The World of Higher Education

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 advancement, and the challenges posed by neoliberalism and neocolonialism to the higher education sector. Simon emphasizes the need for higher education to be oriented towards the common good and discusses the distinctions between public goods and common goods in this context. The conversation explores the differences between higher education systems in the Anglosphere and other parts of the world, as well as the implications of internationalization versus globalization.👉 Episode Links:Global Higher Education in Times of Upheaval: https://www.bloomsbury.com/ca/global-higher-education-in-times-of-upheaval-9781350540064/The World of Higher Education Podcast S3 E1: Higher Education in a Polarized World with Simon Marginson: https://worlded.transistor.fm/episodes/higher-education-in-a-polarized-world-with-simon-marginsonFocus Friday: Sign up to receive our daily newsletter and register for our biweekly webinars for free: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/rU6cAhCHESA Transnational Education Strategy Project: https://higheredstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-25-TNE-Strategy-Project_web.pdf

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 the subsequent decline, as well as potential strategies for institutions to adapt and survive this crisis. The conversation also touches on the political landscape, economic pressures, and the future of higher education. 👉 Episode Links:Peak Higher Ed: How to Survive the Looming Academic Crisis by Bryan AlexanderThe World of Higher Education Podcast S1 E12: Universities on Fire with Bryan AlexanderRegister for free: Focus Friday February 6 | Degree Redesign

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 growth. Discover how Uzbekistan's new leadership and demographic changes sparked a massive overhaul, transforming the country into a burgeoning hub for higher education. Don't miss this in-depth discussion on one of the most extraordinary educational reforms of recent times.

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 Identities in Times of Transition,' discussing the importance of differentiation and authenticity. They explore the challenges and strategies for institutions to adopt distinctive missions, the role of government in encouraging diversity in education, and much more. Tune in to explore the complexities and opportunities of authentic university missions.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:32 Guest Introduction: Frank Ziegele01:45 The Importance of Differentiation in Higher Education02:10 Challenges and Opportunities in University Missions04:17 Spotting Authentic Differentiation05:15 Strategies for Authentic University Profiles07:53 Government's Role in University Differentiation09:12 Examples of Horizontal Differentiation12:01 Implementing Differentiation Strategies14:58 Overcoming Faculty Silos17:47 Pitfalls in Developing Authentic Profiles21:59 Global Perspectives on Differentiation22:22 Reception and Impact of the Book24:33 Conclusion and Farewell👉 Episode Links:Focus Friday: Sign up to receive our daily newsletter and register for our biweekly webinars for freeAuthentic Universities – Effective university identities in times of transition

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-career professionals, blending online and in-person education. Unlike traditional universities, it lacks a senate, does not offer conventional tenure, and operates with significant market orientation due to lower government funding. Philip elaborates on the university's response to financial challenges, initiatives in international education, and the recent opening of a new campus in Langford, aimed at undergraduate programs. He also shares valuable insights on their new transnational education venture in Dubai and strategies to maintain the university's competitiveness and sustainability.👉 Episode Links:Focus Friday: Sign up to receive our daily newsletter and register for our biweekly webinars for free

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 balances public good with market realities, prioritizes inclusive education, and shapes international academic standards.👉 Episode Links:Register for free: Focus Friday November 21 | AI in Action: Real-World Campus Experiments

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 intelligence, international student enrollment trends, state-level DEI policies, and the challenges faced by university leadership. Additionally, they delve into the One Beautiful Bill Act and the Trump administration's higher education compact. Don't miss this comprehensive look into the major developments and challenges in the world of higher education in 2025.👉 Episode Links:Focus Friday: Sign up to receive our daily newsletter and register for our biweekly webinars for free

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 the impacts of U.S. political upheavals, demographic declines, and rising private education in Western Europe. Learn which countries are emerging as bright spots and the fault lines to watch for in 2026.👉 Episode Links:Read the free report: The World of Higher Education — Year in Review 2025 by Higher Education Strategy AssociatesRegister for free: Focus Friday December 5 | What is the Future of Work?

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 impact of policy on scientific research, and the broader implications on public policy. They also delve into the Canadian context, discussing the nation's unique research system and its future direction.👉 Episode Links:Genome CanadaRegister for free: Focus Friday December 5 | What is the Future of Work?

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 from GOHEC's 2024 survey, insights on digital transformation, political interventions, and regional contrasts across the globe. 👉 Episode Links:Global Observatory on Higher Education Changes (GOHEC)Annual Report of GOHEC - Journal of Research and Innovation in Higher Education (JRIHE)Register for free: Focus Friday November 21 | AI in Action: Real-World Campus Experiments

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, and the evolving patterns in various regions. Levy, author of 'A World of Private Higher Education,' shares insights from his latest book, discussing the identity-based, elite/semi-elite, and demand-absorbing categories of private higher education. They also address current trends, surprising growth in Western Europe, and the challenges and dynamics faced by the sector. Tune in to grasp the intricacies of private higher education and its global impact.👉 Episode Links:A World of Private Higher Education by Daniel C. LevyRegister for free: Focus Friday November 21 | AI in Action: Real-World Campus Experiments

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 around university funding, and the potential impact of the white paper's proposals on the future of English higher education. Don't miss this detailed analysis of what lies ahead for UK universities.👉 Episode Links:Post-16 Education and Skills white paperWonkheFocus Friday: November 7 | Register for free

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 origins in the Tang Dynasty, how it influences social mobility, and its role in governance. They also compare the Chinese and American systems of university admissions and explore the future of the Gaokao given China's economic and demographic changes.👉 Episode Links:The Highest Exam: How The Gaokao Shapes China

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 prospects for affirmative action in Brazil's academic landscape.👉 Episode Links:Book: "O impacto das cotas: Duas decadasde acao affirmativano Ensino superior brasileiro"

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 innovative entrepreneurial models, Brown provides a detailed analysis of how these institutions strive to remain sustainable. They explore four primary strategies: Traditional, Pioneer, Network, and Accelerated, and discuss their implications and challenges. Tune in to gain valuable insights on the financial dynamics shaping higher education today.👉 Episode Links:Capitalizing on College: How Higher Education Went from Mission Driven to Margin Obsessed

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 present. Topics include the ideological control from the Kremlin, the international reforms of the Medvedev era, the conservative shift post-2012, the brain drain of faculty, and the recent shift away from the Bologna Process. Future prospects for Russian academia in a post-Putin world are also considered. Don't miss this detailed analysis of a system in flux.

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 conversation digs into methodological aspects, data sources, and the dramatic shift observed post-1960. Together they explore why lower-income students are no longer receiving the same wage benefits from higher education as their wealthier peers, and discuss the policy implications of these findings. Join us for a deep dive into the systemic changes affecting social mobility through higher education.👉 Episode Links:WorldEd 1.18: Admissions, Affirmative Action, and SCOTUSChanges in the College Mobility Pipeline Since 1900

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 opposition to these policies. The episode also delves into the specifics of budget cuts, their effects on faculty and infrastructure, and the potential future of higher education in Argentina as political tensions rise. Join us for an in-depth look at how these economic policies are shaping the country's academic landscape.👉 Episode Links: WorldEd 2.14: Javier Milei and Argentinian Higher Education

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 also delve into the effects of international student caps on housing and rental prices, as well as the impact of wage theft allegations and vice chancellors' high salaries on the social license of universities. Lastly, the discussion touches on the Australian federal election, its unique focus on higher education, and the new Labor government's agenda for the next term.👉 Episode Links:WorldEd 1.1: Australian Universities Accord with Andrew NortonWorldEd 2.24: Australian Universities Accord — One Year Follow Up with Andrew Norton

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.