Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Susan L. Parish, President of Mercy University, about creating pathways to success for first-generation, low-income, and commuter students. They explore Mercy’s approach to work-based learning, student retention, AI integration, affordability, and preparing students with the human and technical skills they need for the future.

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Jonathan Koppell, President of Montclair State University, to explore how higher education must evolve in the face of demographic shifts, AI, changing workforce demands, and growing questions about the value of a degree. They discuss the future of learning, human creativity, social mobility, and what it takes for universities to become more adaptive, innovative, and responsive to a rapidly changing world.

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Timothy Lynch, President of the College of Staten Island, to explore how public higher education can expand opportunity while adapting to a rapidly changing workforce. They discuss enrollment growth, affordability, career preparation, AI integration, student support, and the role of higher education in advancing economic and social mobility.

In this episode, Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Matthew Draud, President of Briar Cliff University, to explore how institutions can pursue sustainable growth while adapting to the rapid evolution of AI and the workforce. They discuss Briar Cliff’s enrollment growth and financial turnaround, the role of AI in admissions and across the curriculum, and the challenges facing healthcare programs amid changes to federal student borrowing. Dr. Draud also shares his perspective on the enduring value of liberal arts education, social mobility, and preparing students to navigate an increasingly technology-driven world.

In Episode 24 of Season 4 of the Plexuss Presidential Podcast, Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Alan Kadish, President of Touro University, to explore how higher education can adapt to an era of rapid technological change. They discuss AI’s impact on the workforce, the importance of liberal arts education, and why critical thinking, communication, and human judgment remain essential as technology continues to evolve.

Dr. JP Novin is joined by Michael J. Avaltroni, Ph.D., President of Fairleigh Dickinson University, for a conversation about the future of higher education in an era of artificial intelligence, shifting workforce demands, and growing institutional pressures. President Avaltroni shares how FDU is reimagining education through its “humanics” approach, combining technological and data literacy with human connection, empathy, and judgment. Together, they explore AI integration, lifelong learning, public policy, and how universities can prepare students not just for their first jobs, but for a rapidly changing future.

Dr. JP Novin is joined by Dr. Krista Newkirk, President of the University of Redlands, for a conversation on the future of higher education in the age of artificial intelligence. Together, they explore why a liberal arts education remains essential for developing the critical thinking, communication, and ethical leadership skills that AI cannot replace. President Newkirk also shares how the University of Redlands is approaching institutional growth through strategic partnerships, reimagining the student experience, and preparing graduates to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving world.

Dr. Pradeep K. Khosla, Chancellor of UC San Diego, joins Dr. JP Novin to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education and what it will take for institutions to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world. Together, they explore AI's impact on the workforce, the growing importance of balancing technological innovation with human-centered learning, and why the humanities remain essential in preparing adaptable graduates. Chancellor Khosla also shares insights into leading one of the nation's largest public research universities, managing unprecedented institutional growth, and navigating the financial and strategic challenges facing higher education.

Dr. Ali Malekzadeh, President of Roosevelt University, joins Dr. JP Novin to discuss how institutions can remain resilient in an era of enrollment challenges, financial pressures, and rapid technological change. From Roosevelt's remarkable enrollment turnaround to the strategic use of AI across university operations, they explore how innovation can improve efficiency, strengthen student success, and prepare institutions for the future. The conversation also examines the impact of higher education policy, evolving workforce demands, and why expanding access to higher education remains essential for social mobility and long-term economic growth.

Hillary Link, President of Drew University, joins Dr. JP Novin to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming higher education and why institutions must rethink traditional models of learning. Together, they discuss individualized education, the future of work, AI-driven innovation, and how universities can foster creativity, adaptability, and human potential in a rapidly changing world.