Part I: Surviving the Existential Threat to Higher Education

In this urgent and thought-provoking episode, host Dr. Frank Gomez is joined by Dr. Amy Sprowles, Associate Professor of Cellular and Molecular Biology at Cal Poly Humboldt, and Dr. Heather Macías, Associate Professor of Teacher Education at Cal State Long Beach. Each of our guests has distinguished themselves as scholars, teachers, and leaders, dedicated to promoting excellence, diversity, and harmony in education.

Together, they confront the growing existential threats to higher education—ranging from sweeping cuts to NSF and NEH grant funding, to the dismantling of DEI efforts under current political pressures. The conversation dives deep into how these changes are affecting faculty, students, and campuses, and explores how public institutions can resist, adapt, and continue advancing inclusive and innovative teaching and research.

This is Part I of a powerful two-part series that highlights the need for community, courage, and clarity in a time of unprecedented uncertainty.

🔗 Listen now to hear how California State University faculty are standing strong and reimagining what it means to educate, advocate, and endure.

Episode Credits

Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon

Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez

Music licensed by Premium Beat