EDUCAUSE Rising Voices

This conversation, recorded live at EDUCAUSE 2026, cuts through the buzzwords and crisis headlines to explore what truly matters in higher education—to the people who work and learn in it.

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As John O’Brien prepares to retire, he joins Sarah Buszka and Alycia Baggett Chastang to reflect on eleven years of the Young Professionals Advisory Committee (YPAC) and its role in expanding leadership pathways and building a community for emerging higher education technology professionals.

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This episode examines professional development as more than skill building, arguing that the most impactful learning experiences are those that foster connection, community, and belonging.

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How much of cybersecurity is really about understanding people? This episode explores the human side of cybersecurity and institutional resilience, discussing how higher education institutions prepare for and respond to major disruptions.

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This episode explains how remote, hybrid, and in-person work models are evolving in higher education and how they impact productivity and collaboration. It also highlights the difference between inclusion and genuine connection while exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping jobs and increasing the importance of human skills such as adaptability and communication.

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Credibility and visibility are not always distributed equitably across technology organizations. These imbalances can influence workplace culture and shape the organization itself. This conversation explores what it means for women to find their voices, claim space, and lead in higher education technology.

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Purdue developed a structured onboarding program for student help desk employees. Their structured, collaborative onboarding programs are transforming student help desk roles. Through course-based training, mentorship, and real-world practice, student employees gain confidence and cross-campus awareness—leading to stronger IT support and better preparation for future careers.

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Personal branding starts with self-awareness, not self-promotion. In this episode, we discuss how social media can be a powerful amplifier of a young professional's authentic strengths. It is a space where they can evolve and grow their brand.

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Many young professionals struggle to find their footing as they build their careers. This conversation explores how community, mentorship, and shared experiences within higher education technology create confidence, spark growth, and open unexpected opportunities for those seeking connection and meaningful professional pathways.

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Artificial Intelligence is reshaping higher education in complex and sometimes uneasy ways. This episode features a discussion of institutional risk, responsible adoption, workforce uncertainty, and how leaders can prepare campuses for an AI driven future.

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