Reimagining HigherEd

Dr. Joane Serrano, Chancellor, University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU)

Dr. Joane Serrano, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) joins Prof. Judyth Sachs to discuss the future of open learning and equity in education. Grounded in her background in development communication, Dr. Serrano advocates for a contextualised, people-first strategy to leadership, sharing how UPOU is responding to opportunities and challenges in higher education today. * Rethinking academic integrity: Moving away from detection, faculty are finding new ways to validate learning, such as utilising forums and essays to identify signs of their student's unique voice in their writing. * Growing belonging: Students created immersive “digital twins” of UPOU’s physical campuses to create a sense of belonging for their fellow online learners. * Collaboration over competition: As more universities move online, UPOU is leaning into a mentoring role, to improve access and the quality of online education across the Philippines.

LIVE recording: First Nations student panel for National Reconciliation Week 2026

What does true belonging look like on a modern university campus? In this special live-recorded episode of Reimagining Higher Education, we take you directly to our National Reconciliation Week First Nations student panel, hosted by Studiosity at the Sydney Swans Headquarters on Gadigal Country (Moore Park).  Chaired by UNSW's Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous, Prof Leanne Holt, we listen to the powerful wisdom and heard stories of the academic journeys of four incredible First Nations students: Siena, Tasya, Lachlan, and Jaiden. Shifting away from a deficit mindset, these future leaders in medicine, law, and corporate marketing share positive, constructive insights on how universities can evolve past standard compliance and foster truly empowering experiences. Listen in to explore how building relational, wanted campus communities, expanding postgraduate research pathways, and decolonising knowledge systems can foster an environment where every student is set up to achieve extraordinary things.

Prof Michael Donovan - Pro Vice Chancellor Indigenous at La Trobe University - on Reconciliation in Higher Education

In this special episode of the Reimagining Higher Education podcast, Prof Judyth Sachs sits down with Prof Michael Donovan, a Gumbaynggir man and Pro Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) at La Trobe University, to explore the intersection of Indigenous knowledges and academic practice.    Drawing on his diverse background as a nurse, teacher, and Fulbright Schola, Prof Donovan discusses moving beyond trying to 'crowbar' Indigenous content into the curriculum, advocating instead for a relational pedagogy that aligns Indigenous understandings with core disciplinary concepts. The conversation highlights the importance of authentic Indigenous governance and the necessity of "walking the walk" - from executive-level decision-making to building deep, listening-based relationships with community elders.    Through his personal reflections on reconciliation, Prof Donovan offers a roadmap for institutional change that puts shared growth at its heart.

Dr Courtney Hills McBeth, Chief Academic Officer and Provost, Western Governors University

Dr. Courtney Hills McBeth, Chief Academic Officer and Provost at Western Governors University (WGU) joins host Prof. Judyth Sachs, to discuss the "dual transformation" reshaping WGU. They dive into: * Shifting demographics: How WGU is adapting now that 40% of its incoming online students are younger learners with limited career experience. * Fostering community: Building belonging in a digital space through scaled peer cohorts and a specialized faculty framework. * Leadership lessons: Courtney's insights as a former All-American soccer player and how she strategically manages her academic team's diverse strengths.

Prof Nick Klomp, Vice-Chancellor and President, CQUniversity

Professor Nick Klomp, Vice-Chancellor and President of CQUniversity sits down with your host, Professor Judyth Sachs to explore the evolving landscape of regional higher education, focusing on institutional mission, student demographics, the integration of emerging technologies, and future of flexible learning. He reinforces that the sustainable university of the future must balance new technologies with student-focused learning and strong cultural and peer support systems, while staying deeply rooted in community support.