Hi Reader,

In this week's edition, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Amber Johnson, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff for the Division of Equity & Inclusion at UC Berkeley.

Amber’s leadership philosophy centers around healing and creating psychological safety for academic leaders. Her transition from professor to administrator highlights the vital importance of empathy in leadership, especially when managing institutional change.

Through initiatives like her Justice Fleet— a mobile social justice museum—Amber is creating spaces that foster care, reflection, and systemic change within the higher ed space.

For any leader navigating complex institutional shifts, Amber’s insights on merging innovation with humanity are a must-hear.
[More here.]

Title: UConn Faces Major Academic Cuts—A Personal Reflection

As a UConn '03 alum, it hits close to home seeing my alma mater consider eliminating dozens of majors in response to financial deficits...

UConn’s review of 70 low-enrollment majors is sparking heated debate.

Majors like philosophy and gender studies could face suspension, with faculty concerned about the broader implications for UConn’s status as a research university.

This follows the path set by other flagships like West Virginia University, which recently closed 28 programs and cut 143 faculty positions.

What’s happening at UConn is emblematic of a larger trend affecting public flagships across the country, as institutions grapple with financial pressures and changing student demand.

[Read the full article here.]

Title: Predicting the Political Future: 2024’s Impact on Higher Education

Our initial analysis on how the upcoming 2024 election could reshape higher ed was well received, and we’ve expanded on it further.

The stakes are high, and institutions need to be prepared for the downstream effects of either a Trump or Harris presidency.

If Trump Wins:

• Deregulation: Expect significant reductions in federal oversight and potential cuts to public funding.
• Vocational Focus: Trade schools and apprenticeships will likely receive increased federal support, reshaping enrollment patterns.
• Privatized Student Loans: A shift toward private lending could drive up borrowing costs, making college less accessible to lower-income students.

If Harris Wins:

• Increased Funding: Look for expanded Pell Grants and enhanced federal aid, especially targeting underserved communities.
• Strengthened DEI Programs: Federal support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives will grow, driving institutional policies.
• Loan Forgiveness: Continued expansion of student loan forgiveness, especially for graduates in public service sectors.

Key Takeaway: Higher ed leaders need proactive strategies, whether adapting to a workforce-centric model or enhancing DEI programs in response to federal backing.

Title: Harnessing Scrum Agile and Lean for Higher Ed Leadership

Scrum is a framework that enables teams to work together in short, focused cycles (called sprints) to tackle complex problems and deliver high-value results quickly.

Lean, on the other hand, is a methodology focused on maximizing value while minimizing waste.

While often associated with tech, Scrum Agile and Lean principles hold untapped potential for higher ed leaders.

Here’s why these methodologies are crucial tools for today’s academic institutions:

• Informed Decision-Making: Collaborative, iterative frameworks lead to more timely and impactful decisions.
• Institutional Agility: Quickly adapt to shifting student needs, regulatory changes, and market trends.
• Optimized Resource Allocation: Lean principles help eliminate inefficiencies, ensuring resources are allocated toward the most impactful areas.
• Culture of Innovation: Scrum Agile fosters a mindset of continuous improvement, making institutions more innovative and entrepreneurial.

For higher education leaders, these methodologies are game-changers in navigating today’s challenges.

(Curious on how to apply them to your institution? Shoot me a quick note... )

Closing Thoughts

We’ve covered a lot this month, from leadership grounded in healing to navigating political shifts and driving institutional agility.

As always, if any of these ideas resonate or you’re looking for tailored strategies, let’s set up time to connect.

Until next time!

-Mike O’Connor

O'Connor & Associates

​​

unsubscribe here.