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I hope things are going as well as possible...

Per usual, I'm writing with insights from the fringes of the Acadmy...

Why Small Colleges Might Hold the Key to Higher Ed’s Future

When you think about Silicon Valley, small colleges might not come to mind...

But Menlo College, led by President Steven Weiner, is proving why they matter in the ecosystem.

In our latest conversation, Steven shared how Menlo is balancing size, personalization, and innovation:

• Retention through connection. Menlo’s intimate size allows students to receive unparalleled support, unlocking their potential in ways larger institutions can’t.
• Strategic tinkering. From outsourcing IT to refining athletic programs, Menlo optimizes operations without compromising student experience.
• The Silicon Valley advantage. With unmatched access to internships and career opportunities, Menlo gives students a head start in the competitive job market.

Steven also touched on the “JCPenney effect” in higher ed pricing—how perception and sticker price impact students’ decision-making.

For higher ed leaders, this conversation was a masterclass in how small colleges can punch above their weight in today’s competitive landscape.

📢 Listen to the full discussion; Highlights.

🚀 Career Services is Shifting—Are You Ready?

If you still think of career services as a job board and resume workshop, you’re missing the bigger picture.

I sat down with Christine Y. Cruzvergara, Chief Education Strategy Officer at Handshake, to discuss the radical transformation happening in student career development—and what it means for institutions.

• The old “gatekeeper model” is out. The new model? Curator of opportunities.
• Data is the most underutilized asset in career services—institutions that leverage it will win.
• AI, automation, and Gen Z’s shifting expectations are reshaping how universities serve students.

One stat that stood out: Handshake’s curated job collections drive 7x more engagement than traditional postings.

Higher ed leaders who embrace these changes will strengthen their institutions. Those who don’t may struggle to stay relevant.

📢 Full discussion here.

AI in Higher Ed: DeepSeek, OpenAI, and Beyond

AI is no longer experimental—it’s fundamentally reshaping our world...

Here’s what you need to know:

• DeepSeek’s Growth: AI adoption is skyrocketing, with DeepSeek seeing massive user growth and shaking up traditional models. As it stands, DeepSeek is outperforming ChatGPT in both user adoption, growth, and costs to implementation. The implication of their growth has far flung national security and market implications. (Read More)
• OpenAI’s ‘Deep Research’ Tool: Automating complex research in minutes, this tool changes how professionals synthesize data. Knowledge work is changing fast... (Read More)
• SoftBank’s ‘Cristal Intelligence’: A move toward AGI-like automation, integrating AI into everyday work. (Read More)

AI-driven tools are increasing efficiency, cutting costs, and shaping the student experience.

How are you leveraging them?

What Trump Means for Higher Ed

Political shifts can have serious implications for higher education. A meta-analysis of recent discussions reveals:

• Funding volatility: Federal grants and research funding could face significant shifts.
• Policy changes: Potential deregulation may alter accreditation and student loan structures.
• Enrollment impact: International student enrollment may fluctuate based on visa policies.

With uncertain policy landscapes, institutions must stay agile. A proactive strategy now could prevent funding and operational disruptions in the coming years.

📢 Read the Chronicle’s full coverage​

Closing Thoughts:​
Higher ed’s future is being shaped by bold leaders, AI-driven efficiency, and shifting policies.

The best institutions aren’t waiting for change—they’re leading it...

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-Mike O’Connor

O'Connor & Associates

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