Season 4, Episode 3: The Art of Scholarship

Way to Engage:

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In This Episode:

In this episode, we talk about scholarship as an art form—a practice rooted in curiosity, creativity, and care. Drawing from this year’s ASHE theme, we explore how scholars use their voice, craft, and imagination to make sense of the world and shape it. Our guests reflect on how their research pushes beyond convention, how they balance rigor and expression, and how they see their work as part of a longer arc toward justice. Whether through writing, teaching, organizing, or creating—this is a conversation about scholarship that moves.

Season Hosts
Dr. Felecia Commodore Associate Professor University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign	​Dr. Royel M. Johnson Associate Professor University of Southern California

About the 2025 Presidential Podcast Season "The Bend in the Arc"

Higher education is always evolving, and ASHE has adapted to these changes within academia. It's important to remember the field's history and legacy as we move forward. This year’s theme, The Bend in the Arc: Activist Praxis and Justice Through Scholarly Creative Expression highlights fostering an environment that combines critical thinking with creative scholarship, highlighting both our artistic strength and ongoing excellence. Dr. Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher, the 2025 ASHE President, set the theme which marks ASHE’s 50^th anniversary.

The new season of the ASHE Presidential Podcast The Bend in the Arc, offers a thought-provoking exploration of the evolving landscape of higher education through the lens of scholarly creativity and innovation. In each episode, we dive into how educators, researchers, and students are shaping the arc of knowledge, equity, and cultural impact on campuses and beyond. Now accessible in both video and audio formats, our latest episodes blend imaginative approaches to teaching, research, and community engagement.

Tune in with co-hosts Drs. Felecia Commodore and Royel Johnson spotlight scholarly innovation, storytelling, and social impact. Whether you’re a faculty member, graduate student, or higher education professional, The Bend in the Arc invites you to witness the creativity that is reshaping scholarship and hear the stories that are bending the arc of higher education toward a more just and vibrant future.