Reader, InI’m thrilled to share highlights from my conversation with Roger Best, President of the University of Central Missouri (UCM). With a 30-year journey at UCM, Roger’s leadership style offers valuable lessons on adaptability, strategic focus, and innovation.... 1. Transforming Higher Ed Leadership: Insights from Roger BestRoger Best’s transition from COO to President at UCM offers keen insights into challenges and opportunities of ascending in leadership roles. A few insights:
Roger’s leadership serves as a reminder of higher education’s transformative potential—not only for students but for entire communities. 2. The Power of Psychographics in MarketingWhen targeting your ideal customer (ICP), it’s not enough to know their demographics... Understand their behaviors, values, and motivations will, as a rule, ALWAYS lead to more to conversations. Psychographics offers this insight, enabling more effective marketing strategies.
Psychographics are key to higher education marketing because they allow institutions to connect with prospective students on a deeper, more emotional level by understanding their values, motivations, and interests... on the right mediums. Marketing teams can psychographic data and analytics to create targeted, personalized campaigns that resonate with students’ unique needs, enhancing recruitment efforts and improving overall engagement with the institution’s offerings. A simple primer Prizm Segments (message me if you'd like to go deeper!). PRIZMPremierSegmentDescriptions.pdf 3. The Anti-Social Century: Rethinking America's Epidemic of SolitudeIn a thought-provoking episode of Plain English with Derek Thompson, the discussion centered on America’s epidemic of loneliness—a trend that’s significantly affecting our mental health, social fabric, and even workforce productivity. Key Insights from the Podcast:
This episode is an important listen for leaders in education and beyond—understanding and addressing loneliness is essential for improving well-being and organizational outcomes. Listen to the full episode here. 4. We Want Your Insights: Take Our Quick Survey on Operational GapsYour feedback matters! We’ve put together a brief, confidential survey to help us better understand the operational gaps you're facing and how external services, like ours, can support you in filling those gaps. Why Participate? It only takes 6 minutes, and your responses will remain confidential. Ready to share your insights? Click here to take the survey now. Closing: As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and insights. Best, -Mike O’Connor O'Connor & Associates
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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.
Hello Reader The challenges in higher education are becoming increasingly complex... From enrollment shifts to evolving technological landscapes. Let's explore what's happening at the fringes of the academy. 1. Higher Ed’s New Normal: A Post-Pandemic Reality In the wake of the pandemic, higher education is still struggling to regain its footing. Some aspects of life have returned to "normal," while others remain stuck in what can be described as a "new normal." For colleges, this means...
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.......
Hi there Reader, In this edition, I’ve gathered insights on leadership, marketing optimization, and the enrollment shifts that are coming our way. Here’s a look at what’s caught my attention this week. 1. Data-Driven Leadership: Key Takeaways from Jason Morrison, President of Trinity Valley Community College In my recent conversation with Jason Morrison, we discussed the evolving role of leadership in community colleges. Here are the top takeaways: Adaptability: Leaders must be flexible and...