Online But Not Alone

The topic of today's discussion centers around a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, written by Douglas Belkin and Josh Ulick which describes what the higher education industry refers to as an "Enrollment Cliff". This term describes a decline in traditional-aged college enrollments stemming from declining birthrates in the early 2000s. As parents, prospective students and working adults look towards higher education with an increased sense of scrutiny for the return on investment they'll get for their educations, especially in the age of AI, it is important to consider how higher education administrators are pivoting to the changing times. This episode features Dr. Jake Gross and Dr. Casey George of the University of Louisville’s College of Education and Human Development. These two represent the Executive online PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development with a Specialization in Higher Education and Workforce Development (PhD ELOD), and the online Master of Arts in Higher Education and Workforce Development (MAHEWD).  To learn more about UofL’s online programs, visit https://uofl.me/obnapod and get started today. Additionally, you can learn more about UofL’s Executive Online PhD or MA in HEWD program here: ⁠ https://uofl.me/4yXZfe8  

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article by Clare Ansberry, an increasing number of workers in their 40s are going back to school. One article quotes that, “...More than 1 million people in their 40s are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Many are looking to make more money in the white-collar world and have greater job security, even at a time when many younger people are questioning the value of a college degree.” What environmental factors are driving working adults back into the classroom? What elements or benefits are employees looking for that they can’t find elsewhere without a college degree? What are the main obstacles and challenges working adults face as they look to return to school, and how are they overcoming these challenges? This episode features Dr. Randy Whetstone Jr. of the University of Louisville's College of Education and Human Development, where he previously served as the Program Director of UofL's online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning. To learn more about UofL’s online programs, visit https://uofl.me/obnapod and get started today. Additionally, you can learn more about UofL’s online BSOLL program here: ⁠ https://uofl.me/4h8F08A  

A recent an article by Bridget Balch of the Association of American Medical Colleges reported in December of 2025 that, after a recent dip in medical school enrollments, applications increased 5.3% from 2024. This is consistent with recent reporting from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reports an estimated 1.9 million openings for healthcare occupations from 2024 through 2034. What will this career growth look like in the years ahead as new and emerging technologies like AI in medicine continue to advance? What education and backgrounds do learners today need to complete to remain competitive in a changing healthcare landscape? To explore these topics further, this episode features Dr. Eli Brainard of the University of Louisville's School of Medicine, where he serves as the Program Director of UofL's online Master of Science in Physiology, offered by UofL's School of Medicine. To learn more about UofL’s online programs, visit https://uofl.me/obnapod and get started today. Additionally, you can learn more about UofL’s online MSPHYS program here: ⁠ https://uofl.me/4w1TkU7  

For over a century, an MBA degree has helped business leaders to strengthen their business acumen,  hone their leadership skills and foster professional relationships throughout the United States and the world. What does this degree mean in the age of AI, where data analysis and business planning can be done in moments? How do business leaders connect as communication increasingly moves into the digital space? To explore these topics further, this episode features Dr. Zac Goldman, Program Director for the University of Louisville's 100% online Master of Business Administration program, offered by UofL's College of Business. Dr. Goldman is the Director of Online Teaching and Learning, as well as the Chair for Management & Entrepreneurship. Additionally, Dr. Goldman is a Faculty Fellow for Student Success in the Office of the Provost. To learn more about UofL’s online programs, visit https://uofl.me/obnapod and get started today. Additionally, you can learn more about UofL’s online MBA program here: ⁠ https://uofl.me/4xcmQHI  

Watch Dr. Goldman's recent Tedx Talk here: https://uofl.me/4bWvtOn  

Education continues to change at a rapid pace in the age of AI, and this includes educating the doctors, nurses, dentists and clinicians of tomorrow. How do educators, and current healthcare professionals, continue to adapt to this new reality? To explore this topic further, this episode features Dr. Staci Saner, Program Director of the University of Louisville's online Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSHPE) program, offered by UofL's School of Medicine. Dr. Saner is the Assistant Dean for Continuing and Professional Education and also serves as the Director for the Health Sciences Campus’ Office of Professional & Educational Development. To learn more about UofL’s online programs, visit https://uofl.me/obnapod and get started today. Additionally, you can learn more about UofL’s online MSHPE program here: https://bit.ly/4ezQekN

Read Dr. Saner's most recent blog here: https://bit.ly/4bnIHTZ

The United States has spent over $5.3 trillion in healthcare costs. Despite that, healthcare organizations around the world face increased financial strain. How do healthcare organizations effectively manage the complexities involved in delivering healthcare to their patient populations? To explore these topics further, this episode features Dr. Lee Bewley, Program Director for the University of Louisville’s online Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA) program, offered through the School of Public Health and Information Sciences. Dr. Bewley is also the Director of Health Management Programs, as well as Regent, American College of Healthcare Executives for the Kentucky Chapter. To learn more about UofL’s online programs, visit https://uofl.me/obnapod and get started today. Additionally, you can learn more about UofL’s online MSHA program here: https://uofl.me/3PMUUKB

Hear from professors at the University of Louisville's College of Education and Human Development as they discuss the future of college and professional athletics through the lens of sport administration. This episode features Dr. Adam Cocco and Professor Gin Presley, who offer their opinions and insights on the topic. These two represent the online Bachelor and Master of Science in Sport Administration, both offered 100% online at UofL. To learn more about UofL's online programs, visit https://uofl.me/obnapod

This is a UofL Online podcast, produced by James Howell and hosted by Conner Mackowiak.