
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

Mar 19, 2025 • 18min
LIVE from the InsightsEDU 2025 Conference - with Andy Miller, Sr. VP, Strategic Enrollment & Partnerships, Indiana Wesleyan University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from the InsightsEDU 2025 Conference in New OrleansYOUR guest is Andy Miller, Sr. VP, Strategic Enrollment & Partnerships, Indiana Wesleyan UniversityYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioIn this compelling episode, Dr. Miller shares valuable insights about enrollment management & how Indiana Wesleyan is evolving to better serve the modern learner.Speaking from the InsightsEDU conference, Dr. Miller reveals how IWU approaches speed in 3 crucial ways: speed to lead, speed to application, & speed to enrollment.With extensive experience in enrollment management, Dr. Miller brings deep knowledge in creating cultures of execution & changing hearts & minds to drive organizational change.He makes a powerful case for why institutions need to focus on people first, creating hope & purpose among team members who can then help students believe in themselves.The conversation explores how IWU uses performance management & data transparency to track metrics throughout the enrollment funnel & set clear benchmarks for success.Dr. Miller shares practical insights about the importance of data hygiene & creating systems that allow for growth, while emphasizing the need for programs that meet workforce needs.Most intriguingly, he discusses IWU's commitment to serving second chance & second career students, building programs around workforce needs in their community.His perspective on the importance of collegiality & sharing best practices across higher education provides valuable context for understanding today's recruitment landscape.For anyone interested in enrollment management's future, this episode delivers actionable insights from an expert working to transform institutional approaches to serving modern learners.Dr. Miller's combination of data-driven leadership & student-centered philosophy makes this a must-listen conversation about effective enrollment strategies in today's competitive landscape.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!

Mar 18, 2025 • 42min
What Makes Alvernia University's 95% Job Placement Rate & Nine-Month Program Development Possible - with Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald, President, Alvernia University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #355, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by Ellucian LIVE 2025 & HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald, President, Alvernia UniversityYOUR host is Dr. Jodi BlincoHow is Alvernia University expanding its presence in Reading, PA?Why is physical & educational accessibility critical for community growth?How can universities build successful employer partnerships?What role does innovative programming play in meeting workforce needs?How are graduates making real-world impact across sectors?Topics include:Downtown campus expansionCommunity-driven program developmentNine-month program implementationSOLAR culture of care initiativeEmployer partnerships & Project SixLiberal arts & workforce preparationTotal Experience Learning institute95% job placement successListen 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!

Mar 17, 2025 • 52min
What It Takes to Lead 23 Universities & Transform Half a Million Students' Lives - with Dr. Mildred García, Chancellor, California State University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #354, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by Ellucian LIVE 2025 & HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Dr. Mildred García, Chancellor, California State UniversityYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow does leading the nation's largest public university system present unique opportunities & challenges?What strategies are being implemented to support student success & retention?How can higher education better communicate its value proposition?Why is direct admission crucial for expanding access & opportunity?How can institutional leaders effectively manage change across multiple campuses?Topics include:Student success initiativesFirst-generation student supportStrategic planning & visionLeadership developmentDiversity in higher education leadershipTechnology & AI integrationAffordable quality educationListen 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!

Mar 12, 2025 • 25min
LIVE from the InsightsEDU 2025 Conference - with Carmin Chan, Vice Provost, NAU Online, Northern Arizona University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from the InsightsEDU 2025 Conference in New OrleansYOUR guest is Carmin Chan, Vice Provost, NAU Online, Northern Arizona UniversityYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioIn this compelling episode, Dr. Chan shares valuable insights about NAU Online's transformation & how they're evolving to better serve the modern learner.Speaking from the InsightsEDU conference, Dr. Chan reveals how NAU is reimagining their online education approach after 25 years of experience, creating what she calls "NAU Online 2.0."With extensive experience in online education & previous work at University of Arizona, Dr. Chan brings deep knowledge in building online education from within existing institutional infrastructure.She makes a powerful case for why institutions need to develop their online capabilities organically rather than through acquisitions, fostering internal buy-in & sustainable growth.The conversation explores how today's online learners need student-centered policies & systems that accommodate their unique circumstances, rather than traditional structures that create barriers.Dr. Chan shares practical insights about using data-driven approaches to provide targeted student support, while emphasizing the importance of human connection in the online experience.Most intriguingly, she discusses NAU's focus on increasing entry points for students, recognizing that adult learners make decisions to pursue education at various times throughout the year.Her perspective on creating community for online students & improving Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) policies provides valuable context for understanding today's recruitment landscape.For anyone interested in online education's future, this episode delivers actionable insights from an expert working to transform institutional approaches to serving modern learners.Dr. Chan's combination of academic leadership & student-centered philosophy makes this a must-listen conversation about effective online education in today's competitive landscape.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!

Mar 12, 2025 • 53min
Why Timeless & Timely Skills Are The Future of Liberal Arts Education - with Dr. Susan Rundell Singer, President, St. Olaf College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #353, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by Ellucian LIVE 2025 & HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Dr. Susan Rundell Singer, President, St. Olaf CollegeYOUR cohost is Dylan Fogarty, VP of Partner Success, Rize EducationYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow does St. Olaf deliver holistic education?What distinguishes vocational education in the Lutheran tradition?How are timeless & timely skills balanced in liberal arts?Why is innovation critical for student success?What drives effective institutional change?Topics include:Leading organizational transformationGlobal learning opportunitiesStudent vocation developmentFirst female presidency milestonesStrategic planning & implementationListen 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!

Mar 11, 2025 • 53min
What This First-Gen President is Doing to Make College Accessible - with Steve K. Stoute, President, Canisius University
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #352, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by Ellucian LIVE 2025 & HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Steve K. Stoute, President, Canisius UniversityYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioWhat role does community engagement play in urban higher education?How can universities eliminate barriers to student success?Why is innovation critical in today's higher education landscape?How can institutions balance tradition & transformation?Topics include:Student-centered educationTest-free admissionsLegacy 514 ScholarshipTechnology & educationChange management strategiesCommunity partnerships & impactListen 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!

Mar 10, 2025 • 23min
LIVE from the InsightsEDU 2025 Conference - with Andrew Fleischer, Head of Industry, Elizabeth Rice, Senior Partner Lead, & Roy Daiany, Director, Education & Careers, Google
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from the InsightsEDU 2025 Conference in New OrleansYOUR guests are Andrew Fleischer, Head of Industry, Elizabeth Rice, Senior Partner Lead, & Roy Daiany, Director, Education & Careers, GoogleYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioIn this compelling episode, Google's leadership team shares valuable insights about the evolving landscape of higher education marketing & student recruitment through AI & search technologies.Speaking from the InsightsEDU conference, the Google team reveals how successful institutions are embracing AI-driven marketing approaches that combine lead generation & brand awareness to drive enrollment growth.With extensive experience at Google & focused expertise in higher education, the team brings deep knowledge in helping institutions leverage search & YouTube for effective student recruitment.They make a powerful case for why institutions need to own their message & be present where students are searching, creating multiple meaningful engagement points with prospective students.The conversation explores how today's prospective students prioritize 3 key factors: quality of education (outcomes), flexibility in classes, & financial aid options when making decisions.The team shares practical insights about the importance of communicating concrete outcomes & ROI to prospective students, while acknowledging that institutional brands can shift rapidly in today's fast-paced information environment.Most intriguingly, they discuss Google's role in helping institutions navigate the AI revolution & how marketers adopting AI into their strategies are seeing 60% greater revenue growth compared to benchmarks.Their perspective on the evolution of higher education marketing & the growing demand for certificates & short courses provides valuable context for understanding today's recruitment landscape.For anyone interested in higher education marketing's future, this episode delivers actionable insights from experts at the intersection of search technology & student recruitment.The Google team's combination of platform expertise & industry experience makes this a must-listen conversation about effective higher education marketing in today's digital landscape.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!

Mar 6, 2025 • 54min
Why Shared Leadership is the Future of Higher Ed - with Dr. Susan Elrod, Former Chancellor of Indiana University South Bend
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #351, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by Ellucian LIVE 2025 & HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Dr. Susan Elrod, Former Chancellor of Indiana University South BendYOUR cohost is Dr. Mary Papazian, Executive Vice President, Association of Governing Boards (AGB)YOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow does shared leadership drive institutional change & success?What role does scientific thinking play in higher ed leadership?How can leaders effectively navigate campus politics & resistance?Why is context crucial for implementing strategic change?How can institutions balance rapid change & thoughtful engagement?Topics include:Change Leadership ToolkitPost-pandemic transformationBudget sustainability strategiesCollaborative decision-makingLeadership development & coachingListen 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!

Mar 5, 2025 • 28min
Why This College President Chose Tech Partnership Over Private Equity - with Michael Zimmerman, President, Campus
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #350, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by Ellucian LIVE 2025 & HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Michael Zimmerman, President, CampusYOUR host is Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Host, EdUp Accreditation InsightsHow does a family legacy evolve into a national online innovator?Why is faculty quality crucial for student success?How are institutions integrating traditional & digital education?What role does measured transformation play in institutional change?Why must community relationships remain strong during rebranding?Topics include:Transforming a 60-year family institutionPartnering with tech innovationBuilding quality online programsMaintaining employer relationshipsFuture of personalized educationListen 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!

Mar 4, 2025 • 51min
What Happens When Hollywood Meets Higher Ed? - with Josh Reibel, CEO, Dreamscape Learn
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, brought to YOU by Ellucian LIVE 2025 & HigherEd PodCon YOUR guest is Josh Reibel, CEO, Dreamscape LearnYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is VR technology transforming traditional STEM education?What makes story-driven immersive learning more effective?How can universities justify the investment in VR technology?Why do achievement gaps nearly disappear with immersive learning?How does VR complement rather than replace traditional instruction?Topics include:Immersive learning innovationStudent engagement & retentionSTEM education transformationEducational storytellingTechnology implementation strategiesFor #EdUp Subscribers only via the extended conversation:Language learning applications in VRMedical training possibilitiesFuture developments in math educationInnovative faculty use casesEmerging VR applications across disciplinesListen 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!