Reimagining HigherEd

Dr. Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning), Hong Kong Baptist University

Dr. Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) at Hong Kong Baptist University sits down with Professor Judyth Sachs for this invigorating conversation to kick off 2025. They discuss:
Studying as an international student, cultural immersion, and self discipline
Shifting to transdisciplinary collaboration between academia, industry, and the community in an effort to address global challenges
HKBU’s approach to incorporating AI: emphasising empowerment, critical thinking, ethical use, and preserving human creativity
The importance of communication and co-creation with students, and maintaining a curious mindset in the rapidly changing higher education landscape.

Prof Duncan Bentley, VC and President, Federation University

"The future of the world depends on us actually bringing the university into the community; into all of its aspects; and into our workplaces."
Prof Duncan Bentley, Vice-Chancellor and President at Federation University and Prof Judyth Sachs reflect on the accidental events that have shaped Duncan's ‘unorthodox’ career path.
They discuss the purpose of regional universities and responding to local contexts; integrating work and university and bringing critical thinking into the workplace; facilitating students' learning journeys beyond study; peer support as the glue that binds students to university; and insights into how the sector can innovate to meet future needs of students and society. 

Prof Scott Bowman AO, Vice-Chancellor, Charles Darwin University

Another popular episode from the archives. Join Prof Scott Bowman AO, Vice-Chancellor at Charles Darwin University, in conversation with Prof Judyth Sachs, as they explore Scott’s enterprising journey to higher education leadership, and the people who have shaped it along the way.
They discuss Scott’s early years and why university was never on his radar; how Scott came to keep a Jiminy Cricket in his office; importance of authenticity for students and aspiring senior leaders; how engagement helped to transform CQU; and Scott's advice to anyone working in a university right now.

Dr Tim Renick, Founding Executive Director, The National Institute for Student Success, GSU

In one of the most listened to episodes of all time, Dr Tim Renick - Founding Executive Director of The National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University and preeminent national adviser on student equity - meets with our guest host, leading student equity researcher and advocate for change, President of the Australian Learning and Teaching Fellows (ALTF), and Studiosity Academic Advisory Board Member - Prof Sally Kift. Dr Renick shares his personal experience as both a student and leader, and shares evidence-led approaches to student satisfaction and completion. The two advocates discuss outcomes and what’s still needed - a critical conversation in light of growing impetus for universities to personally and ethically support every enrolled student.

Dr. Arthur Levine, President Emeritus at Teachers College, Columbia University

Dr Arthur Levine, President Emeritus at Teachers College - Columbia University, chats to Prof Judyth Sachs, about reinventing universities. They discuss formative assessment in practice; why universities need to regain traction, look outward, and bind with community; and Arthur shares what he would change if he could redesign universities.

Prof Diana Laurillard, Professor of Learning with Digital Technologies, UCL Knowledge Lab

This week, Professor Judyth Sachs is joined by Professor Diana Laurillard, Professor of Learning with Digital Technologies at UCL Knowledge Lab, who early in her career made it her mission to understand the intricacies of exactly how learning works, and how teachers can help students to learn.
They discuss:
Designing learning to empower educators and students to be active participants
Advocating for a more collaborative approach to teaching, where educators share and build upon pedagogical ideas
The importance of curiosity and student agency with emerging digital tools.

Professor Dame Heather McGregor DBE FRSE, Provost and Vice Principal, Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Professor Dame Heather McGregor DBE FRSE, Provost and Vice Principal at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, joins Professor Judyth Sachs to reimagine higher education through Heather’s global perspective, passion for education, and commitment to making a positive impact.
Listen in as they discuss:
Journalism, financial markets, and entering academia later in life - how education has been Heather’s passport to each opportunity
Aspiring to accomplish things you don’t succeed with straight away
Why bespoke learning journeys are the future of education
Articulating your purpose in uncertain times and Heather’s personal impact statement.

Professor Rose Luckin, Founding Director, EDUCATE at University College London

This week’s episode: Prof Rose Luckin, Founding Director of EDUCATE Ventures Research at University College London (UCL) and Professor at UCL Knowledge Lab, joins Prof Judyth Sachs to explore a human-centric approach to AI in education - including transparency, accountability, and human dignity - and the readiness of the sector to adapt.

Dr. Bridget Burns, Founding CEO, University Innovation Alliance (UIA)

This week Dr. Bridget Burns, Founding CEO of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA), joins guest host Prof. Sally Kift, a leader and researcher in student success and equity, to reimagine higher education. This trans-national conversation between two trailblazing leaders offers valuable perspectives on enhancing student success and advancing equity in higher education. They discuss:
Systemic change to redesign institutions around student success
UIA’s focus on setting the conditions for change, via evidence-based work that brings community, inspiration, and purpose
Morale, motivation, and respecting people and their ability to advance change
Data as the “North Star” for student success
And a "magic wand" wish for the sector.

Prof Dame Sally Mapstone DBE, FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of St Andrews; President of Universities UK

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone DBE, FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at University of St Andrews, and President of Universities UK, joins host Professor Petra Wend in this episode.
They discuss the hallmarks of a great student experience, notably research-informed teaching and small classes; the impact of sisterhood and formative experiences that shaped Sally’s career; rebalancing the relationship between individual and government funding of the sector; and Sally brings along a cherished book collection, highlighting the ever-evolving experience of learners.