Trusted Voices

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy welcome Dr. Vann R. Newkirk Sr., president of Wilberforce University, to discuss the critical need for resources, strategic federal support and innovative retention strategies — ever heard of a Chief Door Knocker? — to uplift HBCUs in today’s educational landscape.

Erin and Teresa talk about natural disasters, offer resources for campuses navigating election season and disinformation, and highlight leaders willing to be vulnerable about the challenges they're facing.

Kevin McClure and Jorge Burmicky join the Trusted Voices Podcast to share why their presidential competencies are far more than a leadership checklist.

Finances, elections, and leadership: Erin and Teresa kick off Season 3 by looking ahead to the drivers of fall on campus.

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy close season two with more fall predictions as Harvard University abstains from “official statements about public matters that do not directly affect the university’s core function.”

The duo also discuss their summer reading lists, with Erin leaning toward literary fiction and Teresa focusing on collegiate athletics.

Dr. Angel B. Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), joins hosts Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy to discuss the flawed rollout of the new FAFSA by the Department of Education and its impact on higher education. He worries that a potential 700,000 more students could be lost from the higher education pipeline due to FAFSA complications.

Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot welcome Brandon Busteed, the CEO of BrandEd, to discuss the importance of relationship-rich and work-integrated learning in higher education. He emphasizes the need for relevance and engagement in college experiences and the disconnect between higher education language and the desires of students and employers.

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy focus on the findings of Inside Higher Ed's 2024 Survey of College and University Presidents. The conversation delves into the apparent optimism among college presidents amidst realistic uncertainties, the implications of potential mergers between institutions, and the pressing need for reviewing speech policies in light of current events.

Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot welcome Paul LeBlanc, president of Southern New Hampshire University, as he highlights the need for trust, relationships, and community building in education. LeBlanc suggests that AI will shift the focus from knowledge-based education to developing higher-order skills such as judgment, wisdom, and empathy.

In this episode of the Trusted Voices Podcast, hosts Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot outline their top 10 New Year’s resolutions for the higher education industry. Covering topics such as crisis communication planning, institutional culture and climate and Title VI compliance, they emphasize the importance of being prepared for reputational issues, reviewing and updating communication tools and policies and seeking guidance from relevant organizations.