IMPACTful Conversations

Ep. 5: What 2026 Financial Aid Changes Mean for Graduate Students with Deb Spindler

In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Alliant University President & CEO Andy Vaughn sits down with longtime Alliant Director of Financial Aid, Deb Spindler, to unpack the sweeping federal financial aid changes coming in 2026 under the One Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB). Andy draws from his experience as one of the federal negotiators crafting these regulations, while Deb breaks down what students—current and future—need to know about the elimination of the Grad PLUS loan, adjustments to Stafford Direct loan caps, and the new “professional” program designation for Clinical Psychology doctoral programs. Together, they clarify what qualifies students for “legacy” status, how loan limits will work moving forward, what steps students should take today to prepare, and how individual financial situations can receive personalized guidance from Alliant’s Student Finance team.

Ep. 4: Partnering to Build a Behavioral Health Workforce with Dr. Dan Gizzo

Alliant is proud to partner with the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy to help Kaiser employees earn degrees and pursue difference-making careers. In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Alliant president Andy Vaughn speaks with Dan Gizzo, PhD, a clinical psychologist, Alliant alum, and executive director of the Academy. They discuss the importance of addressing mental health stigma and the intersection of mental and physical health. Dr. Gizzo shares insights on the challenges faced by mental health professionals, the significance of values in healthcare, and the role of technology in training future clinicians. The conversation highlights the need for a diverse workforce in mental health and the ongoing efforts to support individuals pursuing careers in this field.

Ep. 3: Adversity and Adaptability as APA President with Dr. Debra Kawahara

In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Alliant University President Andy Vaughn visits with Dr. Debra Kawahara, 2025 President of the American Psychological Association (APA) and a Distinguished Professor at Alliant. She discusses her journey to leadership, the challenges faced during her APA presidency, and the importance of adaptability in leadership roles. She emphasizes the significance of unity and diversity within the field of psychology and shares insights on the evolving landscape of education and career opportunities in clinical psychology.

Ep. 2: Navigating History, Identity, and Inclusion with Dr. Lawrence Moore

In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Dr. Lawrence Moore shares his journey from a small rural town in Arizona to becoming a prominent board member at Alliant University. He reflects on his experiences growing up as an African-American boy before and after the Civil Rights Act, his military service during the Vietnam era and the Cold War, and the challenges he has faced as a gay man through his 55-year relationship with his now-husband. Dr. Moore emphasizes the importance of being comfortable in one's own skin and the lessons learned from his diverse life experiences, which he brings to his role on the board. He offers advice on navigating change and the future of inclusion at Alliant, highlighting the need for a common vision in community relations.

Ep. 1: Transforming Education Through Values and Skills with Dr. Andrew Shean

In the premiere episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Andrew Shean, Chief Learning Officer at Penn Foster, shares insights on the importance of values in education, the role of AI literacy and critical thinking in workforce readiness, and the future of higher education amidst technological disruption. He emphasizes the need for compassion in local communities and the significance of a well-educated populace for a thriving democracy. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of jobs due to AI and the necessity for educational institutions to adapt and prepare students for the future.