BU Virtual Connects

Boston University Virtual
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education

BU Virtual Connects Hosted by Wendy Colby, Vice President & Associate Provost at Boston University     Welcome to the BU Virtual Connects Podcast.  Here we will explore a diverse range of topics and perspectives that drive value, impact, innovation and transformation in the world of higher education.  You will hear from academic leaders, business executives, entrepreneurs, students and lifelong learners who all share a passion for learning, and for the kind of creative and bold thinking we all need to navigate and succeed in an ever-changing and dynamic landscape.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    BU Virtual Connects — When the World of Work Changes Faster Than the Curriculum

    AI is accelerating changes already underway in higher education—reshaping how students learn, how faculty teach and assess learning, and what it means to be prepared for a career that may span many jobs and continual reinvention. In this conversation, Gates Bryant, Senior Partner at Tyton Partners, discusses what these shifts mean for the future of higher education. Drawing on findings from Tyton Partners’ Time for Class 2026, we discuss the growing importance of real-world experience and human judgment, the need to rethink assessment and better support faculty, and how universities can build stronger connections between learning and work. The conversation also looks beyond the traditional college years to consider a larger question: what role should universities play in helping people continue to learn, adapt, and grow throughout their careers? Gates Bryant Senior Partner Tyton Partners Featured Resource Time for Class 2026: The AI Tipping Point: From Monitoring Students to Engaging Them Tyton Partners’ 2026 Time for Class report examines how higher education is responding to accelerating AI adoption, persistent challenges around student engagement, and growing pressure to prepare students for an AI-shaped workforce. Based on responses from more than 3,000 students, faculty, and administrators across more than 750 U.S. colleges and universities, the report explores a shift from restricting AI toward thoughtfully integrating it into teaching, learning, and assessment. About Our Guest Gates Bryant is a Senior Partner at Tyton Partners, where he co-leads the Center for Higher Education Transformation and advises colleges, universities, companies, foundations, and investors on growth, innovation, student success, and long-term sustainability. His work spans the higher education ecosystem, with particular focus on the changing relationship between education and the workforce, digital learning, institutional transformation, and public-private partnerships. Gates is also a contributing author to Tyton Partners’ Time for Class research and other studies examining the evolving higher education landscape.

  2. Aug 25

    BU Virtual Connects - Preparing Professionals for the Age of AI

    AI is reshaping nearly every profession—but behind the tools and applications is a foundation that matters more than ever: data science. In this conversation, we explore Azer Bestavros’ view that “data science makes AI happen,” why computing and data science are becoming increasingly important across fields, and how universities can prepare professionals with the AI fluency and interdisciplinary perspective needed to succeed in an AI-enabled world.   About Our Guest Azer Bestavros is Associate Provost for Computing & Data Sciences at Boston University and the William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor of Computer Science. A longtime leader in computing and data science, he has played a central role in advancing BU’s interdisciplinary approach to these fields and in establishing the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences. His work reflects a conviction that computing and data science are not simply technical disciplines, but powerful catalysts for discovery, innovation, and transformation across fields. His research and academic leadership span computer systems, data science, and the broader societal and educational implications of computing, with a particular focus on preparing students and professionals to apply these capabilities across disciplines and sectors.

  3. Jun 10

    BU Virtual Connects - AI, Computer Science, and the Skills that Will Matter Most

    AI is changing how we work, build, and solve problems—but some of the most valuable skills remain surprisingly constant. In this conversation, we examine AI's impact on computer science and technical careers, the growing importance of collaboration and communication, and how professionals can continue learning and adapting in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. About our Guest John Byers is Professor of Computer Science at Boston University and Executive Director of the AI Development Accelerator. A computer scientist, educator, and industry leader, he has spent more than two decades teaching, conducting research, and applying data-driven approaches to real-world challenges. His research focuses on data analytics, computer networking, and the study of internet platforms, while his industry experience includes serving as Chief Scientist and a member of the Board of Directors at Cogo Labs, a Cambridge-based startup specializing in online advertising, algorithmic marketing, and data science analytics.

  4. May 27

    BU Virtual Connects - Welcome to Enterprise AI and the Future of Work

    Insightful conversation exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping organizations, leadership, and the workforce. In this episode, we speak with Chris Sedore, Chief Information Officer and Chief Transformation Officer at Boston University, about the organizational changes being impacted by AI, what it means for higher education and enterprise strategy, and how leaders can prepare for a rapidly evolving future of work.

  5. 06/12/2025

    BU Virtual Connects - Lifelong Learning breeds a new focus – Lifetime Learning

    In this episode, Nelson Baker, Ph.D. and interim inaugural dean at the College of Lifetime Learning at Georgia Institute for Technology, talks about what it takes to think differently, innovate and adapt in a changing higher education landscape. By his own admission, he does a lot of listening across various constituent groups, and he likes to ask the “what if” questions.  Tune in to learn more about the work Georgia Tech is doing – both as one of the early pioneers for online-at-scale degrees and now a college of lifetime learning. In his own words: “The life span of a college degree no longer equals the life span of work.”

  6. 06/11/2025

    BU Virtual Connects - From BU Alum to Stanford University – One Leader’s Journey to Extend Life Transforming Education Beyond Silicon Valley

    In this episode, Carissa Little, associate dean for global and online education at Stanford University, began her education journey as an undergraduate at Boston University, and now is a leading voice and collaborator in driving new models and innovative approaches in online education. She talks about what it takes to successfully stand up online units – from course development and marketing to technology. She also contends that the acceleration of technology in teaching and learning will continue to drive change, and she takes pride in thinking carefully about the power of human connection and collaboration. In her own words: “My goal is to have impact on as many people as possible for whatever scale I can muster.” I would love to see higher ed band together more in this time and in this space to partner on that mission. We can do much more together than we can do separately.”

  7. 06/11/2025

    BU Virtual Connects - Global Skills & Education – What It Means to Be Prepared for the Future of Work

    In this episode, Kamran Malik, a former partner at EY, and now a Senior Client Partner at Kornferry based in Dubai, as well as a Managing Partner at a social ventures firm, brings a really unique global and workforce perspective relative to deepening the value and partnership between academia and industry. He believes the conversations are shifting from – what skills do I need to how do I ensure a productive workforce? He has a passion for education – and yet also believes that industry and technology are at a pace that will require higher education to think differently and “in the flow of work.”  While some of his contentions may be considered bold or controversial by many in higher education, it’s a provocative reminder that there are opportunities for universities to help society embrace these changes and be ready for the future. In his own words: “I do think there is a big shift in how people learn – it’s now learning in the flow of life.”

  8. 06/11/2025

    BU Virtual Connects - Inspiring and Empowering Change: What It Takes to Cultivate Leadership and Resiliency in Uncertain Times

    In this episode, Meredith Rosenberg, Co-Founder and Partner at NU Advisory Partners, spends a lot of time working with senior academic and industry leaders – whether that is relative to recruitment, strategic consultation and advisory services, or launching education technology startups. She has a really unique lens when it comes to empowering leaders and assessing talent, and helping organizations and institutions thrive and pivot in times of change. Her own approach to leadership is to manage the predictable and leave space to rise to the unpredictable, and most importantly to live your authentic self and be clear about what matters. In her own words:  “The leaders that I love in the university setting are the ones who think about what is possible, who are aspirational, who think about what is the future, and how do we build that. Those leaders are really the most exciting. They are entrepreneurial. They are innovative. They are creative. They think about what should be done.”

  9. 06/11/2025

    BU Virtual Connects - The Power of Innovative Partnerships – Creating Pathways to Sustainable Success

    In this episode, Karen Markel, a longtime educator and academic leader currently at the College of Business at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, is drawing upon her years of experience in higher education, business and human resources management to drive transformation and to create opportunities for dialogue and exchange across a community of educators.  P3 EDU, which she and her business partner James Sparkman launched a few years ago, is now a vital forum for higher education leaders to learn from one another, and to effectively drive more impact for all.  Throughout her years in academia, she has witnessed the lack of basic business skills in higher education leaders, often experts in their disciplines, but often missing the training or experience in strategic planning, managing budgets, or how to be an effective leader. In her own words: “I think we need to take this moment and say this is an opportunity for us to reshape and rethink what we do.”

  • 9 Episodes

About

BU Virtual Connects Hosted by Wendy Colby, Vice President & Associate Provost at Boston University     Welcome to the BU Virtual Connects Podcast.  Here we will explore a diverse range of topics and perspectives that drive value, impact, innovation and transformation in the world of higher education.  You will hear from academic leaders, business executives, entrepreneurs, students and lifelong learners who all share a passion for learning, and for the kind of creative and bold thinking we all need to navigate and succeed in an ever-changing and dynamic landscape.

Information

  • Creator
    Boston University Virtual
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 BU Virtual Connects
  • Show Website
    BU Virtual Connects