The University Business Podcast

Ep. 18: Reintroducing diversity in 2026

Paullette Granberry Russell, president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, joins the podcast to discuss what it takes to recapture the narrative around DEI initiatives—and perhaps even appeal to members who’ve historically denounced it.

Ep. 17: The fundamentals of a successful merger

In an era defined by mounting financial pressure in higher education, the question is no longer if a merger or acquisition might be necessary, but what makes a merger successful.

Ep.16: How academic leaders can fend off "chairflation"

As department chairs face rising costs and stagnant budgets, some are turning to uplift faculty morale and support students.

The Staffing Squeeze: How Campus Staff Are Staying Afloat

Podcast DescriptionAcross higher education, administrative teams are feeling the impact of reduced staffing, rising workloads, and unrelenting student expectations. From financial aid and billing to registration and support services, institutions are grappling with how to maintain high service levels under increasingly constrained conditions.In this podcast, we take a closer look at the staffing crisis in higher ed—and how some institutions are navigating these pressures by embracing scalable operational models and new approaches to support .
Key Takeaways
The top drivers behind staff burnout and operational strain in student services offices
Why traditional staffing models may no longer meet today’s demands
Strategies for scaling your team during peak times without increasing headcount
What to consider when evaluating third-party support for student-facing functions
Speaker Information
Ryan AudusVice President of Product Strategy, ECSI
 
Ryan Audus is the Vice President of Product Strategy for Global Payments higher education solutions, ECSI and TouchNet. In his role, Ryan is responsible for product strategy, pricing, research, and technology requirements prioritization. Ryan began his career in higher education technology in 2001 in product management with TouchNet. Since then, Ryan has worn several hats, including manager of product management, director of business development, and security and compliance administrator. Earlier in his career, Ryan worked for SportVision as a multimedia producer. Ryan also led Product Management for PopStar Networks, a digital signage solution provider. Ryan is a graduate of the University of Kansas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education.
 

Ep. 15: How microcredentials are fueling community college growth

Lisa Larson, CEO of the Education Design Lab, uncovers how the burgeoning world of microcredentials is reshaping higher education by connecting learning directly to the demands of the modern workforce.

Ep.14: Here's how to better focus community colleges around the student

Hana Lahr from the Community College Research Center shows us how community colleges are boosting their completion rates by tailoring their operations around the part-time student balancing work, kids and finances.

Ep.13 How accreditation is adapting amid higher ed upheaval

Revamped focus on workforce outcomes and the rise of nontraditional students are shaking up how accreditors major our colleges and universities. 

Ep. 12: Navigating the new age of higher ed philanthropy

With gift-giving increasingly vital, institutions are grappling with new developments in the kinds of gifts they receive—and from whom.

Welcome to the Tap-and-Go Campus: Enhancing Security, the Student Experience, and Operational Efficiencies

Step into the future of campus access and security as we explore the transformative power of mobile-based access credentials.
In this podcast, an expert in the field will reveal how institutions are enhancing security, improving the student experience, and reducing administrative burdens without complex IT overhauls. Discover how to create a flexible ecosystem that adapts to your campus infrastructure while meeting today's mobile-first expectations.
Key Takeaways:
Implementation strategies
Success stories
Improvements to security, campus life, and administrative processes
Ron ShafferIndustry Solutions Leader – EducationSaltor.shaffer@saltosystems.com

Meeting the Needs of the Next Generation of Students: Shifting Cultural Norms, Sustainability, Diversity and Technology

The student experience has undergone a profound transformation, driven by technological advances, shifting cultural norms, and a broader focus on sustainability and diversity.  
In this podcast, an expert in higher ed tech will share how modern learners differ from previous generations and offer practical insights into how universities can effectively support and engage with this new wave of students. Participants will also hear the ways in which technology, global connectivity, and evolving social dynamics are reshaping technology solutions for the evolving needs of students.  Key Takeaways: 
Old vs New Generational Changes: How characteristics of Gen Z and Gen Alpha differ from earlier generations and what that means for the campus experience  
Shifting Culture: How an increased focus on diversity and sustainability correlates with self-serve technology and expanded campus services that students have come to expect 
Integrated Technologies: Innovative solutions that integrate with campus systems to provide a streamlined student experience while simplifying operations 
Increase Campus Relevancy: How the storm of change can help card offices emerge stronger and more relevant than ever 
SPONSORED BY TOUCHNET