Life in Higher Ed

Send us a textIn this episode, Nana Kofi Nti and Mashama Thompson, co-founders of 510 Media, discuss the challenges facing colleges and universities in the attention economy. They note that institutions of higher education must work to distinguish themselves from the ubiquity of crowdsourced online learning.Kofi Nti and Thompson challenge us to reflect critically on whether higher education is truly developing quality minds. They suggest that education is not a finite destination, but rather a continual process of growth and learning.Nana Kofi NtiNana Kofi Nti is known for his commitment to Black Excellence in business, and dedication to Black Entrepreneurship in his local community and beyond. As co-founder of 510media, Nana is responsible for the strategic vision of the business. Under his leadership, 510media has grown from a photography studio to a brand strategy and management agency focused on finding creative solutions that move audiences to action. Honed over nearly 15 years, Nana has authored an unconventional approach to creativity anchored in human connection through deep listening, storytelling, and shared experiences. This approach has earned Nana and 510media a reputation for creating brands and stories that build connections and change the way clients show up to their audience. Active in his community, Nana Kofi Nti created and led free editorial photography courses for several years before handing the reins over to a group of hand-selected photographers that apprenticed directly with him. For the past four years through 510media HOPE, Nana has actively coached more than aspiring and existing Black entrepreneurs. A modern blueprint for nonprofits serving Black communities, HOPE draws on Black creativity, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit to address the dynamic challenges faced by aspiring business owners and leaders of color.  “I want to see Oakland become a thriving hub of Black entrepreneurship.”Mashama ThompsonMashama is a co-founder and Creative Director at 510media, distinguished by nearly two decades of expertise in pioneering brand and creative strategies across various sectors, including health and technology. Over the past 17 years, he has led both creative and strategic teams in the physical and digital spaces, spanning lifestyle, education, entertainment, and technology industries. His work ethos strives for simplicity, elegance, and human-centered design that cuts through the noise, delivering messages that resonate deeply and drive meaningful engagement. Beyond leading projects for significant entities like the San Francisco Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control, Mashama's commitment to education shines through in his development of the ‘PLAY Sessions’ course and his role as a panelist on the Adobe Design Awards, nurturing the next generation of brand and design leaders.ResourcesKumar, M. J. (2024). The Imperative of Critical Thinking in Higher Education. IETE Technical Review, 41(5), 509–510Burnett, D.G., Loh, A. & Schmidt, P. (2023). Powerful Forces Are Fracking Our Attention. We Can Fight Back. New York Times.https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/24/opinion/attention-economy-education.htmlArgyris, C. (1993). Knowledge for Action. A Guide to Overcoming Barriers to Organizational Change.

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Nadege Dady, dean of Student Affairs and assistant professor for the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem, NYC campus, talks about remaining flexible in moments of transition and positively engaged and "always work from a place of integrity." Nadege Dady, EdDDr. Nadege Dady is Dean of Students Affairs and Assistant Professor for the TouroCOM Harlem, NYC Campus. As the appointed Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Dady provides oversight of the admissions, registrar, financial aid, and bursar offices as well as alumni relations, student life, and activities on campus. Her experiences in healthcare, higher education administration, and student culture have prepared her well. Before joining TouroCOM in student affairs, Dr. Dady worked in academic affairs at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) and the Beth Israel Family Medicine Residency programs. Additional experiences before joining TouroCOM in the nonprofit, grants management, and student development arena saw Dr. Dady serve as Regional Director for the NYC Metropolitan Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) and Director for the Beth Israel Family Medicine Education program, a grant from the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation. Dr. Dady has also managed opportunities for students Underrepresented in Medicine to supplement their learning about the health professions through educational pathway programs such as the NYC Area Health Education Centers (AHEC), Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP), and the creation of a K-8th grade oral health education program. Dr. Dady served as a Trustee of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark (BGCN), in Newark, New Jersey for eight years. The legacy of work with educational pathway programs continues at TouroCOM through the college’s MedAchieve program for high school students. Dr. Dady is also an appointed commissioner on student services for the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and section editor for the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine.ResourcesThe Plan Was: A story about perseverance and promise (2023) by Nadege J. DadyGrit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (2018) by Angela DuckworthMindset: The New Psychology of Success (2007) by Carol S. Dweck

Send us a textIn this episode, James Spellos, president of Meeting U, talks about generative AI and addresses the concern many educators have voiced, "So it's never going to replace the acumen of an educator, never. But what it's going to do is supplement the ability to maybe do a first pass on information, use the tool." James SpellosFor over 20 years, Jim has led Meeting U with a mission to make technology more accessible and impactful. His innovative approach to AI and education has made him a recognized industry leader. In 2024, Meetings Today honored him as an industry trendsetter for "AI Education with Integrity." Last year, Meeting Professionals International named him one of the 50 Most Influential People, following his inclusion in their 2022 list of the most influential figures in the hospitality industry. In 2021, Glisser recognized Jim as one of the most influential people in virtual events.Jim also has a strong commitment to social causes. He serves on the Board of Directors for Rock and Wrap It Up, an anti-poverty organization that combats hunger by recovering excess food from events. He co-created the Whole Earth Calculator app and speaks nationwide on food recovery and sustainability. His contributions to sustainability earned him a spot on BizBash’s list of top 500 people in 2018 and 2019.Beyond his work in technology and sustainability, Jim is also an accomplished musician. He released his first solo album, Stroke of Genius, in 2020. A passionate advocate for healthy living, he holds a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies and is a certified instructor for the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine’s Food for Life program. His dedication to promoting a plant-based lifestyle, which played a key role in his own health journey, earned him the title of Plant Powered Metro New York’s Grassroots Champion in 2024.Tune in to this episode to learn how generative AI can complement the irreplaceable expertise of educators and much more!ResourcesBrave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That's a Good Thing) (2024) by Salman KhanHow Generative AI Can Augment Human Creativity: Use it to promote divergent thinking (2023) by Tojin T. Eapen, Daniel J. Finkenstadt, Josh Folk, and Lokesh Venkataswamy

Send us a textIn this episode, Professor Kim Drake and Bernie Hernandez discuss the Inside-Out Justice Initiative and the transformative impact of educational exchange programs. As a faculty member involved in the program, Professor Drake highlights the collaborative nature of the initiative, emphasizing, "It is about collaboration; a kind of equity across the demographics of those who participate in the Inside-Out Program." She further observes, "The inside students push themselves so hard that the outside students have to step up their game."Kimberly Drake, PhDKimberly Drake teaches writing and literature at Scripps College, where she is Professor of Writing, Chair of the Writing and Rhetoric Department, and Director of the Writing Program. She has taught writing workshops and Inside-Out courses in Southern California prisons and at Crossroads Transitional Facility for Women since 2009. Her scholarly interests lie in protest and social justice rhetorics, specifically disability, incarceration, race, class, gender, and sexuality, in nonfiction and fiction; she also studies these topics as they relate to writing pedagogy. Publications reflect these interests: a monograph Subjectivity in the American Protest Novel (Palgrave Macmillan 2011); six edited volumes for Salem Press, including Richard Wright (2019), The Slave Narrative (2014), and Literature of Protest volume (2013); an edited collection of women’s writing about cooking in prison entitled Stinging for their Suppers: How Women in Prison Nourish Their Bodies and Souls (2013); and a co-authored forthcoming article about linguistic justice in prison.Bernard “Bernie” HernandezBernard “Bernie” Hernandez has been incarcerated since 2017 and is currently completing the remainder of his sentence in the L.A. County “Men’s Community Re-entry Program (MCRP). In May 2023, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Studies from Pitzer College while incarcerated at the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, CA & also obtained an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Los Angeles Harbor College. Bernie is also a program coordinator for the Justice Education Initiative in Claremont, CA. He facilitates the Inside/Out program at Pitzer College while attempting to expand the Prison Education System "Statewide" via the "CampUS" project at Norco, CA. Bernie has also done public service work in Washington, D.C. & Dallas, TX. His other accolades include awards from the U.S. House of Representatives & the City of Carson for his continued commitment to "Public Service.ResourcesTurning Teaching Inside Out: A Pedagogy of Transformation for Community-Based Education (2013) edited by Simone Well Davis and Barbara Sheer RoswellEducation Reduces Recidivism (2021) by  Gregory MageeTeaching to Transgress (2014) by bell hooks

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Bernie Savarese, vice president for Academic Affairs, Research, and Student Success at the University of Tennessee System, talks about the shared responsibility of student engagement for positive outcomes."Student success it is about more than just metrics, it is about life, families, dreams and communities". Bernie Savarese, EdD, MBADr. Bernie Savarese, vice president for Academic Affairs, Research, and Student Success, joined the University of Tennessee System in 2021.  In this role, he convenes and works closely with the chief academic, research, and student affairs officers of the UT campuses. He also serves as the liaison to various state agencies and departments, and staffs the Education, Research, and Service Committee of the Board of Trustees.From 2017 to 2021, Dr. Savarese served as the assistant vice president for Student Success and the Student Experience at New York University (NYU). There, he oversaw the creation of the Division of Student Success, led the university’s Student Success Steering Committee, and served as a subject matter expert to university leaders on the New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai campuses. Before joining NYU, Dr. Savarese worked at Ohio State University for almost two decades, most recently directingthe campus’ nationally recognized First Year Experience (FYE) program and serving on the leadership team in the Division of Enrollment Management. Before his time in FYE, he held various leadership roles across the Division of Student Affairs.Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, Dr. Savarese grew up in the Appalachian region of eastern Ohio. He received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and an MBA from Ohio State University, a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Bowling Green State University, and his Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation from New York University.Resources:Becoming a Student-Ready College: A New Culture of Leadership for Student Success 2nd Edition (2022) by Tia Brown McNair, Susan Albertine, Nicole McDonald, Thomas Major, Jr, and Michelle Asha CooperThriving in Transitions: A Research-Based Approach to College Student Success 2nd Edition (2020) by Laurie A. Schreiner (Editor), Michelle C. Louis (Editor), and Denise D. Nelson (Editor) 

Send us a textIn the episode, Dr. Aisha Francis, President and CEO of the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, talks about access to education and workforce development, "one of the challenges we have is to push the limits of what it means to deliver access for all."Aisha Franklin, PhDIn 2021, Aisha Francis, PhD, became the first female President in the 113-year history of Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, now known as Franklin Cummings Tech. Dr. Francis is an award-winning academic, nonprofit leader, and strategist with broad experience in organizational planning, philanthropy, board development, and corporate communications. She believes in the ability of effective organizations and well-supported individuals to transform underserved communities for the better, which is her life’s work. She enjoys implementing dynamic new programs at best-in-class organizations that improve access to and equity of educational and economic opportunities.In her previous role as the college’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Francis expanded the institution's network of supporters through external and government relations and oversaw the establishment of a new stream of workforce development programming that has since generated millions of dollars in contracts. Before joining the college, she served as the Managing Director of Development for Harvard Medical School, raising scholarship funds for underrepresented medical school students as well as diversity and inclusionprograms. She previously spearheaded marketing and fundraising for Economic Mobility Pathways and held leadership positions at the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and Boston Medical Center.Originally from Nashville, TN, she completed her undergraduate education at Fisk University, then earned a master's and doctorate in English Literature from Vanderbilt University.ResourcesWorking to Learn: Disrupting the divide between college and career pathways for young people (2020) by Noel S. Anderson and Lisette NievesJournal of Career and Technical Education https://journalcte.org/articlesSinking Like Quicksand: Expanding Education Opportunity for Young Men of Color (2009) by Noel S. Anderson and Colleen L. Larson

Send us a textIn the episode, Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert, provost at the University of the Pacific, talks about making the transition from faculty member to chief academic officer, " People are coachable and can develop their skills if they are interested in doing it."Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert, Ph.D, B.A.Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert serves as Provost at the University of the Pacific, a position she began in July 2023. Before joining Pacific as Provost, Gretchen served for six years as associate dean of the faculty at Scripps College, one of the five Claremont Colleges in southern California. Most recently she served for 15 months as acting vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty at Scripps College. She also has extensive experience working across all five of the Claremont schools, including serving as facultydirector of the Claremont Faculty Leadership Program. A molecular biologist who earned a Ph.D. from Weill Medical College of Cornell University/Sloan-Kettering Institute and a B.A. in biology from Swarthmore College, she was a biology professor on the faculties of Scripps, Pitzer, and Claremont McKenna and is a tenured faculty member in biology at the University of the Pacific. Gretchen was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Warsaw Institute for Genetics and Biotechnology in Poland in 2018-2019, where she has an ongoing research collaboration.Resources:Faculty to Administration, Making the Transition (July 2014) by Dr. Joann Bangs, Higher Ed Jobs Reframing Academic Leadership (2009) Lee G. Bolman and Joan V. Gallos The Balancing Acts of Academic Leadership: A Guide for Department Chairs and Deans (2021)  by Jeanne A. K. HeyFrom Colleague to Chair, Department to Dean: Faculty Members in Leadership Positions (June 2022) by Robert A. Scott, Higher Ed Jobs 

Send us a textIn this episode, Brian Steeves, executive director of the board of regents and corporate secretary of the University of Minnesota, talks about leadership transitions, "We need to remember that every single person is a master of change. It's a constant in our lives all the time."Brian Steeves, B.A., MPABrian Steeves serves as executive director of the board of regents and corporate secretary of the University of Minnesota. In this role, he leads annual board planning, guides agenda development, oversees policy work, serves as a key liaison between regents and the administration, and has mapped and coordinated highly successful presidential searches. Mr. Steeves previously served as deputy director in the office of the board of regents, and before that spent time leading a team of budget and policy analysts for the State of Minnesota and coordinating real estate redevelopment projects for the City of Minneapolis. Mr. Steeves also completed a rural policy fellowship at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., before earning a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs. He was awarded the prestigious Truman Scholarship and graduated summa cum laude from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a bachelor’s degree in political science.Resources:Managing Transitions (25th anniversary edition) Making the Most of Change (2017) by William Bridges and Susan Bridges Appreciative inquiry and leadership transitions. Journal of Professional Nursing, 20(2), 103-109 (2004) by  Keefe, M. R., & Pesut, D. Leading with Intention (2018) by Jeanne Spiller and Karen Power.

Send us a textIn this episode, Binti Harvey talks about developing and using a strategic mindset, "I've seen people grow in this way of thinking when they have clarity about what the objective is and what the desired outcome is." Binti Harvey, B.A., M.S.Binti Harvey is a seasoned relationship builder, strategist, and change manager with asignificant record of accomplishment in empowering leaders, teams, and institutions tosuccessfully advance reputational and financial goals. Ms. Harvey is the Vice President for External Relations and Institutional Advancement for Scripps College, a prestigious women’s and liberal arts institution, and a member of the Claremont Colleges. As chief fundraising and marketing and communications officer, she is responsible for developing and executing programs to amplify Scripps’ brand, increase philanthropic support, and deepen constituent engagement to advance the College’s mission.Ms. Harvey’s career encompasses more than a decade of marketing and communications, legislative affairs, public relations, and community engagement experience in educational, governmental, and non-profit organizations. Prior to Scripps, she led the design and implementation of institutional branding and fundraising marketing strategies for the California Institute of Technology. As a political aide, Ms. Harvey led advocacy and strategic communications initiatives for the Mayor of Los Angeles and the Superintendents of the Los Angeles and Pasadena Unified School Districts. She began her career in journalism as a business reporter for CBS MarketWatch.Ms. Harvey earned her B.A. in sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an M.S. in public policy from the University of Southern California, and she has served as a volunteer and speaker for numerous higher education and marketing organizations including the American Marketing Association, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, and Academic Impressions.Resources:The Daily Drucker: 366 Days of Insight and Motivation for Getting the Right Things Done (2004) by Peter Drucker Thinking, Fast and Slow (2013) by Daniel KahnemanOrganizational Culture and Leadership, 4th Edition (2010) by Edgar H. ScheinLearning to Think Strategically, 4th Edition (2020) by Julia Sloan

Send us a textIn this episode, NYU Steinhardt EDLI alumni, Drs. Trish Beck and Michael Miller, talk about professional renewal and reinvention, "It begins with your connection to purpose. Your connection to your personal and professional purpose. And oftentimes there is significant overlap."Trish Beck, EdD, MS, RN, NE-BC, FACHEDr. Trish Beck is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Education Leadership and Policy Studies in the Department of Administration, Leadership, and Technology at NYU and the Program Director for the Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation. Trish obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mount Saint Mary College, her Master of Science in Leadership and Health Care Management from Northeastern University, and her Doctor of Education, Leadership, and Innovation from New York University. Additionally, she is a Board-Certified Nurse Executive, a Board-Certified Healthcare Executive, and a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.Dr. Beck’s research centers on leadership theory and development. She has extensive leadership experience within the non-profit and private sectors and has had numerous leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, and Assistant Vice President. With empathy and empowerment, she has been successful in engaging and motivating teams and subsequently driving innovation and improvement. As a steadfast servant leader, Trish has a strong belief in the power of relationships. A large component of each of her roles has been serving as a mentor and coach to the members of her teams, committed to sharing the knowledge and skills she has been fortunate to have earned throughout her career. Michael J. Miller,  Ed.D, M.P.A., B.F.A.Dr. Michael J. Miller is Associate Dean at the Spitzer School of Architecture at the City College of New York - New York City’s flagship public school of architecture, and one of the most diverse architecture schools in the country. He is an experienced administrator and leader with over 20 years of experience in the arts and higher education at both public and private institutions. His work centers around organizational change, thought leadership, and holistically serving faculty, staff, and student needs, through a focus on mission-driven strategies, support, and alignment of systems. He is deeply committed to the delivery and expansion of student services that promote academic, physical, and mental wellness.Dr. Miller’s portfolio includes accreditation and assessment, student success,advisement, study abroad, and professional development for his students. He currently chairs the Spitzer JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Committee. At the college level, serves on the CCNY Commencement, Valedictorian, Sustainability, and Student Success committees. He also chairs the CCNY Staff Council Formation committee, whose work is in alignment with his doctoral studies and research.Resources:Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future (2013) by Dorrie ClarkMore Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) (2019) by Elaine WelterothThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Revised and Updated: 30th Anniversary Edition (2020) by Stephen R. Covey