In this episode of The Signals, host Laura Glaab sits down with Dr. Marc Austin, Vice Provost and Managing Director of Montclair State University’s ambitious new initiative—Montclair Unbound. Together, they unpack what it really means to “remove barriers” in higher education, from rethinking how we deliver online learning to closing capability gaps that keep students from thriving.

Dr. Austin shares a compelling vision of AI-powered tutors that call you before a deadline, curriculum designed for “Netflix-level” anticipation, and skill transcripts that give students meaningful credentials—even if life interrupts their degree. Drawing on his experience leading transformative online programs at George Mason University and Augusta University, he reveals why onboarding and offboarding students might be the most overlooked—and most impactful—parts of higher ed.

The conversation also dives into why persistence matters more than graduation rates, how to create truly engaging online learning, and why he believes optimism is essential for education’s future.

Key Moments

04:29 Montclair State's Student Success

08:17 "Overcoming Barriers in Online Education"

12:37 "New Jersey's Educational Opportunity"

15:12 Community College Costs Hidden Expense

17:15 "Online Education Quality Perception"

22:24 Challenges and Opportunities in Micro-Credentials

26:28 "Micro Credentials as Skill Transcripts"

28:57 Student Persistence and Support Services

31:59 "Creating High Engagement in Courses"

34:56 "Organizational Coordination Challenges"

37:42 "Playbooks for Online University Success"

41:30 Demonstrating Value Beyond Degrees

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

If you’ve ever wondered whether online education can match—or even surpass—the on-campus experience, this episode will change how you think about it. Dr. Marc Austin blends hard data with real-world solutions, showing how technology, strategy, and empathy can work together to make higher ed more accessible, more engaging, and more valuable for every learner. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or lifelong learner, you’ll walk away with a renewed sense of what’s possible when universities dare to reinvent themselves.

Connect with Dr. Marc Austin

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcaustin

Follow Us On

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kyronlearning/

Company Website: https://www.kyronlearning.com/

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