Maria Toyoda, president of the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), opens the “black box” of accreditation and discusses how WASC balances rigorous standards with institutional innovation to improve student outcomes, reduce costs, and adapt to a changing higher education student population. Maria also offers insight on how accreditors are responding to new federal policies. Hosted by AICCU Vice President for Policy Tom Vu. This episode is sponsored by First American Education Finance.

Sarah Flanagan, vice president for government relations and policy development at the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), is set to retire this year after a transformative 30-year career in education policy. Sarah reflects on her career and offers actionable advice for university leaders on how to elevate their advocacy efforts. She shares strategies for fostering productive relationships with policymakers, addressing misconceptions about higher education, and navigating the challenges of today's polarized political climate. Hosted by AICCU President Kristen Soares.

Paul Mitchell joins us again in this special episode following the 2024 Election to discuss polling and voter trends that defied expectations. 

Paul Mitchell, vice president of bipartisan voter data firm Political Data, works with campaigns, nonprofits and universities with a specialty in polling and survey data. He shares his insight ahead of the 2024 Election, and what predictions can be made on voter demographics, trends among college students, battleground states, and more. Hosted by Tom Vu, AICCU vice president for policy. 

Jessie Ryan has been with the Campaign for College Opportunity for nearly 20 years and has shepherded the Campaign's major policy victories, including historic transfer reform, the creation of a community college scorecard, and a new funding formula that balances access with student success. She took office as president in July and shares with us her future plans for the Campaign.

Doug Lederman, co-founder of Inside Higher Ed, shares the early beginnings of the online publication. He examines the state of higher education and how it has changed through his perspective as a journalist covering the industry for nearly 40 years. 

Dr. Hans Johnson is a demographer and senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, whose research has covered college access and completion. He serves as a technical advisor to many organizations seeking to improve college graduation rates, address workforce needs, and engage in long term capacity planning. In this episode, Dr. Johnson shares research findings on several PPIC reports, including the value of higher education, how college graduates contributed to California’s population decline, and strengthening California’s transfer pathway. Access transcript, with hyperlinks to recources mentioned in the episode, here.

Fresno Pacific University (FPU) President André Stephens has been a leader in faith-based higher education for the last 30 years. As he enters his second year at FPU, he shares how he settled into his first presidential role and discusses the value of a faith-based education in California amidst ongoing challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Access transcript, with hyperlinks to recources mentioned in the episode, here.

University of La Verne President, Devorah Lieberman, takes a look back at her 12 years on campus before she retires. She shares some unforgettable moments, such as her short-lived football career with the La Verne Leopards and how she connected with the students on campus. Access transcript, with hyperlinks to recources mentioned in the episode, here.