About the Episode
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About the Episode:
What does it take to design an institution around students who work full-time, raise kids, serve in the military, or all of the above? In this conversation, National University President Dr. Mark Milliron shares how NU has been built from the ground up to meet the needs of today’s learners—and why that's not a side hustle, it’s the whole hustle. With a laser focus on access, flexibility, and outcomes, Mark lays out a compelling vision for student success that’s as rigorous as it is human-centered.
What defines a modern learner in higher education today?
Modern learners are often “Anders,” a term coined by National University to represent students who are parents and students, working full-time and students, deployed and students. They don’t fit the traditional 18- to 22-year-old model most colleges were built for. These learners are mission-driven and need educational experiences that honor their complex lives — flexible schedules, on-demand learning, career-relevant content, and wraparound support. Milliron notes that the current media portrayal of college students doesn't reflect reality, and institutional leaders must broaden their understanding of who they are serving.
Why is it essential to design for modern learners instead of retrofitting old models?
Mark argues that you can't simply adapt existing structures to fit modern learners. Doing what you’ve always done “at night” doesn’t cut it. Institutions must build flexible, intentional learning experiences — like National University’s one-course-at-a-time model — that allow students to progress while balancing jobs, families, and life’s demands. The key is aligning your policies, technology, and pedagogy with your student profile, not the other way around.
How can institutions better recruit and support modern learners?
Forget billboards and glossy ads — referrals are gold. Mark emphasizes that satisfied students telling their story is the most authentic and effective recruitment strategy. Recruitment strategies should be built on showcasing student success, creating a sense of belonging, and removing friction from the application process. National University’s focus on personalized engagement and curated educational journeys — backed by a network of alumni evangelists — is a testament to this approach.
How do you measure success for modern learners?
National University leverages both traditional and modern performance indicators in education — such as Net Promoter Scores (NPS), deep student engagement (adapted from the NSSE), and career outcomes — to ensure students not only finish but thrive. “Be good to grow,” says Milliron — excellence must come before scale.
What role does AI play in the student experience at National University?
Milliron outlines the university’s “About, With, and Beyond” AI strategy:
- About: Embedding AI literacy in every academic program to ensure students are workforce-ready.
- With: Using AI to enhance internal operations, student support, and teaching practices.
- Beyond: Focusing on durable human skills like ethics, critical thinking, and collaboration to complement AI fluency.
This balanced approach empowers students to harness technology wisely — and keeps faculty on the cutting edge without losing the human touch.
Why is National University labeled an “opportunity university”?
Because of its high access and high earnings model, National University is recognized as a driver of social mobility. Their students — who are often the first in their families to attend college — graduate into meaningful careers. This mission alignment is baked into every decision, from program design to student services.
How should traditional institutions respond to the enrollment cliff?
Instead of panicking over the so-called enrollment cliff, Mark reframes the issue: “It’s not a cliff — it’s a change in composition.” Institutions must start seeing the 40 million Americans with some college and no degree as a vast opportunity. The call to action? Rethink who you’re serving, get crystal clear on your niche, and build for that student — not some outdated archetype.
What’s one piece of advice for higher ed leaders?
“Get crystal clear on the students you're intending to serve and why. Then design your institution — from top to bottom — around that purpose.” Whether that means embracing shorter terms, investing in student success strategies, or adopting AI in higher education, intentionality is everything.
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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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!
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