With 17 years of insider experience, I specialize in enhancing university operations and strategic planning through innovative, data-driven solutions. Receive succinct, powerful insights on using analytics and artificial intelligence to streamline operations, increase ROI, and make informed strategic decisions. Ideal for C-suite aiming to do more with less and navigate the complexities of modern higher education.
How Middle Managers Can Make or Break Your Institution...
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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 between rising operational expenses and the necessity to provide exceptional student services. His candid thoughts on the importance of focusing on what you do best, rather than trying to be everything to everyone, were especially illuminating. For leaders navigating similar challenges, Michael’s approach offers valuable lessons on strategic focus and financial sustainability. Quick Excerpt Here; Full Interview. OpenAI’s Project Strawberry: The Next AI Breakthrough? The world of AI continues to evolve at breakneck speed, and OpenAI’s Project Strawberry might just be the next big leap. This initiative aims to push the boundaries of AI by enhancing the interactivity and contextual understanding of large language models. Imagine AI tools that only assist in administrative tasks but also engage with students in nuanced meaningful and personalized ways. As we look toward the future of AI in education, this will be interesting to watch. Power to the Middle: The Crucial Role of Middle Management The book “Power to the Middle” sheds light on a critical yet often overlooked layer of organizational leadership: middle management. In a world where agility and responsiveness are more important than ever, middle managers are uniquely positioned to drive innovation, culture, and performance. This McKinsey article underscores the importance of empowering middle management where they play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between strategic vision and operational execution. As we continue to navigate an ever-changing landscape, strengthening this leadership tier will be key to institutional success. Are there topics you'd like to see covered in greater depth?! Reply and share your feedback... Stay ahead of the curve, stay innovative. Best, -Mike O’Connor O'Connor & Associates |
Hi, I'm Mike!
With 17 years of insider experience, I specialize in enhancing university operations and strategic planning through innovative, data-driven solutions. Receive succinct, powerful insights on using analytics and artificial intelligence to streamline operations, increase ROI, and make informed strategic decisions. Ideal for C-suite aiming to do more with less and navigate the complexities of modern higher education.
Hi there Reader, The headlines don’t tell the full story—but the data and experts do. This week, we dive into political risks facing your campus narrative, why predictive AI may be your secret weapon, and what enrollment shifts by race mean for your institutional future. Candid Conversation with Nick Anderson (ACE)Higher Ed's Trust Crisis Isn’t a Marketing Problem. It's a Local ROI Problem. Nick Anderson, senior leader at the American Council on Education and longtime Washington Post...
Hi there Reader, This week’s newsletter is a bit of a special edition... More AI volatility, new market signals for campus real estate, and the latest Harvard vs. Trump legal drama. As always: fast takes, second-order insights, and resources to help you navigate Higher Ed’s next moves. 👇 Onward: AI in Flux: New Video Tools, GPT-5 Timeline, Meta’s Talent Wars The AI arms race keeps accelerating: Midjourney launched its first AI video model (V1), turning images into 5-sec clips—extensible to 21...
Hi Reader, This Week’s Big Ideas: Why Small Wins > Big Visions, Türkiye’s EdTech Pivot, and the Senate’s Higher Ed Shakeup 1. Want to Thrive in the Age of AI? Think Small. Based on: Derek Sivers’ “Round” Philosophy + Kevin Kelly’s “1000 True Fans” The future won’t reward scale for scale’s sake. “To surf above the tsunami, I suggest one human-scale win at a time.” In a higher ed world that obsesses over growth, rankings, and transformation, we might need to go the other way: Build resonance...