In this episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with Russ Kavalhuna, President of Western Michigan University, for an in-depth conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today. From his personal journey as a WMU student to his role leading the university, President Kavalhuna shares insights on how colleges must adapt in an era of rising costs, evolving technology, and shifting student needs. They dive into issues ranging from AI in the classroom to investing in leadership development, as well as the growing impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals on collegiate sports. The conversation also explores the importance of media literacy, building trust in institutions, and what legacy President Kavalhuna hopes to leave at WMU. ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show! 4:38 Russ Kavalhuna Joins The Show 7:55 President Kavalhuna's Experience as WMU Student 10:48 Returning to WMU 20:00 The Role of WMU's President 23:05 Concerns of Educators in Today's Society 27:55 Students’ Evolving Behavior with Technology & AI 30:15 Developing Leadership Skills 33:25 Why Is College Getting More Expensive? 37:10 Relationship with Higher Education 44:10 Keeping Champion Coaches 50:20 NIL’s Impact on Collegiate Sports 54:15 Enrollment & Professional Industry Changes 1:00:55 Media Literacy & Trusting Sources 1:06:28 President Kavalhuna’s Legacy Goal
In this episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with Russ Kavalhuna, President of Western Michigan University, for an in-depth conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today.
From his personal journey as a WMU student to his role leading the university, President Kavalhuna shares insights on how colleges must adapt in an era of rising costs, evolving technology, and shifting student needs. They dive into issues ranging from AI in the classroom to investing in leadership development, as well as the growing impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals on collegiate sports.
The conversation also explores the importance of media literacy, building trust in institutions, and what legacy President Kavalhuna hopes to leave at WMU.
⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!
4:38 Russ Kavalhuna Joins The Show
7:55 President Kavalhuna's Experience as WMU Student
10:48 Returning to WMU
20:00 The Role of WMU's President
23:05 Concerns of Educators in Today's Society
27:55 Students’ Evolving Behavior with Technology & AI
30:15 Developing Leadership Skills
33:25 Why Is College Getting More Expensive?
37:10 Relationship with Higher Education
44:10 Keeping Champion Coaches
50:20 NIL’s Impact on Collegiate Sports
54:15 Enrollment & Professional Industry Changes
1:00:55 Media Literacy & Trusting Sources
1:06:28 President Kavalhuna’s Legacy Goal