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About the Episode

The what's what...

This fast-paced show drops listeners into a compelling conversation about higher education. In Your Element asks innovative leaders about the challenges, wins, and future of everything from meeting enrollment numbers to equity in education.

Cathy Sandeen, President of California State University - East Bay joins Eric Stoller for a fascinating talk on this episode of In Your Element. In this deep dive chat, Eric and Cathy discuss:

  • How things are going right now at CSU East Bay and for the entire CSU system
  • How a university leader keeps people engaged when students are on-campus/online and faculty and staff are coming back after being remote
  • How the events of 2020 changed the ways in which higher ed thinks about (and fosters) student engagement
  • How the role of the university president has changed over the past few years
  • The biggest challenges going forward for higher education

About the Podcast

Daniella Nordin

Host

Daniella Nordin

Daniella Nordin is a marketing and communications leader with over 15 years of experience specializing in higher education marketing and engagement. In her role as Director of Customer Success and Engagement at Element451, she leads a team dedicated to ensuring exceptional customer experiences. With a focus on collaboration and communication, Daniella builds bridges between customers and internal teams, ensuring alignment and driving outcomes that exceed expectations. Her leadership has been instrumental in implementing marketing strategies that drive growth and increase visibility and influence. Daniella holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from The Ohio State University and a Master’s, also in Communications, from the University at Albany, SUNY. She is committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and best practices in higher education marketing and engagement. She thrives on the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and is driven by her passion for helping colleges and universities achieve their goals.

Brendan Henkel

Host

Brendan Henkel

Brendan Henkel is a dynamic force in the tech and education sectors, leading as the Manager of Solutions Engineering at Element451 with a unique flair for merging technology with learning. Not only is he a seasoned expert with 13 years in higher education, but Brendan is also the undisputed Disney nerd in his circles, bringing joy and insights with a touch of magic. In his illustrious career, particularly his 10 years on the institution side, Brendan has mastered the nuances of enrollment management and financial aid, shaping futures with his strategic acumen. His philosophy is simple yet profound: create welcoming spaces and prioritize understanding others. This approach has been the bedrock of his ability to foster lasting, fruitful partnerships. Brendan's superpower lies in his dedication to building personal connections, believing them to be the key to success in any endeavor. Adding another layer to his multifaceted persona is his enthusiasm for AI, positioning him as both an enthusiast and an evangelist in this rapidly evolving field. With a master's degree in New Media Journalism, Brendan seamlessly blends his educational background with his passion for tech, Disney, and AI, offering a captivating narrative that's both informative and entertaining.

Cathy Sandeen

Interviewee

Cathy Sandeen

Cathy Sandeen, Ph.D., MBA is an educational leader who is committed to continuing Cal State East Bay’s momentum in students’ social mobility, social justice and sustainability. As a two-time alumna of the California State University, she feels fortunate to work in a system that emphasizes access and opportunity. Prior to returning to her hometown in the East Bay, Sandeen was chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage from September 2018-December 2020, and chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Colleges and UW-Extension for four years. Previously, as vice president for education attainment and innovation at the American Council on Education, she led ACE's nationwide effort to increase post-secondary educational attainment. She also held leadership positions in the University of California system including at UCLA, Santa Cruz and San Francisco. Sandeen earned a Ph.D. in communication from the University of Utah and a Master of Business Administration degree from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. She was named an American Council on Education Fellow in 2010-11. A prolific writer and speaker, Sandeen has published and presented widely on the issues surrounding educational innovation and nontraditional students.

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