Reimagining HigherEd

Prof Jan Thomas, Vice-Chancellor, Massey University

"And I really essentially kind of fell in love with the power of a university, in terms of its capacity to build a nation.” Prof Jan Thomas - Vice-Chancellor at Massey University and Chair of Universities New Zealand - talks to Prof Judyth Sachs about the pull to academia from vet science; resurfacing curiosity in undergraduates; shifts in the value of universities in the Global North; and how Māori culture and te reo (language) have shaped Jan's journey.

Prof Geraldine Mackenzie, Vice-Chancellor, UniSQ

On the podcast this week, Prof Geraldine Mackenzie, Vice-Chancellor at UniSQ shares insights and reflections from her 36 years in higher education, together with Prof Judyth Sachs. They discuss pivotal moments in Geraldine's career, rediscovering creativity, engendering the joy and pleasure of learning, how UniSQ supports the unique challenges of regional students and industry, and the multi-pronged issue of instilling students with self-belief.

Dr Ant Bagshaw, Senior Advisor, L.E.K. Consulting

In this special episode, Dr Ant Bagshaw, Senior Advisor at L.E.K. Consulting, joins Jack Goodman, President of FOLA and Studiosity Founder. With Ant’s new book “Higher Imagination: A Future for Universities” as a springboard, the two discuss the pursuit of joy in universities, incentives, inefficiencies, public trust, resources, and equipping students with skills that last.

Prof Barney Glover, AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, WSU

Prof Barney Glover AO, Vice-Chancellor and President at Western Sydney University chats to Prof Judyth Sachs about micro-credentials, reinforcing and redefining the university, metrics for success, the relationship between higher education and industry, and how universities can stay economically relevant. Barney speaks to his own early education, career, what's lacking in leadership development, and what needs more focus today in the sector. At a university with a critical purpose in society, Barney and Judyth discuss Western’s mission to be open and uplifting to the local community.

Professor Brian Schmidt AC, Vice-Chancellor and President, ANU

Australian National University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Brian Schmidt AC FAA FRS, joins Professor Judyth Sachs to discuss immersive on-campus learning, finding balance in life and academia, and the role and future of universities in Australia. Prof Brian reflects on his own deep academic experience as a Harvard undergraduate, how he has modelled this for his own students, and his future plans (after he steps down from VC at the end of this year) to design the class he wish he could have had.

Dr Paul LeBlanc, President, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

‘Can higher education learn to love its students again?’ In this week’s episode, Dr Paul LeBlanc - President of Southern New Hampshire University and regarded as one of most influential people in higher education - joins our CAO Professor Judyth Sachs for a captivating conversation about supported, personalised education at scale; why students need to matter not just belong, and AI-first models driving wellbeing, relationships, and connection.

Don Kilburn, fmr CEO of University of Massachusetts Online

Don Kilburn, former CEO of University of Massachusetts Online and online learning expert, brings 30 years experience with him to this conversation with Studiosity’s Chief Academic Officer, Prof Judyth Sachs. They discuss grit and college basketball; underserved learners; and shifting focus from faculty and revenue, to mission and outcomes. Listen in as Don and Judyth discuss new educational systems and what it really means to serve students.

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

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. 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.

Dr. Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Regina

Join Dr. Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina, together with Dr. Noreen Golfman, as they delve into the complexities of academic leadership and the challenges faced in higher education. From personal growth and collaboration, to making history come alive for students and community outreach programs, discover valuable insights from this insightful conversation between the two renowned academic administrators.