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In this episode of TRANSFORMED, Joe Gottlieb sits down with Steve Munson, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at American University. Steve shares insights from his ambitious journey leading simultaneous major system transformations, including the implementation of Workday for ERP and Salesforce Education Cloud for admissions CRM.

Listeners will learn how American University's "Challenge Accepted" ethos empowers their culture, the strategies they employed to manage risk, and the importance of aligning leadership and supplemental staffing to maximize organizational capacity for change. Gain practical takeaways on achieving digital transformation success, selecting the right technology partners, and cultivating a culture capable of embracing change.

Discover how clear priorities, strong leadership, and a relentless focus on success have propelled American University forward in this transformative era.

References: 

Steve Munson

American University

Engage with host, Joe Gottlieb, at [email protected] at any time! 

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Dr. Peter Kilpatrick, President of the Catholic University of America, discusses the development of their groundbreaking ethical AI degree program, launching in Fall 2025. Dr. Kilpatrick shares his journey from professor to university president and explores the motivations behind this innovative program. Listeners will learn how the degree combines technical expertise in AI with philosophy and ethics, aligning with Catholic University’s mission to foster truth and integrity in higher education. The conversation highlights the societal implications of AI, the program's role in preparing students for ethical application across disciplines, and its unique positioning within the broader landscape of higher education.

References: 

Dr. Peter Kilpatrick

The Catholic University of America

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Miroslav Humer, Vice President and CIO at Case Western University joins host, Joe Gottlieb, President and CTO at Higher Digital, to explore how Case Western is leveraging objective prioritization to advance its research agenda, delving into the critical role of relationships, trust, and structured processes. Listeners will gain insights into fostering collaboration, balancing IT resources, and driving innovation through technology, including the impactful use of AI and the revolutionary early adoption of HoloLens devices in education and research.

References: 

Miroslav Humer

Case Western University

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In this episode of TRANSFORMED, Dr. Bao Johri, Chief Information Officer at Fresno State University, joins our host and delves into the university’s strategic approach to digital transformation (DX), emphasizing the power of intentionality.
 
Dr. Johri shares how Fresno State's DX strategy aligns culture, people, process, data, and technology to foster a community-driven, collaborative environment that thrives on innovation and adaptation. Highlighting real-world programs like the Automated University Initiative and AI-focused initiatives, she underscores how intentional partnerships and student-staff collaboration lead to sustainable change. The discussion offers key insights for higher ed leaders on how to empower faculty, support students, and build resilient, inclusive institutions prepared for rapid technological evolution.

References: 

Dr. Bao Johri

Fresno State University

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Dr. Jeff Thompson, Executive Vice President and Provost at the University of Nevada, Reno, discusses the evolving role of land grant institutions in the 21st century with our host, Joe Gottlieb, President and Chief Technology Officer of Higher Digital. 

Dr. Thompson shares his passion for "Land Grant 2.0," a vision for how these historic universities can adapt to modern technology while continuing to uplift rural communities. With enthusiasm, he describes the exciting changes in mining technology and the challenges of preparing students for a rapidly shifting workforce. He also highlights the importance of digital equity, sharing the success of the Digital Wolf Pack initiative, which ensures every student has the tools they need to thrive. This engaging conversation offers a thoughtful look at how institutions can embrace technology to sustain their mission and create meaningful opportunities for all in an AI-driven future. 

References:

Jeff Thompson

University of Nevada, Reno

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Unlock the secrets to a family-like academic environment where support is not just an option but a guarantee. Join us as Provost Dr. Rondall Allen of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore takes us on a journey through the institution’s innovative approach to higher education. As an 1890 land grant institution, UMES is dedicated to creating a nurturing atmosphere deeply rooted in the cultural significance of HBCUs. Dr. Allen shares compelling stories about initiatives that address student needs, from concierge services to supporting homeless students during holidays, all designed to ensure every learner feels heard and valued. Hear firsthand how HBCU faculty have uniquely influenced Dr. Allen’s life, and be inspired by remarkable student success stories, including those who have achieved prestigious fellowships.

Explore the transformative strategies UMES employs to expand educational opportunities for diverse learners. With a strategic focus on accessibility and affordability, the university has developed a “one-stop shop” for non-traditional students, offering flexible online STEM programs. Discover the exciting partnerships with institutions like the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine aimed at cultivating African-American physicians. Learn how UMES is tackling the pilot shortage by engaging high school students, particularly women and minorities, with aviation pathways and a new aviation maintenance technician certificate. This episode highlights UMES’s unwavering commitment to fostering seamless transitions and comprehensive support, positioning itself as a leader in addressing regional and professional demands.

Dr. Rondall Allen

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

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Dr. Joe Whitehead, Senior Advisor to the President for Regional Science Initiatives and former Provost at Bowling Green University joins host, Joe Gottlieb, to discuss the importance of project timing in higher ed, contrasting examples of rushed versus well-planned projects and their impacts on higher education outcomes. 

Listen in to learn from Dr. Whitehead's experience about the major positive impacts of proper planning, a holistic approach to problem-solving, and balancing innovation with data security.

References: 

Dr. Joseph Whitehead

Bowling Green State University

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Host Joe Gottlieb sits down with Glendalí Rodriguez, Provost at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, to explore the dynamic process of comprehensive academic planning. Rodriguez shares how her team developed a forward-looking roadmap to guide the institution over the next five years, balancing academic goals with operational realities. Listeners will learn about the importance of data-driven decision-making, collaborative leadership, and aligning strategic goals with actionable initiatives. With practical insights on managing change, fostering industry partnerships, and evolving academic programs, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone working to adapt their institution to a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Tune in for a conversation that emphasizes both the challenges and triumphs of higher ed transformation, and be inspired by Rodriguez's inclusive approach to building a more resilient future for students and faculty alike.

References:
Glendalí Rodriguez

University of Wisconsin - Stout

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Join our guest, Christina Baum, CIO and VP of Digital Transformation at Utah Valley University as she details her perspective on the IT role in relation to sustainable strategic change. Across each institution, IT is uniquely positioned to serve as a catalyst because goals that translate to action have a vital IT component, and the craft and talent of IT has evolved to support those goals with a structured approach. 

References: 

Christina Baum

Utah Valley University

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Our guest, Dr. Diana Rogers-Adkinson, former Provost for Commonwealth University, goes into depth with our host, Joe Gottlieb, on the incredible journey she led  to integrate programs across three newly merged institutions. Drivers for the integration were to better serve student populations in a fiscally responsible and sustainable way. 

Subscribe or follow TRANSFORMED wherever you listen, to get the latest episode when it drops and hear directly from leaders and innovators in higher ed tech and digital transformation best practices.

Find and follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/higher-digital-inc