https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/radical-cooperation--6643688enEducationRadical Cooperationhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0db342042a2d2763aec205ab29026628.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/radical-cooperation--6643688Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:04:08 +0000Radical CooperationRadical Cooperationradicalcooperation1@gmail.comWelcome to Radical Cooperation, the podcast in which higher education leaders explore collaboration as the key to lasting change. Host Dr. Michael Horowitz, together with presidents, chancellors, and trailblazing experts, dives into thought-provoking...falsee2e424e4-64df-563c-a18a-8c9ea7c0636eepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-global-perspective-is-a-higher-ed-superpower--73400437
In this role-reversal episode of Radical Cooperation, Stephanie Bihr, Associate Director of Communications at The Community Solution, again turns the microphone on Dr. Michael Horowitz. Their conversation centers on global perspective, one of the seven superpowers of radical cooperation from Dr. Horowitz's book, The Community Solution: the Power of Radical Cooperation in Higher Education. Drawing on his own path as the child of immigrants and decades of building higher education programs, he shares how the system reimagined study abroad for adult learners. From a first Spanish immersion trip to Mexico to multi-institution courses in Germany, Cuba, and Japan, Dr. Horowitz and Stephanie discuss why the exchange always runs both ways.

Rather than treating global learning as a luxury reserved for the few, this episode focuses on the many ways institutions can open students' minds to the world, whether through a single week abroad, welcoming international students, or building partnerships across borders. It is a candid, wide-ranging look at why a global perspective keeps both students and institutions strong.

In this episode:

• Why the traditional semester-abroad model overlooks working adults, and how to redesign it
• How a single embedded week in another country can reshape how students see the world
• What pairing law and psychology students in Germany revealed about learning across disciplines
• How international students, immigrants, and cross-border partnerships bring the world to an institution. 
• What American higher education can learn from how other countries teach, eat, and train physicians

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73400437Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:00:02 +0000Radical CooperationFor most of higher education's history, a global education has looked the same: a traditional undergraduate spending a semester abroad in London or Barcelona. But that model leaves out the working adults, career changers, and first-generation students...
In this role-reversal episode of Radical Cooperation, Stephanie Bihr, Associate Director of Communications at The Community Solution, again turns the microphone on Dr. Michael Horowitz. Their conversation centers on global perspective, one of the seven superpowers of radical cooperation from Dr. Horowitz's book, The Community Solution: the Power of Radical Cooperation in Higher Education. Drawing on his own path as the child of immigrants and decades of building higher education programs, he shares how the system reimagined study abroad for adult learners. From a first Spanish immersion trip to Mexico to multi-institution courses in Germany, Cuba, and Japan, Dr. Horowitz and Stephanie discuss why the exchange always runs both ways.

Rather than treating global learning as a luxury reserved for the few, this episode focuses on the many ways institutions can open students' minds to the world, whether through a single week abroad, welcoming international students, or building partnerships across borders. It is a candid, wide-ranging look at why a global perspective keeps both students and institutions strong.

In this episode:

• Why the traditional semester-abroad model overlooks working adults, and how to redesign it
• How a single embedded week in another country can reshape how students see the world
• What pairing law and psychology students in Germany revealed about learning across disciplines
• How international students, immigrants, and cross-border partnerships bring the world to an institution. 
• What American higher education can learn from how other countries teach, eat, and train physicians

]]>1992falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/two-way-learning-the-superpower-higher-ed-overlooks--73090845Higher education has long prized individual expertise. Scholars master their fields, faculty are rewarded for their own research, and institutions often assume their job is to pour knowledge into students and guide the communities around them. But when learning moves in only one direction, institutions stop growing, and they miss what their peers, their communities, and their own students could teach them.In this role-reversal episode of Radical Cooperation, Stephanie Bihr, Associate Director of Communications at The Community Solution, turns the microphone around and interviews Dr. Michael Horowitz. Their conversation centers on two-way learning, one of the seven superpowers of radical cooperation that Dr. Horowitz introduces in his book, The Community Solution: The Power of Radical Cooperation in Higher Education. He shares candid examples from across his career, from rebuilding programs at The Chicago School to launching KansasCOM in Wichita, and explains why the strongest institutions treat learning as a two-way street with their peers, their communities, and their students.Rather than positioning the university as the sole expert in the room, this episode focuses on how a culture of continuous, reciprocal learning makes institutions more responsive, more connected, and more effective. It is a practical look at what it takes to keep learning, no matter how senior your role.In this episode:

• What two-way learning is and why it is one of radical cooperation's seven superpowers
• Why higher education's focus on individual expertise makes collective learning so difficult
• How institutions can learn from students, especially adult learners who bring real-world experience
• What KansasCOM's work in rural and underserved communities reveals about learning from a place
• Why the best leaders, and the best accreditation teams, stay open to many ways of doing things

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73090845Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:00:03 +0000Radical CooperationHigher education has long prized individual expertise. Scholars master their fields, faculty are rewarded for their own research, and institutions often assume their job is to pour knowledge into students and guide the communities around them. But...Higher education has long prized individual expertise. Scholars master their fields, faculty are rewarded for their own research, and institutions often assume their job is to pour knowledge into students and guide the communities around them. But when learning moves in only one direction, institutions stop growing, and they miss what their peers, their communities, and their own students could teach them.In this role-reversal episode of Radical Cooperation, Stephanie Bihr, Associate Director of Communications at The Community Solution, turns the microphone around and interviews Dr. Michael Horowitz. Their conversation centers on two-way learning, one of the seven superpowers of radical cooperation that Dr. Horowitz introduces in his book, The Community Solution: The Power of Radical Cooperation in Higher Education. He shares candid examples from across his career, from rebuilding programs at The Chicago School to launching KansasCOM in Wichita, and explains why the strongest institutions treat learning as a two-way street with their peers, their communities, and their students.Rather than positioning the university as the sole expert in the room, this episode focuses on how a culture of continuous, reciprocal learning makes institutions more responsive, more connected, and more effective. It is a practical look at what it takes to keep learning, no matter how senior your role.In this episode:

• What two-way learning is and why it is one of radical cooperation's seven superpowers
• Why higher education's focus on individual expertise makes collective learning so difficult
• How institutions can learn from students, especially adult learners who bring real-world experience
• What KansasCOM's work in rural and underserved communities reveals about learning from a place
• Why the best leaders, and the best accreditation teams, stay open to many ways of doing things

]]>1999falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-case-against-higher-education-s-obsession-with-selectivity--72857458American higher education has long equated quality with exclusivity, treating the number of students an institution rejects as a measure of its worth. That logic puts enormous pressure on the colleges that open their doors widest, and it frames struggling institutions as inevitable casualties of a shrinking market. But what if access and excellence were never actually in conflict?In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Jonathan Koppell, President of Montclair State University, the second largest university in New Jersey and one of the nation's leading institutions for economic opportunity and student success. Drawing on more than a decade of experience at Arizona State University, Dr. Koppell explains how a majority-minority, majority Pell-eligible university can deliver research-level excellence without sacrificing access. He also shares how Montclair made the decision to absorb the historic Bloomfield College, the only four-year predominantly Black institution in New Jersey, instead of allowing its distinctive mission to disappear.At a time when many assume distressed colleges have no choice but to close, this conversation explores how cooperation, thoughtful mergers, and a genuine commitment to community can preserve what makes institutions valuable. It is a candid look at why the strongest universities measure the impact they create, not the applicants they turn away.In this episode:

• Why access and excellence are not a trade-off, and how Montclair proves it at scale
• What the "delta," the value a university adds, reveals about real quality versus selectivity
• How the Bloomfield College merger preserved a distinctive mission while gaining economies of scale
• How Montclair's full-merger approach compares with the Community Solution's federated model
• Why cooperation among institutions, and partnership with local communities, matters more than competition

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72857458Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:00:02 +0000Radical CooperationAmerican higher education has long equated quality with exclusivity, treating the number of students an institution rejects as a measure of its worth. That logic puts enormous pressure on the colleges that open their doors widest, and it frames...American higher education has long equated quality with exclusivity, treating the number of students an institution rejects as a measure of its worth. That logic puts enormous pressure on the colleges that open their doors widest, and it frames struggling institutions as inevitable casualties of a shrinking market. But what if access and excellence were never actually in conflict?In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Jonathan Koppell, President of Montclair State University, the second largest university in New Jersey and one of the nation's leading institutions for economic opportunity and student success. Drawing on more than a decade of experience at Arizona State University, Dr. Koppell explains how a majority-minority, majority Pell-eligible university can deliver research-level excellence without sacrificing access. He also shares how Montclair made the decision to absorb the historic Bloomfield College, the only four-year predominantly Black institution in New Jersey, instead of allowing its distinctive mission to disappear.At a time when many assume distressed colleges have no choice but to close, this conversation explores how cooperation, thoughtful mergers, and a genuine commitment to community can preserve what makes institutions valuable. It is a candid look at why the strongest universities measure the impact they create, not the applicants they turn away.In this episode:

• Why access and excellence are not a trade-off, and how Montclair proves it at scale
• What the "delta," the value a university adds, reveals about real quality versus selectivity
• How the Bloomfield College merger preserved a distinctive mission while gaining economies of scale
• How Montclair's full-merger approach compares with the Community Solution's federated model
• Why cooperation among institutions, and partnership with local communities, matters more than competition

]]>2336falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-basic-needs-are-the-next-frontier-in-student-success--72633348
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Bhaktirose Dawdy, Director of Student Basic Needs Initiatives at Mt. Hood Community College, about the emerging discipline of basic needs work in higher education. Drawing on Bhaktirose's 31-year career bridging social services and education, the conversation explores what students actually need to participate in college, how Mt. Hood's Equity and Community Resource Center was co-designed with students, and why small interventions, sometimes as small as twenty dollars or a one-month bus pass, can drive double-digit gains in retention.

Rather than framing basic needs as a peripheral student-services function, this episode focuses on what it looks like when basic needs are treated as central to institutional strategy. The conversation also examines the under-told story of community colleges, the role of national accreditation standards in legitimizing this work, and why the real first question for any college serious about student success may not be how to teach better, but how to remove the obstacles that keep students from showing up at all.

In this episode:

• What "basic needs" actually means and why technology and transportation often outrank food
• How co-designing with students changes the model of student support
• Why small dollar interventions can drive significant retention gains
• How community colleges serve populations the rest of higher ed underestimates
• What national accreditation standards are emerging around basic needs work

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72633348Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:00:03 +0000Radical CooperationHigher education measures success in grades, credits, and completion rates. What those metrics rarely capture is what gets in the way: a broken-down car, a missed bus, a laptop the student doesn't own, or twenty dollars that the family can't spare....
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Bhaktirose Dawdy, Director of Student Basic Needs Initiatives at Mt. Hood Community College, about the emerging discipline of basic needs work in higher education. Drawing on Bhaktirose's 31-year career bridging social services and education, the conversation explores what students actually need to participate in college, how Mt. Hood's Equity and Community Resource Center was co-designed with students, and why small interventions, sometimes as small as twenty dollars or a one-month bus pass, can drive double-digit gains in retention.

Rather than framing basic needs as a peripheral student-services function, this episode focuses on what it looks like when basic needs are treated as central to institutional strategy. The conversation also examines the under-told story of community colleges, the role of national accreditation standards in legitimizing this work, and why the real first question for any college serious about student success may not be how to teach better, but how to remove the obstacles that keep students from showing up at all.

In this episode:

• What "basic needs" actually means and why technology and transportation often outrank food
• How co-designing with students changes the model of student support
• Why small dollar interventions can drive significant retention gains
• How community colleges serve populations the rest of higher ed underestimates
• What national accreditation standards are emerging around basic needs work

]]>1726falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-four-catholic-universities-built-a-new-kind-of-alliance--72419279
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Thomas Evans, President of the University of the Incarnate Word, about the creation of CHARISM, a new alliance of four Catholic universities across San Antonio, New York, Chicago, and San Juan. Together, they discuss how mission-driven institutions can collaborate to expand opportunity, strengthen sustainability, and preserve institutional identity while building something larger together.

Grounded in the principles of The Community Solution, the conversation explores the practical realities of building trust across institutions, launching shared initiatives, and creating partnerships rooted in shared values rather than competition.

In this episode:

• How CHARISM came together and what it means for its founding institutions
• Why long-term leadership matters in building successful partnerships
• The growing importance of bilingual and bicultural education
• What other colleges can learn from CHARISM’s collaborative model
• Advice for presidents and trustees considering institutional partnerships

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72419279Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:00:03 +0000Radical CooperationHigher education is often framed as a competition for students, rankings, and resources. But as financial pressures grow and the challenges facing colleges become more complex, some institutions are exploring a different path — one built on...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Thomas Evans, President of the University of the Incarnate Word, about the creation of CHARISM, a new alliance of four Catholic universities across San Antonio, New York, Chicago, and San Juan. Together, they discuss how mission-driven institutions can collaborate to expand opportunity, strengthen sustainability, and preserve institutional identity while building something larger together.

Grounded in the principles of The Community Solution, the conversation explores the practical realities of building trust across institutions, launching shared initiatives, and creating partnerships rooted in shared values rather than competition.

In this episode:

• How CHARISM came together and what it means for its founding institutions
• Why long-term leadership matters in building successful partnerships
• The growing importance of bilingual and bicultural education
• What other colleges can learn from CHARISM’s collaborative model
• Advice for presidents and trustees considering institutional partnerships

]]>2460falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-real-industry-integrated-education-looks-like--72168073
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of Kettering University, about what it looks like when a university makes industry integration central to its identity. Drawing on Dr. McMahan's 15 years leading Kettering and the institution's century-long cooperative education model, the conversation explores how universities can build real professional experience into every student's path, why long-tenured presidencies make structural change possible, and what colleges owe the communities they sit in.

Rather than defending the traditional academic model, this episode focuses on what becomes possible when universities are willing to reinvent themselves. The conversation also looks at higher education's resistance to change, the rapid disappearance of entry-level roles in an AI-driven economy, and what genuine collaboration between universities, industry, and community looks like in practice.

In this episode:

• Why long-term presidencies make meaningful institutional change possible
• How Kettering's cooperative education model integrates classroom learning with professional experience
• What universities can do to support the cities and communities around them
• Why higher education often treats change as a threat rather than a need
• How AI is reshaping entry-level roles and what it means for higher ed

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72168073Wed, 27 May 2026 10:00:02 +0000Radical CooperationThe disconnect between higher education and the workforce is widely acknowledged but rarely addressed at the institutional level. Most universities respond by adding internships, expanding career services, or launching new programs. Few are built on...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of Kettering University, about what it looks like when a university makes industry integration central to its identity. Drawing on Dr. McMahan's 15 years leading Kettering and the institution's century-long cooperative education model, the conversation explores how universities can build real professional experience into every student's path, why long-tenured presidencies make structural change possible, and what colleges owe the communities they sit in.

Rather than defending the traditional academic model, this episode focuses on what becomes possible when universities are willing to reinvent themselves. The conversation also looks at higher education's resistance to change, the rapid disappearance of entry-level roles in an AI-driven economy, and what genuine collaboration between universities, industry, and community looks like in practice.

In this episode:

• Why long-term presidencies make meaningful institutional change possible
• How Kettering's cooperative education model integrates classroom learning with professional experience
• What universities can do to support the cities and communities around them
• Why higher education often treats change as a threat rather than a need
• How AI is reshaping entry-level roles and what it means for higher ed

]]>2294falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-real-formula-for-collaboration-that-works--71975769
Hosted by Dr. Horowitz and Associate Director of Communications for The Community Solution Education System, Stephanie Bihr, this episode explores the 7 elements of radical cooperation from Dr. Horowitz’s book, The Community Solution: The Power of Radical Cooperation in Higher Education, and how they apply. From niche superpowers and two-way learning to productive humility and continuous urgency, you’ll hear how these principles help institutions navigate uncertainty, strengthen partnerships, and drive meaningful outcomes. Whether you're leading a team, managing change, or building community, this episode offers a clear framework for working better together.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The 7 elements that make radical cooperation actually work
• How to identify and leverage your organization’s niche superpower
• Why two-way learning strengthens teams and communities
• The role of humility and risk-taking in effective collaboration
• How continuous urgency drives real impact and momentum

Don’t risk operating in silos while others build stronger, more adaptive partnerships. Learn how to apply radical cooperation to create lasting impact.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71975769Wed, 13 May 2026 10:00:03 +0000Radical CooperationRadical cooperation is the key to building stronger, more resilient institutions—and in this episode, you’ll learn exactly how it works. Radical cooperation isn’t just a concept; it’s a practical framework made up of seven elements that can transform...
Hosted by Dr. Horowitz and Associate Director of Communications for The Community Solution Education System, Stephanie Bihr, this episode explores the 7 elements of radical cooperation from Dr. Horowitz’s book, The Community Solution: The Power of Radical Cooperation in Higher Education, and how they apply. From niche superpowers and two-way learning to productive humility and continuous urgency, you’ll hear how these principles help institutions navigate uncertainty, strengthen partnerships, and drive meaningful outcomes. Whether you're leading a team, managing change, or building community, this episode offers a clear framework for working better together.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The 7 elements that make radical cooperation actually work
• How to identify and leverage your organization’s niche superpower
• Why two-way learning strengthens teams and communities
• The role of humility and risk-taking in effective collaboration
• How continuous urgency drives real impact and momentum

Don’t risk operating in silos while others build stronger, more adaptive partnerships. Learn how to apply radical cooperation to create lasting impact.
]]>1999falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-collaboration-is-unlocking-new-opportunities--71731195The Community Solution: The Power of Radical Cooperation in Higher Education and why it offers a new path forward for institutions facing growing complexity and change.

Drawing on nearly two decades of leadership experience, Dr. Horowitz explains how radical cooperation enables colleges and universities to maintain their unique identities while sharing resources, aligning around a common mission, and working together to scale impact. Through real-world examples, this conversation brings the ideas from the book to life and offers practical insight for leaders looking to apply them within their own organizations or teams.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why radical cooperation works when traditional collaboration fails
• How shared infrastructure creates growth across institutions
• The role of leadership and governance in making cooperation succeed
• Practical ways to break down silos within your organization
• How culture drives long-term collaboration success

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71731195Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:01:01 +0000Radical CooperationWhat is radical cooperation, and why is it becoming a powerful solution in higher education?  In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Horowitz and Associate Director of Communications for The Community Solution Education System, Stephanie Bihr,...The Community Solution: The Power of Radical Cooperation in Higher Education and why it offers a new path forward for institutions facing growing complexity and change.

Drawing on nearly two decades of leadership experience, Dr. Horowitz explains how radical cooperation enables colleges and universities to maintain their unique identities while sharing resources, aligning around a common mission, and working together to scale impact. Through real-world examples, this conversation brings the ideas from the book to life and offers practical insight for leaders looking to apply them within their own organizations or teams.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why radical cooperation works when traditional collaboration fails
• How shared infrastructure creates growth across institutions
• The role of leadership and governance in making cooperation succeed
• Practical ways to break down silos within your organization
• How culture drives long-term collaboration success

]]>1630falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/public-trust-media-narratives-and-the-future-of-higher-ed--71319419
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, host Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Sara Custer, Editor-in-Chief of Inside Higher Ed, to examine the growing tension between media coverage and institutional reality. Together, they unpack how public perception is formed, why trust in higher education is increasingly fragile, and how leaders can respond with clarity and strategy in a rapidly shifting landscape.

From leadership transitions after founders step down to the rise of AI-generated content and its impact on journalism, this conversation offers a nuanced look at the forces reshaping higher education. Grounded in the principles of The Community Solution, it also highlights how collaboration, transparency, and shared strategy can help institutions build resilience and better serve students.

What you’ll learn:

• How media narratives shape public trust in higher education
• The most pressing leadership challenges facing colleges and universities
• Why financial pressures and institutional closures are accelerating
• How journalism—and AI—are transforming the information landscape
• What it takes to successfully step into leadership after a founder exits

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71319419Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:00:03 +0000Radical CooperationHigher education leadership is under more pressure than ever—and in this episode, we explore how media narratives are shaping public trust in the sector. Today’s leaders must navigate misinformation, political scrutiny, and financial instability while...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, host Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Sara Custer, Editor-in-Chief of Inside Higher Ed, to examine the growing tension between media coverage and institutional reality. Together, they unpack how public perception is formed, why trust in higher education is increasingly fragile, and how leaders can respond with clarity and strategy in a rapidly shifting landscape.

From leadership transitions after founders step down to the rise of AI-generated content and its impact on journalism, this conversation offers a nuanced look at the forces reshaping higher education. Grounded in the principles of The Community Solution, it also highlights how collaboration, transparency, and shared strategy can help institutions build resilience and better serve students.

What you’ll learn:

• How media narratives shape public trust in higher education
• The most pressing leadership challenges facing colleges and universities
• Why financial pressures and institutional closures are accelerating
• How journalism—and AI—are transforming the information landscape
• What it takes to successfully step into leadership after a founder exits

]]>2585falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-college-athletics-really-cost-institutions--71023673
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Daniel Mahony about how presidents and senior leaders navigate the real trade-offs behind college sports. Drawing on Mahony’s experience leading institutions through financial, cultural, and competitive pressures, the conversation explores why most athletic programs operate at a loss, how even the largest conferences face sustainability challenges, and why collaboration across leadership teams matters more than scale or prestige.

Rather than debating whether athletics belong in higher education, this episode focuses on how leaders make deliberate, mission-aligned decisions and when athletics can become a strategic asset rather than a liability.

In this episode:

• The institutional costs and benefits of college athletics
• How athletics shape campus culture and identity
• When sports programs support mission and when they complicate it
• Why athletics decisions require system-level leadership
• How institutions align athletics with long-term priorities

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71023673Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:22:12 +0000Radical CooperationAthletics often sit at the center of campus identity, yet decisions about sports programs are rarely examined through the same strategic lens as academics, enrollment, or finance. As costs rise and the landscape shifts, leaders face increasingly...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Daniel Mahony about how presidents and senior leaders navigate the real trade-offs behind college sports. Drawing on Mahony’s experience leading institutions through financial, cultural, and competitive pressures, the conversation explores why most athletic programs operate at a loss, how even the largest conferences face sustainability challenges, and why collaboration across leadership teams matters more than scale or prestige.

Rather than debating whether athletics belong in higher education, this episode focuses on how leaders make deliberate, mission-aligned decisions and when athletics can become a strategic asset rather than a liability.

In this episode:

• The institutional costs and benefits of college athletics
• How athletics shape campus culture and identity
• When sports programs support mission and when they complicate it
• Why athletics decisions require system-level leadership
• How institutions align athletics with long-term priorities

]]>2257falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-some-colleges-survive-and-others-don-t--70693303
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Jim Long about how colleges move from perceived stability to real vulnerability and how boards and senior leaders can recognize those shifts earlier. Drawing on Jim’s work with institutional risk models, enrollment data, and governance practice, the conversation examines why enrollment alone is a misleading signal, how discounting and net revenue quietly reshape risk, and why certain governance patterns delay action.

Rather than forecasting which institutions will struggle, this episode focuses on strengthening judgment helping leaders interpret data more honestly and ask better questions before pressure turns into urgency.

In this episode:

• How institutional risk builds gradually over time
• What enrollment and financial data reveal and conceal
• Why governance structures matter in moments of uncertainty
• How boards can improve oversight without creating alarm
• What strong institutions do before challenges escalate

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70693303Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:00:03 +0000Radical CooperationRisk in higher education rarely announces itself. It accumulates gradually through delayed decisions, familiar assumptions, and governance processes that struggle to keep pace with changing conditions. By the time a crisis becomes visible, leaders...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Jim Long about how colleges move from perceived stability to real vulnerability and how boards and senior leaders can recognize those shifts earlier. Drawing on Jim’s work with institutional risk models, enrollment data, and governance practice, the conversation examines why enrollment alone is a misleading signal, how discounting and net revenue quietly reshape risk, and why certain governance patterns delay action.

Rather than forecasting which institutions will struggle, this episode focuses on strengthening judgment helping leaders interpret data more honestly and ask better questions before pressure turns into urgency.

In this episode:

• How institutional risk builds gradually over time
• What enrollment and financial data reveal and conceal
• Why governance structures matter in moments of uncertainty
• How boards can improve oversight without creating alarm
• What strong institutions do before challenges escalate

]]>2467falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-forward-thinking-colleges-are-doing-differently--70407083The Community Solution, Dr. Michael Horowitz presents a bold vision for higher education, showing how colleges can break down silos, collaborate effectively, and build resilient, student-centered institutions. Drawing on his experience leading a six-college system, Horowitz illustrates how radical cooperation and thoughtful design can transform institutions—and the students they serve. This episode highlights the ideas at the heart of the book, giving listeners a front-row seat to his framework in action.

Many colleges feel stuck between two unsatisfying options: preserve traditions that no longer fit, or chase change without clarity about what should remain. As enrollment pressures and financial constraints grow, the deeper challenge is not innovation itself, but whether institutions truly understand what students are hiring them to do.

In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Michael Horn to examine how higher education’s underlying models shape institutional behavior often more than leaders realize. Drawing on jobs-to-be-done thinking, they explore why incremental fixes rarely deliver resilience, how misalignment between student motivations and institutional design leads to attrition, and why focus and differentiation are essential for helping students choose more intentionally.

Rather than framing the future as a breaking point, this episode offers a grounded perspective on how colleges can evolve thoughtfully, preserving their core while building structures that better serve both students and institutions.

In this episode:

• Why institutional models matter more than isolated initiatives
• How focus and differentiation help students make clearer choices
• The limits of incremental change in moments of structural pressure
• What leaders can realistically control in uncertain conditions

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70407083Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:00:02 +0000Radical CooperationIn https://www.amazon.com/Community-Solution-Radical-Cooperation-Education/dp/B0FP149X2C Dr. Michael Horowitz presents a bold vision for higher education, showing how colleges can break down silos, collaborate effectively, and build resilient,...The Community Solution, Dr. Michael Horowitz presents a bold vision for higher education, showing how colleges can break down silos, collaborate effectively, and build resilient, student-centered institutions. Drawing on his experience leading a six-college system, Horowitz illustrates how radical cooperation and thoughtful design can transform institutions—and the students they serve. This episode highlights the ideas at the heart of the book, giving listeners a front-row seat to his framework in action.

Many colleges feel stuck between two unsatisfying options: preserve traditions that no longer fit, or chase change without clarity about what should remain. As enrollment pressures and financial constraints grow, the deeper challenge is not innovation itself, but whether institutions truly understand what students are hiring them to do.

In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Michael Horn to examine how higher education’s underlying models shape institutional behavior often more than leaders realize. Drawing on jobs-to-be-done thinking, they explore why incremental fixes rarely deliver resilience, how misalignment between student motivations and institutional design leads to attrition, and why focus and differentiation are essential for helping students choose more intentionally.

Rather than framing the future as a breaking point, this episode offers a grounded perspective on how colleges can evolve thoughtfully, preserving their core while building structures that better serve both students and institutions.

In this episode:

• Why institutional models matter more than isolated initiatives
• How focus and differentiation help students make clearer choices
• The limits of incremental change in moments of structural pressure
• What leaders can realistically control in uncertain conditions

]]>1930falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/which-marketing-strategies-reach-today-s-students--70034888
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Brook Shepard, Founder and CEO of Mason Interactive, about what higher education leaders often misunderstand about marketing, enrollment, and growth. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience working with colleges, universities, and mission-driven organizations, Brook reframes marketing not as a set of tactics, but as an institutional capability that requires alignment, patience, and shared responsibility.

In this episode:

• Why higher education often measures marketing the wrong way
• How short-term efficiency can undermine long-term enrollment growth
• What alignment between marketing, admissions, and leadership really requires
• Why awareness is a prerequisite for demand, not a luxury
• How institutions can build shared accountability instead of siloed blame

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70034888Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:00:02 +0000Radical CooperationHigher education is competing for attention in a more crowded, fragmented landscape than ever before. As enrollment pressure rises and traditional advantages fade, institutions face a critical leadership question: how do you grow without losing focus,...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Brook Shepard, Founder and CEO of Mason Interactive, about what higher education leaders often misunderstand about marketing, enrollment, and growth. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience working with colleges, universities, and mission-driven organizations, Brook reframes marketing not as a set of tactics, but as an institutional capability that requires alignment, patience, and shared responsibility.

In this episode:

• Why higher education often measures marketing the wrong way
• How short-term efficiency can undermine long-term enrollment growth
• What alignment between marketing, admissions, and leadership really requires
• Why awareness is a prerequisite for demand, not a luxury
• How institutions can build shared accountability instead of siloed blame

]]>2449falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-keeps-alumni-coming-back--69739722
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Ellen Helms, Jana Johnston, and Saajan Bhakta about what meaningful alumni connection actually looks like over time. Drawing from their experiences as trustees, researchers, faculty leaders, and practitioners, they explore why personal outreach matters more than mass communication, how institutions without traditional campuses or sports can reimagine “homecoming,” and why trust and belonging must be cultivated well before students graduate.

In this episode:

• Why personalized alumni engagement outperforms generic outreach
• How institutions can redefine “homecoming” beyond sports and campuses
• The long-term value of alumni relationships for students and institutions
• Ways alumni can support students through mentorship, access, and advocacy
• Why trust and belonging must begin during the student experience

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69739722Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:00:08 +0000Radical CooperationAlumni relationships are often treated as transactional, a newsletter, a donation ask, a quiet fade after graduation. But as higher education faces enrollment pressure, rising costs, and shifting expectations, the deeper question is how institutions...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Ellen Helms, Jana Johnston, and Saajan Bhakta about what meaningful alumni connection actually looks like over time. Drawing from their experiences as trustees, researchers, faculty leaders, and practitioners, they explore why personal outreach matters more than mass communication, how institutions without traditional campuses or sports can reimagine “homecoming,” and why trust and belonging must be cultivated well before students graduate.

In this episode:

• Why personalized alumni engagement outperforms generic outreach
• How institutions can redefine “homecoming” beyond sports and campuses
• The long-term value of alumni relationships for students and institutions
• Ways alumni can support students through mentorship, access, and advocacy
• Why trust and belonging must begin during the student experience

]]>2155falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-the-humanities-matter-more-in-the-age-of-ai--69518931
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Rishi Jaitly, Founder and Professor at the Virginia Tech Institute for Leadership in Technology. Together, they explore why the humanities, often dismissed as “soft skills”, may be the most critical foundation for leadership in an AI-driven world. Drawing on Rishi’s experience across Silicon Valley, global technology platforms, and higher education, the conversation reframes empathy, curiosity, storytelling, and ethical judgment as essential forms of leadership capacity.

From the concept of the “full-stack human” to the limits of content-based education, this discussion examines how institutions can prepare leaders not just to use technology, but to steward it with clarity, humility, and purpose.

In this episode:

• Why the humanities matter more as technology accelerates
• What it means to develop “full-stack” human leaders
• How curiosity and ambiguity shape effective leadership
• The limits of content-driven education in the AI era
• Why lifelong learning is becoming a leadership imperative

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69518931Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:00:08 +0000Radical CooperationTechnological change is accelerating faster than most institutions can adapt. As artificial intelligence reshapes work, learning, and leadership, higher education faces a deeper question: what human skills truly endure when information becomes instant...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Rishi Jaitly, Founder and Professor at the Virginia Tech Institute for Leadership in Technology. Together, they explore why the humanities, often dismissed as “soft skills”, may be the most critical foundation for leadership in an AI-driven world. Drawing on Rishi’s experience across Silicon Valley, global technology platforms, and higher education, the conversation reframes empathy, curiosity, storytelling, and ethical judgment as essential forms of leadership capacity.

From the concept of the “full-stack human” to the limits of content-based education, this discussion examines how institutions can prepare leaders not just to use technology, but to steward it with clarity, humility, and purpose.

In this episode:

• Why the humanities matter more as technology accelerates
• What it means to develop “full-stack” human leaders
• How curiosity and ambiguity shape effective leadership
• The limits of content-driven education in the AI era
• Why lifelong learning is becoming a leadership imperative

]]>2281falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-distinction-matters-more-than-ever--69327725
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Mary Marcy, Ph.D., President Emerita of Dominican University of California, and Lucie Lapovsky, Ph.D., Former President of Mercy College and current College Management Consultant. Together, they explore what truly sets successful colleges apart, how retention and mission clarity drive both academic and financial health, and why collaboration, not isolation, is becoming essential for survival.

From redefining student pathways to rethinking resource models and shared infrastructure, Mary and Lucie offer a grounded look at the decisions that help institutions stay strong in an era of rapid change.

In this episode:

• What truly defines institutional distinction
• How retention and mission clarity strengthen outcomes
• Why collaboration and shared services matter more than ever
• The leadership mindset needed to navigate rapid change

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69327725Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:00:08 +0000Radical CooperationDistinctiveness in higher education isn’t created by accident. It takes clarity, discipline, and the willingness to make strategic choices, especially as colleges face shrinking enrollments, rising costs, and pressure to prove their value. In this...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Mary Marcy, Ph.D., President Emerita of Dominican University of California, and Lucie Lapovsky, Ph.D., Former President of Mercy College and current College Management Consultant. Together, they explore what truly sets successful colleges apart, how retention and mission clarity drive both academic and financial health, and why collaboration, not isolation, is becoming essential for survival.

From redefining student pathways to rethinking resource models and shared infrastructure, Mary and Lucie offer a grounded look at the decisions that help institutions stay strong in an era of rapid change.

In this episode:

• What truly defines institutional distinction
• How retention and mission clarity strengthen outcomes
• Why collaboration and shared services matter more than ever
• The leadership mindset needed to navigate rapid change

]]>2576falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-hidden-work-behind-protecting-student-data--69056386
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Jeanne Eicks, Rick Merrick, and Pegah Parsi about how universities can build a culture of privacy that strengthens trust, reduces risk, and supports innovation. Together, they explore why privacy is no longer just a legal requirement, how student expectations are evolving across generations, and what it takes to lead responsibly in a world shaped by constant technological change.

In this episode:

• Why privacy must be treated as a shared institutional value, not a checklist.
• How data footprints, AI use, and global regulations are reshaping higher ed.
• What “digital risk” really means for students, faculty, and the institution.
• Why the rise of privacy leadership in higher education signals a major cultural shift.
• How universities can balance innovation with protection—and earn student trust in the process.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69056386Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:00:08 +0000Radical CooperationHigher education is entering a new era of digital responsibility. As campuses adopt AI tools, expand online learning, and rely on data to improve the student experience, the pressure to protect that information has never been greater. In this episode...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Jeanne Eicks, Rick Merrick, and Pegah Parsi about how universities can build a culture of privacy that strengthens trust, reduces risk, and supports innovation. Together, they explore why privacy is no longer just a legal requirement, how student expectations are evolving across generations, and what it takes to lead responsibly in a world shaped by constant technological change.

In this episode:

• Why privacy must be treated as a shared institutional value, not a checklist.
• How data footprints, AI use, and global regulations are reshaping higher ed.
• What “digital risk” really means for students, faculty, and the institution.
• Why the rise of privacy leadership in higher education signals a major cultural shift.
• How universities can balance innovation with protection—and earn student trust in the process.

]]>2504falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-strategic-power-of-the-higher-ed-cfo--68726995
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Jennifer Gantz, Chief Financial Officer of the Community Solution Education System, about how strategic investment, not austerity, is the key to institutional resilience. Together, they unpack why you can’t cut your way to greatness, how shared governance complicates financial decisions, and what it really takes to align money with mission in today’s higher ed landscape.

In this episode:

• Why cutting costs alone undermines quality and long-term growth.
• How program prioritization, shared governance, and transparency create smarter decisions.
• The leadership mindset CFOs need to stay innovative and adaptive under pressure

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68726995Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:00:07 +0000Radical CooperationHigher education is under financial pressure like never before. Rising costs, shrinking enrollments, and tuition-dependent models are forcing leaders to make hard choices about what to cut and what to protect. In this episode of Radical Cooperation,...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Jennifer Gantz, Chief Financial Officer of the Community Solution Education System, about how strategic investment, not austerity, is the key to institutional resilience. Together, they unpack why you can’t cut your way to greatness, how shared governance complicates financial decisions, and what it really takes to align money with mission in today’s higher ed landscape.

In this episode:

• Why cutting costs alone undermines quality and long-term growth.
• How program prioritization, shared governance, and transparency create smarter decisions.
• The leadership mindset CFOs need to stay innovative and adaptive under pressure

]]>2008falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-future-of-higher-ed-belongs-to-bold-collaborators--68449560In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Jeremy Moreland, president of Saybrook University, about how bold leadership and radical cooperation can transform higher education. From boosting doctoral completion rates to building trust with faculty and embracing calculated risk, Dr. Moreland shares lessons from leading institutions through challenge and change.
In this episode:

• How economies of scale create room for innovation and resilience.
• Why transparency and collaboration are essential to student success.
• What higher ed leaders can learn from risk-taking and failure in other fields.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68449560Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:41:00 +0000Radical CooperationShrinking enrollments and financial strain are pressuring colleges nationwide, but survival isn’t about cutting to the bone. It’s about rethinking how institutions scale, collaborate, and innovate. In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael...In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Jeremy Moreland, president of Saybrook University, about how bold leadership and radical cooperation can transform higher education. From boosting doctoral completion rates to building trust with faculty and embracing calculated risk, Dr. Moreland shares lessons from leading institutions through challenge and change.
In this episode:

• How economies of scale create room for innovation and resilience.
• Why transparency and collaboration are essential to student success.
• What higher ed leaders can learn from risk-taking and failure in other fields.

]]>2319falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ai-literacy-is-higher-ed-s-new-core-skill--68302230
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz is joined by Dale Pike, Associate Provost for Technology-enhanced Learning at Virginia Tech, to unpack what AI literacy really requires in higher education, and why faculty readiness may be the biggest barrier to progress. Drawing from years of work in instructional design, emerging technologies, and generative AI research, Dale shares a clear-eyed view of what it will take for institutions to move beyond novelty and toward real integration.

From the ethical foundations of AI use to the gaps between STEM and non-STEM learners, this conversation explores how higher ed can embed AI fluency without starting from scratch, and why the real work ahead isn’t technical, but cultural.

In this episode:

• What AI literacy should look like across disciplines
• Why faculty development is essential for institutional readiness
• How higher ed can evolve without abandoning its human-centered mission

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68302230Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:00:07 +0000Radical CooperationArtificial intelligence is reshaping the workforce, but most colleges and universities are still figuring out what it means for teaching, learning, and leadership. In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz is joined by Dale Pike,...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz is joined by Dale Pike, Associate Provost for Technology-enhanced Learning at Virginia Tech, to unpack what AI literacy really requires in higher education, and why faculty readiness may be the biggest barrier to progress. Drawing from years of work in instructional design, emerging technologies, and generative AI research, Dale shares a clear-eyed view of what it will take for institutions to move beyond novelty and toward real integration.

From the ethical foundations of AI use to the gaps between STEM and non-STEM learners, this conversation explores how higher ed can embed AI fluency without starting from scratch, and why the real work ahead isn’t technical, but cultural.

In this episode:

• What AI literacy should look like across disciplines
• Why faculty development is essential for institutional readiness
• How higher ed can evolve without abandoning its human-centered mission

]]>1900false11fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-long-game-of-bold-educational-change--68089818
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Nadege Dady, Dean of Student Affairs at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem Campus about what it takes to lead boldly within complex systems.

From expanding student access to healthcare careers, to navigating institutional risk and building lasting partnerships, Dr. Dady shares how strong leadership balances courage with clarity. Together, they explore why collaboration, communication, and planning are essential to making bold decisions that actually move institutions forward.

In this episode:

• What distinguishes bold leadership from impulsive action
• How institutions can create the conditions for meaningful change
• Why student pathways depend on coordinated, strategic effort

Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68089818Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:00:08 +0000Radical CooperationBold ideas alone don’t drive change in higher education. They need structure, support, and shared commitment to take root.  In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Nadege Dady, Dean of Student Affairs at Touro...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Nadege Dady, Dean of Student Affairs at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem Campus about what it takes to lead boldly within complex systems.

From expanding student access to healthcare careers, to navigating institutional risk and building lasting partnerships, Dr. Dady shares how strong leadership balances courage with clarity. Together, they explore why collaboration, communication, and planning are essential to making bold decisions that actually move institutions forward.

In this episode:

• What distinguishes bold leadership from impulsive action
• How institutions can create the conditions for meaningful change
• Why student pathways depend on coordinated, strategic effort

Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!]]>1854falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-every-college-president-needs-to-know-about-civic-engagement--67954094of the community and not just in it? Dive into this transformative conversation about civic engagement and how higher education can shape a better future for all.

In this episode of Radical Cooperation, host Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Matthew Nehmer, president of The Colleges of Law, to explore how universities can foster civic engagement and connect meaningfully with their communities. From debates on ballot propositions to free legal clinics, Dr. Niemer shares practical insights and inspiring stories of how institutions can lead the way in creating engaged citizens and meaningful societal change. Together, they uncover the power of collaboration in transforming education and empowering students to make a difference.

In This Episode:

• How universities can move from being in the community to truly becoming of the community.
• Innovative approaches like public debates, legal clinics, and study-abroad experiences that create lasting impacts for students and the public.
• Overcoming obstacles to civic engagement and building partnerships that amplify an institution’s reach and relevance.

Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67954094Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:00:08 +0000Radical CooperationWhat does it mean for a university to truly be of the community and not just in it? Dive into this transformative conversation about civic engagement and how higher education can shape a better future for all. In this episode of Radical Cooperation,...of the community and not just in it? Dive into this transformative conversation about civic engagement and how higher education can shape a better future for all.

In this episode of Radical Cooperation, host Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Matthew Nehmer, president of The Colleges of Law, to explore how universities can foster civic engagement and connect meaningfully with their communities. From debates on ballot propositions to free legal clinics, Dr. Niemer shares practical insights and inspiring stories of how institutions can lead the way in creating engaged citizens and meaningful societal change. Together, they uncover the power of collaboration in transforming education and empowering students to make a difference.

In This Episode:

• How universities can move from being in the community to truly becoming of the community.
• Innovative approaches like public debates, legal clinics, and study-abroad experiences that create lasting impacts for students and the public.
• Overcoming obstacles to civic engagement and building partnerships that amplify an institution’s reach and relevance.

Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!]]>2180falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-it-takes-to-lead-in-online-education--67777550
In this roundtable episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz is joined by three bold leaders from The Community Solution Education System: Dr. Cherron Hoppes, Chief Academic Officer; Dr. Sean Nufer, Senior Director of Teaching and Learning; and Dr. Ruben Cortez, Professor at Pacific Oaks College.

Together, they explore what it takes to deliver truly high-quality, student-centered online learning. From instructional design and faculty development to student belonging and cross-campus collaboration, this conversation reveals how small colleges—when grounded in purpose and supported by systems—can lead innovation at scale.

In this episode:

• Why relevance and intentionality matter more than ever in online design
• How small colleges can lead innovation with the right support
• What students really want from today’s online learning experience

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67777550Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:00:08 +0000Radical CooperationOnline education has become essential, but the bar keeps rising. Today’s students expect flexibility, relevance, and connection. Can small colleges lead the next chapter of online learning? In this roundtable episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr....
In this roundtable episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz is joined by three bold leaders from The Community Solution Education System: Dr. Cherron Hoppes, Chief Academic Officer; Dr. Sean Nufer, Senior Director of Teaching and Learning; and Dr. Ruben Cortez, Professor at Pacific Oaks College.

Together, they explore what it takes to deliver truly high-quality, student-centered online learning. From instructional design and faculty development to student belonging and cross-campus collaboration, this conversation reveals how small colleges—when grounded in purpose and supported by systems—can lead innovation at scale.

In this episode:

• Why relevance and intentionality matter more than ever in online design
• How small colleges can lead innovation with the right support
• What students really want from today’s online learning experience

]]>2712falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/building-career-pathways-with-purpose--67593557
From connecting high school students to dual credit and early fieldwork, to helping first-generation college students access mentorship and complete degrees, this conversation reveals how local partnerships can drive workforce success and transform entire communities.

In this episode:

• Why career pathways must start earlier and be built with intention
• How real-world learning supports retention and long-term success
• What it takes to align institutions, employers, and families around student futures

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67593557Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:00:08 +0000Radical CooperationHow can higher education better prepare students for lives—and careers—that work?In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz is joined by Elizabeth Erickson, Executive Director of Higher Expectations for Racine County, to explore how...
From connecting high school students to dual credit and early fieldwork, to helping first-generation college students access mentorship and complete degrees, this conversation reveals how local partnerships can drive workforce success and transform entire communities.

In this episode:

• Why career pathways must start earlier and be built with intention
• How real-world learning supports retention and long-term success
• What it takes to align institutions, employers, and families around student futures

]]>1457false7fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-break-the-academic-silo-mindset--67377399In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Beronda Montgomery—biologist, author of Lessons from Plants, and former Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean at Grinnell College—to unpack why silos persist in colleges and universities, and how those divisions hold institutions back from true innovation and collective progress.

Drawing inspiration from the natural world, Montgomery explores how plant systems offer surprising insights into human leadership, institutional design, and the kind of relationship-driven change higher ed needs now more than ever. From rethinking outdated reward models to building systems that prioritize collaboration over prestige, this conversation offers a hopeful blueprint for transforming higher education into a true ecosystem of shared success.

In this episode:

- Why silos persist in academic institutions—and what they really cost
- What plants can teach us about leadership and cooperation
- How institutions can rebuild trust and redesign for impact
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67377399Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:00:07 +0000Radical CooperationWhat’s stopping higher education from reaching its full potential? In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Beronda Montgomery—biologist, author of Lessons from Plants, and former Vice President for Academic...In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Beronda Montgomery—biologist, author of Lessons from Plants, and former Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean at Grinnell College—to unpack why silos persist in colleges and universities, and how those divisions hold institutions back from true innovation and collective progress.

Drawing inspiration from the natural world, Montgomery explores how plant systems offer surprising insights into human leadership, institutional design, and the kind of relationship-driven change higher ed needs now more than ever. From rethinking outdated reward models to building systems that prioritize collaboration over prestige, this conversation offers a hopeful blueprint for transforming higher education into a true ecosystem of shared success.

In this episode:

- Why silos persist in academic institutions—and what they really cost
- What plants can teach us about leadership and cooperation
- How institutions can rebuild trust and redesign for impact
]]>1690false6fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-radical-cooperation-is-the-future-of-leadership--67257171
Dr. Bergmark shares how his experience in both corporate and nonprofit leadership has shaped his approach to fostering trust and teamwork. Trustee Dolan offers insights from her global executive roles, revealing how leaders can create cultures of collaboration even in competitive environments. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts and strategies that make Radical Cooperation a transformative force in higher education and beyond.

In this episode:

• Why Radical Cooperation is the key to institutional success
• How leaders can build trust and drive meaningful collaboration
• The role of humility, shared resources, and a collective vision in fostering innovation

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67257171Wed, 06 Aug 2025 10:00:08 +0000Radical CooperationWhat drives true collaboration in complex organizations? Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Edward Bergmark, Chair of The Community Solution Board of Trustees and founder of Optum at UnitedHealth Group, and Victoria Dolan, Trustee for The...
Dr. Bergmark shares how his experience in both corporate and nonprofit leadership has shaped his approach to fostering trust and teamwork. Trustee Dolan offers insights from her global executive roles, revealing how leaders can create cultures of collaboration even in competitive environments. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts and strategies that make Radical Cooperation a transformative force in higher education and beyond.

In this episode:

• Why Radical Cooperation is the key to institutional success
• How leaders can build trust and drive meaningful collaboration
• The role of humility, shared resources, and a collective vision in fostering innovation

]]>1997falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-narrowing-your-focus-expands-your-impact--67016799
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Breeda McGrath, President of Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School, to discuss the power of niche superpowers in higher education. They explore how institutions can thrive by doubling down on their strengths, staying true to their mission, and embracing radical cooperation to maximize their impact.

In this episode:

• Why focusing on your niche leads to greater success
• How Pacific Oaks College builds community impact through specialization
• How to balance innovation with staying true to your mission

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67016799Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:00:15 +0000Radical CooperationMost institutions try to do too much—and end up making less impact. But what if the key to success is narrowing your focus instead of expanding it? In this episode of Radical Cooperation, https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaelhorowitz/ sits down with...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Breeda McGrath, President of Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School, to discuss the power of niche superpowers in higher education. They explore how institutions can thrive by doubling down on their strengths, staying true to their mission, and embracing radical cooperation to maximize their impact.

In this episode:

• Why focusing on your niche leads to greater success
• How Pacific Oaks College builds community impact through specialization
• How to balance innovation with staying true to your mission

]]>2005false4fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-listening-to-the-community-transforms-colleges--66825064
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Michael Alexander, former president of Lasell University, to explore what universities must learn from the communities, industries, and local voices just beyond their gates. Drawing from his unique journey from Hollywood studios to higher ed leadership, Alexander shares how asking the right questions—and listening to external voices—helped transform Lasell into a hub of innovation, civic engagement, and economic impact.

From launching a retirement village that became an academic asset, to reshaping programs based on real employer needs, this conversation reveals how radical cooperation and two-way learning can turn institutional challenges into lasting opportunity.

In this episode:

• How community partnerships created lasting academic innovation
• Why economic impact is higher ed’s most underused story
• The power of listening over leading in institutional change

Note: Since this recording, Michael Alexander was named Interim President of Western New England University.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66825064Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:00:17 +0000Radical CooperationWhat does it take to lead a university that listens, learns, and evolves with the world around it? In this episode of Radical Cooperation, https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaelhorowitz/ sits down with...
In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Michael Alexander, former president of Lasell University, to explore what universities must learn from the communities, industries, and local voices just beyond their gates. Drawing from his unique journey from Hollywood studios to higher ed leadership, Alexander shares how asking the right questions—and listening to external voices—helped transform Lasell into a hub of innovation, civic engagement, and economic impact.

From launching a retirement village that became an academic asset, to reshaping programs based on real employer needs, this conversation reveals how radical cooperation and two-way learning can turn institutional challenges into lasting opportunity.

In this episode:

• How community partnerships created lasting academic innovation
• Why economic impact is higher ed’s most underused story
• The power of listening over leading in institutional change

Note: Since this recording, Michael Alexander was named Interim President of Western New England University.]]>2129false3fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/higher-ed-is-on-shaky-ground-but-still-standing--66732587
This week, Dr. Michael Horowitz is joined by Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy—former president of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and former director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture—to explore what’s broken in higher ed and what’s still possible. Together, they unpack the sector’s most urgent challenges and spotlight how collaboration, not isolation, could be the key to building a stronger, more student-centered future.
In this episode:

• The overlooked root causes behind higher ed’s instability
• How ignoring the data is costing higher ed everything
• What colleges must do now to earn back student trust

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66732587Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:00:16 +0000Radical CooperationWhat happens when tradition meets a moment that demands change? Higher education faces mounting pressure—declining enrollment, shrinking budgets, shifting regulations, and public doubt. But within the disruption lies a rare chance to reimagine how...
This week, Dr. Michael Horowitz is joined by Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy—former president of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and former director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture—to explore what’s broken in higher ed and what’s still possible. Together, they unpack the sector’s most urgent challenges and spotlight how collaboration, not isolation, could be the key to building a stronger, more student-centered future.
In this episode:

• The overlooked root causes behind higher ed’s instability
• How ignoring the data is costing higher ed everything
• What colleges must do now to earn back student trust

]]>2468falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-tradition-holding-higher-education-back--66383235Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Paul LeBlanc, former president of Southern New Hampshire University, to explore the tension between tradition and progress in higher education.

Dr. LeBlanc shares his journey from first-generation student to university president, insights from Southern New Hampshire University’s rise in online education, and lessons on leadership, governance, and innovation.

In this episode:

• Balancing tradition with innovation in higher education
• How SNHU became a leader in online learning
• The leadership qualities needed to drive meaningful change

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66383235Wed, 11 Jun 2025 09:00:12 +0000Radical CooperationHow can universities evolve without losing their core values? In the first episode of Radical Cooperation, https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaelhorowitz/ sits down with https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-j-leblanc-6a17749/, former president of Southern...Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Paul LeBlanc, former president of Southern New Hampshire University, to explore the tension between tradition and progress in higher education.

Dr. LeBlanc shares his journey from first-generation student to university president, insights from Southern New Hampshire University’s rise in online education, and lessons on leadership, governance, and innovation.

In this episode:

• Balancing tradition with innovation in higher education
• How SNHU became a leader in online learning
• The leadership qualities needed to drive meaningful change

]]>2466falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/welcome-to-radical-cooperation--66367021https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66367021Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:52:21 +0000Radical Cooperation72falsetrailer