The HigherEd Podcast

Training Better Admissions Teams Through Virtual Coaching

Samira Zacharias shares how she entered admissions by accident, why high school recruitment remains such an important part of student outreach, and how admissions teams adapted during and after the pandemic.

Why College Readiness Is a Workforce Issue | Dr. Anthony Cruz

Dr. Cruz shares why he remains passionate about higher ed after more than 27 years, how the pandemic changed teaching and communication, and why colleges must collaborate more closely with K-12 schools, families, and communities. He also discusses the urgent need to increase college-going and completion rates for Black and Hispanic students, the role of community colleges in workforce development, and why higher ed must adapt quickly to demographic, technological, and economic change.

Why Partnerships May Be Higher Ed’s Best Answer to the Enrollment Cliff | Dana Barger

Dana shares her journey from AmeriCorps and mental health counseling into enrollment, why student stories still drive her work, and how partnerships can help institutions prepare for the enrollment cliff. The conversation explores community engagement, employer alignment, student ambassadors, alumni storytelling, sports partnerships, and why higher education must continue proving its value in a changing world.

Why Schools Lose Students in the Process | Nancy Rogers

Nancy shares how she went from receptionist to admissions leader, why scripts are not the enemy of authentic conversations, and why schools need to look closely at their people, product, and process. She also discusses speed-to-lead, texting cadences, application fees, financial aid handoffs, AI in admissions, and the barriers schools often create for themselves.

The Future of Online Education | Dr. Tonya Aman Kwatia

From workforce alignment to ethical AI, this episode explores how colleges and universities can adapt to a new era of learning. Dr. Tonya Aman Kwatia brings deep experience and a practical view of where higher ed is headed.