Higher Ed Pulse

Live at ASU+GSV: Disrupting Academia Through Action at San Francisco Bay University

Episode Notes

President Nick Ladany of San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) shares his vision for higher education. Focused on disrupting traditional models, SFBU introduces modern approaches to faculty development, student wellness, and a restructured curriculum aimed at real-world success. Join us as Nick explains how SFBU’s strategies are set to redefine the academic landscape, ensuring affordability, accessibility, and transformative educational experiences.Key Takeaways
 

• Revolutionizing Faculty Roles: SFBU is challenging traditional norms by requiring faculty to engage in continuous learning and teaching improvement, moving away from outdated tenure models.
• Enhanced Student Wellness Programs: Comprehensive support systems including unlimited mental health services, financial literacy, and nutritional advice aim to support every aspect of student well-being.
• Curriculum Innovation: With a focus on reducing unnecessary coursework, SFBU plans an academic program to streamline graduation without compromising educational quality.
• No Athletics, More Resources: Redirecting funds typically used for athletics to enhance academic and support services, maximizing the value of tuition dollars.

Guest Name: Nick Ladany, President, San Francisco Bay University (SFBU)

Guest Bio: Nick Ladany, Ph.D., is the President of San Francisco Bay University (SFBU). In the spirit of the Silicon Valley, SFBU is acting like a startup and challenger brand in higher education, with the purpose of disrupting higher education and developing a university that is accessible and affordable, with a deep commitment to serving the common good. SFBU’s unique and innovative approach to higher education capitalizes on six pillars of the student experience: praxis academics, life literacy, comprehensive wellness, multiple meaningful relationships, lifelong careers readiness, and financial support, all of which is aimed at meaningful and successful student outcomes.  Previously he was President of Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he led the university through the pandemic, facilitated record enrollments, enhanced fiscal stewardship, built a leadership team, strengthened a commitment to DEI, and enhanced student success and wellness. He alsoserved as Dean of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences and Associate Provost for Academic Outreach at the University of San Diego; and Dean of the School of Education and Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA. Prior to that he was Director of the Counseling Program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA; and Chair of the Department of Education and Human Services and Program Coordinator & Director of Doctoral Training of the Counseling Psychology Program at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He received his Ph.D. from the University at Albany, State University of New York, in 1992 and his B.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. He has more than 80 publications, including 6 books, and has conducted over 250 national and international presentations in more than 20 countries in higher education leadership; and supervision and training of mental health practitioners.