Nicole Allen joins Open-Ed Mic to discuss how open education has evolved from a student-led affordability movement into a growing professional field. The conversation explores the role of libraries, institutional leadership, educational policy, and sustainable infrastructure while examining challenges posed by closed educational platforms. Allen also explains why the future of open education depends on broadening its mission beyond affordability to address issues like AI literacy, workforce preparation, and equitable access to knowledge.

In this episode of Open Ed Mic, guest Shinta Hernandez—Dean of MC Online and Academic Support at Montgomery College and OE Global’s Individual Leader of the Year—shares her journey into open education and her commitment to equity, affordability, and student empowerment.