Changing Higher Ed

Higher education faces increasing external pressures and diminishing public trust—creating an urgent need for institutional adaptation. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Brian Rosenberg, former president of Macalister College and author of "Whatever It Is, I'm Against It," about why resistance to change has made colleges and universities particularly vulnerable to current attacks. Drawing on his 17 years of presidential experience and current perspective as a Harvard visiting professor, Rosenberg analyzes the economic, political, and structural factors undermining public confidence in higher education while offering candid observations about what institutional leaders must do differently to navigate this challenging landscape. This conversation is especially relevant for presidents, trustees, and institutional leaders seeking to understand both external threats and internal barriers to necessary change. Topics Covered: The multiple factors driving declining public confidence in higher education How political polarization and economic concerns about affordability create challenges Why traditional governance structures struggle to implement transformational change The impact of low completion rates (under 60% nationally) on public perception The relationship between boards and presidents during challenging periods Why institutions need to collaborate more effectively against external threats Real-World Examples Discussed: Columbia University as a target of coordinated attacks on higher education Wellesley College's $100,000 comprehensive fee and its impact on public trust The contrast between campus protests today and those of the 1960s Institutions with 30% completion rates that would signal catastrophic failure in other industries The success of community-connected support structures at Amarillo College Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Presidents must be honest and transparent with stakeholders about institutional challenges. Board members have a responsibility to defend institutional mission—service is a privilege that carries obligations. The board-president relationship is the single most important factor in institutional effectiveness. This episode provides thoughtful analysis for institutional leaders navigating external pressures while managing internal resistance to necessary change. Recommended For: Presidents, trustees, board members, chief financial officers, and enrollment leaders concerned about institutional sustainability and public perception of higher education. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/resistance-to-change-attacks-on-higher-education/ #HigherEdLeadership #InstitutionalChange #BoardGovernance #HigherEducationPodcast

Strategic affiliation in higher education offers an alternative path for institutional sustainability—one that maintains mission and autonomy while accessing shared infrastructure and support. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Matt Nehmer, President of The Colleges of Law, about his institution’s affiliation with The Community Solution Education System (TCS) and what other leaders should know before pursuing similar strategies. Drawing on his experience as both a college president and former system executive, Nehmer shares how the affiliation was structured, how accreditation and compliance were handled, and what shared services have allowed The Colleges of Law to professionalize operations without sacrificing identity. This conversation is especially relevant for presidents, trustees, and institutional leaders considering affiliation models to improve long-term viability. Topics Covered: Why The Colleges of Law pursued affiliation before it became a necessity The dual-board governance structure that balances autonomy and accountability How legal safeguards protected institutional assets during transition Shared services provided through The Community Solutions system and how they’re managed Accreditation coordination with WASC and the implications of a system model Academic collaboration across system institutions without curriculum loss Leadership communication and the president’s role in system-level engagement Real-World Examples Discussed: Asset protection using a legacy nonprofit entity Cross-listed family law course shared with affiliated institutions Accreditation contingency planning in case of system dissolution Strategic planning coordination across multiple colleges Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Presidents must actively educate stakeholders about how system affiliation works. Legal and governance structures matter—protect assets and clarify responsibilities. Affiliation doesn’t require cultural compromise; it enables operational focus. This episode provides practical insights for institutions exploring strategic affiliation as a pathway to long-term resilience without sacrificing independence. Recommended For: Presidents, trustees, board members, general counsel, provosts, and system executives considering affiliation or system alignment models in higher education. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/strategic-affiliation-in-higher-education/ #HigherEdLeadership #StrategicAffiliation #Governance #HigherEducationPodcast

Strategic planning in higher education isn't just about setting goals—it's about building the kind of stakeholder engagement and leadership alignment that can drive lasting institutional change. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Andrew T. Hsu, President of the College of Charleston, about how a collaborative planning process helped increase enrollment, launch new academic schools, and move the college toward national university status. Drawing on his background in both industry and higher education, Dr. Hsu shares insights into balancing urgency with collaboration, the importance of faculty engagement, and the realities of leading strategic change within shared governance environments. This conversation is especially relevant for presidents, boards, provosts, and leadership teams navigating strategic growth, governance challenges, or long-range institutional transformation. Topics Covered: How strategic planning anchored the College of Charleston’s enrollment growth and academic expansion Why broad faculty engagement strengthens institutional resilience and accelerates change Lessons from balancing urgency for change with the realities of shared governance How industry experience shaped Dr. Hsu’s leadership approach in higher education Governance missteps: What happens when leadership bypasses consultation—and how to correct course Long-term growth planning and the move toward national university status Real-World Examples Discussed: College of Charleston’s creation of Schools of Health Sciences, Natural and Environmental Sciences, and Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics The enrollment surge from 11,000 to 32,000 applications annually under Dr. Hsu’s leadership Policy changes at Charleston to formalize academic reorganization processes after early challenges Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Build stakeholder ownership early: Strategic planning must involve faculty, staff, students, alumni, and governing boards to ensure success. Respect governance processes: Even well-intentioned leadership actions can falter without proper consultation and transparency. Balance urgency with collaboration: Sustainable change in higher education requires leaders to move decisively while honoring shared governance culture. This episode offers practical strategies for institutions seeking to strengthen their strategic planning efforts and drive sustainable growth through collaborative leadership. Recommended For: Presidents, provosts, trustees, board members, strategic planning leaders, and senior administrators focused on institutional transformation and governance alignment. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/higher-education-strategic-planning-and-growth/ #HigherEdLeadership #StrategicPlanning #SharedGovernance #HigherEducationPodcast

With state capital support on the decline and infrastructure aging out of usefulness, higher education leaders are under pressure to find new ways to fund capital projects—without compromising mission, control, or long-term sustainability. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, Dr. Drumm McNaughton explores creative capital funding strategies institutions are using to meet urgent facility and housing demands. His guest, Brent Miller—Higher Education Market Sector Leader at HED—shares how colleges and universities across the country are structuring public-private partnerships (P3s), securing transformational donor gifts, and leveraging local bond initiatives to move large-scale capital plans forward. This conversation is especially relevant for presidents, CFOs, trustees, and VPs of facilities navigating deferred maintenance, campus growth, or strategic repositioning. Brent brings 30+ years of architectural and capital planning experience to the conversation, offering insights from some of the most innovative projects in higher ed capital development. Topics Covered: Why traditional state funding is no longer enough—and what institutions are doing about it How public-private partnerships (P3s) work, and which types of projects they’re best suited for Case studies from USC, UC Irvine, University of Michigan, UC Merced, and more Donor and corporate partnership models that align with institutional missions How local bond initiatives are changing the future of community colleges What boards and presidents need to know about aligning capital projects with strategy and risk Real-World Examples Discussed: USC’s Iovine and Young Academy, funded by a $70M gift from Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre UC Irvine’s interdisciplinary health sciences building—merging donor intent and design University of Michigan’s Ford Robotics Building, a co-developed corporate-academic research hub UC Merced 2020, a $1.3B P3 that doubled the university’s physical capacity Cal State San Marcos’ early mixed-use P3 development for housing and retail A facilities deal struck to replace plant equipment at cost and pay via utility savings General Motors University as an early model of industry-aligned higher ed Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Ensure capital alignment with strategy: Every capital initiative should support the university’s mission, enrollment trajectory, and long-term vision. Build in lifecycle costs: Deferred maintenance and energy savings must be part of the upfront planning—not afterthoughts. Communicate across stakeholders: From boards and donors to students and local communities, transparency is essential to success. This episode provides both a strategic framework and actionable insight into how today’s institutions can overcome capital constraints through innovation, collaboration, and long-range thinking. Recommended For: Presidents, provosts, CFOs, trustees, board chairs, and facilities executives leading campus master planning, housing expansion, or long-term capital strategy. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/capital-funding-strategies-higher-education/ #HigherEdLeadership #PublicPrivatePartnerships #HigherEducation #HigherEducationPodcast

Public confidence in colleges and universities has dropped dramatically—only a third of Americans say they trust higher education. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton talks with Dr. Courtney Brown, Vice President of Strategic Impact and Planning at Lumina Foundation, about Gallup–Lumina’s latest findings and what institutional leaders must do to address the affordability and workforce relevance concerns behind this erosion of trust. They also explore Lumina’s new 2040 goal: 75% credential attainment—with a focus on value, not just completion. What we cover in this episode: Gallup data on declining public trust in higher education The ROI paradox: affordability vs. long-term economic benefit Why public perception is shifting—even as current students see value What Lumina’s 75x2040 goal means for institutional strategy How colleges can realign offerings to workforce expectations Supporting adult learners and restoring trust through transparency Read the full show summary and access the transcript here: https://changinghighered.com/public-trust-in-higher-education-lumina/ #HigherEducation #CollegeAffordability #CollegeROI About Our Guest Dr. Courtney Brown is Vice President of Strategic Impact and Planning at Lumina Foundation. She leads research, learning, and strategic initiatives aimed at increasing access to quality credentials for all Americans. About the Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is CEO of The Change Leader and host of the Changing Higher Ed podcast. He works with higher education boards and leadership teams to improve governance, lead strategic transformation, and navigate accreditation and institutional effectiveness.

Most institutions survey their faculty, but few turn that data into meaningful action. This episode explores how higher education leaders can use faculty satisfaction data to inform strategic planning, strengthen shared governance, retain talent, and lead institutional change. Dr. Drumm McNaughton is joined by Dr. R. Todd Benson, Executive Director of COACHE (Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education), to examine how institutions are applying faculty data in more intentional ways. The conversation focuses on how leadership can move from reporting results to building trust, aligning leadership decisions with faculty needs, and implementing sustained improvements. Benson outlines COACHE’s three-year cycle, where survey data serves not as a static report card, but as the starting point for structured, campus-wide conversations. Institutions are encouraged to engage faculty in interpreting the data, identifying top priorities, and co-owning the solutions. This approach helps shift the focus from compliance and benchmarking to long-term capacity building. Shared governance is a recurring theme throughout the episode. Benson explains how survey questions are designed to test whether faculty and administration are operating in a framework of mutual trust and responsibility. He shares examples where even well-documented governance structures break down due to weak relationships or inconsistent communication—issues that leadership can’t fix with policy alone. The episode also breaks down COACHE’s findings from the national Faculty Retention and Exit Study. Three factors consistently predict faculty satisfaction and attrition: how time is allocated, how resources align with expectations, and whether leadership is seen as trustworthy and transparent. These drivers connect directly to institutional risk, culture, and long-term sustainability. Examples from Georgia State University and the University of Texas at Arlington show how institutions can take action. Georgia State created a public-facing COACHE dashboard that connects findings to actual decisions. UT Arlington’s faculty senate led the charge, collaborating with administration to develop a shared scorecard and secure resources to address salary equity and improve doctoral student recruitment. For presidents, provosts, and boards, the message is clear: collecting faculty data isn’t enough. The real work happens in what you do next. What higher ed leaders will learn in this episode: How to engage faculty in prioritizing and interpreting satisfaction data What shared governance metrics reveal about institutional health How time, trust, and support shape retention Why transparency and follow-through matter more than data volume What successful institutions are doing to move from insight to action Three takeaways for higher ed leadership: Communicate clearly and consistently—before, during, and after surveys Share the human impact of faculty work, not just metrics Recognize and reflect value back to your faculty in ways that build trust Bonus insight: “The absolute worst feeling of a leader is to turn around and find no one’s following.” As Dr. Drumm McNaughton explains, leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about building the trust and relationships that make people want to follow. Without that, strategy fails before it begins. Read the transcript of this episode at https://changinghighered.com/faculty-satisfaction-data-for-strategic-change-in-higher-ed/ #HigherEducationPodcast #HigherEducation #FacultySatisfaction  

As short-term credentials gain traction, higher ed leaders face a critical question: Are these programs truly cost-effective and accessible—or just shorter? In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Jinann Bitar, Director of Higher Ed Research and Data Analytics at Education Trust, about the cost-efficiency, accessibility, and policy implications of short-term credential programs. They discuss new research on program affordability, disparities across states and industries, and the limited long-term earnings data available. Jinann shares what institutions need to consider before integrating short-term credentials into their academic portfolios and how leaders can ensure these programs support—not undermine—student success. Topics Covered: Are short-term credentials really affordable? How their costs compare to traditional academic programs State-level enrollment trends and policy drivers Gaps in ROI and earnings data Why stackable credentials matter How presidents and boards should approach academic restructuring Three Takeaways for College Leaders: Use data to guide program decisions Collaborate with external partners to align with labor market needs Design short-term programs that meet the expectations of today’s learners This conversation is especially relevant for institutions exploring academic realignment, workforce partnerships, or strategic planning initiatives. Read the transcript at https://changinghighered.com/what-college-leaders-must-know-about-short-term-credentials/ #HigherEducation #ShortTermCredentials #HigherEducationPodcast Guest: Jinann Bitar, Director of Higher Education Research and Data Analytics, Education Trust Host: Dr. Drumm McNaughton, Higher Education Consultant and CEO of The Change Leader  

Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and a trusted Washington insider, returns to provide a critical update on sweeping federal changes affecting higher education. In conversation with Drumm McNaughton, he breaks down the Trump administration’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, a move that’s already led to major staff reductions and the redistribution of responsibilities across other federal agencies. Key Discussion Points Structural Overhaul of the Department of Education: Nearly 50% of ED staff have been laid off, including in core offices such as Federal Student Aid and the Office for Civil Rights. Regional participation offices have been shut down, leaving institutions without direct support contacts. The shift of student loan collections to the Small Business Administration signals an unprecedented reorganization of oversight. Title IX and Civil Rights Rollbacks: The Supreme Court overturned Biden-era Title IX rules, reinstating Trump-era standards. Protections for transgender students and DEI-related compliance structures are being reversed or defunded. OCR layoffs jeopardize ongoing investigations and reduce institutional support. Policy Enforcement Through Funding Threats: Columbia University’s $400M in federal funding was withheld and later restored after accepting federal conditions, including police authority to arrest student protesters and the appointment of an academic overseer. These enforcement tactics set a new precedent, raising concerns about academic freedom and governance. Student Loan Crisis and Risk Exposure: Delinquency rates are reportedly spiking, with internal policy discussions suggesting 70–80% of borrowers may be behind. Institutions face growing exposure as default risks rise, with potential Title IV eligibility consequences. Risk-sharing legislation and budget reconciliation proposals could place financial liability on colleges for unpaid loans. Governance, Autonomy, and Institutional Strategy: Boards must take a more active role in navigating federal restructuring and enforcement trends. The implications go beyond compliance—federal funding is increasingly tied to campus culture, policy, and speech. Strategic responses now require governance-level attention to protect institutional mission and integrity. Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders and Boards Reassure students that aid is still available and prepare them for repayment obligations now managed under new federal structures. Support compliance and financial aid staff as they navigate the loss of regional ED contacts and fast-changing guidance. Re-evaluate governance-level policies on Title IX, DEI, and civil rights to ensure legal alignment and institutional resilience. Download the March 2025 Higher Ed Board Briefing (PDF) → Read the transcript at:  https://changinghighered.com/washington-update-dismantling-the-department-of-education/ #HigherEducation #DepartmentofEducation #HigherEdPolicy About Our Podcast Guest Tom Netting Having spent all of his professional career devoted to higher education policy oversight and implementation, Tom Netting has an extensive knowledge of the laws and regulations governing all aspects of higher education. His considerable background and experience have afforded him the opportunity to view the development and implementation of federal higher education and workforce development policy in their entirety – including issues related to higher education and workforce development, health care, veteran affairs policies, and the procurement of federal appropriations. About the Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.  

Enrollment marketing strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential for institutions looking to grow in a competitive, high-cost digital environment. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Max DesMarais, Director of Strategy at Vital, about how colleges and universities can use data, content strategy, and full-funnel marketing to improve student recruitment and ensure academic offerings align with demand. Building an Effective Enrollment Marketing Strategy Validate program demand before launch using research, polling, and student behavior data. Use student-friendly program names that match what prospective learners are searching for. Treat marketing as a strategic function, not just an operational cost. Improving Program Visibility and Differentiation Define what sets your programs apart—and communicate it clearly. Avoid generic messaging; focus on outcomes, flexibility, and student needs. Promote content that supports early-stage decision-making, not just applications. Aligning Programs with Market Needs Adjust program format, pricing, and positioning to reflect real-world demand. Consider flexible tuition strategies and delivery models for nontraditional learners. Use community and employer input to shape offerings before they launch. Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards Lead with Research – Don’t greenlight programs or campaigns without validating student and employer interest. Invest in Full-Funnel Marketing – Build awareness and trust early to reduce cost per lead and improve conversions. Clarify Differentiation – Know what makes your institution unique and ensure it’s reflected in every message. Institutions that align marketing, academic planning, and student insights will be positioned to thrive in a shrinking enrollment environment. Tune in to learn how to sharpen your enrollment marketing strategy and build a more responsive, competitive institution. Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/enrollment-marketing-strategy-how-to-attract-students-and-align-programs/ #EnrollmentMarketing #HigherEdLeadership #AcademicProgramGrowth #StudentRecruitmentStrategy About Our Podcast Guest Max DesMarais runs the digital marketing strategy and paid advertising departments at Vital, managing online marketing activity and processes for a wide variety of clients - including Vital's own marketing department. He has a specialization in education and has helped dozens of clients improve the results and efficiency of their marketing strategy. Connect with Max DesMarais on LinkedIn → About the Podcast Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission. Connect with Drumm McNaughton on LinkedIn→  

80% of Champlain College graduates land jobs in their field of study—because the college designed its model to make students workforce ready. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Alex Hernandez, President of Champlain College, about how higher education institutions can build their innovation muscle to realign academic programs with workforce needs and improve graduate outcomes. Building the Innovation Muscle Strategic planning is treated as an annual, living process—not a static document. Faculty co-design new academic models, driving institution-wide innovation. Innovation is embedded in culture, not dependent on top-down initiatives. Aligning Curriculum with Workforce Demands Champlain’s Upside-Down Curriculum introduces major-specific coursework in year one. Students access internships early, building career experience before graduation. Programs are shaped by employer input to match real workforce needs. Leveraging Employer and Community Partnerships Industry partnerships inform curriculum and create pathways to employment. Dual enrollment initiatives like Vermont Cybersports expand access and impact. Regional collaboration addresses talent shortages and economic development. Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards Clarify the North Star – Align planning and programs around a focused mission: preparing students for work, life, and impact. Focus Resources Strategically – Prioritize high-value initiatives and say no to what doesn’t serve institutional goals. Build Institutional Trust – Innovation happens at the speed of trust. Engage faculty and staff in designing the future. Higher education leaders have an opportunity to evolve their institutions through intentional planning, faculty-driven innovation, and academic realignment that prepares graduates for today’s—and tomorrow’s—workforce. Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/higher-education-innovation-builds-workforce-ready-graduates/ #HigherEdInnovation #StrategicPlanning #AcademicRealignment #WorkforceReadyGraduates About Our Podcast Guest Alex Hernandez is the tenth president of Champlain College, a private independent college in Burlington, VT renowned for its innovative approach to getting students Ready: Ready for Work, Ready for Life, and Ready to Make a Difference. Over eighty percent of Champlain graduates are employed in jobs related to their field of study. Champlain College is Building on Vermont’s Strengths through innovative pathways that prepare students for careers in leading industries and grow local economies. Prior to Champlain, Alex was the Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) and Vice Provost of Online Learning at the University of Virginia. Before that, Alex was a leader in K-12 education, working as a teacher, administrator, and partner of a national foundation. He is a fierce advocate for education opportunity, access, and innovation. He lives in Burlington with his wife Michelle and has twin sons in college. Connect with Alex Hernandez on LinkedIn →   About the Podcast Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission. Connect with Drumm McNaughton on LinkedIn→