Insights with AICCU

Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
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The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) discusses issues impacting the higher education space with insights from key figures in higher ed such as policymakers, campus leaders, students, advocates and more. New episodes released quarterly.

Episodes

  1. Leading Through Uncertainty: A College President's View on Higher Education's Future

    JAN 29

    Leading Through Uncertainty: A College President's View on Higher Education's Future

    Tom Stritikus, president of Occidental College, discusses the challenges and opportunities facing higher education and shares how Occidental College is expanding college access through transfer partnerships, strengthening support for first generation and veteran students, and increasing transparency around tuition and financial aid. Drawing on his role as board chair of the American Council on Education, the nation's largest higher education association, President Stritikus also offers a perspective on the national landscape, including growing public scrutiny of higher education, federal policy pressures, and the critical importance of collaboration across the sector. Hosted by Alex Graves, AICCU Vice President for Government Relations, and is sponsored by First American Education Finance.

    32 min
  2. Partnerships that Power Access: AICCU and California's Community Colleges

    10/23/2025

    Partnerships that Power Access: AICCU and California's Community Colleges

    Dr. Larry Galizio, president and CEO of the Community College League of California, shares the critical role of partnerships in shaping California's higher education landscape. He discusses the challenges facing colleges amid federal uncertainty, the importance of flexible funding and transfer pathways, and how collaboration between community colleges and AICCU institutions can expand opportunity for students across the state. Hosted by AICCU President Kristen Soares. This episode is sponsored by First American Education Finance.

    35 min
  3. Driving Innovation in Accreditation: A Conversation with WASC President Maria Toyoda

    07/22/2025

    Driving Innovation in Accreditation: A Conversation with WASC President Maria Toyoda

    Maria Toyoda, president of the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), opens the "black box" of accreditation and discusses how WASC balances rigorous standards with institutional innovation to improve student outcomes, reduce costs, and adapt to a changing higher education student population. Maria also offers insight on how accreditors are responding to new federal policies. Hosted by AICCU Vice President for Policy Tom Vu. This episode is sponsored by First American Education Finance.

    29 min
  4. Care About the Outcome and Not the Credit: A Lesson in Higher Ed Advocacy from Sarah Flanagan

    01/15/2025

    Care About the Outcome and Not the Credit: A Lesson in Higher Ed Advocacy from Sarah Flanagan

    Sarah Flanagan, vice president for government relations and policy development at the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), is set to retire this year after a transformative 30-year career in education policy. Sarah reflects on her career and offers actionable advice for university leaders on how to elevate their advocacy efforts. She shares strategies for fostering productive relationships with policymakers, addressing misconceptions about higher education, and navigating the challenges of today's polarized political climate. Hosted by AICCU President Kristen Soares.

    33 min
  5. Post-Election Analysis with Paul Mitchell: Breaking Down Polling and Voting Patterns

    11/19/2024 · BONUS

    Post-Election Analysis with Paul Mitchell: Breaking Down Polling and Voting Patterns

    Paul Mitchell joins us again in this special episode following the 2024 Election to discuss polling and voter trends that defied expectations.

    17 min
  6. Election Analysis with Paul Mitchell: Voter Data, Election Strategy, and College Student Engagement

    10/24/2024

    Election Analysis with Paul Mitchell: Voter Data, Election Strategy, and College Student Engagement

    Paul Mitchell, vice president of bipartisan voter data firm Political Data, works with campaigns, nonprofits and universities with a specialty in polling and survey data. He shares his insight ahead of the 2024 Election, and what predictions can be made on voter demographics, trends among college students, battleground states, and more. Hosted by Tom Vu, AICCU vice president for policy.

    33 min
  7. Championing Equity: Jessie Ryan's Journey and Vision for College Opportunity

    07/17/2024

    Championing Equity: Jessie Ryan's Journey and Vision for College Opportunity

    Jessie Ryan has been with the Campaign for College Opportunity for nearly 20 years and has shepherded the Campaign's major policy victories, including historic transfer reform, the creation of a community college scorecard, and a new funding formula that balances access with student success. She took office as president in July and shares with us her future plans for the Campaign.

    31 min
  8. Doug Lederman: Journalist, Troublemaker, Accidental Entrepreneur

    04/08/2024

    Doug Lederman: Journalist, Troublemaker, Accidental Entrepreneur

    Doug Lederman, co-founder of Inside Higher Ed, shares the early beginnings of the online publication. He examines the state of higher education and how it has changed through his perspective as a journalist covering the industry for nearly 40 years.

    34 min
  9. Demystifying Demographics: Unraveling the Impact of Higher Education on California's Future with Dr. Hans Johnson

    01/10/2024

    Demystifying Demographics: Unraveling the Impact of Higher Education on California's Future with Dr. Hans Johnson

    Dr. Hans Johnson is a demographer and senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, whose research has covered college access and completion. He serves as a technical advisor to many organizations seeking to improve college graduation rates, address workforce needs, and engage in long term capacity planning. In this episode, Dr. Johnson shares research findings on several PPIC reports, including the value of higher education, how college graduates contributed to California's population decline, and strengthening California's transfer pathway. Access transcript, with hyperlinks to recources mentioned in the episode, here.

    38 min
  10. Running Towards Crisis with Love, with President André Stephens

    10/30/2023

    Running Towards Crisis with Love, with President André Stephens

    Fresno Pacific University (FPU) President André Stephens has been a leader in faith-based higher education for the last 30 years. As he enters his second year at FPU, he shares how he settled into his first presidential role and discusses the value of a faith-based education in California amidst ongoing challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Access transcript, with hyperlinks to recources mentioned in the episode, here.

    33 min
  11. Major in Your Passion: Leadership Lessons Learned and Shared by President Devorah Lieberman

    06/26/2023

    Major in Your Passion: Leadership Lessons Learned and Shared by President Devorah Lieberman

    University of La Verne President, Devorah Lieberman, takes a look back at her 12 years on campus before she retires. She shares some unforgettable moments, such as her short-lived football career with the La Verne Leopards and how she connected with the students on campus. Access transcript, with hyperlinks to recources mentioned in the episode, here.

    27 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) discusses issues impacting the higher education space with insights from key figures in higher ed such as policymakers, campus leaders, students, advocates and more. New episodes released quarterly.

Information

  • Creator
    Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Insights with AICCU