The Rant Podcast

<p>A bi-weekly podcast focused on pulling back the curtain on the American higher education system and breaking down the people, the policies and the politics. The podcast host, Eloy Ortiz Oakley, is a known innovator and leader in higher education. The podcast will not pull any punches as it delves into tough questions about the culture, politics and policies of our higher education system. </p>

The Post 2024 Election Rant

Send us a textUnlock the key to higher education's future as we dissect the post-2024 election landscape with me, Eloy Ortiz-Oakley, on the Rant Podcast. This episode promises to unravel the pressing demand for transparency and career alignment within the education sector, highlighting the vital shifts needed to match academic offerings with the economic ambitions of today's students. We'll explore the electorate's clear message: economic mobility and opportunity are paramount, and educationa...

11-26
10:19

Innovation in Professional Degree Programs with Andy Vaughn

Send us a textDiscover the transformative journey of Alliant International University with insights from Andy Vaughn, its President and CEO, as he unveils the institution's strategic focus on professional practice degrees in mental health, nursing, and teaching, all designed for state licensure. Andy shares the university’s storied legacy of inclusivity and social justice, along with its evolution into a top provider of licensed clinical psychologists in the U.S. Since 2015, Alliant has honed...

11-12
30:35

Designing a University for Working Learners

Send us a textWhat if the future of higher education doesn't lie in reinventing the wheel, but in reimagining who the wheel serves? Join me for an insightful conversation with Dr. Lisa Vollendorf, president of Empire State University, where we tackle this compelling question head-on. As a trailblazer in the SUNY system, Dr. Vollendorf shares how Empire State is setting new standards for online education, creating a flexible and inclusive learning environment for students aged 15 to 80. We she...

10-29
34:53

College Programs That Pay with Michael Itzkowitz

Send us a textCan higher education be the key to economic mobility for low and moderate-income learners in California? In our latest episode, we welcome back Michael Itzkowitz from the HEA Group to delve into this pressing question. Uncover the surprising findings of his latest report with the College Futures Foundation, "California Programs that Pay: Measuring Return on Investment Across Majors and Credentials." Discover how an impressive 88% of college programs in California allow students ...

10-15
24:46

Reimagining Teacher Education with Dr. Mallory Palish

Send us a textDiscover a groundbreaking approach to teacher education as Dr. Mallory Palish, former chancellor of REACH University and CEO of Craft Education, unveils her innovative solutions to the pressing challenges in academia. This episode promises to enlighten listeners on how REACH University’s apprenticeship model is bridging the gap between higher education and the teacher labor market. Learn how this model enables future educators to earn their degrees through a combination of eveni...

10-01
35:12

Reforming Prison Education with Scott Budnick

Send us a textHollywood film producer Scott Budnick, known for blockbusters like the Hangover Trilogy and Just Mercy, shares his journey from making hits to transforming lives through prison reform. What triggered a successful Hollywood producer to dedicate his life to mentoring incarcerated youth? Scott reveals the heart-wrenching encounters that steered him down this path and how his collaborations, including introducing Kim Kardashian to prison reform, have amplified his impact.Education c...

09-17
31:09

Supporting Student Success and Overcoming Setbacks with Tim Storey

Send us a textWhat if setbacks could actually fuel your success? This week on The Rant Podcast, we kick off season three with the extraordinary Tim Storey, a global thought leader and life strategist known for his transformative impact. We unravel the complexities of the mental health crisis in higher education and provide valuable insights for college students navigating obstacles. Tim underscores the significance of community and partnership, warning against the pitfalls of isolation. Plus,...

09-03
35:55

Insights on Leadership and Innovation from Paul LeBlanc

Send us a textWhat does it take to lead a university through two decades of transformative change? Join us as Paul LeBlanc, the former president of Southern New Hampshire University, unpacks his remarkable 21-year tenure. Recorded at the ASU GSV Summit in San Diego, Paul opens up about his decision to step down, the growth of SNHU under his leadership, and his vision for the future. You'll learn why timing and leaving an institution in a robust position are crucial for any leader considering ...

07-02
31:10

Exploring AI and Cloud in Higher Education with Laura Ipsen, CEO of Ellucian

Send us a textWhat if the future of higher education is already here, driven by cutting-edge technology and strategic innovation? In this episode, we sit down with Laura Ipsen, CEO of Ellucian, live from the bustling ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego. Laura provides a front-row seat to the pivotal conversations reshaping higher education. From the integration of AI to enhance learning outcomes and streamline administrative tasks to the importance of digital transformation, community interaction, an...

06-18
23:09

Talking Innovation in Higher Education with Michael Crow, President of ASU

Send us a textPrepare to unlock the future of higher education as we sit down with Dr. Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University, at the 14th ASU+GSV Summit. Discover how pioneering technologies, especially artificial intelligence, are revolutionizing the learning landscape. With two decades at the helm of ASU, Dr. Crow shares his insights on democratizing education and using tech to expand classroom boundaries. Whether you're an educator, student, or tech enthusiast, this conversat...

06-04
36:22

Measuring Value in California Higher Education with Michael Itzkowitz, HEA Group

Send us a textGet behind the data and value of higher education as I engage in a focused conversation with Michael Itzkowitz of the HEA Group. Together, we dissect the College Futures Foundation commissioned "Golden Opportunities" report, delving into the intricacies of California's higher education investments and what they mean for students from low-to-moderate-income economic backgrounds. You'll emerge from this episode with a nuanced understanding of how data is revolutionizing both the t...

05-21
42:58

Engaging Lost Learners with Terah Crews, CEO of ReUP Education

Send us a textUnlock the full potential within the millions of Americans who have stepped away from higher education. Join the conversation with Tara Crews, the CEO of ReUp Education, as we dissect the multifaceted hurdles that keep 41 million working learners from completing their degrees. This episode isn't just about understanding the barriers; it's about forging pathways to reengagement and success. We're peeling back the layers of financial strain, time poverty, and the longing for...

05-07
30:22

Reshaping Higher Education: A Deep Dive with Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Academic Partnerships

Send us a textUnlock the potential of online education as Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Academic Partnerships, joins us to reveal how his company is helping regional universities reach more learners through online programs. This episode promises a deep exploration into how AP is broadening access to affordable, career-centric programs, especially in vital sectors like nursing and education. We dissect the online program management (OPM) industry and its pivotal role in supporting regional univer...

04-23
34:36

Federal Funding for Workforce Training with Matt Gandal

Send us a textPrepare to navigate the latest currents in workforce development as I, Eloy Ortiz Oakley, team up with Matt Gandal of Education Strategy Group to dissect the monumental federal funding flow reshaping education and job training. The CHIPS Act and the Infrastructure Act are more than economic boosters; they are the architects of a skilled workforce for future jobs. We'll discuss the vital role played by states in harnessing these funds, with a spotlight on the innovative strategie...

04-09
31:50

Short-Term Pell & The ASU+GSV AIR Show

Send us a textListen to this episode to unlock the future of education and workforce development with me, Eloy Ortiz Oakley, as we explore a groundbreaking bipartisan initiative that could transform the Pell Grant program. This isn't just another policy discussion; it's a glimpse into an educational revolution where short-term credentials are poised to redefine our approach to upskilling and reskilling America's workforce. I'll guide you through the complexities and potential of this legislat...

03-26
15:03

Redefining Higher Education and Workforce Skills - A Conversation with Ajita Menon, CEO of Calbright College

Send us a textSummary:Embark on a captivating journey with esteemed guest Ajita Talwalkar Menon, the trailblazing President and CEO of Calbright College, as she shares her inspiring educational odyssey on this episode of our podcast. Ajita's personal story as a student organizer and her influential role within the Obama administration make her insights on equity and innovation in higher education truly riveting. Join us as we discuss Calbright College's remarkable growth, the seismic shift to...

03-12
40:13

Pushing Back on the NY Times & More Truths about the SAT, Grade Inflation & College Admissions

Send us a textPrepare to have your assumptions about standardized testing turned on their head as Eloy Ortiz Oakley digs into the heart of the SAT debate with insights from Jon Boeckenstedt and Akil Bello. This riveting discussion slices through the veil of media advocacy for high-stakes exams, revealing potential biases and the untold stories behind the statistics. As we pick apart a recent New York Times piece by David Leonhardt, the episode raises questions about the College Board's influe...

02-27
41:16

Transforming Education Finance: A Conversation with Secretary Miguel Cardona on Student Debt Solutions

Send us a textEmbark on a transformative journey with the 12th Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, as we traverse his remarkable path from the classrooms of Connecticut to the summit of educational policy. Our conversation uncovers the tidal waves of change he's championed, including the revamp of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the battle against the for-profit education sector's predatory tactics. With over $136 billion in student debt erased, a new dawn has arrived ...

02-13
15:15

New Sponsors, More Rants

Send us a textIn this episode I reflect on our recent topics and guests and thank our audience for continuing to tune in. I also announce our new, founding sponsors, Arizona State University, ReUp, OpenClassrooms and Ellucian. We are proud to partner with these sponsors and their support will ensure that we continue to cover important topics and find great guests. Finally, I talk about what our audience can expect in the coming episodes. www.4leggedmedia.com

02-09
05:39

Black Learners in America - A Conversation with Zakiya Smith Ellis & Michael Sorrell

Send us a textIn this episode I dive into the state of black learners in America and the very troubling trends in their enrollment and completion that undermine our nations economic strength. I talk with two great leaders who are working to improve the how higher education leaders and policymakers value and support black learners and create greater economic value through a great post-secondary experience. Zakiya Ellis Smith is the Principal at EducationCounsel and Michael Sorrell is the Presi...

01-30
46:18

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