Live from DisruptED with Marc Austin and Reamer Bushardt

Live from DisruptED with Marc Austin and Reamer Bushardt

From The Higher Ed Geek Podcast by Dustin Ramsdell

April 23, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

The episode discusses how partnerships between higher education institutions and employers can enhance workforce-aligned learning experiences.

In this bonus episode recorded live at the Collegis Education DisruptED summit in Phoenix, we spoke with Marc Austin and Reamer Bushardt to explore how partnerships between higher education institutions and employers can drive more relevant, workforce-aligned learning experiences. Through examples from healthcare and university initiatives, the conversation highlights how co-designed programs, continuous feedback loops, and shared goals can better prepare students for real-world careers. The discussion emphasizes that successful partnerships require trust, aligned values, and ongoing collaboration—not just transactional agreements. Ultimately, when done well, these partnerships create meaningful pathways for students, improve career outcomes, and strengthen the connection between education and the evolving needs of the workforce.

People in this episode

Host: Dustin Ramsdell

Guests: Marc Austin, Reamer Bushardt

Topics covered

  • higher education
  • workforce alignment
  • partnerships
  • student outcomes
  • healthcare education

Keywords

  • higher education
  • workforce
  • partnerships
  • student outcomes
  • co-designed programs
  • feedback loops
  • career preparation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Collegis Education

Places: Phoenix

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