Hi there Reader, In this edition, we dive deep into some of the most pressing trends and thought leadership both within - and outside - of the Academy... Exclusive Interview with Mike Davis, President of Fairmont State UniversityNavigating Challenges, Building Opportunity Mike Davis, President of Fairmont State University, shares his journey from first-generation college student to university leader and the unique challenges facing institutions like Fairmont. Davis emphasizes the need for...
8 days ago • 2 min read
Hi there Reader, Happy Fall, my friend... A few insights at the fringes of the Academy. Sara Howard on Agile Leadership in Higher Ed Sara Howard, Chief of Staff at Tally, offers critical insights into driving change in complex environments. Agility in Higher Ed: By blending design thinking with Scrum Agile, Sara has successfully shortened the timeline for institutional change, turning years into months. Crisis Leadership: Her experience during the pandemic and after George Floyd’s murder...
15 days ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader, I hope opening went as well as possible... Per usual, I'm writing with a few updates at the fringes of the academy... Balancing Operational Costs with Excellence: Insights from Michael Avaltroni In my recent conversation with Michael Avaltroni, President of Fairleigh Dickinson University, we dove deep into the complex balancing act of managing operational costs while delivering top-notch educational experiences. Michael shared how institutions must navigate the push and pull...
21 days ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader, Fall is coming, my friend! I spent some time studying Nathan Grawe's "The Agile College" massive data sets. A few counterintuitive takeaways (accompanying data visualizations below). Impact of Parental Education on Enrollment in National Universities: Students whose parents hold a bachelor's degree are much more likely to attend national universities (ranked between 51st and 100th) compared to those whose parents do not have a degree. This disparity could influence the...
29 days ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader, I hope everything is going as well as possible.... Innovation Meets Shared Governance (Lessons from the Great Dr. Rachelle Keck - President of Grandview University) Navigating the complexities of higher education requires more than just experience; it demands agility and an innovative mindset. Dr. Rachelle Keck, with a unique transition from law to leading two universities, underscores the importance of adaptability in today’s academic landscape. Her leadership at Grandview...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hallå Reader, Diving into this week’s insights tailored for forward-thinking leaders in higher education… Federal Investment in Regional Technology Hubs: A Game-Changer for Economic Development The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a significant investment in twelve new regional technology hubs across the United States, aimed at creating high-paying jobs and fostering economic innovation in underserved communities. This initiative, part of the CHIPS and Science Act, is designed to...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader, Diving into this week’s insights tailored for forward-thinking leaders in higher education... Illinois Proposes Equity-Driven Funding Overhaul for Public Universities Illinois is making waves with a proposed bill, the Adequate and Equitable Funding Formula for Public Universities Bill (Senate Bill 3965), which could transform how state funding is allocated to public higher education institutions. This novel funding model prioritizes adequacy and equity, particularly...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader, I hope everything is going as well as possible... Writing again with a few updates at the fringes of innovation and education. What Evolving Consumer Trends Mean for Education Middle-income consumers are feeling the squeeze of inflation but continue to splurge on discretionary items, defying traditional spending habits. Older consumers are now more likely to switch brands, while young consumers in emerging markets prefer premium products. Relevance for Higher Ed: Adapting...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader, Diving into this week’s insights tailored for forward-thinking leaders in higher education… Lydia Winn on Transforming Admissions Insights from Lydia Winn, Head of Sales GTM Strategy at Empowerly, shares insights on re-thinking admissions. She emphasizes understanding holistic student profiles and recommends institutions provide detailed examples to demystify the process. (Note: Empowerly’s team-based approach offers elite admission guidance at a fraction of the cost). Watch...
2 months ago • 1 min read