Mile Higher Ed Podcast

In this special episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn talk to Ceyoncé, a student in the Master of Media & Public Communication program at the University of Denver. They recently took the Higher Education Seminar course “Higher Ed in Film & TV,” which Dr. Marc Johnston Guerrero taught this past winter quarter. We are excited to share their final class project “Defying Gravity,” a podcast episode examining Elphaba’s experience with otherness and onlyness as student at Shiz University in the film Wicked. We also talk with Ceyoncé about their experience in the course.  Here is a list of scholars and references Ceyoncé cites in this episode:  Briscoe, K., Hall, C., & Steele, T. (2024). “Against All Odds”: A Collective Black Feminist Autoethnography of Black Women Doctoral Students’ Experiences in Higher Education Programs. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, 1-14. https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/dhe0000573   Cohen, E. (1991). Who Are "We"? Gay "Identity" as Political (E)motion (A Theoretical Rumination). In D. Fuss (Ed.), Inside/out: Lesbian Theories, Gay Theories (pp. 71-92). Routledge.   Groenewald, E., & Addinall, E. (2024). Living on the Margins: A University Student’s Narratives of Social Isolation. Journal of Culture and Values in Education, 7(4), 249-266. https://doi.org/10.46303/jcve.2024.51   Imre, A. (2011). Lesbian Representation and Postcolonial Allegory. In M. Aydemir (Ed.), Indiscretions: At the Intersection of Queer and Postcolonial Theory (pp. 185-202). Rodopi.   Joshi, A., Shavers, M., Spencer, B., Artis, S., & LeSure, S. (2024). Exploring the Impact of “Onlyness” Among Black Women Doctoral Students in Computer Science and Engineering. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1037/dhe0000583   Lopez, L. (2020). Racism and Mainstream Media. In L. K. Lopez (Ed.), Race and Media: Critical Approaches (pp. 13-26). NYU Press.   Porter, C. (2022). (Re)Imagining Belonging: Black Women Want More Than Survival in Predominantly White Institutions. Journal of College Student Development, 63(1), 106-110. https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2022.0002   Quiñonez, N. (2002). Re(Riting) the Chicana Postcolonial: From Traitor to 21st Century Interpreter. In A. J. Aldama & N. H. Quiñonez (Eds.), Decolonial Voices: Chicana and Chicano Cultural Studies in the 21st Century (pp. 129-151). Indiana University Press.   Showunmi, V. (2023). Visible, invisible: Black women in higher education. Frontiers in Sociology, 8, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2023.974617   --  Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by <a href='https://www.youtube.com/Lib

On this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn talk with Dr. Dwenna Holden, a graduate of the Ed.D. program.   Dr. Dwenna Holden has spent over 20 years in education at the secondary and post-secondary levels both as an educator and administrator. Her focus of praxis and research has been a critical interrogation of cis-white, able-bodied, heteropatriarchal colonial structures, especially as they seek to police QTPOC students, faculty, and staff. Central to her work is critical policy discourse analysis with a focus on liberatory awareness and transformation.    And exciting news! Dr. Holden’s paper “Extending Critical Policy Discourse Analysis: Four Queer Analytic Practices for Higher Education Policy Research” was recently accepted for the Critical Policy Discourse Analysis International Conference to be held in June in Sheffield, United Kingdom. Congratulations, Dwenna!    Here are some links to things we talked about:  Complaint! book by Sara Ahmed   What Do You Do With An Idea? By Kobi Yamada  --  Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? Come join us! If you’re ready to start the conversation use this link to request information. Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.  Follow our podcast on Instagram at milehigheredpodcast. Follow Morgridge College of Education at MorgridgeatDU.   Keep up the good work everyone. See you next time!

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn talk with Dr. Michael LaFarr, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health and Wellbeing at the University of Denver and alumnus of the Higher Education Master’s program. We talk about what health care looks like in the context of higher education, how to support students’ holistic wellbeing, and how his degree in higher education shaped his career trajectory.   About our guest: Dr. Michael LaFarr is a higher education leader based in Denver, Colorado, serving as an assistant vice chancellor at the University of Denver charged with overseeing health, wellness, and student services. Trained as a clinical psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology and an MBA, he combines deep behavioral health expertise with strategic and operational insight. With extensive experience running college health centers, he focuses on building systems that support student wellbeing, equity, and success, bringing a practical, mission-driven perspective to conversations about campus health, organizational change, and how institutions can better care for their students.  Here’s a link to information about the University of Denver Health and Counseling Center  --  **Listeners! We want to hear from you. Please take our listener survey to help us plan for Season 4!**  Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? Come join us! If you’re ready to start the conversation use this link to request information. Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.  Follow our podcast on Instagram at milehigheredpodcast. Follow Morgridge College of Education at MorgridgeatDU.   Keep up the good work everyone. See you next time!

On this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn talk to Dr. Ally Garcia, State Director for Adult Education Initiatives at the Colorado Department of Education and Adjunct Faculty in the Higher Education Department at the University of Denver. We talk about her experience in the EdD program, her teaching philosophy of Challenge-and-Support, and how she centers learners in her work both in the classroom and when implementing state policy.  About our Guest: Dr. Ally Garcia (she,her,hers) received her Doctor of Education Degree from the University of Denver in 2019 and graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with both graduate and bachelor degrees (2011 & 2014). She currently serves as the State Director of the Adult Education Initiatives office at the Colorado of Department of Education.  She is an adjunct faculty member at both the University of Colorado Denver and the University of Denver. Dr. Garcia’s research and presentations have focused on issues relating to equity and liberation for marginalized communities where she utilizes poststructuralism and critical race feminist theories.  She was recently named the Ruth Murray Underhill Teaching recipient at the University of Denver.  She is a co-founder of a women’s fastpitch league in Denver, The United Women’s Fastpitch Coalition, and is the Principal Consultant at Equity Endeavors Consulting LLC.  She enjoys exploring Colorado, working out, watching independent films, walking her beautiful and friendly Chow Chow Chewbacca, and spending time jamming at concerts with her partner, Roman!     Links to things we discussed:  The dissertation process as one of healing and unmasking for sexual assault survivors—Dr. Hurtado and Dr. Garcia’s article on the experience of writing their dissertations    **Listeners! We want to hear from you. Please take our listener survey to help us plan for Season 4!**    Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? Come join us! If you’re ready to start the conversation use this link to request information. Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.  Follow our podcast on Instagram at milehigheredpodcast. Follow Morgridge College of Education at MorgridgeatDU.   Keep up the g

On this episode, Sarah and Caitlyn speak with Dr. Audrey Townsend, Director of Experiential Learning at the University of Denver. We talk about why experiential learning is important, how to choose between a PhD and an EdD, and how DU pushes its students to curate a meaningful education.  About our guest: Audrey Townsend, PhD (she/her) serves as the Director of Experiential Learning within the 4D Experience Team at the University of Denver. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and both her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the University of Denver. Her doctoral dissertation, Examining Whiteness: A Narrative Inquiry into Racial Identity Among White Women in Study Abroad Programs, explored how undergraduate students make meaning of their identities after participating in international education experiences. Audrey’s passion for internationalization and study abroad is deeply rooted in her own time studying in Heredia, Costa Rica, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. In addition to her role on the 4D Experience Team, she serves as an adjunct instructor in the Office of Internationalization, where she teaches both pre- and post-study abroad courses.  Outside of the university, Audrey enjoys spending time with her two young children and her husband. She is also a cycling instructor at two Denver-area gyms. In her free time, she can often be found reading or listening to podcasts.  Some links:  The 4D Experience at the University of Denver    Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? Come join us! If you’re  ready to start the conversation use this link to request information. Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.  Follow our podcast on Instagram at milehigheredpodcast. Follow Morgridge College of Education at MorgridgeatDU.   Keep up the good work everyone. See you next time!

In this episode, Sarah and Caitlyn talk with Dr. Dong Dinh, who is the Director of First at DU, and an alum of both the Higher Education Master and EdD programs at the University of Denver. We talk about serving first-generation students, how first-gen supports must span the whole college experience, and reflecting on those who have helped to support us in our journeys.   About our guest: Dr. Dong Dinh graduated from DU with both his MA and EdD in Higher Education. He identifies as a queer Vietnamese American and concentrates his research and expertise in supporting historically underrepresented students with a specialty focus on Asian American and first-generation student populations. He is an avid adventurer and spends much of his time on an outrigger canoe.  --  Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? Come join us! If you’re  ready to start the conversation use this link to request information. Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.  Follow our podcast on Instagram at milehigheredpodcast. Follow Morgridge College of Education at MorgridgeatDU.   Keep up the good work everyone. See you next time!    __  Episode Transcript  Sarah Hurtado: Welcome back to Mile Higher Ed, the podcast where we share stories, ideas, and experiences in higher education research and practice, all from the voices of DU higher ed faculty, students, and alumni. I’m one of your hosts, Dr. Sarah Hurtado, Associate Professor in the DU Higher Ed Department, and, as always, I'm here with my co-host:  Caitlyn Glaser: Hi, I'm Caitlyn Potter Glaser. I'm a PhD student in higher education here at DU.  Sarah: And today, we are so excited to talk with Dr. Dong Dinh, who is the Director of FIRST at DU, and a two-time DU Higher Ed alum graduating both from our master's and EdD programs. So, welcome Dong!  Dong Dinh: Thanks for having me. It's a pleasure to be here, and I'm excited to join you in this podcast.  Sarah: Thanks. We are also very excited to chat with you. Our first question is kind of a standard we ask everyone. Tell us about your journey. What led you here to DU? What inspired you to do the EdD program? And, you know, all that fun stuff!  Dong: Yeah, yeah, awesome question. It helps me reflect about who I am, what I stand for, and go back to the beginnings of my childhood, would you say? I'v

In this episode, Sarah and Caitlyn are joined by Jessica Boynton, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, and Amber Rux, M.A., Assistant Director of Student Affairs, both at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. We talk about what supporting students in   About Our Guests:  Since 2015, Jessica Boynton has been serving law students as the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law.  Prior to that, Jessica spent four years supporting undergraduate students at Colorado State University - Pueblo (in southern Colorado) as the Director of Student Judicial Affairs.  Before finding higher education, Jessica practiced law at Banner & Bower, PC in Pueblo, Colorado and at Davis Graham & Stubbs, LLP in Denver, Colorado. Jessica grew up in Denver, and then ventured to upstate New York where she earned her bachelor's degree at Cornell University in Communications in 2002, and later earned her JD at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law in 2008.  Jessica Boynton is licensed as an attorney in the state of Colorado.      At the University of Denver, Jessica is responsible for student support, advising, wellbeing initiatives, student accommodations, student organizations, orientation, and much more.  In 2021, Jessica created and led the inaugural Denver Law Ascent program designed to support students from historically underrepresented groups.  The program has been a huge success!  She has also served as an instructor for masters and PhD students at the University of Denver Morgridge College of Education, teaching a course about legal issues in higher education.  --  Amber Rux is an experienced higher education professional at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law, where she has worked since 2017. She began her career at DU supporting the Law School’s Clinical Programs while completing her M.A. in Higher Education at DU’s Morgridge College of Education. Since joining the Office of Student Affairs in 2020, Amber has led large-scale student events and initiatives, coordinated disability support services, advised student organizations, and managed day-to-day operational functions. She holds a B.A. from Illinois State University and is deeply committed to student-centered operations, strategic project management, and inclusive, accessible programming in higher education.    Some links to things we talked about:  Office of Student Affairs at the Sturm College of Law   National Association of Law Student Affairs Professionals (NALSAP) – professional development organization for professionals  ---  Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn P

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn talk to Dr. Jim DeLung, Dean of Academic Success in Career and Technical Education at the Community College of Aurora. We discuss innovations in higher education, what constitutes career and technical ed, and those things that inspire us in challenging times.    About our guest:  Dr. Jim DeLung serves as the Dean for Community College of Aurora’s Office of Career & Technical Education. Since joining the Colorado Community College System in 2007, DeLung has worked at four system colleges, as well as at the system office. By serving in a diverse set of roles in academic affairs, IT, student affairs, and workforce development, DeLung has developed a comprehensive understanding of how Colorado’s community colleges may best advance their students’ upward economic mobility.    Links to what we talked about:  The Bachelor of Applied Science in Behavioral Health – The new bachelor’s degree offered by the Community College of Aurora in Behavioral Health with a focus on Addiction Recovery  CCRC Dual Enrollment Data Dashboard – The Community College Research Center released a report and data outlining matriculation and completion outcomes for students having earned college credit while in high school.  Career Connected Campus Designation from the Colorado Department of Higher Education   --  Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? Come join us! If you’re  ready to start the conversation use this link to request information. Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.  Follow our podcast on Instagram at milehigheredpodcast. Follow Morgridge College of Education at MorgridgeatDU.   Keep up the good work, everyone. See you next time!

In this Season 3 premiere of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn speak to Frank Winchester, Assistant Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities here at the University of Denver and current student in the EdD program. We talk about Frank’s journey, how he uses his EdD coursework in his practice, and the importance of connecting authentically with and serving today’s students.  About our guest:  Frank Winchester was born in New York City and has dedicated his career to empowering students and fostering inclusive environments. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies and a Master’s degree in Education from CU-Denver, where he developed a deep commitment to equity and student advocacy.  Currently serving as Assistant Director for Student Rights and Responsibilities, Frank works to ensure that students have the support and resources they need to navigate college successfully. His passion lies in leading initiatives that amplify student voices, promote fairness, and create pathways for personal and academic growth. Frank strives to be a trusted advocate and leader, helping students overcome challenges and thrive in their educational journey.  ---  Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? Come join us! If you’re  ready to start the conversation use this link to request information. Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.  Follow our podcast on Instagram at milehigheredpodcast. Follow Morgridge College of Education at MorgridgeatDU.   Keep up the good work everyone. See you next time!

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, we revisit the very first episode of the podcast we recorded! Caitlyn interviews Sarah about her article “Using Intersectionality to Reimagine Title IX Adjudication Policy” was recently published in a special issue of the Journal of Women and Gender and Higher Education.    About our guest: Dra. Sarah Hurtado has been with DU Higher Education since 2018. She first started in a visiting role, and loved it so much she decided to stay. She is now Associate Professor of Higher Education in the Department. Her research focuses on addressing sexual violence among college students and how institutions contribute to the perpetration of this issue with a specific focus on the role and responsibility of faculty members.      Dra. Hurtado received her PhD in higher education at Indiana University Bloomington where she served as a Project Associate for the Center for Postsecondary Research. Specifically, she worked with the National Survey of Student Engagement Institute for Effective Educational Practice. In her role, she worked with institutions to better utilize their NSSE data to inform practice. Prior to that, she worked as a Coordinator of Student Development at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for three years. She received her Masters from Indiana University Bloomington and her Bachelors from the University of Redlands.    --  Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.     Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? You could start as early as January 2026. Ready to start the conversation? Use this link to request information. Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.    Follow our podcast on Instagram at milehigheredpodcast.   Follow Morgridge College of Education at MorgridgeatDU.     Keep up the good work everyone. See you next time!

While Sarah and Caitlyn work on Season 3 of the podcast, we are revisiting this season 1 episode where we talked to Dr. Michele Tyson, Clinical Associate Professor of Higher Education and Director of Faculty Advising at the University of Denver. We talked about the legacy of women’s colleges and women’s leadership programs in higher education. Michele had recently co-authored a chapter in the book Rooted and Radiant: Women’s Narratives of Leadership.    About our guest: Dr. Michele Tyson is clinical associate professor in the Higher Education program at the University of Denver and has worked in the field of higher education for 25+ years, with experience in student affairs, enrollment management, and student services. Her professional and research interests fall into two areas.  One is related to the preparation and development of student affairs and higher education leaders. The other is in understanding institutions as organizations and environments in which students make humanizing decisions about engagement with identity and becoming.   --  Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.     Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? You could start as early as January 2026.  Ready to start the conversation? Use this link to request information. Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.    Follow our podcast on Instagram at milehigheredpodcast. Follow Morgridge College of Education at MorgridgeatDU.     Keep up the good work everyone. See you next time!

Sarah and Caitlyn are still hard at work on Season 3 of the podcast. In the meantime, we’re revisiting this season 1 episode with Dr. Cecilia Orphan, Associate Professor of Higher Education at the University of Denver, and Director of Partnerships for the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges (ARRC). We talked about Regional Public Universities and Rural-Serving Institutions and why these sectors of higher education are important.  About our guest: Dr. Cecilia M. Orphan is a working class, first-generation college graduate who received maximum Pell grants to attend college. As a child, she experienced homelessness and was a welfare recipient. She is personally familiar with the transformative nature of need based financial aid and colleges designed to expand access after attending Linn Benton Community College, a Rural-Serving Institution (RSI), and Portland State University, a Regional Public University (RPU). Simply put, attending these colleges changed her life. She has devoted my career to expanding understanding of and appreciation for RPUs and RSIs so that other students might enjoy the same opportunities she had, and so that higher education’s contributions to equity and democracy are strengthened.  Dr. Orphan is committed to bringing broader exposure and understanding to RPUs and RSIs and improve research, funding, policy, and media coverage of these sectors.    --  Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? You could start as early as January 2026.  Ready to start the conversation? Use this link to request information. Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.  Follow our podcast on Instagram at milehigheredpodcast. Follow Morgridge College of Education at MorgridgeatDU.   Keep up the good work everyone. See you next time!

This week we are revisiting our season 1 episode where we talked to Dr. Chris Nelson, Associate Professor and now Chair of the Higher Education Department at the University of Denver. She kindly joined us while on her sabbatical to talk with us about her co-authored piece called “(Re)wiring Settler Colonial Practices in Higher Education: Creating Indigenous-Centered Futures Through Considerations of Power, the Social Place, and Space” in the Higher Education Handbook of Theory and Research.   About our guest: Dr. Chris A. Nelson is from the K’awaika (Laguna Pueblo) and Diné (Navajo) tribal communities. She is an associate professor and department chair for the Higher Education Department. Her scholarship utilizes a blending of critical theory and Indigenous relationality theory to explore the purpose and function of higher education. Harnessing her 20+ years of being a higher education professional and faculty member, she explores how the system of US higher education organizes and operates to better understand how institutions can live out their commitments to supporting Indigenous visibility and presence.  --  Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.     Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? You could start as early as January 2026.  Ready to start the conversation? Use this link to request information. Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.    Follow our podcast on Instagram at milehigheredpodcast. Follow Morgridge College of Education at MorgridgeatDU.     Keep up the good work, everyone. See you next time!

While Sarah and Caitlyn work on Season 3 of the podcast, we are revisiting this season 1 episode where we talked to Dr. Laura Sponsler, Clinical Associate Professor of Higher Education and now Director of Faculty Development for the Office of Faculty Affairs. We talked about Teaching inclusive teaching, learning, and assessment; organizational change, organizational learning, and faculty development; and the experiences of non-tenure track faculty and their participation in higher education.    --  Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.     Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? You could start as early as January 2026.  Ready to start the conversation? Use this link to request information. Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.    Follow our podcast on Instagram at milehigheredpodcast. Follow Morgridge College of Education at MorgridgeatDU.     Keep up the good work everyone. See you next time!

Would you like to contribute to the Professor William E. Cross Jr, PhD Memorial Scholarship? Click here.  Want more information about the University of Denver’s master’s and doctoral programs? Click here.   Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Follow us on Instagram: @milehigheredpodcast  Follow MCE on Instagram: @morgridgeatdu     Thanks for listening to Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   See you next time!

In this special bonus episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn talk to Megan Jarrad from the Morgridge College of Education’s Office of Admissions. She answers questions about how to apply for a higher ed degree program, how to approach financial aid, and what prospective higher ed students need to know.  Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? You could start as early as January 2026.   Ready to start the conversation? Use this link to request information.   Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.    --  Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? You could start as early as January 2026.   Ready to start the conversation? Use this link to request information.   Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.  Follow our podcast on Instagram at milehigheredpodcast.   Follow Morgridge College of Education at MorgridgeatDU.   Keep up the good work everyone. See you next time!

This past December in 2024 the DU community lost Professor Emeritus of Higher Education, Dr. William E. Cross, Jr. Dr. Cross, known to friends and colleagues as Bill, was a preeminent scholar of psychology and Black identity development. In this episode, we are remembering the life and work of Dr. Cross by speaking with three people who knew him well.  First, we speak to Kahlea Hunt-Kabir, DU Higher Education Masters alumni and current doctoral student at the University of Maryland, about working with Dr. Cross as a student. Next, Dr. Roslyn Caldwell, Associate Professor at the DU Graduate School of Professional Psychology. She reflects with us about Dr. Cross as a mentor and friend. Then, we talk with Dr. Ryan Evely Gildersleeve, former DU faculty member and associate dean, who shares memories of working with Dr. Cross on the higher ed faculty. And finally, Sarah shares her memories.   About Dr. William E. Cross, Jr.:   An alumnus of the University of Denver, Dr. Cross earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology here at DU before earning his Ph.D. in Psychology from Princeton University. He taught and was on the faculty at Cornell University, Penn State, the City University of New York, and University of Nevada-Las Vegas. He came home to DU in 2012 to teach in the Morgridge College of Education, where he was faculty for both Counseling Psychology and Higher Education, including serving as Chair of the Higher Ed Department. He retired and received Emeritus status in 2018.  Dr. Cross was known for his groundbreaking theory of Nigrescence and his work on Black Identity Development. Nigrescence theory explains how Black individuals come to understand and embrace their racial identity. It describes a journey from possibly downplaying Blackness, through a period of cultural awakening and exploration, to ultimately developing a strong, positive sense of self rooted in Black identity. It’s a powerful framework for understanding personal transformation in the face of racism and societal pressure.  Some Links to Dr. Cross’s Work:   Video: APF at Home Fireside Chat with Dr. William Cross  Book: Shades of Black: Diversity in African-American Identity  Book: Black Identity Viewed From a Barber’s Chair: Nigrescence and Eudaimonia  Podcast: Nigrescence Theory Turns 50: A Conversation with Dr. William E. Cross, Jr, Liberation Now Podcast

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn speak with Dr. Darin Stewart, Professor of Higher Education and outgoing department chair and Dr. Chris Nelson, Associate Professor of Higher Education and incoming department char. We talk about the role of a department chair, accomplishments of the DU higher ed faculty, and creating relational spaces and community as faculty and leaders in higher ed. About our guests: Dr. Darin Stewart is Professor and outgoing Chair of the Higher Education Department in the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver. His scholarship has focused most intently on the history and philosophy of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, as well as the institutional systems and structures that affect the experiences, growth, development, and success of racially minoritized and queer and trans* students in settler colonial historically white postsecondary institutions. Dr. Chris A. Nelson is from the K’awaika (Laguna Pueblo) and Diné (Navajo) tribal communities. She is an associate professor of higher education and incoming department chair at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver (DU) and the Native Faculty Director for DU’s Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Her research utilizes a blending of critical theory and Indigenous relationality theory to explore the purpose and function of higher education. When she isn’t sitting in front of the computer, she is a mother to Olin, a partner to talented artist, Johnny, and a cat mom to Lucky Cat & Fletcher. Chris is an avid player and spectator of soccer since she was 4 years old.   Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti. Are you interested in a degree in Higher Education? Come join us! Learn more about our master’s and doctoral programs here. Follow us on Instagram: @milehigheredpodcast Follow MCE on Instagram: @mceatdu

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn speak with EdD program alumna Dr. Sarah Gutierrez, Assistant Director of Student Conduct for Academic Integrity at Colorado State University. We talk about the world of student conduct, the challenges of AI in today’s classroom, and we learn more about her Dissertation in Practice about the transfer student experience.  About our guest:   Dr. Sarah Gutierrez is the Assistant Director of Student Conduct for Academic Integrity at Colorado State University, where she works to uphold academic integrity while supporting students through educational, restorative, and developmental approaches. She earned her Doctor of Education in Higher Education from the University of Denver, where her dissertation explored the college choice experiences of transfer students.  Sarah’s career in higher education has spanned roles in residence life, academic advising, and admissions, all grounded in her passion for student development and equity. Whether helping students navigate complex decisions or fostering accountability in challenging moments, she brings empathy, expertise, and a deep commitment to student success.    Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a degree in Higher Education? Come join us! Learn more about our master’s and doctoral programs here.  Follow us on Instagram: @milehigheredpodcast  Follow MCE on Instagram: @mceatdu

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn speak with EdD program alumna Dr. Mary Elliott, who is Executive Director of Residence Life and Auxiliary Services at Colorado School of Mines. We talk about building community through residential education, supporting students with autism, and becoming a leader in higher education.   About our guest:   Mary Elliott started her professional career as a teacher after undergrad at Cornell College (Mt. Vernon, IA). She loved studying and learning about teaching and she loves teaching. However, she discovered a need for more varied day to day challenges and ways to connect with students outside the classroom. This brought her to student affairs and higher education. Mary went to the University of Iowa for her Masters and worked in health education there. Her first job out of the program was as a Residential College Director at Washington University in St. Louis in the Department of Residential Life. Mary considers herself lucky to have fallen in love with her chosen field withing higher education early, and was promoted at Wash U to different roles, only leaving when a lateral move to Colorado, her home, opened. Mary grew up in Golden, Colorado, home to Colorado School of Mines. When the opportunity to come home to be near her parents as they age, and one of her sisters (she is the oldest of three), at a place that felt like a great fit professionally, came available, she jumped in and has not looked back. She has been lucky to be promoted at Mines and now serves as the Executive Director of Residence Life and Auxiliary Services, overseeing housing, dining, the student center, bookstore and the campus card system. Mary completed her Doctorate in Education at the University of Denver, in Higher Education in 2021. While at Morgridge she researched the experience of Autistic students in the residence halls as the topic of her dissertation. Mary's partner, Eric and their two dogs, Bubbers and Greta, and cat, Kitty make up her family at home.     Some links to things we talk about:  The Privileged Poor: How Elite Colleges Are Failing Disadvantaged Students by Anthony Abraham Jack.    Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a degree in Higher Education? Come join us! Learn more about our master’s and doctoral programs here.  Follow us on Instagram: @milehigheredpodcast  Follow MCE on Instagram: @mceatdu    </

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn speak with Nate Hernandez, current master’s student and president of the Higher Education Student Association (HESA). We talk about HESA’s work, the Higher Ed community at DU, and how to get the most out of your DU Higher Ed degree program.   About our guest: A Venezuelan immigrant originally from Florida, Nate Hernandez (he/him) is masters student at the University of Denver studying higher education. Nate holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida, where he studied teaching artistry and theatre for social change. Nate's passion for higher education and student affairs comes from his own experiences as a first-generation college student and student activist for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC students. Other areas of interest include accessibility in student affairs programming, strengths-based approaches to student empowerment, and cultivating spaces of community on campus for marginalized students. Currently, he serves as a Graduate Resident Director for a first-year hall and as President of Higher Education Student Association.     Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a degree in Higher Education? Come join us! Learn more about our master’s and doctoral programs here.  Follow us on Instagram: @milehigheredpodcast  Follow MCE on Instagram: @mceatdu

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn speak with master’s alumnus Brandon Bishop, the Advocacy and Strategy Manager at Warren Village, a non-profit organization providing affordable housing and education opportunities for single parents and their children. We discuss the incredible mission of Warren Village, how policy decisions shape access and outcomes for higher education, why childcare is crucial for parenting students, and how the DU higher education master’s program prepares its graduates for careers in policy and advocacy.   About our guest: Brandon Bishop is an alumnus of the Higher Education Master’s program at the University of Denver. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Government from Arizona State University, where he served as the student body president. He currently serves as the Advocacy and Strategy Manager at Warren Village, a Denver non-profit organization providing affordable housing and education opportunities for single parents and their children. He previously served as a policy analyst for SHEEO, the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association.     Some links to things we talked about:   Warren Village  State Higher Education Executive Officer Association (SHEEO)    Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a degree in Higher Education? Come join us! Learn more about our master’s and doctoral programs here.  Follow us on Instagram: @milehigheredpodcast  Follow MCE on Instagram: @mceatdu

In this episode, Sarah and Caitlyn talk with Katie Kleinhesselink, a PhD candidate in Higher Education, and Essa Njie, a second year PhD student in Higher Education at DU. We discuss their recent research project examining state funding models for Broad Access Institutions, which they presented at the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) 2024 conference. We also talk about what it was like to conduct this research and present as doctoral students.  About our guests:   A third-generation Montanan and proud miner's daughter, Katie Kleinhesselink is a passionate advocate for higher education's role in meeting community-identified needs across the Rocky Mountain West. Katie currently serves as the Program Director for Strategic Initiatives for the University of Colorado Boulder’s Office for Public and Community-Engaged Scholarship. Her research interests include higher education’s role in democracy and rural higher education with a focus on regional public universities. Katie holds a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in women's studies from the University of Montana and is a PhD candidate in Higher Education at the University of Denver.  Essa Njie is from The Gambia and obtained a BSc in Political Science from the University of The Gambia. Essa holds a master’s degree in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa from the University of Pretoria, and another master’s degree in Security, Leadership, and Society from King’s College London. He has previously lectured courses in International Relations, International Law, Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, Good Governance, Human Rights, and Democracy, as well as Politics of Developing Societies at the University of The Gambia. Essa is a PhD student in Higher Education at the Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver, with research interest in the intersection of politics and higher education in transitional democracies- the role of higher education in a healthy and functioning democracy. He is also passionate about international and comparative higher education as well as policy issues around higher education funding.     Some links to things we talk about:  The ASHE 2025 Conference will be in Denver! Proposals will be accepted until April 30, 2025.   Information about WICHE: the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education      Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a degree in Higher Education? Come join us! Learn more about our master’s and doctoral programs <a href='https://morgridge.du.edu/academic-progra

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn speak with Dr. Marc Johnston Guerrero, Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs and Professor of Higher Education at the University of Denver. We talk about being a mentor, building intentional community, and how to cultivate professional relationships and mentorships.    About our guest: Dr. Marc Johnston Guerrero is an accomplished scholar in the interdisciplinary fields of Higher Education & Student Affairs and Critical Mixed Race Studies and a seasoned higher education leader. He is currently Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs and Professor in the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver. Previously, he served as Associate Chair of the Department of Educational Studies within the College of Education & Human Ecology at The Ohio State University (OSU). Guerrero is the author of over 70 published works across a range of outlets (from top-tier, high-impact journals to practice-oriented, open-access outlets). As a sought-after expert on racial dynamics in higher education with a focus on multiraciality, he has delivered over 170 presentations, including international invited talks. Mentoring and advising is central to Guerrero’s work as a faculty member, which has been recognized by several awards, including the National Conference on Race & Ethnicity’s (NCORE) 2024 Equity & Social Justice Mentorship Award.    Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a degree in Higher Education? Come join us! Learn more about our master’s and doctoral programs here.  Follow us on Instagram: @milehigheredpodcast  Follow MCE on Instagram: @mceatdu

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn speak with Master’s program alumna Ellen Hogan  About our guest: Ellen Hogan, M.A., is an accessibility advocate focused on organizational leadership and change. She recently joined Colorado Department of Education's (CDE) Adult Education Initiatives team, serving as the Instructional Support and Professional Learning Coordinator. The AEI team is responsible for overseeing the Adult Education Family Literacy Act (federal) and the Adult Education Literacy Act (state) grants.   Ellen provides proactive and responsive support for institutions and organizations to enhance inclusivity and accessibility for all. Ellen has extensive experience collaborating with community leaders, staff, faculty, administrators, UX designers and other partners to dismantle barriers that prohibit access to education. Prior to her current role, Ellen has worked as a Faculty Developer at DU's Office of Teaching and Learning, an Accommodations Specialist at DU's Disability Services Program, and as a public special education teacher and case manager for students in 6th-12th grade.   Some links to things we talk about:  LINCS: Community, Courses, and Resources for Adult Education  Colorado Revised Statues (CRS)    Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a degree in Higher Education? Come join us! Learn more about our master’s and doctoral programs here.  Follow us on Instagram: @milehigheredpodcast  Follow MCE on Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.co

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn speak with EdD program alumna Dr. Sylk Sotto, Associate Vice Chancellor for Faculty Development and Inclusive Excellence and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. We discuss the importance of inclusive learning environments in academic medicine, Dr. Sotto’s pathway to administration and leadership, and why it is important to consider professional schools in higher education scholarship and practice.  About our guest: Dr. Sylk Sotto is an internationally recognized scholar and leader. Currently, she serves as the inaugural Associate Vice Chancellor for Faculty Development at University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences, where she is also an Associate Professor of Medicine at the School of Medicine. Dr. Sotto’s scholarship foundation is in inclusive excellence and includes the areas of faculty affairs and professional development; the medical education continuum, organizational structures and leadership; and the intersection of health equity, community engagement, and research ethics. Dr. Sotto is an Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society Faculty Inductee, and has received national and institutional awards for her service, as an educator, faculty developer, equity scholar, leader and mentor.    Some links to things we talk about:  IU School of Medicine Sees Steep Drop in Students Underrepresented in Medicine article in the Indianapolis Star  #HerAcademicVoice hashtag campaign    Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a degree in Higher Education? Come join us! Learn more about our master’s and doctoral programs here.  Follow us on Instagram: @milehigheredpodcast  Follow MCE on Instagram: @mceatdu

Welcome to Season 2 of Mile Higher Ed. In this season premiere episode, Sarah and Caitlyn talk with Dr. Lauren Contreras, who is assistant professor of education leadership at Northern Arizona University and an alumna of DU’s higher ed Ph.D. program. We discuss her recently published article “Latina Undergraduates on the Path to Becoming Exitosas on Their Own Terms” in the Journal of College Student Development, conocimiento as a framework for understanding Latina students’ experiences, and the process of turning a dissertation into scholarly journal publications.  About our guest: Dr. Lauren Contreras is an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership with a focus on Community College Higher Education at Northern Arizona University. She has published on the topic of students’ transition to college and inclusive pedagogy and programming. She also has experience as a higher education practitioner as an academic advisor and program coordinator. Dr. Contreras has a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Denver, where her dissertation focused on how Latina undergraduates define success in higher education.    Some links to things we talk about:  Light in the Dark/Luz en lo Oscuro by Gloria Anzaldúa  Telling to Live: Latina Feminist Testimonios by the Latina Feminist Group    Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.   Are you interested in a degree in Higher Education? Come join us! Learn more about our master’s and doctoral programs here.

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we are rereleasing an episode from season 1. Dr. Darin Stewart joins Sarah and Caitlyn to talk about his new article Civic Engagement and Resisting ‘Docile Bodies’ in Postsecondary Education published in Teachers College Report. We discuss the importance of civic engagement in racially minoritized communities, why a critically-oriented curriculum is necessary in higher education, and how we must go beyond voting to increase engagement with, and participation in, our democracy.    A few of the things we talk about:  Racial Capitalism, coined by Dr. Cedric J. Robinson in his book Black Marxism: The Making of the Black Radical Tradition.  The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point moved to eliminate a number of liberal arts programs in 2018, but reversed the decision in 2019  What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada    About our guest: Dr. Darin Stewart is Professor and Chair of the Higher Education Department in the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver. His scholarship has focused most intently on the history and philosophy of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, as well as the institutional systems and structures that affect the experiences, growth, development, and success of racially minoritized and queer and trans* students in settler colonial historically white postsecondary institutions.      Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser.  Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.     Are you interested in a degree in Higher Education? Come join us! Learn more about our master’s and doctoral programs here.

In this season finale of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn discuss the topics we covered this season and our takeaways.   Are you an alum of DU’s Higher Ed program, or know an alum of DU’s Higher Ed program, who is doing amazing work in the higher education space? Would you like to be featured on Season 2 of Mile Higher Ed? Contact Dr. Sarah Hurtado to learn more.     Mile Higher Ed is a production of the Higher Education Department at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Dr. Chris Nelson joins Sarah and Caitlyn to discuss a book chapter she recently co-authored called “(Re)wiring Settler Colonial Practices in Higher Education: Creating Indigenous-Centered Futures Through Considerations of Power, the Social Place, and Space” in the Higher Education Handbook of Theory and Research. We discuss decoloniality vs decolonization, decolonial collaborative writing practices, and how to bring a sense of yourself into your academic writing.   About our guest: Dr. Chris A. Nelson (she/her) is from the K’awaika (Laguna Pueblo) and Diné (Navajo) tribal communities. She is an associate professor of higher education at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver (DU) and the Native Faculty Director for DU’s Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Her research utilizes a blending of critical theory and Indigenous relationality theory to explore the purpose and function of higher education. By addressing the collective and political factors influencing college access and completion for Indigenous college students, Chris strives to uphold the educational aspirations held by Indigenous communities. Harnessing her 20 years of being a higher education professional and faculty member, she explores how higher education institutions organize and operate to better understand how institutions can live out their commitments to supporting Indigenous visibility and presence. When she isn’t sitting in front of the computer, she is a mother to Olin, a partner to talented artist, Johnny, and a cat mom to Lucky Cat & Fletcher. Chris is an avid player and spectator of soccer since she was 4 years old.   Mile Higher Ed is a production of the Higher Education Department at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Dr. Stevie Lee joins Sarah and Caitlyn to discuss her dissertation, for which she just won the Franz Fanon Dissertation Award Honorable Mention for the dissertation of the year through the Decolonial, Post-colonial and Anti-colonial studies in Education SIG of AERA. We discuss her use of the Chapter House Framework, decolonizing research methods, and what it was like to share her research at the AERA conference this year. Read Dr. Lee’s dissertation here: Examining the Relational Space of Native Faculty Members in Higher Education About our Guest: Stevie Rose Tohdacheeny Lee (Diné), PhD., is originally from Shiprock, New Mexico, located in the Navajo Nation. Currently, Dr. Lee serves as the Associate Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Native American Initiatives at the University of Denver. She works in the capacity of providing support for current Native American/Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students with the goal of academic success, retention, and graduation while helping to create a community founded upon social and cultural support.  Dr. Lee earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education from University of Denver and a proud member of the Indigenous Affinity Alumni Group. Her personal interests are being outdoors and an avid marathon runner (55+). Mile Higher Ed is a production of the Higher Education Department at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Dr. Liliana Diaz and Ph.D. candidate Casey McCoy-Simmons join Sarah and Caitlyn to talk about Open Education and Open Education Resources (OER). We discuss the benefits of OER, why Open Education is an equity issue, and the current OER policy landscape. Here are some links to the things we talk about: Webinar Recording: “A Not-Boring Tour of State OER Policies” https://openoregon.org/archived-webinar-a-not-boring-tour-of-state-oer-policies/ SPARC OER State Policy Tracker: https://sparcopen.org/our-work/state-policy-tracking/ Casey’s article about OER and equity: https://journals.uwyo.edu/index.php/joerhe/article/view/7183 About our guests: Liliana Diaz Solodukhin, policy analyst with WICHE, works on a diverse range of activities including conducting and communicating policy research on a wide array of higher education-related topics, developing and sustaining relationships with external stakeholders, and conceptualizing and executing short- and long-term collaborative projects with states. Diaz received her B.S. in journalism and mass communication, B.A. in film studies, and a certificate in Technology, Arts, and Media from the University of Colorado at Boulder, earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Denver. Casey McCoy-Simmons is a Ph.D. candidate in higher education at the University of Denver and an independent research consultant whose work spans a variety of topics including state policy discourse, open educational resources (OER), and increasing equitable access to postsecondary education. Prior to Casey's career in higher education, she worked for five years in public libraries leading community engagement and digital literacy efforts. Casey earned her B.S. in media and cinema studies and a M.S. in library and information sciences, with a certificate in community informatics, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Mile Higher Ed is a production of the Higher Education Department at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn interview Ph.D. student Alice Kanyama about her recent work in Malawi, where she provided menstruation products to girls and young women through a grant from DU’s Center for Community Engagement to Advance Scholarship and Learning. We talk about the educational landscape in Malawi, how reusable sanitary pads improve education outcomes, and why secondary schooling is a critical foundation for university access.   Here are links to some of the things we talked about:   Seeds of Promise, a non-profit organization committed to supporting Malawian youth. Seeds of Promise’s Facebook post with photos from the day the pads were distributed. Alice’s extended interview with 21st Century Generation, a broadcast from Zodiak Malawi.   About our guest: Alice Kanyama is a Higher Education PhD Student at University of Denver expected to graduate in 2027. She has 17 years of work experience in Higher Education Management gained in Malawi. She also has over ten years of experience as an instructor and lecturer in the Mass Communication Department at Africa Bible College, Malawi.  She has been a Board Member for Seeds of Promise Ministry since 2017.     Mile Higher Ed is a production of the Higher Education Department at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah interviews Caitlyn about her recent work with the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students. We discuss the gap between transfer aspiration and bachelor’s degree attainment, challenges for community college students, and how practitioners can work together to understand and support students in the transfer process.   Here are links to some of the things we talked about:   The National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students- www.nists.org Transfer Nation- www.transfernation.com “Tracking Transfer” report from the Aspen Institute and Community College Research Center   About our guest: Caitlyn Potter Glaser is a Ph.D. student and Graduate Research Assistant in the Higher Education Department at the University of Denver. Her research interests include college access and equity for those on a less traditional path, including transfer students, post-traditional/adult students, and international students. Before coming to DU Caitlyn worked in Enrollment Management at a four-year university where she supported transfer students in the admissions process, as well as Articulation Specialist developing transfer pathways with partner community colleges.   Caitlyn holds a Master of Education in Adult Education and Development from Strayer University, a graduate certificate in Transfer Leadership and Practice from the University of North Georgia, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.   Mile Higher Ed is a production of the Higher Education Department at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.

About our guest: Anna Dodson was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and attended her undergraduate education at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, graduating with a BA in Psychology. She moved to Denver in 2019, volunteering with AmeriCorps through City Year in a Kindergarten classroom and learning valuable knowledge about the K-12 education system in Denver. She has continued to study education through the higher education lens in 2022, choosing the University of Denver to complete her MA in Higher Education because of their strong graduate assistantship program and interest in the higher education faculty’s areas of study. In the program, she has specifically enjoyed learning and researching about higher education policy and organizational change. She will graduate in June 2024.

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Dr. Cecilia Orphan joins Sarah and Caitlyn to talk about her work with ARRC, or the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges. ARRC recently released its work creating a designation for rural-serving institutions of higher education (RSIs). We discuss the role RSIs play in higher education, and why more research is needed to support this sector.   You can read more about this work on ARRC’s website, www.regionalcolleges.org.   About our guest: Dr. Cecilia M. Orphan is a working class, first-generation college graduate who received maximum Pell grants to attend college. As a child, she experienced homelessness and was a welfare recipient. She is personally familiar with the transformative nature of need based financial aid and colleges designed to expand access after attending Linn Benton Community College, a Rural-Serving Institution (RSI), and Portland State University, a Regional Public University (RPU). Simply put, attending these colleges changed her life. She has devoted my career to expanding understanding of and appreciation for RPUs and RSIs so that other students might enjoy the same opportunities she had, and so that higher education’s contributions to equity and democracy are strengthened.  Dr. Orphan is committed to bringing broader exposure and understanding to RPUs and RSIs and improve research, funding, policy, and media coverage of these sectors.   Mile Higher Ed is a production of the Higher Education Department at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Dr. D-L Stewart joins Sarah and Caitlyn to talk about his new article Civic Engagement and Resisting ‘Docile Bodies’ in Postsecondary Education published in Teachers College Report. We discuss the importance of civic engagement in racially minoritized communities, why a critically-oriented curriculum is necessary in higher education, and how we must go beyond voting to increase engagement with, and participation in, our democracy.   A few of the things we talk about: Racial Capitalism, coined by Dr. Cedric J. Robinson in his book Black Marxism: The Making of the Black Radical Tradition. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point moved to eliminate a number of liberal arts programs in 2018, but reversed the decision in 2019 What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada   About our guest: Dr. D-L Stewart is Professor and Chair of the Higher Education Department in the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver. His scholarship has focused most intently on the history and philosophy of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, as well as the institutional systems and structures that affect the experiences, growth, development, and success of racially minoritized and queer and trans* students in settler colonial historically white postsecondary institutions.     Mile Higher Ed is a production of the Higher Education Department at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Dr. Laura Sponsler joins Sarah and Caitlyn to discuss issues facing non-tenure-track faculty, workload equity, and how to create more leadership roles for non-tenure-track faculty. Laura’s article “Expanding Leadership Roles for Non-Tenure-Track Faculty: What Institutional Leaders Should Consider” was recently published in Academic Leader.   About our guest: Dr. Laura Sponsler is a Clinical Associate Professor of Higher Education at the University of Denver, as well as the Resident Scholar for Teaching and Professional Faculty in the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs. Her work broadly examines the democratic purposes of higher education, in particular how institutions provide space for voice, participation, and inclusive practices, and how these ideals are institutionalized. Dr. Sponsler’s research agenda focuses on the following areas: civic engagement; inclusive teaching, learning, and assessment; organizational change, organizational learning, and faculty development; and the experiences of non-tenure track faculty and their participation in higher education.   Mile Higher Ed is a production of the Higher Education Department at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.

In this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Dr. Michele Tyson joins Sarah and Caitlyn to discuss the legacy of women’s colleges and women’s leadership programs in higher education. Michele recently co-authored a chapter in the newly published book Rooted and Radiant: Women’s Narratives of Leadership.   About our guest: Dr. Michele Tyson is clinical associate professor in the Higher Education program at the University of Denver and has worked in the field of higher education for 25+ years, with experience in student affairs, enrollment management, and student services. Her professional and research interests fall into two areas.  One is related to the preparation and development of student affairs and higher education leaders. The other is in understanding institutions as organizations and environments in which students make humanizing decisions about engagement with identity and becoming.    Mile Higher Ed is a production of the Higher Education Department at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.

In this inaugural episode of Mile Higher Ed, Caitlyn interviews our own co-host Dr. Sarah Hurtado about interpreting campus sexual assault adjudication policies, and how the language used in these policies sets the tone for the student experience relating to interpersonal violence and Title IX. Her article “Using Intersectionality to Reimagine Title IX Adjudication Policy” was recently published in a special issue of the Journal of Women and Gender and Higher Education.   About our guest: Dra. Sarah Hurtado has been with DU Higher Education since 2018. She first started in a visiting role, and loved it so much she decided to stay. She has been in her current Assistant Professor position since 2019. She teaches several courses in the program including Critical Race Theory, College Student Development Theory, and research courses. Her research focuses on addressing sexual violence among college students and how institutions contribute to the perpetration of this issue with a specific focus on the role and responsibility of faculty members.    She received her PhD in higher education at Indiana University Bloomington where she served as a Project Associate for the Center for Postsecondary Research. Specifically, she worked with the National Survey of Student Engagement Institute for Effective Educational Practice. In her role, she worked with institutions to better utilize their NSSE data to inform practice. Prior to that, she worked as a Coordinator of Student Development at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for three years. She received her Masters from Indiana University Bloomington and her Bachelors from the University of Redlands.     Mile Higher Ed is a production of the Higher Education Department at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.

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