

The EdUp Experience
YOUR Higher Education Podcast
We welcome YOU to America’s leading higher education podcast! Hosted by Dr. Joe Sallustio, whose down-to-Earth approach & industry experience helps to make dry & complicated educational topics more fun & engaging to discuss. Elvin Freytes, Producer, brings YOU the most innovative leaders in higher education to the microphone. The EdUp Experience team brings over 40 years of experience in higher education - YOU will feel refreshed, upskilled, & reskilled after listening to this podcast.
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We make education YOUR business!
LEARN MORE:
edupexperience.com
We make education YOUR business!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 3, 2025 • 52min
What Makes Transfer Work? - Dr. John Forbes, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Moorpark College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, sponsored by CoursedogYOUR guest is Dr. John Forbes, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Moorpark CollegeYOUR cohost is Bridget Moran , Senior Content Manager at CoursedogYOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio How does Moorpark College achieve high transfer success rates? What makes California's Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) effective? How is academic leadership maintained during times of political change? Why is data-driven decision making critical for academic initiatives? How does modality impact student success across different disciplines? Topics include:Transfer success strategies California's TMC (Transfer Model Curriculum) Integrated leadership model Data-focused academic decisions Math department innovation Student-centered policy language Modality trends & success rates AI challenges & opportunities Listen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience !We make education YOUR business!

Jun 2, 2025 • 53min
How Presidents Stay Motivated During Higher Ed's Most Challenging Era - with Dr. Steve Perez, President, California State University Chico
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #372, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Dr. Steve Perez, President, California State University ChicoYOUR cohost is Dr. Andrew Kim, Director of Psychiatry, Timely CareYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow does Chico State serve students in California's rural North State region? What unique challenges exist for a residential campus where 75% of students come from outside the area? How does a university president with an economics background navigate budget challenges? What keeps university leaders motivated during challenging times in higher education? How can institutions balance AI integration while maintaining human connection? Topics include:Leading a regional comprehensive university serving an area the size of Maine Creating community & connection on a residential campus in a small town setting Managing higher education during unprecedented disruption & political tension Supporting student mental health needs in today's complex environment Finding joy & purpose through student success & commencement celebrations Balancing AI implementation with maintaining human interaction & skills Listen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!

May 29, 2025 • 42min
How the 'Stoplight Approach' Could Solve AI Policy Challenges - with Christian Moriarty, Professor of Ethics & Law, Applied Ethics Institute, St. Petersburg College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is Christian Moriarty, Professor of Ethics & Law, Applied Ethics Institute, St. Petersburg CollegeYOUR cohost is Bradley Emi , Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does Christian define academic integrity from both legal & philosophical perspectives?Why do students often "cheat" even when they have good intentions & strong moral values?What is the role of faculty in supporting students to act with integrity & resist temptation?How can institutions implement effective AI policies that respect different teaching contexts?Why is Christian predicting a return to in-class writing or required keystroke tracking software?Topics include:The tension between rules-based & values-based approaches to academic integrityThe importance of empathy in understanding why students make poor choicesThe "stoplight approach" to AI use policies (green/yellow/red options for different contexts)Finding the balance between trusting students & verifying their workThe challenges of time management for community college studentsThe value of specialized academic integrity offices in educational institutionsWhy "difficulty is part of the process" in genuine learning & skill developmentThe connection between integrity & asking for help when neededListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!

May 28, 2025 • 32min
Why Employers—Not Students—Are the Real Clients at This Technical Institute - with Monica Llerena, President, CBT Technology Institute
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #371, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Monica Llerena, President, CBT Technology InstituteYOUR host is Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Host, EdUp Accreditation InsightsHow did a family's immigrant journey lead to establishing a 36-year educational institution?What makes CBT's hands-on learning philosophy distinctive in technical education?How does the institute balance traditional skills with emerging technologies?What unique challenges does the "tool belt generation" face in their educational journey?Why does CBT consider employers as their clients rather than students?Topics include:Creating industry-relevant hands-on learning environmentsDeveloping both technical & soft skills for career successBuilding meaningful employer partnerships through advisory councilsAddressing the entrepreneurial nature of Gen Z studentsPreparing students for high-demand trades resistant to AI disruptionIntegrating professional development throughout the curriculumListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!

May 27, 2025 • 51min
What Employers Will Pay $10,000 For - with Dr. Jeff Pittman, Chancellor, St. Louis Community College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #370, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Dr. Jeff Pittman, Chancellor, St. Louis Community CollegeYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is St. Louis Community College experiencing enrollment recovery post-pandemic? What role do community colleges play in meeting workforce needs? How are new campus buildings targeting high-need workforce sectors? What innovative employer partnerships are creating opportunities for students? How is transfer credit legislation improving student pathways to completion? Topics include:Achieving 10% enrollment growth with 34,000 total students Building six new facilities across four campuses for workforce education Creating direct alignment between programs & industry needs Addressing the 2,600 nursing vacancies in the St. Louis region Transforming the "junior college" model to meet economic demands Implementing wraparound services to overcome student barriers Advancing "Real World Learning" initiatives with K-12 districts For #EdUp Subscribers only via the extended conversation:Maintaining leadership longevity through student-centered focus Navigating the challenges of multiple bargaining units Transitioning from system-level to campus-level leadership Finding renewed passion after 40 years in higher education Creating contagious enthusiasm for student success Listen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!

May 26, 2025 • 47min
What Makes 4Cs' Approach to Faculty Development Revolutionary - with Dr. Carlnita P. Greene, Vice President, Academic Affairs, Cape Cod Community College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, sponsored by Coursedog,YOUR guest is Dr. Carlnita P. Greene, Vice President, Academic Affairs, Cape Cod Community CollegeYOUR cohost is Bridget Moran , Senior Content Manager at CoursedogYOUR host is Dr. Jodi BlincoHow is Dr. Greene transitioning into her new role at 4Cs? What key priorities guide her academic leadership approach? How is faculty development connected to student success?Why is mental health & wellness a campus-wide focus? What makes free community college transformative? Topics include:Holistic student support strategies Faculty wellness & professional development Flexible course options & high-flex learning Creating "student-ready" institutions Healthcare & aviation workforce programs Non-credit to credit pathways Supporting unique student needs Massachusetts free community college program Listen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience !We make education YOUR business!

May 22, 2025 • 44min
Why AI Has Made Process More Important Than Product in Education - with Joseph Thibault, Founder, Cursive Technology, & Creator of the "This Isn't Fine" Newsletter
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is Joseph Thibault, Founder, Cursive Technology, & Creator of the "This Isn't Fine" NewsletterYOUR cohost is Bradley Emi , Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does Joe define academic integrity & its relation to trust between faculty & students? What is contract cheating & how does it differ from legitimate homework help? How do essay mills operate & what risks do they pose to students beyond academic dishonesty? How does Cursive Technology's behavioral approach to monitoring writing help preserve academic integrity? What insights can typing biometrics provide about student authorship & the writing process? Topics include:The $4 billion essay mill industry & its impact on education Using typing behavior as a biometric signature for authorship verification Detecting AI assistance in student writing through process analysis Balancing academic integrity tools with student privacy concerns The shift from product to process focus in writing assessment The growing connection between cybersecurity & academic integrity Financial aid fraud through fake student enrollment Listen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!

May 21, 2025 • 52min
What Makes Champlain College's Online Retention Rate So High? - with Christa Montagnino, Vice President for Online Operations, Champlain College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Christa Montagnino, Vice President for Online Operations at Champlain CollegeYOUR cohost is Shubh Mishra, Head of Business Development & Partnerships, LeadSquaredYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow has Champlain College Online grown to over 100 programs in just 2.5 years?What role does AI literacy play across all degree programs at Champlain?How is Champlain addressing student debt through innovative approaches to credit transfer & PLA?Why is the human connection still vital in online education despite AI advancements?How are they maintaining a 77% retention rate for online students?Topics include:Embedding AI literacy across all programs, not just technology fieldsCreating stackable credentials that build student confidenceUsing AI to free up advisors for more meaningful student interactionsRespecting students' prior learning through no-cost PLAPersonalizing communication plans for each student's needsBreaking down geographic & generational barriers through online educationListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!

May 20, 2025 • 39min
How an Open Curriculum Shapes the Next Generation of Women Leaders - with Dr. Sarah Willie-LeBreton, President, Smith College
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #369, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by the University of RochesterYOUR guest is Dr. Sarah Willie-LeBreton, President, Smith CollegeYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioWhat makes Smith College unique in higher education? How does an open curriculum foster student exploration? Why is writing emphasized as a foundational skill? How are students being prepared for careers in a changing job market? What challenges face higher education in today's political climate? Topics include:Leading the largest women's liberal arts college in the country Celebrating 150 years of educational excellence Supporting students from 68 different countries Balancing liberal arts education & career preparation Meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need with no-loan policies Embracing both technological change & traditional learning Maintaining academic freedom & viewpoint diversity Listen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience !We make education YOUR business!

May 17, 2025 • 44min
How Will Universities Survive the AI Revolution? - with Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis, President, CSU Stanislaus
It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #368, (Powered By Ellucian), & brought to YOU by the University of RochesterYOUR guest is Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis, President, CSU StanislausYOUR host is Dr. Joe SallustioHow is Stan State driving socioeconomic mobility in California's Central Valley?What makes Stan State ranked #2 in the nation for social mobility?How do Hispanic-Serving Institutions meet the unique needs of diverse student populations?What strategies help retain first-generation & underrepresented students?How is the CSU system integrating AI across all campuses?Topics include:Creating pathways to success for first-generation college studentsDelivering exceptional ROI with graduates paying back loans within 7 monthsSupporting the 20% of students who are parentsServing as an economic engine for the Central Valley regionBuilding strong industry partnerships with major employersMaintaining high retention rates despite student challengesFor #EdUp subscribers only via the extended conversation:Leadership strategies for maintaining momentum at high-performing institutionsCombating national pushback against higher educationCommunicating higher education's value during uncertain timesAdapting to changing student demographics & needsBalancing excellence with accessibility & affordabilityDemonstrating the long-term benefits of college educationListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!


