Ken chats with Jon Boeckenstedt, vice provost for enrollment at Oregon State University, and the mind behind Higher Ed Data Stories, a treasure trove of data-driven (and data-visualized) observations about the state of higher ed. Jon shares some views about his recent career move as well as surprises about his reading and writing habits, as well as the unusual upside of the imposter syndrome.

Shout-outs & Links

• A couple of other places to get your Boeckenfix: jonboeckenstedt.net and Out Here In Oregon.
• The Test and The Art of Thinking a documentary about standardized tests, their role in college admission, and how they do (and don't) predict academic success. 
• Jon's early influences that inform his wonderment about the absurdity of life: Mad Magazine's Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions (Vol. 1-3); The Stranger by Albert Camus; and Monty Python.
• 500px and Flickr, two collections of Jon's photography
• An investigative report on whether Alex Bello is, in fact, Marlon Jackson's 
• Episode sponsored by InitialView and their latest development, Elevator Pitch.

Rapid Descent

• Walkout song: Won't Get Fooled Again by The Who.
• Best recent read: A Wikipedia entry about Norman Borlaug, which inspired him to name March 25 (Borlaug's birthday) National Test-Optional Day.
• Eager to read next: The Years that Matter Most by Paul Tough ("Apparently I'm in it...")
• Favorite thing to make in the kitchen: Semi-homemade killer chili: Hormel chili + extra sharp cheddar + Frank's Red Hot + bacon bits.
• What he uses to take and keep notes: Not much of a notetaker, but Jon loves a good fountain pen. Though he owns a Montblanc, he prefers his Sheaffer (for writing in black) and Lamy (for writing in blue).
• Memorable bit of advice: "Everybody is an imposter." 
• Bucket list: "I do not and never have had a bucket list."

The ALP is supported by RHB, a division of SIG. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment