Rebuilding Trust in Higher Ed's Value

About the Episode: 

This week, Dustin is joined by Eloy Ortiz Oakley, President and CEO of the College Futures Foundation, host of The Rant podcast, and former Chancellor of California Community Colleges. Eloy shares his perspective on the shifting landscape of higher education as it evolves beyond focusing solely on access and completion. Eloy shares his insights on the critical need to rethink higher ed’s role in driving economic mobility, especially for underserved students. He also dives into how higher education can create more opportunities for more students to achieve real-world outcomes in a skills-based economy. Finally, Eloy offers practical advice for higher ed leaders on staying authentic and student-centric in their approach.

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Key Takeaways

• The Future of Higher Education is Skills-Based: A shift toward focusing on skills acquisition, beyond traditional degree completion, is crucial for student success in today’s economy.
• Economic Mobility Must be Prioritized: Higher education should not only provide access but also guarantee a tangible return on investment for students, particularly low-income and first-generation learners.
• Collaboration Across Sectors is Key: Higher education institutions, non-profits, and for-profit universities need to work together to provide diverse and innovative solutions for student success.

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Episode Summary

What is the current focus of College Futures Foundation?

‍Eloy Ortiz Oakley explains that the College Futures Foundation is focused on ensuring that underserved students in California can access not only higher education but also the economic mobility that should follow. The foundation works to influence policy, provide information, and support learners in gaining skills that lead to sustainable career success. Oakley emphasizes that it’s not just about getting a degree but ensuring that students receive a return on their investment.

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How can higher education institutions better prepare students for a skills-based economy?

‍The conversation highlights the need for higher education to evolve, emphasizing the importance of building relevant skills into curricula. Eloy shares how institutions should balance the broader benefits of higher education, such as personal development and critical thinking, with practical certifications and job-readiness skills. Universities should help students complete degrees but also prioritize outcomes that lead to job market success.

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What role does the federal government play in higher education?

‍Eloy draws on his experience advising Secretary Cardona in the Biden administration to discuss the federal government’s role in funding higher education. The Pell Grant and student loan programs are critical, but the system is far from perfect. Eloy stresses that the federal government should focus on making higher education affordable and holding institutions accountable for student outcomes, particularly for first-generation and low-income students.

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What advice does Eloy give to higher ed leaders?

‍Eloy encourages leaders to remain authentic, keep students at the center of every decision, and focus on their institution’s mission. He warns against getting caught up in the prestige race and urges leaders to embrace their unique strengths and student populations.This episode is full of actionable insights for higher education leaders, policy influencers, and anyone interested in making higher education more accessible and valuable for all students.

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About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell‍

https://twitter.com/HigherEd_Geek

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and  I Wanna Work There. 

Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

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Element451 is hosting the AI Engage Summit on Oct 29 and 30. Register now for this free, virtual event.The future of higher ed is being redefined by the transformative power of AI. The AI Engage Summit brings together higher ed leaders,  innovators, and many of your favorite Enrollify creators to explore AI’s impact on student engagement, enrollment marketing, and institutional success.

Experience firsthand how AI is improving content personalization at scale, impacting strategic decision-making, and intuitively automating the mundane tasks that consume our time. The schedule is packed with real examples and case studies, so you leave knowing how to harness AI to drive meaningful change at your institution.

Whether you’re looking to enhance student outcomes, optimize enrollment marketing, or simply stay ahead of the curve, the AI Engage Summit is your gateway to the next level of higher education innovation. Registration is free, save your spot today.