Keynote Speaker & Best-Selling Author
Expert Higher Education Administrator
Working at the intersection of higher ed & edtech
About Joe Sallustio, Ed.D.
Bio
Dr. Joe Sallustio stands out as a leading expert and influential voice in the world of higher education. His unique blend of experience across operations, finance, and academics positions him as a rare breed of executive with leadership acumen in diverse functional areas. Across his impressive 20+ year career, Joe has led teams in every critical aspect of university operation, from non-profit institutions to for-profit colleges. This comprehensive understanding makes him invaluable for scaling and operating businesses and institutions effectively in the 21st century.
Currently, Joe is the Vice President of Industry Engagement for the market-leading educational technology company, Ellucian. Additionally, he co-founded and hosts "The EdUp Experience Podcast," America's leading platform for higher education insights, featuring interviews with prominent global leaders. His influence and expertise further extend to his role as a sought-after keynote speaker, moderator, and facilitator. Joe is also the co-author of the best-selling book "Commencement: The Beginning of a New Era in Higher Education," a trusted resource guiding thousands of staff and faculty worldwide and co-author of the forthcoming book “Digital Modernization for Higher Education Boards,” commissioned by AGB and set for release in June of 2025.
As of May of 2025, Joe has interviewed over 370 College/University Presidents from across the globe on The EdUp Experience Podcast.
The EdUp Experience
Dr. Joe Sallustio is the Co-Founder, Host, and Co-Producer of America's Leading Higher Education Podcast and America's Leading Higher Education Podcast Network. Beginning in January of 2020, The EdUp Experience has grown to surpass 475,000 streams (as May 2025) of its episodes and counting, interviewing leaders from all across higher education and beyond.
The EdUp Experience Podcast Network is an independent podcast network partnering with the brightest and most influential leaders and creators across education. With over 24 shows in the network, our collective goal is to facilitate positive educational change and inspire lifelong learning through podcasts, live casts, and other mediums.
Best Selling Author
Commencement: The Beginning of a New Era in Higher Education
Through the Eyes of 100+ College & University Presidents
The colleges and universities providing millions of degree and non-degree credentials each year are a vital backbone of communities and economies. These institutions elevate the critical-thinking capacities of students and learners, and they provide crucial job skills and life skills to emerging workforces.
But the skills we need, the ways in which we collaborate, and the very jobs available to graduates are changing. It’s time for higher education to start anew. It’s time for Commencement into a new era.
Available NOW
Professional Experience
Vice President of Industry Engagement
Ellucian
Foster strategic collaborations and drive initiatives to propel the digital evolution of higher education and enhance student outcomes. Ellucian's global influence includes servicing over 22M students.
Senior Vice President & Chief Experience Officer
Lindenwood University
As the Chief Experience Officer, I worked between all student-facing departments to create a more efficient and student-centered experience at Lindenwood University. Students were at the center of decision-making by synergizing efforts and streamlining communication between departments. I oversaw the areas of residential enrollment, online enrollment, financial aid, student accounts, the center for diversity and inclusion, retention, advising, student affairs, student involvement, and food service.
Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President
Claremont Lincoln University
Current responsibilities include oversight and administration of system-wide operational performance through strategic leadership in planning, directing, and evaluating the business affairs of Claremont Lincoln University in accordance with its mission and direction from the Board of Directors. Areas of oversight include finance, financial aid, enrollment, marketing, human resources, compliance, student services, information technology, business-to-business relationships, and vendor management (1/2018 - Dec 2021).
**CLU named 2019 Higher Education Marketing Team Of The Year by the American Marketing Association**
Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing
National American University:
Guided enrollment, marketing, and operational efforts of the University to realize growth in enrollment, brand recognition, and revenue, by maximizing human potential and re-engineering and streamlining systems. Responsibility for compliance, system consistency, operational efficiency, and increased enrollment and marketing performance for over 40 ground and online campuses spread across the United States (2015-2017).
Vice President of Admissions
Heritage College:
Led and developed 80 staff members comprising the college’s student admissions, staff recruiting, and call center teams. Ensured compliance of admissions decisions with federal, state, and accreditor regulations. Partnered with Campus Executive Directors to advance central business strategy. (2003-2015)
Previous Roles Include:
Various Organizations:
Regional Director of Admissions, National Admissions Team Developer, Admissions Coordinator, Business to Business Sales.
AWARDS
Dr. Joe Sallustio named "EdTech Person of the Year" for 2024 by EdTech Chronicle
EdTech Chronicle’s Best in Education Awards recognize the industry, the partners, and people in education.