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Episodes

37
May 20, 2025

37. Global Standards, Local Impacts: Understanding the Bologna Process and European Accreditation: A Conversation with Beverly Barrett

In this episode of Accreditation Insights, Dr. Laurie Shanderson welcomes Dr. Beverly Barrett, a distinguished international policy expert and professor of international economics, to explore the landscape of higher education reform in Europe. Drawing from her teaching at the University of Houston and Florida International University, as well as her acclaimed book Globalization and Change in Higher Education, Dr. Barrett unpacks the origins, objectives, and implications of the Bologna Process an...
11
Feb. 4, 2025

11. Leading with Legacy: Dr. Melva K. Wallace on Transforming Huston-Tillotson University and Beyond

In this special episode of the Accreditation Insights podcast, we're honored to have Dr. Melva K. Wallace, the transformative President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University. Dr. Wallace has over twenty years of higher education leadership and advocacy under her belt. In this episode, we explore her impactful journey and the innovative strategies that have propelled Huston-Tillotson University to new heights under her leadership. Topics Discussed Transition from corporate America to higher ed...
4
Jan. 6, 2025

4. Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education

In this episode, we explore the expert insights of Dr. Zeinab Mostafavi, a distinguished new PhD specializing in higher education accreditation. She has developed a keen interest in how online tools can enhance the assessment processes within higher education institutions. She has contributed significantly to our understanding of effective assessment strategies in a digital era through her extensive research and practical involvement. Topics Discussed Innovations in Accreditation Challenges of...
45
Dec. 12, 2024

45. DEI Under Fire: The Western Accreditor’s Controversial Move to Drop Diversity Standards

In this eye-opening episode of Accreditation Insights, we delve into the Western accreditor’s contentious proposal to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) language from its standards. Jeremy Young, Program Director at Freedom to Learn, will help us break down the motivations behind this decision, its potential ripple effects on higher education, and the fierce debate it has sparked nationwide.
44
Dec. 10, 2024

44. The Future of Accreditation: Bold Promises or True Innovation?

This is the third and final part of the three-part Podcast Series focused on the National Association for Academic Excellence, Inc., one of the newest accrediting bodies to enter the higher education landscape. (NAAE) In this episode, we evaluate NAAE’s potential impact and explore how it envisions the evolution of higher education accreditation.
19
Dec. 10, 2024

43. Disrupting the Status Quo: Challenges and Competition (Part Two)

Welcome back for the second half of episode two of the three-part Podcast Series focused on the National Association for Academic Excellence, Inc., one of the newest accrediting bodies to enter the higher education landscape. (NAAE) In this episode, we continue discussing NAAE’s position within the established ecosystem and its strategies for competing with legacy accreditors.
42
Dec. 10, 2024

42. Disrupting the Status Quo: Challenges and Competition

This is the second part of a three-part Podcast Series focused on the National Association for Academic Excellence, Inc., one of the newest accrediting bodies to enter the higher education landscape. (NAAE) This episode explores NAAE’s position within the established ecosystem and its strategies for competing with legacy accreditors.
41
Dec. 10, 2024

41. Reimagining Accreditation: The Rise of NAAE and the Future of Higher Education Part 1 - The Need for Change: Why NAAE?

This Three-Part Podcast Series focuses on the National Association for Academic Excellence, Inc., one of the newest accrediting bodies to enter the higher education landscape. (NAAE) In this first episode, we engage co-founder Anthony Bieda to help us understand the foundational reasons behind NAAE's creation and the demand for a new accreditation model.
40
Nov. 28, 2024

40. Implications of Linda McMahon's Appointment as Secretary of Education

In this episode of Accreditation Insights, I delve into the significant announcement of Linda McMahon as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Education. With her limited experience in education and Trump’s ambitious plans to reshape or even dismantle the Department of Education, the future of accreditation and quality assurance in higher education hangs in the balance. What does this mean for students, institutions, and the broader education policy landscape? I explore the po...
39
Nov. 25, 2024

39. Accreditation in an Era of Political Accountability

Higher education is at a crossroads, and the stakes have never been higher. In my latest episode of Accreditation Insights, I delve into the growing push for accountability in higher ed as Congress, now under Republican control, sets its sights on reshaping accreditation and institutional oversight. Why should you tune in? As professionals dedicated to higher education, we must stay informed and proactive in shaping the future of our field. This episode is a call to action for educators, admini...
38
Nov. 11, 2024

38. Accreditation and Improving College Financial Transparency with Gary Stocker

In this very exciting on Accreditation Insights, Dr. Gary Stocker, Founder of College Viability, and host Laurie Shanderson discussed colleges' financial health and the accrediting bodies' role in sharing timely information. Stocker highlighted the lack of transparency in the financial health of colleges, which he suggests could lead to families making uninformed decisions about which college to attend. He indicated that accrediting bodies should provide a heads-up about colleges facing financia...
37
Nov. 5, 2024

37. Navigating Accreditation: Perspectives from a College President with Dr. Lester McCorn

In this insightful episode of Accreditation Insights, Drs. Shanderson and Kahanov sit down with Dr. Lester McCorn, a seasoned college president and President-elect of Paine College, an HBCU, to delve into the complex world of higher education accreditation. Dr. McCorn shares a unique presidential perspective on the importance of institutional and programmatic accreditation, shedding light on how these processes ensure quality and enhance accountability and alignment with a college’s mission. Tog...
36
Oct. 28, 2024

36. Building Resilient Leadership in Higher Education: Insights with Greg Pillar

In this episode of Accreditation Insights, Laurie and Leamor sit down with Dr. Greg Pillar to delve into his article, Building Resilient Leadership in Higher Education: Merging Trauma-Informed Practices with Key Presidential Competencies. They discuss how modern college presidents and higher education leaders can foster resilience, manage trauma-informed practices, and develop skills to navigate complex academic challenges. Greg offers insights on how accrediting bodies can support trauma-inform...
35
Oct. 7, 2024

35.  Accreditation in the Digital Age: Navigating Online Learning with Dr. Morris Thomas

In this episode of Accreditation Insights, Dr. Laurie Shanderson interviews Dr. Morris Thomas, Assistant Provost for Digital and Online Learning at Howard University. As an expert in both educational leadership and digital platforms, Dr. Thomas shares his perspectives on the growing influence of online learning on higher education accreditation. The discussion delves into the challenges of aligning digital education with traditional accreditation standards, the role of faculty development, and h...
34
Oct. 1, 2024

34. Bridging Academia and Philanthropy: Insights from Dr. Michael B. Reiner on Maximizing Higher Education Impact

In this episode of Accreditation Insights, Dr. Laurie Shanderson interviews Dr. Michael B. Reiner, founder of ROI Nonprofit Consulting, about his transition from an accomplished career in higher education to consulting. They discuss the growing influence of impact philanthropy in higher education and how strategic planning, data-driven metrics, and leadership can drive organizational effectiveness. Dr. Reiner shares valuable lessons from his time as a professor and administrator, advising instit...
33
Sept. 23, 2024

33. Exploring the Future of Reduced Credit Degrees: A Conversation with Dr. Shadow JQ Robinson, Provost of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

In this insightful episode of Accreditation Insights, cohosts Drs. Shanderson and Kahanov interview Dr. Shadow JQ Robinson, Provost of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, about the recent shift in higher education initiated by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) by introducing reduced credit degrees. Dr. Robinson shares his perspectives on how this development aligns with the evolving goals of higher education and its implications on students, academic rigor, accreditation, and workforce p...
32
Sept. 3, 2024

32.  AI Literacy and the Future of Education: A Conversation with Mike Kentz

In this episode of Edup on Accreditation, Dr. Laurie Shanderson speaks with Mike Kentz, Owner and Founder of Zainetek Educational Advisors, an experienced educator and AI advocate for integrating artificial intelligence into the educational landscape. With a diverse background that includes launching an AI Exploration Program and leading AI literacy workshops, Kentz shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in education. The discussion covers the importance of AI li...
31
Aug. 26, 2024

31.  Inside the AAUA Annual Conference: Exploring Key Themes with Dean Hoke

In this episode, Dr. Laurie Shanderson sits down with Dean Hoke, President/CEO of the American Association of University Administrators (AAUA), to discuss the upcoming AAUA Annual Conference. The conversation delves into the conference's key themes, the impressive lineup of speakers, and the innovative ideas that will be shared. Dean Hoke provides an insider's perspective on what attendees can expect and how this year's conference will influence the future of higher education administration. To...
30
Aug. 19, 2024

30. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) I for Transformative Educational Policy: A Conversation with David Hatami, Founder of EduPolicy.ai

In this episode of the EdUp Accreditation Summer Series, cohosts Shanderson and Kahanov delve into the journey of David Hatami, the visionary founder of EduPolicy.ai. Hatami shares insights into the challenges that spurred the creation of EduPolicy.ai, a platform designed to address critical gaps in educational policy through cutting-edge AI technologies. We explore the core mission of EduPolicy.ai and its transformative potential in shaping the future of education. Listeners will gain an unders...
29
Aug. 12, 2024

29. Driving Innovation in Online Education: Insights from John Neal, Formerly of 2U

In this episode of EdUp Accreditation Insights, cohosts Shanderson and Kahanov have a riveting conversation with John Neal, a seasoned expert in the field of online education and former leader at 2U. With his extensive experience as an academic strategist and college president, John shares his perspectives on the evolving landscape of higher education. The conversation delves into popular attitudes about higher education and transformational models. This episode offers valuable insights for educ...
28
Aug. 7, 2024

28. Navigating the Future of Independent Higher Education with Dan Myers

In this episode of the EDUP Accreditation, cohosts Shanderson and Kahanov sit down with Dan Myers, President of Misericordia University and host of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) podcast, to delve into the unique challenges and opportunities facing independent colleges and universities in Pennsylvania. With his extensive experience and insightful perspective, Dan shares his vision for the future of higher education, discusses the evolving role o...
27
July 29, 2024

27. Building Bridges: Miami Dade College's Journey with Unify America and the College Bowl

In this special summer series episode of Accreditation Insights cohosts Shanderson and Kahanov sit down with Dr. Beatriz Gonzalez, President of the Wolfson Campus, Miami Dade College, to explore their transformative experience with Unify America and the College Bowl. Gonzalez shares insights into the implementation process, the challenges faced, and the remarkable successes in fostering student unity and civic engagement. We delve into how the College Bowl has impacted the campus community, high...
26
July 22, 2024

26. Building Unity in Higher Education: Insights from Unify America with Abby Ferguson

In this special summer series episode of EDUP Accreditation, Dr. Laurie Shanderson and co-host Dr. Leamor Kahanov engage with Abby Ferguson, Director of Partnerships at Unify America, to discuss the organization's mission and its impact on higher education. They delve into Unify America's innovative initiatives, including the College Bowl, which aims to bridge divides and foster collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds. Abby shares her experiences and insights on how these initiativ...
25
July 7, 2024

25. Celebrating Milestones: Unveiling the Joint Accreditation Initiative with Stanowski and Weismann

In the 25th special episode of EDUP Accreditation, we delve into an innovative joint site visit initiative spearheaded by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Programs (CAHME) and The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (ACBSP). Our guests, Anthony Stanowski, President & CEO of CAHME, and Miriam F. Weismann, Academic Director Healthcare MBA at Florida International University (FIU), offer an in-depth exploration of this collaborative effort, its genesis, and...