The AI Workforce for Higher Ed is Here |

Talk to a Bolt Agent
EP
343
August 19, 2026
Episode #343: How La Salle University Became the "Comeback College"

How La Salle University Became the "Comeback College"

Or listen on:

About the Episode

In this week’s episode, Dustin speaks with Dr. Daniel Allen, President of La Salle University, about the institution's remarkable turnaround and the leadership principles behind its recognition as the "Comeback College." Rather than chasing flashy higher education trends, Dr. Allen shares how La Salle leaned into its core identity—prioritizing teaching excellence, student success, and a strong sense of community—to reverse enrollment declines and strengthen its financial position.

The conversation also examines how institutional leaders can navigate uncertainty by making disciplined, mission-driven decisions, investing in areas of genuine strength, and resisting the temptation to pursue every new opportunity. Ultimately, Ian provides a compelling reminder that sustainable innovation comes not from becoming everything to everyone, but from becoming the best version of who you already are.

People in this episode

Host

Dustin Ramsdell is a leading content creator and influencer in the Higher EdTech space, and the host of Higher Ed Geek.

Interviewee

Dr. Daniel Allen

President of La Salle University

Other episodes

Pulse Check: What Do We Really Need? — Pt 2Play Button
Pulse Check: What Do We Really Need? — Pt 2

In the second episode of What Do We Really Need, Ologie Marketing Director Erin Fields talks with Jen Johnson, Ologie's Chief Client Officer, about how colleges and universities can determine whether they have a lead-generation problem or a broader enrollment funnel problem.

Ep. 76: Stop Treating Podcasting Like Another Social PlatformPlay Button
Ep. 76: Stop Treating Podcasting Like Another Social Platform

Jenny is joined by Robb Conlon, Founder of Westport Studios, to explore practical advice for higher ed professionals tasked with producing podcasts on limited budgets.

Live at EDUCAUSE 2026: Inside the EdTech Top 40 with Ryan LufkinPlay Button
Live at EDUCAUSE 2026: Inside the EdTech Top 40 with Ryan Lufkin

Dustin speaks with Ryan Lufkin from Instructure, about the inaugural EdTech Top 40: Inside the U.S. Higher Education Digital Learning Stack.

Episode #349: Building a University Strategic Plan That Can AdaptPlay Button
Episode #349: Building a University Strategic Plan That Can Adapt

Tracey Swift, editor-in-chief of Higher Ed Risk Magazine, explores all of this and makes the case for rethinking risk management as a strategic tool for institutional resilience.

Episode 136: Inside the Index Tracking 200K Student PromptsPlay Button
Episode 136: Inside the Index Tracking 200K Student Prompts

Mallory sits down with Granit Doshlaku, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Manaferra, to discuss the findings from Manifera's AI Index, which analyzed 200,000 prompts to reveal how AI search engines recommend institutions.

Weekly ideas that make you smarter

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Subscribe
cancel

Search podcasts, blog posts, people