
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

Jun 11, 2025 • 46min
Why Student Data Is Your Most Powerful Weapon Against the Enrollment Cliff - with Vanessa Roth Didyk, CEO, ZeeMee
It's YOUR time to #EdUp In this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Vanessa Roth Didyk, CEO, ZeeMeeYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is ZeeMee helping students build community before they arrive on campus?What makes their engagement platform different from typical social media?How are predictive analytics helping universities prevent melt & improve retention?What strategies are universities using to convert prospects with ZeeMee's data?How is ZeeMee's AI ensuring student safety while building community?Topics include:Leading a successful pivot to create a student-focused community platformAchieving engagement levels that compete with major social appsDeveloping 90% accurate prediction models for student enrollment behaviorsCreating powerful roommate-matching capabilities that reduce anxietyProviding actionable data to help universities target at-risk studentsImplementing AI safety features to protect students in online communitiesSupporting enrollment teams with targeted student insightsAddressing Gen Z's needs for authentic connections & reduced anxietyListen 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!

Jun 10, 2025 • 53min
Why 'Permission to Play' is the Leadership Secret of Silicon Valley's Top Community College Chancellor - with Lee Lambert, Chancellor & CEO, Foothill-De Anza Community College District
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #373, (Powered By Ellucian ), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Lee Lambert, Chancellor & CEO, Foothill-De Anza Community College DistrictYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is Foothill-De Anza positioned within Silicon Valley's tech ecosystem?What leadership approaches help navigate today's complex higher education landscape?How can college leaders effectively embrace technological innovation?Why is experimentation & play critical for institutional adaptation?How might community colleges maintain equity focus during technological transformation?Topics include:Managing through multiple disruptions while staying mission-focusedLeading De Anza as California's #1 transfer institutionEmbracing technological change through personal experimentationCreating permission spaces for innovation at all organizational levelsBalancing social challenges with technological accelerationForecasting higher education's future through historical contextMaintaining integrated values across personal & professional spheresReconnecting education with play, discovery & experimentationRecognizing the increasing importance of liberal arts educationFor #EdUp subscribers only via the extended conversation:Addressing transfer challenges through technologyReflecting on fundamental educational skills in a digital ageAnticipating consolidation in higher education's futureEmbracing interdisciplinary approaches to educationCreating collision spaces for creativity & innovationMaintaining focus on foundational learning despite technological changeListen 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!

Jun 9, 2025 • 42min
Why Most Higher Ed Technology Becomes Shelf Wear (& How to Fix It) - with Kim Fahey, Ceo, Collegis Education
It's YOUR time to #EdUp In this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Kim Fahey, CEO, Collegis Education YOUR host is Dr. Jodi BlincoHow did a company spin out from a single university partner to serve 52 higher education institutions? What does it mean to combine data, technology & talent to drive real impact for students? How is AI transforming higher education marketing, recruitment & retention services? Why do schools need clean data & proper processes before technology solutions can succeed? How can institutions stay competitive in today's challenging higher education landscape? Topics include:Spinning out from university operations to create a well-funded higher ed services startup The "Connected Core" platform partnership with Google processing petabytes of student data Moving beyond "shelf wear" technology to integrated solutions that drive measurable outcomes Real-time AI coaching for enrollment staff & automated marketing optimization Supporting institutions through demographic changes & market uncertainty with data-driven strategies 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!

Jun 6, 2025 • 48min
What Every Institution Should Know About AI-Powered Admissions - with Ashish Fernando, Chief Noise Maker, EDMO
It's YOUR time to #EdUp In this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Ashish Fernando, Chief Noise Maker, EDMOYOUR host is Dr. Jodi BlincoHow is AI transforming the college admissions process? Why should institutions prioritize "starts" over "admits"? How can AI reduce transcript evaluation time from weeks to seconds?What role should humans continue to play alongside AI in admissions?Why must student intent be the focus of enrollment strategies? Topics include:AI-powered document & conversation intelligence Reimagining the admissions experience Creating student-centric processes Integration with CRMs like Salesforce & Slate Reducing operational friction while improving student engagement 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!

Jun 5, 2025 • 35min
How Course Design Could Prevent Cheating - with Dr. Alejandra Dashe, Sr. Instructional Designer, Arizona State University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is Dr. Alejandra Dashe, Sr. Instructional Designer, Arizona State University YOUR cohost is Bradley Emi , Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does Alejandra define academic integrity & what role does attribution play? How has her 25+ years of teaching experience shaped her perspective on academic honesty? Why is it important to consider the cultural context of academic integrity practices? How can instructional design create "original" assessments in the age of AI? What approach does ASU take to academic integrity policies across different courses? Topics include:Academic integrity as an honorable act of ensuring YOUR work is YOUR own The balance between collaboration & individual work in academic settings How course design can minimize opportunities for academic misconduct Using AI as a "thought partner" rather than an end solution The importance of proper citation, including when using AI tools The "vicious circle" of constantly redesigning assessments to stay ahead of cheating Viewing academic integrity violations as potential calls for help from students The future of academic integrity & shifting toward a more collaborative mindset 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 ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!

Jun 4, 2025 • 50min
How MedCerts is Solving the 106% Healthcare Turnover Crisis - with Jennifer Kolb, Vice President of Partnerships & Workforce Development, & Mark Adamo, SVP Enrollments & Student Experience, MedCerts
It's YOUR time to #EdUp In this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guests are Jennifer Kolb, Vice President of Partnerships & Workforce Development, & Mark Adamo, SVP Enrollments & Student Experience, MedCertsYOUR cohost is Shubh Mishra , Head of Business Development & Partnerships, LeadSquaredYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is MedCerts providing flexible, self-paced online training in healthcare & IT?What innovative models are being developed to address critical workforce shortages?How are they partnering with high schools & universities to create educational pipelines?What approach does MedCerts take to maintain student engagement and completion rates?How are they balancing AI implementation with maintaining personal connections?Topics include:Creating pathways for students to gain industry-recognized certificationsBuilding strategic partnerships with healthcare systems and academic institutionsUsing consultative enrollment approaches to ensure student successImplementing credit recognition through university partnershipsSupporting military families through specialized educational opportunitiesMaintaining the human touch while leveraging AI for efficiencyListen 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!

Jun 3, 2025 • 52min
What Makes Transfer Work? - Dr. John Forbes, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Moorpark College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, sponsored by CoursedogYOUR guest is Dr. John Forbes, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Moorpark CollegeYOUR cohost is Bridget Moran , Senior Content Manager at CoursedogYOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio How does Moorpark College achieve high transfer success rates? What makes California's Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) effective? How is academic leadership maintained during times of political change? Why is data-driven decision making critical for academic initiatives? How does modality impact student success across different disciplines? Topics include:Transfer success strategies California's TMC (Transfer Model Curriculum) Integrated leadership model Data-focused academic decisions Math department innovation Student-centered policy language Modality trends & success rates AI challenges & opportunities 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!

Jun 2, 2025 • 53min
How Presidents Stay Motivated During Higher Ed's Most Challenging Era - with Dr. Steve Perez, President, California State University Chico
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #372, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Dr. Steve Perez, President, California State University ChicoYOUR cohost is Dr. Andrew Kim, Director of Psychiatry, Timely CareYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow does Chico State serve students in California's rural North State region? What unique challenges exist for a residential campus where 75% of students come from outside the area? How does a university president with an economics background navigate budget challenges? What keeps university leaders motivated during challenging times in higher education? How can institutions balance AI integration while maintaining human connection? Topics include:Leading a regional comprehensive university serving an area the size of Maine Creating community & connection on a residential campus in a small town setting Managing higher education during unprecedented disruption & political tension Supporting student mental health needs in today's complex environment Finding joy & purpose through student success & commencement celebrations Balancing AI implementation with maintaining human interaction & skills 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!

May 29, 2025 • 42min
How the 'Stoplight Approach' Could Solve AI Policy Challenges - with Christian Moriarty, Professor of Ethics & Law, Applied Ethics Institute, St. Petersburg College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is Christian Moriarty, Professor of Ethics & Law, Applied Ethics Institute, St. Petersburg CollegeYOUR cohost is Bradley Emi , Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does Christian define academic integrity from both legal & philosophical perspectives?Why do students often "cheat" even when they have good intentions & strong moral values?What is the role of faculty in supporting students to act with integrity & resist temptation?How can institutions implement effective AI policies that respect different teaching contexts?Why is Christian predicting a return to in-class writing or required keystroke tracking software?Topics include:The tension between rules-based & values-based approaches to academic integrityThe importance of empathy in understanding why students make poor choicesThe "stoplight approach" to AI use policies (green/yellow/red options for different contexts)Finding the balance between trusting students & verifying their workThe challenges of time management for community college studentsThe value of specialized academic integrity offices in educational institutionsWhy "difficulty is part of the process" in genuine learning & skill developmentThe connection between integrity & asking for help when neededListen 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 ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!

May 28, 2025 • 32min
Why Employers—Not Students—Are the Real Clients at This Technical Institute - with Monica Llerena, President, CBT Technology Institute
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #371, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Monica Llerena, President, CBT Technology InstituteYOUR host is Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Host, EdUp Accreditation InsightsHow did a family's immigrant journey lead to establishing a 36-year educational institution?What makes CBT's hands-on learning philosophy distinctive in technical education?How does the institute balance traditional skills with emerging technologies?What unique challenges does the "tool belt generation" face in their educational journey?Why does CBT consider employers as their clients rather than students?Topics include:Creating industry-relevant hands-on learning environmentsDeveloping both technical & soft skills for career successBuilding meaningful employer partnerships through advisory councilsAddressing the entrepreneurial nature of Gen Z studentsPreparing students for high-demand trades resistant to AI disruptionIntegrating professional development throughout the curriculumListen 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!