In this episode of EDU Unlocked, Ashish Fernando sits down with Jonathan Koppell, President of Montclair State University, to explore what it really means to expand access to higher education while delivering meaningful outcomes.

Jonathan shares a clear perspective: access alone is not enough. Without an equal commitment to excellence and student success, the mission of higher education remains incomplete. He highlights that access must be paired with outcomes; it falls short of its purpose.

The conversation dives into the broader challenge of opportunity. Jonathan explains that when access to higher education is limited, talent, ambition, and potential across society are left underdeveloped. Creating systems where opportunity is widely available is not just an institutional priority, but a societal one.

He also reflects on the most meaningful part of his role, engaging directly with students. Through experiential learning, internships, and real-world exposure, he highlights the importance of helping students recognize and realize their own potential.

On the relevance of formal education, Jonathan offers a balanced view. While demand remains strong, as seen through record FAFSA completions, he raises important concerns around low completion rates and uneven post-graduation outcomes. He said that institutions should take greater responsibility for student careers and earnings, especially as students increasingly seek purpose and fulfillment in their work.

The conversation also touches on the role of AI, which Jonathan frames as an ongoing period of evolution, signaling both change and opportunity for institutions willing to adapt.

This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on access, accountability, and the evolving role of higher education in shaping student success.

In this episode of EDU Unlocked, Ashish Fernando sits down with Ajita Talwalker Menon, President & CEO of Calbright College, to explore what it really takes to build a community college designed for today’s learners.

Ajita shares that Calbright’s transition to a fully online model was not just about moving courses online. Instead, it was intentionally designed to better serve adult learners, those balancing work, childcare, and other life responsibilities through a flexible, fully online approach.

The conversation dives into the shift from seat-time education to competency-based learning, where the focus is on building real-world skills aligned with workforce needs. Ajita explains how Calbright prioritizes asynchronous, self-paced learning and emphasizes career navigation alongside education, ensuring students are prepared not just to learn, but to succeed economically.

She also highlights that the value of online education goes beyond program offerings. True impact lies in combining accessibility with strong learner support systems that help students persist and complete their goals.

The discussion then turns to the rapid rise of AI and its implications for higher education. Ajita takes a clear stance that there is no room for a “wait and see” approach. Institutions must actively build AI readiness while ensuring that learners develop not only technical capabilities but also durable skills like critical thinking, resilience, and adaptability.

At the heart of it all, she underscores a powerful idea: even in a technology-driven world, human connection remains essential to meaningful learning.

Ajita also reflects on her journey into higher education, shaped by her experience in federal policy, the nonprofit sector, and the influence of her mother.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at how institutions can rethink access, outcomes, and the future of learning.

In this episode of EDU Unlocked, Ashish Fernando sits down with Brian Sondey, Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success at Dutchess Community College, to discover how enrollment leadership is evolving in today’s higher education landscape.

Brian’s journey into higher ed is anything but traditional. From being a Division III NCAA basketball athlete to working in sales and coaching, his path eventually led him into admissions, where he’s spent over 15 years shaping how institutions connect with students. That background still influences how he approaches enrollment today, with a strong focus on relationships, persistence, and understanding student needs.

The conversation dives into how student expectations are changing, especially with the rise of first-generation students, adult learners, and digital-first behaviors shaped by social media. For Brian, the focus has shifted from simply enrolling students to ensuring they are choosing the right programs, whether that’s microcredentials or degrees that directly impact career outcomes.

He also emphasizes that recruitment alone isn’t enough. Institutions need to focus just as much on retention and student success, ensuring that students not only enroll but actually thrive. At Dutchess, that means combining human effort with technology, from CRM systems to multiple software tools that streamline recruitment, enrollment, and retention processes.

Brian also addresses the evolving perception of community colleges, noting that while they may have historically struggled to communicate their value, that narrative is beginning to change. With more intentional engagement and clearer outcomes, community colleges are repositioning themselves as powerful pathways to career success.

The discussion also explores the impact of AI and automation, particularly on adult learners and the workforce. Brian takes a direct stance: education remains one of the strongest predictors of economic mobility and personal fulfillment. At the same time, he sees AI as a transformative tool, one that institutions must adopt thoughtfully, with a clear roadmap for the future.

This episode is a grounded and practical look at enrollment, technology, and what it really takes to support today’s students in a rapidly changing world.