A bi-weekly podcast focused on pulling back the curtain on the American higher education system and breaking down the people, the policies and the politics. The podcast host, Eloy Ortiz Oakley, is a known innovator and leader in higher education. The podcast will not pull any punches as it delves into tough questions about the culture, politics and policies of our higher education system.
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Navigating the Next Four Years with Mike Madrid
53:45
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53:45Send us a text Republican political consultant Mike Madrid joins host Eloy Ortiz-Oakley to examine the seismic shifts occurring in American democracy through the unique lens of Latino voter behavior. As co-founder of the Lincoln Project and author of "The Latino Century," Madrid brings data-driven insights that challenge conventional wisdom about m…
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Navigating the Next Four Years with Mike Madrid
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53:44Send us a text Republican political consultant Mike Madrid joins host Eloy Ortiz-Oakley to examine the seismic shifts occurring in American democracy through the unique lens of Latino voter behavior. As co-founder of the Lincoln Project and author of "The Latino Century," Madrid brings data-driven insights that challenge conventional wisdom about m…
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Navigating the Next Four Years with Michael Itzkowitz
32:49
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32:49Send us a text The pursuit of higher education has always been seen as a pathway to success, but how effectively are colleges serving low and moderate-income students? In this episode, we engage with Michael Itzkowitz to unveil the California Mobility Index, a new tool that examines how various institutions rank in terms of creating genuine opportu…
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Navigating the Next Four Years with Phil Hill
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38:43Send us a text What if the challenges plaguing the edtech sector are actually opportunities in disguise? Join us as we welcome Phil Hill, the publisher of the On EdTech newsletter, who offers a wealth of insights into the complexities of the education technology landscape. Together, we tackle the financial struggles of major players like 2U and Ant…
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Navigating the Next Four Years with Brandon Busteed of BrandEd
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32:44Send us a text Ever wondered how immersive, real-world learning can redefine higher education? Join us as we engage with Brandon Busteed, the innovative CEO of BrandEd, as he unravels the transformative power of work-based learning, especially during disruptive times like the Trump years ahead. Brandon shares his unique vision for BrandEd since his…
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Navigating the Next Four Years with Former Under Secretary James Kvaal
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24:08Send us a text This episode delves into the transformative changes in higher education under the Biden Administration, featuring insights from Undersecretary of Education James Kvaal. Key topics include student loan forgiveness achievements, the simplification of FAFSA, and the future of education amidst emerging technologies and political challeng…
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Send us a text The future of higher education faces uncertainty as 2025 approaches, emphasizing the need for innovation, inclusivity, and economic mobility. The episode discusses the critical role of artificial intelligence, the challenges rejective institutions will face, and the ongoing fight for equity. • Reflection on 2024 achievements and past…
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Growing Talent with Bijal Shah, CEO of Guild
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26:34Send us a text Join Eloy Ortiz-Oakley for an interesting conversation with Bijal Shah, the trailblazing CEO of Guild, as we unravel the company's transformative journey in reshaping talent development. Want to uncover how a mailroom employee discovered their true potential as a pharmacy technician? This episode reveals the secret sauce behind Guild…
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Send us a text Unlock the key to higher education's future as we dissect the post-2024 election landscape with me, Eloy Ortiz-Oakley, on the Rant Podcast. This episode promises to unravel the pressing demand for transparency and career alignment within the education sector, highlighting the vital shifts needed to match academic offerings with the e…
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Innovation in Professional Degree Programs with Andy Vaughn
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30:35Send us a text Discover the transformative journey of Alliant International University with insights from Andy Vaughn, its President and CEO, as he unveils the institution's strategic focus on professional practice degrees in mental health, nursing, and teaching, all designed for state licensure. Andy shares the university’s storied legacy of inclu…
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Designing a University for Working Learners
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34:53Send us a text What if the future of higher education doesn't lie in reinventing the wheel, but in reimagining who the wheel serves? Join me for an insightful conversation with Dr. Lisa Vollendorf, president of Empire State University, where we tackle this compelling question head-on. As a trailblazer in the SUNY system, Dr. Vollendorf shares how E…
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College Programs That Pay with Michael Itzkowitz
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24:46Send us a text Can higher education be the key to economic mobility for low and moderate-income learners in California? In our latest episode, we welcome back Michael Itzkowitz from the HEA Group to delve into this pressing question. Uncover the surprising findings of his latest report with the College Futures Foundation, "California Programs that …
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Reimagining Teacher Education with Dr. Mallory Palish
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35:12Send us a text Discover a groundbreaking approach to teacher education as Dr. Mallory Palish, former chancellor of REACH University and CEO of Craft Education, unveils her innovative solutions to the pressing challenges in academia. This episode promises to enlighten listeners on how REACH University’s apprenticeship model is bridging the gap betwe…
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Reforming Prison Education with Scott Budnick
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31:09Send us a text Hollywood film producer Scott Budnick, known for blockbusters like the Hangover Trilogy and Just Mercy, shares his journey from making hits to transforming lives through prison reform. What triggered a successful Hollywood producer to dedicate his life to mentoring incarcerated youth? Scott reveals the heart-wrenching encounters that…
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Supporting Student Success and Overcoming Setbacks with Tim Storey
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35:55Send us a text What if setbacks could actually fuel your success? This week on The Rant Podcast, we kick off season three with the extraordinary Tim Storey, a global thought leader and life strategist known for his transformative impact. We unravel the complexities of the mental health crisis in higher education and provide valuable insights for co…
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Insights on Leadership and Innovation from Paul LeBlanc
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31:10Send us a text What does it take to lead a university through two decades of transformative change? Join us as Paul LeBlanc, the former president of Southern New Hampshire University, unpacks his remarkable 21-year tenure. Recorded at the ASU GSV Summit in San Diego, Paul opens up about his decision to step down, the growth of SNHU under his leader…
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Exploring AI and Cloud in Higher Education with Laura Ipsen, CEO of Ellucian
23:09
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23:09Send us a text What if the future of higher education is already here, driven by cutting-edge technology and strategic innovation? In this episode, we sit down with Laura Ipsen, CEO of Ellucian, live from the bustling ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego. Laura provides a front-row seat to the pivotal conversations reshaping higher education. From the integ…
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Talking Innovation in Higher Education with Michael Crow, President of ASU
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36:22Send us a text Prepare to unlock the future of higher education as we sit down with Dr. Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University, at the 14th ASU+GSV Summit. Discover how pioneering technologies, especially artificial intelligence, are revolutionizing the learning landscape. With two decades at the helm of ASU, Dr. Crow shares his insigh…
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Measuring Value in California Higher Education with Michael Itzkowitz, HEA Group
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42:58Send us a text Get behind the data and value of higher education as I engage in a focused conversation with Michael Itzkowitz of the HEA Group. Together, we dissect the College Futures Foundation commissioned "Golden Opportunities" report, delving into the intricacies of California's higher education investments and what they mean for students from…
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Engaging Lost Learners with Terah Crews, CEO of ReUP Education
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30:22Send us a text Unlock the full potential within the millions of Americans who have stepped away from higher education. Join the conversation with Tara Crews, the CEO of ReUp Education, as we dissect the multifaceted hurdles that keep 41 million working learners from completing their degrees. This episode isn't just about understanding the barriers;…
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Reshaping Higher Education: A Deep Dive with Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Academic Partnerships
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34:36Send us a text Unlock the potential of online education as Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Academic Partnerships, joins us to reveal how his company is helping regional universities reach more learners through online programs. This episode promises a deep exploration into how AP is broadening access to affordable, career-centric programs, especially in …
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Federal Funding for Workforce Training with Matt Gandal
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31:50Send us a text Prepare to navigate the latest currents in workforce development as I, Eloy Ortiz Oakley, team up with Matt Gandal of Education Strategy Group to dissect the monumental federal funding flow reshaping education and job training. The CHIPS Act and the Infrastructure Act are more than economic boosters; they are the architects of a skil…
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Send us a text Listen to this episode to unlock the future of education and workforce development with me, Eloy Ortiz Oakley, as we explore a groundbreaking bipartisan initiative that could transform the Pell Grant program. This isn't just another policy discussion; it's a glimpse into an educational revolution where short-term credentials are pois…
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Redefining Higher Education and Workforce Skills - A Conversation with Ajita Menon, CEO of Calbright College
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40:13Send us a text Summary: Embark on a captivating journey with esteemed guest Ajita Talwalkar Menon, the trailblazing President and CEO of Calbright College, as she shares her inspiring educational odyssey on this episode of our podcast. Ajita's personal story as a student organizer and her influential role within the Obama administration make her in…
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Pushing Back on the NY Times & More Truths about the SAT, Grade Inflation & College Admissions
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41:16Send us a text Prepare to have your assumptions about standardized testing turned on their head as Eloy Ortiz Oakley digs into the heart of the SAT debate with insights from Jon Boeckenstedt and Akil Bello. This riveting discussion slices through the veil of media advocacy for high-stakes exams, revealing potential biases and the untold stories beh…
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Transforming Education Finance: A Conversation with Secretary Miguel Cardona on Student Debt Solutions
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15:15Send us a text Embark on a transformative journey with the 12th Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, as we traverse his remarkable path from the classrooms of Connecticut to the summit of educational policy. Our conversation uncovers the tidal waves of change he's championed, including the revamp of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Progra…
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Send us a text In this episode I reflect on our recent topics and guests and thank our audience for continuing to tune in. I also announce our new, founding sponsors, Arizona State University, ReUp, OpenClassrooms and Ellucian. We are proud to partner with these sponsors and their support will ensure that we continue to cover important topics and f…
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Black Learners in America - A Conversation with Zakiya Smith Ellis & Michael Sorrell
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46:18Send us a text In this episode I dive into the state of black learners in America and the very troubling trends in their enrollment and completion that undermine our nations economic strength. I talk with two great leaders who are working to improve the how higher education leaders and policymakers value and support black learners and create greate…
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Are OPM's Dead & Other Ed Tech Predictions - A Conversation with Phil Hill
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39:24Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Phil Hill, Ed Tech market watcher and writer of the Phil on Ed Tech newsletter. We discuss Short-Term Pell and get into the OPM industry. Will 2U survive? Tune in to hear Phil's take on the finances of the OPM giant, 2U. We also discuss the growth of online enrollments in community colleges and what advic…
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Short-Term Pell & the Changing Perceptions of Higher Education - A Conversation with Rachel Fishman, New America
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36:20Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Rachel Fishman, acting Director of Higher Education at New America. I ask Rachel about the bipartisan House proposal to create a short-term Pell program and discuss her concerns about the proposal. We also discuss the latest New American survey, Varying Degrees, about the changing perceptions of Americans…
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The Skills Revolution - A Conversation with Michael Hansen, CEO of Cengage
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26:52Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Michael Hansen, CEO of Cengage. Michael and I talk about the transformation of Cengage, a well known global higher education publishing company. Michael has been leading the transformation Cengage from a traditional publisher to a digital publisher and a provider of workforce skills and training. We discu…
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The Skills Revolution - A Conversation with Paul Fain, Higher Education Journalist
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26:58Send us a text In this episode I talk with Paul Fain, higher education journalist and writer for The Job. We talk about the rapid rise in conversations in workforce training & higher education circles about the move toward a skills first framework. Paul discusses what he is seeing as skills and technology take hold in the policy and practice space.…
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A New Masterplan for Career Education in California - A Conversation with Ben Chida, Advisor for Gov. Gavin Newsom
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26:27Send us a text In this episode, I present an interview I did as part of a video series for College Futures Foundation, my employer. I interviewed Ben Chida, Chief Deputy Cabinet Secretary & Senior Advisor for Cradle to Career in governor Gavin Newsom's administration. Ben and I talk about Governor Newsom's executive order calling for a new Californ…
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Serving Working Learners - A Conversation with Scott Pulsipher, President at WGU
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37:31Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Scott Pulsipher, president of Western Governors University (WGU). We talk about the history of WGU, the growth of enrollments and the evolution of the teaching and learning model. I discuss with Scott how the WGU team thinks about serving working learners and the importance of their Competency-Based Educa…
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Upskilling America - A Conversation with Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO at Coursera
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28:18Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO at Coursera. Coursera is one of the pioneers of the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) movement and is now a publicly traded company valued at more than $2 billion. I talk with Jeff about the history of the company, who it is serving and how he and his team are incorporating GAI into…
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A Skills-First Framework - A Conversation with Maria Flynn, CEO at Jobs For the Future
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28:43Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Maria Flynn, President & CEO at Jobs For the Future (JFF). Maria and I discuss JFF's focus on good jobs, innovation and a skills-based hiring framework. We discuss the rapidly changing workforce and the importance of centering equity in the innovations that are impacting workers.…
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The White House Strategies for Diversifying College Campuses
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7:18Send us a text In this episode, I give my take on the recent White House & US Department of Education convening to highlight their recent report, "Strategies for Increasing Diversity & Opportunity in Higher Education." This convening came on the heels of the SCOTUS ruling on race-conscious admissions. I give my Rant on two key points brought up by …
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A Conversation with U.S. Under Secretary of Education, James Kvaal
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26:29Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with the U.S.Department of Education Under Secretary of Education, James Kvaal. We discuss a number of wide raging topics including the recent Supreme Court rulings on race-conscious admission and student loan debt forgiveness. Under Secretary Kvaal discusses his goals for the latest rounds of rule making,…
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Send us a text In this episode, I welcome our listeners to Season 2 of The Rant. I describe the successes of Season 1, and preview what is in store for Season 2. In the second part of this episode I offer my first Rant of the Season 2. I get into the recent FIRE lawsuit filed against the California Community College's Chancellor's Office over the r…
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Kauai Community College Stories - A Conversation with Interim Chancellor Margaret Sanchez
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21:00Send us a text In this episode I close out Season 1 of The Rant. I end Season 1 with a conversation from one of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai. I recently visited with Margaret Sanchez, Interim Chancellor of Kauai Community College. From time to time I visit with community college leaders from throughout the country. We talk about the amazing work the…
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SCOTUS & Student Loan Debt Forgiveness - A Conversation with Mike Pierce
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29:05Send us a text In this episode I talk with Mike Pierce, Executive Director of the Student Borrower Protection Center. We discuss the recent SCOTUS ruling on the Biden Administrations Student Loan Forgiveness plan. We breakdown the politics of the ruling as well as the Biden Administrations latest plan for student loan relief. Mike gives listeners g…
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SCOTUS & Affirmative Action - A Conversation with Teresa Watanabe & Jess Bravin
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37:38Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Teresa Watanabe, Staff Writer for the Los Angeles Times who covers the University of California Board of Regents, and Jess Bravin, Supreme Court Correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and a former student regent on the University of California Board of Regents. We discuss the recent U.S. Supreme Court …
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The Innovators - My Rant about the ASU+GSV Summit
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8:14Send us a text In this episode, I give my take on the recent ASU+Summit in San Diego. I talk about who was at the Summit, but more importantly, Rant about who was not at the Summit.By Eloy Oakley
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Send us a text In this episode I give my initial impressions on the recent SCOTUS decisions regarding race conscious admissions and student loan debt forgiveness. I set my sights on the responsibility of college and university leaders and what they can do to truly support low-income learners and learners of color. My Rant digs in to some of the hyp…
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The Innovators - A Conversation with Deborah Quazzo
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27:09Send us a text This is the fourth in a series of episodes where I interview interesting innovators that I ran into at the recent ASU + GSV Summit. In this episode I talk with Deborah Quazzo, Managing Partner at GSV Ventures and Co-founder of the ASU+GSV Summit. Deborah shares her experiences in ed tech, how her team partnered with ASU, her personal…
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The Innovators - A Conversation with Manny Smith
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21:14Send us a text This is the third in a series of episodes where I interview interesting innovators that I ran into at the recent ASU + GSV Summit. In this episode I talk with Manny Smith, Founder and CEO of Edvisorly. Manny shares his experiences in higher education, his personal journey and he highlights the work happening at EdVisorly, and online …
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The Innovators - A Conversation with Pierre Dubuc
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28:40Send us a text This is the second in a series of episodes where I interview interesting innovators that I ran into at the recent ASU + GSV Summit. In this episode I talk with Pierre Dubuc, Co-Founder and CEO of OpenClassrooms. Pierre shares his experiences in higher education, his personal journey from France to the US and he highlights the work ha…
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The Innovators - A Conversation with Christine Cruzvergara
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27:48Send us a text This is the first in a series of episodes where I interview interesting innovators that I ran into at the recent ASU + GSV Summit. In this episode I talk with Christine Cruzvergara, Chief Education strategy Officer at Handshake. Christine shares her experiences in higher education and highlights the work happening at Handshake to con…
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Send us a text This episode wraps up the series of episodes regarding the April 2023 Department of Education proposed changes to the definition of a Third-Party Servicer and changes to the Dear Colleague Letter addressing bundled services and revenue share agreements. This is also My RANT on the OPM industry…
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Balancing Innovation with Consumer Protection - A Conversation with Michael Horn
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25:35Send us a text This podcast is an interview with Michael Horn, author, consultant and former co-director of the Clayton Christensen Institute. We discuss the recent Department of Education proposed changes to the definition of a Third-Party Servicer and new restrictions on revenue share agreements. Michael highlights the challenges to innovation th…
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