Hi there Reader,

Higher education is caught in the middle of transformation—and behind the scenes, political dynamics, AI, and private equity are playing

Some colleges will thrive, others will struggle. This edition breaks down where things are headed and what it means for you.

The ‘Broken Rung’ in Higher Ed Leadership

McKinsey’s The Broken Rung sheds light on why leadership pipelines stall and how institutions lose out on top talent. The report’s latest findings reveal:

• Leadership gaps are often institutional, not individual. The system fails high-potential talent by limiting growth opportunities.
• Women, especially women of color, remain underrepresented in key leadership positions due to stalled promotions.
• The failure to develop mid-level leaders has ripple effects, impacting decision-making, innovation, and retention across industries...

🔎 The takeaway?

Institutions that invest in clearer leadership pathways and data-driven talent strategies will win.

Others risk losing top talent to more agile competitors.
📢 Read More​

What Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) Means for Higher Ed

The latest CB Insights CVC Report 2024 highlights a surge in university partnerships with corporate investors.

Here’s what’s happening:

• AI and EdTech investments are rising—CVC firms are pouring funds into AI-driven learning platforms and alternative credentialing models.
• Colleges as incubators—Institutions that engage with CVC can position themselves as R&D hubs for emerging industries.

The risk?

Universities that don’t adapt could see revenue shifts away from traditional degree models toward microcredentials and employer-backed education.

🔎 The takeaway?

Colleges must rethink their engagement with industry—passively watching isn’t an option.

Those who build meaningful partnerships will lead the next wave of education.

(Ping me directly for more insights here)

Roger Best on Navigating Higher Ed’s Leadership Maze

In a conversation with Roger Best, President of UCM, we explored how leadership changes the game in higher ed.

Key takeaways:

• The external vs. internal challenge—Presidents must be PR machines while managing internal operations, a tough balancing act.
• Strategic focus matters—Not all external engagements add value. Knowing where to invest time is a game-changer.
• Higher ed’s branding problem—Institutions struggle to clearly define their value in a crowded market, making recruitment and retention harder.

Leadership isn’t just about decision-making—it’s about strategic visibility and value articulation in a fast-changing education market.
​Clip from Roger; Convo​

The Future of Higher Ed: AI, Jeff Selingo & Market Disruptions

Jeff Selingo, higher ed expert and author, recently discussed where universities are headed.

Some key themes:

• AI-driven efficiency—Automation will replace administrative bloat, making institutions leaner and more cost-effective.
• The tuition reckoning—Price transparency is coming, and sticker shock could become a thing of the past.
• New enrollment models—Expect fewer ‘traditional’ students and more lifelong learners demanding flexible pathways.

🔎 The takeaway?

Universities need to rethink their student pipeline, pricing models, and AI adoption—or risk irrelevance.
📢 Listen to the Podcast​

Closing Thoughts:​
Higher education is at an inflection point.

Leadership, industry partnerships, and AI adoption will define which institutions thrive and which struggle.

The schools that embrace data, agility, and bold strategy will lead the next era of higher education.

Curious: What challenges are you working through, and what is the "cost" of failing? Reply and share...

-Mike O’Connor

O'Connor & Associates

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