Dr. Greg Pillar, Gardner-Webb Assistant Provost, Represents the University at Inaugural HigherEd PodCon

Participants Embrace Podcasting as a Form of Storytelling, Scholarship and Connection

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University Assistant Provost Dr. Greg Pillar represented Gardner-Webb on a national stage as a presenter at the inaugural HigherEd PodCon. Held recently at the University of Illinois in Chicago, the event featured over 40 speakers from institutions and organizations across North America.

The first-ever conference dedicated entirely to podcasting in higher education brought together nearly 150 participants from over 100 colleges and universities, including faculty, administrators, communication professionals, and independent creators. “The energy in the room made it clear: there’s a growing and committed community in higher ed embracing podcasting not just as a tool, but as a form of storytelling, scholarship, and connection,” Pillar reflected. “A key takeaway from both giving and attending sessions: podcasting done well isn’t just content—it’s community-building.”

Pillar co-presented a session titled “Designing Impactful Campus Podcasts: Storytelling, Series Strategies, and Narrative Craft” alongside Gordon Katic (Cited Media) and Daniel Story (UC Santa Cruz). “My portion focused on how even low-budget, unscripted campus podcasts—like The Bulldog Mindset at Gardner-Webb—can elevate campus voices and reflect academic culture,” Pillar explained. “I shared how our show was designed to surface stories that often get left out of formal communications, from first-gen students to retiring faculty, and how the unscripted format invites vulnerability, humor, and authenticity.”

Other topics included podcast strategy and post-production tools to branding, analytics, AI integration, and the role of podcasting in teaching and recruitment. Pillar was encouraged by Matt Abrahams’ keynote on growth strategies and storytelling. An expert in communication with decades of experience as an educator, author, podcast host, and coach, Abrahams emphasized experimentation, agility, and authenticity. His online talks garner millions of views, and he hosts the popular, award-winning podcast “Think Fast, Talk Smart The Podcast.”

A workshop on branding through podcasting challenged participants to think of themselves not just as podcasters, but as builders of institutional identity and voice. When asked the question, who should consider podcasting, their answer was—everyone should have a podcast.

“One of the most powerful aspects of the event was realizing that podcasting in higher education isn’t just growing—it’s diversifying,” Pillar concluded. “From institutionally-backed series and faculty research showcases to fully student-led productions and independent academic podcasters, there’s a shared desire to rethink how we tell the story of higher ed. I left the conference inspired and affirmed—both that The Bulldog Mindset is part of a meaningful movement, and that there’s enormous potential for Gardner-Webb to be a leader in this space. I’m already thinking about how to incorporate what I learned into Season Two this fall.”

During the event, Pillar also joined Laurie Shanderson to podcast live from HigherEd PodCon on her “EdUp: Accreditation Insights” podcast (listen here). Shanderson is president and CEO of the Knoxville, Tenn., Urban League, and Accreditation Insights is her consulting firm. Pillar has co-hosted with her before, and they have also co-authored pieces published in the “Chronicle of Higher Ed.”  

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Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.