Trusted Voices

Trusted Voices

Trusted Voices explores the complex intersection of leadership and communication in higher education. Each episode, hosts Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy chat with university presidents, industry thought leaders—and each other—about the latest news in the industry and the challenges and opportunities facing those in the most visible roles in higher ed.

Episodes

May 28, 2025 43 mins

In their Season 3 finale, Trusted Voices co-hosts Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot reflect on a year of bold conversations, policy pitfalls, and personal growth. From a heartfelt encounter with Ruth Simmons to sobering insights on student aid and political pressure, this episode is a reminder that in higher ed, leadership means speaking up—even when it’s risky.

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Hosts Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot speak with Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education. Mitchell offers a candid look at the challenges facing higher ed today—from policy uncertainty to misinformation and funding cuts. He shares insights on how to navigate this "dumpster fire" while also highlighting the often-overlooked work happening at regional campuses and community colleges.

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April 23, 2025 40 mins

Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot unpack Harvard’s bold defiance of the Trump administration, what it means for international students, and why higher ed leaders must decide when to fight, when to stay quiet, and how to lead with intention in the court of public opinion.

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March 11, 2025 60 mins
Staying silent isn’t always the safest choice. Hosts Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot sit down with Holden Thorp to discuss why higher ed leaders must embrace transparency, communicate with the public, and advocate for the value of academia. Thorp also reflects on his own leadership journey, including his decision to share his autism diagnosis.
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Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot assess the impact of NIH funding cuts on local communities and brace for the unknown future of the Department of Education as the Trump administration continues to target higher education.
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January 28, 2025 61 mins
Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy invite Inside Higher Ed’s Sara Custer to reflect on her first year as editor-in-chief, exploring the evolving media landscape, the challenges facing higher education and the importance of fostering honest, impactful conversations between journalists and institutional leaders.
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Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy dive into the new year discussing enrollment trends, a new Department of Education, and the true role of crisis communicators as they look ahead to the topics that will shape higher education storylines in 2025.
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December 7, 2024 30 mins
Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy close out the fall semester by examining shifting trends in college presidencies and thought leadership, offering insights into the evolving challenges facing higher education.
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November 23, 2024 56 mins
Dr. Belle S. Wheelan joins Teresa and Erin to discuss accreditation, the responsibilities and roles of accrediting bodies and the plans for higher ed under a second Trump administration.
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October 25, 2024 42 mins
Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy welcome Dr. Vann R. Newkirk Sr., president of Wilberforce University, to discuss the critical need for resources, strategic federal support and innovative retention strategies — ever heard of a Chief Door Knocker? — to uplift HBCUs in today’s educational landscape.
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Erin and Teresa talk about natural disasters, offer resources for campuses navigating election season and disinformation, and highlight leaders willing to be vulnerable about the challenges they're facing.
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Kevin McClure and Jorge Burmicky join the Trusted Voices Podcast to share why their presidential competencies are far more than a leadership checklist.
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September 18, 2024 32 mins
Finances, elections, and leadership: Erin and Teresa kick off Season 3 by looking ahead to the drivers of fall on campus.
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Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy close season two with more fall predictions as Harvard University abstains from “official statements about public matters that do not directly affect the university’s core function.” The duo also discuss their summer reading lists, with Erin leaning toward literary fiction and Teresa focusing on collegiate athletics.
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Dr. Angel B. Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), joins hosts Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy to discuss the flawed rollout of the new FAFSA by the Department of Education and its impact on higher education. He worries that a potential 700,000 more students could be lost from the higher education pipeline due to FAFSA complications.
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Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot welcome Brandon Busteed, the CEO of BrandEd, to discuss the importance of relationship-rich and work-integrated learning in higher education. He emphasizes the need for relevance and engagement in college experiences and the disconnect between higher education language and the desires of students and employers.
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Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy focus on the findings of Inside Higher Ed's 2024 Survey of College and University Presidents. The conversation delves into the apparent optimism among college presidents amidst realistic uncertainties, the implications of potential mergers between institutions, and the pressing need for reviewing speech policies in light of current events.
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Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot welcome Paul LeBlanc, president of Southern New Hampshire University, as he highlights the need for trust, relationships, and community building in education. LeBlanc suggests that AI will shift the focus from knowledge-based education to developing higher-order skills such as judgment, wisdom, and empathy.
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In this episode of the Trusted Voices Podcast, hosts Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot outline their top 10 New Year’s resolutions for the higher education industry. Covering topics such as crisis communication planning, institutional culture and climate and Title VI compliance, they emphasize the importance of being prepared for reputational issues, reviewing and updating communication tools and policies and seeking guidance...
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In this crossover episode of the Trusted Voices Podcast and Higher Voltage, hosts Erin Hennessy, Teresa Valerio Parrot, and Kevin Tyler delve into institutional culture and climate as they explore the pivotal role of two-way communications in creating a sense of belonging in higher education.
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