Hi there Reader,

Happy 2025!

As we kick off a new year, the challenges and opportunities in higher education remain as dynamic as ever.

With shifting student demographics, evolving leadership demands, and shifting geopolitical landscapes, it's crucial to stay informed...

This edition of the newsletter brings you key insights to help navigate the year ahead—from trends in student success to leadership strategies and the latest policy shifts that could impact your institution.

Let’s dive in....

1. 25 Stats to Watch for in 2025 - Trends in Student Success

In a recent report from Inside Higher Ed, 25 key statistics were shared that shed light on the state of student success heading into 2025.

As many colleges face enrollment challenges and financial pressures, these trends point toward the evolving needs and expectations of students.

Noteable takeaways include:

• Enrollment Shifts: Growing numbers of students are opting for shorter, flexible programs and non-degree credentials, as they prioritize fast-tracked career pathways.
• Demographic Changes: The changing U.S. demographic landscape will affect enrollment, with more diverse student bodies and a continued push for more inclusive campuses.
• The Role of Technology: A massive surge in digital learning options, from hybrid courses to AI-driven platforms, will reshape how students learn and interact with institutions.
• Workforce Alignment: Colleges that align their offerings with employer needs, focusing on skills over degrees, will lead the way in student success.

For more insights, check out the full article here.

2. Why So Many Bad Bosses Still Rise to the Top - A Leadership Dilemma

A compelling article from McKinsey explores why ineffective leaders continue to ascend in organizations. According to McKinsey research, bad bosses often rise because of:

• The Halo Effect: Strong individual performance in one area (e.g., fundraising or external relations) can cloud judgment, leading to promotions despite poor leadership capabilities.
• Lack of Feedback: In many cases, senior leaders fail to provide candid feedback or overlook toxic behaviors that could derail long-term success.
• The “Heroic Leader” Myth: Organizations often elevate individuals who thrive in crisis, but struggle when it comes to managing day-to-day challenges like intra-political dynamics or internal operations.

For higher education, where leadership is under constant scrutiny, it’s crucial for boards and presidents to proactively address this problem.

Providing training for middle managers and aligning incentives with institutional priorities is one of many strategies explored...

Read more here.

3. Podcast Spotlight: Oliver Burkman on Time, Productivity, and Leadership

In a thought-provoking podcast episode, Oliver Burkman, author of Four Thousand Weeks, dives into the complexities of time management, productivity, and how to truly focus on what matters. Burkman, whose work has become a vital resource for those trying to balance demanding leadership roles, challenges conventional ideas about productivity:

• Rethinking Time: Burkman argues that we have a limited amount of time—*“four thousand weeks” is the average human lifespan—and so every decision we make about how to spend that time should be intentional.
• The Myth of Multitasking: True productivity isn’t about doing more things at once but focusing on fewer, higher-value tasks.
• The Importance of Reflection: Burkman emphasizes that effective leadership requires regular introspection. Are leaders prioritizing what truly contributes to their institution’s mission?

Full podcast here.

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As we move into 2025, it’s clear that higher education will continue to evolve at a rapid pace.

The insights shared today are just the beginning—this year will require us all to think critically, act decisively, and stay agile in the face of change.

I look forward to continuing this journey with you and hearing how your institution is adapting to these new challenges.

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-Mike O’Connor

O'Connor & Associates

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