Trusted Voices

S5. Ep. 2 - Tension Convention: Reporting on Higher Ed Realities

TVP Communications — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:58:51 GMT

Erin leads off Trusted Voices Season 5, Episode 2 discussing the unsure footing of higher ed when engaging with the Trump administration, citing deliberations between both institutions and associations regarding the first Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. Teresa notes artificial intelligence used in institutional responses and our hosts theorize on the reasoning behind that approach.

Focusing on human-centric stories, Erin and Teresa discuss the difference between presidential ownership versus stewardship and analyze the role we all play in ensuring the health and safety of our colleagues, especially those in marginalized communities. This conversation includes the discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs help, please call or text 988 to connect with a local crisis center. If you would like to bypass this topic, please fast forward to 21:30 into this recording to hear the rest of this conversation and the discussion with Brad Wolverton.

Erin discusses the importance of staying plugged in to industry headlines, as Teresa reinforces that any of our institutions could be the focus of these stories and reminds us that we should be using them as case studies to prepare our teams. Finally, Teresa calls for creativity in communication tactics, citing the surprising social media platform usage trends of Gen Z.

Brad Wolverton, editor of The Chronicle of Higher Education, then joins Erin and Teresa to discuss outside forces focusing on higher ed, the opportunities ahead for trade media, and the importance of hearing from those with critiques.

You can subscribe to Trusted Voices on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss an episode. And now, full video episodes are available on YouTube at youtube.com/@TrustedVoicesPodcast.

S5. Ep. 1 - New Ecosystems, Same Scrutiny

TVP Communications — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:57:53 GMT

Trusted Voices is back with a new look for a new season! In the first episode of Season 5, Erin and Teresa share what stories they are reading and the topics they are watching. Join them for a discussion of the ever-changing details and participants in the Department of Education’s higher education Compact saga, their latest thoughts on revenue and reputation considerations for leaders, why the social sciences are under the gun, the rise in human-centered programs in a quickly changing AI world, and why we should take FOIA requests seriously and partner with our media colleagues.

S2. Ep. 07 - CBE Prepares Students for an AI-Driven Future

TVP Communications — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 18:21:27 GMT

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.

S2. Ep. 09 - Employers Need to Step Up, Provide More Internships

TVP Communications — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:54:57 GMT

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.

S3. Ep. 09 - Funding Cuts and Uncertain Futures

TVP Communications — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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.

S4. Ep. 4 - Will Trump’s ‘Compact’ End Autonomy in Higher Ed?

TVP Communications — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:48:09 GMT

The hosts of Trusted Voices and Campus Docket join forces to break down the Trump administration’s higher education compact and its legal, political, and governance implications for colleges and universities navigating unprecedented federal oversight.

S3. Ep. 11 - Harvard Says No

TVP Communications — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:52:12 GMT

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.

Ep 02-A: Eric Hoover, Senior Writer at the Chronicle of Higher Education

TVP Communications — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:05:18 GMT

Eric Hoover, Senior Writer at the Chronicle of Higher Education, joins Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy to discuss higher ed's trust issues.

S3. Ep.02 - Leading with Humanity, Not Just Titles

TVP Communications — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:00:17 GMT

Kevin McClure and Jorge Burmicky join the Trusted Voices Podcast to share why their presidential competencies are far more than a leadership checklist.

S2. Ep. 03 - Paul Fain on Higher Ed’s True ROI: A Job

TVP Communications — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 14:24:45 GMT

Paul Fain, creator of The Job newsletter and the related weekly publication Work Shift, joins Teresa and Erin to dig into the practical application of a degree and the importance of prioritizing work readiness.

S3. Ep. 01 - All About the Benjamins

TVP Communications — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 16:24:02 GMT

Finances, elections, and leadership: Erin and Teresa kick off Season 3 by looking ahead to the drivers of fall on campus.

Welcome to Trusted Voices

TVP Communications — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 14:41:50 GMT

Higher education’s most high-profile and high-impact issues occur at the intersection of leadership and communications. Trusted Voices, hosted by Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot, brings you into conversation with the people navigating them right now.

S4. Ep. 3 - UNC on the Hot Seat, and a Positive Public Opinion Poll

TVP Communications — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:47:12 GMT

In this episode of Trusted Voices, hosts Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot explore the legal and political pressures reshaping higher education. From UNC’s FOIA lawsuit to Title IX and Title VI compliance, they examine how institutions can balance transparency, student equity, and governance. The hosts also spotlight challenges international athletes face in the NIL era and reflect on public perception of higher ed.

Ep 01-A: Vincent Rougeau, President of the College of the Holy Cross

TVP Communications — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 17:57:07 GMT

The first episode of the new Trusted Voices Podcast launches with guest Vincent Rougeau, president of the College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Mass., joining hosts Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy to discuss his experience assuming the leadership role at his current institution, what that transition period was like, and his experience as the first Black president of College of the Holy Cross (among other firsts).

S4. Ep. 5 - How to Stop Dying from Burnout

TVP Communications — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:25:00 GMT

Leadership in higher education demands more than strategy—it requires energy, focus, and the courage to think creatively. In this episode, Todd Henry joins Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy to unpack what drains leaders most, why pruning distractions matters, and how authenticity and optimism can fuel brave, meaningful action on campus.

S3. Ep.12 - Will This Dumpster Fire Burn Itself Out?

TVP Communications — Wed, 07 May 2025 19:20:28 GMT

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.

Ep. 03-B: The Big Takeaways from Our Conversation with Amy Privette Perko

TVP Communications — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 16:52:11 GMT

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy share their big takeaways from their conversation with Amy Privette Perko of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.

Ep. 03-A: Amy Privette Perko—Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics

TVP Communications — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 14:37:37 GMT

Amy Privette Perko of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics joins Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy to discuss the NCAA’s new president, former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker; the rapidly evolving state of NIL; how the NCAA transfer window might impact the transfer of college credits for those student athletes—and much more.

S2. Ep. 02 - ’Solving’ Governance in Less Than 20 Minutes

TVP Communications — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:50:22 GMT

Teresa and Erin discuss the importance of engaging the communications team early in crises and highlight the significance of professionalizing leadership roles, including board professionals. They also stress the need for self-care due to increasing burnout concerns among higher ed colleagues.

S4. Ep. 7 - No Longer Nudging: States are Overhauling Higher Ed

TVP Communications — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:46:12 GMT

State politics are playing a larger role in shaping higher education governance. In this episode of Trusted Voices, Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy sit down with governance scholar Michael Harris to examine presidential searches, board authority, transparency, and the shifting balance of power between campuses and capitols.

Ep. 04-B: What We Learned From Our Conversation with Valerie Sheares Ashby

TVP Communications — Thu, 18 May 2023 15:36:50 GMT

Teresa and Erin are back to recap their conversation with Valerie Sheares Ashby, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. In doing so, they discuss the skills necessary for effective leadership: the ability to make people feel heard, the art of a pivot, and the importance of knowing your strengths and the strengths of those around you.

S3. Ep. 10 - Choose Your Damning Wisely

TVP Communications — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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.

S3. Ep. 07 - Higher Ed Has Always Been Political

TVP Communications — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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.

S3. Ep. 03 - A Fall Semester of Institutional Resilience

TVP Communications — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:00:27 GMT

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.

S4. Ep. 1 - ‘Let’s Get Back to the Work’

TVP Communications — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:03:00 GMT

In the Trusted Voices season 4 premiere, Erin and Teresa evaluate Gallup’s reassessment of public trust, discuss trending news, and promise to continue their focus on industry trends and provide perspective beyond the intersection of the Trump administration and higher ed.

S2. Ep. 06 - 10 Resolutions for Higher Ed in 2024

TVP Communications — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 22:03:54 GMT

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 from relevant organizations.

S3. Ep. 04 - Grace under Pressure

TVP Communications — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

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.

S2. Ep.11 - Is Institutional Neutrality the Next Higher Ed Virus?

TVP Communications — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:00:11 GMT

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.

S3. Ep. 05 - Feet to the Fire

TVP Communications — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Ep 02-B: What We Learned from Our Conversation with Eric Hoover

TVP Communications — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 16:32:22 GMT

Teresa and Erin are back to recap their conversation with Eric Hoover, senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education. Along the way, they discuss the idea of—and challenges to—a collective marketing campaign to promote the value of a higher education, and the nuances surrounding test-optional admissions policies.

Ep. 04-A: Valerie Sheares Ashby, President of the University of Maryland Baltimore County

TVP Communications — Mon, 15 May 2023 17:05:44 GMT

President Valerie Sheares Ashby of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County joins Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot to discuss the impact of mentorship, the importance of building teams, and ways to judge genuine success.

S2. Ep. 08 - Higher Ed Sucks. My Institution Is Okay.

TVP Communications — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:01:35 GMT

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.

S2. Ep. 04 - AI Unveiled: Are We at the Peak or the Plateau?

TVP Communications — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:10:39 GMT

Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot dive deep into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and its profound impact on higher education. Erin candidly shares her feelings of unpreparedness in the face of AI's challenges, setting the stage for a thoughtful discussion on the diverse range of reactions to this emerging technology, from anticipation to trepidation. After emphasizing AI's growing presence in our daily lives and its profound implications for academia, the hosts introduce the Gartner Hype Cycle as a valuable framework for comprehending the journey of new technologies and where AI is currently perched.

S4. Ep. 6 - The Search for Certainty in 2026

TVP Communications — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:45:36 GMT

In this episode of Trusted Voices, Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot reflect on the close of the year and turn their attention to what lies ahead for higher education in 2026. From evolving federal priorities and campus protests to financial sustainability and the growing role of trustees, the conversation explores how institutions can move from reactive to prepared.

S4. Ep. 8 - A Presidential Pulse Check

TVP Communications — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:45:08 GMT

Live from the ACE Experience conference, Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy discuss early insights from the upcoming 2026 Survey of College and University Presidents. From sustained institutional risk and political pressure to AI governance and public accountability, this episode explores how higher ed leaders are navigating an increasingly complex operating environment — and what that means for the future of presidential leadership.

S2. Ep.10 - A Crisis Beyond Higher Ed, It’s the Workforce Pipeline

TVP Communications — Wed, 01 May 2024 20:05:43 GMT

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.

S2. Ep. 01 - Reginald DesRoches, President of Rice University

TVP Communications — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 17:23:21 GMT

Kicking off Season 2, Rice University President Reginald DesRoches joins Teresa and Erin to discuss the importance of openness and how to embrace politics at one of the most prestigious private universities in the country.

S4. Ep. 2 - Why St. Francis University is Leaving DI Athletics

TVP Communications — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:36:27 GMT

Saint Francis University stunned many in higher ed by announcing its move from Division I to Division III athletics. In this episode of Trusted Voices, Teresa Valerio Parrot and guest host Michael Harris, SMU dean ad interim, sit down with Saint Francis President Fr. Malachi Van Tassell to unpack that momentous decision. From transfer portals to NIL, accreditation to governance, the discussion goes beyond athletics to reveal how institutions can stay true to their mission while navigating change. Saint Francis University is a former client of TVP Communications.

S4. Ep. 9 - Why Higher Ed Should Embrace the Constructive Power of Critique

TVP Communications — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:25:52 GMT

In this episode of Trusted Voices, Anne Harris, president of Grinnell College, shares her perspective on leading a liberal arts institution through a time of political volatility and cultural change. From navigating government relations to fostering a culture of critique on campus, Harris explores how colleges can stay grounded in their mission while adapting to external pressures.

S3. Ep. 06 - Shifting Realities

TVP Communications — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

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.

S3. Ep. 13 End of Semester Reflections

TVP Communications — Wed, 28 May 2025 17:46:50 GMT

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.

S4. Ep. 11 - Knowing When to Merge — and When to Go Home

TVP Communications — Wed, 06 May 2026 18:59:54 GMT

Temple University President John Fry joins Teresa and Erin to talk consolidation, mergers, and what 24 years in the presidency has taught him about leading well — and leaving work at the office.

S2. Ep. 05 - You Can Only Tell a Story That Already Exists

TVP Communications — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 17:03:35 GMT

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.

S4. Ep. 10 - ‘How to best protect higher education’

TVP Communications — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:36:42 GMT

In this episode of Trusted Voices, Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot unpack the realities facing higher education leaders today. Drawing from recent conferences and sector-wide conversations, they explore how institutions are navigating overlapping challenges—from policy shifts and leadership turnover to the growing uncertainty in international education.

S3. Ep. 08 - Being a Critical Friend

TVP Communications — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Ep 01-B: What We Learned From Our Conversation with Vincent Rougeau

TVP Communications — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 18:26:03 GMT

Teresa and Erin are back, recapping their conversation with Vincent Rougeau, president of the College of the Holy Cross. Rougeau’s path to a college presidency represents what may be becoming a new norm, as more college presidents come from untraditional places. Whereas provosts often ascended to the presidency, more and more are coming from student affairs, institutional advancement, and even avenues outside of higher ed. It all shows that, as the demands of these roles evolve and change, boards of trustees are increasingly willing to think differently about the skill sets required of candidates. And Rougeau’s career path is indicative of that, and his openness and honesty are also emblematic of a new kind of college leadership.

Ep. 05: Season 1 Recap: ‘Addressing the Tensions That We All Know Exist’

TVP Communications — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:11:23 GMT

The inaugural season of Trusted Voices covered a lot of ground, full of unguarded conversations and actionable insights as we explored the intersection of higher ed leadership and communications. In the final episode of our first season, Teresa and Erin look back on the first season’s line-up of guests and reflect on what each brought to the podcast and to higher education in general. They share their to-be-read piles for the summer, their predictions for upcoming changes to higher ed and what they hope to accomplish in Season 2 this fall.

S4. Ep. 12 - Summer Break? Not for Higher Ed Strategy

TVP Communications — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:42:52 GMT

The academic year might be over, but higher ed's biggest problems aren't taking a summer vacation. In this season’s finale of Trusted Voices, Teresa and Erin lay out exactly what leaders should be planning for before students return. From the identity crisis sparked by rushed AI rollouts in the CSU system to the looming chaos of July 1st's federal financial aid changes, this episode is a must-listen.