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Dr. Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich founded Newstate University in 2026, bringing 20+ years of education leadership from executive roles at SkillsWave, Pearson, LSU and SNHU. She holds a PhD from Kent State and authored "The Power Worker" and "How to Grow Enrollment in Online Higher Education."

Hosted by Matthew Rascoff
This episode is part of the Edtech Insiders HigherEd Podcast Series, featuring conversations with leaders shaping the future of higher education.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why higher ed should be built from first principles.
How Newstate is rethinking the cost and structure of college.
The case for a one-course-at-a-time model.
How AI could reshape higher ed and credentials.
Why institutions need to narrow their focus and align incentives.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:02:23] Sasha’s journey to building Newstate University.
[00:06:41] Removing friction from higher education.
[00:11:10] The one-course-at-a-time model.
[00:12:29] Rethinking the economics of college.
[00:18:52] Why colleges should “pick a lane.”
[00:24:21] The future of credentials and skills-based hiring.
[00:37:18] Sasha’s advice for disrupting higher ed.
[00:41:49] How AI is changing information consumption.
[00:48:12] Rethinking student debt.

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Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

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

Edtech Insiders

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