In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking, Matt Levine is joined by Scott Nostaja from Segal to talk about the current state of higher education finances and the need for universities to determine how to better align their spending during this evolving climate. Tackling this tough conversation, Scott shares insights on common inefficiencies, legacy costs, and external pressures shaping campus budgets, while offering practical strategies for workforce planning, prioritizing resources, and making bold organizational changes. This conversation provides a clear roadmap for navigating the financial challenges facing higher education while seizing opportunities for sustainable growth.

Relevant Links:

E&I's Segal Contract

E&I Host: Matt Levine, E&I Category Marketing Manager, E&I Cooperative Services
Guest: Scott Nostaja, Senior VP, Segal

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking Allison Lambert speaks with Grant Wicks, Director of Sales at Patterson Veterinary Supply, about how institutions can simplify procurement and elevate veterinary care. From AI tools that deliver radiograph results in minutes to strategic sourcing that reduces administrative burden, Grant reveals how Patterson's partnership with E&I makes it easier than ever for universities to do more with less. With access to over 80,000 SKUs—including thousands of competitively priced essentials—Patterson is a one-stop procurement partner built for higher ed.

E&I Host: Allison Lambert, E&I Category Marketing Manager, Veterinary Services

Guest: Grant Wicks, Director of Sales, Patterson Veterinary Supply

Relevant Links:

E&I's Patterson Veterinary Contract

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, supplier inclusion is facing new scrutiny - and new urgency. In this insightful episode of Cooperatively Speaking, Titus Martin sits down with three respected voices in the field—Reginald Layton, Ralph Moore, and Jesse Moore—for a candid and actionable discussion on advancing supplier diversity in higher education and beyond.

Together, they explore the business case for supplier inclusion, strategies for navigating today’s complex legal environment, and practical steps institutions can take to strengthen their programs. You’ll also hear how colleges and universities can leverage their E&I membership to drive meaningful impact in this space.

E&I Hosts: Titus Martin, Executive Director of ESG, E&I Cooperative Services
Guest: Reginald Layton, RGMA Chief Technology Officer and former Vice President for Supplier Diversity and Supply Chain Sustainability at Johnson Controls International; Ralph Moore, Founder & President of RGMA and a Supplier Diversity Advisory Council member; Jesse Moore, (Retired) Architect of the Purdue University’s Supplier Diversity Program

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.