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.

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.

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.

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.

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.