Reimagining HigherEd

What does true belonging look like on a modern university campus? In this special live-recorded episode of Reimagining Higher Education, we take you directly to our National Reconciliation Week First Nations student panel, hosted by Studiosity at the Sydney Swans Headquarters on Gadigal Country (Moore Park). 
Chaired by UNSW's Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous, Prof Leanne Holt, we listen to the powerful wisdom and heard stories of the academic journeys of four incredible First Nations students: Siena, Tasya, Lachlan, and Jaiden.
Shifting away from a deficit mindset, these future leaders in medicine, law, and corporate marketing share positive, constructive insights on how universities can evolve past standard compliance and foster truly empowering experiences. Listen in to explore how building relational, wanted campus communities, expanding postgraduate research pathways, and decolonising knowledge systems can foster an environment where every student is set up to achieve extraordinary things.

In this special episode of the Reimagining Higher Education podcast, Prof Judyth Sachs sits down with Prof Michael Donovan, a Gumbaynggir man and Pro Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) at La Trobe University, to explore the intersection of Indigenous knowledges and academic practice. 
 
Drawing on his diverse background as a nurse, teacher, and Fulbright Schola, Prof Donovan discusses moving beyond trying to 'crowbar' Indigenous content into the curriculum, advocating instead for a relational pedagogy that aligns Indigenous understandings with core disciplinary concepts. The conversation highlights the importance of authentic Indigenous governance and the necessity of "walking the walk" - from executive-level decision-making to building deep, listening-based relationships with community elders. 
 
Through his personal reflections on reconciliation, Prof Donovan offers a roadmap for institutional change that puts shared growth at its heart. 

Dr. Courtney Hills McBeth, Chief Academic Officer and Provost at Western Governors University (WGU) joins host Prof. Judyth Sachs, to discuss the "dual transformation" reshaping WGU.
They dive into:
Shifting demographics: How WGU is adapting now that 40% of its incoming online students are younger learners with limited career experience.
Fostering community: Building belonging in a digital space through scaled peer cohorts and a specialized faculty framework.
Leadership lessons: Courtney's insights as a former All-American soccer player and how she strategically manages her academic team's diverse strengths.

Professor Nick Klomp, Vice-Chancellor and President of CQUniversity sits down with your host, Professor Judyth Sachs to explore the evolving landscape of regional higher education, focusing on institutional mission, student demographics, the integration of emerging technologies, and future of flexible learning. He reinforces that the sustainable university of the future must balance new technologies with student-focused learning and strong cultural and peer support systems, while staying deeply rooted in community support.
 
 

On Friday 8th May 2026, your panel came together to discuss how institutions can help students to thrive, among all the anxiety and uncertainty of the AI age. 
This session explores the intersection of generative AI and student mental health in the higher education sector. Featuring a diverse panel of academic leaders from Australia and Malaysia, and a student representative, the session addresses the "confidence gap" in AI learning, the transition from punitive to learning-first integrity frameworks, and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging through human connection. The discussion offers practical insights into how institutions can move beyond the policing of AI to create a culture of trust and uphold critical thinking.
 
Panelists:
Prof Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) of Monash University Malaysia.
Megan Pozzi SFHEA, Director (Student Life), Uni Southern QLD
Dr Georgina Maddox, teaching specialist in psychology at Flinders University
Ivana Pedruco Aniceto, 3rd year law student from University of Newcastle
and chaired by Prof Judyth Sachs, Chief Academic Officer at Studiosity.
studiosity.com/studentsfirst 

In the lead-up to National Reconciliation Week 2026, Prof Judyth Sachs interviews Indigenous leaders about reconciliation in a higher education context, what it means for them, and how they see their contribution to the institutions in which they work.
This first episode in the 2026 series features a conversation between Judyth and Prof Leanne Holt, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
They discuss:
Prof Holt's remarkable journey from leaving school in year 11 to leading Indigenous strategy at one of Australia’s top universities, and her personal insights on overcoming 'imposter syndrome'
The importance of systemic institutional change over temporary programs, and how UNSW is centering Indigenous knowledge within its broader societal impact goals.
Redefining reconciliation as voice, agency, and action - a compelling look at how universities can go beyond internal targets to create genuine community agency and lasting societal change.
 

This week, we're resharing a popular episode from the archives. Dr. Wafa Almansoori, Interim President and Provost of American University of Bahrain (AUBH) joins host, Dr. Ashraf Mahate to discuss:
Preparing students for a world with AI, and the challenges for universities in revising curriculum, training faculty, and establishing ethical guidelines.
How AUBH are incorporating collaboration across disciplines to mirror real-world challenges.
Dr. Wafa shares her thoughts on the mixed messages higher education sometimes sends to students: when their final grade dictates their opportunities more than the learning journey itself. This can leave students confused about what truly matters.

At ACEx2026, Dr. Timothy M. Renick and Dr. Kathryn Crowther detailed the results and strategic implications of an innovative pilot program between the National Institute for Student Success (NISS), Georgia State University (GSU), and Studiosity.
In an era demanding both efficiency and personalized learning, GSU sought a student support solution that could scale effectively across their diverse student body. A micro-pilot took place in Spring 2025, offering Studiosity to 100 students, and was expanded for the Fall to 1,000 students across multiple programs and disciplines. GSU strategically adopted Studiosity's AI-powered writing feedback tool and foundational skills support to determine efficacy and impact.
Featuring:
Dr. Timothy M. Renick, Executive Director, National Institute for Student Success
Dr. Kathryn Crowther, Director of Teaching Effectiveness & Learning Design in the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Online Education at Georgia State University

Dr. David Andrews, Chancellor at UMass Global and Studiosity Academic Advisory Board member, joins host and Chief Academic Officer, Professor Judyth Sachs to discuss:
The mindset shift and practices needed to "meet students where they are"
Reimagining the role of faculty and leveraging AI for efficiencies in grading and feedback
Fluidity and flexibility to enable accessible, enjoyable learning experiences.

Dr. Rajiv Jhangiani, Vice Provost, Teaching and Learning at Brock University, discusses the data-rich results of their recent pilot and survey with Studiosity. This session was presented live at Re: University on January 29, 2026 and provides a grounded, evidence-based perspective on how AI support tools are impacting students' confidence, study habits, and AI use, and what the outcomes are for institutions.