Mile Higher Ed Podcast
Mile Higher Ed Podcast
Podcast Description
Higher education today faces challenges. We are reckoning with a legacy of discrimination and exclusion, moving through a global health pandemic, adapting to technological advancements in teaching and learning, and grappling with questions about the cost and even the value, of a college degree. Here at the Higher Education Department in the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver, our faculty, students, and alumni are working to address these challenges head on.
In Mile Higher Ed, we will shine the spotlight on the work DU higher ed faculty and alumni are doing to advance higher education. We will bring you the latest stories from our department--from compelling research findings to innovative practices to leadership in the field. Whether you are a DU higher ed alum or prospective student, or a higher ed researcher or practitioner, we invite you to learn from our community as we work to make higher education more effective and equitable.
Mile Higher Ed is a production of the Higher Education Department at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.
Follow MCE on Instagram: @morgridgeatdu
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores critical themes in higher education, including equity and access, faculty development, student experiences, and innovative practices. Specific episodes cover topics such as the value of inclusive environments in academia, the path to success for Latina students, and the role of open educational resources in promoting equity. Additional discussions happen around critical race theory in civic engagement, indigenous-centered educational practices, and challenges faced by transfer students.

Higher education today faces challenges. We are reckoning with a legacy of discrimination and exclusion, moving through a global health pandemic, adapting to technological advancements in teaching and learning, and grappling with questions about the cost and even the value, of a college degree. Here at the Higher Education Department in the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver, our faculty, students, and alumni are working to address these challenges head on.
In Mile Higher Ed, we will shine the spotlight on the work DU higher ed faculty and alumni are doing to advance higher education. We will bring you the latest stories from our department–from compelling research findings to innovative practices to leadership in the field. Whether you are a DU higher ed alum or prospective student, or a higher ed researcher or practitioner, we invite you to learn from our community as we work to make higher education more effective and equitable.
Mile Higher Ed is a production of the Higher Education Department at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.
Follow MCE on Instagram: @morgridgeatdu
On this episode of Mile Higher Ed, Sarah and Caitlyn talk to Dr. Ally Garcia, State Director for Adult Education Initiatives at the Colorado Department of Education and Adjunct Faculty in the Higher Education Department at the University of Denver. We talk about her experience in the EdD program, her teaching philosophy of Challenge-and-Support, and how she centers learners in her work both in the classroom and when implementing state policy.
About our Guest: Dr. Ally Garcia (she,her,hers) received her Doctor of Education Degree from the University of Denver in 2019 and graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with both graduate and bachelor degrees (2011 & 2014). She currently serves as the State Director of the Adult Education Initiatives office at the Colorado of Department of Education. She is an adjunct faculty member at both the University of Colorado Denver and the University of Denver. Dr. Garcia’s research and presentations have focused on issues relating to equity and liberation for marginalized communities where she utilizes poststructuralism and critical race feminist theories. She was recently named the Ruth Murray Underhill Teaching recipient at the University of Denver. She is a co-founder of a women’s fastpitch league in Denver, The United Women’s Fastpitch Coalition, and is the Principal Consultant at Equity Endeavors Consulting LLC. She enjoys exploring Colorado, working out, watching independent films, walking her beautiful and friendly Chow Chow Chewbacca, and spending time jamming at concerts with her partner, Roman!
Links to things we discussed:
The dissertation process as one of healing and unmasking for sexual assault survivors—Dr. Hurtado and Dr. Garcia’s article on the experience of writing their dissertations
**Listeners! We want to hear from you. Please take our listener survey to help us plan for Season 4!**
Thanks for listening to this episode of Mile Higher Ed. Mile Higher Ed is produced within the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver by Dr. Sarah Hurtado and Caitlyn Potter Glaser. Our theme music is “Summer” by Liborio Conti.
Are you interested in a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education? Come join us! If you’re ready to start the conversation use this link to request information. Ready to apply? Complete the admissions application here.
Follow our podcast on Instagram at milehigheredpodcast. Follow Morgridge College of Education at MorgridgeatDU.
Keep up the good work everyone. See you next time!

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