
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.
LEARN MORE:
edupexperience.com
We make education YOUR business!
Latest episodes

Jan 21, 2025 • 44min
Why Empty Diploma Folders Changed an Entire University's Approach to Student Success - with Rachel Rosenfeldt, Executive Director & Head of Training Services, Kotter
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference& Ellucian LIVE 2025
YOUR guest is Rachel Rosenfeldt, Executive Director & Head of Training Services, Kotter
YOUR cohost is Roy de Vries, Learning Innovator, aNewSpring
YOUR host is Elvin Freytes
How does Kotter approach training in today's volatile environment?
How do they make training stick across different modalities?
What is the "change muscle" & how is it developed?
Why is personalized learning becoming increasingly important?
How do organizations measure the impact of learning & development?
What does the future of learning look like?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 21, 2025 • 50min
What It Takes to Keep Higher Ed Programs Market-Relevant - with Doris Savron, Vice Provost of Colleges, Assessment & Curriculum, University of Phoenix (UOP)
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference& Ellucian LIVE 2025
YOUR guest is Doris Savron, Vice Provost of Colleges, Assessment & Curriculum, University of Phoenix (UOP)
YOUR cohost is Dr. Jodi (Ashbrook) Blinco, Vice President for Enrollment Management Consulting, EducationDynamics
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How does UOP maintain curriculum relevancy through regular program health checks?
What role does data play in assessing & updating academic programs?
How is AI being integrated into academic & operational processes?
Why are career services & outcomes critical for today's learners?
How does leadership adapt to virtual environments & emerging technologies?
What drives UOP's commitment to serving non-traditional students?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 20, 2025 • 39min
How a 7-Day Notice Changed Everything - Emma Lynne DeRoss, Student When University of the Arts Closed
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, part of a special EdUp College Closure Miniseries - Through the Eyes of..., brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference & Ellucian LIVE 2025
YOUR guest is Emma Lynne DeRoss, Student When University of the Arts Closed
YOUR host is Dr. Jay M. Keehn. Dr. Jay M. Keehn was employed by Union Institute & University for eighteen years. UI&U formerly announced its’ closure in June, 2024. During his tenure, he held roles as faculty, director of academic programs, campus executive director, and dean of students. Dr. Keehn is the founder of THE CLUB, a monthly get-together of professionals affected by their college closing. In THE CLUB, people share their stories and socialize around the current landscape while looking at what may be Tomorrow’s Higher Education.
How do students cope with sudden institutional closure?
What role does community & support systems play during college closure
How do scholarship recipients navigate the transfer process?
What measures can help students prepare for potential closures?
How can institutions better manage communication during crisis?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 16, 2025 • 51min
Why 'Relentless Welcome' Could Be Higher Ed's Next Big Thing - with Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes, President & Vice Chancellor, Yorkville University
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #334, & brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes, President & Vice Chancellor, Yorkville University
YOUR cohost is Tracy Kreikemeier, Chief Relationship Officer, EducationDynamics
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How does Yorkville University's unique position as a private Canadian university shape its approach?
What drives the "relentless welcome" philosophy for student experience?
How is Yorkville adapting to serve graduate students through asynchronous learning?
What role do signature learning outcomes play in preparing students for AI-driven careers?
How are FlexYU classrooms transforming the learning environment?
What strategies drive domestic & international student recruitment?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 16, 2025 • 30min
What Every Educator Needs to Know About AI in 2025 - with Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Strategy, Instructure
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference& Ellucian LIVE 2025
YOUR guest is Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Strategy, Instructure
YOUR host is Elvin Freytes
How is AI transforming education & what are the key features in Canvas for educators?
Why is AI literacy critical for both educators & students in 2025?
How can institutions balance AI adoption with cost management?
What role does the global Instructure community play in education?
How are AI tools improving efficiency for teachers, students & administrators?
Why is preparing students for AI in the workforce essential?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 15, 2025 • 48min
How a Corporate Attorney Became a University President & Is Transforming Higher Ed - with Lisa Lori, President, Marywood University
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, President Series (Powered By Ellucian) #333, & brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference
YOUR guest is Lisa Lori, President, Marywood University
YOUR cohost is Casey Liddle, VP of Account Management, EducationDynamics
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How does Marywood's unique "Bigger, Bolder & Better" vision shape its future?
What drove the transition from corporate law to university presidency?
How is Marywood adapting programs like architecture & aviation to meet modern demands?
What role does digital marketing play in reaching today's students?
How is virtual reality being integrated into classroom instruction?
What strategies drive international student recruitment & program expansion?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 14, 2025 • 48min
Why Green Mountain College's Closure Changed How We Think About Higher Ed Crisis - with Christina Fabrey & Heather Keith, Former Staff Members at Green Mountain College
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, part of a special EdUp College Closure Miniseries - Through the Eyes of..., brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference & Ellucian LIVE 2025
YOUR guests are Christina Fabrey & Heather Keith, Former Staff Members at Green Mountain College
YOUR host is Dr. Jay M. Keehn. Dr. Jay M. Keehn was employed by Union Institute & University for eighteen years. UI&U formerly announced its’ closure in June, 2024. During his tenure, he held roles as faculty, director of academic programs, campus executive director, and dean of students. Dr. Keehn is the founder of THE CLUB, a monthly get-together of professionals affected by their college closing. In THE CLUB, people share their stories and socialize around the current landscape while looking at what may be Tomorrow’s Higher Education.
How did Green Mountain College manage its closure with dignity & support for its community?
What role did community & resilience play during the closure process?
How did the closure impact faculty, staff & their families personally?
What lessons can other institutions learn about managing closures effectively?
How can institutions build pre-resilience before facing potential crises?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 14, 2025 • 54min
How Massachusetts Created A Free College Program That Actually Works - with Dr. Noe Ortega, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference& Ellucian LIVE 2025
YOUR guest is Dr. Noe Ortega, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
How is Mass Reconnect & Mass Educate making college more accessible & affordable?
Why is credit transfer still a major challenge in higher education?
How are student services evolving to support both traditional & non-traditional learners?
What role does Massachusetts play in shaping the future of higher education?
How can institutions rebuild trust & demonstrate their value proposition?
Why is maintaining diversity, equity & inclusion critical in higher education?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 13, 2025 • 53min
What College Presidents Need to Know About AI & Business Model Transformation - with Dr. Jayson Boyers, Executive Vice President, Business Model Transformation, Core Education
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference & Ellucian LIVE 2025
YOUR guest is Dr. Jayson Boyers, Executive Vice President, Business Model Transformation, Core Education
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio with special co-host Dr. Emily Barnes, AI Strategist
How can institutions leverage AI beyond the classroom?
What is the value lens structure & how does it help institutions focus their resources?
Why is intentional decision-making crucial for college sustainability?
How can colleges maintain distinctiveness while staying relevant?
What role should technology awareness play in presidential leadership?
How can value-based budgeting help transform institutional outcomes?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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, & much 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.com
Thank 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!

Jan 13, 2025 • 55min
Why Harvard Is Combining Medicine & Media to Save Lives - with Dr. Neal Baer, Co-Director, Harvard's Master of Science in Media, Medicine, & Health Program
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, brought to YOU by the InsightsEDU 2025 conference & Ellucian LIVE 2025
YOUR guest is Dr. Neal Baer, Co-Director, Harvard's Master of Science in Media, Medicine, & Health Program
YOUR host is Dr. Jodi Blinco
How can media & storytelling improve health outcomes & medical education?
Why is data-driven storytelling crucial for public health communication?
How does Harvard's innovative program bridge medicine, media & humanities?
What role do arts & creativity play in addressing healthcare inequities?
How can healthcare providers use various media platforms to reach diverse audiences?
What is the impact of dual-use technology in healthcare & education?
Listen in to #EdUp
Do 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, & much 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.com
Thank 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!