SNHU Agents of Change Podcast · SNHU Social Sciences

Season 4 Episode 4 SNHU President Lisa Marsh Ryerson: Future Perspectives

·29 min·1 clip

Ryerson says SNHU has gaps in outcomes and must hold itself accountable for equitable attainment.

Dr. Hector Garcia welcomes Lisa Marsh-Ryerson for a special edition of Agents of Change. She joins as SNHU’s current provost and incoming president. The conversation starts with the university’s history, including the fact that SNHU was established in 1932 and has grown over time into one of the most innovative and rapidly growing universities. From there, the episode turns to SNHU’s educational mission and the podcast’s broader themes of inclusion, diversity, student success, learning experiences, and positive social change. A major thread is technology. Marsh-Ryerson makes the case that AI and related tools can help the university spend less time on repetitive processes and more time with learners. Transfer credit evaluation is one clear example. She points to a future where tools can help counselors work faster while still leaving room for real conversation. That conversation, she says, should center on a learner’s goals and the pathways available to reach them. The episode presents technology as a way to deepen human connection rather than replace it. Garcia agrees that this can ease anxiety about automation and create space for stronger communities. The discussion then comes back to the idea of pathways. Marsh-Ryerson explains that a pathways model recognizes that learners arrive with prior learning and other assets. SNHU’s job, as she describes it, is to meet people where they are. That includes assigning credit for previous college work and other experiences. It also means helping each learner identify what they want next. The episode keeps the learning should fit different starting points and different goals. The tone stays steady and explanatory throughout. Garcia asks questions that move from recap to application. Marsh-Ryerson answers at length and keeps the focus on practical meaning. Near the end, the conversation becomes collegial. Garcia says it will be an honor to award Marsh-Ryerson her MBA, and they note a date in November. The episode closes with a reminder to listeners to learn more about Southern New Hampshire University. It ends by thanking Garcia, thanking Marsh-Ryerson, and inviting listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

As heard by us

A clear look at how education technology can widen access without losing the human touch.

This conversation with SNHU's incoming president makes a clear case for using technology, prior learning, and better pathways to make education feel more human, not less.

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You want a calm, practical look at how SNHU uses technology, pathways, and student support.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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