Trusted Voices

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy invite Inside Higher Ed’s Sara Custer to reflect on her first year as editor-in-chief, exploring the evolving media landscape, the challenges facing higher education and the importance of fostering honest, impactful conversations between journalists and institutional leaders.

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy dive into the new year discussing enrollment trends, a new Department of Education, and the true role of crisis communicators as they look ahead to the topics that will shape higher education storylines in 2025.

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy close out the fall semester by examining shifting trends in college presidencies and thought leadership, offering insights into the evolving challenges facing higher education.

Dr. Belle S. Wheelan joins Teresa and Erin to discuss accreditation, the responsibilities and roles of accrediting bodies and the plans for higher ed under a second Trump administration.

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.