Hi there Reader, This week’s newsletter dives into themes shaping the future of our institutions:
Ferraris vs. Toyotas, and the Future of EducationWhat makes a university stand out in today’s crowded education market? According to Nuno Fernandes, President of American Public University System (APUS), it’s not about trying to be everything to everyone. In our recent conversation, Nuno explained how APUS became the #1 educator of U.S. service members and their families by doubling down on their mission: Delivering Affordable, high-quality education for military families. But APUS isn’t just resting on its laurels. They’re leveraging HUNDREDS of data points to measure retention, improve satisfaction, and create personalized "Netflix-like" learning journeys. Differentiation paired with innovation, creates a winning strategy. Learn how APUS is leading the way. Quick Clip; Full Convo. 2A: Private Equity Enters the Higher Ed ArenaAs industries pivot post-pandemic, private equity is now investing heavily in higher education. CNN recently highlighted how private investors are acquiring for-profit education companies, particularly those focused on online learning and workforce development. What it Means for Higher Ed:
Learn more: Full Article. 2B: The Risks of Private Equity in EducationWhile private equity brings fresh capital, critics are sounding alarms about its long-term effects. A recent Idaho Statesman op-ed warns about:
The Challenge: Can traditional institutions adapt to this new landscape without compromising their mission? Explore the perspective: Full Article. 3. Boosting Productivity in Higher Ed: Think SmallMcKinsey & Company suggests that improving productivity doesn’t require monumental change—it’s about small, focused interventions. For colleges and universities, this could mean:
Why it Matters: In a time of limited resources, incremental productivity gains can lead to big outcomes. Read the McKinsey report: Looking to Improve Productivity? Think Small. HRTech Salary Trends: Insights from the 2024 MarketAs workforce expectations evolve, the latest HRTech Salary Guide reveals critical shifts in compensation and hiring trends across industries. For organizations striving to attract and retain top talent, these findings provide essential benchmarks and highlight the challenges of remaining competitive in a dynamic labor market. Key insights from the report:
Explore the full guide here:HRTech Salary Guide Closing ThoughtIn a time of rapid change and uncertainty, higher education leaders must balance bold innovation with staying true to their mission. Whether it’s leveraging data like APUS, grappling with private equity’s influence, or learning from small productivity hacks, the goal is always the same: driving impact. By request, I'm running another round of "AI for Educators" workshop FREE. Interested in bringing it to your campus? Let's talk. Stay awesome, -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, 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...