EDUP Xcelerated Excellence

Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP

A podcast for the advancement of educational excellence and equity for traditional and non-traditional educational experiences and contexts, across higher education and beyond. The podcast seeks to engage educators, scholars, entrepreneurs, advocates, and policy makers at all levels.

  1. Dr. Terrance McNeil—Elevating the work of HBCU Teacher Preparation with the AACTE HBCU TAG

    4D AGO

    Dr. Terrance McNeil—Elevating the work of HBCU Teacher Preparation with the AACTE HBCU TAG

    Our Guest, Dr. Terrance McNeil, is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Practice and Leadership at Tennessee State University, where he serves as Program Coordinator of the Higher Education Leadership Ed.D. program. With over 20 years of experience in K-12 and higher education, his work centers on equitable educator preparation, leadership development, and expanding access for underrepresented groups.   Dr. McNeil is a Faculty Innovation Fellow at StanfordUniversity and has worked extensively with the National Science Foundation to support underrepresented groups in STEM. As Chair of the AACTE HBCU Topical Action Group and Holmes Scholar Coordinator at TSU, he advocates for equitable teacher preparation and school leadership practices. He is alsochair of the Public Education Committee for the American Bar Association’s State & Local Government Section.   Dr. McNeil was the inaugural recipient of the White House Initiative on HBCUs competitiveness award. In 2025, he washonored as the Higher Education Educator of the Year by the Our HBCUs Matter Foundation for his impactful contributions to education and mentorship.     Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠     Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE.   Resources: EDUP The Experience The Xcelerated Excellence Future Teacher Award https://www.edupxe.com/xcelerated-excellence-future-teacher-award-2025-2026/ EDUP Xcelerated Excellence AACTE HBCU TAG AACTE Holmes Scholars     Greeting:  Dr. Rosa Rivera-McCutchen   Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#XEListeningTour #HBCUs

    58 min
  2. Dr. Taha Duri—Leading Architecture & Design as a Social Tool at American University in the Emirates

    MAY 4

    Dr. Taha Duri—Leading Architecture & Design as a Social Tool at American University in the Emirates

    Our Guest, Dr. Taha Duri, is a figure in the fields of architecture and design. Currently, he serves as the “Dean of the College of Design” at the American University in the Emirates (AUE). He has a rich academic background and extensive professional experience in architecture, interior design, and the built environment.   Professor Duri earned a Ph.D. in Architecture from the Universityof Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in Architecture from Pennsylvania State University.   He has over 20 years of teaching experience across various disciplines including architecture and health sciences. Prior to his current position, he was involved in establishing academic programs in architectural engineering and interior design in the UAE.   As a published author and artist, he has contributed articles to various international journals and has held art exhibitions in major cities like New York, London, and Dubai.   As Dean of the College of Design at the American University in the Emirates, Professor Duri is responsible for curriculum development and academic leadership at the American University in the Emirates, focusing on innovative educational practices in design.   He has provided editorial contributions to notable publications such as the New York Times and Architectural Digest.   Professor Duri continues to engage in artistic projects, with some of his works included in prestigious collections.   Professor Taha Duri is recognized not only for his academic contributions but also for his role in shaping the future ofdesign education in the region. His approach blends architectural theory with practical applications, preparing students for challenges in the contemporary built environment.   Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠     Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE.   Resources: EDUP The Experience The Xcelerated Excellence Future Teacher Award https://www.edupxe.com/xcelerated-excellence-future-teacher-award-2025-2026/ EDUP Xcelerated Excellence     Greeting:  Dr. Rosa Rivera-McCutchen   Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#XEListeningTour

    1h 1m
  3. Dr. Brad Fuster—Championing Innovation in Higher Education at San Francisco Bay University and EDUP Innovation

    APR 26

    Dr. Brad Fuster—Championing Innovation in Higher Education at San Francisco Bay University and EDUP Innovation

    Our Guest, Dr. Brad Fuster, is Provost and Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs at San Francisco Bay University and Host of EdUp Innovation. Brad Fuster has extensive experience in higher education leadership. As a respected music professor and academic leader, Fuster brings deep expertise in academicaffairs, enrollment management, international program management, and technological innovation to SFBU. He has held key leadership positions at SUNY Buffalo State University where he was a Vice President, and at Keuka College (NY), where he served as provost and intermittently as acting president, managing a substantial institutional budget and leading numerous academic campus-wide initiatives.   During his tenure at Keuka College, Fuster led sweeping advancements in experiential learning, new program development, general education revision, international growth strategies, and led a successful Middle States reaffirmation. He significantly improved student retention and success by demonstrating his strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as helped stabilize institutional finances through grantsmanship and innovation.   As an expert in higher education, Fuster has published numerous articles and book chapters and presented at national and international higher education conferences by special invitation. He has wrote about higher education under contract for US News & World Report.     Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠     Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE.   Resources: EDUP The Experience Xcelerated Exellence Future Teacher Award   Greeting:  Anna Young   Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#XEListeningTour

    1h 10m
  4. Prince Johnson—NYTOTY2026: Championing Sustainability, Civics Education, Career and Technical Education (Part 2 of 2)

    APR 18

    Prince Johnson—NYTOTY2026: Championing Sustainability, Civics Education, Career and Technical Education (Part 2 of 2)

    Our Guest, Prince Johnson, a 26-year veteran educator, is the 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year as well as the 2025 Gilder Lehrman New York History Teacher of the Year. A passionate advocate for career and technical education (CTE) and a leader in sustainability, he teaches social studies at Food and Finance High School in New York City and serves on the NYCPS Climate Education Leadership Team.   His drive as an educator was shaped by the injustices he observed while teaching on Rikers Island. Today, he developscross-curricular projects that unite history, culinary arts, and environmental stewardship. He encourages students to apply their skills and voices to create stronger, more equitable communities, always with the goal of empowering every student to realize their full potential.   Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠   Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE.   Resources: EDUP The Experience Food and Finance High School   Greeting:  Anna Young   Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#XEListeningTour

    35 min
  5. Prince Johnson—NYTOTY2026: Championing Sustainability, Civics Education, Career and Technical Education (Part 1of 2)

    APR 6

    Prince Johnson—NYTOTY2026: Championing Sustainability, Civics Education, Career and Technical Education (Part 1of 2)

    Our Guest, Prince Johnson, a 26-year veteran educator, is the 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year as well as the 2025 Gilder Lehrman New York History Teacher of the Year. A passionate advocate for career and technical education (CTE) and a leader in sustainability, he teaches social studies at Food and Finance High School in New York City and serves on the NYCPS Climate Education Leadership Team.   His drive as an educator was shaped by the injustices he observed while teaching on Rikers Island. Today, he develops cross-curricular projects that unite history, culinary arts, and environmental stewardship. He encourages students to apply their skills and voices to create stronger, more equitable communities, always with the goal of empowering every student to realize their full potential.   Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠     Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water.Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE.   Resources: EDUP The Experience   Greeting:  Anna Young   Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #XEListeningTour

    38 min
  6. Xcelerating Excellence Listening Tour

    APR 2 ·  BONUS

    Xcelerating Excellence Listening Tour

    Engage in the hashtag#XEListeningTour. Listen to and reflect on a voice that is often overlooked in your community surrounding educational excellence or equity. Share your perspective via voicemail at edupxe.com.

    1 min
  7. Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace—Leaving a STAMP on Education and Her ATE Presidency (Part 2 of 2)

    MAR 31

    Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace—Leaving a STAMP on Education and Her ATE Presidency (Part 2 of 2)

    Our Guest, Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace, is a tenured Associate Professor/Coordinator of the. Doctoral Program-Educational Leadership for the College of Education at Jackson State University, a Tier II research university, where she presently serves as JSU Faculty Senate President.   Dr. Wallace served as national President 2025-2026 for the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), making history as the first president who is an alumnus of and employed at an HBCU. She is the 5th African American president in the 105-year history of the organization. She travels over the United States as keynote speaker for national conferences, baccalaureate exercises, organizations’ initiatives and others. She will be presenting her research on Critical Race Theory in America in Dublin, Ireland, representing the United States as ATE President.   Wallace is the president of the Capital Area Sunset Rotary Club, where she is a charter member, and is having her second round as president. She is a product of Holmes County and graduated from SV Marshall High School in 1987 as Valedictorian.     Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠     Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE.   Resources: EDUPThe Experience   Greeting: Nicholas Hartlep   Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

    1h 5m
  8. Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace—Leaving a STAMP on Education and Her ATE Presidency (Part 1 of 2)

    MAR 22

    Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace—Leaving a STAMP on Education and Her ATE Presidency (Part 1 of 2)

    Our Guest, Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace, is a tenured Associate Professor/Coordinator of the. Doctoral Program-Educational Leadership for the College of Education at Jackson State University, a Tier II research university, where she presently serves as JSU Faculty Senate President.   Dr. Wallace served as national President 2025-2026 for the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), making history as the first president who is an alumnus of and employed at an HBCU. She is the 5th African American president in the 105-year history of theorganization. She travels over the United States as keynote speaker for national conferences, baccalaureate exercises, organizations’ initiatives and others. She will be presenting her research on Critical Race Theory in America in Dublin, Ireland, representing the United States as ATE President.   Wallace is the president of the Capital Area Sunset Rotary Club, where she is a charter member, and is having her second round as president. She is a product of Holmes County and graduated from SV Marshall High School in 1987 as Valedictorian.     Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠     Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE.   Resources: EDUP The Experience   Greeting: Nicholas Hartlep   Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

    51 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

A podcast for the advancement of educational excellence and equity for traditional and non-traditional educational experiences and contexts, across higher education and beyond. The podcast seeks to engage educators, scholars, entrepreneurs, advocates, and policy makers at all levels.

Information

  • Creator
    Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP
  • Show Website
    EDUP Xcelerated Excellence