

The EdUp Experience
YOUR Higher Education Podcast
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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We make education YOUR business!
LEARN MORE:
edupexperience.com
We make education YOUR business!
Episodes
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Feb 12, 2025 • 50min
Will Technical Colleges Lead the Future of Higher Education? - with Dr. James Genandt, President, Manhattan Area Technical College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #344, & brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conferenceYOUR guest is Dr. James Genandt, President, Manhattan Area Technical CollegeYOUR host is Dr. Jodi BlincoThis episode highlights the innovative approaches to technical education at Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC) in Manhattan, Kansas - known as "The Little Apple."President & CEO Genandt shares how MATC has grown dramatically over the past decade, including increasing high school student enrollment from 12 to nearly 700 students, while maintaining a 96-97% job placement rate for graduates.The conversation explores how MATC adapts quickly to workforce needs through strong employer partnerships, industry-recognized credentials, & hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for high-paying careers.MATC demonstrates a compelling value proposition in technical education, with graduates averaging first-year salaries over $50,000 & many programs offering significant earning potential after just one year of study.Through intentional relationship building & active participation in economic development initiatives, the college has established itself as an essential partner in the community's growth & success.The institution's approach to learning emphasizes hands-on, applied experiences that particularly resonate with Generation Z & Alpha learners.This pedagogical strategy, combined with accelerated learning pathways & robust student support services, has proven highly effective in driving student success & completion rates.President Genandt discusses the transformation of technical education's image & its critical role in supporting local economies, emphasizing how MATC keeps "the everyday world working" through responsive, flexible programming.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 AN #EdUp PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want YOUR org to cover costs? 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!

Feb 11, 2025 • 47min
Why This College President Chose to Close Rather Than Merge - with Dr. Joseph Chillo, President When Newbury College Closed
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #343, part of a special EdUp College Closure Miniseries - Through the Eyes of..., brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference & Ellucian LIVE 2025YOUR guest is Dr. Joseph Chillo, President When Newbury College ClosedYOUR host is Dr. Jay M. Keehn. Dr. Jay M. Keehn was employed by Union Institute & University for 18 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, & 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 & socialize around the current landscape while looking at what may be Tomorrow’s Higher Education.This episode explores how the 2008 banking crisis created significant challenges for college operations & student loans, fundamentally altering the higher education landscape.Jay & Joseph delve into the strategic approaches institutions can employ when planning for potential closure, while examining the delicate balance leaders must maintain between confidentiality & transparency during closure planning.The conversation reveals critical steps that can be taken to protect student academic progress & financial investment throughout the closure process.Additionally, they discuss the profound impact that managing institutional closure has on leadership wellness & career trajectory.Key insights from Dr. Chillo's experience demonstrate the vital importance of developing both survival & contingency plans early in the process, along with creating comprehensive teach-out agreements with multiple institutions to protect students' academic futures.His leadership approach emphasized maintaining transparent communication with accreditors & banking partners throughout the closure process.The discussion highlights how preserving institutional legacy through strategic distribution of assets can ensure lasting impact.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Chillo shares his personal journey of balancing personal wellness with institutional responsibilities during this challenging transition.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?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.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!

Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 9min
Why Cross-Industry Leadership Is Higher Ed's Secret Weapon - with Christopher L. Kenny, Jonathan Peri, Dr. Randall VanWagoner, & Dr. MarTeze D. Hammonds
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #341 & 342, recorded Live from theMiddle States Commission on Higher Education 2024 Annual Conference, & brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conferenceYOUR guests are Christopher L. Kenny, Esq., President & CEO, Kenny Family ShopRites of Delaware, & Jonathan Peri, President, Manor College. We're also joined by Dr. Randall VanWagoner, President, Mohawk Valley Community College, & Dr. MarTeze D. Hammonds, Founder/Owner/Principal Consultant, MDH Consulting Group, LLCYOUR cohost is Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Host, EdUp Accreditation InsightsYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioThis episode features Christopher L. Kenny discussing his unique perspective as a non-academic commissioner & the value of business acumen in accreditation, followed by Jonathan Peri exploring the role of follow-up committees in supporting struggling institutions.The conversation continues with Dr. Randall VanWagoner sharing insights on student success at Mohawk Valley Community College, including their innovative approaches to mental health support, food insecurity, & the impact of data-driven decision making in achieving high graduation rates.Through the final segment, Dr. MarTeze D. Hammonds provides a comprehensive examination of DEI in higher education, unpacking common misconceptions, addressing current challenges, & emphasizing the importance of maintaining DEI standards in accreditation despite external pressures.He highlights the need for proper implementation of DEI initiatives & the critical role of institutional leadership in fostering inclusive environments.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 AN #EdUp PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want YOUR org to cover costs? 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!

Feb 7, 2025 • 57min
Will AI Transform College Accreditation? with Dr. Judi Sciple, Dr. Ryan Hartnett, Dr. Terence Peavy, Tray Patterson, MSCHE, & Dr. Steven M. Rose, President, Passaic Community College
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #340, recorded Live from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education 2024 Annual Conference, & brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guests are Dr. Judi Sciple, Senior VP for Accreditation Relations & Services, Dr. Ryan Hartnett, VP for Institutional Field Relations, Dr. Terence Peavy, VP for Institutional Field Relations, Tray Patterson, Director for Volunteer Services, MSCHE, & Dr. Steven M. Rose, President, Passaic Community College
YOUR cohost is Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Host, EdUp Accreditation Insights
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
This episode features Dr. Judy Sciple discussing Middle States' approach to innovation & accreditation standards, followed by Ryan Hartnett & Terrence Peevy exploring institutional field relations & support for member institutions.
The conversation continues with Dr. Steven Rose & Trey Patterson sharing insights on financial challenges facing higher education, the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the accreditation process, & the significance of the 90-credit bachelor's degree initiative.
Through multiple perspectives, from senior leadership to volunteer services, the guests emphasize Middle States' commitment to supporting innovation while maintaining quality standards, with Patterson highlighting the critical role of over 1,800 volunteer peer evaluators in maintaining the integrity of the accreditation process.
Listen in to #EdUp
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Then BECOME AN #EdUp PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!
Want YOUR org to cover costs? Email: EdUp@edupexperience.com
Thank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!
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● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!
We make education YOUR business!

Feb 6, 2025 • 48min
What Columbia's Climate School Knows About the Future that Others Don't - with Dr. Jeff Shaman, Interim Dean of Columbia University Climate School
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference & Ellucian LIVE 2025
YOUR guest is Dr. Jeff Shaman, Interim Dean of Columbia University Climate School
YOUR host is Dr. Jodi Blinco
This episode explores Columbia's innovative Climate School, the first new school at Columbia in over 25 years, & its solution-focused approach to climate education.
The conversation examines how the Climate School prepares students to tackle real-world challenges through interdisciplinary programs, industry partnerships & hands-on experience.
Dr. Shaman discusses the school's successful MA in Climate & Society program, upcoming MS in Climate degree, & how graduates are finding impactful roles across corporate, government, nonprofit & academic sectors.
Key topics include curriculum development, joint programming with other schools, career placement success & the critical role of climate education in addressing global sustainability challenges.
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?
Then BECOME AN #EdUp PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!
Want YOUR org to cover costs? 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!

Feb 5, 2025 • 53min
Why Innovation Loops Are Key to Higher Ed's Future - with Frank Neville, President, Millsaps College
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #339, & brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Frank Neville, President, Millsaps College
YOUR cohost is Charlie Anastasi, VP, Revenue & Academic Partnerships, Rize Education
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
This episode highlights the innovative approaches to higher education at Millsaps College, a private liberal arts institution in Jackson, Mississippi.
President Neville shares his vision for continuous improvement & innovation in delivering value to students & the community.
The conversation explores how Millsaps adapts its liberal arts tradition to meet modern workforce needs while maintaining its mission of producing community leaders.
Key topics include integrating AI into teaching & learning, creating sustainable innovation mechanisms within academic structures, & the role of higher education in changing students' life trajectories.
President Neville discusses the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, emphasizing how institutions must evolve to meet changing community needs while maintaining core educational principles.
The discussion also covers strategies for implementing AI solutions, curriculum redesign, & the critical role of faculty creativity in driving institutional innovation.
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?
Then BECOME AN #EdUp PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!
Want YOUR org to cover costs? 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!

Feb 4, 2025 • 41min
What It Takes to Lead a University for 13 Years When Most Presidents Last Just 4 - with Dr. Brian Noland, President East Tennessee State University
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #338, & brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Dr. Brian Noland, President, East Tennessee State University
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
his episode highlights ETSU's mission to serve the Appalachian region & its role as a healthcare education hub.
President Noland discusses ETSU's impact as an institution of 14,000 students & 2,600 faculty/staff, emphasizing their focus on first-generation students & healthcare education through their Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, & Nursing.
The conversation explores ETSU's response to the opioid crisis, including establishing the Over Mountain Recovery Center & receiving $10 million in grant funding for treatment programs.
ETSU stands out with 40% of graduates being first-generation college students & 70% of regional healthcare practitioners being ETSU alumni.
The discussion delves into managing rapid-fire challenges in higher education leadership & emphasizes the importance of post-secondary education beyond traditional degrees.
Throughout the episode, President Noland shares insights on the evolution of student mental health services & the significant impact of social media on higher education.
In the extended subscriber-only conversation, listeners learn about ETSU's innovative partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield - a 2.5-year accelerated computer science degree program with 100% job placement.
President Noland discusses the challenges of scaling such partnerships, including faculty shortages in high-demand fields like nursing & computer science, where industry salaries outcompete academic positions.
He also shares insights on balancing regional service with finite resources through targeted program development & the importance of P20 education focus in raising educational attainment levels in Appalachia.
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?
Then BECOME AN #EdUp PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!
Want YOUR org to cover costs? 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!

Feb 3, 2025 • 55min
What's Next for Public Higher Ed? - with Dr. John B. King, Chancellor, State University of New York (SUNY)
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #337, & brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Dr. John B. King, Chancellor, State University of New York (SUNY)
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
This episode highlights the transformative work happening at SUNY & the broader impact of the largest comprehensive system of public higher education in the country.
Chancellor King shares his vision for the 64-campus system, emphasizing their commitment to excellence, affordability, & student success.
The conversation explores SUNY's economic impact of $31 billion & serving approximately 370,000 degree-seeking students annually.
Chancellor King discusses how he manages his role through three P's: politics, people, & policy.
Key topics include SUNY's leadership in AI research with a $400 million investment, partnerships with companies like Micron bringing 50,000 jobs to Syracuse, & innovative approaches to workforce development through micro-credentials & apprenticeships.
The discussion also covers the importance of civic engagement, including the Empire State Service Corps initiative with 500 SUNY students doing public service work.
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?
Then BECOME AN #EdUp PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!
Want YOUR org to cover costs? 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 31, 2025 • 48min
How DeSales University Found $3 Million in Hidden Digital Assets - with John Brzozowski, CEO, & Mark Ewen, VP of Sales, IPClear, & Mark Albert, CIO, DeSales University
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference & Ellucian LIVE 2025
YOUR guests are John Brzozowski, CEO, & Mark Ewen, VP of Sales, IPClear, & Mark Albert, CIO, DeSales University
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
This episode highlights how institutions can monetize their unused IPv4 addresses through network modernization & transformation.
The conversation explores how IPClear helps universities identify, optimize & monetize their IPv4 assets while preparing for IPv6 adoption.
The discussion reveals how DeSales University worked with IPClear to consolidate their IP addresses from over 10,000 to less than 55, resulting in millions in revenue, improved network security & performance.
The experts share insights on the current IPv4 market & the future transition to IPv6.
Key topics include network asset optimization, revenue generation opportunities for institutions, technical transformation processes & the importance of education around digital assets in higher 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?
Then BECOME AN #EdUp PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!
Want YOUR org to cover costs? 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 30, 2025 • 54min
What Community Colleges Must Do To Win The Value Proposition Battle - with Dr. George Timmons, President, Holyoke Community College
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #336, & brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Dr. George Timmons, President, Holyoke Community College
YOUR cohost is Dr. Larry Schall, President, New England Commission of Higher Education
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
This episode highlights the transformative work happening at Holyoke Community College & the broader impact of community colleges in higher education. Dr. Timmons shares his vision for institutional innovation & student success, emphasizing their unapologetic commitment to removing barriers for students.
The conversation explores the impact of Mass Connect & Mass Reconnect programs, resulting in a 12.8% enrollment increase & the addition of 13 new full-time faculty positions. Dr. Timmons discusses the reimagining of DEI through the creation of a division of people, culture & equity.
Key topics include community college value proposition, serving diverse student populations, & innovative approaches to student retention & completion. The discussion also covers the role of AI in education & the importance of workforce development.
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?
Then BECOME AN #EdUp PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!
Want YOUR org to cover costs? 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!


