The World of Higher Education
The World of Higher Education is a podcast dedicated to exploring developments in higher education from a global perspective. Host Alex Usher, of Higher Education Strategy Associates, speaks with a new guest each week from a different country, discussing regional trends and issues. The show is produced by Tiffany MacLennan and Samantha Pufek.
Episodes
The Half-Time Show: Six Months of Global Higher Education
Host Tiffany MacLennan speaks with Alex Usher for a mid-year review of the major trends shaping higher education around the world in 2026. Revisiting themes from HESA’s World of Higher Education Year in Review report, Usher reflects on the growing influence of political interference, financial pressures, artificial intelligence, and shifting global centres of research and innovation.The c
“Not Even as a Doorman”: Politics and Universities in Colombia
Host Alex Usher speaks with Javier Botero about the state of higher education in Colombia as the country heads into a pivotal presidential election. They explore the legacy of President Gustavo Petro, whose government has significantly increased public funding for higher education while continuing to face criticism over institutional finances, funding mechanisms, and its often-tense relat
How China Built a Higher Education Superpower
Host Alex Usher speaks with Gerard Postiglione, one of the leading experts on Chinese higher education, about the dramatic transformation of China’s university system over the past half-century. Drawing on his new book, Higher Education in China, Postiglione reflects on the country’s rise from the upheaval of the Cultural Revolution to becoming a global higher education and research power
The Knowledge Coalition
Host Alex Usher speaks with Marcel Levi, President of the Dutch Research Council and chair of the Netherlands’ Knowledge Coalition, about how the country built one of the world’s most collaborative and knowledge-intensive research ecosystems. Levi explains the origins of the Knowledge Coalition — an alliance of universities, research organizations, employers, and scientific institutions —
How IDP Sees the Next Era of International Education
Host Alex Usher speaks with Christine Wach, Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement at IDP Education, about the evolution of international student mobility and the shifting global higher education market. Wach traces IDP’s origins as an Australian government and university initiative, its transformation into a multinational education services company, and the deve
Universities, Colonialism, and Indigenous Knowledge in Australia
Host Alex Usher speaks with James Waghorne, University Historian at the University of Melbourne and co-editor (with Ross Jones and Marcia Langton) of Dhoombak Goobgoowana, a two-volume work examining Indigenous Australia and the University of Melbourne. Waghorne discusses how the project approaches colonial history through case studies of race science, anthropology, and the harvesting of
Chair to Chancellor: Lessons in Leading Modern Universities
Host Alex Usher speaks with Nicholas Dirks about the realities of university leadership amid financial pressures, political scrutiny, and growing institutional constraints. Drawing on his experience at Columbia and UC Berkeley, Dirks reflects on navigating crises around academic freedom and campus governance, and why meaningful reform in higher education is so difficult to achieve. The co
You Can’t Kill the U.S. Department of Education (But You Can Break It)
Host Alex Usher speaks with Daniel Collier and Michael Kofoed about the uncertain status and evolving role of the U.S. Department of Education under the Trump administration. They unpack why the department still exists despite efforts to dismantle it, and what that reveals about the limits of executive power. The conversation explores key policy shifts around student aid, accreditation, a
Strategic Planning and System Design in Malaysian Higher Education
Host Alex Usher speaks with Chang Da Wan about the evolution of strategic planning in Malaysian higher education, from decades-long national development plans to the newly released Higher Education Blueprint (2026–2035). They explore how a deeply embedded planning culture has shaped the system—and whether it has truly delivered on its ambitions.The conversation examines the blueprint’s st
Branch Campuses, Fake Research, and the Future of Indian Universities
Host Alex Usher speaks with Dr. Pushkar about the shifting landscape of higher education in India. They examine a proposed new centralized regulator, ongoing funding challenges, and the growing divide between top institutions and the rest of the system.The episode also looks at the rise of foreign branch campuses, India’s ambitions in AI education, and concerns about academic quality and
Zombie Universities and the Politics of Survival in South Korean Higher Education
Host Alex Usher speaks with Jisun Jung, Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong, about South Korea’s fast-moving higher education policy landscape amid a steep youth-population decline. They discuss the “Zombie University” law encouraging struggling private institutions to close voluntarily through compensation tied to selling assets, while public universities are pushed to mer
Liberty and Zhi: Chinese and Anglo-American Ideas of the University
Host Alex Usher interviews Dr. Lily Yang (University of Hong Kong) about her book, Higher Education State and Society, comparing Chinese and Anglo-American higher education as distinct cultural worldviews rather than just systems. Yang argues cultural traditions shape how concepts like the person/individual, equity, society, and the public good are understood, and why key ideas do not tra
Why Iranian Students Keep Protesting
In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher speaks with Saeid Golkar, Professor of Political Science at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, about the structure, politics, and recent turmoil within Iran’s higher education system. The conversation explores how Iran built a large but highly centralized university system, the role of elite public institution
Higher Education in Bulgaria: Rankings, Reform, and Demographic Pressures
In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher speaks with Georgi Stoytchev about the structure and future of higher education in Bulgaria.They discuss how the system evolved after the fall of socialism, the role of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences as the country’s main research hub, and Bulgaria’s distinctive national university ranking system, which uses admi
Generation Z and the New Politics of Protest
In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher speaks with Donatella della Porta, Professor of Political Science at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Florence, about the global rise of youth- and Gen Z-led protest movements.From Serbia and Bangladesh to Italy and beyond, they explore why today’s movements are increasingly described as “Gen Z protests” rather than
Higher Education Beyond the Public Good
In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Simon Marginson, Emeritus Professor of Higher Education at Oxford University, to discuss his new book 'Global Higher Education in Times of Upheaval: On Common Goods, Geopolitics and Decolonization.' They cover a range of topics, including the rise of right-wing nationalism, China's scientific advancemen
Higher Education After Its Peak
In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Bryan Alexander, the author of 'Peak Higher Ed: How to Survive the Looming Academic Crisis.' They discuss the challenges facing higher education in the United States including demographic shifts, public skepticism, and the impact of AI on education. Bryan elaborates on the peak of growth around 2012 and
Uzbekistan’s Higher Education Boom
Join Alex Usher on The World of Higher Education Podcast as he dives into the remarkable transformation of Uzbekistan's higher education system over the past decade. Komiljon Karimov, Rector of Westminster International University in Tashkent, shares his unique perspective on the fivefold expansion, the role of foreign universities, and the challenges of maintaining quality amidst rapid g
Authentic Universities: Choosing What Not to Be
Join Alex Usher on The World of Higher Education Podcast as he engages in a compelling discussion with Frank Ziegele, Executive Director of the Center for Higher Education in Germany. They delve into the intricacies of creating authentic missions for universities in a constantly evolving educational landscape. Ziegele sheds light on his book, 'Authentic Universities: Effective University
Royal Roads University: A Canadian University Without Tenure or Senate
In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher discusses the unconventional structure and innovative approaches of Royal Roads University in Greater Victoria, British Columbia, with its President, Philip Steenkamp. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Royal Roads was originally a military college and has since evolved into a unique institution focusing on mid-
What Is UNESCO’s Role in Global Higher Education Today
Join Alex Usher in a compelling interview with Noah Sobe, UNESCO's Chief of Section for Higher Education, as they discuss UNESCO's historic and evolving role in global higher education. Explore the organization's foundational goals post-World War II, its normative and operational functions, and groundbreaking initiatives like the Global Convention on Higher Education. Discover how UNESCO
The Annual Kelchen Review: The Top 10 U.S. Higher Ed Stories in 2025
In the final episode of 2025, host Alex Usher welcomes Robert Kelchen, a recurring favorite guest, to discuss the top 10 issues in American higher education over the past year. They cover a wide array of topics such as state funding for public higher education, efforts to dismantle the US Department of Education, rising athletic spending, DEI and admissions, the impact of artificial intel
Monsters in the System: Alex Usher on the Forces Transforming Higher Ed
Join Tiffany MacLennan on the World of Higher Education Podcast as she interviews Alex Usher, President and CEO of Higher Education Strategy Associates, about their comprehensive report: The World of Higher Education — Year in Review 2025. This episode delves into the major global forces affecting higher education, including politics, demography, technology, and policy neglect. Understand
Funding, Free Riding, and the Future of Canadian Science
Join Alex Usher in the latest episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast as he talks with Rob Annan, President and CEO of Genome Canada. They explore the intertwined relationship of science and economic progress, the role of government in science funding, and the shift toward a more utilitarian approach to research funding. The discussion covers the current state of science, the imp
A Global Observatory for Higher Education Change: What We’re Learning
In this episode, Attila Pausits, Professor of Higher Education Research and Development, delves into the inaugural report by the Global Observatory on Higher Education Changes (GOHEC). Attila sheds light on the latest trends in higher education, the role of AI in research, and the importance of a global perspective in understanding educational transformations. Discover the key findings fr
Inside the Global Private Higher Education Sector with Dan Levy
In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher delves into the complex world of private higher education with Dan Levy, a distinguished professor at SUNY Albany and director of the program for Research in Private Higher Education. They explore the significant variations in private higher education across the globe, the different types of private institutions, an
Does England’s Newest Higher Education White Paper Actually Change Anything?
Join Alex Usher and Debbie McVitty, editor at Wonkhe, as they discuss the recent white paper on post-16 education released by the Labor Party in the UK. The episode delves into the current state of higher education, the financial challenges universities face, and the muted response to the proposed reforms. McVitty outlines the sector's strengths and weaknesses, the political tensions arou
Inside the Gaokao: China’s Defining Test with Ruixue Jia
In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Dr. Ruixue Jia, a professor of economics at UC San Diego and co-author of 'The Highest Exam: How The Gaokao Shapes China.' They discuss the historical and contemporary significance of the Gaokao, China's university entrance exam, and its profound impact on Chinese society. Topics include the exam's orig
Access and Aftermath: What Racial Quotas Changed in Brazil’s Universities with Luiz Augusto Campos
Join Alex Usher and Luiz Augusto Campos on 'The World of Higher Education Podcast' as they delve into Brazil's journey from its history of slavery to addressing racial inequality through fixed numerical admissions quotas in higher education. Discover how these policies have transformed Brazil's public universities, making them more inclusive, and the ongoing challenges and future prospect
Capitalizing on College: Mission, Money, and Survival in Higher Ed with Joshua Travis Brown
In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher delves into the intricate economics of higher education with guest Joshua Travis Brown from Johns Hopkins University. They discuss Brown's new book, 'Capitalizing on College,' which examines how private religious institutions navigate rising costs through various financial strategies. From traditional approaches to
Undoing Bologna: Russia’s Conservative Turn in Higher Education with Dmitry Dubrovsky
In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast with Alex Usher, the discussion focuses on the vast reconfiguration of Russian academic life following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Scholar Dmitry Dubrovsky of Charles University shares insights into the slow-motion collapse of Russian higher education, tracing the changes from the dawn of the Putin era in 2000 to the prese
The Widening Gap: Income, College, and Opportunity with Zachary Bleemer
In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher talks with Zachary Bleemer, Assistant Professor of Economics at Princeton University, about his recent paper co-authored with Sarah Quincy. Their research titled 'Changes in the College Mobility Pipeline Since 1900' reveals that higher education's role as a social elevator ceased to function nearly 80 years ago. The
Crisis or Reform? Higher Education in Milei’s Argentina with Marcelo Rabossi
In this episode of The World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the changes in Argentina's higher education system under President Javier Milei's administration with Marcelo Rabossi from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella. The conversation covers Milei's aggressive measures to reduce government spending, the subsequent impact on public universities, and the growing oppositi
Higher Ed at the Ballot Box: Australia’s Election and the Accord with Andrew Norton
In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher welcomes back Andrew Norton to discuss developments since the drop of the Universities Accord report. They explore changes in student and institutional funding, the introduction of new regulations and a national student ombudsman, and challenges faced by universities due to increasing costs and financial strain. They als
From Funding Formulas to AI: Pedro Teixeira on Higher Education’s Next Challenges
In this episode, Alex Usher speaks with Pedro Teixeira—higher education scholar at the University of Porto and former Portuguese Secretary of State for Higher Education—about reforming university funding, navigating demographic pressures, and preparing for the impact of AI on the future of learning and work.
The Year the Money Ran Out: Global Higher Ed Review
In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, co-producer, Tiffany MacLennan is our host and Alex Usher takes a turn in the question seat. Together, they review the most significant global higher education stories of the year, discussing topics such as the impacts of Trump's policies on international education, massification, the role of private higher education, and the finan
Cut, Coerce, Control: What Trump Is Doing to U.S. Universities
In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher discusses the Trump administration's unprecedented actions against science and universities. Billions of dollars in funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health have been stripped, international students are facing deportation, and low-income students are seeing cuts to loans and gra
Opening January 2026: Inside One of the Biggest University Mergers in Australia
In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the historic merger of two major Australian universities—the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia—set to be completed by January 2026. This merger will form Adelaide University, which will be one of the largest academic institutions in the country. Alex interviews David Lloyd, Vice
Incremental Change or System Overhaul? An Update on Higher Ed Reform in NZ with Roger Smyth
Join Alex Usher in the latest episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast as he discusses the hyperactive state of New Zealand's higher education policy with Roger Smyth, a former senior New Zealand public servant, now a consultant. The episode delves into the recent activities of the University Advisory Group, government decisions affecting institutional frameworks, the controversia
Between Excellence and Relevance: The Regional University Dilemma
In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher is joined by Dr. Romulo Pinheiro, a professor at the University of Agder, Norway. They discuss the evolving role of universities in regional economic development, particularly in peripheral areas. Dr. Pinheiro shares insights on the challenges and strategies for universities in less densely populated regions, their globa
Banking on Human Capital: How RBC Sees the Future of Talent, Innovation, and the Role of Post-Secondary Institutions
Join Alex Usher on the World of Higher Education Podcast as he delves into the future of Canadian higher education amidst economic shifts with guest John Stackhouse, Senior Vice President at the Royal Bank of Canada. The discussion focuses on the necessity for post-secondary education reform, the vital role of human capital, and how universities can better align with evolving labor market
Lean, Global, and Tuition-Free: The University of the People Model
Join host Alex Usher in the World of Higher Education Podcast as he interviews Shai Reshef, Founder and President of University of the People. Discover how this online institution serves 150,000 students across 209 countries with a tuition-free model. Learn the economics behind running a mega online university, the role of technology and volunteers, and how they achieve quality education
Overskilled and Underused? What PIAAC Reveals About the Canadian Workforce
In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher delves into a discussion about the Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) with guest Noel Baldwin, Executive Director of Canada's Future Skills Centre. Baldwin explains the scope and purpose of PIAAC, compares it to PISA, and delves into its implications on policies, particularly how gove
Innovation Without Borders: Galileo’s Networked Approach to Better Higher Education System
In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher talks with Nicolas Badré, Chief Operating Officer of Galileo Global Education, about the rise of private higher education in Europe. They explore the unique business model of Galileo Global Education, its rapid expansion, and its innovative approaches, including leveraging AI for content creation, student experience
“Anything Can Be Done With Anything”: Innovative Universities with Dara Melnyk
In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher delves into the nuances of innovation in universities with guest Dara Melnyk. They discuss the catalysts for innovation in higher education, the required structure and leadership for sustaining innovation, and the global differences in institutional approaches. Dara shares insights from the Innovative University's G
The Learning Centred University with Steven Mintz
In this interview, Alex speaks with Steven Mintz, a renowned scholar and postdoctoral researcher, and author of the book, "The Learning-Centered University: Making College a More Developmental, Transformational, and Equitable Experience" In the following conversation, Mintz discusses what makes a learning-centered university, the benefits of active learning over traditional lectures, and
From Soviet Influence to Market Economy: Mongolia’s Higher Education Journey
In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher interviews Dendev Badarch, a professor at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, about the evolution and current state of higher education in Mongolia. They discuss the historical Soviet influence, the impact of Mongolia's transition to a market economy, the rise of private colleges, and recent legislat
Connecting Universities in a Divided World: International Association of Universities’ Mission
Join Alex Usher in this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast where he chats with Hilligje van 't Land, Secretary General of the International Association of Universities (IAU). They delve into the evolution and role of IAU, challenges of global higher education, and how universities from diverse backgrounds can work together towards common goals. 👉 Episode Links:IAU Webinar Se
Why Boycott? Maya Wind on the Case Against Israeli Universities
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher engages with Maya Wind, postdoctoral scholar at UC Riverside, to discuss her book 'Towers of Ivory and Steel: How Israeli Universities Deny Palestinian Freedom.' Maya Wind discusses the rationale behind the academic boycott of Israeli institutions, the ethical debate surrounding academic involvement in state policie
Students on the Frontlines: The Ongoing Protests in Serbia with Jim Dickinson
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, to discuss the significant role of student movements in Serbian political history. The conversation covers the origins and growth of the current protests, spurred by a tragic incident at a railway station, and their impact on anti-corruption efforts and politic
Data, Decisions, and Disruptions: Inside the World of University Rankings
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Duncan Ross, former Chief Data Officer of Times Higher Education Rankings. Duncan shares his journey from the tech sector to leading university rankings at THE in 2015. He discusses the initial challenges of unifying ranking data, expanding the geographic diversity of rankings, and dealing with methodol
The Great Brain Race, 15 years later with Ben Wildavsky
Join Alex Usher on the World of Higher Education podcast as he revisits 'The Great Brain Race' with author Ben Wildavsky. They explore the book's thesis on globalization in higher education, the trends of student and faculty mobility, and the phenomena of global university rankings and branch campuses. They also discuss the current status of the 'global war for talent' and the impact of g
Colombia's Higher Ed Utopia or Illusion? Insights with Javier Botero
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Javier Botero, a lead consultant at the World Bank and former Vice Minister of Higher Education in Colombia. They delve into the overlooked but significant developments in Colombia's higher education system under President Gustavo Petro. Topics include the implementation of free tuition, student assista
The Governance of European Higher Education: Convergence or Divergence? with Michael Shattock
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher sits down with Michael Shattock to discuss the complexities of university governance across Europe. The discussion covers the fundamental differences between the British, French Napoleonic, and German Humboldtian models, and their practical impacts on the relationship between universities and the state. Michael Shat
Beyond the Rhetoric: Mexico’s Higher Education Reality with Alma Maldonado Maldonado
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher welcomes back Alma Maldonado, an education researcher at CINVESTAV, to discuss the state of higher education in Mexico. The conversation covers the transition from former president AMLO to the new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and the impact of Morena's policies on universities. Topics include budget cuts, the contr
Where Canada lies in Global Trends with Alex Usher
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, Alex Usher discusses global trends and challenges in higher education funding. He outlines systemic issues like slow economic growth, price volatility, and skepticism about the value of higher education, examining how these factors affect countries worldwide. The discussion includes specific insights into the Canadian higher educat
Top 10 U.S. Higher Ed Stories of 2024 with Robert Kelchen
Join Alex Usher and Robert Kelchen as they discuss the top 10 higher education stories in the U.S. for 2024 in this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast. Topics include changes in big-time college athletics, college closures, international student trends, state funding dynamics, political realignment, accreditation issues, diversity, equity and inclusion policies, and the impa
Skilled for the Future: How China is Transforming Vocational Education with Gerard Postiglione
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher explores China's vocational higher education system with Professor Gerard Postiglione from the University of Hong Kong. They discuss the origins of China's vocational education policy, recent successes, and the development of vocational universities. Tune in for insights on the transformation of Chinese tertiary edu
From 36,000 to 12,000: Tracking the Decline in EU Students Post-Brexit with Paul Wakeling
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, we delve into the consequences of Brexit on European students attending UK universities. Host Alex Usher is joined by Paul Wakeling, Professor of Education at the University of York, to discuss the shift in student mobility, financial implications, and broader impacts on UK higher education. They explore not only the dramatic drop
Unrest and Reform: Bangladesh’s Youth Movement and Higher Education with Sharowat Shamin
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, hosted by Alex Usher, we dive deep into the surprising student protests in Bangladesh that shook the government in the summer of last year. The catalyst was a controversial job quota system, but the movement quickly gained momentum against the increasingly authoritarian regime. Joining us to discuss is Sharowat Shaman, an academic
The Lost Potential of Institutional Research: Insights from 'Outsourcing Student Success'
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Joseph Wycoff, author of 'Outsourcing Student Success: The History of Institutional Research and the Future of Higher Education'. They dive into the unique and underappreciated field of institutional research within higher education institutions. Wycoff explores the origins, development, and deprofessio
The University Advisory Group: Reimagining New Zealand’s Higher Ed Future with Chris Whelan
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher speaks with Chris Whelan, Chief Executive of Universities New Zealand, about the country's new University Advisory Group. The discussion covers the challenges facing New Zealand's higher education system, including declining government funding and the impact of COVID-19 on student numbers. Whelan explains the purpos
Utopian Universities: A Global History of the New Campuses of the 1960 with Dr. Miles Taylor
In this episode of 'The World of Higher Education' podcast, Alex Usher speaks with co-editor Miles Taylor about 'Utopian Universities: A Global History of the New Campuses of the 1960s.' They delve into the distinctive characteristics of universities founded during this period, the vision behind their creation, and why these institutions often ended up very different from their founders'
Global Mega-Science: Universities, Research Collaboration, and Knowledge Production with David Baker
Join host Alex Usher in this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast as he interviews Dr. David Baker, coauthor of 'Global Mega-Science: Universities, Research Collaborations, and Knowledge Production.' They delve into the historical transformation of universities into major scientific research hubs, covering the evolution from individual labs to global mega-science collaboration
Dutch Higher Education at a Crossroads with Marijk van der Wende
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the dramatic changes in Dutch higher education funding with Marijk van der Wende, Distinguished Faculty Professor at Utrecht University. They explore the recent election of the Party for Freedom, PVV, and its impact on government priorities, including a significant cut in higher education funding. The dial
Centers for Teaching and Learning with Mary C. Wright
This episode, hosted by Alex Usher, features a discussion with Mary C. Wright from Brown University about Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs) in higher education. Wright, the author of a recent book on CTLs, shares insights from her research on the evolving aims and strategies of these centers across U.S. campuses. The conversation explores CTLs as change agents, advocating for inclu
Building the Future: Inside Qatar Foundation's Vision for Education and Innovation
In this episode, Alex speaks with Francisco Marmolejo about the origins and evolution of the Qatar Foundation, which was established by the royal family of Qatar in 1995. They delve into the unique approach Qatar took by partnering with top international institutions to build a robust education system aimed at transitioning to a knowledge-based economy. Francisco discusses the distributio
What a Second Trump Presidency Could Mean for US Higher Education with Brendan Cantwell
In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the potential effects of a second Trump administration on U.S. higher education with Brendan Cantwell, a Michigan State University professor. The conversation delves into the federal government's role in higher education, potential changes to student financial aid and research funding, and the influence of
Rhetoric and Realities: The Evolution of UK Higher Education with Nick Hillman
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, Alex Usher discusses the financial challenges facing higher education in the UK, focusing on England, with Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute in London. They explore the impact of the Conservative Party's 14-year rule, the policy directions of the new Labour government under Keir Starmer, and what this
Higher Education in a Polarized World with Simon Marginson
Join host Alex Usher and guest Simon Marginson, Emeritus Professor of Higher Education at Oxford University, as they discuss the current state of global higher education in this inaugural episode of Season 3 of the World of Higher Education podcast. They explore which countries are thriving, the implications of geopolitical tensions, the evolving missions of universities worldwide, and th
2.34: Empire of Ideas: Creating the Modern University from Germany to America to China with William C. Kirby
Today's guest, for the final episode of the season, is William C. Kirby, T. M. Chang Professor of China Studies at Harvard University and Spangler Family Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School, and formerly that university’s dean of the faculty of Arts and Sciences. Two years ago he wrote a book called Empire of Ideas: Creating the Modern University for German
2.33: Illiberal Universities
Our guests this week are Andrea Petö from the Central European University in Vienna and Jo-Anne Dillabough of Cambridge University in the UK. These two are collaborators on the UK ESRC project Higher Education, States of Precarity and Conflict in the 'Global North' and 'Global South': UK, Hungary, South Africa, and Turkey and the Horizon Europe project Rising nationalisms, shifting geopol
2.32: 2 Topics, 1 Episode: German Higher Education and U-Multirank
This week's guest is Dr. Gero Federkeil, head of international projects at the Centrum fur Hochschulenwicklung, or Center for Higher Education, in Gütersloh, Germany. He's with us to talk about two totally unrelated topics: the changing profile of university enrolments in Germany, and rankings — specifically U-Multirank.
2.31: Korean Higher Education
Today's guest today is Dr. Jisun Jung of the University of Hong Kong. She is an expert in Korean higher education and the discussion today ranges from the post-war history of higher education to the very real and immanent challenges that institutions are facing with respect to declining enrolment.
2.30: European Universities Association
Today's guest is Thomas Jorgensen, the Director for Policy Coordination and Foresight at the European University Association. He walk us through the way policy is made in Brussels and how European Commission has gradually acquired competencies in areas relevant to higher education.
2.29: Higher Education in China
This week's guest is Dr. Gerard Postiglione, Professor Emeritus and Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Hong Kong. In this episode, Gerry takes us through changes in higher education in China, from the initial opening under Deng Xiaoping, through the rapid system expansion under Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, to the present system under Xi Jinping.
2.28: Culture Wars in American Higher Education
To help sort out all the complexities of the US system, our guest today is Brendan Cantwell, professor at Michigan State University who specializes in the political economy of higher education. He takes us through some of the more notable state-level battles going on right now in America, the difference in how Republicans attack public vs private institutions, and most interestingly of al
2.27: EdTech with Phil Hill
Today my guest is Phil Hill, an ed tech consultant and Lead at Phill Hill and Associates. Today he joins us to talk about the last twenty years and how they have shaped the sector. The conversation ranges pretty widely across a number of topics here, one of the most interesting has to do with the historic role of MOOCs. Alex and Phil agree that they are a historic failure judged by the cl
2.26: Private Higher Education in India
Today's guest is Professor N. V. Varghese, the Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration in New Delhi. He's the co-editor of a recent book entitled India Higher Education Report 2021, Private Higher Education and he's with us today to discuss his book. Two points really stand out. The first is the truly different worlds inhabited by private colle
2.25: Mariupol State University: The Invincible University
Today's guest is Dr. Mykola Trofymenko, the President of Mariupol State University. He agreed to join the show to talk about the events of early 2022, how he steered the institution through the siege and after it, and how the institution, now known as “the Invincible University” came to gain a new home in Kyiv. It’s a harrowing story, but also an inspiring one — and one that gets to the h
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