About This Episode
Join Ashish Fernando, in conversation with Dr. Bryon Grigsby, President of Moravian University & Moravian Theological Seminary, as they dive into the evolution of higher education—modern leadership, AI enhanced curriculum design, student retention, and institution-wide relevance.Dr. Grigsby shares compelling insights on:
1. Redefining learning artifacts for an AI world beyond the traditional term paper
2. Automating curriculum development and student early-warning systems
3. Embedding relevance into liberal arts and workforce programs
4. Cultivating institutional transformation through values of equity, access, and service
What You'll Learn
1. How Moravian University leverages AI for smarter curriculum design and faster administrative workflows
2. Why relevance and workforce alignment has become the bedrock of modern liberal arts education
3. Innovation strategies that elevated Moravian to a UNESCO World Heritage institution4. Leadership reflections on mentorship, culture, and purpose in higher ed transformationTune in for an inspiring vision of how higher education can evolve with both tradition and technology at its core.res the founding story of EDMO, discussing the challenges and breakthroughs in creating innovative educational solutions that transform learning experiences.
Host & Guest
Dr. Bryon Grigsby
GuestPresident, Moravian University and Moravian Theological Seminary
Bryon L. Grigsby returned to his alma mater as the 16th President of Moravian University and Moravian Theological Seminary on July 1, 2013, bringing a vision for academic access, innovation, and community engagement. Under his leadership, Moravian has undergone significant transformation, including the integration of technology in the classroom, modernization of campus facilities, and enhancement of academic programs. In 2021, the institution officially transitioned to Moravian University, reflecting its evolving mission and growth.
A passionate advocate for technology-driven education, Grigsby launched a program issuing MacBook Pro laptops and iPads to all undergraduate students, enabling the “flipped classroom” model that fosters active, collaborative learning. His efforts to enhance digital infrastructure include the implementation of a state-of-the-art wireless mesh network that supports interactive learning across campus. Moravian’s commitment to innovation under Grigsby’s leadership was recognized in 2024 when the university was named an Apple Distinguished School for the third time.
Grigsby is also deeply committed to community and campus culture. He actively engages with students, faculty, and staff, and promotes initiatives such as Heritage Day that strengthen community connections. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is a devoted dog owner, often seen with his greyhound, Benny.
Key Achievements:
1. 16th President of Moravian University and Moravian Theological Seminary since 2013.
2. Oversaw the university’s official transition to Moravian University in 2021.
3. Integrated technology into classrooms with MacBook Pro and iPad programs for all undergraduates.
4. Implemented a cutting-edge wireless mesh network to support collaborative learning.
5. Led Moravian to be named an Apple Distinguished School three times.
6. Named to the 2023 Higher Education Power 100 for Pennsylvania by City & State PA.
7. Strong advocate for community engagement and academic innovation.
Ashish Fernando
HostFounder & CEO, EDMO
Ashish Fernando is the visionary founder and CEO of EDMO, a revolutionary educational technology platform that's transforming how people learn and grow. With over 15 years of experience in education and technology, Ashish has dedicated his career to making quality education accessible to learners worldwide. Before founding EDMO, Ashish held leadership positions at several prominent EdTech companies and worked as an educational consultant for Fortune 500 companies. He holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Master's in Computer Science from MIT. Ashish is a frequent speaker at educational conferences and has been featured in publications such as EdTech Magazine, Learning & Development Today, and TechCrunch. He's passionate about the intersection of technology and human potential, believing that the right tools can unlock extraordinary learning outcomes for everyone. Under his leadership, EDMO has grown to serve over 100,000 learners globally and has partnerships with leading educational institutions and corporations. Ashish continues to drive innovation in personalized learning, adaptive assessment, and educational analytics.
Key Achievements
1. Founded EDMO in 2019, now serving 100,000+ learners globally
2. Named 'EdTech Innovator of the Year' by Learning Technology Awards 2023
3. Featured speaker at Global Education Summit 2024
4. Published researcher in educational technology and learning analytics
5. Advisor to multiple EdTech startups and educational initiatives
Show Notes
- 1 02:21 Reimagining Student Learning Artifacts in the AI Era
- 2 05:00 AI Reduces 600 Hours of Work to 6
- 3 10:28 Moravian’s Transformation & Relevance Focus
- 4 17:45 Using AI for Digital Humanities Projects
- 5 31:08 — Vision for AI-Powered Student Retention
Key Quotes
"We went from 600 hours of human effort to just 6 hours using AI—and the outcomes were even better."
"If we’re preparing students for a world that no longer exists, we’re failing them."
Resources
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