In this episode of EDU Unlocked, Ashish Fernando sits down with Ajita Talwalker Menon, President & CEO of Calbright College, to explore what it really takes to build a community college designed for today’s learners.

Ajita shares that Calbright’s transition to a fully online model was not just about moving courses online. Instead, it was intentionally designed to better serve adult learners, those balancing work, childcare, and other life responsibilities through a flexible, fully online approach.

The conversation dives into the shift from seat-time education to competency-based learning, where the focus is on building real-world skills aligned with workforce needs. Ajita explains how Calbright prioritizes asynchronous, self-paced learning and emphasizes career navigation alongside education, ensuring students are prepared not just to learn, but to succeed economically.

She also highlights that the value of online education goes beyond program offerings. True impact lies in combining accessibility with strong learner support systems that help students persist and complete their goals.

The discussion then turns to the rapid rise of AI and its implications for higher education. Ajita takes a clear stance that there is no room for a “wait and see” approach. Institutions must actively build AI readiness while ensuring that learners develop not only technical capabilities but also durable skills like critical thinking, resilience, and adaptability.

At the heart of it all, she underscores a powerful idea: even in a technology-driven world, human connection remains essential to meaningful learning.

Ajita also reflects on her journey into higher education, shaped by her experience in federal policy, the nonprofit sector, and the influence of her mother.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at how institutions can rethink access, outcomes, and the future of learning.