1. Transforming Education: A Conversation with Dr. Iris Lafferty

1. Transforming Education: A Conversation with Dr. Iris Lafferty

From EdUp Provost by Association of Chief Academic Officers (ACAO)

January 28, 2026 · 30 min · Season 4 · Episode 1

About this episode

Dr. Iris Lafferty discusses her educational philosophy and the importance of competency-based education for working adults.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner (La Roche University), Dr. Iris Lafferty, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Capella University, discusses her educational philosophy, the unique mission of Capella, and the importance of competency-based education for working adults. She shares insights on balancing compliance with innovation, the challenges faced by Chief Academic Officers, and the role of AI in education. Dr. Lafferty emphasizes the need for strategic leadership in a rapidly changing environment and offers advice for aspiring academic leaders.Takeaways• Balancing compliance and innovation is crucial in higher education.• AI should enhance human capabilities in education.• Listening deeply is essential for effective leadership.• The triangulation of curriculum, faculty, and operations is vital for student success.• Understanding the needs of the workforce is critical for program development.

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner

Guest: Dr. Iris Lafferty

Topics covered

  • educational philosophy
  • competency-based education
  • strategic leadership
  • AI in education
  • challenges for Chief Academic Officers
  • balancing compliance and innovation

Keywords

  • competency-based education
  • AI in education
  • educational leadership
  • higher education
  • Chief Academic Officers
  • student success
  • workforce needs

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Capella University, La Roche University

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