In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández, President of Urban College of Boston, joins me to explore the evolving role of two-year institutions in a rapidly shifting higher education landscape. 

With enrollment challenges mounting and public trust in traditional models wavering, Dr. Salomon-Fernández offers a bold, student-centered vision for how community colleges can lead the way forward.

Together, we unpack five critical themes shaping the future of two-year colleges: Adapting to Demographic and Economic Shifts, Redefining Student Success, Balancing Innovation with Access, Driving Regional Workforce Transformation and Reimagining Governance and Sustainability.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders, educators, and changemakers committed to transforming higher education from the ground up. Tune in for a candid, forward-looking conversation that challenges assumptions and inspires action.

In this episode, Dr. T is joined by Tom Bordenkircher, Vice President of Accreditation Relations at the Higher Learning Commission, for an insightful discussion on Competency-Based Education (CBE). They explore the transformative opportunities CBE offers to higher education institutions, while also addressing the key challenges that must be navigated to ensure its successful implementation and effectiveness. This conversation provides valuable insights for educators, administrators, and policy makers looking to advance innovative learning models in the evolving landscape of higher education.

In this episode, Dr. T is joined by retired Air Force General John Michel, who reflects on his distinguished military career and the pivotal experiences that inspired his commitment to driving change and fostering innovation. General Michel shares insights into several groundbreaking "change" initiatives he has led throughout his career. The conversation delves into the challenges of overcoming resistance to change, particularly in the field of education, and how such resistance can hinder progress and stifle innovation. This engaging discussion offers valuable lessons on leadership, adaptability, and the importance of embracing transformation in today’s educational landscape.

Dr. Michael Anthony, President, Prairie State College is Dr.

Kaskaskia College President, George Evans and John A. Logan College President, Kirk Overstreet are Dr. T’s guests on the No Box Podcast. Dr. T and his guest discuss the relevancy of higher education in a changing labor market in a post-pandemic world. Will degrees be necessary? Will paying for education be subscription based? New education models structured with a focus on flexibility and affordability will be the future of education.

This week, Dr. T welcomes Dr. Jill Griffin, Superintendent of Bethalto School District, and Dr. Todd Dugan, Superintendent of Bunker Hill School District, as his guests. Together, they delve into the evolving landscape of education, exploring its challenges and opportunities. They emphasize the crucial role of crafting career pathways to shepherd students seamlessly from school to college and beyond.

Dr. T’s guest on the latest episode of the No Box Podcast is Jim Jump. Jim is the founder of Jump Forward, a program to assist students in developing a personal career plan to guide them through college. Dr. T and Jim discuss how students can approach their college education with a clearer picture of what they can do/should do with the resources they have available.

In this Season 2 premiere episode of the No Box Podcast, Dr. Ken Trzaska talks Artificial Intelligence with Anna Mills.

Dr. Ken Trzaska and Dr. Brownlee discuss what must be done to improve access to higher education.

The work and dynamic of alignment informs organizational relevance, momentum and ultimate success. In this episode, Dr. T and guest Nick Anderson discuss change in higher education and beyond.

No matter your industry, the idea of broadening access and agility in order to strengthen alignment with stakeholders is a central theme in this episode and a tenet of effective and affective change. Getting your team on the same page through regular practice of alignment can elevate organizational performance and in turn broaden and improve relationships across the organization and between stakeholders such students, workforce partners, local taxpayers, and legislators.

Nick Anderson serves as Managing Partner at The Crispian Advantage and is the author of "Focusing Change to Win: Leadership Change Manual".