Higher Ed Leaders by Viv Higher Education

Hosted by Suzan Brinker, PhD

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Higher Ed Leaders , hosted by Suzan Brinker, PhD, of Viv Higher Education, is the podcast for higher education professionals who believe colleges and universities are strongest when they are bold, adaptive, and built to last. We are excited to bring you Season 3 of Higher Ed Leaders . This season continues our focus on entrepreneurial leadership, this time through founding and long-term impact stories. Across each episode, we explore how institutions, schools, programs, and major initiatives were first imagined, launched, and sustained. Through conversations with presidents, vice presidents, and senior leaders, the podcast digs into decision-making with imperfect information, prioritization, and knowing when to move forward or say no, all with an eye toward lasting impact in higher education. Previous seasons include Season 2 , which focused on The Entrepreneurial Campus , and Season 1 , centered on Transforming and Innovating Higher Education .

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42 recent

May 4, 2026Episode 1228 min

SEASON 3: Ep. 12 From Student to President: Leading the Institution That Made You with Michael Avaltroni, Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)

In this conversation, Fairleigh Dickinson University President Dr. Michael Avaltroni shares his remarkable journey from FDU undergraduate student to the institution's ninth president, reflecting on what it means to lead the university that shaped him. He offers a candid and compelling vision for how FDU is navigating higher education's "burning platform" moment, strategically discontinuing select programs with remarkable faculty buy-in, doubling down on health-focused and professionally aligned programming, and embracing a lifelong learning model that serves students well beyond the traditional 18-year-old demographic. Central to his vision are the "Four Ps" (programs, people, partnerships, and place) as well as the concept of "humanics," which blends technological and data literacy with deeply human skills like empathy, creativity, and communication. Dr. Avaltroni makes a compelling case that the disruption facing higher education is not a crisis to survive, but an opportunity to reimagine what a university can be, positioning FDU not as the owner of all knowledge, but as a trusted curator of collaboration, partnership, and lifelong growthThis podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education About Viv Higher EducationViv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.Website: https://vivhied.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/

April 21, 2026Episode 1133 min

SEASON 3: Ep. 11 Inside a First Year as College President with Brooke Barnett, Rollins College

In this conversation, Brooke Barnett reflects on her path to the presidency of Rollins College, sharing how an unplanned career that began in journalism evolved into academic leadership through a passion for storytelling, teaching, and amplifying diverse voices. She discusses her first year in the role as a time of deep listening, relationship-building, and community immersion, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and connection. Barnett also makes a strong case for the value of liberal arts education in today’s rapidly changing world, arguing it equips students with critical thinking, adaptability, and ethical reasoning needed in an AI-driven future. She highlights Rollins’ distinctive approach, blending a residential campus experience with access to the cultural and economic opportunities of the Orlando area, and introduces innovative initiatives like the “innovation triangle” that connect education, leadership development, and community impact. Throughout, she underscores the importance of balancing mission and financial sustainability in higher education and encourages aspiring leaders to stay curious, listen deeply, and lead with humility.This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education About Viv Higher EducationViv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.Website: https://vivhied.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/

April 1, 2026Episode 1022 min

SEASON 3: Ep. 10 Purpose, Edge, and Community: Rethinking the Business School with Brooke Elliott, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

In this episode, Brooke Elliott, Dean of Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, joins host Suzanne to share how a land grant mission and a deep belief in access have shaped one of the most innovative business schools in the country. Brooke traces her unexpected path from aspiring lawyer to academic dean, and explains how Gies Business has challenged the traditional model of business education by launching an affordable, fully online MBA that now serves over 4,500 students in 160 countries. She discusses how stackable credentials, persistent leadership, and mission-driven culture have helped Gies break through the institutional inertia that stops most schools from making real change. The conversation also explores how Gies is navigating the rapid rise of AI, why the future of business education hinges on critical thinking and adaptability over technical skills alone, and what Brooke hopes every Gies graduate will carry with them long after they leave: a sense of purpose, a competitive edge, and a lasting community.This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education About Viv Higher EducationViv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.Website: https://vivhied.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/

March 25, 2026Episode 931 min

SEASON 3: Ep. 9 One Foot in the Street with Arthur Levine, Brandeis University

In this episode, Arthur Levine, President of Brandeis University, shares his remarkable leadership journey and the bold transformation he has set in motion at Brandeis since joining in November 2024. Drawing on decades of experience leading institutions like Teachers College, Columbia and the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, Levine describes how he rallied 88% of the faculty to approve a sweeping reinvention of the liberal arts, one that combines competency-based general education, a new Center for Applied Liberal Arts and Careers, an innovative second transcript, and a full reorganization of the university's academic structure. He argues that higher education is at a critical inflection point, with 20-25% of institutions at risk of closing, and that the liberal arts must regain their practical footing, keeping "one foot in the library and one foot in the street." Throughout the conversation, Levine offers candid, actionable advice for higher ed leaders, emphasizing the importance of telling faculty the truth about the stakes, enlisting them as partners in change, deeply understanding the students you serve, and being willing to dream big while starting small.This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education About Viv Higher EducationViv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.Website: https://vivhied.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/

March 18, 2026Episode 826 min

SEASON 3: Ep. 8 From First-Generation Student to Business School Dean with Scott Beaulier, University of Wyoming

In this episode of the Higher Ed Leaders podcast, Suzan sits down with Scott Beaulier, H.A. (Dave) True Family Dean of Business at the University of Wyoming, to discuss his path from first-generation college student to business school dean and what leadership looks like in today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape. Scott shares how his career in economics gradually led him into academic leadership and reflects on the mission-driven work of land-grant universities serving rural and first-generation students seeking economic mobility. The conversation explores the current moment in business education, including questions about the value of higher education, the growing influence of AI, and the skills students need most to succeed in a changing workforce. Suzan and Scott also discuss the importance of mentorship, ethical leadership, and human-centered skills such as communication and relationship-building that technology cannot easily replace. Throughout the episode, Scott offers candid advice for aspiring higher education leaders and reflects on the challenges and opportunities facing universities as they navigate disruption while remaining focused on student success.This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education About Viv Higher EducationViv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.Website: https://vivhied.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/

March 17, 2026Episode 636 min

SEASON 3: Ep. 6 The Elegant Experiment with Hilary Link, Drew University

In this episode, Drew University President Hilary shares how she is rethinking the future of higher education through bold, entrepreneurial leadership. From launching an experimental new college designed for real-world problem solving to challenging traditional academic structures and cost models, she offers an honest look at what colleges must do to stay relevant and sustainable. This conversation explores risk-taking, innovation, lifelong learning, and what today’s students truly need from their education, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of leadership and learning.This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education About Viv Higher EducationViv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.Website: https://vivhied.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/

March 11, 2026Episode 737 min

SEASON 3: Ep. 7 The Power of Heart-First Leadership with Joseph Brennan, Montclair State University

In this episode of the Higher Ed Leaders podcast, Suzan sits down with Joseph to discuss what leadership looks like in a time of disruption across higher education. Drawing on more than 35 years in higher ed communications and his work as an executive coach, Joseph shares his philosophy of heart-first leadership, which prioritizes empathy, presence, and psychological safety while still holding teams to high standards. The conversation explores how leaders can shift from being the person with all the answers to becoming a coach who asks powerful questions that unlock creativity and ownership within their teams. Suzan and Joseph also reflect on the pressures facing higher education today, including demographic challenges, talent retention, and rising expectations for marketing and communications teams, as well as the evolving role of AI in the field. Throughout the discussion, Joseph emphasizes that in a complex and uncertain environment, the most effective leaders focus on building trust, supporting their people, and creating workplaces where teams feel safe to learn, experiment, and do their best work.This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education About Viv Higher EducationViv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.Website: https://vivhied.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/

February 26, 2026Episode 534 min

SEASON 3: Ep. 5 Building an R1 Without Leaving Students Behind with Freeman Hrabowski III, UMBC

In this episode, longtime University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) president Dr. Freeman Hrabowski reflects on three decades of transformational leadership and the lessons that shaped one of the nation’s most innovative public universities. He shares how a relentless focus on student success, equity in STEM, research excellence, and community impact helped UMBC become a national model for inclusive achievement. Drawing from his experiences in the Civil Rights Movement and his tenure leading through change, Dr. Hrabowski offers candid insights on moral leadership, shared governance, resilience, and the responsibility higher education holds in preparing students to lead with purpose in a complex and evolving world.This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education About Viv Higher EducationViv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.Website: https://vivhied.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/

February 18, 2026Episode 429 min

SEASON 3: Ep. 4 Resilience, Risk, and University Leadership with Carol Christ, UC Berkeley

In this episode, former UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ reflects on her unexpected path to university leadership and the realities of guiding a major public institution through a period of intense disruption. From free speech controversies and financial pressures to the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting public perceptions of higher education, Christ shares how entrepreneurial thinking, clear communication, and strong institutional values shaped her leadership approach. Drawing on decades as a faculty member, president of Smith College, and chancellor at Berkeley, she explores the evolving role of higher education, the importance of access and affordability, and why universities must balance innovation with stability. Throughout the conversation, Christ emphasizes storytelling, transparency, and a strong moral compass as essential tools for leading institutions and preparing students for uncertain, rapidly changing careers.This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education About Viv Higher EducationViv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.Website: https://vivhied.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/

February 10, 2026Episode 340 min

SEASON 3: Ep. 3 Leading a College for Half a Century with Leon Botstein from Bard College

In this episode, Bard College President Leon Botstein reflects on a remarkable five decades in higher education leadership. He shares how he unexpectedly became a college president in his twenties, the lessons learned from leading through financial and cultural change, and how higher education has evolved over time. The conversation explores the tension between excellence and access, the growing challenges facing college leaders, and the enduring value of a rigorous liberal arts education. Leon offers a candid, long-view perspective on the role colleges and universities play in shaping thoughtful citizens and strengthening society. This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education About Viv Higher EducationViv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.Website: https://vivhied.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/