Engaged By Design

Dr. Cali Morrison: Finding a Path into Higher Education (Part 1)

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Episode 19

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Dr. Vernon Smith and Dr. Michael Cottam kick off a three-part conversation with Dr. Cali Morrison, Senior Director of Workforce Education and Strategy at EdAssist by Bright Horizons.

Calli shares how a rural sociology class—and one infamous challenge involving cow urine—helped spark her unexpected entry into higher education. She reflects on the power of engaged learning, the importance of clear learning objectives, and why she walked away from a major when a professor couldn’t explain the purpose of an assignment.

Most importantly, Cali reveals her personal “why”: to help adults keep learning throughout their lives without giving up the parts of life that matter most. Inspired by her parents and mentors, she has built a career committed to making education more flexible, accessible, and meaningful.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
  • How Cali “fell into” higher education through the Montana State University Extension Service
  • The rural sociology professor whose teaching style left a lasting impression
  • The infamous “cow urine for an A” story and what it says about engaged learning
  • Why unclear learning objectives once led Cali to change her career path
  • Cali’s personal “why” and how family experiences shaped her mission in education
    • REFLECTION QUESTION

    Where in your courses, programs, or trainings do you need to clarify the learning objectives so learners know exactly why it matters?

    RESOURCES & LINKS
    • Learn more about Engaged By Design: https://engagedbydesign.com
    • Free 10-Lesson MACRO Leadership Course: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/macroleadershipbook
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      Engaged By DesignBy Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Vernon Smith