what readers are saying
“Kate and Joe have masterfully captured reflections and insights from the industry’s most innovative leaders, paired with their own unique voices that pull back the curtains on some of today’s biggest higher ed challenges. Their conversational style and passion are infectious and draw upon the power of community to reimagine, (dare I say disrupt?), reinvent, and advance the future for students. Commencement weaves together first-hand accounts and industry research while encouraging readers to see new possibilities and opportunities for a better way forward. If you are looking for inspiration, this book is a must-read!”
— Laura Ipsen, President and CEO, Ellucian
“Listeners of The EdUp Experience Podcast have come to expect a fast-paced conversation about topics relevant to higher education leaders with a range of perspectives. Colbert and Sallustio’s Commencement: The Beginning of a New Era in Higher Education — the book born from the podcast — delivers exactly that kind of important conversation, but without the cool sound effects. A post-COVIDian age welcomes the insights of 100 university leaders curated in this book.”
— Frank J. Dooley, PhD, Chancellor, Purdue University Global
“Commencement is a must-read for all higher education leaders regardless of the size of their institution. The business of higher education is on the precipice of enormous transformation, and colleges and universities need to adapt to meet the changing needs of today’s students and educators. Colbert and Sallustio succinctly capture the current state of the higher education market and offer real-world insight into what needs to be done moving forward.”
— elliot Markowitz, Editor-in-Chief, Head of Content, Fierce Education
“Dr. Joe Sallustio, Kate Colbert, and Elvin Freytes have done us a great service. Commencement isn’t a survey or a research study. The material comes from open, frank discussions with leaders from across the higher education spectrum. I think readers will be surprised and enlightened. This book is a torch to be passed in the long relay race of higher education.”
— Bill Pepicello, PhD, Former President, University of Phoenix, and author of leadership on the field of play
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“In Commencement, Joe Sallustio, Kate Colbert, and Elvin Freytes have tapped the wisdom of the crowd for powerful insights and innovations that address the existential challenges facing the nation’s colleges and universities. As a former long-time education reporter and editor, I envy the slate of deep, meaningful (and fun) conversations they’ve had with more than 100 visionaries in the field that center their research around the day-to-day stories and successes playing out on campuses across the country. This book is a vital resource for anyone interested in the future of higher education or looking for hope and inspiration in the herculean efforts underway to make postsecondary pathways more relevant, equitable, and valued.”
— Kathleen Kennedy Manzo, Executive Vice President, Hager Sharp; former reporter/editor for Education Week, Community College Week, Black Issues in Higher Education (Diverse), & The Washington Post.
“As HigherEd struggles with the questions of whether to change from traditional modes of operation to one enabling great access and connectivity through technology, Colbert and Sallustio eloquently bring to light the tensions, struggles, dichotomies and — most importantly — the opportunities ahead for HigherEd with examples of successes. Rather than a dry report of woe, this is an enthralling study of a bright future with examples gleaned from interviews and conversations with leaders. A must-read for anyone with an interest in the future success of HigherEd.”
— Vistasp Karbhari, PhD, Professor and Former President, The University of Texas at Arlington
“In an ever-changing higher-education industry going through transformation at all levels, it is wonderful to discover a book where all the diverse voices within the ecosystem are elevated in a manner that inspires innovation, strategic partnerships, and social impact. Commencement is a must-read for everyone who works for, on behalf of, and in support of higher education.”
— Geoffrey M. Roche, MPA, Senior Vice President, Core Education Services, PBC; Faculty, Moravian University & Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
“The role of a college or university president has become increasingly more difficult. Hearing from these visionary leaders, in an organic and engaging way that only Colbert and Sallustio can pull off, gives me confidence that better times are ahead in higher education.”
— Jim Milton, Chairman and CEO, Anthology, Inc.
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“Timely and insightful. Colbert and Sallustio unify influential voices from across the industry and around the world to examine the disruptive challenges threatening higher education and illuminate the exciting possibilities before us.”
— Erika Liodice, Executive Director, Alliance for Innovation & Transformation
“This is an incredibly insightful book about the future of higher education and how higher education leaders responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, the most significant disruptor that we’ve experienced in our lifetime. The authors are witty and entertaining and do a great job exploring the future of higher education with presidential leaders. It’s an excellent read that will be enjoyed by a broad audience ranging from higher education leaders, faculty, staff, policymakers, students, parents, philanthropists, and many other stakeholders.”
— Linda Garza Battles, Western Governors University (WGU) Regional Vice President, South; Chancellor, WGU Texas
“Higher ed is in a pivotal moment, with everyone looking for solutions to the many challenges we face. Reading this book is like sitting down with countless presidents and learning what they are doing to survive and thrive during these challenging times. Joe and Elvin brought us the podcast, and now Joe and Kate have done an awesome job bringing those stories to us in this book. Commencement is a seminal piece of work that allows us to learn from the best, the most innovative, and the most resilient leaders in the industry.”
— Amardeep Kahlon, PhD, Dean, Technical Institute for Environmental Professions, Unity College, Maine
“Higher education has needed this unvarnished conversation regarding radical transformation and innovation for a long time. Colbert and Sallustio deliver — over and over again — offering real-world examples and interviews with true leaders who know what needs to be done now. Commencement is truly the most relevant book on higher education innovation because it uses the collective voices of practitioners and industry veterans to help us re-imagine higher education. Commencement is an outstanding and insightful book, and a must-have for anyone interested in true radical change that will make higher education more responsive to the needs of students and those in the workforce.”
— Dr. Kurt Steinberg, President, Montserrat College of Art
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“Colbert and Sallustio introduce us to the best minds in higher education. The relevant insights and practical advice offered through the more than 100 interviews have immediate application for all higher education professionals. Commencement is quite literally the equivalent of having an inside view of leadership discussions happening across academia, and an invitation to learn from those leading innovative institutions and programs. It’s a must-read for anyone in the business of education.”
— Kerry Salerno, Chief Marketing & Communication Officer, Babson College
“Kate and Joe are right — what’s worked for higher-ed in the past simply won’t work in the future. We are at a historic moment. The institutions that are willing to take risks, to change the face of their mission, and who resolutely know — and act — on hard truths are the ones that will succeed. Kate and Joe brilliantly capture insights from leaders in higher education and dig into some of the most difficult challenges and realities the industry is facing. And they do it in such a way that is fascinating and thought-provoking. Whether you are an insider yourself or just curious about the state of higher education, Commencement is a must-read.”