
The Plexuss Presidential Podcast
By PLEXUSS
Season 3 dives deep into the intersection of AI, education, and the future of the workforce, featuring bold conversations with presidents and changemakers across the country.


3.5. Tarek M. Sobh - Lawrence Technological University
Our guest for Season 3, Episode 5 is Tarek M. Sobh, Ph.D., President of Lawrence Technological University. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing the workforce, urging lifelong learning and foundational skills as traditional roles and educational applications evolve. Dr. Sobh emphasizes the unique opportunity of technological universities like Lawrence Tech to prep students for a tech-driven economy and advocates for stronger ties between industry and education to deliver work-ready graduates. He also highlights the critical importance of early STEM engagement and inclusive access in meeting the growing demand for tech professionals—and predicts significant transformation in future educational models.

3.4. Robyn Hannigan, Ph.D. - Ursinus College
Our guest for Season 3, Episode 4 of the Plexuss Presidential Podcast is Robyn Hannigan, Ph.D., President of Ursinus College. She shares how AI is set to profoundly impact every aspect of work—not by replacing jobs, but by augmenting them—and emphasizes the essential role of a liberal arts education in preparing students for that future. President Hannigan highlights Ursinus College’s holistic approach, including the Apex program and Common Intellectual Experience, both of which integrate AI ethics and career readiness. She also addresses the regulatory challenges surrounding AI and the important role philosophy majors can play in shaping ethical frameworks. Ursinus stands out by connecting first-year students with career coaches and exposing them to diverse career pathways from day one.

3.3. Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. - Old Dominion University
Episode 3 welcomes President Brian Hemphill of Old Dominion University to explore how AI is reshaping higher education—from the classroom to the workplace. President Hemphill discusses ODU’s innovative initiatives, including the Monarch Mind AI platform, AI-integrated general education, specialized certificate programs, and the university’s centennial cluster initiative to recruit AI-focused faculty. Led by the Division of Digital Transformation and Technology under Vice President Nina Rodriguez Gonzer, these efforts reflect ODU’s commitment to preparing students for the future through a competency-based, innovation-driven approach.

3.2. William "Rusty" Kennedy - Andrew College
William R. Kennedy, President of Andrew College, joins JP Novin to discuss the college’s history, its business-oriented approach to higher education, and the accelerating impact of AI on the workforce. They explore how institutions like Andrew College are adapting—examining strategies for AI integration, the evolving role of the humanities, potential shifts in curriculum and degree structures, and the value of balancing in-person and hybrid learning.

3.1. Thom Chesney - Southwestern College
JP Novin welcomed President Thom Chesney to discuss the impact of AI on higher education and the future workforce. Thom Chesney shared insights on Southwestern College's mission and their approach to integrating AI awareness into curricula, emphasizing engagement and exploration of AI as a tool to augment human roles across various fields, from clinical processes to administrative tasks. Discussions also covered strategies for student career readiness, the board's perspective on AI, potential barriers to AI adoption, the impact on academic programs and degree structures, and a vision for future-facing, partnership-based learning.

Season 3 Trailer: AI, Education & the Future of Work
This season, we're exploring how AI is transforming education, leadership, and the future of the workforce.

Episode #189 - Dr. Greg Jones, President, Belmont University
Dr. Greg Jones, President, Belmont University, joins Brad Johnson

Episode #188 - Dr. Diane Lovell, President, Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Dr. Diane Lovell, President, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #187 - Dr. Kenneth R. Evans, President, Oklahoma City University
Dr. Kenneth R. Evans, President, Oklahoma City University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #186 - Dr. Michael Frandsen, President, Wittenberg University
Dr. Michael Frandsen, President, Wittenberg University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #185 - Dr. Rosemary Thomas, President, Chowan University
Dr. Rosemary Thomas, President, Chowan University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #184 - Dr. Douglas Mann, President, Bryan College
Dr. Douglas Mann, President, Bryan College, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #183 - Suzy Siegle & Tom Petz, President & CEO / Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Walsh College
Suzy Siegle & Tom Petz, President & CEO / Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Walsh College, join Brad Johnson.

Episode #182 - Jose Marie Griffiths, President, Dakota State University
Jose Marie Griffiths, President, Dakota State University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #181 - Roger Hughes, President, Doane University
Roger Hughes, President, Doane University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #180 - Dr. Kathryn Morris, President, St. Lawrence University
Dr. Kathryn Morris, President, St. Lawrence University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #179 - Dr. Gene Fant Jr., President, North Greenville University
Dr. Gene Fant Jr., President, North Greenville University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #178 - Dr. Tiffany Franks, President, Averett University
Dr. Tiffany Franks, President, Averett University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #177 - Dr. Emily Messer, President, Texas Wesleyan University
Dr. Emily Messer, President, Texas Wesleyan University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #176 - Dr. Jesse Peters, President, Western Oregon University
Dr. Jesse Peters, President, Western Oregon University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #175 - Andy Armacost, President, University of North Dakota
Andy Armacost, President, University of North Dakota, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #174 - Dr. Dondi Costin, President, Liberty University
Dr. Dondi Costin, President, Liberty University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #173 - Dr. Kent Trachte, President, Lycoming College
Dr. Kent Trachte, President, Lycoming College, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #172 - Jennifer Cowley, President, The University of Texas at Arlington
Jennifer Cowley, President of the University of Texas at Arlington, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #171 - Dr. Daniel Wubah, President, Millersville University
Dr. Daniel Wubah, President, Millersville University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #170 - Dr. Lynn Priddy, President, Claremont Lincoln University
Dr. Lynn Priddy, President of Claremont Lincoln University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #169 - Dr. Jeff Abernathy, President, Alma College
Dr. Jeff Abernathy, President, Alma College, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #168 - Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald, President, Alvernia University
Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald, President, Alvernia University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #167 - Dr. Mary-Beth Cooper, President, Springfield College
Dr. Mary-Beth Cooper, President, Springfield College, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #166 - Dean Collins, President, Point University
Dean Collins, President, Point University, joins Brad Johnson

Episode #165 - Dr. Barbara McMillan, President, Blue Mountain Christian University
Dr. Barbara McMillan, President, Blue Mountain Christian University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #164 - Dr. Thomas Burns & Brian Hazlett, President & Vice President of Enrollment Management, York College of Pennsylvania
Dr. Thomas Burns & Brian Hazlett, President & Vice President of Enrollment Management, York College of Pennsylvania, join Brad Johnson.

Episode #163 - Andrew T. Hsu, President, College of Charleston
Andrew T. Hsu, President, College of Charleston, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #162 - Dr. Debra Schwinn, President, Palm Beach Atlantic University
Dr. Debra Schwinn, President, Palm Beach Atlantic University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #161 - Jeff Morin, President, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Jeff Morin, President, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design joins, Brad Johnson.

Episode #160 - Dr. Maurice Scherrens, President, Newberry College
Dr. Maurice Scherrens, President, Newberry College, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #159 - Jim Collins, President, Loras College
Jim Collins, President, Loras College, joins Brad Johnson!

Episode #158 - Marvin Krislov, President, Pace University
Marvin Krislov, President, Pace University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #157 - Deanne D'Emilio, President, Gwynedd Mercy University
Deanne D'Emilio, President, Gwynedd Mercy University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #156 - Dr. Albert Mosley, President, Morningside University
Dr. Albert Mosley, President of Morningside University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #155 - Dr. Brian Ralph, President, William Peace University
Dr. Brian Ralph, President, William Peace University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #154 - Ronald Matthews, President, Eastern University
Ronald Matthews, President, Eastern University, joins Brad Johnson!

Episode #153 - Chris Brussalis, President, Point Park University
Chris Brussalis, President, Point Park University, joins Brad Johnson!

Episode #152 - John Jackson, President, Jessup University
John Jackson, President, Jessup University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #151 - Timothy Pinnow, President, Finlandia University
Timothy Pinnow, President, Finlandia University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #150 - Dr. Susan Burns, President, College of Mount Saint Vincent
Dr. Susan Burns, President of College of Mount Saint Vincent, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #149 - John Pistole, President, Anderson University
John Pistole, President of Anderson University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #148 - Dr. Brien Lewis, President, Transylvania University
Dr. Brien Lewis, President, Transylvania University, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #145 - Dr. Doug Darling, President, Lake Region State College
Dr. Doug Darling, President, Lake Region State College, joins Brad Johnson.

Episode #147 - Dr. Angela Franklin, President and CEO, Des Moines University
Dr. Angela Franklin, President and CEO, Des Moines University, joins Brad Johnson.