Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast

Ep. 19: Rethinking the Purpose of Higher Education w/ Richard Preiss | Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, host Chase Hagood sits down with Dr. Richard Preiss, President of the Academic Senate and Associate Professor of English at the University of Utah. Dr. Preiss shares his perspective as a faculty member navigating the evolving role of higher education and how his work challenges traditional assumptions about the purpose, value, and future of the university. Their conversation explores how higher education can move beyond transactional outcomes to focus on intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. From questioning career-centered narratives to examining the role of the humanities in today’s landscape, Dr. Preiss offers thoughtful insights for educators, leaders, and anyone invested in the future of higher education. Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Studies: https://us.utah.edu

Ep. 18: Transforming Student Success w/ Dr. Allison Calhoun-Brown | TOGETHER. A HIGHER-ED PODCAST

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, host Chase Hagood sits down with Dr. Allison Calhoun-Brown, Senior Vice President for Student Success and Chief Enrollment Officer at Georgia State University. Dr. Calhoun-Brown shares her remarkable journey from faculty member to national leader in student success and how Georgia State became a model for closing opportunity gaps and driving student success in higher education. Their conversation explores how data-informed decisions, intentional design, and human connection can transform institutions and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. From embedding data experts in advising teams to redefining what it means to “do the work together,” Dr. Calhoun-Brown offers powerful lessons for leaders, advisors, and educators everywhere. Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Studies: https://us.utah.edu

Ep. 17: Arthur Brooks on Meaning & Belonging in Higher Ed | TOGETHER. A HIGHER-ED PODCAST

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast, Harvard professor and bestselling author Dr. Arthur Brooks explores meaning, belonging, flourishing, and leadership in today’s university culture. Arthur Brooks shares his remarkable journey from classical musician to internationally recognized social scientist, reflecting on how purpose and belonging have shaped his path and research. He examines the rising challenges of student anxiety, campus polarization, and the neuroscience of happiness and meaning. The conversation dives into practical strategies for higher education leaders and students alike: how to reframe struggle as purposeful, strengthen community, and amplify the “light triad” of empathy, humility, and care in an age of division. The Atlantic article "The Sociopaths Among Us—And How to Avoid Them" by Arthur C. Brooks: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/dark-triads-toxic-personalities/675683/ #ArthurBrooks #HigherEd #Belonging #Meaning #HigherEdLeadership #flourishing

Ep. 16: Rethinking Student Success w/ Chris Hulleman of UVA’s Motivate Lab | TOGETHER. A HIGHER-ED PODCAST

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Chris Hulleman, Professor of Education at the University of Virginia and Director of the Motivate Lab. Dr. Hulleman shares his unique journey from being a college football player and social worker to a nationally recognized motivation science expert. He talks about how combining the instincts of excellent teaching with research on learning and motivation can help students thrive. The conversation explores big-picture challenges in higher ed, the importance of student voice, and what it means to lead with humility and purpose. We also share some exciting news: the University of Utah and Motivate Lab are launching a new partnership to support student success. Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Studies: https://us.utah.edu [https://us.utah.edu]

Ep. 15: Transfer Pathways, Student Success & Leadership w/ Jason Taylor | TOGETHER. A HIGHER-ED PODCAST

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Jason Taylor, Associate Professor in the College of Education and Assistant Dean for Transfer Student Success at the University of Utah. Jason shares his journey from being a first-generation student and music major to becoming a national scholar in transfer policy and community colleges. He dives deep into how personal mentorship, public policy, and systems-level thinking shaped his path—and how the University of Utah is transforming transfer student success through curricular alignment, inclusive programming, and community partnerships. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about access, equity, and how listening to students can drive lasting change. Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Studies: https://us.utah.edu [https://us.utah.edu] #TransferSuccess #CommunityColleges #FirstGen #HigherEdPolicy #TogetherPodcast