Hi there Reader, Happy Fall, my friend... A few insights at the fringes of the Academy. Sara Howard on Agile Leadership in Higher EdSara Howard, Chief of Staff at Tally, offers critical insights into driving change in complex environments.
"Disagree and Commit" Excerpt; Full Interview AI Productivity Hacks for Higher Ed LeadersAI isn’t just for tech companies—it’s rapidly becoming a game-changer for higher ed leadership.
These AI tools can significantly improve how you lead, making your processes faster and more efficient. PitchBook University Rankings: What They Mean for YouPitchBook’s latest rankings spotlight the impact of universities on the entrepreneurial world. Even if your institution isn’t listed, there are valuable lessons to consider:
Humble brag: We helped a Midwest institution find $600K+ in operational savings in using Automation and AI.... Curious to know more? Reply with your availability in the weeks ahead and we will find a time to connect... 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, 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...
Hi there Reader, Here are few updates on the insides, and periphery, of the Academy.... 7 Campuses. One System. A Cautionary Tale. Penn State just approved plans to close 7 of its 24 campuses. While framed as “restructuring,” the real signal here is existential: Low enrollment, mounting deficits, and diminishing local pipelines have pushed even a land-grant flagship into retreat mode. 📉 Translation?This isn’t just a rural problem or a small-school story. The ground is shifting under everyone....