Episode 19

In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Dr. Vernon Smith and Dr. Michael Cottam kick off a three-part conversation with Dr. Cali Morrison, Senior Director of Workforce Education and Strategy at EdAssist by Bright Horizons.

Calli shares how a rural sociology class—and one infamous challenge involving cow urine—helped spark her unexpected entry into higher education. She reflects on the power of engaged learning, the importance of clear learning objectives, and why she walked away from a major when a professor couldn’t explain the purpose of an assignment.

Most importantly, Cali reveals her personal “why”: to help adults keep learning throughout their lives without giving up the parts of life that matter most. Inspired by her parents and mentors, she has built a career committed to making education more flexible, accessible, and meaningful.

• How Cali “fell into” higher education through the Montana State University Extension Service
• The rural sociology professor whose teaching style left a lasting impression
• The infamous “cow urine for an A” story and what it says about engaged learning
• Why unclear learning objectives once led Cali to change her career path
• Cali’s personal “why” and how family experiences shaped her mission in education

Where in your courses, programs, or trainings do you need to clarify the learning objectives so learners know exactly why it matters?

• Learn more about Engaged By Design: https://engagedbydesign.com
• Free 10-Lesson MACRO Leadership Course: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/macroleadershipbook

Episode 18

In part two of our conversation, Dr. Jennifer Brock discusses program innovation, credit for prior learning, and how AI is reshaping course design and student success at scale.

In this second episode with Dr. Jennifer Brock, we explore her leadership in designing stackable credentials, building credit for prior learning pathways, and leading groundbreaking grant-funded projects like Rio Compass. She shares insights into scaling student success through technology and human connection, her experience presenting to Bill Gates, and how AI is helping accelerate course development without sacrificing quality. Jennifer’s career illustrates how innovation in education requires both passion and persistence — whether in the classroom, in program design, or in rethinking how technology supports learners.

Reflection Question: How can your institution better recognize the learning that students bring with them—whether from work, life experience, or prior education?

Affiliate Links:

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb

Episode 17

Dr. Jennifer Brock shares her journey from theater to sciences, her path into teaching, and the transformative power of dual enrollment in shaping student identity and confidence.

In this episode of the Engaged by Design Podcast, Vernon Smith and Michael Cottam welcome Dr. Jennifer Brock, Executive Vice President of Online Education, Academics, and Services at the Academy of Art University. Jennifer reflects on her journey from musical theater to biology, her passion for teaching, and her pioneering role in dual enrollment. She shares how early opportunities shaped her confidence and how dual enrollment empowers students to see themselves as college-ready.

We also hear about her transition into higher education leadership and her early innovations in program design.

Reflection Question:
How has a teacher, mentor, or early opportunity shaped your confidence and career path?

Affiliate Links:

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb