Episode 17

Dr. Jennifer Brock shares her journey from theater to sciences, her path into teaching, and the transformative power of dual enrollment in shaping student identity and confidence.

In this episode of the Engaged by Design Podcast, Vernon Smith and Michael Cottam welcome Dr. Jennifer Brock, Executive Vice President of Online Education, Academics, and Services at the Academy of Art University. Jennifer reflects on her journey from musical theater to biology, her passion for teaching, and her pioneering role in dual enrollment. She shares how early opportunities shaped her confidence and how dual enrollment empowers students to see themselves as college-ready.

We also hear about her transition into higher education leadership and her early innovations in program design.

Reflection Question:
How has a teacher, mentor, or early opportunity shaped your confidence and career path?

Affiliate Links:

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb

In part two of our conversation with Dr. Shannon McCarty, Vice President of Learning and Instruction at Calbright College, we shift from Calbright’s mission to the challenges and lessons of leading innovation.

Shannon shares candidly about her leadership journey, the mentors who shaped her path, and the values she carries into her role. She reflects on how authenticity, feedback, and even humor create stronger teams, and why being open and vulnerable is key for leaders navigating change.

Highlights from this episode include:

• How to stay authentic and resilient while leading disruptive innovation.
• The cultural values that guide Calbright’s “small but mighty” team.
• The role of AI in course design, assessment, and tutoring — and why it’s about the right tech at the right time.
• Rethinking general education around “durable skills” like communication, problem solving, and digital literacy.
• Shannon’s vision for the future includes three-year degree models and integrating AI literacy across programs.

Shannon leaves us with a challenge: to know your purpose and let it guide your innovation and leadership.

In this episode of the Engaged by Design podcast, Vernon Smith and Michael Cottam reconnect with their longtime colleague and friend, Dr. Shannon McCarty, Vice President of Learning and Instruction at Calbright College.

Shannon shares her journey from faculty at Rio Salado College to leadership roles at National University and Bay Path University, and now to her work at Calbright — California’s 116th and newest community college. Together, they explore:

• How Calbright’s startup culture is challenging the status quo in higher education.
• The mission to expand equity and access through free, competency-based programs.
• The role of human-centered design and employer partnerships in creating relevant learning.
• Real-world success stories of micro-internships with companies like HubSpot that led directly to jobs.
• How Calbright is rethinking assessment and demonstration of skills to prepare students for the workforce.

Shannon reminds us that meaningful innovation isn’t about adding more technology — it’s about designing around student needs, fostering equity, and keeping the focus on outcomes.

Reflection Question for Listeners:
What lessons can you beg, borrow, or steal from Calbright that might apply to your context and your institution?

Next Episode Teaser:
In part two of our conversation, we’ll go deeper into Calbright’s team culture, the challenges of building something new, and the role of AI in shaping the future of higher education.