In this episode of EDU Unlocked, Ashish Fernando sits down with Michael Brody, Director of University College at Illinois State University, to discuss student exploration, academic advising, the role of AI in higher education, and the leadership philosophy that guides his work.

Michael begins by sharing his unconventional path into higher education. He never envisioned himself becoming a university administrator, in fact, he originally dreamed of being a goalkeeper. His career direction changed after working as a research assistant and later serving in academic advising and residence life roles, where mentors helped shape his professional journey. Through those experiences, he discovered a passion for helping students navigate their college experience and achieve success.

The conversation then turns to one of higher education's most persistent challenges: supporting undecided students. Michael challenges the notion that undecided students are a problem to be solved. Instead, he argues that exploration is an essential part of the college experience. He discusses the increasing pressure students face to choose majors quickly, often driven by concerns about return on investment, and explains why institutions must create opportunities for meaningful exploration and self-discovery.

Ashish and Michael also explore the growing role of AI in academic advising. Michael outlines three core competencies of advising: conceptual, relational, and informational and explains how AI can enhance the informational side of advising by helping students access answers, review degree plans, and prepare for advising conversations. However, he emphasises that technology should create more space for meaningful human interactions, not replace them.

Throughout the discussion, Michael returns to a central theme: students want to know that someone genuinely cares about their success. While AI can improve efficiency, the relationships between students and advisors remain at the heart of effective advising.

The episode concludes with Michael's leadership mantra: "Actions over Outcomes." He explains why focusing on the quality of our actions, our effort, sincerity, and commitment to serving students ultimately matters more than chasing outcomes that may be beyond our control.

In this episode of EDU Unlocked, Ashish Fernando sits down with Kevin Thomas, Vice President of Enrollment Services & Student Success at the University of Central Arkansas, to discuss the growing questions around the value of higher education, student trust, and how institutions can better connect with students and families.

The conversation begins with a striking contrast in public perception: while many Americans believe higher education is heading in the wrong direction, a majority of students still trust their own institutions. Kevin explains that transparency and accountability are critical, and that students are right to expect strong career outcomes and a clear return on investment from higher education.

He also argues that institutions often struggle to tell their story effectively. Universities tend to focus heavily on curriculum and academics, while overlooking the broader student experience, the relationships, support systems, personal growth, and sense of belonging that define college life beyond the classroom.

Kevin reflects on his own journey into higher education, sharing how his passion for helping people and supporting student success shaped his career across residence life, advising, retention, and enrollment leadership. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that care, purpose, and human connection remain central to the work.

The discussion also explores UCA’s efforts to improve affordability and access through scholarship programs for Arkansas families earning under $100,000 annually. Kevin shares how proactive outreach, personalized communication, and financial support helped drive enrollment growth by reaching students who previously believed college was out of reach.

On the role of AI and automation, Kevin sees technology as an opportunity to reduce operational burden across admissions and student support teams, while still preserving the relationships and individualized guidance students value most.

The episode closes with an important insight for enrollment leaders: processes matter, but relationships matter more. Building trust, connection, and individuality is what ultimately shapes the student journey and strengthens institutional impact.

In this episode of EDU Unlocked, Ashish Fernando sits down with Jonathan Koppell, President of Montclair State University, to explore what it really means to expand access to higher education while delivering meaningful outcomes.

Jonathan shares a clear perspective: access alone is not enough. Without an equal commitment to excellence and student success, the mission of higher education remains incomplete. He highlights that access must be paired with outcomes; it falls short of its purpose.

The conversation dives into the broader challenge of opportunity. Jonathan explains that when access to higher education is limited, talent, ambition, and potential across society are left underdeveloped. Creating systems where opportunity is widely available is not just an institutional priority, but a societal one.

He also reflects on the most meaningful part of his role, engaging directly with students. Through experiential learning, internships, and real-world exposure, he highlights the importance of helping students recognize and realize their own potential.

On the relevance of formal education, Jonathan offers a balanced view. While demand remains strong, as seen through record FAFSA completions, he raises important concerns around low completion rates and uneven post-graduation outcomes. He said that institutions should take greater responsibility for student careers and earnings, especially as students increasingly seek purpose and fulfillment in their work.

The conversation also touches on the role of AI, which Jonathan frames as an ongoing period of evolution, signaling both change and opportunity for institutions willing to adapt.

This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on access, accountability, and the evolving role of higher education in shaping student success.