EDUP Xcelerated Excellence

Dr. Terrance McNeil—Elevating the work of HBCU Teacher Preparation with the AACTE HBCU TAG

Our Guest, Dr. Terrance McNeil [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tdmcneil/], is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Practice and Leadership at Tennessee State University [https://www.linkedin.com/school/tennessee-state-university/], where he serves as Program Coordinator of the Higher Education Leadership Ed.D. program. With over 20 years of experience in K-12 and higher education, his work centers on equitable educator preparation, leadership development, and expanding access for underrepresented groups.   Dr. McNeil is a Faculty Innovation Fellow at StanfordUniversity [http://linkedin.com/school/stanford-university/] and has worked extensively with the National Science Foundation to support underrepresented groups in STEM. As Chair of the AACTE [https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-association-of-colleges-for-teacher-education/posts/?feedView=all] HBCU Topical Action Group and Holmes Scholar Coordinator at TSU, he advocates for equitable teacher preparation and school leadership practices. He is alsochair of the Public Education Committee for the American Bar Association’s State & Local Government Section.   Dr. McNeil was the inaugural recipient of the White House Initiative on HBCUs competitiveness award. In 2025, he washonored as the Higher Education Educator of the Year by the Our HBCUs Matter Foundation [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ourhbcusmatterfoundation/] for his impactful contributions to education and mentorship.     Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacob-easley-ii-pmp-1a6b8037/]     Sponsor: Patriox [https://patriox.us/] oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE.   Resources: EDUP The Experience [https://www.linkedin.com/company/highereducationpodcast/posts/?feedView=all] The Xcelerated Excellence Future Teacher Award https://www.edupxe.com/xcelerated-excellence-future-teacher-award-2025-2026/ [https://www.edupxe.com/xcelerated-excellence-future-teacher-award-2025-2026/] EDUP Xcelerated Excellence [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edup-xcelerated-excellence/?viewAsMember=true] AACTE HBCU TAG [https://aacte.org/resources/topical-action-groups/] AACTE Holmes Scholars [https://www.linkedin.com/in/holmes-scholars-586386332/]     Greeting:  Dr. Rosa Rivera-McCutchen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rrmphd111/]   Research Assistant: Emma Worthington [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-worthington/] #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#XEListeningTour #HBCUs

Dr. Taha Duri—Leading Architecture & Design as a Social Tool at American University in the Emirates

Our Guest, Dr. Taha Duri [https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-taha-duri-ph-d-iias-3b444120b/], is a figure in the fields of architecture and design. Currently, he serves as the “Dean of the College of Design [https://aue.ae/college-of-design/]” at the American University in the Emirates (AUE) [https://www.linkedin.com/school/american-university-in-the-emirates/]. He has a rich academic background and extensive professional experience in architecture, interior design, and the built environment.   Professor Duri earned a Ph.D. in Architecture from the Universityof Pennsylvania [https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-pennsylvania/] and a Master of Science in Architecture from Pennsylvania State University [https://www.linkedin.com/school/penn-state-university/posts/?feedView=all].   He has over 20 years of teaching experience across various disciplines including architecture and health sciences. Prior to his current position, he was involved in establishing academic programs in architectural engineering and interior design in the UAE.   As a published author and artist, he has contributed articles to various international journals and has held art exhibitions in major cities like New York, London, and Dubai.   As Dean of the College of Design at the American University in the Emirates, Professor Duri is responsible for curriculum development and academic leadership at the American University in the Emirates, focusing on innovative educational practices in design.   He has provided editorial contributions to notable publications such as the New York Times and Architectural Digest.   Professor Duri continues to engage in artistic projects, with some of his works included in prestigious collections.   Professor Taha Duri is recognized not only for his academic contributions but also for his role in shaping the future ofdesign education in the region. His approach blends architectural theory with practical applications, preparing students for challenges in the contemporary built environment.   Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacob-easley-ii-pmp-1a6b8037/]     Sponsor: Patriox [https://patriox.us/] oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE.   Resources: EDUP The Experience [https://www.linkedin.com/company/highereducationpodcast/posts/?feedView=all] The Xcelerated Excellence Future Teacher Award https://www.edupxe.com/xcelerated-excellence-future-teacher-award-2025-2026/ [https://www.edupxe.com/xcelerated-excellence-future-teacher-award-2025-2026/] EDUP Xcelerated Excellence [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edup-xcelerated-excellence/?viewAsMember=true]     Greeting:  Dr. Rosa Rivera-McCutchen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rrmphd111/]   Research Assistant: Emma Worthington [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-worthington/] #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#XEListeningTour

Dr. Brad Fuster—Championing Innovation in Higher Education at San Francisco Bay University and EDUP Innovation

Our Guest, Dr. Brad Fuster [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-fuster-3540a350/], is Provost and Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs at San Francisco Bay University [https://www.linkedin.com/school/san-francisco-bay-university/] and Host of EdUp Innovation [https://www.edupexperience.com/edupinnovation/]. Brad Fuster has extensive experience in higher education leadership. As a respected music professor and academic leader, Fuster brings deep expertise in academicaffairs, enrollment management, international program management, and technological innovation to SFBU. He has held key leadership positions at SUNY Buffalo State University [https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffalo-state/] where he was a Vice President, and at Keuka College [https://www.linkedin.com/school/keuka-college/] (NY), where he served as provost and intermittently as acting president, managing a substantial institutional budget and leading numerous academic campus-wide initiatives.   During his tenure at Keuka College, Fuster led sweeping advancements in experiential learning, new program development, general education revision, international growth strategies, and led a successful Middle States [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mscheorg/] reaffirmation. He significantly improved student retention and success by demonstrating his strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as helped stabilize institutional finances through grantsmanship and innovation.   As an expert in higher education, Fuster has published numerous articles and book chapters and presented at national and international higher education conferences by special invitation. He has wrote about higher education under contract for US News & World Report.     Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacob-easley-ii-pmp-1a6b8037/]     Sponsor: Patriox [https://patriox.us/] oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE.   Resources: EDUP The Experience [https://www.linkedin.com/company/highereducationpodcast/posts/?feedView=all] Xcelerated Exellence Future Teacher Award [https://www.edupxe.com/xcelerated-excellence-future-teacher-award-2025-2026/]   Greeting:  Anna Young [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-young-a22730234/]   Research Assistant: Emma Worthington [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-worthington/] #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#XEListeningTour

Prince Johnson—NYTOTY2026: Championing Sustainability, Civics Education, Career and Technical Education (Part 2 of 2)

Our Guest, Prince Johnson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/princejohnsontoy/], a 26-year veteran educator, is the 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year [https://www.nysed.gov/standards-instruction/new-york-state-teacher-year] as well as the 2025 Gilder Lehrman New York History Teacher of the Year. A passionate advocate for career and technical education (CTE) and a leader in sustainability, he teaches social studies at Food and Finance High School in New York City and serves on the NYCPS [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nyc-department-of-education/] Climate Education Leadership Team.   His drive as an educator was shaped by the injustices he observed while teaching on Rikers Island. Today, he developscross-curricular projects that unite history, culinary arts, and environmental stewardship. He encourages students to apply their skills and voices to create stronger, more equitable communities, always with the goal of empowering every student to realize their full potential.   Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacob-easley-ii-pmp-1a6b8037/]   Sponsor: Patriox [https://patriox.us/] oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE.   Resources: EDUP The Experience [https://www.linkedin.com/company/highereducationpodcast/posts/?feedView=all] Food and Finance High School [https://www.foodfinancehs.org/]   Greeting:  Anna Young [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-young-a22730234/]   Research Assistant: Emma Worthington [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-worthington/] #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#XEListeningTour

Prince Johnson—NYTOTY2026: Championing Sustainability, Civics Education, Career and Technical Education (Part 1of 2)

Our Guest, Prince Johnson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/princejohnsontoy/], a 26-year veteran educator, is the 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year [https://www.nysed.gov/standards-instruction/new-york-state-teacher-year] as well as the 2025 Gilder Lehrman New York History Teacher of the Year. A passionate advocate for career and technical education (CTE) and a leader in sustainability, he teaches social studies at Food and Finance High School in New York City and serves on the NYCPS [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nyc-department-of-education/] Climate Education Leadership Team.   His drive as an educator was shaped by the injustices he observed while teaching on Rikers Island. Today, he develops cross-curricular projects that unite history, culinary arts, and environmental stewardship. He encourages students to apply their skills and voices to create stronger, more equitable communities, always with the goal of empowering every student to realize their full potential.   Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacob-easley-ii-pmp-1a6b8037/]     Sponsor: Patriox [https://patriox.us/] oxygenated water.Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE.   Resources: EDUP The Experience [https://www.linkedin.com/company/highereducationpodcast/posts/?feedView=all]   Greeting:  Anna Young [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-young-a22730234/]   Research Assistant: Emma Worthington [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-worthington/] #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #XEListeningTour