Podcast guests engage in candid conversations about big issues in higher education technology. Hosted by Sophie White, Content Marketing and Program Manager, and Jenay Robert, Senior Researcher. Produced by Kelli Horan, Digital Content Manager.
Season 3
The Assessment Debate in an AI World
Episode 12 | June 22, 2026
Sophie and Jenay talk with Hans van Oostrom and Liz Norrell about findings from the 2026 EDUCAUSE The Impact of AI on Learning Assessment report and how AI is reshaping conversations about learning assessment in higher education.
How the Liberal Arts Became Countercultural (and Essential) in the Age of AI
Episode 11 | June 1, 2026
Sophie and Jenay talk with guests Jason Gulya, Deseree Probasco, and Bethany Smith to discuss the indispensable value of the humanities as a proxy for larger conversations around the benefits of liberal arts education and higher education in general.
Signals of Change, AI, and Tensions Around the Value of Higher Ed
Episode 10 | May 18, 2026
Sophie and Jenay discuss findings from the 2026 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report Teaching and Learning Edition and their implications for higher education institutions with Michael LaMagna, Kim Arnold, and Nicole Muscanell.
How Higher Ed Can Innovate on AI Without Sacrificing Privacy
Episode 9 | May 11, 2026
Recorded live at the 2026 EDUCAUSE Cybersecurity and Privacy Professionals Conference, Sophie and Jenay talk with Ben Archer and Michael Tran Duff about frameworks for supporting innovation in higher education while protecting data privacy in the age of AI.
Beekeepers, Space Stations, and the (Possible) Future of Higher Ed
Episode 8 | April 20, 2026
Sophie and Jenay are joined by Kathe Pelletier and Silvina Padilla to discuss potential futures of higher education and technology. They share insights from discussions facilitated by The 100 Year EdTech Project that consider what higher education, and the world, could look like in fifty years and the actions we can take now to build our preferred future.
The Human Side of Data at Any Scale
Episode 7 | April 6, 2026
Sophie and Jenay talk with Nadeem Syed of Western Governor's University and Shannon Shank of California Institute of the Arts about how institutions of any size can consider foundational approaches to data for informed decision-making.
Technology for Student and Faculty Freedom
Episode 6 | March 23, 2026
Sophie and Jenay are joined by undergraduate student Freddy Ramirez, faculty and AI innovator Ayham Boucher, and researcher Kristen Gay to discuss the 2026 EDUCAUSE Students and Technology Report and its real‑world implications for students and faculty.
Are Wearables the Next Big Thing in Higher Ed Tech?
Episode 5 | March 9, 2026
Sophie and Jenay talk with a team from the University of Notre Dame about their research on using smart glasses to support accessibility in teaching and learning.
The Power of Collaborative Cybersecurity
Episode 4 | February 23, 2026
Sophie and Jenay talk with guests Justin Gatewood and Isaac Galvan about how higher education professionals can cultivate a shared sense of ownership over cybersecurity to improve cybersecurity culture and outcomes.
Leading Change Through Fatigue
Episode 3 | February 9, 2026
Sophie and Jenay talk with Tacy Holliday and Joseph Drasin about their research on identifying change fatigue in teams and their related EDUCAUSE Review article that explores key insights from that work.
Strategic Annoyance: Why Privacy Matters for Higher Ed
Episode 2 | January 26, 2026
To mark 2026 Data Privacy Day, Sophie and Jenay talk with higher education Chief Privacy Officers Pegah Parsi and Tryphaena Hooper about building a privacy-forward culture, protecting and governing personal data, and understanding the autonomous nature of privacy.
The Latest on AI and Work in Higher Ed
Episode 1 | January 12, 2026
Sophie and Jenay discuss the latest EDUCAUSE report, The Impact of AI on Work in Higher Education, and the implications of artificial intelligence on the higher education workforce with guests Jessica Palatka and Lancie Affonso.
Season 2
Follow-Up: What Tech Leaders Need to Know About Federal Policy and Higher Ed
Episode 25 | December 17, 2025
Sophie talks with John O'Brien and Jarret Cummings to respond to audience questions submitted at the 2025 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference live podcast recording.
The Modern Era of IT Strategic Planning
Episode 24 | December 8, 2025
Sophie and Jenay discuss the latest approaches to technology strategic planning in higher education with leaders Jason Maslanka and Ed Puckett.
Empowering Students and Faculty in the AI Loop
Episode 23 | December 1, 2025
Sophie and Jenay discuss student and faculty perspectives on artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning with undergraduate student Jo Trotechaud and faculty member John Crow. Recorded live at the 2025 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference in Nashville, the conversation explores a range of perspectives on responsible AI use in teaching and learning and how to bridge divisions within higher education institutions.
What Tech Leaders Need to Know About Federal Policy and Higher Ed
Episode 22 | November 17, 2025
Sophie and Jenay discuss U.S. federal policy updates and higher education with John O'Brien and Jarret Cummings live at the 2025 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference in Nashville.
2026 EDUCAUSE Top 10: Why Human Connection Matters
Episode 21 | November 10, 2025
Sophie and Jenay discuss the 2026 EDUCAUSE Top 10: Making Connections with Crista Copp and Mark McCormack live at the 2025 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference in Nashville.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: How Higher Ed Can Prioritize People to Mitigate Threats
Episode 20 | October 20, 2025
Sophie and Jenay talk with guests Jerry Tylutki and Isaac Galvan about 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Month and how to thoughtfully build cybersecurity awareness programs at higher education institutions.
No Easy Button: Horizon Report Insights on Data Literacy and Governance
Episode 19 | October 6, 2025
Sophie and Nicole discuss the 2025 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report: Data and Analytics Edition with researchers and panelists Todd Barber and Kim Arnold.
Inside EDUCAUSE 2025: Tips, Tools, and Takeaways
Episode 18 | September 29, 2025
Sophie and Jenay talk with Eden Dahlstrom and Tracey Birdwell about what to expect at the October 2025 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference in Nashville and how attendees can make the most of their time together.
Unpacking AI at Scale with CSU and OpenAI
Episode 17 | September 8, 2025
Hosts Sophie and Jenay talk with guests from the California State University system and OpenAI to unpack the largest ChatGPT deployment by a single organization to date. The conversation covers deployment goals, implementation and rollout strategies, cultural lessons, and the metrics for scaling artificial intelligence access across the system's twenty-three campuses.
People-First Leadership in Higher Ed
Episode 16 | August 25, 2025
Sophie and Jenay talk with David Weil and Andrea Childress about how higher education leaders can put people first by creating a culture of belonging and supporting workforce development for professional staff.
A Practical Guide to AI Literacy
Episode 15 | August 11, 2025
Sophie and Jenay talk with Leo S. Lo, Jeanne Beatrix Law, and Anissa Vega about practical strategies for guiding student and faculty AI use and literacy.
Tech Leadership’s Big Moment in Higher Ed
Episode 14 | July 28, 2025
Hosts Sophie and Jenay talk with chief information officers Jessie Minton and Michele Norin about the role of technology leaders in today’s higher education environment, and the challenge of balancing governance and innovation amid mounting financial pressures and AI-driven change.
Designing for Institutional Resilience in a Changing World
Episode 13 | July 14, 2025
Hosts Sophie and Kathe talk with Jacquelyn Malcolm Bailey and John Dunning about how higher education leaders can support higher education values by building systems, teams, and cultures that support institutional resilience in a changing world.
AI Adoption Across the Institution: A Debrief of the EDUCAUSE Summit
Episode 12 | June 23, 2025
In this special episode of EDUCAUSE Shop Talk, host Jenay Robert is joined by Kathe Pelletier, Jamie Sundvall, and Carie Ann Potenza to unpack the EDUCAUSE Summit: AI Adoption Across the Institution. They share firsthand insights from the event and explore the real challenges and opportunities institutions face as they work to integrate artificial intelligence.
Using Disruption to Build the Workforce of the Future
Episode 11 | June 16, 2025
Hosts Sophie and Jenay talk with Ozlem Kilic, vice provost and founding dean of the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) at the University of Tennessee Knoxville about how the CECS is preparing students for the future workforce through innovative programs and community partnerships.
When Digital Access, AI, and Data Privacy Collide
Episode 10 | May 27, 2025
Higher education institutions are increasing digital access for students while also maintaining privacy and data protection. To support students, colleges and universities can promote technology democratization and efficiency, collaborate with AI for student success, support libraries for digital access, and streamline the student technology experience.
Inside the 2025 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report Teaching and Learning Edition
Episode 9 | May 12, 2025
In this episode, hosts Sophie and Jenay chat about the 2025 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report | Teaching and Learning Edition with researchers and panelists Joanne Struch, Kathe Pelletier, and Nicole Muscanell.
AI and Tech on Campus: Real Talk with Students and Faculty
Episode 8 | April 28, 2025
In this episode, hosts Sophie and Jenay are joined by guests Nicole Muscanell, Jessica Petko, and Yvette Chan to discuss findings from the 2025 EDUCAUSE Students and Technology Report and institutional perspectives on teaching and learning with technology.
Women in Technology: Why Community Is Essential for Progress
Episode 7 | April 14, 2025
In this episode, host Sophie White is joined by Tonya Bennett, Robyn Wood, and Amy Shaiman, leaders of the Women in IT Community Group, to discuss the importance of community in building and supporting higher education technology careers.
Empowering Institutions with Data
Episode 6 | March 31, 2025
In this episode, hosts Sophie and Jenay are joined by guests Chad Marchong and Ben Hellar to discuss cultural strategies and practical steps for transforming higher education institutions into data-empowered organizations.
Why Sustainability Is a Big Opportunity for Higher Ed
Episode 5 | March 17, 2025
In this episode, hosts Sophie and Jenay talk with Karen Costa and Kristen Gay about the latest EDUCAUSE QuickPoll on sustainability in higher education and the opportunities for higher education to be a leader in climate action.
Collaboration Meets AI Innovation
Episode 4 | February 17, 2025
In this episode, we’ll explore how cross-institutional collaboration can help institutions keep pace with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), address the growing digital divide in AI adoption, and examine how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and the value of a degree.
Unlocking Trust: Protecting Privacy and Securing Data
Episode 3 | February 10, 2025
In this episode, hosts and guests explore how higher education institutions are navigating the balance between protecting privacy and securing data, while simultaneously championing innovation, promoting transparency, and fostering collaboration.
AI and Cybersecurity
Episode 2 | January 29, 2025
In this episode recorded live at the 2024 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference, hosts Sophie and Jenay discuss how higher education can use available resources to address cybersecurity risks surrounding artificial intelligence with guest David Seidl.
Mental Health Supports: Moving Higher Ed Toward a Culture of Care
Episode 1 | January 15, 2025
This episode delves into the 2025 EDUCAUSE Horizon Action Plan: Mental Health Supports. Hosts and guests examine the challenges faced by higher education institutions and highlight actionable steps individuals and institutions can take to improve mental health support of students, faculty, and staff.
Season 1
A Policy Update from the 2024 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference
Episode 12 | November 7, 2024
Host Jenay Robert talks legislative updates with Jarret Cummings, EDUCAUSE Senior Advisor for Policy and Government Relations. They dive into the new web and mobile app accessibility regulations, proposed cyber incident reporting rules, research cybersecurity issues, and what to expect in 2025.
2025 EDUCAUSE Top 10: Restoring Trust
Episode 11 | October 30, 2024
Can’t get enough of the EDUCAUSE Top 10? Hosts Sophie White and Jenay Robert dive into the issues with Susan Grajek, answering audience questions in a lively, unscripted conversation. Recorded live at the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference, this episode provides a ground-level view of the Top 10.
Takeaways from the 2024 Horizon Report, Cybersecurity and Privacy Edition
Episode 10 | October 2, 2024
EDUCAUSE researchers and panelists discuss takeaways from the 2024 Horizon Report, Cybersecurity and Privacy Edition.
AI . . . Friend or Foe?
Episode 9 | August 16, 2024
In this episode, Paul LeBlanc, former President of Southern New Hampshire University, and John O'Brien, EDUCAUSE President and CEO, discuss how artificial intelligence relates to higher education and where it challenges and informs our understanding of human systems. Hosts Sophie and Jenay also share their perspectives on the AI hype sweeping higher education.
Improving Data Quality and Governance
Episode 8 | July 8, 2024
Data governance is foundational to institutional decision-making, digital transformation, and more. In this episode, hosts Sophie White and Nicole Muscanell talk with George Firican from the University of British Columbia and Melissa Barnett from Georgia State University about strategies for building a data-oriented culture in the higher education context.
Meeting Students Where They Are
Episode 7 | May 20, 2024
The pandemic accelerated an evolution in preferences among students, faculty, and staff for the ways in which they engage with the institution and each other. Novel technologies and models for interaction create opportunities for colleges and universities to develop individualized approaches to meeting students’ needs for expansive, engaging educational experiences.
2024 Horizon Report: Teaching and Learning Edition
Episode 6 | May 16, 2024
The 2024 Horizon Report: Teaching and Learning Edition covers some of the present and looming challenges for higher education, including public perceptions of the value of postsecondary education, evolving data and analytics capabilities, and the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning.
Hiring Resilience
Episode 5 | April 1, 2024
Comparatively low salaries, poorly expressed value packages for existing and prospective staff, and rigid workplace policies are impeding hiring managers from filling open positions. In this episode, we discuss strategies, challenges, and opportunities for higher education hiring and retention with guests Nicole Muscanell, Marshall White, and Brittany Denis. You'll learn about approaches for Driving staff belonging and fulfillment, using creative methods for filling open positions, "managing up" to set expectations for stakeholders at institutions, and how to do less with less while combatting burnout.
Cybersecurity as a Core Competency
Episode 4 | February 19, 2024
Higher education institutions must treat cybersecurity as a fundamental competency, raising awareness among users, developing plans, and assessing tools and resources, as cybersecurity threats expand and evolve alongside the laws, policies, practices, and solutions aimed at protecting data and digital systems, all in order to safeguard institutional assets and train tomorrow’s cybersecurity professionals and leaders.
The Teaching and Learning Workforce in Higher Education, 2024
Episode 3 | February 7, 2024
EDUCAUSE researcher Nicole Muscanell talks with her community and professional learning colleagues about the new teaching and learning workforce report EDUCAUSE just published. Learn about burnout and the other challenges facing this group of higher education professionals.
Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan: 2024
Episode 2 | December 13, 2023
Looking to 2024, college and university technology leaders must make plans and take actions to anticipate how artificial intelligence can or should shape the future for higher education, build the resilience of their institutions, and work toward a greater good.
Smooth Sailing for the Student Experience
Episode 1 | September 19, 2023
A student-centered approach in higher education can be promoted through the cultivation of adaptable learning environments that grant students the freedom to decide when, where, and how they learn, along with the choice of their preferred technology tools. This strategy not only simplifies the student journey but also elevates student achievement.