The Plexuss Presidential Podcast

4.08. Mahesh Daas - Boston Architectural College

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Mahesh Daas, President of Boston Architectural College, to explore how AI is reshaping the workforce, fueling student anxiety, and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship. They discuss the future of higher education, the importance of adaptability in an era of rapid technological change, and why institutions must balance innovation with enduring human skills. Dr. Daas also shares Boston Architectural College’s unique model for preparing students for career success, his perspective on AI’s impact on design professions, and how colleges can build more agile structures to meet the demands of a changing economy.

4.07. Pano Kanelos - Civitas Institute, University of Texas at Austin

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Panos Kanelos, Founding President of the University of Austin, for a thought-provoking conversation on artificial intelligence, institutional innovation, and the future of higher education. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping the value of a college education, why universities must focus on cultivating human wisdom rather than simply delivering information, and what it will take for institutions to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. Panos also shares his vision for launching new models of higher education, restoring public trust, reducing costs, and driving meaningful innovation across the sector.

4.06. Dr. L. Gregory Jones - Belmont University

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Dr. Gregory Jones, President of Belmont University, for a conversation on AI, federal policy, and the future of higher education. Dr. Jones shares how Belmont is navigating growth and innovation while remaining focused on its core mission of developing leaders of character, wisdom, and purpose. Together, they explore the impact of artificial intelligence on learning, the challenges facing colleges and universities, the importance of the humanities, and why higher education must move beyond information delivery toward personalized learning, mentorship, and human flourishing in a rapidly changing world.

4.05. Steven Weiner - Menlo College

In Episode 5 of Season 4 of the Plexus Presidential Podcast, Dr. JP Novin sits down with Steven Weiner, President of Menlo College, to explore how higher education must evolve in an era defined by AI, workforce disruption, and rapid technological change. From Menlo's Silicon Valley roots and mandatory internship program to the growing importance of human skills, adaptability, and experiential learning, the conversation examines what it means to prepare students for careers that may not yet exist. President Weiner also shares his perspective on federal higher education policy, the future of AI in learning, and why helping students become "future ready" may be one of the most important responsibilities of colleges and universities today.

4.04. Rachelle K. Keck, PhD, JD - Grand View University

Dr. JP Novin speaks with Dr. Rachelle Keck, President of Grand View University, about the future of higher education at the intersection of affordability, federal student aid policy, and artificial intelligence. The conversation explores the importance of access and socioeconomic mobility, the unintended consequences of new graduate loan caps, and why adaptability is becoming the defining skill for both students and institutions. Dr. Keck also shares how Grand View is leveraging innovation, personalized learning, and career-focused pathways to prepare learners for a rapidly changing workforce.