Reimagining HigherEd

Dr. Deborah MacLatchy, President, Wilfrid Laurier University

Dr. Deborah MacLatchy, President of Wilfrid Laurier University, joins Dr. Noreen Golfman this week to reflect on the student experience, noting increased engagement and advocacy by today’s students, alongside greater challenges with financial pressures and uncertainty about the future.
Also in this episode:
A biologist at heart, Deborah shares how her desire to enact change drove the decision to move into leadership
Why we need to consider the environmental impact and broader implications of AI in education, beyond just the technological capabilities
Enabling more personalized faculty-student connection, which Deborah sees as critical to the university experience.

Prof. Dr. Maurits van Rooijen, CAO, Global University Systems and Rector, University of Europe

This week we’re bringing you a fascinating journey through academia and leadership, spanning continents, institutions, and roles. Prof. Dr. Maurits van Rooijen, CAO of Global University Systems and Rector of University of Europe joins Dr. Ashraf Mahate in this captivating conversation.
Discussed in this episode: 
Balancing theoretical and practical education, with a focus on developing students' real-world skills, critical thinking, and ability to learn from failure
Rooijen's collaborative leadership style, involving asking the right questions and encouraging faculty to arrive at solutions themselves
Incorporating AI into university operations and teaching, emphasising the importance for both educators and students to critically engage with new technologies.

Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor, American University of Sharjah, UAE

Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of American University of Sharjah (AUS), joins guest host Dr. Ashraf Mahate in this week’s conversation. They explore Tod’s career in and around academia, from faculty at Duke University, to founding president of Khalifa University, and chief academic officer of SUNY.
Also discussed:
Evolving expectations of students in the UAE, particularly their desire for entrepreneurial opportunities and engagement with sustainability initiatives.
Adapting to, and advocating for, AI technologies while maintaining the core values of education, ethics, and learning.
The value of a well-rounded education, and AUS' commitment to a liberal arts core, preparing students to tackle complex, interdisciplinary challenges in their future careers.

Dr. Chuck Welch, President, American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)

Dr. Chuck Welch, President of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) joins Prof. Judyth Sachs this week. Chuck and Judyth reflect on the changes in higher education over the past 30 years, and discuss perceived public value, using data and evidence, and being more transparent and accountable as institutions. Furthermore - they dive into the impact of generative AI on education, the evolving value of a college degree, and the unique role AASCU plays in advocating for student success.

Professor Chua Kee Chaing, President, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)

Listen in as we learn more about Singapore Institute of Technology’s President, Prof Chua Kee Chaing, and his vision to guide SIT to find its own space among leading research-intensive universities, to be Singapore's university for industry. Prof Judyth Sachs discusses with Prof Chua the opportunities with AI technology and why education and ethics are critical to students using it in their learning.

Prof Tan Tai Yong, President, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

Prof Tan Tai Yong, the second President of Singapore University of Social Sciences, sits down with Prof Judyth Sachs, to uncover his journey from historian to higher ed leadership.
 
They reflect on:
Leading complex organisations, emphasising the importance of long-term perspectives and engaging with students and staff
Adaptability and an open mindset, Prof Yong shares his advice to today’s students who will have longer working lives than ever before
How National University of Singapore (NUS) transformed student life, including developing ‘University Town’ to foster a stronger sense of belonging among students
Embracing AI and technology to enhance, not replace, critical thinking and synthesis skills of graduates.

Prof Freddy Boey, President, City University of Hong Kong

Prof Freddy Boey, President of City University of Hong Kong joins Prof Judyth Sachs for this week’s conversation.
Freddy shares his experience as an international student, where he learned the importance of adaptability and building relationships, which shaped his personal philosophy on the critical role universities play in students' lives, beyond lectures and exams.
Listen in to hear the two professors discuss:
Key factors enabling the transformation of universities in Singapore to sit amongst the top ranked in the world
Cultivating curiosity and critical thinking in students
Enhancing the CityU student experience through student exchange, developing entrepreneurship, and leveraging emerging technologies.

Elizabeth Cantwell, President, Utah State University

President of Utah State University, Betsy Cantwell, joins Professor Judyth Sachs this week. From her work on national security, NASA missions, and to higher education leadership, Betsy shares her insights on:
The vital role of higher education in cultivating civic engagement,
Students' moral reasoning and critical thinking in this social, political, and technological landscape,
The changing nature of knowledge acquisition and adapting curricula and teaching to better prepare students for the future.
From USU’s very “happy campus” in the mountains, join Betsy as she speaks with Judyth this week. A must-listen episode for leadership and educators invested in learner success - in a rapidly changing HE environment.

Prof Nic Smith, Vice-Chancellor, Victoria University of Wellington

This week Prof Nic Smith, Vice-Chancellor at Victoria University of Wellington discusses the role of universities to foster respect and evidence-based understanding between people, especially as the world becomes more polarised - with Prof Judyth Sachs. Their conversation explores the importance of developing students' higher-order skills like critical thinking, synthesis, and communication; and why Prof Smith’s leadership philosophy focuses on empowering staff and students, building trust, and embracing the diversity of views within the university community. Don’t miss this lively chat between the two professors, giving listeners plenty of food for thought.

Prof Mohamed Kerkeb, President of Ibn Tofail University - winner of the 2024 THE Award Arab World for Outstanding Support for Students

From developing award-winning programs, pioneering initiatives and a vision of equitable support for every student - Prof Mohamed Kerkeb, the President of Ibn Tofail University in Morocco shares his passion for academia, his inspirations and desire to share knowledge.
Interviewed by Dr Ashraf Mahate, the two educators discuss the university's initiatives to support students with disabilities, including the award-winning Space for Students with Disabilities, and its efforts to democratise access to AI and coding. Professor Kerkeb emphasises the university's holistic approach to education, focusing on developing well-rounded individuals who can positively contribute to society. Listen in to hear Prof Kerkeb's vision for creating an inclusive, technologically-advanced, and socially-engaged university that prepares students for the challenges of the future.
Find out more about the THE Awards Arab World here: https://theawardsarabworld.com/2024/en/page/home