Hi there Reader, A few insights, from the outskirts of the Academy... Principles for Strategic Decision-Making Nabeel Qureshi’s “Principles” offers a practical framework for leaders. A former Palantir executive, Nabeel emphasizes clear values in decision-making and execution. For Higher Ed Leaders: Adopt “systematic skepticism” when evaluating data or making decisions under uncertainty. Build “optionality” into strategic planning to adapt to demographic and economic shifts. Consider sharing...
12 days ago • 2 min read
Hi there Reader, In this edition, we focus on the tools, perspectives, and insights needed to navigate higher education’s evolving challenges. From leveraging mission-driven growth to the future of the Chief of Staff role, this issue has strategies to stay resilient and forward-thinking. David Armstrong, St. Thomas University: Mission-Centered, Fiscally Sound David Armstrong’s work at St. Thomas University offers a powerful case study in mission-driven turnaround within faith-based higher ed....
19 days ago • 3 min read
Hi there Reader, In this edition, we dive into key themes reshaping higher education: from leveraging AI to amplifying partnerships and fostering a purpose-driven learning culture. Here are the insights your institution needs to navigate today’s challenges with resilience and vision. Finding Purpose and Grit in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape: Mike Shannon, President, University of North Georgia In a recent conversation with Mike Shannon, we discussed a renewed vision for higher ed that’s both...
27 days ago • 3 min read
Hi there Reader, This week, we dive into some compelling conversations and emerging trends in higher education leadership, from people management to re-thinking your value proposition too investment strategy... Redefining Leadership in Higher Ed: Insights from Robbyn Wacker, Interim President at PNWU In an era where higher education faces growing pressure to adapt, Interim President Robbyn Wacker at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) champions a leadership model rooted in...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, In this week's edition, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Amber Johnson, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff for the Division of Equity & Inclusion at UC Berkeley. Amber’s leadership philosophy centers around healing and creating psychological safety for academic leaders. Her transition from professor to administrator highlights the vital importance of empathy in leadership, especially when managing institutional change. Through initiatives like her Justice...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Welcome, Reader. Per usual, we explore how institutions can stay ahead in a dynamic Higher Ed environment... From aligning academic programs with workforce needs to downstream impacts of nuclear tech infrastructure too third order effects of a Trump Victory... This edition is a bit all over the place. 1. Mapping Academic Programs with Workforce Demand: A Strategic Playbook for C-Suite Leaders Ensuring that your academic programs align with in-demand, high-compensation careers is essential for...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi there Reader, Welcome back to the latest edition, where we explore the intersections of technology, finance, and strategy shaping the future of higher education. From leveraging agile methodologies to optimize campus operations to assessing how endowments are navigating turbulence to AI hacks, here are a few insights I'm excited to share... Columbia's Endowment Strategy: A Bold Public Equity Play As Ivy League endowment reports start rolling in, Columbia University is leading the pack with...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader, I hope everything is going as well as possible... How Menlo College’s Startup Mindset is Preparing Students for the Future In a recent conversation, Steven Weiner, President of Menlo College, shared how he’s leveraging Silicon Valley’s startup mentality to redefine higher education. Menlo’s approach centers on mandatory internships, real-world experience, and its proximity to Silicon Valley’s tech giants—ensuring students graduate with both degrees and job offers. Key...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey there, Reader, In this edition, we explore new approaches to college admissions and the power of predictive models.... Novel Approaches to Admissions with Loper: An Interview with Sam Bernstein In my recent conversation with Sam Bernstein, Co-Founder of Loper, we delved into how his company is revolutionizing the college admissions process.... Loper is rethinking how students find their ideal schools by creating personalized matches between students and institutions - using large data...
2 months ago • 1 min read