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As we enter a time of continued innovation and change in higher education, staying ahead of key trends—whether technological or related to institutional leadership—has never been more critical....

This edition focuses on several areas where strategic decisions can make a long-term impact, from the tech trends reshaping campuses to the critical role of admissions data in maintaining institutional integrity

The Top Tech Trends Impacting Higher Education

Exploring McKinsey's Latest Findings

The McKinsey report on top trends in tech reveals game-changing advancements that will inevitably shape the future workplace. From generative AI to advanced cybersecurity measures, these trends have the power to transform administrative operations, student engagement, and research outcomes. For institutional leaders, this provides an opportunity to lean into innovation while addressing evolving demands for digital infrastructure.

Obvious Takeaway: Higher education leaders should prioritize investment in cutting-edge technologies to optimize operations and maintain competitiveness in an increasingly tech-driven landscape. "How" is a bit trickier...

[Explore the full McKinsey report here]

A Fraught New Era of Admissions Metrics Scrutiny

The Chronicle’s In-Depth Look at Admissions Practices

As colleges and universities navigate the first admissions cycle following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to ban race-conscious admissions, early results from selective institutions reveal a complex picture. Many schools report declines in the enrollment of underrepresented minority students, particularly Black students, while others have seen mixed or even surprising results.

For example, Harvard saw its proportion of Black students drop from 18% to 14%, while Latino enrollment slightly increased. The University of North Carolina reported a decline in Black students, but the proportion of Asian American students increased. Some institutions, like Duke and Yale, maintained steady numbers for Black and Latino students, while others, such as MIT and Amherst, saw dramatic declines in underrepresented minority groups.

Despite these shifts, experts caution that it's too early to draw definitive conclusions. The combination of other factors, such as changes in recruitment and financial aid strategies, continues to impact enrollment outcomes. Additionally, the variance in results across institutions reflects the differing approaches colleges are taking to adapt to the new admissions landscape.

Takeaway: C-Suite leaders must prepare for continued volatility in admissions metrics as colleges adjust to the post-affirmative action era. Strategic shifts in recruitment, outreach, and financial aid will be crucial in maintaining diversity.

[Read the full article here]

Transforming Employee Experience at Fairmont State

Insights from President Mike Davis

Mike Davis, President of Fairmont State University, shared his forward-thinking approach to leadership by emphasizing the critical link between employee satisfaction and student success. Davis believes that creating a strong, positive work culture is essential to driving retention and engagement.

His focus on empowering staff, providing professional development, and ensuring that employees feel valued has proven essential in transforming Fairmont State into an institution where students and staff alike thrive. According to Davis, “You can’t create a good student experience without first creating a great employee experience.”

[More from Mike]

Closing Note

As always, we hope these insights provide actionable value to your leadership teams.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss how any of these trends might apply to your institution.

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-Mike O’Connor

O'Connor & Associates

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