About the Episode
Got a story to tell? An innovative idea to share? Fill out our guest nomination form and let's chat!
About the Episode: In recent years, the conversation around the value of higher education in the U.S. has intensified, with concerns about the mismatch between curriculum and job market demands, rising tuition, and inefficiencies such as low graduation rates. I'm joined by Dr. Nick Ladany, President of San Francisco Bay University, to explore these unspoken realities of American higher ed. Drawing from his thought-provoking Forbes piece, "What We Never Say Out Loud in Higher Education," Dr. Ladany will shed light on the hidden challenges and hard truths shaping the future of universities.
Key Takeaways
- The need for student-centered models: Higher education must refocus on students over other institutional priorities, such as faculty interests or athletics.
- Faculty accountability: Universities should ensure faculty are trained in teaching and hold them accountable for delivering high-quality education.
- Financial transparency: Institutions need clearer and more accessible financial metrics to foster accountability and support sustainable operations.
- Holistic student support: Offering wraparound services, like mental health counseling and career support, can improve student retention and success rates.
- Innovative curriculum design: Aligning the curriculum with 21st-century skills is essential for preparing students for future job markets and emerging industries.
Episode Summary
What are the main unspoken challenges in American higher education today?
Dr. Nick Ladany shares that many universities have lost sight of their core purpose—serving students. Instead, the focus has shifted to other priorities like athletics, faculty autonomy, and administrative interests. He believes a truly student-centered model could transform higher education by placing the needs of learners at the heart of all decisions. This includes equipping students with relevant skills and giving them access to robust support services. Dr. Ladany is passionate about addressing these structural issues to better meet the educational demands of the modern workforce and society.
How should universities handle faculty accountability?
According to Dr. Ladany, a major challenge in higher ed is that many faculty are not trained in teaching. Unlike other fields, where rigorous training is required for practice, higher education often places instructors in classrooms without pedagogical preparation. He argues that universities should implement transparent faculty evaluation systems, designed collaboratively with faculty, to ensure accountability and recognize teaching excellence. Dr. Ladany also stresses the importance of distinguishing between faculty governance and administrative roles, advocating for clear boundaries and effective faculty training.
What role does financial transparency play in the success of universities?
Dr. Ladany argues that clear financial accountability and transparency are crucial for sustaining higher education institutions. The lack of clear financial metrics leaves many universities vulnerable to mismanagement and even closure. With rising tuition and dwindling student enrollments, he notes that traditional models of budget allocation, like excessive spending on athletics or unnecessary amenities, are unsustainable. Universities must embrace a culture of transparency, where tuition costs align with actual services, helping both students and faculty understand financial realities and ensuring long-term viability.
How is San Francisco Bay University addressing these challenges differently?
Dr. Ladany highlights San Francisco Bay University’s unique approach to addressing these issues through several initiatives. First, they prioritize teaching by providing faculty training and paying competitive salaries, all while emphasizing the need for relationship-building with students. The university’s redesigned core curriculum emphasizes competencies that align with industry demands, preparing students with adaptable skills for evolving careers. Furthermore, SFBU offers wraparound services that go beyond academic support, such as unlimited mental health counseling, nutritional and career support, and a focus on financial literacy. This comprehensive support aims to enhance student retention and success, ultimately creating a sustainable and impactful educational model.
How does SFBU’s approach to faculty-student engagement differ from traditional models?
With class sizes capped at 20, SFBU fosters meaningful faculty-student relationships, which research shows to be a key factor in student retention and success. By ensuring smaller class sizes, the university can better support students’ individual needs and create a more engaging learning environment. Dr. Ladany emphasizes that this model not only enhances the educational experience but also holds faculty accountable for student outcomes, building a culture of mutual responsibility and academic excellence.
Connect With Our Host:
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Mastering the Next 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 The EduData Podcast and Generation AI.
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.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education.
Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.
👉🏻 Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st.
.svg)
.svg)
