Reimagining HigherEd

Dr. Graham Carr, President and Vice-Chancellor, Concordia University

Dr. Graham Carr, President and Vice-Chancellor of Concordia University joins host Dr. Noreen Golfman for this week’s conversation.
Together they discuss:
Challenges and opportunities of transitioning from faculty to university leadership
Facilitating work-integrated learning, and leveraging AI technology to enhance the student experience and prepare graduates
The need for universities to be more responsive to societal changes, while preserving the core values that are integral to higher education.

Professor Neil Quigley, Vice-Chancellor, University of Waikato

Professor Neil Quigley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waikato joins host Professor Judyth Sachs for this week’s conversation.
Neil shares the challenges of leading a university today, particularly adapting to AI technology and its impact on assessment and learning; how the University of Waikato is integrating different cultural perspectives, emphasising support for learner success, and ensuring every graduate is prepared with work-integrated learning; and how learning new languages - Vietnamese and Te reo Māori - improved his listening skills and shaped his leadership journey.

Prof. Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor, Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Join Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor of Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in conversation with Professor Judyth Sachs about the importance of curiosity and humility in learning, the role of history in understanding the present, and the challenges facing higher education today.
In this episode:
As the first Pasifika Vice-Chancellor in New Zealand, Damon shares his perspective on the responsibilities that come with this, and the need to consider the broader societal implications of such milestones.
The increasing need for universities to provide a place of social cohesion and connectedness, for growing and supporting the development of well-rounded citizens capable of engaging with complex, contested ideas.
Equipping students with the essential skills for university success, including self-awareness and becoming self-directed learners, and the strong commitment AUT has to educational opportunity and student support.

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.