
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 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!

Apr 7, 2025 • 25min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Natalie Walther, Director, Solutions Marketing, Lyquaia Purcell, Senior Director, Digital Transformation, Ellucian
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guests are Natalie Walther, Director, Solutions Marketing, Lyquaia Purcell, Senior Director, Digital Transformation, EllucianYOUR host is Dr. Chris Moloney, Principal Strategic Specialist, EllucianWhat does the 2025 Student Voice Report reveal about modern learners?Why is financial uncertainty still a primary barrier for students?How are dual enrollment students showing the most interest in non-degree programs?What are the top three reasons students stop out (& it's not about degree value)?What 5 things do stopouts need to return to their education?Topics include:Insights from 2024 & 2025 Student Voice ReportsUnderstanding the barriers to enrollment & retentionAddressing student financial stress & anxietyImproving transfer & re-enrollment processesCreating flexible learning options for diverse student needsListen 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 • 22min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Amy Ervin-Harrison, Principal Consultant, Forrester
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guest is Amy Ervin-Harrison, Principal Consultant, ForresterYOUR host is Dr. Chris Moloney, Principal Strategic Specialist, EllucianWhat did the Total Economic Impact (TEI) study reveal about Ellucian Colleague SaaS?How does moving to SaaS improve institutional security posture?Why is data transparency critical for informed decision-making?How does modernization help institutions overcome the "squeaky wheel" problem?What role does the Ellucian community play in institutional success?Topics include:133% ROI from Ellucian Colleague SaaS deploymentSecurity benefits of cloud-based solutionsStudent experience improvements through modernizationCreating a single source of truth for institutional dataGenerating new revenue streams through data-informed decisionsListen 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 • 23min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Rodrigo Cotelo, Senior Solutions Consultant II, Emburse
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guest is Rodrigo Cotelo, Senior Solutions Consultant II, EmburseYOUR host is Dr. Chris Moloney, Principal Strategic Specialist, EllucianHow is Emburse transforming expense management in higher education?What innovative "reshop" technology is saving institutions money on travel?Why is the "changing of the guard" accelerating technology adoption?How does AI streamline expense approvals & detect potential fraud?What role does visibility play in efficient financial operations?Topics include:Streamlining T&E expenditure processesSaving 3% or more on travel costs through reshop technologyReducing expense report time from hours to minutesAI-powered receipt analysis & fraud detectionModernizing change management for shorter attention spansListen 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 • 21min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Lee Brintle, CEO, Greg Soare, Vice President of Global Accounts, CourseLeaf
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guests are Lee Brintle, CEO, Greg Soare, Vice President of Global Accounts, CourseLeafYOUR host is Dr. Chris Moloney, Principal Strategic Specialist, EllucianHow is CourseLeaf transforming curriculum management to improve student success?Why is efficiency in academic operations critical for better student outcomes?How are catalog & syllabus tools streamlining administrative processes?What role does AI play in developing innovative curriculum solutions?How is CourseLeaf helping institutions adapt to Banner SaaS migrations?Topics include:Streamlining curriculum management & governance processesReducing administrative burden through integrated systemsMaking course catalogs more accessible & user-friendlyEmpowering faculty with intuitive syllabus creation toolsApplying AI to enhance academic operationsListen 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 • 22min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Lacey Gerard, Director of Experience Design, & Bill Blackford VP of Global Talent Management, Ellucian
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guests are Lacey Gerard, Director of Experience Design, & Bill Blackford VP of Global Talent Management, EllucianYOUR host is Dr. Chris Moloney, Principal Strategic Specialist, EllucianHow is the JMU-Ellucian internship program reimagining workforce development?Why is student career readiness critical for successful transitions to employment?How are ethicist & storyteller roles transforming software development teams?What role does AI play in developing innovative administrative tools?How is the program accelerating student skill development and professional growth?Topics include:Bridging the gap between college & the workforceTransforming classroom learning into practical experienceCreating a cohort-based internship modelDeveloping both technical & soft skillsAI-powered skill gap analysis toolsLearn more from this crew at #elive25 this Monday April 7, 2025 at 4:30pmET at their track session: “From the Classroom to the Boardroom"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 7, 2025 • 50min
Why Community Colleges Are Winning at Workforce Development - with Dr. Melissa Wertz, Provost, Chief Academic Officer, Edison State Community College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, sponsored by Coursedog,YOUR guest is Dr. Melissa Wertz, Provost, Chief Academic Officer, Edison State Community CollegeYOUR cohost is Bridget Moran, Senior Content Manager at CoursedogYOUR host is Dr. Jodi BlincoHow did Edison State achieve record-breaking enrollment in Fall 2024?What drives successful workforce development partnerships?How does the College Credit Plus program serve high school students?Why is standardization critical for online learning success?What makes student support services so impactful?Topics include:Record enrollment growth strategiesIndustry & workforce partnershipsDual enrollment opportunitiesOnline program developmentStudent support & successClosing the feedback loopCommunity college mission & 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!

Apr 6, 2025 • 23min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Richard Forrest, Chief Product & Experience Officer, ESM Solutions
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guest is Richard Forrest, Chief Product & Experience Officer, ESM SolutionsYOUR cohost is Dr. Chris Moloney, Principal Strategic Specialist, EllucianYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is ESM Solutions partnering with Ellucian to streamline procurement?Why is "off contract spend" a challenge for higher education institutions?How are experience cards transforming purchasing approvals?What role does budget visibility play in procurement confidence?How is AI being integrated into the procurement process?Topics include:Simplifying the procurement experienceReducing approval times from months to minutesConsumer-focused purchasing interfacesBudget visibility at point of purchaseAI-powered procurement researchListen 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 6, 2025 • 24min
LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 - with Rupa Saran, Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Technology Officer, Coast Colleges
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guest is Rupa Saran, Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Technology Officer, Coast CollegesYOUR cohost is Dr. Chris Moloney, Principal Strategic Specialist, EllucianYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is Coast Community College District leading modernization with SaaS?What's the difference between a "pilot" & a "demonstration" project?How is the California Community College system creating a Common Cloud Data Platform?Why is speed essential when implementing technology for student success?How is AI being integrated to combat fraud & enhance student learning?Topics include:System-wide demonstration projectsData centralization for 2.1 million studentsCombating financial aid fraudFaculty adoption of AI toolsStudent-centered technology 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 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!