The World of Higher Education

Join Alex Usher and Luiz Augusto Campos on 'The World of Higher Education Podcast' as they delve into Brazil's journey from its history of slavery to addressing racial inequality through fixed numerical admissions quotas in higher education. Discover how these policies have transformed Brazil's public universities, making them more inclusive, and the ongoing challenges and future prospects for affirmative action in Brazil's academic landscape.👉 Episode Links:Book: "O impacto das cotas: Duas decadasde acao affirmativano Ensino superior brasileiro"

Join academic Joshua Travis Brown from Johns Hopkins University as he dives into how private religious colleges tackle financial challenges in 'Capitalizing on College.' He outlines innovative strategies like the Traditional model relying on endowments and the Pioneer approach enhancing adult education. Brown also discusses the Network strategy, which adds diverse enrollment avenues, and the Accelerated model, expanding online courses for greater revenue. Explore the trade-offs between mission and market forces that shape the future of higher education today.

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast with Alex Usher, the discussion focuses on the vast reconfiguration of Russian academic life following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Scholar Dmitry Dubrovsky of Charles University shares insights into the slow-motion collapse of Russian higher education, tracing the changes from the dawn of the Putin era in 2000 to the present. Topics include the ideological control from the Kremlin, the international reforms of the Medvedev era, the conservative shift post-2012, the brain drain of faculty, and the recent shift away from the Bologna Process. Future prospects for Russian academia in a post-Putin world are also considered. Don't miss this detailed analysis of a system in flux.

Zachary Bleemer, an Assistant Professor of Economics at Princeton and a researcher focused on higher education and social mobility, joins the discussion. He reveals startling findings that the dream of higher education as a social elevator has stagnated since the 1960s. Bleemer breaks down the sharp decline in wage benefits for low-income students compared to their wealthier counterparts. He explores systemic inequalities in educational institutions and suggests policy reforms aimed at supporting underfunded community colleges for better outcomes.

In this episode of The World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the changes in Argentina's higher education system under President Javier Milei's administration with Marcelo Rabossi from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella. The conversation covers Milei's aggressive measures to reduce government spending, the subsequent impact on public universities, and the growing opposition to these policies. The episode also delves into the specifics of budget cuts, their effects on faculty and infrastructure, and the potential future of higher education in Argentina as political tensions rise. Join us for an in-depth look at how these economic policies are shaping the country's academic landscape.👉 Episode Links: WorldEd 2.14: Javier Milei and Argentinian Higher Education

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher welcomes back Andrew Norton to discuss developments since the drop of the Universities Accord report. They explore changes in student and institutional funding, the introduction of new regulations and a national student ombudsman, and challenges faced by universities due to increasing costs and financial strain. They also delve into the effects of international student caps on housing and rental prices, as well as the impact of wage theft allegations and vice chancellors' high salaries on the social license of universities. Lastly, the discussion touches on the Australian federal election, its unique focus on higher education, and the new Labor government's agenda for the next term.👉 Episode Links:WorldEd 1.1: Australian Universities Accord with Andrew NortonWorldEd 2.24: Australian Universities Accord — One Year Follow Up with Andrew Norton

In this episode, Alex Usher speaks with Pedro Teixeira—higher education scholar at the University of Porto and former Portuguese Secretary of State for Higher Education—about reforming university funding, navigating demographic pressures, and preparing for the impact of AI on the future of learning and work.

In this engaging conversation, Alex Usher, a higher education analyst and head of Higher Education Strategy Associates, sheds light on pressing global trends in academia. He discusses the effects of Trump's funding cuts on international research, the rising role of private education in various countries, and striking examples of massification in places like Uzbekistan and Dubai. Usher warns about systemic underfunding in Argentina and Kenya while predicting a shift toward austerity in global higher ed, emphasizing the need for international collaboration.

Brendan Cantwell, a higher education policy expert from Michigan State University, returns to dissect the Trump administration's aggressive actions against universities. He highlights the significant cuts to funding from essential agencies and the deportation threats facing international students. The discussion unveils the administration's coercive tactics aimed at ensuring compliance from universities, particularly through Project 2025's strategies. Brendan also reflects on the slow response from university leaders and the broader implications for the future of higher education in America.

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the historic merger of two major Australian universities—the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia—set to be completed by January 2026. This merger will form Adelaide University, which will be one of the largest academic institutions in the country. Alex interviews David Lloyd, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of South Australia, and Co-Vice Chancellor of Adelaide University, who shares insights about the motivations, strategic planning, and potential impacts of this significant merger. David also elaborates on the potential benefits, challenges in maintaining distinct missions, and the broader implications for higher education internationally.Please note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by KnowMeQ.ArchieCPL is the first AI-enabled tool that massively streamlines credit for prior learning evaluation. Toronto based KnowMeQ makes ethical AI tools that boost and bottom line, achieving new efficiencies in higher ed and workforce upskilling.