Best University Innovation Alliance Podcasts (2025)

1
Small College America - Brian Pertl, Dean of the Lawrence Conservatory of Music 41:31

4h ago41:31

41:31

Today, we welcome Brian Pertl, an innovative academic leader, ethnomusicologist, and for 17 years, served as the Dean of the Lawrence Conservatory of Music in Wisconsin. A Lawrence University alumnus himself, Brian returned to his alma mater after a successful career at Microsoft, where he led the Media Acquisitions Group and helped shape the integ…

1
Unpacking Trump 2.0: Alliances 39:56

1d ago39:56

39:56

In his first few months in office, President Trump has followed a markedly different course in his second term compared to his first. How far can Trump’s “move fast and break things” approach to governing get him? What is happening behind the headlines? What can Australia and other US allies do in response? To answer these questions, USSC is releas…

1
Small College America - Chad Berry Vice President Berea College 32:00

8d ago32:00

32:00

Today, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Chad Berry, Vice President for Alumni, Communications, and Philanthropy—and a distinguished scholar—at Berea College, a private, coeducational liberal arts college located in Berea, Kentucky. Berea currently serves 1,513 undergraduate students. Berea is one of the most mission-driven small colleges in the country…

1
Biden’s legacy and Democratic scrutiny 38:29

12d ago38:29

38:29

When Democrats lost the 2024 election, questions immediately swirled around President Biden and his decision to run again. Just as a new book critical of Biden was about to launch, a spokesperson for the former president announced he had just been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. What role did Biden’s decision to first run and …

1
The Giga Ten Ep 6. May 2025 32:09

13d ago32:09

32:09

In this 6th episode of The Giga Ten we discuss how Microsoft is a huge buyer of removals in the space, how Climeworks might want to respond to that Icelandic paper and other CDR policy mechanisms emerging from the EU. This and much more in the following episode with Sebastian Manhart and Leila Conners.…

1
Transforming Higher Ed Through Daily Innovation | Dr. Ryan Goodwin on Student Success and Institutional Change 11:03

14d ago11:03

11:03

In this episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, host Bridget Burns spotlights one of the most inspiring leadership journeys in the University Innovation Alliance’s history: Dr. Ryan Goodwin. A member of the UIA’s inaugural Fellows cohort, Dr. Goodwin reflects on his evolution from a fresh post-grad working out of a closet office at UCF to now s…

1
Small College America - Matt Ward VP for Enrollment Management and Student Success at California Lutheran University 30:47

14d ago30:47

30:47

Introduction: Dr. Matt Ward, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success at California Lutheran University, a private, coeducational, liberal arts college founded in 1959 and located in Thousand Oaks, California." Cal Lutheran serves approximately 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Matt leads a division of more than 180 sta…

1
Solving the CRISPR delivery problem using a proprietary peptide-based platform 1:05:53

15d ago1:05:53

1:05:53

Dana Foss and Ross Wilson are the cofounders of Editpep, a biotech startup focused on developing CRISPR-based therapeutics. They are using a proprietary peptide-based delivery platform that enables targeted delivery to specific cell types, particularly for hard-to-reach areas like the brain. While Dana Foss is the CEO, Ross Wilson is also an Assist…

1
Academic Advising with Predictive Analytics & Proactive Advising: Allison Calhoun-Brown 41:43

20d ago41:43

41:43

In this episode of the Innovating Together podcast, host Bridget Burns is joined by Dr. Allison Calhoun-Brown, Senior Vice President for Student Success at Georgia State University, to explore how the university moved from fragmented, paper-based advising to becoming a national exemplar of proactive, data-informed student support. This conversation…

1
Small College America - Todd Jones, President and General Counsel, AICUO 33:08

21d ago33:08

33:08

Today, we’re honored to welcome Todd Jones, President and General Counsel of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio. Todd has served in this role since 2005 and is a nationally recognized advocate for independent higher education. Over the years, he has led impactful efforts to expand need-based aid, strengthen institution…

1
The Hidden Power of Transfer: How Dr. Toyia Younger is Changing Student Mobility Forever 10:11

29d ago10:11

10:11

In this episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, host Bridget Burns sits down with Dr. Toyia Younger of Iowa State University to shine a spotlight on one of the most overlooked drivers of social mobility in higher education: transfer student success. Dr. Younger, a national thought leader and passionate advocate for transfer students, shares her…

1
Small College America - Elizabeth Nino Executive Director of International Enrollment Augustana College 28:35

28d ago28:35

28:35

Today, we welcome Liz Nino, Executive Director of International Enrollment at Augustana College, a private, coeducational liberal arts college in Rock Island, IL. Augustana enrolls approximately 2,600 students, and international students comprise nearly 20% of the college’s enrollment. Liz is a global leader in international student recruitment! Sh…

1
Tension Ep. 17: Navigating Future Uncertainty in Animal Health 50:23

1M ago50:23

50:23

What happens when a global animal health institution starts thinking about the future? In this episode of the Tension Podcast, foresight advisor Tianna Brand shares how the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) used its 100th anniversary to leap forward — creating participatory future scenarios to explore collapse, innovation, and transformat…

1
Clare Creighton and Steve Wuhs on Building a Student Success Architecture 38:56

1M ago38:56

38:56

In this episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, host Bridget Burns sits down with Steve Wuhs and Claire Creighton from Oregon State University to review a transformational story of change. How do you drive institutional change in a way that’s people-centered, ambitious, and built to last; especially in a complex, decentralized university? Orego…

1
What Korean President Yoon’s impeachment means for Australia and the region 39:22

1M ago39:22

39:22

In December 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and had military troops surround the National Assembly before reversing that decision following an immediate backlash and widespread protests. On 4 April 2025, South Korea’s Constitutional Court announced its verdict to uphold the impeachment of President Yoon, ending 18 we…

1
Small College America - Marco Clark President Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, Indiana 35:12

1M ago35:12

35:12

In this episode, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Marco J. Clark, President of Holy Cross College, a private, co-educational, liberal arts college located on a 70-acre wooded campus in South Bend, Indiana. With over three decades in Catholic education, Dr. Clark has become a visionary leader committed to academic innovation and mission-centered growth.…

1
“Scaling What Works: A Data-Driven Blueprint for Student Success” featuring Tim Renick 44:17

1M ago44:17

44:17

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.…

1
Small College America - Steve Bahls President Emeritus at Augustana College 29:41

1M ago29:41

29:41

Today, we will speak about shared governance in small colleges with Steve Bahls. Steve Bahls is one of the nation’s leading authorities on shared governance. His writings on shared governance have been in publications such as Trusteeship, Inside Higher Ed, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. He is the author of the popular book Shared Governance…

1
Tension Ep. 16: Is Canada Ready for the Next Climate-Driven Emergency? 27:18

2M ago27:18

27:18

Is Canada ready for the next climate-driven emergency? Behind the scenes, a critical shift is happening in how we plan, respond, and collaborate — and you’re invited into the conversation. In this powerful episode of the Tension Podcast, Donna speaks with Simon Wells and Tiffany Leung from the Canadian Journal of Emergency Management (CJEM) about t…

1
Small College America - Karin Fischer Chronicle of Higher Education 24:57

2M ago24:57

24:57

Today, we will be speaking with a senior writer for The Chronicle of Higher Education — Karin Fischer.Karin covers a variety of topics, including international education, the social and political divides around college, and the challenges faced by small colleges. She also publishes a newsletter on global education, Latitudes. Her reporting has appe…

1
Tension Ep. 15: Climate Security: Impacts, Geopolitics & the Future 57:11

2M ago57:11

57:11

What happens to global security when the climate itself becomes the battlefield? Spoiler: it’s not science fiction — it’s already happening. In this must-listen conversation, Professor Bruno Charbonneau at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, Canada — unpacks why climate change is now one of the biggest wildcards for military readiness, internati…

1
What Signalgate revealed about technology and intelligence sharing 38:50

2M ago38:50

38:50

When US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz set up a Signal group chat to coordinate principals for discussions on a US strike on the Houthis in Yemen, he had no idea that the Editor in Chief for The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg, was part of the chat and would later share the content of their group chat with the world. Former White House National Se…

1
The Giga Ten Episode #5 April 2025 30:06

2M ago30:06

30:06

In this 5th episode of The Giga Ten we discuss how Germany and Denmark are setting CDR benchmarks as well as standards. The Global South has a seat at the table and ERW and the carbon molecule is complex! This and much more in the following episode with Sebastian Manhart and Leila Conners. Thank you for listening! Relevant Links: https://tracker.ca…

1
Small College America - Scott Wiegandt Director of Athletics at Bellarmine University 32:04

2M ago32:04

32:04

Today, we are speaking with Scott Wiegandt, the Director of Athletics for Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. " Scott is a former Bellarmine University All-American and professional baseball player and was hired as the university's director of athletics in 2005. He played a lead role in moving from Division II to Division I in the 2020-2…

1
Becoming the Employers We Wished our Students Had: Brandee Popaden-Smith at the UIA National Summit 15:06

2M ago15:06

15:06

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.…

1
Small College America - Charles Kim Trustee Augustana and Westminster College, Missouri 36:11

2M ago36:11

36:11

Today, we dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing small colleges with Charles Kim, who’s been at the forefront of strategic financial advising in higher education. Charles Kim is a retired strategic and financial advisor who, for more than 30 years, advised leading healthcare systems, academic medical centers, and institutions of hig…

1
Weekly Wisdom with Lumina President Jamie Merisotis 32:54

2M ago32:54

32:54

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.…

1
The uphill battle for Australian defence innovation 37:00

2M ago37:00

37:00

A critical component and potential vulnerability of AUKUS is Australia’s manufacturing capability. And even beyond AUKUS, the 2023 Defence Strategic Review cited the need for a whole-of-nation uplift in manufacturing and investment to fulfil Australia’s defence objectives. What is the state of play for defence manufacturing and investment in Austra…

1
Small College America - Dr. Paaige Turner 28:54

2M ago28:54

28:54

Biography Dr. Paaige Turner Dr. Turner serves as the Provost and Executive Vice President at Aurora University, located in Aurora, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Before joining Aurora University in July 2024, she spent six years as Dean of the College of Communication, Information, and Media at Ball State University. Dr. Turner began her higher edu…

1
The GigaTen Episode #4 March 2025 25:30

2M ago25:30

25:30

Carbon Gap has launched a funding tracker for CDR in Europe which is mighty helpful given it is hard to find pockets of funding for this important innovation. In this 4th episode of The Giga Ten Sebastian Manhart and I discuss this as well as the need to grow CDR companies post pilot. The rest of the conversation covers policies that emerged recent…

1
Small College America - Eric Lindberg 36:07

3M ago36:07

36:07

Quick Recap - in this episode with Small College America, Kent Barnds, and Dean Hoke sit down with Eric Lindberg of the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation in Cincinnati, Ohio, to discuss the role and value of small colleges in US higher education. Eric shares his personal experiences and the Foundation's approach to philanthropic giving. They also explo…

1
Former USAID official on the DOGE cuts and pathway forward 31:17

3M ago31:17

31:17

Since President Trump took office for a second time on 20 January 2025, he has driven an unprecedented level of sweeping governmental change. One of the first and most drastic changes was to the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The Trump administration has cancelled the majority USAID contracts, eliminated 1,600 positions and almost…

1
Beyond the Numbers: A Candid Conversation with Raj Chetty on Mobility and Opportunity 16:49

3M ago16:49

16:49

In this episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, host Bridget Burns welcomes Dr. Raj Chetty from Opportunity Insights for an insightful discussion on social mobility, economic opportunity, and higher education’s role in shaping the future. Recorded at the UIA National Summit, this episode dives into the data-driven realities of economic mobility…

1
Altitude Lab Fund- Supporting healthcare founders in challenging times 51:41

3M ago51:41

51:41

Chandana Haque is the Executive Director of Altitude Lab, a healthcare startup accelerator building a community of diverse entrepreneurs in Utah. Altitude Lab was cofounded in 2020 by Chandana and Chris Gibson, the co-founder & CEO of Recursion in Salt Lake City. They recently announced the launch of a pre-seed venture fund aimed at supporting earl…

1
Small College America - Chet Haskell and Wendy Heckler 34:48

3M ago34:48

34:48

Our guests today are Wendy Sherman Heckler from Otterbein University and Chet Haskell of Antioch University. They discussed their unique partnership, the Coalition for the Common Good. They also discussed the growth model of their shared services operation, the transition of Antioch from a financially constrained institution to a new model, and the…

1
World Premiere: Dr. Raj Chetty on Data, Social Mobility & Student Success 38:27

3M ago38:27

38:27

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.…

1
The lasting impacts of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars on the US military 23:46

3M ago23:46

23:46

Dr Mara Karlin joined us on the USSC Briefing Rood podcast to talk about her book The Inheritance: America’s Military After Two Decades of War. What impact did the extended wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have on the US military? What lessons have been learned since this time? And how prepared is the US now for future wars? Dr Karlin discussed these q…

1
Tension Ep. 14: Bridging Worlds: Civil-Military Interaction, Sustainability and the Future of Global Security 46:30

3M ago46:30

46:30

"Winning Without Fighting": Rethinking Civil-Military Interaction for the Future of Conflict How do we navigate modern conflicts that are more hybrid, technological, and deeply intertwined with civilian populations than ever before? In a thought-provoking episode of the Tension Podcast, Vince DiDato explores how civil-military interaction (CMI) is …

1
"The Collaboration Imperative" Bridget Burns Keynote at the UIA National Summit 34:48

3M ago34:48

34:48

In this episode of Innovating Together, Bridget Burns, Executive Director of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA), shares a groundbreaking keynote from the UIA National Summit, marking ten years of collaboration and institutional transformation. Bridget reveals the hard-earned lessons about innovation, scale, and diffusion in higher education—e…

1
Small College America Introduction show with Dean Hoke and Kent Barnds 25:20

3M ago25:20

25:20

"Welcome to Small College America, a 30-minute weekly podcast series dedicated to exploring the strengths, challenges, and future of small colleges across the country. Each week, we’ll bring you insights from leaders, faculty, and students who are shaping the future of small colleges and their role in higher education. Introduction of Co-Hosts Kent…

1
Three years of war in Ukraine 42:46

3M ago42:46

42:46

Three years ago, Russian troops invaded Ukraine with air strikes and a ground invasion from the North towards Kyiv, the South from Crimea and the East from the Donbas. Many expected Ukraine to have to surrender almost immediately and give up significant territory to Russia. However, global allies quickly united to support Ukraine through providing …

1
Tension Ep. 13: Driving Innovation: Portugal's Military-Tech Hub and the Power of Experimentation 43:43

3M ago43:43

43:43

What does it take to push the boundaries of maritime innovation? Captain António Mourinha, Innovation Advisor to the Chief of the Portuguese Navy, joined Donna Dupont on the Tension Podcast to break it down. From navigation officer to innovation leader, Mourinha shares how the REPMUS (Robotic Experimentation, and Prototyping with Maritime Unmanned …

1
The GigaTen Episode #3 February 2025 26:44

4M ago26:44

26:44

Sebastian Manhart updates us on the CDR (carbon dioxide removal) industry in conversation with Leila Conners. The GigaTen is a newsletter that Sebastian posts monthly and Leila thought it would be an interesting conversation to update monthly as well. We think that CDR is important and a unifying pathway as it creates jobs, proposes new ways to man…

1
Weekly Wisdom Interview with Yolanda Watson Spiva from Complete College America 15:49

4M ago15:49

15:49

Learn more about the UIA by visiting: Website LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook This week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.…

1
What Trump’s second term means for Australia, interview with Bruce Wolpe 34:36

4M ago34:36

34:36

Around the time of President Trump’s first indictment, USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellow Bruce Wolpe released his latest book, Trump’s Australia: How Trumpism changed Australia and the shocking consequences for us of a second term. Now, less than two years later, President Trump was elected again, this time as a convicted felon. Bruce has just releas…

1
Dr. Barry Ryan, Retired President Woodbury University 34:37

4M ago34:37

34:37

Dr. Barry Ryan served as President of Woodbury University in California from 2022 to 2024. Woodbury, at the time of this interview in early 2023, had an enrollment of approximately 1,000 students. In June 2024, they finalize their merger with the University of Redlands A first-generation college student, Dr. Ryan fell in love with higher education.…

1
Dr. Janelle Vanasse, President of Alaska Pacific University 30:08

4M ago30:08

30:08

Dr. Janelle Vanasse is the President of Alaska Pacific University, located in Anchorage, Alaska. She has been a leader in education for more than 30 years, specifically at schools and institutions that prioritize Alaska Native education. Immediately prior to joining APU, Vanasse served as superintendent in Sitka. She also held a range of leadership…

1
President Ryan Smith, President of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College 34:25

4M ago34:25

34:25

Joining us today is President Ryan Smith, President of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College. He joined the institution as President in October 2019. Ryan spent the first 23 years of his career working as a Vice President and partner with Smith financial advisors. In 2007 he was elected to the Gallipolis City School board, a…

1
Dr. Stefanie Niles President Cottey College 33:02

4M ago33:02

33:02

Joining us today is Dr. Stephanie Niles, President of Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, which has an enrollment of approximately 350 students. She is a national leader in her field and has been a successful, strategic, and innovative leader at multiple outstanding liberal arts institutions. Dr. Niles came to Cottey from Ohio Wesleyan University i…

1
Trump’s foreign policy agenda, like it or not 23:49

4M ago23:49

23:49

As President Trump commences his second term in office, he faces a far more contested geopolitical environment than during his first term. From an unresolved war in Ukraine to the war in Gaza, many items will be on Trump’s foreign policy agenda whether he likes it or not. How could he seek to end the war in Ukraine? What level of priority should be…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

University Innovation Alliance Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen