The Future of Higher Education Requires Courageous Leadership--with Steve Murgatroyd

Welcome back to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In this episode, host David Gouthro sits down with the ever-insightful Steve Murgatroyd—a prolific author, global consultant, and long-time leader in higher education innovation. Together, they dive into the seismic shifts facing universities and colleges worldwide, from the pressures of dwindling resources and rapid demographic changes, to the disruptive impact of emerging technologies like AI.

Steve draws on his vast international experience to explore why traditional models of higher education may no longer serve today’s learners, and why courageous leadership is desperately needed to challenge the status quo. From reimagining the skills agenda and questioning the true value of degrees, to championing new forms of assessment and collaboration, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of education.

Get ready for candid stories, bold ideas, and a wealth of practical insights on navigating uncertainty and driving meaningful change—both within institutions and beyond. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, student, or simply curious about what’s next, Steve’s fresh perspectives and David’s probing questions are sure to spark new thinking.

About Steve Murgatroyd, PhD FBPsS FRSA

Steve Murgatroyd is a prolific author, having just completed his 53rd book—a nod to his unstoppable passion for writing. Renowned for his insightful explorations into the future of higher education, Steve dedicates his work to analyzing global trends in colleges, universities, and the ever-evolving skills agenda. 

His curiosity and candid Yorkshire spirit recently took him to Italy, where he joined higher education leaders from across Europe to tackle the daunting challenges of a world in poly-crisis. Never one to hold back his thoughts, Steve approaches each issue with a blend of wit and wisdom, eager to inspire new solutions, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

Steve's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-murgatroyd-phd-fbpss-frsa-08b10b/

Interested in learning more? Here's a short reading list:

Books

• Murgatroyd, S. (2024). The Future Of Higher Education In An Age Of AI. Ethics Press.
• Murgatroyd, S. & Simpson, D. G. (2024) Renaissance Leadership And The Renaissance Way. Lulu Press.
• Couture, J-C. and Murgatroyd, S. (2024) Education Futures for School Leadership – Evidence-Informed Strategies for Managing Change. New York: Routledge.

Recent Articles

• Murgatroyd, S (2025). Canada’s skills crisis is growing — Here’s how it can fix it. The Conversation, May 22nd. https://theconversation.com/canadas-skills-crisis-is-growing-heres-how-we-can-fix-it-256864
• Murgatroyd, S. (2025). The challenge of leadership in higher education in an age of disruption. Journal of Ethics in Higher Education, 6(1&2), 163-181. https://jehe.globethics.net/article/view/8348

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You can connect with David Gouthro at:

• Website:https://davidgouthro.com/ (where you can also subscribe to my Blog)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/

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