Professional Development in your Earbuds! News and Views on US Higher Education hosted by Dr. Laura De Veau, higher education strategist and thought leader.
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As the spring semester wraps up, I’m reflecting on both the excitement and anxiety I see on campus-students are either celebrating the last day of class or bracing for finals. This week, I had the privilege of stepping in last minute to speak at a luncheon for the Wily Network (https://thewilynetwork.org/), a remarkable Boston-based nonprofit that supports college students coming ou…
23 Apr 2025
Reengaging with Joy in Student Affairs
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
Podcast Authority Score: 45 / 100
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