Greetings, Reader, Higher education continues to be at an inflection point. This week, we're diving into some of the most compelling ideas reshaping the field, including: Changing workforce needs 2nd/3rd order effects of Technological disruption Shifting expectations of students, faculty, and society. Stop Emailing and Start Aligning: Leadership Lessons from Brendan Kelly What’s the real job of education? For Brendan Kelly, President of the Arkansas State University System, it’s about...
9 days ago • 3 min read
Hi there Reader, This week’s newsletter dives into themes shaping the future of our institutions: Staying true to your mission Small yet powerful productivity shifts, and Private equity's increasing influence in education Ferraris vs. Toyotas, and the Future of Education What makes a university stand out in today’s crowded education market? According to Nuno Fernandes, President of American Public University System (APUS), it’s not about trying to be everything to everyone. In our recent...
16 days ago • 2 min read
Hi there Reader, Higher education leaders face challenges that demand both foresight and adaptability. From systemic student success models to the ripple effects of global economic policies, this week’s newsletter dives into topics reshaping our institutions. Spotlight: Montgomery College’s Dr. Jermaine Williams What does transformative leadership look like? Dr. Jermaine Williams, President of Montgomery College, offers a masterclass in leading with purpose, equity, and data-driven...
25 days ago • 2 min read
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...
about 1 month 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....
about 1 month 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...
about 1 month 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 2 months 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 2 months 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...
2 months ago • 2 min read