

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.
LEARN MORE:
edupexperience.com
We make education YOUR business!
LEARN MORE:
edupexperience.com
We make education YOUR business!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 30, 2025 • 29min
Will Traditional Law Schools Survive the Hybrid Revolution? - with Dr. Matthew Nehmer, President, The Colleges of Law
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, President Series #387, powered by Ellucian,YOUR guest is Dr. Matthew Nehmer, President, The Colleges of LawYOUR host is Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Host, EdUp Accreditation InsightsHow did a communications & marketing background lead to innovative law school leadership?What makes the first accredited hybrid JD program in California so successful?How is AI transforming legal education & the practice of law?Topics include:Pioneering hybrid legal education with 70% online & 30% campus residencyServing working professionals & families who can't relocate for traditional law schoolIntegrating AI literacy into law curriculum while maintaining academic rigorListen in to #EdUpThank 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!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

Jul 29, 2025 • 47min
Why This IT College Offers Free Therapy & Calls Graduates Forever - with Tony Galati, Founder & CEO, MyComputerCareer
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, President Series #386, powered by Ellucian,YOUR guest is Tony Galati, Founder & CEO, MyComputerCareerYOUR host is Dr. Jodi BlincoHow did a career changer in accounting become passionate about IT training & build one of the largest IT colleges in the country?What does it mean to truly focus on career changers & provide lifelong career support?How has the shift from degree requirements to skills-based hiring transformed IT education?Topics include:Transitioning from accounting to IT & discovering a passion for teachingBuilding curriculum that matches real employer needs through constant industry engagementProviding comprehensive support for career changers including veterans & those facing life challengesListen in to #EdUpThank 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!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

Jul 27, 2025 • 43min
What Happens When 25% Of America's Food Comes From One University's Backyard? - with Vernon Harper Jr., President, CSU Bakersfield
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, President Series #385, powered by Ellucian,YOUR guest is Vernon Harper Jr., President, CSU BakersfieldYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow does CSU Bakersfield serve as "Kern County's university" in California's San Joaquin Valley?What does it mean to be designated as an "Opportunity University" by the Carnegie Foundation?How does a university balance slow, methodical change with modern consumer expectations for speed?Topics include:Leading a Hispanic-serving institution in one of America's most important agricultural regionsServing 10,500 students in a region that produces 25% of America's food supplyBreaking ground on an $83 million Energy Innovation Building to double engineering capacityListen in to #EdUpThank 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!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

Jul 24, 2025 • 39min
When AI Becomes Your Writing Partner, Not Your Cheating Tool - with Dr. Ben Worth, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mountain Gateway Community College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is Dr. Ben Worth, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mountain Gateway Community CollegeYOUR cohost is Bradley Emi , Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does Dr. Worth define academic integrity & why does he focus on maintaining quality across diverse delivery methods? What makes Mountain Gateway's dual enrollment program successful in rural southwestern Virginia? How is the college balancing career & technical education with transfer pathways to four-year institutions? Topics include:Academic integrity as ensuring consistent learning outcomes regardless of student age or class location The Virginia Community College system's Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) program Embedding AI literacy across all disciplines from nursing to forestry management Listen in to #EdUpThank 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!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

Jul 23, 2025 • 37min
Why Your College Is Failing Students (& How to Fix It) - with Elliot Felix, Partner, Buro Happold, & Author of The Connected College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, YOUR guest is Elliot Felix, Partner, Buro Happold, & Author of The Connected College: Leadership Strategies for Student Success YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio How can higher education leaders break down silos to create more connected institutions? What is the Program Design Canvas & how can it align academic & enrollment strategies? How should colleges approach digital sprawl & technology decision-making? Topics include:Making bold decisions vs. seeking consensus in higher education leadership Bridging the divide between student affairs & academic affairs functions Leveraging AI & emerging technologies as breakthrough ideas for campus transformation Listen in to #EdUpThank 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!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

Jul 22, 2025 • 20min
Why Traditional Doctoral Support Systems Are Failing Students - with Tim Herd, Co-Founder, The Doctoral Student Writing Collective
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, YOUR guest is Tim Herd, Co-Founder, The Doctoral Student Writing Collective YOUR host is Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Host, EdUp Accreditation Insights How did Tim & his co-founder develop the Doctoral Student Writing Collective?What writing & motivational challenges do doctoral students commonly face?How does the Collective's model of twice-weekly writing sessions foster community & accountability?Topics include:Creating a supportive community for doctoral students from underrepresented backgroundsThe isolation doctoral students often experience post-courseworkThe importance of consistent writing sessions & accountability structuresListen in to #EdUpThank 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!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

Jul 20, 2025 • 50min
Why Technical Colleges Are Having Their Moment in Higher Education - with Dr. Richard G. Barnhouse, President & CEO, Waukesha County Technical College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, President Series #384, powered by Ellucian,YOUR guest is Dr. Richard G. Barnhouse, President & CEO, Waukesha County Technical CollegeYOUR cohost is Dr. Amanda Micheli, Student Success Specialist, Rice UniversityYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is WCTC evolving to meet the needs of local & regional economies? Why is it important for technical colleges to de-invest in programs with unacceptable wages? How does WCTC integrate AI in teaching & maintain academic rigor? Topics include:Leading through change & making bold 45-degree turns from traditional higher education Balancing academic rigor with 21st century educational experiences Creating strong partnerships with 1400+ business & industry professionals Listen in to #EdUpThank 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!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

Jul 16, 2025 • 56min
Why This President's Pop-Up Office Strategy Went Viral - with Dr. G. Devin Stephenson, President, Florida Polytechnic University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, President Series #383 powered By Ellucian,YOUR guest is Dr. G. Devin Stephenson, President, Florida Polytechnic UniversityYOUR cohost is Christi Segal, Vice President for Business Development, EllucianYOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio How is Florida Poly producing graduates with the highest income & lowest debt among Florida universities?What makes their STEM-focused education model different from traditional universities?How are pop-up president's offices & president's pins building student connections?Topics include:Leading with emotional intelligence & people-focused leadershipOperating at the speed of business in higher educationBuilding a culture that embraces change & responds to industry needsListen in to #EdUpThank 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!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

Jul 15, 2025 • 45min
What Makes a 96% Job Placement Rate Possible? - with Dr. Bennie L. Harris, Chancellor, University of South Carolina Upstate
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, President Series #382 powered By Ellucian,YOUR guest is Dr. Bennie L. Harris, Chancellor, University of South Carolina UpstateYOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio How did USC Upstate navigate enrollment challenges during COVID?What makes the university's $623 million economic impact so significant?How is the university serving a diverse student population?Topics include:Leading through COVID while cutting $10 million without layoffsAchieving 9-14% increases in new student enrollmentServing a diverse student body with 55% on Pell GrantsListen in to #EdUpThank 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!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

Jul 13, 2025 • 37min
Why Leaders Fail: Human Treachery & Leadership Crucibles - with Dr. Gayle Beebe, President, Westmont College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, President Series #381, Powered By Ellucian, YOUR guest is Dr. Gayle Beebe, President, Westmont College & Author of The Crucibles That Shape Us: Navigating the Defining Challenges of LeadershipYOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio How has Dr. Beebe maintained leadership freshness over 18 years as president?What disciplines contribute to sustainable leadership longevity?How did Peter Drucker influence his approach to leadership development?What are the "crucibles" that shape effective leaders?How is Westmont College addressing AI & educational innovation?Topics include:Developing & deploying highly effective executive teamsCreating a personal "aspiring edge" that prevents stagnationBalancing the liberal arts tradition with innovative programsImplementing a human-centered approach to leadershipManaging the business of higher education with mission focusAddressing enrollment challenges in today's higher education landscapeCultivating disciplined leadership practices that withstand challengesFor EdUp Supporters only via the extended conversation:The "12 principles" for outlasting opposition in leadershipUnderstanding & confronting "human treachery" in organizationsRecognizing the difference between saboteurs & charlatansCultivating emotional presence during organizational changeNavigating the coming enrollment cliff & adaptation strategiesBalancing financial management with educational missionListen in to #EdUpThank 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!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com