Get Down to College Business

Higher ed is facing a pivotal question: can colleges keep up with the workforce as AI and tech reshape every career?

Sarah Holtan, PhD welcomes Suzy Siegle, EdD, JDD to talk straight about what working professionals really need. Spoiler: It's not another generic degree. When jobs are shifting overnight and skills lose their value just as fast, Walsh College listens to industry and adapts, offering stackable AI certificates, flexible programs, and practical ROI.

Feel like your career is stuck unless you master the latest disruption? Wondering if online learning really delivers connection and value? Or...

What if spending years on strategic planning is holding your college back?

Sarah Holtan, PhD and Mark Blegen, PhD, President of Linfield University, get candid about why nimble, corporate-inspired strategic plans may be the lifeline small colleges need right now. Forget hundred-page binders. Dr. Blegen shares how focusing on a sharp budget, culture check, and clear priorities powers real change.

Most schools compete with lookalike programs and struggle to differentiate. Dr. Blegen's “quick win” plan insists on honest data discussions and measurable results. No more chasing every trend or funding aimless pet projects. Think your inst...

What really happens when college faculty take a no confidence vote in their president? Sarah sits down with Dr. Chuck Ambrose—author, consultant, and former president—to pull back the curtain on the hard and hidden costs of campus leadership crises. If you think it’s all about a president’s payout, think again. Instability sends shockwaves through campus culture, hitting enrollment, fundraising, and even faculty morale in ways most never see coming.

Are you wondering how an internal vote can actually change the financial health and student success at your institution? Listen to Dr. Chuck Ambrose explain...

Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Angela Walmsley, PhD, educational consultant and founder of Interactive College Prep, to ask the uncomfortable question: what does it really mean when almost everyone gets an A? In an era where students arrive at college with sky-high GPAs and even higher expectations, Angela exposes how inflated grades muddle admissions, challenge professors, and create a ripple effect in university support systems.

Behind those “perfect” transcripts, are students actually prepared for college-level work? Tune in to find out how grade inflation impacts AP exams, college admissions, and even the way professors approach their jobs...

What if your college degree became outdated before you even graduated? On this episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD brings Dave Schippers, Sc.D., CISSP to the table to call out the uncomfortable truth: higher education cannot keep up with the breakneck pace of AI.

If you think AI is just another gadget for faculty, think again. Dr. Schippers explains how AI is a socio-technological force rethinking everything from how students learn to what skills employers will demand tomorrow.

Will universities survive if they cling to old mindsets? What does an AI-literate faculty actually look like and...

Get ready to be inspired by Lora Strigens, Vice-President for Planning and Facilities and University Architect at Marquette University, as she shares her expertise in leading over $300 million in capital projects in under a decade. Discover how campus planning at Marquette University follows a strategic approach, encompassing broad themes to ensure the best outcomes for stakeholders.

Lora emphasizes the importance of engaging with both on-campus and external stakeholders, asking thoughtful questions to enable their impactful contributions. Explore the unique challenges and benefits of being an urban institution, from community connections to ensuring student safety. Learn the art...

Sarah Holtan, PhD explores the complexities of college leadership with Brian Rosenberg, PhD, Visiting Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on the pressures modern college presidents face. They discuss the need for transparent, honest, and authentic communication, especially in times of social media outrage.

Brian discusses the value of a clear mission and student-centric decision-making, while also challenging traditional tenure models. The conversation wraps with strategies for more inclusive shared governance and ways to stay calm and effective amidst chaos.

Episode Highlights:

03:19 - It's important to note that that model, even in...

Most colleges are sitting on a treasure or a time bomb when it comes to their campus facilities. Everyone wants the best buildings to attract students and faculty, but what if chasing shiny new construction is actually harming your institution’s future?

Sarah Holtan, PhD talks to Chris Morett, PhD, MPP, the President at Co|Here Campus and Workplace, who pulls back the curtain and says it straight: space isn’t just an asset, it’s a strategic tool and most schools are getting it wrong.

Campus leaders are struggling to balance the pressure for modern...

Sarah Holtan, PhD, talks with Jessie Cannizzaro, owner of Milestone Plumbing, about the true meaning of community and how businesses can teach colleges to connect with their neighbors in ways that matter. If you’ve ever wondered why universities struggle to partner with local businesses, Jessie’s experiences might change your mind about what community really is.

Jessie shares how her business balances profit, passion, and service, revealing why even a small gesture—like collecting pop tabs—can spark huge impact. You’ll hear how employees’ personal “why” drives engagement, and why listening beats boardroom strategy every single time.

Sarah Holtan, PhD brings together campus leaders who don’t just talk about AI—they’re reshaping the way universities operate. In this episode, Melik Peter Khoury, DBA, CEO and President of Unity Environmental University, and Suzy Siegle, EdD, JD, CEO and President of Walsh College, go beyond the tired “ban vs. embrace” debates. They unpack how progressive campuses are integrating AI not as a bolt-on tool, but as a transformative force across the institution, from grading and advising to student support and academic integrity.

Suzy shares Walsh College’s approach to ethical AI use, digital twins, and practica...

Money matters in higher ed, but who really shapes the financial reality on campus? Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with the Vice President for Academic Affairs at La Roche University, Gregor Thuswaldner, PhD for a straight talk on what it takes to keep college doors open, and why academic leaders can’t ignore the numbers anymore.

Most believe CFOs hold the purse strings, but Dr. Thuswaldner argues that provosts who focus only on academics risk being sidelined. From forming “no scapegoat” alliances to getting smart about program cuts and new revenue streams, every decision can either build trust...

You work hard to keep your college running, but what if you’re losing money every month without realizing it?

Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Anamika Wadhawan, Senior VP of Sales at SIB, to shine a light on “spend drift” and invoice anomalies—those sneaky charges and contract errors that slowly eat away at your budget. Fixing your finances isn’t just about slashing resources; it’s about catching the errors and inefficiencies hidden in plain sight.

Are you sure your institution isn’t leaving thousands—or even millions—on the table just because of outdated contra...

Sarah Holtan, PHD sits down with Daniel Greenstein, PhD, Managing Director at Baker Tilly US, for a blunt conversation about the hidden financial risks many colleges are ignoring. Greenstein, a leader in higher education consulting and former Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, reveals why traditional financial metrics don't paint the full picture of an institution's health.

Greenstein breaks down nine "risk archetypes"—structural patterns that quietly erode long-term institutional stability—and exposes three accelerators that intensify vulnerability. On the positive side, he shares three indicators of resilience, offering strategies for institutions to weather futu...

Sarah Holtan, PhD, sits down with Dr. David Rosowsky PHD, Chief optimism officer, connector, collider, university senior leader, and author, for a masterclass in a subject that makes most academics run for the hills: the university budget model. In this blunt and refreshingly clear conversation, Dr. Rosowsky—sometimes called the "Ted Lasso of higher ed"—cuts through the jargon and political noise to reveal why so many institutions get budget model transitions dangerously wrong.

Dr. Rosowsky breaks down the critical difference between a university’s budget (the amount of money available) and its budget model (the rules for al...

In this episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD is joined by her old friend, veteran NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Casey, for a candid look at the evolving world of sportscasting. Trenni traces her 25-year career path, offering critical insights for today's aspiring journalists, academic leaders, and athletic directors.

They discuss the essential skills for success in the modern media landscape. While foundational traits like curiosity and authenticity are timeless, the industry now demands multifaceted content creators who can shoot, edit, and engage across all social platforms. Trenni provides a crucial reality check on the industry’s financial shifts, in...

Sarah Holtan, PhD welcomes the Founder of School of Podcasting, Dave Jackson, for a reality check on campus podcasting. Colleges are rushing to launch podcasts, but does every institution actually need one or know how to make theirs stand out?

With higher ed under pressure to connect, retain, and recruit, Dave peels back the curtain on what really makes a college podcast worth listening to and worth producing. If you think just starting a show will solve your engagement woes, you might be burning time and budget for nothing.

Wondering why some university shows flourish...

Did you know a 20% drop in international students could wipe out nearly $2 billion in college tuition in just a year? The financial pain universities are feeling right now isn’t just about bottom lines, it's about fewer programs, job losses on campus and in local communities, and a shrinking workforce for the future.

In this episode, Tom Dretler, CEO and co-founder of Shorelight Education, breaks down exactly what this revenue cliff means and why colleges can't afford to keep waiting for old models to work.

Can universities reinvent themselves fast enough to protect students, faculty, an...

Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Gary Daynes, PhD, the Founder and Principal, Back Porch Consulting and Interim President Salem Academy and College, for a blunt conversation about why most small schools are making strategic mistakes, and what they can do about it. This chat is a must for anyone working in higher ed who’s tired of wishful thinking and wants practical advice on how to future-proof their institution.

Gary explains why wearing too many hats isn’t just exhausting but often a symptom of bigger strategic problems. He calls out the damaging habits of building plan...

Sarah Holtan sits down with Dr. Robert Kelchen, Professor of Higher Education at University of Tennessee - Knoxville, to ask the hard question: can a new college president truly turn around a university’s finances? If you’ve ever wondered why some presidents seem to steady the ship while others are just along for the ride, this is an episode you can’t miss.

Most people think hiring a new leader is a silver bullet, but Robert uncovers why financial miracles rarely happen overnight—especially at public universities. He reveals how private colleges, without state funding, are forced t...

Paying for college stirs up way more than just number crunching—it’s a raw experience laden with stress, overwhelm, and uncertainty. In today’s episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD, sits down with Mark Mitchell, Vice President of Access and Affordability of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), to cut through the facts and talk about the very real feelings families face when tuition bills are due.

Mark reveals what’s changed in the financial aid landscape and why the pressure is only getting heavier for families—and what colleges can actually do about it. If anxiety, confusion...

In this insightful episode, host Sarah Holtan, PhD, sits down with Kevin McClure, PhD, Professor of Higher Education at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. They discuss the critical state of employee well-being in higher education.

Dr. McClure unpacks the evolving landscape of university workplaces, addressing the challenges facing faculty and staff post-pandemic, and offers actionable steps for leaders looking to create a truly caring institution.

The conversation dives deep into why employee well-being is more than an HR talking point—it's a strategic imperative for any college hoping to thrive. Dr. McClure shares research-backed strategies, st...

In this forward-thinking episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Melik Peter Khoury, DBA, to explore how higher education leaders can harness the transformative power of AI—not just as a technological tool, but as a driver for architectural, workflow, and cultural change in universities.

Rather than dwelling on AI as a source of academic anxiety or a threat to jobs, Dr. Khoury shares actionable strategies for integrating AI into executive functions, staff productivity, and student learning.

Listeners are invited to rethink old paradigms and learn how embracing AI can help institutions stay relevant, flatten or...

Could a better way to support faculty actually decide which universities survive the coming years? In this episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD, talks with Derek Bruff, the Associate Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at the University of Virginia, about how Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs) shape a college’s future, even when budgets are tight and change is constant.

Derek shares his candid perspective on what makes a CTL truly matter: it’s not just space and tech, but trust-based relationships, faculty skill-building, and aligning with what the university really values. If you’ve ever wonder...

Sarah Holtan, PhD speaks with Brandon Moore, Executive Director of Learning & Development at the Kacmarcik Center for Human Performance. Higher Ed is struggling with shrinking resources and shifting student needs—but what if colleges could learn a thing or two from how the corporate world approaches workforce training? Brandon shares how his team treats employees as whole people, prioritizes training that actually fits real jobs, and isn’t afraid to fail fast and let go of tired programs.

Are you stuck wondering why graduates struggle with “people skills” once they hit the workforce—or if colleges can keep up wi...

Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Bruce Hoeker, CFO at the Association of Business Administrators of Christian Colleges (ABACC), to cut through the confusion on college finances. If you think understanding your institution’s business operations is just for the CFO, Bruce wants you to think again—and shows why the financial future of your college depends on broad, strategic awareness at every leadership level.

Too often, faculty and department heads are promoted into roles where financial savvy is assumed, but training is missing. The result? Strategic priorities get underfunded, and warning signs go ignored. Are you sure...

Sarah Holtan, PhD, sits down with Lucie Lapovsky, PhD, a financial expert in higher education and Principal of Lapovsky Consulting. In today's episode, discover how tuition pricing strategies could hold the key to college sustainability, especially in the face of declining enrollments and a challenging educational landscape. Lucie's insights offer a fresh perspective, challenging the conventional high tuition, high discount model many institutions still follow.

Lucie breaks down the importance of understanding the true cost of education, emphasizing that tuition resets are about smart pricing, not just sticker shock reduction. Her advice is to look beyond the...

Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Nicole Gahagan, Ed.D., Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Madison Area Technical College, to talk about the intricate world of change management within higher education. In this episode, Dr. Gahagan shakes up the conventional approach to institutional change by focusing intently on human needs. Looking to improve student success and employee experiences? This one's for you.

Dr. Gahagan shares how ignoring human needs can backfire during change, causing resistance and inertia. She highlights the importance of purpose in change initiatives, stating that without understanding the "why," stakeholders might disengage...

Sarah Holtan, PhD chats with Elliot Felix, who is a Student Success Author, Speaker, and Consultant, about breaking down the silos in higher education to truly support students. Discover practical ways to shift from fragmented efforts to intentional collaboration for better student outcomes.

Elliot shares a transformative example from the University of Rochester, where the Innovation Zone became a hub for student-driven projects. By focusing on connectivity across different campus departments, 35,000 students have since gained crucial skills and made significant community impacts.

Ever thought about how your institution could foster deeper collaboration without getting lost...

Sarah Holtan, PhD interviews Liane Crane, owner of The College Dollar, about the realities of college costs and the steps we can take to demystify them. With first-hand experience guiding her own children through college and assisting countless families, Liane's insights shine a light on the often murky world of college finance.

Many parents and students face an uphill battle understanding college affordability. Liane highlights the need for clarity on scholarships, the muddle of financial aid jargon, and the challenge of decoding award letters. The frustrations felt by families can sometimes deter them from considering certain colleges...

Join Sarah Holtan, PhD, as she sits down with Jackie Slaats, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Career Advancement at Lake Forest College. Jackie’s commitment to career readiness has transformed Lake Forest into a leader in integrating career services into college life. This episode is packed with strategies that can redefine how institutions prepare students for their future careers.

Lake Forest boasts an impressive employment rate and has been ranked #1 for social mobility. What exactly makes their approach stand out? Jackie shares the college’s innovative pathways and community-focused programs that engage alumni and faculty in uniq...

Sarah Holtan, PhD explores the hidden impact of course material expenses on student success with Julia Seaman, PhD, Director of Research, Bay View Analytics. Discover startling statistics and explore surprising insights into how these costs shape students’ academic journeys and choices.

Course materials often play an invisible yet powerful role in higher education. Dr. Seaman’s research shows that these costs can drastically influence students’ ability to succeed academically, sometimes even affecting their choice of majors and institutions. It’s a pressing issue that universities can no longer ignore.

Wondering how rising course material costs are shap...

**Note** This episode was recorded in December 2024 and was based on a preliminary report that has since been updated. The more recent findings from the National Student Clearinghouse show that undergraduate enrollment is actually up by 4.5%, not the 3% as stated in the episode. The majority of the take-aways and the broader conversation still applies. 

Join Sarah Holtan as she sits down with Robert Nowak, the Associate Vice President of Enrollment and Dean of Admission at Lawrence University, to discuss innovative strategies for enrollment growth and retention in higher education. This episode tackles the pressing issue of declining c...

If you think managing a university's finances is complex, imagine simplifying it with the expertise of a data scientist who can turn numbers into actionable insights. Join Sarah Holtan, PhD as she hosts Matt Hendricks, PhD, founder of Perspective Data Science, to discuss financial transparency in higher education.

In this episode, Dr. Hendricks shares how his free research tool can transform raw financial data from audited reports into clear metrics like net income margins, cash flow, and endowment health. Discover how understanding these indicators can steer your institution towards financial stability, even spotlighting areas like staffing and...

Sarah Holtan, PhD chats with Josiah Castro, Deputy Athletics Director for East Texas A&M, about the cutting-edge strategies he's using to boost university revenue through athletics. This conversation is packed with insights on the importance of athletics in enrollment, branding, and community engagement.

Josiah shares how athletics act as the "front porch" of the university, offering unique marketing opportunities and rallying points for students, alums, and the community. He discusses the innovative approaches in revenue streams, like branded beer and group ticket sales, and the essential role of relationships in fundraising success.

Wondering how...

Sarah Holtan chats with Chellee Siewert, President of Capture Sports and Entertainment, about how athletes can shape their legacy through their brands. This episode tackles the evolving landscape of personal branding, showing athletes how to use their influence for social good and prepare for life beyond sports.

Chellee underscores the importance of athletes giving back through charitable initiatives, touching on options from donor-advised funds to setting up 501c3 organizations. Chellee also discusses how college athletes can leverage teamwork, determination, and networking skills to boost employability and ensure a smooth transition from sports to corporate careers.

...

Sarah Holtan, PhD welcomes back Gill Hunter, PhD, Presidential Fellow for Experience and Engagement at Eastern Kentucky University, to explore the essential strategies for making colleges feel like a second home to students. Gill shares insights and actionable approaches that are reshaping student retention and engagement.

Imagine your daughter is hesitant about college after a rough high school experience. Then, an advisor walks her to class, sparking a connection that changes everything. Gill’s personal story drives home the critical role of genuine human interaction in education. He debunks sterile, transactional terms like "stakeholders" and advocates for st...

Sarah Holtan engages Tim Sullivan, Business Leader and Dean of the Sullivan School of Business and Technology at Carroll University, in a discussion about the potential of business strategies in revitalizing struggling universities. With a background spanning academia and executive roles, Tim brings a rare perspective that challenges the traditional educational frameworks hampering rapid change.

Tim spotlights the pressing issue of legacy governance structures, stressing how shared decision-making often slows necessary innovations. He offers a powerful comparison of academia to state governments where progress is equally tedious. But can the private sector's agility rescue colleges? Tim wholeheartedly...

Ever feel like you’re swimming against the tide of conventional career advice? If so, this episode is tailored for you. Many people still underestimate how rewarding and viable careers in the trades can be, even though they often lead to high salaries and job security without the burden of student debt.

Join Sarah Holtan as she sits down with Jessie Cannizzaro, master plumber and president of Milestone Plumbing, to break down the stigmas and reveal the true potential of trade careers.

Jessie explains how trades offer structured advancement opportunities—from journeyman to master levels—while...

Sarah Holtan chats with Dr. Joe Salustio, VP of Industry Engagement and Co-founder and Host of the EdUp Experience Podcast, about the transformative role technology plays in higher education and the crucial steps institutions must take to stay competitive.

Imagine operating your entire college on outdated software while your competitors soar ahead with cutting-edge solutions. Joe breaks down why many schools resist necessary tech upgrades, what it takes to overcome these hurdles, and the future trends every educational leader should watch. His insights reveal the high stakes of failing to adapt and the steps needed to ensure...

Sarah Holtan, PhD explores the complexities of college leadership with Brian Rosenberg, PhD, Visiting Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on the pressures modern college presidents face. They discuss the need for transparent, honest, and authentic communication, especially in times of social media outrage.

Brian discusses the value of a clear mission and student-centric decision-making, while also challenging traditional tenure models. The conversation wraps with strategies for more inclusive shared governance and ways to stay calm and effective amidst chaos.

Episode Highlights:

03:19 - It's important to note that that model, even in i...