Changing Higher Ed

Addressing Student Mental Health in Higher Education: Expert Insights and Strategies Dr. Drumm McNaughton is joined by Tony Walker, Senior Vice President of Academic Programs at The Jed Foundation, and James Kohl, Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, to discuss student mental health in higher education. They share insights on current challenges, effective strategies, and the evolving crisis of mental health on college campuses. Key Discussion Points The State of Student Mental Health: Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10-34, according to the CDC. Recent data shows a significant increase in mental health issues among young adults, with 36.2% experiencing a mental, behavioral, or emotional health issue in the past year. Marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ youth, face even greater challenges. The Jed Foundation's Approach: Overview of the JED Campus Programs initiative, which spans seven key domains to support student mental health. Discussion of the implementation process, including needs assessment, strategic planning, and evaluation. Insights into the impact of comprehensive mental health programs, including reduced suicide attempts and improved crisis response. UMass Lowell Case Study: Implementation of the JED Campus program at UMass Lowell, including the process and challenges faced. Positive outcomes despite the COVID-19 pandemic, including better-than-national-average scores in student flourishing. Key lessons learned, emphasizing collaboration, stakeholder buy-in, and adaptability. Evolution of Mental Health Discussions in Higher Education: Shift from stigmatization to open dialogue about mental health on campuses. Growing recognition of mental health's importance in student success. Movement towards more holistic approaches that include both prevention and crisis response. Strategic Recommendations for Higher Education Leaders: Prioritize mental health at the institutional level. Foster collaboration and break down departmental silos. Implement comprehensive screening and early intervention programs. Enhance access to mental health services and destigmatize mental health through education. Develop robust crisis management protocols.   Read the transcript of this podcast on our website: https://changinghighered.com/implementing-comprehensive-student-mental-health-programs/   #HigherEducation #StudentMentalHealth #HigherEdPodcasts About Our Podcast Guests Dr. Tony Walker joined The Jed Foundation in November 2022 as Senior Vice President of Academic Programs. In his role, he structures, expands, and leads JED’s K-12 and higher education programs to meet the organization’s strategic plan objectives. To fulfill this work, he connects strategy, people management, operations, fiscal responsibility, partnerships, and school recruitment functions. Prior to joining JED, Tony served as Vice President of Education Strategy and Innovation at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. He previously worked in multiple roles in public education, including as a teacher, school counselor, and, most recently, as an executive district leader over Student Support Services at a large public school district in Texas. Tony is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified School Counselor and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Missouri, a Master’s degree in Counseling, and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Texas Tech University. James Kohl, Ph.D., is the Dean of Student Affairs and Experiential Learning at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He has been at UMass Lowell for over 16 years and previously worked at George Washington University as the director of housing programs. He received a B.S. in Psychology from Lafayette College, an M.A. in College Student Personnel Services from University of Maryland, College Park, and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership from University of Maryland, College Park. 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. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: https://changinghighered.com/. The Change Leader’s Social Media Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/ Twitter: @thechangeldr Email: podcast@changinghighered.com    

AI Integration in Higher Education: Miami Dade College's Innovative Approach Madeline Pumariega, President of Miami Dade College, discusses how the institution has embraced artificial intelligence (AI) across disciplines and integrated it into the student experience. She shares insights on developing AI programs, involving faculty, and addressing ethical considerations. Key Discussion Points Miami Dade College's AI Journey: Creation of stackable credentials in AI, from certificates to associate's and bachelor's degrees Interdisciplinary approach, integrating AI across various programs beyond just technology Development of AI Institutes and community engagement through speaker series and partnerships Faculty Development and Adoption: Investment in faculty training and workshops on AI Grants for faculty to develop innovative AI-enhanced teaching approaches Addressing skepticism by drawing parallels to past technological advancements in education Strategic Implementation of AI: Using AI for facilities management, student advising, and enrollment optimization Focus on personalized learning experiences and communication with students Balancing opportunities with challenges like consumption-based pricing models for AI platforms Ethical Considerations and Assessment: Emphasis on teaching ethics as a foundational part of AI education Rethinking assessment methods to focus on knowledge application rather than information recall Maintaining focus on critical thinking and proper attribution in the age of AI Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders and Boards Harness the power of community partnerships and industry collaboration in AI initiatives Align resource allocation with institutional values and strategic priorities Lead with authentic leadership to address the future of higher education and community needs Final Thoughts Pumariega emphasizes Miami Dade College's role as a model for AI integration in higher education, serving as a "beacon of hope" for the community. She highlights upcoming focuses on Construction Trades Institute and programs in aviation, aerospace, and unmanned vehicles to align with future workforce needs. Read the full transcript on our website →  #HigherEducation #AIEducation #HigherEdPodcast About Our Podcast Guest Madeline Pumariega is the first female president appointed to lead one of the nation’s largest educational institutions, Miami Dade College (MDC). Adding to the historic nature of this appointment is the fact that Pumariega is an alumna of MDC. Prior to becoming MDC’s president, Pumariega was appointed the first female and Hispanic chancellor of the Florida College System (FCS). In that role, she designed and implemented strategies to keep college accessible and affordable for Floridians, especially for those entering high-demand job fields. In 2019, Pumariega became the executive vice president and provost of Tallahassee Community College. In her current role as President, Pumariega has prioritized working with business partners to identify the skills needed by key industries and tailoring higher education programs to match those needs. This intentional forming of strategic alliances and job pathways between companies and MDC students accelerates each graduate’s ability to enter the workforce immediately. Driving her relentless pursuit is the passion to develop leaders and build thriving communities. Guest’s LinkedIn Profile → About the Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is a consultant to higher education institutions in governance, accreditation, strategic planning, change management, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: https://changinghighered.com/. The Change Leader’s Social Media Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/ Email: podcast@changinghighered.com  

Dr. Courtney Brown, Vice President of Impact and Planning for Lumina Foundation, discusses key findings from the 2024 State of Higher Education Study conducted in partnership with Gallup. She shares critical insights into evolving student demographics, barriers to enrollment, and strategies for addressing challenges in higher education. Key Discussion Points The Changing Profile of Today's College Students: Shift away from traditional recent high school graduates to more diverse, non-traditional learners. Approximately 35% of students are financially independent from parents. About one-third of students have children of their own. 60% of students work while in school, with 40% holding full-time jobs. Over one-third of current students are over 25 years old. Primary Barriers to Enrollment and Completion: Cost and affordability remain the number one obstacle for potential and current students. Emotional stress and mental health concerns have dramatically increased since 2020. Work and family responsibilities create additional challenges for many students. State policies on divisive issues influence enrollment decisions across demographics. Students Stopping Out: A Growing Crisis: 41.9 million U.S. adults have some college credit but no degree, up 1.5 million from the previous year. 64% of currently enrolled students have considered stopping out in the last six months. Emotional stress is the leading cause of student attrition, with 70% citing it as their primary reason for considering stopping out. The Perceived Value of Higher Education: Nearly all adults without a degree believe at least one type of credential is extremely or very valuable. Almost 60% of adults who have never enrolled have considered doing so in the past two years. 84% of current or prospective students cite employment factors as reasons for enrolling. Strategic Adaptation for Higher Education Institutions: Need for transparent pricing models and innovative financial aid options. Importance of enhancing mental health and support services for students. Adapting programs to accommodate non-traditional students' needs. Strengthening alignment between higher education and workforce demands. Addressing systemic barriers and advocating for supportive policies. Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders and Boards Actively collect data on student needs and experiences to inform decision-making. Analyze community demographics to identify and serve potential future students. Continuously explore ways to make education more affordable and accessible. Bonus Takeaway: Include a non-traditional student on the board of trustees to provide valuable insights into diverse student needs.   Read the transcript on our website at: https://changinghighered.com/ state-of-higher-education-report-2024-lumina-gallup/   #TheStateOfHigherEducation #HigherEducation #LuminaGallupReport   About Our Podcast Guest Courtney Brown, Ph.D., is vice president of impact and planning for Lumina Foundation, an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis that is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. As the chief data and research officer, Brown oversees the foundation’s efforts in the areas of strategic planning, learning, impact, and effectiveness. She also leads Lumina’s international engagement.   She joined the foundation in 2011 with a strong background in performance measurement, research, and evaluation. Before 2011, Brown was a senior research associate at the Center for Evaluation and Education Policy at Indiana University. There, she led studies and evaluations focused on education and post-high school programs within the United States and across Europe.   Brown is a frequent speaker and panelist in the United States and other countries regarding postsecondary strategy, student success, data-driven decision-making, and evidence-based practices. She has developed and shared manuals, working papers, articles, and books related to undergraduate research, performance measurement, randomized-control trials, and other evaluation methods, as well as conducted webinars and workshops on topics such as evaluation, performance measurement, and success in education beyond high school.   About the Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is a consultant to higher ed institutions in governance, accreditation, strategy, change, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website, https://changinghighered.com/.   The Change Leader’s Social Media Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/ Twitter: @thechangeldr Email: podcast@changinghighered.com  

Gil Rogers, founder and CEO of GR7 Marketing, joins Dr. Drumm McNaughton to discuss the current challenges faced by universities in improving their enrollment funnels, particularly in the context of emerging AI technologies. They share insights on the broken traditional funnel model, demographic shifts, affordability concerns, and reputation issues, addressing how AI can be leveraged to transform enrollment strategies. Key Discussion Points Enrollment Funnel Challenges and AI Solutions: The limitations of the traditional enrollment funnel model in capturing modern student behavior. Inefficient use of human resources in current admissions processes. Potential of AI to automate repetitive tasks and personalize communication at scale. Demographic Shifts and Competition: Impact of the impending enrollment cliff on recruitment strategies. Increased competition among institutions for a shrinking pool of traditional students. Use of AI-powered predictive analytics for targeted recruitment. Addressing Affordability and Financial Aid: Challenges in balancing institutional financial needs with student accessibility. Complexity of financial aid processes as a barrier to enrollment. AI applications in optimizing financial aid strategies and improving yield management. Reputation and Value Proposition: Growing public skepticism about the value of higher education. Need for clear articulation of institutional value propositions. Leveraging AI to enhance yield management and re-engage stop-outs and non-completers. Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders and Boards Request an AI strategy from the enrollment management team. Review current admissions staff time utilization. Examine financial aid approaches for sustainability and effectiveness. Develop a plan for staff upskilling in AI technologies. Establish metrics for measuring AI impact on enrollment outcomes. Final Thoughts The episode concludes with a call for strategic integration of AI technologies in enrollment management. The experts emphasize the importance of ethical implementation and ongoing refinement of AI systems to address the complex challenges facing higher education enrollment. Read the transcript on our website:  https://changinghighered.com/how-can-ai-improve-enrollment-funnels-in-higher-ed/ #EnrollmentManagement #HigherEdEnrollment #HigherEducation About Our Podcast Guest Gil Rogers is a strategic innovator in education technology marketing, serving as a fractional CMO for EdTech companies. With a background in higher education enrollment management and marketing, he has led institutions through record-breaking recruitment cycles. Gil's career highlights include marketing roles at Zinch.com (acquired by Chegg) and the National Research Center for College and University Admissions (NRCCUA), where he advanced digital marketing and data-informed enrollment strategies. As founder of GR7 Marketing, he helps entrepreneurs effectively communicate their services to educational institutions. Known for his energy and enthusiasm, Gil frequently speaks at national conferences on marketing strategy for EdTech startups, leadership, and customer understanding. As a podcast guest, he offers valuable insights into effective marketing strategies and leadership in EdTech, making him an ideal speaker for audiences seeking innovation in this dynamic industry. About Our Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is a higher education consultant who works with college and university leadership, management, and boards of directors to ensure they succeed in their mission. He is an innovator, strategic management pioneer, accreditation specialist, transformational and turnaround expert, and governance professional with P&L experience in multiple industries, having stimulated transformation that propelled double-digit growth for colleges and universities, startups, and Fortune 500 companies.  

In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Drumm McNaughton welcomes back Dr. Zack Mabel, Research Professor and Director of Research, and Kathryn Campbell, Associate Director of Editorial Policy and Senior Editor/Writer, from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW). They discuss the findings of CEW's recent report, "The Great Misalignment: Addressing the Mismatch Between the Supply of Certificates and Associates Degrees and the Future Demand for Workers in the U.S. Labor Markets," which highlights the severe disconnect between the credentials higher education institutions are producing and the skills employers need in the workforce. Key Discussion Points The Extent of the Misalignment: Only 50% of colleges use labor market data to guide program development or share the information with prospective students. To align with projected labor market demand through 2031, at least 50% of middle-skill credentials would need to be granted in different fields of study in half of the nation's local labor markets. Importance of Labor Market Alignment for Middle Skills Providers: Misalignment between credentials produced and employer needs varies substantially across regions. Perfect alignment may not be realistic, but the magnitude of the mismatch shows considerable room for improvement. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Access to Aligned Programs: American Indian and Alaska Native adults are 3 to 18 times more likely to live in a community with no local middle-skill provider. Among those living near middle-skill institutions, Hispanics are the least likely to reside in communities with a strong alignment between credential production and workforce demand. Strengthening Career Counseling and Transfer Pathways: The current counseling system in high schools is understaffed and under-resourced to provide sufficient guidance. Over a quarter of middle-skills students are in liberal arts and sciences programs oriented toward transfer, but fewer than half successfully make that transition within six years. Using Labor Market Data for Program Improvement: Institutions need to utilize labor market data more strategically and systematically. Colleges need sufficient resources and staff expertise to collect, analyze, and translate this information into action. A collaborative regional approach to program development is essential. Three Key Takeaways for University, College, and Community College Presidents and Boards: Explore ways to collaborate with other local education and training providers to optimize the alignment of credentials with labor market demand. Invest heavily in interpersonal connections and support services that help students choose and complete programs leading to high-demand careers. Be vocal about the need for resources and support to effectively utilize labor market data for program improvement.   Read the transcript on our website → https://changinghighered.com/improve-student-employability-the-great-misalignment-report/ #HigherEducation #StudentEmployability #MiddleSkillJobs   About Our Podcast Guests Kathryn Peltier Campbell is Associate Director of Editorial Policy and Senior Editor/Writer at the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. In her role, she directs content development for CEW’s reports and collaborates on editorial strategy. She has extensive experience editing and writing publications focused on topics such as diversity and equity in postsecondary education, higher education’s civic mission, and the value of liberal education in contemporary contexts. She has a deep interest in ensuring that every individual has the opportunity and means to contribute to—and thrive in—the workforce, civil society, and life. Kathryn has an MA in English from the University of Virginia, where she additionally earned a BA with a double major in English and physics.   Zack Mabel is a research professor of education and economics at the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, where he leads research projects that leverage insights from labor and behavioral economics to promote educational opportunity, equity, and economic mobility. His work is motivated by the goal of improving college and later life outcomes for members of historically marginalized groups to achieve a shared vision of economic prosperity in the United States. Prior to joining CEW, he worked most recently as a policy research scientist at the College Board. Zack earned his BA from Brandeis University, MPP from the University of Michigan, and EdD in Quantitative Policy Analysis of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.   About the Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is a consultant to higher education institutions in governance, accreditation, strategy and change, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: https://changinghighered.com/.   The Change Leader’s Social Media Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/ Twitter: @thechangeldr Email: podcast@changinghighered.com  

In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Bruce Dahlgren, CEO of Anthology and trustee at Stetson University, explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. They discuss the parallels between human and AI development, address ethical concerns, and provide actionable recommendations for college and university leaders looking to integrate AI effectively.   Podcast Overview   Understanding AI's Learning Process and Addressing Concerns §  AI systems, like humans, accumulate knowledge and experiences to grow smarter over time. §  Natural language models like GPT now draw upon neural networks with over 1.7 trillion parameters, enabling sophisticated outputs. §  Occasional "hallucinations" in AI outputs are a result of drawing upon mismatched patterns and will decrease with more data exposure. §  Proper data, training, and policy frameworks can mitigate risks of AI misuse in higher education.   Piloting AI as a Faculty Productivity Tool §  AI-powered "design assistants" streamline course preparation, saving faculty significant time. §  94% of faculty in a pilot study reported substantial time savings using AI assistants. §  Faculty remain in control, reviewing and approving AI outputs before use. §  Time saved allows faculty to dedicate more energy to working directly with students.   Developing a Proactive AI Policy Framework §  University leaders should craft clear AI policy frameworks defining supported tools, guardrails, and benefits to students. §  Gathering input from faculty senates, administrators, and trustees helps develop policies with broad support. §  The goal is to help faculty build practical, adoptable policies and frameworks.   Empowering Staff and Administrators with AI §  AI can predict enrollment likelihood, target personalized communications, and boost yield. §  Demographic analysis helps universities understand the demand for new programs or facilities. §  AI chatbots provide 24/7 student assistance while machine learning optimizes campus operations.   Three Key Recommendations for Higher Ed Leaders  Immerse yourself in new AI technologies and consider applications across all university functions. Use shared governance to surface concerns, build consensus, and codify responsible AI usage policies. Leverage technology to drive student success and support their growth and development.   By embracing AI as a performance tool thoughtfully and transparently, with the student experience at the center, colleges and universities can significantly improve institutional performance and student outcomes. The synergies between human and computer intelligence pave the way for incredible advancements in the years ahead.   Read the transcript on our website → https://changinghighered.com/ai-as-a-performance-tool-to-benefit-higher-ed/   About the Guest Bruce Dahlgren is a seasoned technology executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience. As Chief Executive Officer at Anthology, Bruce leads our diverse team of higher education and technology experts to empower our clients with innovative solutions and services. He strongly believes in the importance of a company’s purpose and how organizations can serve the greater good.   About the Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the CEO of The Change Leader consulting firm and consultant to higher education institutions specializing in accreditation, governance, strategic planning, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: https://changinghighered.com/.   #AIinHigherEd #HigherEducation #TheChangeLeader

In Part 2 of this series, Drumm McNaughton, F. Joseph Merlino, and Deborah Pomeroy dive deeper into the strategies and approaches for driving transformative change in higher education, focusing on preparing teachers for the 21st century. They share valuable insights and real-world examples drawn from their extensive research and practical experiences. Key Discussion Points Change Theory and the Process of Change: ·       Understanding change theory and the process of change is crucial for driving transformative change in higher education. ·       Change must be driven by a meaningful purpose owned by all stakeholders. ·       Transformative change takes time, requires support, space for experimentation, and acceptance of mistakes as part of the learning process. Aligning Change with Core Identity, Mission, and Legacy: ·       Ensuring that the desired change aligns with the institution's core identity, mission, and legacy is vital for successful transformation. ·       The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) serves as an excellent example of aligning change with core identity and mission. The Role of Service Learning in Pedagogy and Research: ·       Service learning plays a crucial role in transforming teacher preparation programs and enhancing both pedagogy and research. ·       Partnerships between universities and high schools reveal a rich, reciprocal relationship where professors learn as much from teachers as teachers learn from them. ·       Service learning enriches research, enabling professors to explore new ideas and change their conceptual frameworks within and across disciplines. Rethinking Tenure and Promotion: ·       The traditional allocation of weight in tenure and promotion may need to be reconsidered to address changing demographics and challenges in higher education. ·       Recognizing the importance of faculty engagement with the community and the potential for service learning to enhance both pedagogy and research. Bridging the Gap Between High School and Higher Education: ·       Collaborating with high school teachers to develop critical thinking skills and willingness to engage with novel problems among incoming students. ·       Aligning with the findings from the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) studies on employer expectations for essential life skills. ·       Learning from the example of Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge, in bridging the gap between high school and higher education. The Importance of External Facilitators in the Change Process: ·       The role of external facilitators in providing a neutral perspective, navigating institutional dynamics, and lending credibility to the change process. ·       The value of a presidential onboarding process conducted by an external facilitator for presidents appointed from outside the institution. Three Key Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards: ·       Understand change theory and the process of change, recognizing that change must be driven by a meaningful purpose owned by all stakeholders. ·       Ensure that the change aligns with the institution's core identity, mission, and legacy. ·       Navigate the challenges of establishing networks and building trust, whether appointed from within the institution or coming from the outside. The insights shared in this two-part series serve as a valuable guide for university presidents, boards, and executive leadership seeking to drive meaningful change in higher education.   Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/transformative-change-models-in-higher-ed-p2/   About Our Podcast Guests F. Joseph Merlino is the President of the 21st Century Partnership for STEM Education, and the co-author of a new book, New Era-New Urgency: The Case for Repurposing Education. For 35 years, he has served as the principal investigator or director of many National Science Foundation, U.S, Department of Education, and U.S. Agency for International Development projects. He was a co-PI on a six-year project to study transformative STEM change in six higher education institutions. Based on this past research, he has been working in Egypt for the past 12 years where he directs a $24M project to design five new undergraduate STEM teacher preparation programs involving 180 new courses in 5 universities. He oversaw the development of 21 new model Egyptian STEM high schools based on 11 Grand Challenges. He has a BA in Psychology from the University of Rochester and an MA in Education from Arcadia University. Deborah Pomeroy, EdD, is an associate professor emeritus of science education at Arcadia University. After three years in scientific research, she shifted to a career in science education and taught high school science for 19 years in Fairbanks, AK. During that time, she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching. Following her high school teaching career, she completed a doctorate at the Harvard Graduate School for Education. She then taught science education at Arcadia University for 14 years where she consulted for several school districts and directed multiple education reform projects K-16. Much of her work in higher education involved both helping facilitate the development of new curricula and facilitating and studying the impact of partnerships between professors and high school teachers. Later, in Egypt, she helped to lead a massive project to develop a new integrated STEM education curriculum funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. About the Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is a higher education consultant specializing in governance, accreditation, strategic planning, change management, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: https://changinghighered.com/. The Change Leader’s Social Media Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/ Twitter: @thechangeldr Email: podcast@changinghighered.com #ChangeManagement #TeacherPreparation #HigherEducation  

Transforming Teacher Preparation for the 21st Century In this two-part series, university presidents and higher education leaders gain valuable insights into the complex challenges of upgrading teacher preparation for the 21st century and strategies for driving transformative change. In Part 1, Drumm McNaughton is joined by F. Joseph Merlino and Deborah Pomeroy as they identify and analyze the dilemmas (the Four Quandaries) impacting higher education institutions today. Key Discussion Points The Four Quandaries Facing Higher Education Presidents: ·       Mission vs. Revenue: Balancing the historic mission of providing transformative education with the increasing emphasis on job readiness and financial sustainability. ·       Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Integration: Overcoming the challenges posed by disciplinary silos and hierarchical systems to foster innovation and problem-solving. ·       Addressing College Access and Equity: Ensuring access and equity while maintaining academic excellence in the face of shifting demographics and disparities in student preparedness. ·       In-State vs. Out-of-State Students: Navigating the financial benefits of admitting out-of-state students while fulfilling the responsibility to serve in-state students effectively. Transformative Change in Higher Education: ·       Adopting a goal-oriented approach that considers the unique context and quandaries of each institution. ·       Engaging stakeholders at all levels, including top-down, middle-out, and bottom-up strategies, to ensure the sustainability of transformative initiatives. ·       Confronting existing conceptions and practices by exposing educators to evidence that challenges their assumptions and beliefs. Three Key Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards: ·       Understand change theory and the process of change, recognizing that change must be driven by a meaningful purpose owned by all stakeholders. ·       Ensure that the change aligns with the institution's core identity, mission, and legacy. ·       Navigate the challenges of establishing networks and building trust, whether appointed from within the institution or coming from the outside. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Drumm McNaughton, F. Joseph Merlino, and Deborah Pomeroy share examples, practical insights, and actionable strategies for addressing these challenges and driving transformative change in higher education. Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/four-quandaries-facing-higher-ed-presidents/ About Our Podcast Guests F. Joseph Merlino is the President of the 21st Century Partnership for STEM Education and the co-author of a new book, New Era-New Urgency: The Case for Repurposing Education. For 35 years, he has served as the principal investigator or director of many National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Education, and U.S. Agency for International Development projects. He was a co-PI on a six-year project to study transformative STEM change in six higher education institutions. Based on this past research, he has been working in Egypt for the past 12 years, where he directs a $24M project to design five new undergraduate STEM teacher preparation programs involving 180 new courses in 5 universities. He oversaw the development of 21 new model Egyptian STEM high schools based on 11 Grand Challenges. He has a BA in Psychology from the University of Rochester and an MA in Education from Arcadia University. Deborah Pomeroy, EdD, is an associate professor emeritus of science education at Arcadia University. After three years in scientific research, she shifted to a career in science education and taught high school science for 19 years in Fairbanks, AK. During that time, she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching. Following her high school teaching career, she completed a doctorate at the Harvard Graduate School for Education. She then taught science education at Arcadia University for 14 years where she consulted for several school districts and directed multiple education reform projects K-16. Much of her work in higher education involved both helping facilitate the development of new curricula and facilitating and studying the impact of partnerships between professors and high school teachers. Later, in Egypt, she helped to lead a massive project to develop a new integrated STEM education curriculum funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. About the Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is a higher education consultant specializing in governance, accreditation, strategic planning, change management, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: https://changinghighered.com/. The Change Leader’s Social Media Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/ Twitter: @thechangeldr Email: podcast@changinghighered.com #TeacherPreparation #HigherEducation #HigherEdChangeManagement  

Cesar Santalo, Dean of the College of Communications and Design at Lynn University, shares how he applies design thinking to drive innovation and change in higher education. The interview provides insights into how design thinking can transform universities to meet future demands through empathy, experimentation, and engaging all stakeholders in the process of innovation. Cesar's unique background as an artist/designer is leveraged to inject fresh thinking into academia. Overview The core principles of design thinking he discusses include: Empathy - dive deep to understand the problem from the perspective of all stakeholders. Problem definition - distill insights into a clear, actionable problem statement. Ideation - brainstorm many creative ideas without judging. Prototyping - create rough prototypes to test and learn from. Testing - put prototypes into the real world for feedback, then iterate. He provides examples of design thinking's successful implementation at Lynn, including: Using it to develop their 2025 strategic plan by interviewing over 650 stakeholders.  Injecting design thinking into Lynn 101 and Citizenship courses so students gain self-awareness. Creating the Pulse Agency, where students solve real business problems for clients. Moving quickly to create an NFT museum during the NFT boom. Cesar emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement, collaboration across disciplines, and creating job-ready graduates through practical learning experiences and internships. Key Takeaways for Higher Ed Leaders: Don't be afraid of failure! Go big or go home. Foster an environment where people feel happy and faculty feel their voices are being heard. Allow faculty to live on the edge. Listen to them and empower them. Create partnerships with local businesses that hire your students, provide internships, and bring equity to higher education. Read the podcast transcript on our website → About Our Podcast Guest Cesar Santalo, Dean of the College of Communication and Design, is an award-winning visual communications professional, artist, animator, and educator with over 20 years of experience. He has taught at prestigious institutions such as Miami Dade College, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and the University of Miami, covering subjects ranging from traditional and digital drawing to project budgeting and advanced animation.  Santalo's impressive portfolio includes collaborations with Telemundo/NBC Universal on the Quibi project, as well as roles at Univision, where he served as art director for corporate marketing, promotions, and digital content. His artistic contributions have graced live performances for the Latin Grammy's, Premio Lo Nuestro, and renowned artists like Calle 13, Carlos Vives, Cirque du Soleil, and Marc Anthony. Santalo's pursuit of a doctorate at St. Thomas University and his Six Sigma Green Belt certification demonstrate his commitment to continuous improvement. Cesar Santalo on LinkedIn → About the Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is a higher education consultant specializing in governance, accreditation, strategic planning, change management, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: https://changinghighered.com/. The Change Leader’s Social Media Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/ Twitter: @thechangeldr Email: podcast@changinghighered.com

In this episode, we welcome Dan Oppenheimer, Director of Public Affairs for the UT Austin College of Liberal Arts, to discuss Civil Discord, a recent conference at UT Austin that brought together scholars and writers from across the political spectrum for a series of moderated arguments on issues of great public significance.  Key Points Overview: Civil Discord was a unique collaboration between three academic entities in Austin: UT Austin College of Liberal Arts, the School of Civic Leadership, and the University of Austin. The conference aimed to model civil discourse and connect across scholarly, political, partisan, and ideological lines. The conference featured five panels on topics such as colorblindness in America, the true founding of America (1619 or 1776), anti-racism in universities, the future of liberalism, and whether higher education is broken beyond repair. Each panel had a moderator and speakers representing different perspectives. Oppenheimer shares advice for universities looking to host similar events, including retaining control over the process while being open and transparent, giving enough time for planning (ideally a year), and being prepared for unexpected political confrontations. There is a shared interest across political lines in expanding the space for free speech and academic freedom on campus. Events like Civil Discord provide an opportunity for different sides to provide cover for each other and work towards this common goal. Oppenheimer emphasizes the importance of modeling civil discourse and disagreement in a controlled setting, as it helps university leaders prepare for the high-stakes politics that may come at them unexpectedly.   Transcript: The full transcript of this episode can be found on the Changing Higher Ed website. https://changinghighered.com/civil-discord-bridging-ideological-divides-in-higher-ed/ About our Guest Daniel Oppenheimer is Director of Public Affairs for the UT Austin College of Liberal Arts. He is also the author of two books: "Exit Right: The People Who Left the Left and Reshaped the American Century" and "Far From Respectable: Dave Hickey and His Art." He has written for the Washington Post, Texas Monthly, Boston Globe, Slate.com, The Point, Washington Monthly, Guernica, The New Republic, Tablet Magazine, and Salon.com. He received an MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia University.   About the Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is a consultant to higher education institutions in governance, accreditation, strategy and change, and mergers.   #CivilDiscord #HigherEducation #HigherEdChallenges