In this episode of EDU Unlocked, Ashish Fernando sits down with Kevin Thomas, Vice President of Enrollment Services & Student Success at the University of Central Arkansas, to discuss the growing questions around the value of higher education, student trust, and how institutions can better connect with students and families.

The conversation begins with a striking contrast in public perception: while many Americans believe higher education is heading in the wrong direction, a majority of students still trust their own institutions. Kevin explains that transparency and accountability are critical, and that students are right to expect strong career outcomes and a clear return on investment from higher education.

He also argues that institutions often struggle to tell their story effectively. Universities tend to focus heavily on curriculum and academics, while overlooking the broader student experience, the relationships, support systems, personal growth, and sense of belonging that define college life beyond the classroom.

Kevin reflects on his own journey into higher education, sharing how his passion for helping people and supporting student success shaped his career across residence life, advising, retention, and enrollment leadership. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that care, purpose, and human connection remain central to the work.

The discussion also explores UCA’s efforts to improve affordability and access through scholarship programs for Arkansas families earning under $100,000 annually. Kevin shares how proactive outreach, personalized communication, and financial support helped drive enrollment growth by reaching students who previously believed college was out of reach.

On the role of AI and automation, Kevin sees technology as an opportunity to reduce operational burden across admissions and student support teams, while still preserving the relationships and individualized guidance students value most.

The episode closes with an important insight for enrollment leaders: processes matter, but relationships matter more. Building trust, connection, and individuality is what ultimately shapes the student journey and strengthens institutional impact.

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.