Hi there Reader, Welcome back to the latest edition, where we explore the intersections of technology, finance, and strategy shaping the future of higher education. From leveraging agile methodologies to optimize campus operations to assessing how endowments are navigating turbulence to AI hacks, here are a few insights I'm excited to share... Columbia's Endowment Strategy: A Bold Public Equity Play As Ivy League endowment reports start rolling in, Columbia University is leading the pack with...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader, I hope everything is going as well as possible... How Menlo College’s Startup Mindset is Preparing Students for the Future In a recent conversation, Steven Weiner, President of Menlo College, shared how he’s leveraging Silicon Valley’s startup mentality to redefine higher education. Menlo’s approach centers on mandatory internships, real-world experience, and its proximity to Silicon Valley’s tech giants—ensuring students graduate with both degrees and job offers. Key...
15 days ago • 1 min read
Hey there, Reader, In this edition, we explore new approaches to college admissions and the power of predictive models.... Novel Approaches to Admissions with Loper: An Interview with Sam Bernstein In my recent conversation with Sam Bernstein, Co-Founder of Loper, we delved into how his company is revolutionizing the college admissions process.... Loper is rethinking how students find their ideal schools by creating personalized matches between students and institutions - using large data...
22 days ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader, As we enter a time of continued innovation and change in higher education, staying ahead of key trends—whether technological or related to institutional leadership—has never been more critical.... This edition focuses on several areas where strategic decisions can make a long-term impact, from the tech trends reshaping campuses to the critical role of admissions data in maintaining institutional integrity The Top Tech Trends Impacting Higher Education Exploring McKinsey's...
29 days ago • 2 min read
Hi there Reader, In this edition, we dive deep into some of the most pressing trends and thought leadership both within - and outside - of the Academy... Exclusive Interview with Mike Davis, President of Fairmont State UniversityNavigating Challenges, Building Opportunity Mike Davis, President of Fairmont State University, shares his journey from first-generation college student to university leader and the unique challenges facing institutions like Fairmont. Davis emphasizes the need for...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi there Reader, Happy Fall, my friend... A few insights at the fringes of the Academy. Sara Howard on Agile Leadership in Higher Ed Sara Howard, Chief of Staff at Tally, offers critical insights into driving change in complex environments. Agility in Higher Ed: By blending design thinking with Scrum Agile, Sara has successfully shortened the timeline for institutional change, turning years into months. Crisis Leadership: Her experience during the pandemic and after George Floyd’s murder...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader, I hope opening went as well as possible... Per usual, I'm writing with a few updates at the fringes of the academy... Balancing Operational Costs with Excellence: Insights from Michael Avaltroni In my recent conversation with Michael Avaltroni, President of Fairleigh Dickinson University, we dove deep into the complex balancing act of managing operational costs while delivering top-notch educational experiences. Michael shared how institutions must navigate the push and pull...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader, Fall is coming, my friend! I spent some time studying Nathan Grawe's "The Agile College" massive data sets. A few counterintuitive takeaways (accompanying data visualizations below). Impact of Parental Education on Enrollment in National Universities: Students whose parents hold a bachelor's degree are much more likely to attend national universities (ranked between 51st and 100th) compared to those whose parents do not have a degree. This disparity could influence the...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader, I hope everything is going as well as possible.... Innovation Meets Shared Governance (Lessons from the Great Dr. Rachelle Keck - President of Grandview University) Navigating the complexities of higher education requires more than just experience; it demands agility and an innovative mindset. Dr. Rachelle Keck, with a unique transition from law to leading two universities, underscores the importance of adaptability in today’s academic landscape. Her leadership at Grandview...
2 months ago • 1 min read