Changing Higher Ed

Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton welcomes Dr. Harrison Keller, president of the University of North Texas and former Texas commissioner of higher education. This episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast helps higher education presidents, boards, and senior leaders rethink how to connect institutional mission with workforce readiness. It explores how institutions can better align employer partnerships, faculty innovation, and experiential learning to ensure graduates gain both economic and civic value from their degrees. Listeners will hear how the University of North Texas is translating statewide strategy into campus-level change—showing what’s possible when leadership, faculty, and employers collaborate to strengthen outcomes for students and the workforce alike. Keller shares how Building a Talent Strong Texas redefined higher education’s value proposition by tying attainment goals to time-to-value, graduate earnings, and measurable student outcomes. He also discusses UNT’s Texas Talent Accelerator, faculty externships, and cross-campus structures that link curriculum, research, and employer engagement. Together, these efforts demonstrate how thoughtful strategy, data-informed planning, and shared governance can create lasting institutional and workforce impact. Topics Covered Measuring value through outcomes and earnings using time-to-value analysis Aligning programs with workforce needs through employer partnerships and data Texas Talent Accelerator: coordinated collaboration across institutions Faculty externships connecting academic insight and workforce practice Embedding civil dialogue and collaboration into student learning Three Key Takeaways for Leadership Use outcomes and earnings data to guide academic and financial strategy. Build employer partnerships that sustain workforce readiness. Support faculty collaboration and innovation through aligned governance and incentives. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/aligning-higher-ed-with-workforce-needs-and-student-value/ #HigherEdLeadership #StrategicPlanning #WorkforceReadiness #StudentOutcomes #HigherEducationPodcast

At one of the smallest graduate schools in the nation, a system built to serve just over a hundred students is redefining how higher education can grow. CUNY’s Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism has proven that scale isn’t the key to enrollment stability—structure is. By integrating admissions, student affairs, career services, and alumni engagement into one cohesive unit, the school has created a holistic enrollment strategy and management model that continuously fills its pipeline while centering student success. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Colleen Leigh, Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success at CUNY Journalism, about how this model works—and how any institution can apply its principles. They discuss how cross-departmental collaboration, empathetic leadership, and data-informed decision-making can transform student outcomes, strengthen retention, and build lasting alumni engagement. Topics Covered How CUNY Journalism unified admissions, student affairs, career services, and alumni engagement under one leadership structure What makes holistic enrollment management more sustainable than traditional recruitment-focused models How shared accountability and communication strengthen belonging and retention The role of empathy and equity in leading institutional change Why belonging—not policy—is the real driver of retention Using alumni engagement as a continuous extension of recruitment and career development How shared services allow small institutions to deliver enterprise-level results The role of data-informed and equity-driven strategies in student success How CUNY Journalism is expanding access through bilingual online and tuition-free programs What presidents and boards can learn about aligning mission, management, and measurable outcomes Three Key Takeaways for Leadership Student Success Is a System, Not a Silo Enrollment, retention, and alumni engagement are interdependent. Breaking down silos creates a self-sustaining pipeline that continuously reinforces institutional value. Data and Equity Drive Smarter Decisions Evidence without equity misses the point. Data should inform which students thrive—and equity ensures that more of them can. Empathetic Leadership Sustains Change In times of transition, empathy and communication hold institutions together. Listening builds trust, and trust drives performance. Recommended For: Presidents, boards, provosts, and senior enrollment leaders seeking sustainable systems that connect recruitment, student success, and alumni engagement across the student lifecycle. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/holistic-enrollment-strategy-and-management/ #EnrollmentStrategy #StudentSuccess #HigherEducationPodcast 

When every board discussion centers on deficits, deferred maintenance, or another “strategic realignment,” higher education leaders start asking what it would take to fix the system instead of just managing decline. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Beth Martin, President of Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU), who led her institution through a complete financial and operational turnaround—eliminating institutional debt through strategic real estate use, risk planning, and sound financial governance. Martin’s experience offers a rare look at what it takes to execute a true higher education turnaround. She shares how NDNU’s leadership aligned governance, mission, and financial strategy to not only survive but rebuild a sustainable model focused on graduate and online growth. This conversation is especially relevant for presidents, trustees, CFOs, and institutional leaders facing financial strain, considering asset monetization, or preparing for large-scale organizational change. Topics Covered: How NDNU executed a debt-free turnaround through real estate strategy and risk planning Applying business planning and systems theory to higher education transformation Managing institutional debt while investing in academic and technological infrastructure Governance structures that enable speed, trust, and accountability during turnaround Aligning presidents, boards, and sponsoring orders in complex financial transactions Leading cultural and organizational change while maintaining mission and morale Real-World Examples Discussed: NDNU’s 46-acre land transaction that retired institutional debt and funded new programs Sequencing real estate sales to support strategy instead of short-term survival Governance reform guided by a skills matrix and board-chair alignment Realigning academic programs around graduate and online learning Faculty and staff engagement during institutional transition Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Treat land monetization as strategy, not salvage. Link every major financial decision to a defined business plan and measurable outcomes. Integrate business and risk planning into every turnaround. Build contingencies for timing, regulation, and accreditation challenges. Strengthen governance alignment. A unified president and board chair, supported by a skills-based board, determine turnaround success. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/debt-free-higher-education-turnaround-strategy-real-estate/ #HigherEdLeadership #HigherEdTurnaround   #HigherEducationPodcast

Higher education institutions are increasingly at risk from cyberattacks that threaten enrollment, accreditation, financial aid compliance, and reputation. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Brian Kelly, Chief Information Security Officer at Community Health Networks of Connecticut and former higher education CISO, about why cybersecurity must be treated as an enterprise risk—not just an IT issue. This conversation is especially relevant for presidents, trustees, and senior leaders who need to understand how cyber risk intersects with governance, strategic planning, crisis management, and accreditation readiness. Topics Covered: Why higher education is a prime target for cyberattacks How ransomware and data breaches disrupt core institutional functions The governance responsibilities of boards in overseeing cybersecurity Cyber implications for strategic planning and reputation management Why accreditation and compliance can be undermined by cyber breaches Protecting research and intellectual property from cyber threats Building a campus culture of shared cybersecurity responsibility The leadership succession gap in higher ed cybersecurity Core practices every institution should adopt during Cybersecurity Awareness Month Real-World Examples Discussed: United Healthcare and Social Security data compromises PowerSchool breach exposing minors to identity theft Target and Home Depot breaches as case studies in reputational damage F-35 design theft highlighting the value of intellectual property Scam examples including PayPal fraud, fake purchase confirmations, and LinkedIn phishing Leadership succession in action: Cathy Hubbs’ retirement and Harry Hoffman’s appointment Three Key Takeaways for Higher Ed Leadership: Plan for resilience, not just prevention—institutions must continue to operate during and after cyber incidents. Make cybersecurity a shared responsibility—leaders must ensure accountability across the campus community. Include cyber in board oversight—cyber risk is part of governance, enterprise risk management, and accreditation readiness. Read the transcript or extended show summary: https://changinghighered.com/cybersecurity-risk-management-in-higher-education/ #HigherEdCybersecurity #BoardGovernance #HigherEducationPodcast

Higher education institutions face strained budgets, declining enrollments, and shifting donor behavior—making fundraising a strategic priority, not just an operational function. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Bill Crouch, CEO of BrightDot and former university president, about how presidents and boards can strengthen higher education fundraising by aligning it with strategic planning. Topics Covered: Why fundraising must be integrated into institutional strategic planning The shift from the 80/20 rule to today’s 95/5 donor reality The concept of “mattership” and why donors need assurance that their lives matter Eagles vs. Sparrows as a framework for donor tiers Updating the Five I’s of fundraising with creativity and emotional intelligence Why presidents should dedicate two hours a week to intentional donor cultivation How boards can become fundraising multipliers through accountability and “Perk Banks” The growing importance of local impact in donor decision-making Real-World Examples Discussed: A philanthropist redirecting gifts locally to ensure her contributions “mattered most” The researcher who cried after 16 years without ever being thanked for her role in million-dollar gifts A president telling his young faculty member, “You’re asking today,” in a million-dollar donor meeting The lasting impression of a three-sentence handwritten note from President George H. W. Bush Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Fundraising must be elevated into strategy, not treated as a background function. Presidents should focus time and energy on cultivating high-capacity relationships while modeling gratitude across the institution. Boards need clear expectations and creative tools to fully activate their networks and influence. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/higher-education-fundraising-and-strategic-planning-alignment/   #HigherEducationFundraising  #HigherEdStrategicPlanning  #HigherEducationPodcast

AI dashboards offer higher education boards the opportunity to boost performance to improve their institutions. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed Podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Marc Huffman, CEO of OnBoard and eSCRIBE, about how AI dashboards provide trustees with better insight into board work and support more effective board governance. This conversation is especially relevant for presidents, trustees, and board professionals seeking to strengthen board readiness and make governance more data-informed. Topics Covered: How AI dashboards consolidate board materials and surface the most important information Methods for tracking progress against institutional strategy over multiple years Ways dashboards support board secretaries and committee chairs in managing follow-ups Why boards need AI use policies and trustee training to build digital literacy The coming role of predictive analytics and benchmarking in board planning Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: AI dashboards give boards better visibility into performance trends and unfinished business. Board composition and trustee development determine how well these tools are used. Governance policies for AI create a secure, ethical framework for decision support. Read the transcript on Changing Higher Ed: https://changinghighered.com/ai-dashboards-for-higher-education-board-governance/ #BoardGovernance #AIDashboards #HigherEducationPodcast

Families are writing universities directly to ask if it’s safe to send their children to the United States. Institutions are also facing longer visa backlogs and growing competition from abroad. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Roger Douglas, Dean for International Programs and Development at St. Martin’s University, about how leaders can strengthen international enrollment pipelines, improve retention, and protect graduate research capacity. Topics Covered: The 23-touchpoint recruitment model that keeps students and families engaged until they commit How graduate applicants often choose the first institution to deliver admissions and aid Families’ growing concerns about campus safety and how institutions can respond Why outcome-driven marketing and peer-to-peer outreach build more trust than traditional tactics The effect of shrinking U.S. research funding on graduate student pipelines Retention strategies such as host family placements, faculty check-ins, and cultural immersion Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Presidents and trustees should engage directly with international students to understand barriers and improve the climate. Retention investments—host families, advising, and cultural programming—are as critical as recruitment for revenue stability. Boards must integrate international enrollment into institutional strategy, requiring documented plans, outcome-based marketing, and active policy advocacy. Recommended For:  Presidents, trustees, enrollment leaders, and academic administrators responsible for sustaining institutional revenue, research, and reputation through international education. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/international-student-recruiting-in-higher-education/ #HigherEducation #InternationalStudentRecruiting  #HigherEducationPodcast   

This episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast focuses on enrollment management solutions presidents and boards can use to navigate the enrollment cliff. Bill Conley and Bob Massa of Enrollment Intelligence Now join Dr. Drumm McNaughton to share practical guidance on setting realistic enrollment goals, aligning enrollment with finance, and managing institutional risk. (Part one examined the challenges; this discussion turns to the solutions.) Topics Covered: Setting realistic enrollment goals using 3–5 years of funnel data Why inflated projections undermine trust with CFOs and boards Real-time dashboards and funnel monitoring for early intervention Mission-driven messaging and authentic student/alumni voices Balancing technology and AI with hospitality and personal interaction Enrollment management as part of long-term institutional risk planning Opportunities and risks of direct admission strategies Pipeline programs, community-based partnerships, and legal/political constraints Addressing the shrinking pipeline of experienced enrollment leaders Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Monitor funnel data in real time and act on early warning signs. Integrate enrollment management with finance and governance. Invest in scenario planning, transparency, and leadership development. Read the transcript or the extended show summary: https://changinghighered.com/enrollment-management-solutions-for-higher-ed-leaders/ #EnrollmentManagement #HigherEdLeadership #HigherEducationPodcast

Institutions face converging pressures that are reshaping enrollment management. Declining participation rates, tuition discounting that erodes net revenue, international enrollment volatility, and political mandates are forcing colleges to rethink how they attract and retain students. Enrollment management is no longer just admissions and aid — it has become a strategic system linking recruitment promises to student success and institutional stability. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Bill Conley and Bob Massa, Co-Founders of Enrollment Intelligence Now. They share how enrollment management has evolved over the past fifty years and why it now sits at the center of higher education’s most pressing challenges. Topics Covered How shrinking pipelines and lower college-going rates are reshaping enrollment outcomes Why unsustainable discounting is undermining financial health The growing impact of alternative credentials and new competitors The ways international enrollment declines and political mandates compound the crisis Why enrollment management functions as an accountability system for institutions Real-World Insights The origins of enrollment management in the 1970s and how it spread Lessons from institutions that discounted themselves into financial instability How enrollment leaders balance institutional mission against market realities Key Takeaway Enrollment management has become higher education’s strategic fulcrum — the point where mission and market realities meet, determining whether commitments to students translate into institutional sustainability. Recommended For: Presidents, provosts, CFOs, board members, and enrollment leaders navigating today’s enrollment cliff era. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/reframing-the-enrollment-cliff-a-new-lens-on-enrollment-management/   #HigherEdLeadership #EnrollmentCliff #EnrollmentManagement #HigherEducationPodcast

Caltech’s board once had nearly 80 members; too many for focused discussion or quick decisions. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton talks with Cathy Light, Caltech’s Secretary of the Board, about how the institution streamlined governance, strengthened committees, and made trustee reorientation mandatory. Light, who has held senior roles at Carnegie Mellon University and the Semester at Sea program, outlines how Caltech conducts trustee assessments, structures its executive committee, and uses an ongoing governance review to keep the board working at its best. Topics Covered: Governance changes prompted by the pandemic Defining trustee responsibilities in 2025 Using the executive committee for responsive decision-making The role of the governance and nominating committee Trustee assessments and renewal decisions Making orientation and reorientation standard practice Maintaining strategic oversight without micromanaging Involving alumni and students without adding voting seats Real-World Examples: Reducing the board from 80 members to a manageable size Giving young alumni trustees full voting rights Using retreats and campus visits to connect trustees with faculty research Three Takeaways for Leadership: Keep governance review continuous and adaptive. Use orientation and reorientation to maintain alignment. Structure boards for informed, timely decisions without overstepping into operations. For presidents, trustees, board chairs, board secretaries, and governance committees aiming to improve board effectiveness. Read the transcript:  https://changinghighered.com/caltech-private-higher-education-board-governance-model/ #HigherEdGovernance #BoardGovernance #HigherEducationPodcast #HigherEdGovernanceModel

40% of California’s licensed doctoral psychologists come from one university that nearly failed a decade ago. Their turnaround didn’t come from diversifying programs or chasing enrollment—it came from making the hardest decision in higher ed: cutting what wasn’t excellent. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Andy Vaughn, President and CEO of Alliant International University, about how institutional leaders can drive university transformation by making tough calls, realigning programs, and embedding scalable mental health support into their core operations. Drawing from Alliant’s strategic shift, Vaughn explains why program focus and transparent leadership are more effective than traditional diversification models. He shares how embedding mental health services into academic programs created both a market advantage and a support system for students, faculty, and staff. Topics Covered: Why eliminating underperforming programs can drive institutional transformation How program realignment strengthens financial stability and market positioning Embedding scalable mental health services into academic programs and operations The leadership imperative: transparency, inclusion, and decisive action Codifying organizational values to guide behavior and decision-making Managing faculty-administration relations with professionalism and respect Preparing for unprecedented policy and legislative changes impacting higher ed Real-World Examples Discussed: Alliant International University’s strategic focus on licensure-driven programs The integration of Alliant Clinics, providing community mental health services Leadership communication practices to maintain trust during operational changes Partnering with psychology schools for scalable mental health service delivery Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Codify and normalize institutional values so that decision-making and behaviors align across all levels. Be transparent with stakeholders about challenges and solutions, fostering trust and shared ownership of outcomes. Involve the entire institution—including part-time staff—in transformation efforts to ensure unified execution during critical periods. This episode offers a practical framework for institutional leaders navigating transformation, operational challenges, and the rising demand for campus-wide mental health support. Recommended For: Presidents, trustees, provosts, CFOs, student affairs leaders, and higher education executives focused on institutional sustainability and student success. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/university-transformation-program-focus-scalable-mental-health/   #UniversityTransformation #HigherEdLeadership #MentalHealthSupport #ProgramRealignment #HigherEducationPodcast

With first-generation and low SES students facing steep barriers to completion and career entry, Great Jobs KC has built a replicable model that starts in high school, continues through college, and delivers real workforce outcomes. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Great Jobs KC CEO Earl Martin Phalen about how regional collaboration, wraparound services, and employer partnerships are helping underserved students succeed beyond graduation. Phalen outlines how Great Jobs KC collaborates with 24 higher education institutions, over 150 employer partners, and K–12 feeder systems to support students from high school through college graduation and into strong first jobs. Through initiatives like KC Scholars and the Great Jobs KC scholarship, the organization provides $50,000 per student for tuition, transportation, and wraparound support—including case managers, success coaches, and career placement services. This episode offers practical, data-backed insights for institutional leaders working to improve retention, increase degree completion, and strengthen job placement results for underserved students through strategic regional partnerships. Topics Covered: The unique needs of first-generation and low SES students Designing holistic support systems that extend beyond financial aid How to build college-employer partnerships that deliver job outcomes Regional collaboration between 24 colleges and over 150 employers The role of scholar advocates and success coaches in student persistence How investing $50,000 per student can produce high ROI Measuring impact: retention, completion, and employment rates Real-World Examples Discussed: Great Jobs KC’s partnership with regional colleges, including UMKC, Avila, William Jewell, and Donnelly College How the KC Scholars program helps high school students complete FAFSA, ACT prep, and college planning Employer partnership models, including apprenticeships, internships, and work-based learning The importance of wraparound services like transportation and mental health support in student success Scholar experiences navigating college with the help of long-term coaching Three Key Takeaways for Higher Ed Leadership: Institutions that want to serve first-gen and low-income students need more than scholarships—they need scalable systems of support. Long-term coaching and employer-aligned programs can dramatically improve retention, completion, and career outcomes. Regional collaboration between colleges, K–12 schools, and employers isn’t just ideal—it’s necessary to build equitable education-to-career pipelines. Recommended For: Presidents, provosts, trustees, enrollment and student success leaders, and system executives seeking replicable strategies to improve access, retention, completion, and career outcomes for first-generation and low SES students. Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/first-gen-and-low-ses-student-success-strategies/ #HigherEdLeadership #StudentSuccess #FirstGenStudents #LowSESStudentSuccess #RegionalCollaboration #HigherEducationPodcast  

Higher education leaders are facing the most sweeping set of federal regulatory and funding changes in over a decade. In this Washington Update episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton welcomes back frequent guest Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies, to discuss the July 2025 budget reconciliation bill—federal legislation that significantly alters student loans, Pell Grants, institutional accountability, and the rules governing program eligibility. While not a formal reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, the bill introduces statutory earnings-based accountability for degree programs, lifetime loan caps, professional judgment changes, and new eligibility requirements for short-term Pell programs. Netting also discusses concurrent developments in accreditation and distance education oversight, including the rise of a new accreditor in Florida and its potential implications for NC-SARA and federal triad stability. This episode is a must-listen for presidents, trustees, CFOs, and compliance officers preparing for upcoming reporting deadlines, new negotiated rulemaking cycles, and long-term institutional planning under new federal constraints. Topics Covered How the July 2025 reconciliation bill rewrites federal student aid and accountability rules What the new earnings-based accountability measure means for degree programs Pell Grant expansion for short-term workforce programs and the required outcomes thresholds The elimination of Grad PLUS loans and new lifetime borrowing caps for students and families Changes to professional judgment authority and how institutions can apply it by cohort New 90/10 revenue guidance and how it affects distance education classifications Delayed implementation of Borrower Defense and Closed School Discharge regulations The emergence of Florida’s state-based accreditor and its expected NACIQI review Why NC-SARA recognition may be impacted by nontraditional accreditation The likelihood of a second reconciliation bill or technical corrections package Three Key Takeaways for Leadership Institutional leaders must prepare now for dual accountability frameworks and new reporting obligations. Expanded professional judgment offers new flexibility but must be applied with consistency and clear documentation. Accreditation and state authorization pathways are shifting—compliance teams must monitor evolving standards across federal and state lines. This episode provides critical insights for leaders navigating a changing regulatory environment, with practical implications for finance, compliance, and academic planning. Recommended For: Presidents, trustees, chief financial officers, compliance officers, and accreditation liaisons responsible for institutional strategy and Title IV eligibility. Read the transcript:  https://changinghighered.com/washington-update-july-2025-reconciliation-bill-impact-on-higher-ed/ #HigherEdPolicy #July2025ReconciliationBill #FinancialAidCompliance #FederalLegislation #HigherEducationPodcast  

Most colleges rely on more than 20 disconnected systems to support students, creating confusion, reducing engagement, and lowering graduation rates. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Elliot Felix is the founder of brightspot Strategy (acquired by Buro Happold in 2020) and the author of The Connected College: Leadership Strategies for Student Success about how building integrated systems where strategy, services, and technology work together can improve student outcomes without increasing institutional complexity or cost. Felix, who has worked with more than 100 institutions including MIT, NYU, and the University of Virginia, draws on his background in architecture and design thinking to offer practical solutions for breaking down silos and creating seamless student experiences. This conversation provides actionable strategies for institutional leaders seeking to move from fragmentation to alignment while managing limited resources. This episode is particularly valuable for presidents, trustees, and senior administrators looking to redesign operations and improve student success through systemic coordination rather than adding more programs and services. Topics Covered: Why the "additive culture" in higher education creates operational sprawl and student confusion How design thinking can transform institutional strategy and student experience Practical approaches to breaking down silos without major reorganizations Using RACI models and governance structures to enable faster, smarter decisions The critical importance of aligning strategic planning with budget decisions Reframing risk as a condition for progress through prototyping and piloting Strategic partnerships as tools for expanding capacity without internal complexity Real-World Examples Discussed: NYU's transformation of computer labs into "connect and create" collaborative spaces UVA's co-location of different advising functions for seamless student support Purdue University's Communicators Council as a model for decentralized coordination Colorado State's IT governance process for strategic technology investments The pitfall of institutions with both writing centers and writing labs in the same building Quinnipiac's healthcare partnership providing both services and talent pipeline Amarillo College's community partnerships that increased graduation rates from 14% to 65-80% Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Create a focused strategy that prioritizes where to invest, makes hard tradeoffs, and aligns budget with institutional goals Break the cycle of fragmentation by consolidating services and systems to improve access, reduce duplication, and enhance outcomes Reframe risk as progress by encouraging piloting and iteration to unlock innovation without waiting for consensus or perfection This episode offers institutional leaders a clear, actionable framework for moving from fragmentation to alignment while improving student outcomes through strategic execution rather than adding complexity. Recommended For: Presidents, trustees, chief academic officers, student affairs leaders, and institutional planning teams focused on improving student success through systemic coordination. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/connected-college-strategy-to-improve-student-success/   #HigherEdLeadership #StudentSuccess #InstitutionalStrategy #HigherEducationPodcast

AI can change how colleges and universities approach enrollment, making it faster, fairer, and more aligned with student success. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton talks with Ashish Fernando, founder and CEO of EDMO and iSchoolConnect, about how institutions can use artificial intelligence to improve admissions, automate routine tasks, and personalize support without losing the human touch. Drawing on real-world implementations at Western Governors University, Franklin University, and others, Fernando outlines how AI enables institutions to make faster admissions decisions, better assess student fit, and improve long-term outcomes. He also explains where human judgment still matters and why redesigning broken enrollment processes is critical before adding automation. This episode offers practical insights for presidents, provosts, enrollment leaders, and trustees seeking to modernize recruitment, increase yield, and align institutional capacity with student expectations. Topics Covered Why enrollment strategy must prioritize student fit, not just volume How AI improves speed to decision and impacts yield What admissions tasks are appropriate for automation The strategic value of chatbots and real-time decision systems How to avoid automating broken or biased processes Balancing technology with human counseling in admissions Real-world examples of AI implementation in higher education Real-World Examples Discussed Western Governors University’s scalable, self-paced enrollment model Franklin University’s five-minute transfer evaluation and admissions decision NYU’s BobChat and chatbot-supported student services National University’s approach to AI infrastructure Three Key Takeaways Think from the outside in. Understand student motivations and design enrollment to reflect their needs and expectations. Use speed as strategy. Institutions that respond quickly improve yield, reduce melt, and gain a competitive edge. Embed AI in operations. Treat AI as infrastructure built to support staff, not replace them. Read the transcript:  https://changinghighered.com/how-to-use-ai-to-improve-enrollment-and-admissions/ #HigherEdEnrollment #AIinHigherEd #AdmissionsStrategy #HigherEducationPodcast #InstitutionalEffectiveness  

Digital transformation in higher education often focuses on technology. But for Utah State University, the transformation has been about outcomes: improving retention, strengthening equity, and building scalable systems of support without overhauling infrastructure. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Rene Eborn, Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Deputy of Digital Transformation at Utah State University, about how the institution designed and implemented a connected campus strategy that integrates advising, communications, and academic support into a single mobile-first platform. Drawing on her decades of experience in higher ed and edtech leadership, Eborn shares how USU replaced nine siloed tools with five integrated platforms, enabling early alerts, AI-powered nudges, and real-time visibility across departments. She explains how this model supports faculty, staff, and especially underserved student populations—including first-generation, commuter, and online learners—by surfacing what students need, when they need it. This conversation is especially relevant for institutional leaders looking to align digital infrastructure with student success goals, without ballooning their tech stack or losing sight of their mission. Topics Covered: Why USU’s connected campus approach focuses on student equity and support How the university integrated CRM, LMS, advising, and communications systems The role of AI nudges and early alerts in preventing student disengagement How faculty and staff use the system to support students in real time What the rollout process looked like—and why stakeholder involvement was key What’s next: building toward a full 360-degree student lifecycle view Real-World Examples Discussed: A first-generation student juggling three jobs flagged by the early alert system and connected to scholarship resources in time Student dashboards that surface personalized academic, advising, and financial steps A platform expansion that now includes parents, alumni, and prospective students High adoption rates driven by student feedback and design input Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Technology should be integrated, not layered—start with user needs and existing infrastructure. Faculty and staff buy-in depends on systems that make their work easier, not more complicated. Student success improves when support is timely, personalized, and accessible—especially for those who need it most. This episode offers a practical look at what’s possible when digital transformation is driven by strategy, not software—and why connected campuses may be one of the most effective ways to support today’s diverse student population. Recommended For: Presidents, provosts, CIOs, trustees, enrollment managers, and student success leaders building or scaling student-centered infrastructure. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/creating-a-connected-campus-strategy-for-student-success/   #ConnectedCampus #StudentSuccess #HigherEdTechnology #HigherEducationPodcast #DigitalTransformation

How Cross-Sector Partnerships Help Adult Learners Return, Persist, and Complete Degrees With over 41 million adults in the U.S. holding some college credit but no degree, colleges and universities are under pressure to implement effective adult learner enrollment strategies. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Malik Brown, President and CEO of Graduate Philadelphia, about how institutions can re-engage students who have stopped out through cross-sector partnerships that support enrollment, retention, and degree completion. Drawing on their real-world experience in higher education and workforce development, McNaughton and Brown discuss how adult learners face unique barriers—including affordability, caregiving responsibilities, and outdated enrollment systems—and how intermediaries like nonprofits and employers can play a crucial role in supporting their return to college. The episode outlines practical, replicable strategies that institutional leaders can adopt to build sustainable pipelines for adult learner success. This conversation is especially valuable for higher ed presidents, provosts, and enrollment leaders tasked with addressing demographic shifts and declining enrollments while aligning with workforce and community needs. Topics Covered: The economic and social reasons over 41 million Americans have stopped out Why adult learners need support from application through graduation How partnerships with nonprofits, employers, and funders extend institutional capacity The importance of stackable credentials aligned to labor market needs Why re-enrollment strategies must include systems changes and credit articulation Reducing friction in the application, financial aid, and credit transfer processes Real-World Examples Discussed: Graduate Philadelphia’s intermediary role connecting students, colleges, and employers How employers can provide scheduling flexibility and tuition assistance Use of workforce credentials as an on-ramp to degrees Models for credit articulation and co-governed partnerships Community-based navigation support that increases persistence and completion Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Build integrated partnerships that extend institutional reach. Nonprofits, workforce boards, and employers provide essential wraparound services that help adult learners succeed. Design stackable pathways that start with workforce credentials. These programs allow adults to earn income and confidence while progressing toward a degree. Fix enrollment systems that weren’t built for adults. From transcript access to unpaid balances, institutions must streamline re-entry to remove avoidable barriers. This episode provides a framework for institutional leaders seeking actionable strategies to re-enroll adult learners and support them through to graduation. Recommended For: Presidents, provosts, chief enrollment officers, board members, continuing education leaders, and workforce development professionals focused on adult learners and institutional sustainability. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/adult-learner-enrollment-completion-partnerships/   #AdultLearners #HigherEdEnrollment #WorkforcePartnerships #HigherEducationPodcast #DegreeCompletion  #ChangingHigherEd

Higher education leaders are searching for better ways to engage students, improve retention, and close equity gaps—especially in the wake of COVID-related learning disruptions. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Justin Shaffer, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Teaching Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. They discuss Dr. Shaffer’s book, High Structure Course Design, which offers a proven framework for transforming student outcomes. High structure course design—built on clarity, repetition, feedback, and engagement—originated in STEM education but is now widely recognized as effective across disciplines. This approach doesn't water down rigor; it scaffolds the learning process so students at all levels can succeed. The result: better retention, higher achievement, and greater equity in academic outcomes. This conversation is especially relevant for institutional leaders seeking to scale evidence-based instructional practices and boost institutional performance. Topics Covered: Why many students struggle in gateway courses and what faculty can do differently The long-term effects of post-COVID learning disruptions on student readiness Three structural layers that drive student engagement and retention Four foundational principles that support learning across all disciplines How high structure pedagogy closes equity gaps without lowering standards The undervalued impact of teaching-focused faculty on student success Infrastructure and leadership decisions that enable faculty innovation How structured courses also improve career readiness and workforce outcomes Real-World Examples: 40–60% failure rates improved through course redesign A biology field course that teaches both science and professional skills Centers for teaching and learning that support faculty-wide improvements Three Takeaways for Leadership: Course design is one of the most powerful and underused levers for retention and equity. Teaching-focused faculty are essential institutional assets and must be supported. Scalable infrastructure for instructional quality is not optional—it’s a strategic necessity. Recommended For: Presidents, provosts, academic leaders, board members, and faculty development directors who want scalable ways to boost student success and institutional outcomes. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/high-structure-course-design-for-student-engagement-retention-and-success/ #HigherEdLeadership #RetentionStrategies  #StudentSuccess 

Shared services and consolidation strategies are helping struggling small colleges stabilize operations, reduce costs, and pursue sustainable growth—without compromising institutional identity or student outcomes. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, host Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Jason Duggan, CEO of Thesis Elements, about how these approaches are being used to help small colleges strengthen efficiency and financial sustainability. Drawing on his experience helping small colleges modernize their operations through cloud-based student information systems, Duggan explores how shared services, academic partnerships, and digital transformation are enabling institutions to manage costs and expand capacity. He also offers insights into how leadership teams and boards are approaching these strategies in the current financial and demographic environment. This conversation is especially relevant for presidents, trustees, and senior leadership teams evaluating whether shared services or consolidation strategies could support their institution’s long-term mission and sustainability. Topics Covered: The financial and operational pressures driving small colleges to explore shared services and consolidation How administrative shared services are helping reduce overhead and improve service quality Strategic approaches to institutional consolidation and how they can support enrollment and operational goals Academic resource-sharing models and their role in expanding offerings while managing instructional costs Innovative financial and academic strategies to strengthen institutional resilience The role of cloud-based systems and digital transformation in supporting shared services and operational agility How presidents and boards are facilitating leadership conversations about shared services and consolidation Key considerations for aligning shared services and consolidation initiatives with institutional mission and values Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Clarify institutional mission and target audience to guide strategic planning and resource allocation. Prioritize student success and retention as core drivers of institutional resilience. Evaluate shared services and consolidation strategies as potential options for improving efficiency and long-term sustainability. This episode offers valuable insights for institutional leaders exploring new operational models to support their mission and navigate today’s higher education landscape. Recommended For: Presidents, trustees, board members, chief financial officers, provosts, and senior administrative leaders focused on institutional sustainability and operational strategy. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/shared-services-and-consolidation-strategies-for-small-colleges/   #HigherEdLeadership #SharedServices #ConsolidationStrategies #HigherEducationPodcast

While higher education leaders often cite leadership development as a priority, few institutions treat it as a teachable, measurable skill. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, host Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Scott Cowen about why leadership education should be integrated into the academic curriculum—and how institutions can implement it effectively. President Emeritus of Tulane University, Cowen shares insights from leading the university through Hurricane Katrina and from his new book, Lead and Succeed, which outlines strategies to develop leadership skills in students and early-career professionals. He dispels the “born leader” myth and offers a framework for embedding leadership development at every level of the institution. This conversation is especially relevant for presidents, trustees, and academic leaders seeking to build leadership capacity across campus. Topics Covered: Why higher education often fails to treat leadership as a strategic priority How to embed leadership development into the academic curriculum Emotional intelligence and the behavioral traits of effective leaders Leadership lessons from Tulane’s post-Katrina recovery Creating institutional systems that reinforce leadership behaviors The role of succession planning in long-term institutional health Real-World Examples Discussed: Tulane University’s relocation to Houston and Cowen’s daily crisis communication strategy The development of a for-credit leadership course and workbook, Lead and Succeed Mentorship from Dr. Norman Francis, president of Xavier University for 50 years Cowen’s “thinking out loud” email updates during crises at Tulane and Case Western Scaling structured leadership practices across institutions Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Formalize leadership education. Establish structured academic courses with measurable outcomes. Integrate mentoring and reflection into the curriculum to build leadership competencies. Develop repeatable crisis leadership practices. Use structured daily meetings and transparent communications to align institutional response during disruption. Implement strategic succession planning. Treat leadership transitions as long-term planning initiatives. Build internal pipelines and normalize leadership exits to support institutional continuity. This episode offers a practical framework for establishing a leadership-ready culture in higher education academic curricula.  Recommended For: Presidents, provosts, deans, academic affairs leaders, trustees, and student success strategists. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/leadership-development-academic-curriculum-design-in-higher-ed/   #HigherEdLeadership #AcademicCurriculum #StudentDevelopment #LeadershipEducation #HigherEducationPodcast