TouchNet launches FOCUS Podcast Season Two

12/5/2021 11:00 AM

TouchNet is launching a new season of its successful podcast series, FOCUS: On the Business of Higher Education. Both new and archived episodes are available on all major podcast listening apps.

FOCUS Season Two delivers the same informative mix of school leaders, industry experts, and partners sharing examples of higher ed institutions’ problem-solving using tools and technologies, which range from tuition protection and credentialing solutions to algorithms and artificial intelligence.

One noticeable topic difference this season is the emphasis on how campuses were impacted by the pandemic and how they were able to transition to the contactless experiences needed to meet health and safety mandates. While plans continue to evolve, schools are actively seeking and finding new solutions in real time. Where possible, Season Two episodes will share success ideas and insights that can be replicated elsewhere.

“Watching the current shift toward contactless commerce and credentials, we see schools accelerating a process that was already underway due to modernization,” said Adam McDonald, President of TouchNet. “We’re helping schools understand how to get the maximum benefit from updates they’ve already made and educating them about their options so they can plan what comes next.”

Season Two of FOCUS features the following guests:

  • Jennifer McNeill, ONEcard Manager, University of Alberta – Airs Sept. 8

  • John Fees, co-founder and managing director, GradGuard – Airs Sept. 22

  • Valarie Van Vlack, treasurer, Texas State University – Airs Oct. 20

  • Lindsay Wayt, director, analytics - NACUBO – Airs Nov. 3

  • Christine Blakney, managing director, Texas Tech University – Airs Nov. 17

  • Troy Leach, SVP, engagement officer, PCI Security Standards Council – Airs Dec. 1

  • Jason Gross and Michael Fogarty, Adirondack – Airs Dec. 8

  • Stacy Hughes, CISO, Global Payments – Airs Dec. 15

TouchNet’s Heather Richmond, Senior Director of Marketing, returns as the host of FOCUS. Richmond has more than 20 years of experience specializing in innovative software platforms tailored for higher education and a background in training campus professionals in PCI security and campus commerce best practices.

“While the pain points colleges and universities need help with may change, our goal remains the same,” said Richmond. “We look forward to sharing a season of innovative thinking and problem solving that benefits schools today and in the long run continues to make higher education smarter.”

Listeners can find FOCUS on their favorite podcast listening apps or at our podcast page. For questions or to pitch an episode idea, please contact: [email protected].


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