Carole G. Basile is the Dean and Professor of the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University, where she is nationally recognized for pioneering the Next Education Workforce movement—a structural redesign that replaces the traditional “one teacher, one classroom” model with team-based approaches that better support learner variability and educator well‑being. With more than 30 years of experience spanning educator preparation, organizational design, and national policy influence, Basile has led transformative work focused on equity, community partnership, and system-level change. Her leadership blends creativity, research-grounded innovation, and an entrepreneurial mindset, helping institutions rethink how educators are prepared, how schools are structured, and how technology—including AI—can strengthen human relationships in learning. Her work now reaches hundreds of schools across the U.S. and internationally, positioning her as one of the most forward‑thinking voices shaping the future of education.

Ed Up Insights: From the Field is a candid, experience‑driven conversation hosted by Chuck Ambrose and Therese Scanlan, bringing real‑world insights from campuses across higher education. Each episode dives into the pressing financial, operational, and strategic challenges institutions face—budgeting, cash flow, structural deficits, student success, workforce alignment, and the courageous decisions required to build sustainable futures. Grounded in on‑the‑ground consulting, data‑informed tools, and decades of leadership experience, From the Field translates complex issues into practical, actionable guidance for presidents, boards, CFOs, and campus leaders navigating the evolving landscape of higher ed.

Dr. Joe Sallustio is one of higher education’s most influential voices, bringing more than two decades of leadership across enrollment, marketing, student services, accreditation, and institutional strategy. As Co‑Founder and Host of The EdUp Experience, he’s led hundreds of conversations with higher‑ed leaders, making the show a trusted space for candid, forward‑thinking dialogue.

Elvin Freytes, Co‑Founder and Co‑Producer of The EdUp Experience, adds over 20 years of expertise across admissions, international recruitment, housing, financial aid, and student affairs. With a background spanning major universities and global education work, Elvin curates and elevates the most innovative voices shaping the future of higher ed.

Together, Joe and Elvin bring depth, personality, and authenticity to every episode—helping listeners learn, laugh, and rethink what’s possible in higher education.

Paul LeBlanc is a pioneering figure in higher education, best known for transforming Southern New Hampshire University into the largest nonprofit online education provider in the United States. A first-generation college graduate, LeBlanc has dedicated his career to expanding access and equity in learning, championing innovative models like competency-based education and global outreach initiatives for underserved communities. His leadership philosophy emphasizes human relationships as the cornerstone of meaningful education, even as he advocates for the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies like AI to enhance student success. Widely recognized as one of America’s most innovative college presidents, LeBlanc’s influence extends beyond academia through his policy work, thought leadership, and acclaimed books, which challenge traditional systems and envision a future where education is more personalized, flexible, and inclusive.

Ned Laff, a veteran educator and academic strategist, champions student-centered learning and personalized pathways in higher education. Scott Carlson, a senior writer for The Chronicle of Higher Education, brings sharp insights into systemic challenges and innovation in academia. Together, they co-authored Hacking College, a bold manifesto urging students to rethink majors and craft meaningful, marketable degrees through intentional choices and real-world connections.

Elliot Felix is a leading voice in higher education strategy, widely recognized as an author, speaker, and consultant who has worked with more than a hundred colleges and universities to improve student success. With a background in design, Felix focuses on creating “connected colleges” by reimagining spaces, services, and technology to foster belonging and streamline the student experience. He founded Brightspot Strategy in 2011, which was later acquired by Buro Happold in 2020, where he now leads the higher education advisory practice. Over two decades, his work has impacted over one million students and earned him speaking engagements at major conferences like SXSW EDU. Felix has authored two influential books: How to Get the Most Out of College (2022), praised by Kirkus Reviews, and The Connected College: Leadership Strategies for Student Success (2025), which debuted as a #1 new release in education administration. His thought leadership appears in outlets such as Fast Company, Forbes, and The Chronicle of Higher Education, and he continues to inspire institutional leaders to break down silos, adopt design thinking, and prioritize student-centered strategies.

Dr. Kiko Suarez is a dynamic leader in higher education and workforce development, best known for his pioneering work in apprenticeship models and educational innovation. Currently serving as Chief Impact Officer and Head of Partnerships at Reach University, he also co-hosts the “Apprenticeship 2.0” podcast, where he discusses strategies for aligning AmeriCorps, apprenticeship frameworks, and career pathways—highlighting, for instance, Colorado’s integration of AmeriCorps with registered apprenticeships. A former European academic turned American changemaker, he’s also delivered the TEDx talk “Our Inner ‘E,’” exploring identity, entrepreneurship, and self-discovery—underscoring his belief that personal growth fuels educational transformation. Dr. Suarez’s contributions on Ed Up Insights would draw from his deep experience building partnerships, scaling apprenticeship solutions, and inspiring a mindset of innovation in educators and students alike—making him a valuable voice in the conversation around reshaping higher education for the future.

In this episode of Ed Up Insights "From the Field", Chuck Ambrose and Therese Scanlan dive into one of the most critical yet underutilized tools in higher education—the Academic Performance and Program Viability (APPV) portfolio. They break down what an academic portfolio really is, why it matters, and how it transforms from a simple assessment tool into a powerful management resource for institutional strategy.

Jamie Merisotis joins us for an insightful conversation on the future of work, learning, and leadership. As president and CEO of Lumina Foundation since 2008, Jamie is a globally recognized voice in higher education, human work, and public policy. His thought leadership has shaped national conversations on college affordability and workforce readiness, and his bestselling books—America Needs Talent and Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines—explore how talent and technology intersect in today’s economy. A frequent contributor to major outlets like The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Forbes, Jamie brings decades of experience as a policy innovator, philanthropist, and advisor to organizations tackling complex challenges in education and AI. Tune in as we dive into his vision for a world where learning and human potential drive progress.

The latest Ed Up Insights episode spotlights Paul Glastris, Editor in Chief of Washington Monthly, in a compelling conversation about building campuses that prepare students for citizenship and societal impact. Glastris shares actionable ideas on fostering democratic engagement, improving affordability, and aligning higher education with economic mobility and public service. This episode offers practical strategies for leaders seeking to make institutions more accessible while maintaining quality—an essential listen for anyone committed to shaping a future-ready campus.