Episode #12, Margo Chaly, Acting Secretary, New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education

Episode #12, Margo Chaly, Acting Secretary, New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education

In this episode of Work Trends RU, Dr. Carl Van Horn speaks with Margo Chaly, Acting Secretary of the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, about the future of higher education in New Jersey. Together they discuss key challenges and opportunities facing colleges and universities, including enrollment trends, financial sustainability, workforce alignment, and student success. Ms. Chaly also highlights efforts to support adult learners, strengthen institutions, and ensure students graduate with the skills and career pathways needed to thrive in a changing economy.

Episode #11, Steve Reynolds, President and CEO, Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey

In this episode of Work Trends RU, host Dr. Carl Van Horn speaks with Steve Reynolds, president and CEO of Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey, about the biggest challenges facing independent colleges today, including the changing perception of the value of a four-year degree, student mental health, and how colleges are preparing students for an AI-driven workforce. Mr. Reynolds also discusses how institutions are responding to demographic changes, financial pressures, and the need to better connect education to career outcomes. Resources Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey [https://njcolleges.org/] New Jersey Higher Education Mental Health Summit 2026 [https://njhemhs2026.njit.edu] Second Annual New Jersey Higher Education Mental Health Summit Offers New Concepts and Resources for Campus Staff [https://njcolleges.org/2025/02/04/second-annual-new-jersey-higher-education-mental-health-summit-offers-new-concepts-and-resources-for-campus-staff/]

Episode #10, Jimmy Green, Research Project Manager, Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, and Jackie Burke, Executive Director, New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools

In this episode of Work Trends RU, Laurie Harrington is joined by Jimmy Green, Research Project Manager at the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, and Jackie Burke, Executive Director of the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools, to discuss the role career and technical education (CTE) plays in shaping students’ pathways from high school to college and careers. The conversation highlights new research on participation trends, demographic patterns, and levels of student engagement, along with an overview of New Jersey’s county-based vocational-technical school model, expanding programs in high-demand fields, and the importance of employer partnerships and work-based learning in preparing students for long-term career success. Resource New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools https://careertechnj.org/ [https://careertechnj.org/]

Episode #9, Beth Simone Noveck, Chief AI Strategist, State of New Jersey

In this episode of Work Trends RU, host Dr. Carl Van Horn sits down with Dr. Beth Simone Noveck, New Jersey’s Chief AI Strategist and former head of the New Jersey Office of Innovation. Together, they explore how technology, data, and responsible AI are reshaping government services to be faster, fairer, and more accessible. From modernizing unemployment and business systems to training thousands of public workers in responsible use of AI, Dr. Noveck explains what it takes to transform government and why empowering people, not replacing them, is the key to lasting progress. Resources: New Jersey Office of Innovation [https://innovation.nj.gov/] Business.NJ.gov [https://business.nj.gov/] InnovateUS [https://innovate-us.org/]

Episode #8, Aaron Fichtner, President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges

In this episode of Work Trends RU, host Dr. Carl Van Horn talks with Dr. Aaron Fichtner, President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, about the role New Jersey’s 18 community colleges play in expanding access to higher education, developing a skilled workforce, and meeting the evolving needs of students, employers, and local communities. Dr. Fichtner also shares insights on the Council’s Opportunity Agenda, which focuses on expanding dual enrollment, supporting adult learners, improving student success, and aligning education with the demands of a changing economy.