In the season six premiere of the (renamed!) NACU podcast, Barry Dornfeld, principal at the Center for Applied Research (CFAR) unpacks why change in higher education is uniquely complex, the common missteps leaders make when driving transformation, and how institutions can emerge from disruption positioned for long-term success while staying true to their missions. Drawing on his background as an anthropologist and ethnographer, Barry shares practical strategies and powerful insights into the cultural dynamics that shape organizational change. Hosted by Michelle Apuzzio.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Degrees of Impact, where we explore innovative ideas and the people behind them in higher education. To learn more about NACU and our programs, visit nacu.edu.

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In this episode, host Michelle Apuzzio spotlights a powerful model of applied learning at the University of La Verne. The Integrated Business Program helps students launch real businesses that create authentic community impact, all within a single semester.

Michelle is joined by Program Director Rick Hasse and two standout students, Anthony Garrido and Malia Capistrano, who walk us through how they turned their ideas into functioning businesses in just 16 weeks. It’s the kind of purpose-driven, experiential learning that defines what it means to be part of a NACU institution—where professional preparation meets civic responsibility.

To learn more about Malia's business, go here.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Degrees of Impact, where we explore innovative ideas and the people behind them in higher education. To learn more about NACU and our programs, visit nacu.edu.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: NACU

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with your network.

In an evolving job market, professionals need flexible, targeted learning opportunities to stay current and to determine if graduate education is the right next step. In this episode of the NACU podcast, Michelle Apuzzio speaks with Marcy Taylor, Program Coordinator at Hood College, about their innovative Skill Accelerator Badge Program. Learn how this short-form credentialing initiative is helping individuals build job-ready skills, gain confidence, and position themselves for long-term success in the workforce.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Degrees of Impact, where we explore innovative ideas and the people behind them in higher education. To learn more about NACU and our programs, visit nacu.edu.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: NACU

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with your network.