Paullette Granberry Russell, president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, joins the podcast to discuss what it takes to recapture the narrative around DEI initiatives—and perhaps even appeal to members who’ve historically denounced it.

In an era defined by mounting financial pressure in higher education, the question is no longer if a merger or acquisition might be necessary, but what makes a merger successful.

As department chairs face rising costs and stagnant budgets, some are turning to uplift faculty morale and support students.

Podcast Description

Speaker Information

Ryan Audus

Ryan Audus is the Vice President of Product Strategy for Global Payments higher education solutions, ECSI and TouchNet. In his role, Ryan is responsible for product strategy, pricing, research, and technology requirements prioritization. Ryan began his career in higher education technology in 2001 in product management with TouchNet. Since then, Ryan has worn several hats, including manager of product management, director of business development, and security and compliance administrator. Earlier in his career, Ryan worked for SportVision as a multimedia producer. Ryan also led Product Management for PopStar Networks, a digital signage solution provider. Ryan is a graduate of the University of Kansas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education.

Lisa Larson, CEO of the Education Design Lab, uncovers how the burgeoning world of microcredentials is reshaping higher education by connecting learning directly to the demands of the modern workforce.

Hana Lahr from the Community College Research Center shows us how community colleges are boosting their completion rates by tailoring their operations around the part-time student balancing work, kids and finances.

Revamped focus on workforce outcomes and the rise of nontraditional students are shaking up how accreditors major our colleges and universities. 

With gift-giving increasingly vital, institutions are grappling with new developments in the kinds of gifts they receive—and from whom.

Step into the future of campus access and security as we explore the transformative power of mobile-based access credentials.

In this podcast, an expert in the field will reveal how institutions are enhancing security, improving the student experience, and reducing administrative burdens without complex IT overhauls. Discover how to create a flexible ecosystem that adapts to your campus infrastructure while meeting today's mobile-first expectations.

Key Takeaways:

Ron Shaffer

The student experience has undergone a profound transformation, driven by technological advances, shifting cultural norms, and a broader focus on sustainability and diversity.  

In this podcast, an expert in higher ed tech will share how modern learners differ from previous generations and offer practical insights into how universities can effectively support and engage with this new wave of students. Participants will also hear the ways in which technology, global connectivity, and evolving social dynamics are reshaping technology solutions for the evolving needs of students. 

SPONSORED BY TOUCHNET