Future Insight

Future Insight host Dr. Dean Cantu, Dean, College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, discusses with Dr. Eugena Griffin, Associate Professor of Psychology, Hostos Community College, CUNY, her professional trajectory, innovative classroom techniques, and strategies for navigating higher education debt-free, emphasizing that college should be an opportunity to acquire life lessons and career direction.

Future Insight host Dr. Dean Cantu, Dean, College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, moderates a panel discussion at the Chicago International Summit on Education, on June 5, 2026, with Dr. Cynthia Bice, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Missouri Valley College; Dr. Tom Philion, Dean, Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education at Northeastern Illinois University; and Dr. Glen Brodowsky, Dean, Heller College of Business at Roosevelt University. The focus of the panel discussion is on the transformation that has taken place in colleges and universities over the past decade as well as on the current trends and critical issues that are shaping the future direction of higher education.

Future Insight host Dr. Dean Cantu, Dean, College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, discusses ways in which we can help students navigate the unfamiliar higher education environment, develop confidence, and find a sense of belonging with Dr. Leslie Bohon, Director of English Language Learning, University of Richmond. In addition, their conversation explores Dr. Bohon’s journey and insights into supporting international students, fostering cultural understanding, and creating meaningful educational experiences.

Future Insight host Dr. Dean Cantu, Dean, College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, discusses the powerful connection between forgiveness, emotional readiness, and life transitions with Dr. John Klatt, Assistant Dean & Director, University of Wisconsin - Madison. In addition, their conversation explores how emotional resilience and psychological well-being influence academic success, career readiness, and personal growth, while highlighting the importance of empathy, self-regulation, and adaptability in navigating the many transitions people encounter throughout life.

Future Insight host Dr. Dean Cantu, Dean, College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, discusses social and ethical implications of emerging technologies in education with Dr. Mikhail Bukhtoyarov, Lecturer, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Budva, Montenegro, and External Associate Member, EduLab, Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, University of Belgrade, Serbia. In addition, Dr. Bukhtoyarov provides a critique of educational ideologies, posthuman epistemology, and long-term technological futures.

Future Insight host Dr. Dean Cantu, Dean, College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, discusses creativity, perseverance, education and human connection with Dr. Luvada Harrison, Associate Professor, Musical Theatre, University of Alabama. The conversation includes a discussion Dr. Harrison’s early career on the New York City stage and her impactful work in higher education.

Future Insight host Dr. Dean Cantu, Dean, College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, discusses how mental health and human development are impacted by the current digital landscape with Dr. Jennifer Laffier, Assistant Professor of Education, Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. The discussion includes a review of the “Goldilocks Effect,” which calls for a balanced relationship with technology that enhances learning, connection, and well-being.

Future Insight host Dr. Dean Cantu, Dean, College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, discusses with Dr. Tinukwa Boulder, Director of Innovative Technology and Online Learning, and Associate Professor of Practice, Digital Media for Learning, University of Pittsburgh, the impact technology integration has on the education of students today. In addition, Dr. Boulder discusses the swing of the instructional delivery pendulum to more hybrid and online teaching and learning environments in higher education.

Future Insight host Dr. Dean Cantu, Dean, College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, discusses the evolving teacher training landscape in England with Dr. Leanne Gray, Associate Professor and Lead for Initial Teacher Training, and Ms. Jenny Fogarty, Associate Professor and Director of Initial Teacher Training, at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, England.  The discussion includes a review of the structure and role of teacher training in England, to include elements of continuity and change in the current system.

Future Insight host Dr. Dean Cantu, Dean, College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, discusses with Dr. Sarah Salvatore, PT, DPT, EdD, Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy, Russell Sage College, a holistic approach to graduate admissions and the assessment of noncognitive factors.  In addition, she discusses her research on community wellness and health promotion, as well as the role of virtual reality in the field of physical therapy.