4.11. Laura R. Walker - Bennington College

4.15. Dr. José-Marie Griffiths - Dakota State University

Dr. JP Novin welcomes Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Chancellor of Dakota State University, for a conversation on the future of higher education in an AI-driven world. Together, they explore how institutions can balance technological innovation with human-centered learning, the growing importance of workforce-aligned education, and the evolving role of liberal arts in preparing adaptable graduates. Dr. Griffiths also shares insights on AI adoption in higher education, research and industry partnerships, and why universities must embrace thoughtful transformation while keeping people—not technology—at the center of the learning experience.

4.14. Dr. Ricky Shabazz - San Diego City College

Dr. JP Novin welcomes Dr. Ricky Shabazz, President of San Diego City College, for a conversation on the evolving role of community colleges in preparing students for the future of work. Together, they discuss expanding access through dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and affordable bachelor's degree pathways, the impact of AI on teaching and learning, and the importance of ensuring technology enhances opportunity rather than deepening equity gaps. Dr. Shabazz also shares how San Diego City College is addressing housing affordability, workforce partnerships, and student success while staying rooted in its mission of access, innovation, and social justice.

4.13. Dr. Angela L. Walker Franklin - Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences

Dr. Angela Franklin, President of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, joins Dr. JP Novin to discuss how higher education can prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals in an era shaped by AI and evolving public policy. Together, they explore the future of medical education, ethical AI integration, workforce development, financial challenges facing graduate education, and the importance of pairing technological innovation with critical thinking, compassion, and human judgment to improve patient care.

4.12. Dr. Christina A. Clark - La Roche University

Christina Clark, President of La Roche University, joins Dr. JP Novin to discuss how higher education can prepare students for success in an AI-driven world while staying true to its mission of developing ethical, resilient leaders. Together, they explore AI literacy across every discipline, workforce readiness, experiential learning, federal higher education policy, and the growing importance of industry partnerships. President Clark also shares why helping students discover purpose, think critically, and apply technology responsibly will define the future of higher education.

4.11. Laura R. Walker - Bennington College

Dr. JP Novin sits down with Laura R. Walker, Strategic Advisor to the Board of Trustees and former President of Bennington College, to explore how higher education can prepare students for an AI-driven future without losing sight of its core mission. They discuss information literacy, ethical AI, the future of liberal arts, public trust in higher education, and the importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and civil discourse. Drawing from her leadership in both higher education and public media, Walker shares why lifelong learning and human-centered education will be essential as technology continues to reshape society.