In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Bob Crossen talks with John Ikeda and Justin Roush about the launch of Xavier University’s groundbreaking Water Utilities Management master’s degree — the first program of its kind in the United States. Together, they discuss how the degree was conceived, the industry challenges it aims to address, and why workforce development has become one of the most urgent priorities for water and wastewater utilities.

Ikeda, chief mission officer at the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and Roush, assistant economics professor at Xavier and director of the new program, outline the growing need for specialized utility leadership as retirements accelerate and system complexity increases. They explain how the curriculum blends foundational business skills with utility‑specific coursework in areas like rate setting, regulation, capital improvement planning, and strategic communications. The discussion also highlights unique residency experiences, cohort‑based learning, and the program’s intentional focus on networking and long‑term career growth.

Crossen, Ikeda, and Roush explore how the master’s degree fits into broader sector‑wide workforce strategies and why emerging topics — such as AI in water — are being built directly into the curriculum. The episode offers a forward‑looking look at how the program aims to elevate future water utility leaders across the U.S.

• Xavier University Water Utility Management Program
• Xavier University Water Utility Management Program on LinkedIn
• Poll: What is your biggest workforce challenge in 2026?
• WWD Emerging Leaders submissions
• WW Emerging Leaders submissions
• WW Women in Water Questionnaire
• StormCon 2026 registration

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 01:25 – Guest introductions
• 02:24 – Origin of the master's program
• 04:49 – Why traditional programs fall short
• 06:53 – What makes water utilities unique
• 08:20 – Role of WEF in program development
• 10:44 – Why visibility and career pathways matter
• 11:30 – Cohort model & residency experiences
• 18:44 – Unique program features
• 27:15 – Housekeeping announcements and closing reminders

About the Podcast

Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld (WW) and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.