The Key with Inside Higher Ed

“Innovation” is one of those buzzwords that means everything and nothing. “Culture” is even harder to pin down. But in this episode of The Key, Inside Higher Ed’s news and analysis podcast, senior editor for special content Colleen Flaherty speaks with two people working hard to foster both on their campuses. In a panel discussion at the recent Digital Universities US event in Salt Lake City, Colleen spoke with Maricel Lawrence the innovation catalyst at Purdue Global and Kevin Yee special assistant to the provost for AI and director of the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Central Florida about how bottom up leadership, empowering people to try new things and universal design thinking are helping to create a culture where innovation thrives.

Michael Logan, the Senior Director for Veteran and Military Affairs at the University of Texas at San Antonio and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, shares insights on supporting military-affiliated students. He discusses the unique challenges these students face in higher education, including the impact of military culture on academic identity. Logan emphasizes the importance of community support, the role of military-affiliated staff in fostering empathy, and the need for tailored programs that help with transition and belonging in college.

In this conversation, Kevin McClure, a Professor at UNC Wilmington and expert in higher education workforce dynamics, discusses the current struggles facing the academic workforce. He highlights the effects of hiring freezes and funding cuts on staffing and recruitment, revealing a decreasing ability to attract new talent. McClure also dives into the vital role of shared governance in addressing these issues, suggesting that participatory practices could be key to revitalizing the sector. Plus, he shares insights on the emotional toll these challenges have on educators and students alike.

This season of Voices of Student Success, “Preparing Gen Z for Unknown Futures,” addresses challenges in readying young people for the next chapter of their lives in the face of large-scale global changes.  As climate disasters become more frequent and severe, more institutions are investing in programs to address environmental changes and prepare students to engage in green careers.  Clark University plans to launch its school of Climate, Environment and Society this fall, institutionalizing the university’s commitment to climate action and investing in interdisciplinary learning for students interested in the work of sustainability. Lou Leonard, the inaugural dean of the school of climate, environment and society, discusses the need for the school and how climate education can tackle climate anxiety in young people.   Hosted by Inside Higher Ed Student Success Reporter Ashley Mowreader. This episode is sponsored by Grammarly.   Read a transcript of the podcast here. 

Anxiety and depression are on the rise among college students driven, in part, by pressures to balance academics with personal, economic and family responsibilities. In this episode of The Key, Inside Higher Ed’s news and analysis podcast, two mental health leaders talk about how the current political climate and economic uncertainty are exacerbating the existing mental health challenges on campuses. Tara Harper, assistant vice president for student wellbeing and clinical operations at Lincoln University and Seli Fakorzi, director of mental health operations at TimelyCare, join IHE’s editor in chief Sara Custer to discuss what colleges are doing to address rising symptoms of anxiety and depression among students and how they’re keeping everyone safe and healthy during a time of great upheaval. Thank you to Timely Care for sponsoring this episode.   

This season of Voices of Student Success, “Preparing Gen Z for Unknown Futures,” addresses challenges in readying young people for the next chapter of their lives in the face of large-scale global changes.  A workshop series at George Mason University in Virginia helps build students’ practical knowledge and well-being by giving them life advice and skills, such as how to change a tire. The program was created by Ethan Carter, associate director of programs, well-being and assessment, and supported by graduate student assistant Dianna Phillips, who talk about the logistics of delivering the workshops and how they support student success.   Hosted by Inside Higher Ed Student Success Reporter Ashley Mowreader.  Read a transcript of the podcast here. 

Ted Mitchell, President of the American Council on Education and former Under Secretary for the Department of Education, dives into the tumultuous relationship between higher education and the federal government. He discusses recent funding freezes and the implications for public trust in institutions. Mitchell emphasizes the need for genuine dialogue and collaboration to navigate political challenges and restore accountability. He also highlights the importance of aligning educational programs with workforce demands and advocating for underrepresented institutions to ensure broad access to opportunities.

This season of Voices of Student Success, “Preparing Gen Z for Unknown Futures,” addresses challenges in readying young people for the next chapter of their lives in the face of large-scale global changes. Encouraging students to engage with people who they disagree with can be a challenge for many in higher education. A class at the University of San Diego’s Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies put students on a train to crisscross the nation, encouraging them to speak across differences and engage in unfamiliar places and spaces. Sarah Federman, associate professor of conflict resolution, spoke about her class and the trip, as well as some of the lessons she learned about engaging students in constructive dialogue. Hosted by Inside Higher Ed Student Success Reporter Ashley Mowreader. Read a transcript of the podcast here.

Karen Weaver, an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania and a former athletic director with 30 years of experience, dives into the seismic shifts in college athletics. She discusses the impact of NCAA policy changes like NIL earnings and the transfer portal on institutions and student-athletes. The conversation goes into the staggering $2.8 billion legal settlement, the rise of student-athlete unions, and the financial disparities between athletics and academics, providing insights that touch the future of sports and education.

Inside Higher Ed’s editor in chief, Sara Custer, speaks with IHE’s news editor Katherine Knott and reporters Liam Knox and Johanna Alonso about the executive orders, funding cuts and visa revocations of the last three months that have sent shockwaves through the higher education sector.   Read more of Inside Higher Ed's coverage of Trump's first 100 days.    This episode is sponsored by Strada Education Foundation.