Hi there Reader, Hope this finds you thriving and ready to tackle the big stuff. Here are a few quick reads and resources for forward-thinking leaders in higher education. Hunt Antelope, Not Field Mice Sparked by Newt Gingrich's insights on strategic focus, this article is powerful recalibration of prioritization. For us in academia: Are we chasing monumental goals that shift paradigms, or getting sidetracked by minutiae? This read is a great reminder for anyone aiming to lead with impact over busywork. Read Tim’s insights here. Revolutionizing Post-Grad Outcomes with Data I’ve been meshing Chat GPT with Bureau of Labor Statistics and institutional data to supercharge how we approach post-graduate outcomes. Take a peek at how we’re making Outcomes data work smarter, not harder: See the breakthrough in action. How AI is Transforming Higher Ed Pedagogy From providing customized learning pathways that adapt to individual student needs to streamlining administrative tasks, AI is making education more effective and accessible. This insightful article discusses the significant benefits and addresses the challenges of integrating AI into educational systems, ensuring educators are equipped to enhance their teaching methods and engage students more profoundly. AI in Education. Getting More from Your Most Valuable Asset: People McKinsey’s latest sheds light on the moves that matter in talent management—vital for any institution focused on serious ROI from its human capital. Great reading/reminder for making informed, impactful decisions in talent strategy: Explore McKinsey’s findings. Stay sharp and let these insights fuel your next big move. As always, I'm here to chat through any of these ideas or to brainstorm ways to apply them to your unique challenges. Best, -Mike O’Connor O'Connor & Associates |
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, Happy Fall, my friend... A few insights at the fringes of the Academy. Sara Howard on Agile Leadership in Higher Ed Sara Howard, Chief of Staff at Tally, offers critical insights into driving change in complex environments. Agility in Higher Ed: By blending design thinking with Scrum Agile, Sara has successfully shortened the timeline for institutional change, turning years into months. Crisis Leadership: Her experience during the pandemic and after George Floyd’s murder...
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...
Hi there Reader, Fall is coming, my friend! I spent some time studying Nathan Grawe's "The Agile College" massive data sets. A few counterintuitive takeaways (accompanying data visualizations below). Impact of Parental Education on Enrollment in National Universities: Students whose parents hold a bachelor's degree are much more likely to attend national universities (ranked between 51st and 100th) compared to those whose parents do not have a degree. This disparity could influence the...