Hi there Reader,

This week, we dive into some compelling conversations and emerging trends in higher education leadership, from people management to re-thinking your value proposition too investment strategy...

Redefining Leadership in Higher Ed: Insights from Robbyn Wacker, Interim President at PNWU

In an era where higher education faces growing pressure to adapt, Interim President Robbyn Wacker at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) champions a leadership model rooted in proactive strategy, people-first values, and the ability to use crises as springboards for lasting change.

Robbyn emphasizes that true institutional resilience lies in aligning team empowerment with a shared vision for growth and impact. Her approach encourages leaders to cultivate not only crisis-response tactics but forward-looking strategies that build enduring value.

Robbyn’s framework includes investing in professional development for all team members, fostering transparency, and creating a collaborative culture where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth.

For higher education leaders, her insights underscore the importance of crafting adaptable solutions that balance immediate needs with long-term ambitions.

➡️ Full conversation with Robbyn Wacker; Quick Except​

Empowering Student Success: A Conversation with Chris Reber of Hudson County Community College

In our conversation with Chris Reber, President of Hudson County Community College (HCCC), we explore how community colleges are pivotal players in preparing students for a dynamic and challenging workforce.

Chris explains how Hudson’s mission extends beyond traditional academic achievements—focused on providing a holistic, student-centered approach that includes innovative partnerships, stacked and nested credentials, and a rigorous emphasis on workforce readiness programs.

By integrating services that address life barriers, HCCC supports students in overcoming challenges and achieving long-term economic mobility.

Reber highlights Hudson’s commitment to local impact, with nearly 90% of their students living and working in the area post-graduation.

HCCC’s model of creating “on-ramps” to education—through credentials aligned with workforce needs and accessible programs—demonstrates a compelling way to redefine student success.

➡️ Full Conversation with Chris Reber; Excerpt​

Harvard Endowment: A Cautionary Tale in Private Market Exposure?

Amid rising scrutiny of higher ed finances, Harvard's FY2024 endowment performance lagged behind peers like Columbia and Brown, impacted by a heavy portfolio allocation to private markets.

Harvard Management Company CEO, N.P. Narvekar, attributed their conservative asset allocation strategy as a response to budgetary stability needs, especially given endowment reliance.

This performance underscores critical considerations for leaders evaluating risk tolerance, investment strategies, and donor relations amidst an unpredictable financial landscape.

➡️ Explore the latest insights from Harvard’s investment challenges.​

LinkedIn’s New AI Job Agent: A Game Changer for University Recruiting?

LinkedIn's introduction of its first AI agent for job recruitment opens doors for universities and job seekers alike.

With streamlined matching and active agent-driven interactions, LinkedIn’s AI signals an interesting paradigm in career placement strategies, giving new avenues to optimize recruitment and employer partnerships.

➡️ Read about LinkedIn’s AI-driven shift in recruitment.​

Election 2024: What Harris vs. Trump Means for Higher Ed

In a recent episode of College Matters by The Chronicle, Rick Seltzer explores the potential implications of the upcoming election for higher education.

With contrasting visions, Harris and Trump offer varying priorities, from workforce preparation and student debt relief to cultural issues affecting campus dynamics.

➡️ Listen to the episode on what Election 2024 could mean for higher ed.​

Curious: What resonates, and would you like to see more or less of in upcoming editions?

As always, your feedback is appreciated...

-Mike O’Connor

O'Connor & Associates

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