
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

Apr 11, 2025 • 35min
Why Teaching With AI—Not Against It—Is the Future of Academic Integrity - with Dr. Robert Prickett, Professor & Dean of College of Arts & Sciences, Gardner-Webb University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is Dr. Robert Prickett, Professor & Dean of College of Arts & Sciences, Gardner-Webb UniversityYOUR cohost is Bradley Emi, Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does Dr. Prickett define academic integrity & its connection to Gardner-Webb's Christian values?Why does Gardner-Webb approach academic integrity as a teachable moment rather than a "gotcha"?How are faculty adapting to students' use of AI tools like ChatGPT & Grammarly?What role does the small 11:1 student-faculty ratio play in detecting & addressing AI use?How is Gardner-Webb preparing students to use AI tools ethically & effectively?Topics include:The connection between academic integrity & Gardner-Webb's "For God & Humanity" mottoFaculty strategies for incorporating AI as a learning tool rather than policing its useCreating process-focused assignments that work with rather than against AI toolsAddressing equity issues in AI tool access across student populationsThe importance of maintaining the human element & critical thinking in a world with AIThe value of liberal arts education in developing students' critical evaluation of AI outputsListen 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!

Apr 9, 2025 • 11min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - w/ Heather Adner, Associate Dir,, Scholarships & Financial Aid, & Vincent Harris Jr., Executive Dir., Scholarships & Financial Aid, Fayetteville State University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guests are Heather Adner, Associate Director of Scholarships & Financial Aid, & Vincent Harris Jr., Executive Director of Scholarships & Financial Aid, Fayetteville State UniversityYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow did Fayetteville State University overcome FAFSA simplification challenges?What earned them Ellucian's Student First Impact Award?How does their Student Financial Success Suite simplify the student experience?Why is award letter redesign critical for enrollment management?What makes their approach to financial aid a model for other institutions?Topics include:Implementing the full CampusLogic product suite during FAFSA reformCreating user-friendly financial aid communications with consistent brandingStreamlining scholarship distribution three months ahead of scheduleDesigning award letters as comprehensive enrollment management toolsMaintaining student focus despite high staff turnover & federal changesListen 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!

Apr 9, 2025 • 15min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Mike Stone, Systems Manager, Lois Kellermann, Programmer/Analyst, & George Kriss, CIO, Kaskaskia College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guests are Mike Stone, Systems Manager, Lois Kellermann, Programmer/Analyst, & George Kriss, CIO, Kaskaskia CollegeYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow did Kaskaskia College complete their SAS modernization in just 12 months?What challenges did they face during their on-premise to SAS transition?How did they manage change across the institution during implementation?What benefits have they seen from their Ellucian Colleague modernization?Why was their financial aid implementation surprisingly smooth?Topics include:Winning the Ellucian Impact Award for SAS modernizationMoving from SQL to Postgres database seamlesslyCreating an inclusive college-wide project rather than just an IT initiativeUsing effective communication strategies for change managementFreeing up IT resources to focus on strategic student-facing initiativesListen 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!

Apr 8, 2025 • 21min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Derek Newton, Contributing Writer, Forbes
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guest is Derek Newton, Contributing Writer, ForbesYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioWhat are the key benefits of systemization in higher education?How can institutions collaborate more effectively to share resources?Why is real-time data sharing critical for institutional decision-making?What historical models prove systemization works in higher education?How can institutions overcome resistance to resource sharing?Topics include:The efficiency & cost savings of shared services across institutionsLeveling up under-resourced institutions through systemizationCourse & program sharing benefits & challengesData sharing as a foundation for better collaborationHistorical examples like the Claremont Consortia & Massachusetts systemsDownload the "Unlocking the Power of Systemization" whitepaper here. 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!

Apr 8, 2025 • 24min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Digi Edwards, Vice President, Business Development, Strata Information Group (SIG)
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guest is Digi Edwards, Vice President, Business Development, Strata Information Group (SIG)YOU cohost is Lacey Gerard, Director of Experience Design, EllucianYOUR host is Dr. Chris Moloney, Principal Strategic Specialist, EllucianHow does SIG support educational institutions without selling products?What does winning Ellucian's Partner of the Year 2024 mean for SIG?How does optimization & modernization impact student experience & enrollment?Why is change management critical when implementing new technologies?How should institutions approach AI implementation thoughtfully?Topics include:Navigating 35 years of technological evolution in higher educationUnderstanding Software as a Service (SaaS) as a subscription modelAddressing fears about AI replacing jobs through proper communicationIdentifying if institutions are "using, abusing, or refusing" their softwareSupporting institutions through comprehensive understanding of technological landscapesListen 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!

Apr 8, 2025 • 18min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Mary Strain, Generative AI & Machine Learning Lead for US Education, AWS
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guest is Mary Strain, Generative AI & Machine Learning Lead for US Education, AWSYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow is AWS supporting AI & machine learning in education?What is the AWS partnership with Ellucian delivering to institutions?How can AI create more equitable access to education services?Why is establishing proper guardrails critical for academic integrity?What role does cloud infrastructure play in preparing for future innovation?Topics include:Using knowledge graphs to visualize student journeys & career pathwaysCreating transparency in financial aid & administrative processesImplementing technical & policy guardrails for responsible AI useMaintaining data privacy with virtual private environmentsEnabling micro-credentials & lifelong learning opportunitiesListen 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!

Apr 8, 2025 • 23min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Steven Wilson, CIO, Muskegon Community College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guest is Steven Wilson, CIO, Muskegon Community CollegeYOUR host is Dr. Chris Moloney, Principal Strategic Specialist, EllucianHow did student demands drive Muskegon's technology modernization?What role did cybersecurity & business continuity play in modernization decisions?How did removing customizations lead to unexpected efficiency gains?Why is communication critical throughout a multi-year modernization journey?How has modernization transformed IT's role from maintenance to strategic initiatives?Topics include:Shifting from 66% infrastructure maintenance to 66% strategic initiativesReducing financial processes from hours to minutesManaging a 3-4 year modernization journey successfullyMaintaining operations during campus-wide power outagesPositioning for AI & future technological innovationsListen 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!

Apr 8, 2025 • 25min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Danna Gianforte, VP, Managed Services, Ryan Tubbs, SVP, Customer Success & Premium Support, Ellucian
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guests are Danna Gianforte, VP, Managed Services, Ryan Tubbs, SVP, Customer Success & Premium Support, EllucianYOUR host is Dr. Chris Moloney, Principal Strategic Specialist, EllucianHow can institutions adapt to the accelerating pace of change in higher education?What lessons from COVID's forced innovation can be applied to current modernization efforts?Why is it essential to move beyond committee-based decisions toward faster implementation?How can technology leaders help staff see value beyond manual processes?What strategic services does Ellucian offer beyond ERP platforms?Topics include:The "second wave" of change following COVID's disruptionPutting people at the center of modernization effortsReimagining processes rather than simply replicating old systems digitallyBreaking through "can't statements" with small wins & progressFinding opportunity in the chaos of AI disruption & regulatory changesListen 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!

Apr 8, 2025 • 21min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Dr. Hassan Selim, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of Kalba
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guest is Dr. Hassan Selim, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of KalbaYOUR host is Dr. Chris Moloney, Principal Strategic Specialist, EllucianHow does building a university from scratch provide unique opportunities?Why is cloud-first infrastructure essential for new institutions?What makes University of Kalba the sports science hub of the Middle East region?How did University of Kalba become the first Ellucian SaaS client in the Middle East?What role does agility play in the future of higher education?Topics include:Creating a university with a clean-slate approachEstablishing interdisciplinary programs with zero industry gapsImplementing cloud-based IT infrastructure from day oneNavigating traditional mindsets about security & privacyLeveraging SaaS as an enabler for innovation & growthListen 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!

Apr 7, 2025 • 25min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Brian Baden, Assc. CIO & CTO, Angelo State University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guest is Brian Baden, Assc. CIO & CTO, Angelo State UniversityYOUR host is Dr. Chris Moloney, Principal Strategic Specialist, EllucianHow has technology in higher education evolved over 25 years?What strategies help prepare institutions for Banner SaaS migration?How does the Texas Connections Consortium collaborate on technology solutions?Why is focusing on relationships & customer service critical for IT leadership?What approaches help campus communities embrace AI technologies?Topics include:Collaborative approaches through the Texas Connections ConsortiumManaging organizational change for technology implementationsDemonstrating AI value through practical applications like CopilotBalancing security considerations with modernization effortsInvesting in student workers to connect IT with institutional missionListen 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!