
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

Oct 30, 2024 • 53min
976: Building the University That Doesn't Exist - with Dr. Michael Shannon, President, University of North Georgia
It’s YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #976, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #312, & brought to YOU by Uwill
YOUR guest is Dr. Michael Shannon, President, University of North Georgia
YOUR cohost is Laura Ipsen, President & CEO, Ellucian
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is UNG balancing tradition & innovation across 5 campuses & 19.7k students?
What role does military experience play in university leadership?
How can AI & technology enhance the student experience?
What strategies work for leading institutional change?
How can higher ed better support military veterans through credit for prior learning?
What are Mike's insights on embracing change through David Bowie's philosophy?
What is UNG's approach to building dynamic, adaptable graduates?
What are Mike's thoughts on recognizing military leadership experience in higher education?
Listen in to #EdUp!
Want to accelerate YOUR professional development?
Want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?
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 will end on December 31, 2024!
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!

Oct 29, 2024 • 43min
975: Building Workforce Solutions - with Juliet Katherine Stipeche, Director of Human Services & Executive Director Workforce Solutions, Gulf Coast Workforce Board, Houston-Galveston Area Council
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #975, brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Juliet Katherine Stipeche, Director of Human Services & Executive Director Workforce Solutions, Gulf Coast Workforce Board, Houston-Galveston Area Council
YOUR cohost is Dr. Michelle Cantu-Wilson, Vice President of Education & Workforce, Outreach Strategists, LLC
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is the Gulf Coast Workforce Board serving 7.2M residents across 13 counties?
What strategies are working to connect education, industry & workforce development?
How are workforce boards helping create pathways for future industries & jobs?
What role does social capital play in workforce development?
How can workforce solutions help address economic disparities?
Listen in to #EdUp!
Ad-Free & extended conversation ONLY for #EdUp subscribers includes:
Juliette's insights on funding innovation in workforce development
Gulf Coast's approach to emerging technologies like automated air mobility
Thoughts on creating flexible, future-focused workforce solutions
Want to accelerate YOUR professional development?
Want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?
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 will end on December 31, 2024!
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!

Oct 28, 2024 • 57min
974: Transforming Lives Through Access - with Dr. Kate Smith, President, Rio Salado College
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #974, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #311, & brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Dr. Kate Smith, President, Rio Salado College
YOUR cohost is Dr. Jodi (Ashbrook) Blinco, Vice President for Enrollment Management Consulting, EducationDynamics
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is Rio Salado serving 40k learners through innovative delivery models?
What strategies are working to support incarcerated students & reduce recidivism?
How is Rio Salado pioneering community college bachelor's degrees in Arizona?
What role does data & mathematics play in institutional leadership?
How is Rio measuring success for non-traditional & skills-building students?
What are Kate's insights on building wraparound support services for online learners?
What is Rio Salado's approach to food insecurity through innovative partnerships?
What are Kate's thoughts on redefining student success metrics beyond traditional IPEDS measures?
Listen in to #EdUp!
Want to accelerate YOUR professional development?
Want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?
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 will end on December 31, 2024!
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!

Oct 23, 2024 • 25min
973: Bridging the Tech Talent Gap - with Reuben Ogbonna II, Executive Director, The Marcy Lab School
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #973, brought to YOU by the Charles Koch Foundation
YOUR guest is Reuben Ogbonna II, Executive Director, The Marcy Lab School
YOUR host is Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Host, EdUp Accreditation Insights
How is The Marcy Lab School reimagining post-secondary education for underserved communities?
What strategies is Marcy Lab using to combine tech education with leadership development?
How is the program ensuring accessibility through its tuition-free model?
What role do employer partnerships play in Marcy Lab's approach to job placement?
How is Marcy Lab adapting to serve students who may not fit traditional college pathways?
Listen in to #EdUp!
Want to accelerate YOUR professional development?
Want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?
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 will end on December 31, 2024!
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!

Oct 23, 2024 • 55min
972: Inside UPenn Admissions - with Whitney Soule, Vice Provost & Dean of Admissions, University of Pennsylvania
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #972, brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Whitney Soule, Vice Provost & Dean of Admissions, University of Pennsylvania
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is UPenn approaching holistic admissions in an era of increasing applications?
What strategies is UPenn using to ensure equity & access in its admissions process?
How is the university adapting its application review process in response to AI & other challenges?
What role does the "thank you note" question play in UPenn's comprehensive review?
How is UPenn balancing institutional needs with applicant expectations in a highly selective environment?
Listen in to #EdUp!
Want to accelerate YOUR professional development?
Want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?
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 will end on December 31, 2024!
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!

Oct 22, 2024 • 55min
971: Breaking Barriers & Building Bridges - with Dr. Maria Minerva (Minita) Ramirez, President, Laredo College
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #971, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #310, & brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Dr. Maria Minerva (Minita) Ramirez, President, Laredo College
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is Laredo College adapting its academic model to serve diverse student populations?
What strategies is Laredo using to ensure affordability & access for its community?
How is the college innovating in workforce development & community partnerships?
What role does Maria's background play in her approach to leadership?
How is Laredo College addressing the changing needs of post-pandemic students?
Listen in to #EdUp!
Ad-Free & extended conversation ONLY for #EdUp subscribers includes:
Maria's insights on breaking barriers as a Latina leader in higher education
Laredo's approach to data-driven decision making & community engagement
Thoughts on the future of higher education & the need for flexibility in teaching & learning
Listen in to #EdUp!
Want to accelerate YOUR professional development?
Want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?
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 will end on December 31, 2024!
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!

Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 1min
970: Reimagining Education for the AI Era - with Paul LeBlanc, Former President of SNHU, & Ellucian Board Member
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #970,
YOUR guest is Paul LeBlanc, Former President of SNHU, &
Ellucian Board Member
YOUR cohost is Laura Ipsen, President & CEO, Ellucian
YOUR cohost is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is AI poised to transform higher education & workforce development?
What strategies can institutions use to foster innovation in the age of AI?
How can universities balance technology adoption with human-centered learning?
What role will AI play in addressing mental health & well-being for students?
How can higher education leaders prepare for the future of work & learning?
Listen in to #EdUp!
Want to accelerate YOUR professional development
Want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?
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 will end on December 31, 2024!
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!

Oct 18, 2024 • 34min
969: From Homeschool Prototype to Global Platform - with Emily Jones, Founder & CEO, Home Tribe
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #969, brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Emily Jones, Founder & CEO, Home Tribe
YOUR host is Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Host, EdUp Accreditation Insights
How is Home Tribe reimagining education for the next generation through its marketplace platform
What strategies is Home Tribe using to connect families & educators for personalized learning experiences?
How is the platform integrating human connection into online & in-person educational offerings?
What role does Home Tribe play in supporting the growing homeschool & alternative education movement?
How is Home Tribe adapting to serve diverse educational needs across different cultures & systems?
Listen in to #EdUp!
Want to accelerate YOUR professional development
Want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?
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 will end on December 31, 2024!
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!

Oct 17, 2024 • 58min
968: Bridging Academia & Industry - with Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills, President, Aurora University
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #968, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #309, & brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills, President, Aurora University
YOUR cohost is Charlie Anastasi, VP, Revenue & Academic Partnerships, Rize Education
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is Aurora University adapting its mission to serve a diverse student population?
What strategies is Aurora using to infuse career skills across the curriculum?
How is the university preparing students & faculty for the AI-driven future of work?
What role does interdisciplinary learning play in Aurora's approach to general education?
How is Aurora innovating to improve student outcomes & demonstrate higher education's value?
Listen in to #EdUp!
Want to accelerate YOUR professional development
Want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?
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 will end on December 31, 2024!
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!

Oct 16, 2024 • 39min
967: Bucking the Trends - with Dr. Frank Sanchez, President, Manhattanville University
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, #967, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #308, & brought to YOU by the MSCHE 2024 conference, & the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Dr. Frank Sanchez, President, Manhattanville University
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is Manhattanville bucking national enrollment trends with 9% growth in new students?
What strategies is Manhattanville using to demonstrate ROI & value to prospective students
How is the university innovating its curriculum to offer 4+1 pathways for all majors?
What role does presidential visibility play in creating a personalized student experience?
How is Manhattanville adapting to serve both traditional & Gen Alpha students?
Listen in to #EdUp!
Ad-Free & extended conversation ONLY for #EdUp subscribers includes:
Frank's insights on prioritizing initiatives as a new president
Manhattanville's approach to building & sustaining institutional momentum
Thoughts on the future of higher education & preparing for Gen Alpha students
Want to accelerate YOUR professional development
Want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?
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 will end on December 31, 2024!
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!