Reimagining HigherEd

Professor Chris Day, Vice Chancellor and President, Newcastle University

Prof Chris Day, VC and President of Newcastle University, joins Sir Eric for an insight into university participation rates in North-East England, and the transformational impact of the charity IntoUniversity, bridging the gap between school and higher education in difficult to reach areas. 
Chris also discusses the rise in academic industrial clusters, COVID as an accelerator for alliances between universities and anchor institutions, and producing graduates relevant for your region. Listen to the end for a funny anecdote about Prince Charles' old bedroom at Aberystwyth University!

Dame Denise Holt, Chair of Council, University of Sussex

Dame Denise Holt, Chair of Council at University of Sussex, joins the podcast this week to dive into all things governance. She speaks about the common tenets of good governance, having seen it at work across a range of contexts and roles, from the Foreign Office, to Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), and Higher Education Institutions.
Dame Denise discusses the changing landscape for governing bodies; mutual exchange between a university and its governing members; and diverse representation around the table, to drive bold risk-taking.

Professor Sir Steve Smith, fmr VC University of Exeter and President Universities UK

Professor Sir Steve Smith joins Sir Eric for an insightful discussion on the internationalisation of higher education, phenomenal shifts towards transnational education and regional hubs, and the composition of education export earnings in the UK.
Sir Steve shares latest growth statistics in international students, consequences for the student experience, both local and international, and how smaller, specialist institutions have become a hotspot for international students.

Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice Chancellor, University of Bristol

In this first episode for 2023, Vice Chancellor of Bristol University, Prof Evelyn Welch, sits down with Sir Eric Thomas - former VC Bristol University - to discuss the popularity of Arts and Humanities degrees on campus and in the Cabinet, teaching skills for a changing future, and the opportunity to reinvent the student experience each year.
Evelyn and Sir Eric reflect on their own transitions to leadership roles while juggling teaching and research, the symbiotic relationship between an institution and its place, and why the city of Bristol is Goldilocks 'just right'.
Evelyn gives us an insight into what’s next for Bristol, in particular rethinking campus design to bring students closer to practice and business.

BONUS EPISODE: 2022 wrap up with Prof Judyth Sachs and Jack Goodman

In this bonus episode, Prof Judyth Sachs and Jack Goodman are both hosting, bringing back their respective learnings from interviews with senior university leaders this year. Judyth and Jack recap dominant themes going into 2023: the pursuit of integrity (including causes, prevention of misconduct, and damage control); assessment; belonging; curiosity vs transaction; the persistent correlation between rankings and student satisfaction; the experiences of international students; and, the power of connection and mentorship. Listen in for a summary of the most important issues in Higher Education right now.

Prof Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice Chancellor, University of Leicester

Prof Nishan Canagarajah and Sir Eric Thomas discuss plural cities in the UK, a university's civic purpose, the delivery of Milton and Shakespeare, history lessons, and how to ensure curricula, assessment, and student experience reflect the diversity of the surrounding student body. Prof Canagarajah also addresses the challenge of universities staying relevant both locally and globally, progress around ethnic and gender diversity at the university leadership level, plus moving from Sri Lanka to Cambridge and his lived experience as an international student. An incredible amount packed into 30 minutes, a must listen for university leaders, staff, and students.

Prof Jess Vanderlelie, Deputy Vice Chancellor Students, LaTrobe University

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Students) at La Trobe University, Jess Vanderlelie, speaks about trying to truly deliver personalisation at scale with the deep connection students require, investing in staff connection, rocky roads in first year, and transition pedagogy as a driver over the past decade.
Jess and Jack reflect on Jess' personal drive for teaching and learning, why recognition of high-quality teaching is more important than ever post-2020, and ponder what the HE sector needs to get back to continue delivering exceptional experiences for both staff and students.

John O’Leary, Editor of the Times Good University Guide, former Editor of the Times Higher Education and Education Editor of The Times

In this episode, Sir Eric Thomas - former VC Bristol University - interviews a world-leading authority and pioneer of the modern university ranking system, John O’Leary. Together, the journalist and the VC dissect the polarising topic of rankings, in the context of: the changing student experience; university civic mission; local and international competition; methodology; and institutional criticism. John and Sir Eric discuss how use of rankings has evolved, students’ interest, and investment in student satisfaction giving universities the edge.

Dr. Noreen Golfman, fmr Provost and Vice-President of Memorial University

As Provost and Vice-President, as well as Dean of Graduate Studies, at Memorial University, Dr. Noreen Golfman kept humour and humanity top of mind during her time in leadership. In this episode, Prof Judyth Sachs connects with Noreen to discuss identity, the evolving student experience, taking risks to spur disruption, and circuit-breaking challenges. Plus, Noreen brings an unexpected item to her conversation with Judyth, representing her lifelong approach to education and leadership. 
Listen now, or watch the interview.
vimeo.com/studiosity/noreen-golfman

Em Professor and Founder at HEDx, Martin Betts

With 40 years experience working in universities on 3 continents, Martin Betts is usually in the host seat, behind the mic of the acclaimed HedX podcast. The tables are turned in this episode, as Studiosity Founder Jack Goodman hosts and Martin shares his significant experience in and around the sector.
Martin and Jack reimagine the student experience, discussing the need for urgent decision making in higher education, and the difference between universities that are already on that journey and those yet to start. Also up for discussion: time-shifting, the urgent detail in QILT, putting the theatre in the lecture theatre, teaching and learning, lecture playback speed (1.6x), and governance and policy around student learning in the UK, Australia, and the US.