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, Higher education leaders are staring down some of the biggest systemic shifts we've seen in decades... Politically, financially, and operationally. This week’s edition spotlights strategies to lead through the uncertainty... and unlock new opportunities. The Metrics of Belonging: A Fresh Lens with Meacie Fairfax We brought Meacie Fairfax (Strategy Director at Complete College America) back this week — but with a twist. Rather than just focusing on gateway courses or credit...
Hi there Reader, Higher ed is under scrutiny— but is it under siege? In the past two weeks, we’ve seen elite institutions challenge direct federal overreach, new alliances emerge across sectors, and fresh innovations redefine how we think about student success and fiscal sustainability. This week’s newsletter surfaces: System-level redesign insights from Meacie Fairfax (Complete College America). A rallying cry from 200+ presidents against government interference. And a wildly underrated data...
Hi there Reader, Welcome back. This week, we're digging into the intersection of institutional strategy, federal overreach, and student loan reform. From campus data labs to billion-dollar showdowns with the federal government, the higher ed playbook is being rewritten in real time. Let's get into it. Rethinking the College Business Model with Matt Hendricks Founder, Perspective Data Sciences What if you could scan every college’s contracts, staffing levels, and pricing models—and flag costly...