Defend & Publish podcast host Christine Tulley interviewed Dr. Bryan Alexander, who will be giving the Michael Sullivan Keynote at the 2026 TAA Institute for Textbook & Academic Authors on June 12, about how AI is reshaping textbook and academic publishing. Alexander is a futurist, Georgetown senior scholar, offered a broad, forward-looking view, beginning with the larger forces already destabilizing higher education: shifting demographics, changing economics, enrollment pressures, and evolving cultural attitudes toward the academy. He then surveyed the technological landscape — the maturation of ebooks, the ongoing challenge of mobile-friendly scholarship, extended reality, and open access — before zeroing in on AI’s multifaceted impact.

Five 2026 TAA Institute for Textbook & Academic Authors presenters have been interviewed on the Defend & Publish podcast. All four will be sharing their expertise in sessions or Learning Labs at this mini-conference, which takes place June 12 and 13, and is aimed at providing both new and veteran textbook and academic authors a deep dive into topics such as AI and authoring, navigating DEI issues, contracts, publishing in the modern age, and more. Get $50 off registration with code DP26.

Voices of Rural Leadership: True Stories of Success in Education, by Joseph ‘Rocky’ F. Wallace, Kevin Hub, Robert Stafford, and Franklin Thomas, features authentic accounts from a distinguished group of educators and community learners who are deeply committed to serving students and families in rural America. Each story aligns with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) and offers practical insight, inspiration, and proven strategies. Whether you are a leadership faculty member, aspiring administrator, or seasoned practitioner, this book is a valuable resource for fostering growth, resilience, and innovation in educational leadership.