HigherEd Series: What Would Higher Education Look Like If We Started Over? with Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich of Newstate University

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I think one of the many reasons that college costs have gotten out of control is really mission creep and scope creep. Like every institution does not have to be good at everything. In fact, every institution should not be in every space. Like there are schools that are extraordinarily good at nursing. We don't expect every college to have a law school, right? Why do we expect them all to have a psychology department or an engineering department? You can't be all things to all people. Pick a lane and get really good at your lane.

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Welcome to the EdTech Insiders Higher Education Series, hosted by Matthew Raskoff. Matthew is an education innovation leader, a Stanford lecturer, and a regular guest on our podcast, whose work focuses on expanding access to knowledge and opportunity through digital learning. In this series, he speaks with leaders shaping the future of higher education. We hope you enjoy the conversations.

We have a special guest today to kick off our series, which is Sasha Thakaberry-Vojnovich. Sasha, thank you so much for being with us on this podcast.

Anytime you call, I always answer.

Well, I'm very honored to have you. And I could not imagine a better kickoff guest to have on the podcast, because I think your career exemplifies the themes that we're trying to explore here, which is really about where innovation comes from and how to make the most impact. Does it originate from inside institutions that can be reimagined? Or do you really need to move outside in this disruptive way and challenge the existing order through creative destruction? And I think you've tried so many different angles of attack on the challenges facing higher education. Maybe you can just get us started by telling us your story. I know you were a teacher in the K-12 system very early on. You've also worked in the community college sector and are known for having launched the first community college MOOC, if I'm not mistaken. And then you've spent time in public flagships and are now doing New State University. So just walk us through your past and tell us your story.

Yes, thank you for that. I did start my career in K-12. I will say before that, I was actually a