The Innovating Together Podcast

What does student success really look like after high school? In this episode of Start the Week with Wisdom, Bridget Burns and Sarah Custer sit down with Melissa Connolly, CEO of OneGoal, to talk about college access, postsecondary success, multiple pathways, student advising, first-generation leadership, and why the old “college or bust” mindset no longer fits the lives of today’s students.Melissa shares how OneGoal is helping young people prepare for life after high school through stronger advising, real-world pathways, and a student-centered approach that honors each learner’s goals. She also opens up about her own journey from being placed in a truancy program to becoming a first-generation college graduate and national education leader. This conversation is for higher education leaders, K-12 educators, nonprofit leaders, student success professionals, funders, advisors, and anyone working to close equity gaps and help students persist, graduate, and thrive.If you care about college completion, career pathways, education equity, student engagement, chronic absenteeism, leadership, or building systems that actually work for young people, this conversation offers a practical and deeply human look at what needs to change.Highlights:→ Melissa Connolly explains why students need multiple pathways after high school, not a narrow “bachelor’s degree or bust” model, and how OneGoal is helping schools and districts build stronger advising systems.→ The conversation explores how students define success for themselves, why higher education must listen more closely to student goals, and how career preparation, credentials, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and workforce pathways can work together.→ Melissa shares her personal story as a first-generation college graduate who began high school in a truancy program, and how one social worker helped her see a future worth fighting for.→ You’ll also hear Melissa’s leadership philosophy, including how motherhood shaped her values of being kind, being honest, and working hard, and why simple, human-centered leadership can transform organizations.Learn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

How do you lead when the rules keep changing, and you’re not even on the field? That’s the question this week as Start the Week with Wisdom welcomes Rob Anderson, President of SHEEO (State Higher Education Executive Officers Association). In a moment where campus leaders face overwhelming complexity, Rob opens a window into the headspace of the often-misunderstood university system leader, those working behind the scenes to bridge policy, politics, and student outcomes.Hosts Bridget Burns (University Innovation Alliance) and Sarah Custer (Inside Higher Ed) sit down with Rob for a deeply human and surprisingly personal conversation. From his time at a military college to pursuing seminary, serving at a small faith-based college, and ultimately stepping into state policy leadership, Rob shares what drew him into a life of service and leadership, and how he's managed to stay grounded through it all.They talk about:The disconnect between campus and system leaders, and how to close the gapWhat most people get wrong about higher ed policy workHow empathy and humility shape real leadershipWhy taking things personally is a fast track to burnoutHow system leaders protect campuses more than they’re given credit forTakeaways:Seminary training can shape policy leadership in powerful, unexpected ways.System leaders are not “the cops”, they’re often the shield.Collaboration between campus and system is essential for student success.Don’t underestimate the quiet strength in not taking yourself too seriously.Today’s leaders must “collabicate”, collaborate + communicate with empathy.“I try not to take myself too seriously, but understand what I do contribute.” - Rob Anderson If this conversation reshaped how you see higher ed leadership, share this episode with a colleague, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a dose of wisdom.Learn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Is higher ed still worth it, and who decides what’s valuable? In an era of AI disruption, value skepticism, and demographic cliffhangers, college leaders face mounting pressure from every angle. In this week’s episode of The Innovating Together Podcast, President Harrison Keller of the University of North Texas brings grounded, energizing clarity to the whirlwind. With roots in philosophy, public policy, and military intelligence, Keller offers a rare and practical kind of wisdom, one rooted in action, trust, and long-term vision.We dive into Keller’s leadership journey from commissioner of higher ed in Texas to university president, uncovering how his undergraduate studies in philosophy still shape his leadership. From debating the ROI of liberal arts to building actionable intelligence networks between campuses and employers, Keller shares how he's staying focused on delivering value, no matter how chaotic the moment gets.This conversation is packed with practical leadership insights, reminders of what really matters, and a hopeful perspective for anyone feeling the headwinds of change.Key Takeaways:Liberal arts degrees, while slower to pay off, still offer high long-term value, especially when paired with career-focused experiences.True leadership requires offering people something they can be for, not just resisting what's wrong.Intelligence work taught Keller how to turn data into actionable insights, and why dashboards alone don’t drive change.Institutions must collaborate across sectors to keep pace with AI’s rapid evolution.Joy is non-negotiable: whether it’s time with students or marching band rehearsals, leaders must schedule moments that renew them. "You’ve got to give people something they can be for." - Harrison KellerDon’t miss this one.Subscribe to Start the Week with Wisdom, share it with a fellow leader, or take five minutes to journal your own “North Star”, what keeps you grounded when everything feels like it’s coming from all directions?Learn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

In this episode of the Innovating Together podcast, host Bridget Burns welcomes Dr. Carole Basile, Dean of Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton College of Teaching and Learning Innovation. Together, they dive deep into education innovation, structural change in teacher preparation, and the bold reimagining of the K–12 and higher education workforce.Dr. Basile’s fresh approach centers on a groundbreaking premise: the average student or teacher no longer exists, so why are our systems still designed for “average”? Instead of tweaking curriculum or offering surface-level professional development, her team is working to completely redesign school structures based on variance, strengths-based staffing, and collaborative educator teams. She explains how the outdated “one teacher, one classroom” model is being replaced by dynamic, team-based configurations that align with the unique strengths of educators and the individual needs of students.Key insights from this episode:Personalized learning requires a shift in structure, not just contentWorkforce development in education is about strategic team design, not just hiringAI and technology are tools to empower educators and personalize education, not replace themTeacher satisfaction, retention, and student success increase in structurally innovative modelsTrue innovation starts with permission to change and the courage to move with the willingDr. Basile also shares the real impact of this model, now implemented in over 150 schools across 17 states, reaching more than 27,000 students, and how it’s transforming both student outcomes and educator morale.“When we build teams around real expertise, everyone wins—students and teachers alike.”If this episode sparked a new vision for your institution or school system, share it with a colleague, and visit Mainstay.com to explore research-backed retention tools that are shaping the future of student engagement.Learn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

Recorded live at the ASU GSV Summit in San Diego, this episode of The Disagreement Podcast tackles the pressing question: Is college still worth it? Host Alex Grodd moderates a dynamic debate between higher education experts Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, and Ryan Craig, Managing Director at Achieve Partners and author of Apprentice Nation. Together, they unpack whether the traditional college model delivers economic and societal value in today’s economy, or if shorter, skills-based alternatives like apprenticeships offer a better path. The discussion dives into ROI, workforce readiness, and the need for institutional reform, with Burns defending college’s broader societal benefits and Craig advocating for "earn and learn" pathways to address employability gaps.With sharp insights, personal anecdotes, and a candid exchange of ideas, this episode challenges assumptions about higher education’s role in a rapidly changing world. From the alarming statistic that only a quarter of college matriculants achieve their desired job outcomes to the call for integrating work-based learning into curricula, Burns and Craig offer compelling perspectives. A lively “steel man” exercise caps the debate, showcasing their ability to articulate each other’s arguments. This episode is a must-listen for parents, students, and educators grappling with the future of post-secondary education.Key Takeaways:College’s economic ROI is under scrutiny, with nearly half of students not completing degrees and over half of graduates underemployed.Societal benefits of college, like critical thinking and civic engagement, remain vital but must be balanced with better employment outcomes.Apprenticeships and work-based learning offer viable alternatives, though they may limit long-term career flexibility.Higher education needs reform to align curricula with workforce demands, especially in the AI-driven economy.The debate highlights the need for diverse, adaptable educational pathways rather than a one-size-fits-all model.“College is not a monolith, and it is a very individual choice, and we have to do a far better job actually helping people be successful with it.” – Dr. Bridget BurnsLearn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

In this episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, host Bridget Burns spotlights one of the most inspiring leadership journeys in the University Innovation Alliance’s history: Dr. Ryan Goodwin. A member of the UIA’s inaugural Fellows cohort, Dr. Goodwin reflects on his evolution from a fresh post-grad working out of a closet office at UCF to now serving as Senior Assistant Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff in UCF’s largest division.Listeners will hear how the UIA Fellows Program laid the foundation for Dr. Goodwin’s extraordinary career: shaping policy, leading advising reform, and helping UCF make student success its top strategic priority. His story illustrates the power of believing in people early, investing in collaboration, and the transformative impact of empowering others to lead. From pioneering one of the largest advising reforms in the country to cutting student-to-coach ratios in half and dramatically improving graduation rates, this conversation highlights how incremental, daily efforts can create breakthroughs.Key Takeaways:Great change comes from consistent small steps, not one-time innovations.Investing in early-career professionals unlocks scalable, long-term impact.UIA’s Fellows Program is a powerful pipeline for future higher ed leaders.Cross-functional collaboration and bold risk-taking are essential to institutional transformation.Student success isn’t a strategy, it’s a culture.“Transformation isn’t a single stroke of genius. It’s the daily intentional efforts to drive forward, to innovate, and to uplift those around you.” — Dr. Ryan GoodwinLearn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.

In this episode of the Innovating Together Podcast, host Bridget Burns sits down with Dr. Toyia Younger of Iowa State University to shine a spotlight on one of the most overlooked drivers of social mobility in higher education: transfer student success. Dr. Younger, a national thought leader and passionate advocate for transfer students, shares her personal journey; from her early days as Director of Student Activities at a community college to becoming a national voice for reform through her work with the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS).This episode revisits her riveting Ed Talk from the UIA National Summit, a session that sparked vital conversations about why higher ed must prioritize transfer pathways if we truly care about equity and mobility. Dr. Younger recounts the lessons she learned working alongside students who shattered outdated stereotypes about community colleges, and she calls out institutions for the glaring disparities in resources and support between first-time freshmen and transfer students. With humor, candor, and clarity, she challenges leaders to stop paying lip service and start implementing real, systemic change.You’ll learn:We can’t talk about social mobility without addressing transfer success.Institutional inequities in support and resources for transfer students are unacceptable.Authentic commitment means scaling programs, funding, and services proportionately.The power of collaboration and transparency—we must share what works.Transfer work is not optional for any institution serious about student success.This episode is a rallying cry: whether you're a policymaker, administrator, or practitioner, it’s time to take action. Listen now and commit to transforming how your institution supports transfer students because together, we go farther.“Don’t tell me you’re committed to transfer students if you have two people doing transfer at an institution with 30,000 students.”Learn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click Mainstay.

Learn more about the UIA by visiting:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis week's episode is sponsored by Mainstay, a student retention and engagement tool where you can increase student and staff engagement with the only platform consistently proven to boost engagement, retention, and wellbeing. To learn more about Mainstay, click here.