Get Down to College Business
Get Down to College Business is a podcast that explores strategies to help universities stay financially viable and accessible. Host Sarah Holtan, PhD, brings together business experts and higher education leaders to debate approaches that could save the future of higher ed. The show aims to empower listeners with new ideas for reimagining the business of college. Listeners are encouraged to visit highlevelleadership.com and leave a review.
Episodes
Walsh College: Built for What's Next with Suzy Siegle, EdD, JDD
Higher ed is facing a pivotal question: can colleges keep up with the workforce as AI and tech reshape every career?Sarah Holtan, PhD welcomes Suzy Siegle, EdD, JDD to talk straight about what working professionals really need. Spoiler: It's not another generic degree. When jobs are shifting overnight and skills lose their value just as fast, Walsh College listens to industry and adapts, offering
A Corporate Approach to Strategic Planning Mark Blegen, PhD
What if spending years on strategic planning is holding your college back? Sarah Holtan, PhD and Mark Blegen, PhD, President of Linfield University, get candid about why nimble, corporate-inspired strategic plans may be the lifeline small colleges need right now. Forget hundred-page binders. Dr. Blegen shares how focusing on a sharp budget, culture check, and clear priorities powers real change.Mo
The Cost of No Confidence with Chuck Ambrose, EdD
What really happens when college faculty take a no confidence vote in their president? Sarah sits down with Dr. Chuck Ambrose—author, consultant, and former president—to pull back the curtain on the hard and hidden costs of campus leadership crises. If you think it’s all about a president’s payout, think again. Instability sends shockwaves through campus culture, hitting enrollment, fundraising, a
The Impact of Grade Inflation with Angela Walmsley, PhD
Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Angela Walmsley, PhD, educational consultant and founder of Interactive College Prep, to ask the uncomfortable question: what does it really mean when almost everyone gets an A? In an era where students arrive at college with sky-high GPAs and even higher expectations, Angela exposes how inflated grades muddle admissions, challenge professors, and create a ripple e
Building Academic Programs and Processes for AI with David Schippers
What if your college degree became outdated before you even graduated? On this episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD brings Dave Schippers, Sc.D., CISSP to the table to call out the uncomfortable truth: higher education cannot keep up with the breakneck pace of AI.If you think AI is just another gadget for faculty, think again. Dr. Schippers explains how AI is a socio-technological force rethinking everythin
The ROI of a Strong Campus Master Plan with Lora Strigens
Get ready to be inspired by Lora Strigens, Vice-President for Planning and Facilities and University Architect at Marquette University, as she shares her expertise in leading over $300 million in capital projects in under a decade. Discover how campus planning at Marquette University follows a strategic approach, encompassing broad themes to ensure the best outcomes for stakeholders.Lora emphasize
The Cost of Shared Governance with Brian Rosenberg, PhD
Sarah Holtan, PhD explores the complexities of college leadership with Brian Rosenberg, PhD, Visiting Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on the pressures modern college presidents face. They discuss the need for transparent, honest, and authentic communication, especially in times of social media outrage.Brian discusses the value of a clear mission and student-centric decisi
Every Square Foot has a Strategy with Chris Morett, PhD, MPP
Most colleges are sitting on a treasure or a time bomb when it comes to their campus facilities. Everyone wants the best buildings to attract students and faculty, but what if chasing shiny new construction is actually harming your institution’s future?Sarah Holtan, PhD talks to Chris Morett, PhD, MPP, the President at Co|Here Campus and Workplace, who pulls back the curtain and says it straight:
Building Meaningful Community Connections with Jessie Cannizzaro
Sarah Holtan, PhD, talks with Jessie Cannizzaro, owner of Milestone Plumbing, about the true meaning of community and how businesses can teach colleges to connect with their neighbors in ways that matter. If you’ve ever wondered why universities struggle to partner with local businesses, Jessie’s experiences might change your mind about what community really is.Jessie shares how her business balan
The Great AI Debate: Embrace AI to What Extent? with Suzy Siegle and Melik Peter Khoury
Sarah Holtan, PhD brings together campus leaders who don’t just talk about AI—they’re reshaping the way universities operate. In this episode, Melik Peter Khoury, DBA, CEO and President of Unity Environmental University, and Suzy Siegle, EdD, JD, CEO and President of Walsh College, go beyond the tired “ban vs. embrace” debates. They unpack how progressive campuses are integrating AI not as a bolt-
How Provosts Shape Financial Decisions with Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner
Money matters in higher ed, but who really shapes the financial reality on campus? Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with the Vice President for Academic Affairs at La Roche University, Gregor Thuswaldner, PhD for a straight talk on what it takes to keep college doors open, and why academic leaders can’t ignore the numbers anymore.Most believe CFOs hold the purse strings, but Dr. Thuswaldner argues that
Save 30% by Uncovering a Blind Spot with Anamika Wadhawan
You work hard to keep your college running, but what if you’re losing money every month without realizing it? Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Anamika Wadhawan, Senior VP of Sales at SIB, to shine a light on “spend drift” and invoice anomalies—those sneaky charges and contract errors that slowly eat away at your budget. Fixing your finances isn’t just about slashing resources; it’s about catching
Financial Stress Signals You Can't Ignore with Daniel Greenstein
Sarah Holtan, PHD sits down with Daniel Greenstein, PhD, Managing Director at Baker Tilly US, for a blunt conversation about the hidden financial risks many colleges are ignoring. Greenstein, a leader in higher education consulting and former Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, reveals why traditional financial metrics don't paint the full picture of an institution's h
Should You Blow Up Your Budget Model? with David Rosowsky, PhD
Sarah Holtan, PhD, sits down with Dr. David Rosowsky PHD, Chief optimism officer, connector, collider, university senior leader, and author, for a masterclass in a subject that makes most academics run for the hills: the university budget model. In this blunt and refreshingly clear conversation, Dr. Rosowsky—sometimes called the "Ted Lasso of higher ed"—cuts through the jargon and political noise
Game Over? What Colleges Need to Know about Sportscasting's Future
In this episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD is joined by her old friend, veteran NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Casey, for a candid look at the evolving world of sportscasting. Trenni traces her 25-year career path, offering critical insights for today's aspiring journalists, academic leaders, and athletic directors.They discuss the essential skills for success in the modern media landscape. While found
How to Make Your College Podcast Cool with Dave Jackson
Sarah Holtan, PhD welcomes the Founder of School of Podcasting, Dave Jackson, for a reality check on campus podcasting. Colleges are rushing to launch podcasts, but does every institution actually need one or know how to make theirs stand out? With higher ed under pressure to connect, retain, and recruit, Dave peels back the curtain on what really makes a college podcast worth listening to and wor
International Student Decline Hits Our Bottom Line with Tom Dretler
Did you know a 20% drop in international students could wipe out nearly $2 billion in college tuition in just a year? The financial pain universities are feeling right now isn’t just about bottom lines, it's about fewer programs, job losses on campus and in local communities, and a shrinking workforce for the future. In this episode, Tom Dretler, CEO and co-founder of Shorelight Education, breaks
Streamline Your Small College with Gary Daynes, PhD
Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Gary Daynes, PhD, the Founder and Principal, Back Porch Consulting and Interim President Salem Academy and College, for a blunt conversation about why most small schools are making strategic mistakes, and what they can do about it. This chat is a must for anyone working in higher ed who’s tired of wishful thinking and wants practical advice on how to future-proof t
Can New Presidents Save Financially-Distressed Colleges? with Robert Kelchen
Sarah Holtan sits down with Dr. Robert Kelchen, Professor of Higher Education at University of Tennessee - Knoxville, to ask the hard question: can a new college president truly turn around a university’s finances? If you’ve ever wondered why some presidents seem to steady the ship while others are just along for the ride, this is an episode you can’t miss.Most people think hiring a new leader is
Managing Emotional Responses to Financial Aid with Mark Mitchell
Paying for college stirs up way more than just number crunching—it’s a raw experience laden with stress, overwhelm, and uncertainty. In today’s episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD, sits down with Mark Mitchell, Vice President of Access and Affordability of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), to cut through the facts and talk about the very real feelings families face when tuition bills
Caring Relationships Drive Revenue
In this insightful episode, host Sarah Holtan, PhD, sits down with Kevin McClure, PhD, Professor of Higher Education at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. They discuss the critical state of employee well-being in higher education. Dr. McClure unpacks the evolving landscape of university workplaces, addressing the challenges facing faculty and staff post-pandemic, and offers actionable st
Increasing Leadership Capacity using AI with Dr. Melik Peter Khoury
In this forward-thinking episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Melik Peter Khoury, DBA, to explore how higher education leaders can harness the transformative power of AI—not just as a technological tool, but as a driver for architectural, workflow, and cultural change in universities. Rather than dwelling on AI as a source of academic anxiety or a threat to jobs, Dr. Khoury shares actionable
Showing Value in Centers of Teaching and Learning with Derek Bruff
Could a better way to support faculty actually decide which universities survive the coming years? In this episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD, talks with Derek Bruff, the Associate Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at the University of Virginia, about how Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs) shape a college’s future, even when budgets are tight and change is constant. Derek shares his can
What Colleges Can Learn from Corporate L&D with Brandon Moore
Sarah Holtan, PhD speaks with Brandon Moore, Executive Director of Learning & Development at the Kacmarcik Center for Human Performance. Higher Ed is struggling with shrinking resources and shifting student needs—but what if colleges could learn a thing or two from how the corporate world approaches workforce training? Brandon shares how his team treats employees as whole people, prioritizes t
Financial Questions Every College Leader Should Ask with Bruce Hoeker
Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Bruce Hoeker, CFO at the Association of Business Administrators of Christian Colleges (ABACC), to cut through the confusion on college finances. If you think understanding your institution’s business operations is just for the CFO, Bruce wants you to think again—and shows why the financial future of your college depends on broad, strategic awareness at every leader
Smart Pricing Strategies for Tuition with Lucie Lapovsky, PhD
Sarah Holtan, PhD, sits down with Lucie Lapovsky, PhD, a financial expert in higher education and Principal of Lapovsky Consulting. In today's episode, discover how tuition pricing strategies could hold the key to college sustainability, especially in the face of declining enrollments and a challenging educational landscape. Lucie's insights offer a fresh perspective, challenging the conventional
The Human Dimensions of Change Management with Nicole Gahagan, EdD
Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Nicole Gahagan, Ed.D., Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Madison Area Technical College, to talk about the intricate world of change management within higher education. In this episode, Dr. Gahagan shakes up the conventional approach to institutional change by focusing intently on human needs. Looking to improve student success and employee exper
Achieving ROI through Collaboration Tactics with Elliot Felix
Sarah Holtan, PhD chats with Elliot Felix, who is a Student Success Author, Speaker, and Consultant, about breaking down the silos in higher education to truly support students. Discover practical ways to shift from fragmented efforts to intentional collaboration for better student outcomes.Elliot shares a transformative example from the University of Rochester, where the Innovation Zone became a
Exploring the Frustrations of College Search and Affordability with Liane Crane
Sarah Holtan, PhD interviews Liane Crane, owner of The College Dollar, about the realities of college costs and the steps we can take to demystify them. With first-hand experience guiding her own children through college and assisting countless families, Liane's insights shine a light on the often murky world of college finance.Many parents and students face an uphill battle understanding college
Prioritizing Career Advancement of Students with Jackie Slaats
Join Sarah Holtan, PhD, as she sits down with Jackie Slaats, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Career Advancement at Lake Forest College. Jackie’s commitment to career readiness has transformed Lake Forest into a leader in integrating career services into college life. This episode is packed with strategies that can redefine how institutions prepare students for their future careers.Lak
Course Expenses Deter Student Success with Julia Seaman, PhD
Sarah Holtan, PhD explores the hidden impact of course material expenses on student success with Julia Seaman, PhD, Director of Research, Bay View Analytics. Discover startling statistics and explore surprising insights into how these costs shape students’ academic journeys and choices.Course materials often play an invisible yet powerful role in higher education. Dr. Seaman’s research shows that
Capitalizing on Enrollment Trends with Robert Nowak
**Note** This episode was recorded in December 2024 and was based on a preliminary report that has since been updated. The more recent findings from the National Student Clearinghouse show that undergraduate enrollment is actually up by 4.5%, not the 3% as stated in the episode. The majority of the take-aways and the broader conversation still applies. Join Sarah Holtan as she sits down with
Building a Financial Picture for a College with Matt Hendricks, PhD
If you think managing a university's finances is complex, imagine simplifying it with the expertise of a data scientist who can turn numbers into actionable insights. Join Sarah Holtan, PhD as she hosts Matt Hendricks, PhD, founder of Perspective Data Science, to discuss financial transparency in higher education.In this episode, Dr. Hendricks shares how his free research tool can transform raw fi
Generating Revenue through Athletics with Josiah Castro
Sarah Holtan, PhD chats with Josiah Castro, Deputy Athletics Director for East Texas A&M, about the cutting-edge strategies he's using to boost university revenue through athletics. This conversation is packed with insights on the importance of athletics in enrollment, branding, and community engagement.Josiah shares how athletics act as the "front porch" of the university, offering unique mar
Building and Monetizing an Athlete's Brand with Chellee Siewert
Sarah Holtan chats with Chellee Siewert, President of Capture Sports and Entertainment, about how athletes can shape their legacy through their brands. This episode tackles the evolving landscape of personal branding, showing athletes how to use their influence for social good and prepare for life beyond sports.Chellee underscores the importance of athletes giving back through charitable initiativ
How Student and Employee Engagement Pays Off with Gill Hunter, PhD
Sarah Holtan, PhD welcomes back Gill Hunter, PhD, Presidential Fellow for Experience and Engagement at Eastern Kentucky University, to explore the essential strategies for making colleges feel like a second home to students. Gill shares insights and actionable approaches that are reshaping student retention and engagement.Imagine your daughter is hesitant about college after a rough high school ex
Applying a CEO Skill Set to College Leadership with Tim Sullivan
Sarah Holtan engages Tim Sullivan, Business Leader and Dean of the Sullivan School of Business and Technology at Carroll University, in a discussion about the potential of business strategies in revitalizing struggling universities. With a background spanning academia and executive roles, Tim brings a rare perspective that challenges the traditional educational frameworks hampering rapid change.Ti
The ROI of Technical and Trades Degrees with Jessie Cannizzaro
Ever feel like you’re swimming against the tide of conventional career advice? If so, this episode is tailored for you. Many people still underestimate how rewarding and viable careers in the trades can be, even though they often lead to high salaries and job security without the burden of student debt. Join Sarah Holtan as she sits down with Jessie Cannizzaro, master plumber and president of Mile
Boosting Value in a Technology Tool with Joe Sallustio, EdD
Sarah Holtan chats with Dr. Joe Salustio, VP of Industry Engagement and Co-founder and Host of the EdUp Experience Podcast, about the transformative role technology plays in higher education and the crucial steps institutions must take to stay competitive. Imagine operating your entire college on outdated software while your competitors soar ahead with cutting-edge solutions. Joe breaks down why m
The Cost of Shared Governance with Brian Rosenberg, PhD
Sarah Holtan, PhD explores the complexities of college leadership with Brian Rosenberg, PhD, Visiting Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on the pressures modern college presidents face. They discuss the need for transparent, honest, and authentic communication, especially in times of social media outrage. Brian discusses the value of a clear mission and student-centric
Should a Merger be in Your Future? with Ricardo Azziz
Sarah Holtan, PhD and Ricardo Azziz, the Director at the Center for Higher Education Mergers & Acquisitions and Principal at the SPH Consulting Group, explore the strategic significance of early action and planning in addressing challenges in higher education, with a particular focus on the complexities of college mergers. They discuss important aspects, including the financial and cultural co
Boosting Employment Potential of Female Graduates with Jen Dirks
Today, we're joined by a powerhouse in the world of business and academia, Jen Dirks, the CEO and president of Tempo Milwaukee, who brings over two decades of experience in strategic planning and business operations. In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial issues surrounding higher education, particularly the representation of women in leadership roles and the systemic changes needed to pro
International Student Recruitment and Growth Strategies Jim Burkee, PhD
Sarah Holtan, PhD, hosts Jim Burkee, PhD, in a conversation about overcoming unique challenges in international student recruitment and the expansive growth in enrollment at Avila University. They discuss the necessity of flexible infrastructure to support a diverse student body and share personal anecdotes from their experiences abroad.Episode Highlights:00:15 - Dr. Burkee recalls the pungent adv
Strategies to Maximize the College Search with Angela Walmsley, PhD
Sarah talks with Dr. Angela Walmsley, PhD, renowned education consultant and president of Interactive College Prep. They delve into the art of making informed decisions in the college search process. Dr. Walmsley brings clarity to the nuances of modern college admissions and shares expert strategies for students and their families.Dr. Walmsley's also shares her thoughts about the evolving landscap
An Operational To-do List for AI in Academia with Sean Jones
Join your host, Sarah Holtan, PhD, as she engages with Sean Jones, an influential figure in the AI academic sphere. They delve into how AI technologies like ChatGPT are redefining the academic landscape, the imperative challenges they pose, and how institutions can adapt to embrace AI while ensuring academic integrity and addressing bias. Episode Highlights:10:45 - When we talk about using AI in t
An Operating Model that Leads to Enrollment Growth with Dr. Melik Peter Khoury
Join Sarah Holtan, PhD, as she sits down with Melik Peter Khoury, DBA, President of Unity Environmental University to navigate the dynamic landscape of contemporary higher education in an era that demands educational innovation. Learn how Unity's revolutionary strategies have shattered the conventional and elevated the institution to new heights of enrollment and fiscal prosperity. President Khour
A Strategic Plan That Gets Results with Nicki Nabasny, Ed. D.
Sarah Holtan, PhD, engages with strategic planning maestro Nicki Nabasny, EdD to unravel the complexities of creating impactful strategies within higher education institutions. Gear up for a deep-dive into the art of stakeholder mapping and the pivotal role of leadership sponsorship in ensuring a successful strategic transformation.Nicki, with years of expertise in guiding colleges through strateg
Efficient Academic Operations at a Satellite Campus
Sarah Holtan, PhD talks to Sarah Lukas, Ed.D., who brings her flair for innovation to the table, discussing the crucial role of empathy and adaptability in higher education leadership. Dive into a candid conversation on how institutions can thrive amidst change and why the fear of the new should be left behind. Sarah, who is the Director of Academic Operations at NLU Florida, imparts her wisdom on
Protect the Product
In this episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD, the President and Founder of High-level Leadership, LLC, delves deeply into how to protect the product of higher education. She argues that professional development funds for faculty and staff are essential to the quality of education. Discover how investing in people can save you money long term, reducing turnover and increasing productivity.Sarah also discusse
Higher Ed Comes of Age: Hard Lessons and Bold Predictions with Kate Colbert
Let's dive into an enlightening discussion with Sarah Holtan, PhD and Kate Colbert, the author of "Commencement: The Beginning of a New Era in Higher Education", on the evolving landscape of higher education in this episode. Uncover the advantages of online learning, reasons behind resistance to change, and the significance of transparency within academic institutions. We discuss student retention
The Metrics and Interventions of Retention with Gill Hunter, PhD
In this thought-provoking episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD, sits down with Gill Hunter, PhD, the Assistant Vice-President for Retention and Graduation at Eastern Kentucky University. They delve into the intricacies of student retention and graduation. Discover how using data and interventions reshapes the academic landscape at EKU. Listen as they discuss the initiatives EKU has put in place t
Operationalizing a Merger with Tammy Ferry, PhD
Join Sarah Holtan, PhD and Tammy Ferry, PhD, the Retired Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor, in an enlightening exploration of higher ed mergers. From the airport conversation that initiated the merger of two Concordia colleges to the five-year journey that followed, discover the key elements that shaped their success. Delve into the r
The Value of Co-op Education with Patrick Jones, PhD
Join Sarah Holtan, PhD, as she has a dynamic conversation on the future of academia with Patrick Jones, PhD, Chancellor at Penn State Schulykill. They discuss in depth the transformative Co-op Program, which is an elective series of core courses complemented by immersive work experiences. With insights from 76 employer partners, students gain access to invaluable resources, from dynamic career cha
Are Old Buildings Worth Saving? A Conversation with John Duggan
John Duggan, Chief Operating Officer of The Concord Group, shares valuable considerations for educational institutions pondering between renovating older buildings and constructing new ones with Sarah Holtan, PhD in this episode. He stresses the importance of evaluating the building's present condition, comparing renovation costs to new construction expenses, and factoring in emotional attachments
Fundraising Trends and Tactics with Mike Neiduski
Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Mike Neiduski, a seasoned professional with a unique approach to higher education fundraising. With a background in both student affairs units and major gift fundraising, Mike brings a multifaceted approach to the table.They explore parallels between higher education and conservation development, both requiring substantial funding. Mike highlights external challeng
What's Behind a College Closure? with Gary Stocker
Join host Sarah Holtan, PhD, in a riveting discussion with Gary Stocker, the Founder of College Viability, LLC. As the looming specter of private college closures grows due to the winding down of COVID relief, Gary unpacks crucial insights. Leading indicators of an institution in jeopardy, including dwindling enrollment and tuition revenue, are demystified, along with lagging indicators like gradu
The ROI of a Strong Campus Master Plan with Lora Strigens
Get ready to be inspired by Lora Strigens, Vice-President for Planning and Facilities and University Architect at Marquette University, as she shares her expertise in leading over $300 million in capital projects in under a decade. Discover how campus planning at Marquette University follows a strategic approach, encompassing broad themes to ensure the best outcomes for stakeholders. Lora emphasiz
Make a Small College Work with Bradley Andrews, PhD
Curious about how colleges can effectively navigate budgeting challenges while achieving excellence in mission delivery? Join Sarah Holtan, PhD for an insightful conversation with Bradley Andrews, PhD, who shares his wisdom and expertise in college budgeting as the President of Brevard College.Discover the key imperatives to financial success as Dr. Andrews emphasizes the significance of strategic
Increasing Energy Awareness on Campus with David C. Wiers
In this enlightening episode, host Sarah Holtan, PhD chats with David C. Wiers, President & Founder of Satori Energy and Board Member at Carthage College. They delve into the complex world of energy deregulation, explaining its impact on both consumers and institutions, and discuss the shifting landscape of energy costs and price volatility. Their conversation further touches on ESG compliance
The Rising Cost of Meal Plans with Kevin Gilligan
Join Sarah Holtan, PhD in this episode as she dives into the complex world of rising food prices and their impact on college campuses with Kevin Gilligan, the District Manager at Sodexo. Discover why food prices are on the rise, with factors such as labor, transportation, and supply chain expenses contributing to the challenge. While East Coast schools have faced more difficulties, students everyw
The Economics of Nursing Education with Teri Kaul, PhD, APRN-BC
The United States is facing the largest nursing shortage of all time, causing significant challenges for colleges and universities offering nursing programs. In this episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Teri Kaul, PhD, APRN-BC, the Endowed Chairperson of Nursing at Carroll University, to explore practical strategies for higher ed institutions to address this critical issue.Teri has a rich bac
Creative Funding Strategies for Capital Projects with John Duggan
Did you know that colleges and universities can tap into untapped revenue streams to fund capital projects and support their mission-oriented goals? Join Sarah Holtan, PhD as she explores innovative strategies to monetize existing assets for higher education institutions with John Duggan, Chief Operating Officer at The Concord Group.John is an expert in monetizing assets for colleges and universit
Lean Financial Practices in Nonprofits with Candice Cole
Join Sarah Holtan, PhD in a compelling conversation with Candice Cole, MBA, CNAP, and CFO at Progressive Community Health Centers, as they discuss effective financial management strategies to save higher education institutions facing similar financial strains as nonprofit healthcare organizations. Discover valuable insights on maintaining quality, reducing costs, leveraging technology, and fosteri
The Cost of Brick and Mortar with Scott Lindvall
What does it take to plan, design, and build or renovate campus facilities? In this episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD, interviews Scott Lindvall, the Chief Operating Officer of HGA (Hammel, Green, and Abrahamson). HGA is an award-winning architectural-engineering firm. They discuss the ins and outs of designing and building for universities, including the importance of strategic planning, engaging all st
The Educational and Monetary Value of DEI with Charnetta Gadling-Cole, PhD
Are Christian universities effectively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on their campuses? In this thought-provoking episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD engages in a powerful discussion with Charnetta Gadling-Cole, PhD, who is the President & Founder of Just 4 Me Consultants and co-editor of the groundbreaking book, "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Christian Universities: An Ecological Per
The Cost of Cultural Change with Darrell Bazzell
Sarah Holtan, PhD invites Darrell Bazzell, Senior VP and CFO at University of Texas at Austin, to discuss how universities can remain open and successful in the face of changing times. Darrell Bazzell is a higher education expert, having implemented cost share policies, technological tools, and training sessions to reduce research grant processing time. In this episode, they explore strategies for
In the Trenches of Operational Efficiency with Scott Converse
Sarah talks to Scott Converse, who is the Program Director for Continuous Improvement at UW Madison School of Business. Scott's approach to improving the workplace involves reducing frustration levels by utilizing continuous improvement tools and data analysis. This analysis is comprised of both qualitative interviews which collect stories from workers, as well as quantitative research from existi
Amplifying the Business of Higher Ed with Suzy Siegle, EdD
In this episode, Sarah interviews Dr. Suzy Siegle, the Chief Champion, President, and CEO of Walsh College. When looking at blending business and academia to run a successful college, Suzy focuses on her people first while also looking for ways to make sure there’s a margin so they can execute their mission.They dive into the importance of focusing on breakthroughs, not breakdowns when leadin
The Cost of a Title IX Overhaul with Andy Luptak, PhD
In this episode, Dr. Sarah Holtan talks to Dr. Andy Luptak, who is a retired Title IX Coordinator and Vice-President of Student Life at Concordia University Wisconsin. He put in more than 50 years in student affairs and directed several Title IX overhauls. They talk about the proposed changes in Title IX regulations by the Biden administration. This episode is part graduate-level class, part
The Benefits of Using Consultants with Drumm McNaughton, PhD
In this episode, Dr. Sarah Holtan talks to Dr. Drumm McNaughton, who is a consultant at The Change Leader and podcast host of Changing Higher Ed. They talk about the benefits of potentially hiring a consultant for a college or institution. They discuss how it's about foresight, being able to see ahead, and help everyone navigate what's to come and get ready for that.Drumm advocates for the importa
Maximizing the Work of Boards with Lawrence X. Taylor
In this episode, Dr. Sarah Holtan talks to Lawrence X. Taylor, who is the President of Taylor Strategy Group and Independent Board Member to many successful companies. Lawrence is an NACD Board Leadership Fellow and is recognized as a “Director to Watch 2020” by the Private Company Director Magazine. Sarah and Lawrence discuss about board governance for colleges.In his opinion, Lawrence believes
Higher Ed Efficiency, from an Engineer's Perspective with Andre Logan
In this episode, Dr. Sarah Holtan talks to Andre Logan, who is the Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the Chancellor at University of Missouri, Kansas City. He used to be an engineer in the 2000s for Harley Davidson. He's in higher ed now, but his background as an industrial engineer gives a fresh perspective on how things are done in colleges. They discuss about centralizing certa
The Cost of an Executive Search with Scott Flanagan
In this episode, Dr. Sarah Holtan talks to Scott Flanagan, who is a senior consultant and senior executive coach at Academic Search, a leading search firm for higher ed. They talk about executive searches, particularly, the process of filling an executive position such as a president or provost, which has a price tag. They discussed how colleges can prepare to enter the executive search, how much
The ROI of a Strong Brand with Sarah Maio
In this episode, Dr. Sarah Holtan talks to Sarah Maio, who is the Vice President of Marketing and Communication for the Wisconsin Center District. The two Sarahs discuss how most colleges are seeing a decline in enrollment and how selective colleges with strong brands saw enrollment increases. The big questions they tackle today are: What is ROI of a strong college brand and what does it take to g
The Savings of a la carte Student Services with Steve Taylor
In this episode, Dr. Sarah Holtan talks to Dr. Steve Taylor, who is the Vice President of Student Life at Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. They discussed how different students need different student services and how an a la carte model can benefit each type of student population. Moreover, during their conversation they touch on crucial points such as: How much does it cost to have a
Fortifying the Ivory Tower
In this podcast, Dr. Sarah Holtan, the President and Founder of High-level Leadership, LLC which is a thought engine dedicated to converting today's challenges in higher ed into opportunities, talks about how to make college affordable and accessible as well as how to fortify the ivory tower. Sarah believes colleges have an ethical imperative to make the college experience more affordab
Introducing Get Down to College Business
Welcome to Get Down to College Business. We will identify strategies that could make the difference between keeping university doors open and closing them for good. I'm pulling in business experts and higher ed leaders to debate the merits of strategies that could save the future of higher ed. You will leave feeling empowered with new ideas to reimagine how you approach the business of college to
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