

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

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!

May 27, 2025 • 51min
What Employers Will Pay $10,000 For - with Dr. Jeff Pittman, Chancellor, St. Louis Community College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #370, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Dr. Jeff Pittman, Chancellor, St. Louis Community CollegeYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is St. Louis Community College experiencing enrollment recovery post-pandemic? What role do community colleges play in meeting workforce needs? How are new campus buildings targeting high-need workforce sectors? What innovative employer partnerships are creating opportunities for students? How is transfer credit legislation improving student pathways to completion? Topics include:Achieving 10% enrollment growth with 34,000 total students Building six new facilities across four campuses for workforce education Creating direct alignment between programs & industry needs Addressing the 2,600 nursing vacancies in the St. Louis region Transforming the "junior college" model to meet economic demands Implementing wraparound services to overcome student barriers Advancing "Real World Learning" initiatives with K-12 districts For #EdUp Subscribers only via the extended conversation:Maintaining leadership longevity through student-centered focus Navigating the challenges of multiple bargaining units Transitioning from system-level to campus-level leadership Finding renewed passion after 40 years in higher education Creating contagious enthusiasm for student success 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 26, 2025 • 47min
What Makes 4Cs' Approach to Faculty Development Revolutionary - with Dr. Carlnita P. Greene, Vice President, Academic Affairs, Cape Cod Community College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, sponsored by Coursedog,YOUR guest is Dr. Carlnita P. Greene, Vice President, Academic Affairs, Cape Cod Community CollegeYOUR cohost is Bridget Moran , Senior Content Manager at CoursedogYOUR host is Dr. Jodi BlincoHow is Dr. Greene transitioning into her new role at 4Cs? What key priorities guide her academic leadership approach? How is faculty development connected to student success?Why is mental health & wellness a campus-wide focus? What makes free community college transformative? Topics include:Holistic student support strategies Faculty wellness & professional development Flexible course options & high-flex learning Creating "student-ready" institutions Healthcare & aviation workforce programs Non-credit to credit pathways Supporting unique student needs Massachusetts free community college program 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 22, 2025 • 44min
Why AI Has Made Process More Important Than Product in Education - with Joseph Thibault, Founder, Cursive Technology, & Creator of the "This Isn't Fine" Newsletter
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is Joseph Thibault, Founder, Cursive Technology, & Creator of the "This Isn't Fine" NewsletterYOUR cohost is Bradley Emi , Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does Joe define academic integrity & its relation to trust between faculty & students? What is contract cheating & how does it differ from legitimate homework help? How do essay mills operate & what risks do they pose to students beyond academic dishonesty? How does Cursive Technology's behavioral approach to monitoring writing help preserve academic integrity? What insights can typing biometrics provide about student authorship & the writing process? Topics include:The $4 billion essay mill industry & its impact on education Using typing behavior as a biometric signature for authorship verification Detecting AI assistance in student writing through process analysis Balancing academic integrity tools with student privacy concerns The shift from product to process focus in writing assessment The growing connection between cybersecurity & academic integrity Financial aid fraud through fake student enrollment 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!