidential tenure?
Why is transfer student success still a critical challenge?
How are they increasing diversity in college leadership?
What makes the American Talent Initiative so impactful?
How are they strengthening board-president relationships?
Ad-Free & extended conversation ONLY for #EdUp subscribers includes:
Josh's insights on characteristics of high-performing presidents
His perspective on the future of college leadership
His views on declining presidential tenure trends
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, for only $2.99 a month?
Then subscribe today to lock in YOUR $2.99/m life long founders rate!
This offer ends December 31, 2024!
Don't miss out - subscribe before the price jumps to $19.99/month!
BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY!
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!

Nov 21, 2024 • 35min
989: The Power of Accessibility - with Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, President, Delaware County Community College
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #989, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #318, & brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, President, Delaware County Community College
YOUR host is Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Host, EdUp Accreditation Insights
How does Marta's first-gen immigrant experience shape her leadership approach?
What innovative strategies is Marta implementing to support 16,000+ diverse students?
How is Marta transforming a former Catholic school into a community hub?
What role do community colleges play in post-pandemic economic recovery?
How is Marta strengthening industry partnerships to enhance workforce readiness?
Why are basic needs support services crucial for student success?
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, for only $2.99 a month?
Then subscribe today to lock in YOUR $2.99/m life long founders rate!
This offer ends December 31, 2024!
Don't miss out - subscribe before the price jumps to $19.99/month!
BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY!
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!

Nov 20, 2024 • 30min
988: Digital Wellness & Student Success - with Arianna Huffington, Founder of The Huffington Post; Founder & CEO of Thrive Global
It's YOUR time to #EdUp!
In this episode, #988,
YOUR guest is Arianna Huffington, Founder of The Huffington Post; Founder & CEO of Thrive Global
YOUR cohost is Laura Ipsen, President & CEO, Ellucian
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How can micro-steps improve student wellness & success?
What role does AI play in personalizing mental health support?
Why is digital wellness coaching effective for students?
How can universities integrate wellbeing into education?
What makes humans unique in an AI-powered world?
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, for only $2.99 a month?
Then subscribe today to lock in YOUR $2.99/m life long founders rate!
This offer ends December 31, 2024!
Don't miss out - subscribe before the price jumps to $19.99/month!
BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY!
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!

Nov 19, 2024 • 47min
987: Servant Leadership in Action - with Dr. Len Jessup, Author & Former President, Claremont Graduate University, & UNLV
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #987, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #317, & brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Dr. Len Jessup, Author & Former President, Claremont Graduate University, & UNLV
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How does selfless leadership drive institutional success?
What are the key differences between leading public vs. private institutions?
Why is it critical to "go slow to go fast" in higher education leadership?
How can presidents balance institutional priorities with self-care?
What makes the role of university president increasingly challenging?
How can leaders effectively navigate higher ed's current headwinds?
Ad-Free & extended conversation ONLY for #EdUp subscribers includes:
Len's top 3 traits for aspiring college presidents
His insights on the most difficult aspects of presidency
His perspective on the changing landscape of higher education
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, for only $2.99 a month?
Then subscribe today to lock in YOUR $2.99/m life long founders rate!
This offer ends December 31, 2024!
Don't miss out - subscribe before the price jumps to $19.99/month!
BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY!
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!

Nov 18, 2024 • 54min
986: Beyond Traditional Models - with Steve Beard, President & CEO, Adtalem Global Education
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #986, brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Steve Beard, President & CEO, Adtalem Global Education
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is Adtalem addressing critical healthcare workforce shortages?
Why are they the largest provider of healthcare education in the US?
How are they breaking down barriers for underrepresented students?
What's driving their recent 30% stock price growth?
How do they maintain distinct institutional cultures while sharing core values?
What's their vision for the future of healthcare education?
Ad-Free & extended conversation ONLY for #EdUp subscribers includes:
Steve's insights on future growth strategy
His perspective on healthcare partnerships
His views on the evolving value proposition of higher education
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, for only $2.99 a month?
Then subscribe today to lock in YOUR $2.99/m life long founders rate!
This offer ends December 31, 2024!
Don't miss out - subscribe before the price jumps to $19.99/month!
BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY!
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!

Nov 14, 2024 • 34min
985: 24/7 Faculty Support? - with Emil Jimenez, Founder & CEO, MindBank Ai
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #985, brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Emil Jimenez, Founder & CEO,
MindBank Ai
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
What is a digital twin & how does MindBank AI create personalized AI versions of people?
How can digital twins support student retention & 24/7 faculty access?
What role can AI clones play in addressing mental health challenges?
How does voice cloning enable multilingual content delivery?
What implications does this technology have for global education?
How can digital twins enhance student support services?
What possibilities exist for scaling personalized tutoring?
How does emotional & personality analysis work in digital twins?
Listen in to #EdUp!
Accelerate YOUR Professional Development with EdUp!
Looking to stay ahead in higher education? Want exclusive access to content that enhances YOUR knowledge & connects YOU with leaders in the field?
For just $2.99/month, YOU’LL get:
• Early access to ad-free episodes
• Extended episodes & bonus content
• Original insights & special invites to exclusive events
• More resources tailored to higher education professionals like YOU
Lock in YOUR lifetime founders rate today! This special rate is only available until December 31, 2024. After that, the price will increase to $19.99/month.
By subscribing, YOU’LL not only invest in YOUR own growth but also help sustain EdUp’s mission to bring YOU quality content focused on advancing higher education.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Secure YOUR founders rate now before prices go up.
Join the EdUp Community Today!
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
We make education YOUR business!

Nov 13, 2024 • 50min
984: Simple by Design - with Stratsi Kulinski, President, NewU University
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #984, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #316, & brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Stratsi Kulinski, President, NewU University
YOUR cohost is Dr. Greg Pillar, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, Queens University of Charlotte
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is New U delivering a 120-credit bachelor's degree in 3 years without summer terms?
What innovative design principles allow for $3,000/semester out-of-pocket costs?
How are simplified policies & procedures driving student success?
Why focus on just 5 carefully selected, future-proof majors?
What makes the 100% in-person model work for first-generation students?
How is New U maintaining quality while reducing cost-to-educate to $10k/year?
What role do learning teams play in developing crucial soft skills?
How will the micro-campus model enable national scaling?
Listen in to #EdUp!
Accelerate YOUR Professional Development with EdUp!
Looking to stay ahead in higher education? Want exclusive access to content that enhances YOUR knowledge & connects YOU with leaders in the field?
For just $2.99/month, YOU’LL get:
• Early access to ad-free episodes
• Extended episodes & bonus content
• Original insights & special invites to exclusive events
• More resources tailored to higher education professionals like YOU
Lock in YOUR lifetime founders rate today! This special rate is only available until December 31, 2024. After that, the price will increase to $19.99/month.
By subscribing, YOU’LL not only invest in YOUR own growth but also help sustain EdUp’s mission to bring YOU quality content focused on advancing higher education.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Secure YOUR founders rate now before prices go up.
Join the EdUp Community Today!
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!