Dr. Joshua Sarpong (PhD) | Understanding Neoliberalism in Higher Education - S3E17

In this insightful episode of the Visions & Tones podcast, host Dr. T engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Joshua Sarpong, a doctoral admissions specialist at the University of Auckland. Originally from Ghana, Dr. Sarpong has studied at prestigious institutions including the University of Ghana and the University of Oslo, and earned his PhD in Education in New Zealand. His work focuses on the tension between universities' need for diverse funding sources and the risks this poses to academic freedom.

The discussion delves into the concept of neoliberal higher education, exploring how it shifts focus from public to private good and how it affects universities globally. Dr. Sarpong introduces his concept of "strategic entrepreneurialism," which seeks to balance financial needs with the core mission of teaching and research.

Together, they explore themes from Dr. Sarpong's research, such as the impact of globalization on higher education, winners versus losers in academic competition, the rise of managerialism, and the decline of collegiality. The conversation also touches on the role of activism in education and the societal implications of these trends.

Join the discussion to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and potential solutions in the evolving landscape of higher education.

Paper discussed: Sarpong, J. & Adelekan, T. (2024). Globalisation and education equity: The impact of neoliberalism on universities’ mission, Policy Future in Education 22(6), 1114-1129.

Others: Sarpong, J. (2023). Performance funding and the academic profession: a New Zealand case study. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 13(3), 502-514. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-12-2022-0288

Sarpong, J. (2023). Reconciling research autonomy and marketisation in New Zealand universities: the idea of strategic entrepreneurialism. Journal of Marketing for Higher Education, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/08841241.2022.2157069

Sarpong, J. (2022). Research and disciplinary differences versus funding allocation in New Zealand's higher education system. Issues in Educational Research, 32(1), 374-393.

Sarpong, J. (2022). A university that withstands financial uncertainties in complex times. Pacific-Asian Education Journal, 33(1), 119-133.

Sarpong, J. (2021). Research autonomy and “marketisation” in higher education: A case study of two New Zealand universities (Doctoral dissertation, ResearchSpace@ Auckland).

Sarpong, J., Sturm, S., & Gunn, C. (2020). A university beyond aid: The challenge to the academic freedom and success of Ghanaian universities of over-reliance on donor funding. In Teaching and Learning Practices for Academic Freedom (Vol. 34, pp. 145-162). Emerald Publishing Limited.

Thank you for choosing the Visions & Tones Podcast.