”Fac/Staff Lounge” is the go-to podcast for faculty and staff in US higher education. Join Dr. Laura De Veau, a seasoned higher education strategist and thought leader, as she explores pressing issues, trends, and innovations shaping American colleges and universities. With over three decades of experience in student affairs administration, Dr. De Veau brings expert insights and engaging discussions to the forefront of higher education discourse.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with fellow educators, administrators, and industry experts, covering topics such as institutional challenges, professional development, policy changes, and best practices in teaching and leadership. Whether you’re a professor, administrator, or staff member, ”Fac/Staff Lounge” offers valuable perspectives and actionable strategies to navigate the complex landscape of US higher education.
Stay informed, inspired, and connected with your peers as Dr. De Veau unpacks the latest developments in academia, from funding and enrollment trends to equity initiatives and technological advancements. Tune in for thought-provoking discussions that will enhance your understanding of the field and empower you to make a positive impact on your campus and beyond.
In this episode, Laura De Veau speaks with Andrew Pollom, Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of Southern Maine, about rediscovering the joy in student affairs work. Andrew reflects on the challenges of the post-pandemic era and how rereading "Man's Search for Meaning" inspired him to focus on creating a positive and supportive environment for both students and staff. They discuss problem-solving, retention strategies, and the importance of embracing innovation and professional development to reignite passion in the field. Andrew emphasizes the value of celebrating student success and fostering a sense of vocation in higher education.
LINKS
Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-andrew-pollom/
“Man’s Search for Meaning”: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning
More about University of Southern Maine: https://usm.maine.edu/
16 Apr 2025
Organize, Don’t Agonize: Education and Democracy in Crisis
In this conversation, Laura De Veau and Jess O'Connell discuss the intersection of education and politics, focusing on the challenges faced by higher education leaders in today's political climate. They explore the importance of community organizing, the impact of funding on education, and the potential consequences of dismantling the Department of Education. The discussion emphasizes the need for proactive engagement and the role of education in fostering a healthy democracy. In this conversation, Jess O'Connell and Laura De Veau discuss the significant challenges facing young people today, particularly in relation to education and the financial burdens they carry. They explore the despair felt by younger generations, the implications of educational reforms, the importance of data in education, and the need for respect for credentials. The conversation also highlights the necessity of coalition building among higher education leaders to address these issues strategically and effectively.
Key Topics Covered:
The role of education as a cornerstone for a healthy democracy.
The financial and societal consequences of dismantling the Department of Education.
The erosion of trust in educational institutions due to political interference.
The importance of coalition building among higher education leaders for effective advocacy.
Strategies for addressing despair among young people burdened by student loans.
How data integrity and respect for credentials are essential to educational leadership.
The necessity of proactive local engagement to drive systemic change.
Quotes from the Episode:
“Building community is not just important—it’s imperative for effective advocacy.” – Jess O'Connell
“Education should be a hopeful profession that fosters learning, diversity, and opportunity.” – Laura De Veau
Resources Mentioned:
Learn more about Jess: https://www.newcostrategies.com/team/jess-oconnell
National Disability Rights Network on the impact of dismantling the Department of Education: https://www.ndrn.org/resource/ed-eo/
Higher Education Coalition’s community service initiatives: https://www.partnershipstudentsuccess.org/colleges-old/higher-ed-coalition/
NEA’s analysis on Project 2025’s implications for higher education: https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/project-2025-and-higher-education
Connect with Dr. De Veau and Join her in the Fac/Staff Lounge: https://linktr.ee/deveautrain
9 Apr 2025
Mini-ep: Crisis Management with Matthew Colpitts
Laura welcomes Matt Colpitts, the Emergency Preparedness Manager at the University of Washington Bothell. They discuss pertinent issues regarding crisis management in higher education, particularly the challenges posed by political polarization, protests, and large events. Matt emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, cultural competency, and adaptability to evolving student demographics and societal changes. They also underscore the need for higher education institutions to go beyond mere compliance and actively ensure the emotional and physical well-being of their campus communities. The discussion concludes with a resolution for student affairs leaders to push for comprehensive crisis preparedness plans that reflect the diverse needs of modern student populations.
Topics
00:21 Meet Matt Colpitts: Emergency Preparedness Manager
00:57 Current Concerns in Higher Education
01:35 Protests and Security Challenges
02:41 Impact of Global and Domestic Crises
02:58 Strategic Crisis Management
05:26 Polarization and Security Risks
09:25 Generational Differences in Crisis Response
10:47 Adapting Crisis Management to Changing Demographics
13:28 The Importance of Cultural Competency
17:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Podcast Authority Score: 5 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
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9
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
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