Engaged By Design

Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Vernon Smith
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Exploring innovation trends in learning, design, leadership, and change management in higher education. Experienced, successful leaders who have been there, done that, and own the t-shirt share perspectives and lessons learned from more than two decades of online learning and student success.Other Podcast Providers:Amazon: https://www.audible.com/podcast/Engaged-By-Design/B0DB9GZV7F?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdpiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-engaged-by-design-283650488/Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/engaged-by-design-6102170

  1. 3d ago

    Leading Faculty Through Change with Dr. Kimberly Jacobs (Part 2)

    How do you help educators adapt, grow, and thrive in a rapidly changing world? In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Kimberly Jacobs, we explore lessons learned from decades of faculty development, leadership, and change management. Kim shares insights from her work leading the Center for Teaching and Learning at American Public University System, where she supported thousands of faculty members as they developed new teaching practices, adopted emerging technologies, and improved student engagement. The conversation also explores coaching, professional development, AI, online learning, and the ongoing challenge of helping educators embrace change while remaining focused on student success. In this episode:  Why great subject matter experts aren't always trained teachers  The importance of learning methodology and adult learning theory  Coaching versus telling in faculty development  Building effective professional development programs  Faculty readiness for AI and emerging technologies  Lessons learned from large-scale change initiatives  Rethinking general education for modern learners  Why meaningful learning happens one person at a time Key Takeaway Effective educational leadership isn't about changing everyone at once. It's about building relationships, creating opportunities for growth, and helping each learner move forward from where they are today. #highereducation #facultydevelopment #leadership #onlinelearning #artificialintelligence #changemanagement #engagedbydesign Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    Leading Faculty Through Change with Dr. Kimberly Jacobs (Part 2)

  2. Jul 21

    The Heart of a Teacher: Dr. Kim Jacobs' Journey Through Education (Part 1)

    What does a lifetime devoted to teaching look like? In Part 1 of our conversation with Dr. Kimberly Jacobs, we explore her remarkable journey from aspiring classroom teacher to one of the pioneers of online higher education. Kim reflects on her early days helping build courses for a young American Military University, her passion for working with adult learners, and the experiences that shaped her leadership in faculty development. We also discuss her current work as a literacy volunteer in rural Virginia, where she's helping first-grade students develop reading skills and confidence. Along the way, Kim shares powerful insights about learning, service, and the joy of helping individuals discover their potential. In this episode:  Kim's path into higher education and online learning  Building courses during the early days of online education  Why she loves working with beginning learners  The connection between literacy and lifelong success  Volunteering with first-grade readers in her local community  Lessons from a career spent helping others learn and grow Key Takeaway Transformation happens one learner at a time. Whether working with first graders or adult students, meaningful education begins with meeting people where they are and helping them take the next step forward. #highereducation #onlinelearning #literacy #leadership #facultydevelopment #engagedbydesign Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    The Heart of a Teacher: Dr. Kim Jacobs' Journey Through Education (Part 1)

  3. Jul 14

    Human Leadership in an AI World: Why It Matters More Than Ever with Jenny Douglas (Part 3)

    As technology accelerates, what becomes more important, not less, in leadership? In this final part of our conversation with Dr. Jennifer Douglas, we explore the human side of leadership in a rapidly changing, AI-driven world. Jenny helps us uncover the hidden patterns that hold leaders back, especially high achievers who appear successful on the outside but feel stuck or isolated internally. From the belief that “I’m not enough” to the loneliness that often comes with leadership, this conversation brings those challenges into the open. We also take a clear-eyed look at AI in leadership—where it helps, where it falls short, and why human judgment and connection still matter deeply. In this episode, we discuss: The hidden beliefs that drive overwork, burnout, and self-doubtWhy leadership can feel isolating, and how to build real supportHow unconscious patterns shape decisions and behaviorA real example of how AI can create dehumanizing experiencesThe limits of AI in decision-making and meaning-makingWhy “human-in-the-loop” leadership is essentialHow leaders can thoughtfully adopt AI without losing their valuesWe close with a powerful reminder:  People engage more deeply when they can connect learning to their own story. Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    Human Leadership in an AI World: Why It Matters More Than Ever with Jenny Douglas (Part 3)

  4. Jul 7

    20 Apps Running in the Background: Managing Stress as a Leader - with Jenny Douglas (Part 2)

    What if the biggest challenge in leadership isn’t strategy, but managing yourself? In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Jennifer Douglas, we shift from external leadership skills to the internal work that makes great leadership possible. Jenny shares why so many high-performing leaders struggle under pressure—and what’s often missing from traditional leadership development. The answer isn’t more frameworks. It’s learning how to integrate your thinking, emotions, and physical well-being into how you lead. This episode is especially practical, with tools you can use immediately. We explore: Why leaders often feel overwhelmed—even when they’re successfulThe gap in leadership development around whole-person well-beingHow a coaching mindset unlocks better thinking and stronger teamsWhat happens in the brain under stress (and why it matters)Simple, actionable techniques to manage stress in real timeHow to “zoom out” of your internal monologue and regain controlA powerful visualization exercise to release tension and refocusOne standout idea: many leaders are operating like a phone with “20 apps running in the background,” draining their capacity without realizing it. In Part 3, we will expand the conversation outward, exploring leadership, loneliness, and what it means to lead humans in an AI-driven world. Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    20 Apps Running in the Background: Managing Stress as a Leader - with Jenny Douglas (Part 2)

  5. Jun 30

    Clear Thinking, Clear Leadership: How Writing Shapes the Way We Lead - with Dr. Jenny Douglas (Part 1)

    What shapes a leader long before they ever step into a leadership role? In this first part of our conversation with Dr. Jennifer “Jenny” Douglas, we explore the formative experiences that influence how leaders think, learn, and lead. From her upbringing in rural Pennsylvania to her work in higher education leadership, Jenny shares how work ethic, community, and lifelong learning laid the foundation for her leadership approach. We also dive into a powerful idea: writing is thinking. As Jenny explains, the way we structure our thoughts—on paper and in conversation—directly impacts how we lead. In a world increasingly shaped by AI tools, that connection matters more than ever. Along the way, we explore: How early experiences shape leadership mindset and resilienceWhy community and connection still matter in modern leadershipThe link between writing, thinking, and decision-makingThe risks of outsourcing too much thinking to AI toolsHow systems thinking helps leaders collaborate more effectivelyThis episode sets the stage for a deeper conversation about leadership, self-awareness, and navigating complexity in today’s world. In Part 2, we will shift inward, exploring coaching, stress, and the inner work of leadership. Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    Clear Thinking, Clear Leadership: How Writing Shapes the Way We Lead - with Dr. Jenny Douglas (Part 1)

  6. Jun 23

    Overcoming the Overwhelm of UDL with Michelle Patterson - Part 2

    UDL often comes with a sense of pressure: more to do, more to build, more to manage. In Part 2, Michelle Patterson helps us move past that overwhelm by reframing UDL as an iterative, human-centered design process. Instead of trying to do everything, she introduces practical ways to start small—what she calls the “plus one” approach. The conversation also explores: How systems and leadership support reduce faculty burdenWhy learner choice increases depth and quality of workHow AI can help identify hidden barriers in course designWhat it really means to balance firm goals with flexible pathsIf you’ve ever wondered how to make UDL doable—not theoretical—this episode offers a grounded path forward. Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    Overcoming the Overwhelm of UDL with Michelle Patterson - Part 2

  7. Jun 16

    Designing for the Range, Not the Average with Michelle Patterson - Part 1

    What if the biggest limitation in our course design is the idea of the “average learner”? In this episode, Michael Cottam sits down with Michelle Patterson to explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a mindset shift—not a checklist. Together, they unpack how designing for learner variability changes how we think about engagement, access, and success. Rather than asking how to “fix” students, Michelle reframes the challenge: where are the barriers in our design? You’ll hear practical examples—from buffet-style learning choices to simple structural supports—that show how small changes can make learning more effective for everyone. This conversation is especially helpful if you’ve ever felt stuck trying to meet the needs of diverse learners with limited time and resources. UDL Guidelines About the UDL 3.0 Guidelines update Harvard UDL: Explore and UDL: Apply Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    Designing for the Range, Not the Average with Michelle Patterson - Part 1

  8. Jun 9

    Three-Year Degrees, AI, and the Future of Higher Education (Part 2)

    In part two of our conversation with President Bruce Kusch of Ensign College, we explore Ensign College’s groundbreaking move to three-year bachelor’s degrees and what that means for the future of higher education. President Kusch discusses accreditation challenges, workforce alignment, vocational education, AI disruption, and why colleges must rethink how they prepare students for meaningful careers. We also discuss leadership longevity, institutional alignment, and how mission clarity enables innovation. This episode is especially relevant for higher education leaders navigating rapid technological and workforce change. Key Topics The development of three-year bachelor’s degreesAccreditation and innovation challengesWorkforce alignment and career readinessAI and the future of employmentVocational education and skilled tradesScaling online education globallyLeadership, timing, and institutional changeThe difference between being a student and being a learnerJoin us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    Three-Year Degrees, AI, and the Future of Higher Education (Part 2)
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About

Exploring innovation trends in learning, design, leadership, and change management in higher education. Experienced, successful leaders who have been there, done that, and own the t-shirt share perspectives and lessons learned from more than two decades of online learning and student success.Other Podcast Providers:Amazon: https://www.audible.com/podcast/Engaged-By-Design/B0DB9GZV7F?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdpiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-engaged-by-design-283650488/Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/engaged-by-design-6102170

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Vernon Smith
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Engaged By Design
  • Show Website
    Engaged By Design