Reimagining HigherEd

In one of the most listened to episodes of 2023, Dr Tim Renick chats to Prof Sally Kift about accelerating change for student success. To all the leaders and educators who heard Tim give his keynote speech at Universities Australia yesterday, for those reading the Accord, and for leaders looking to next steps, make sure you listen to this interview for even more detail about the approach at Georgia State and via Tim's work at the NISS.

“Our role as educators, needs to be to embrace the new technology. But in doing so, to educate students [on] its limitations, its risks, its social and ethical considerations."

Hear from Vice-Chancellor and President of RMIT University, Professor Alec Cameron, in conversation with host, Professor Judyth Sachs. Professor Cameron discusses his professional journey, transitioning from research into management and leadership; his views on the changes in higher education; and the challenges and opportunities brought about by AI and technology. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of creating a balanced and meaningful student experience, and the importance of interdisciplinary learning relevant to students’ future careers.

Join Professor Andrew Parfitt, Vice-Chancellor and President of UTS, in a compelling discussion with your host Professor Judyth Sachs - listen in as Professor Parfitt delves into his early passion for science and engineering as well as diversity and inclusion in education. The conversation explores Professor Parfitt’s aspirations for positive changes at UTS and in the sector, particularly regarding the impending Accord, including financial stability for students. Be sure to add this one to your podcast list, to hear about the imperative for universities to adapt, providing diverse and enriching student experiences in a fast-paced world - with no time for the HE sector to catch its breath!

"The future of the world depends on us actually bringing the university into the community; into all of its aspects; and into our workplaces."

Join Prof Duncan Bentley, Vice-Chancellor and President at Federation University, in conversation with Prof Judyth Sachs as they reflect on the accidental events that have shaped Duncan's ‘unorthodox’ career path.

They discuss the purpose of regional universities and responding to local contexts; integrating work and university and bringing critical thinking into the workplace; facilitating students' learning journeys beyond study; peer support as the glue that binds students to university; and insights into how the sector can innovate to meet future needs of students and society. 

"And I really essentially kind of fell in love with the power of a university, in terms of its capacity to build a nation.” Prof Jan Thomas - Vice-Chancellor at Massey University and Chair of Universities New Zealand - talks to Prof Judyth Sachs about the pull to academia from vet science; resurfacing curiosity in undergraduates; shifts in the value of universities in the Global North; and how Māori culture and te reo (language) have shaped Jan's journey.

On the podcast this week, Prof Geraldine Mackenzie, Vice-Chancellor at UniSQ shares insights and reflections from her 36 years in higher education, together with Prof Judyth Sachs. They discuss pivotal moments in Geraldine's career, rediscovering creativity, engendering the joy and pleasure of learning, how UniSQ supports the unique challenges of regional students and industry, and the multi-pronged issue of instilling students with self-belief.

In this special episode, Dr Ant Bagshaw, Senior Advisor at L.E.K. Consulting, joins Jack Goodman, President of FOLA and Studiosity Founder. With Ant’s new book “Higher Imagination: A Future for Universities” as a springboard, the two discuss the pursuit of joy in universities, incentives, inefficiencies, public trust, resources, and equipping students with skills that last.

Prof Barney Glover AO, Vice-Chancellor and President at Western Sydney University chats to Prof Judyth Sachs about micro-credentials, reinforcing and redefining the university, metrics for success, the relationship between higher education and industry, and how universities can stay economically relevant. Barney speaks to his own early education, career, what's lacking in leadership development, and what needs more focus today in the sector. At a university with a critical purpose in society, Barney and Judyth discuss Western’s mission to be open and uplifting to the local community.

Australian National University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Brian Schmidt AC FAA FRS, joins Professor Judyth Sachs to discuss immersive on-campus learning, finding balance in life and academia, and the role and future of universities in Australia. Prof Brian reflects on his own deep academic experience as a Harvard undergraduate, how he has modelled this for his own students, and his future plans (after he steps down from VC at the end of this year) to design the class he wish he could have had.

‘Can higher education learn to love its students again?’ In this week’s episode, Dr Paul LeBlanc - President of Southern New Hampshire University and regarded as one of most influential people in higher education - joins our CAO Professor Judyth Sachs for a captivating conversation about supported, personalised education at scale; why students need to matter not just belong, and AI-first models driving wellbeing, relationships, and connection.