Trusted Voices

S3. Ep. 11 - Harvard Says No

Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot unpack Harvard’s bold defiance of the Trump administration, what it means for international students, and why higher ed leaders must decide when to fight, when to stay quiet, and how to lead with intention in the court of public opinion.

S3. Ep. 10 - Choose Your Damning Wisely

Staying silent isn’t always the safest choice. Hosts Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot sit down with Holden Thorp to discuss why higher ed leaders must embrace transparency, communicate with the public, and advocate for the value of academia. Thorp also reflects on his own leadership journey, including his decision to share his autism diagnosis.

S3. Ep. 09 - Funding Cuts and Uncertain Futures

Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot assess the impact of NIH funding cuts on local communities and brace for the unknown future of the Department of Education as the Trump administration continues to target higher education.

S3. Ep. 08 - Being a Critical Friend

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy invite Inside Higher Ed’s Sara Custer to reflect on her first year as editor-in-chief, exploring the evolving media landscape, the challenges facing higher education and the importance of fostering honest, impactful conversations between journalists and institutional leaders.

S3. Ep. 07 - Higher Ed Has Always Been Political

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy dive into the new year discussing enrollment trends, a new Department of Education, and the true role of crisis communicators as they look ahead to the topics that will shape higher education storylines in 2025.

S3. Ep. 06 - Shifting Realities

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy close out the fall semester by examining shifting trends in college presidencies and thought leadership, offering insights into the evolving challenges facing higher education.

S3. Ep. 05 - Feet to the Fire

Dr. Belle S. Wheelan joins Teresa and Erin to discuss accreditation, the responsibilities and roles of accrediting bodies and the plans for higher ed under a second Trump administration.

S3. Ep. 04 - Grace under Pressure

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy welcome Dr. Vann R. Newkirk Sr., president of Wilberforce University, to discuss the critical need for resources, strategic federal support and innovative retention strategies — ever heard of a Chief Door Knocker? — to uplift HBCUs in today’s educational landscape.