Reimagining HigherEd

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 
 

Prof Grant Robertson, Vice-Chancellor, University of Otago

Prof Grant Robertson, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Otago, joins Prof Judyth Sachs this week to delve into Grant’s remarkable career from student union president, to now leading the institution.
They discuss:
Working alongside remarkable women leaders, Jacinda Ardern and Helen Clark, and lessons learned on intellect, compassion, and leadership
The importance of universities in addressing global challenges and the need to make them relevant and useful to governments
Observations on the changing student experience, notably the increased pressure and purpose-driven nature of today's students, and the desire to provide students with time to think, absorb, and explore
The role of universities in critically engaging with emerging technologies like AI, and Grant’s vision for nurturing well-rounded, socially conscious graduates

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.