Changing Higher Ed

Higher education's public trust problem is not something presidents can fix with better messaging. In this conversation, AAC&U President Dr. Lynn Pasquerella describes a structural squeeze on institutional independence that shows up as academic freedom fights, curriculum mandates, and growing skepticism about higher education's value. In episode 300 of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Pasquerella about why liberal education is often misunderstood, why academic freedom is inseparable from institutional autonomy, and why presidents and boards need to treat this moment as a governance and mission issue, not a temporary political cycle. Pasquerella explains how these pressures tend to escalate incrementally, why institutions lost control of the public narrative, and what it takes to rebuild credibility through community anchoring, transparency, and a renewed public-good case for higher education. This conversation is especially relevant for institutional leaders navigating legislative interference, polarized stakeholder environments, and the operational consequences of eroding trust. Topics Discussed Why academic freedom and institutional autonomy erode incrementally What Supreme Court precedent signals about academic freedom and university self-governance Why liberal education is about intellectual freedom, not partisan ideology How higher education lost the public narrative and why marketing is not the solution Moral distress and moral injury in the presidency under coercive mandates Belonging uncertainty, cognitive bandwidth, and the institutional impact of student wellbeing Community anchoring as the practical path to rebuilding trust How institutions can reimagine learning without abandoning rigor Real-World Examples Discussed Legislative interference that dictates curriculum and constrains shared governance. The closure of a college as a community-level loss, not only an institutional event. How belonging signals show up later as persistence, completion, and learning outcomes. Why transparency about tradeoffs affects institutional credibility How community advisory input can keep programs aligned with civic and workforce needs. Three Key Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards Treat academic freedom and institutional independence as a board-level governance priority, because erosion is gradual and easy to normalize. Rebuild trust through consistent community presence and usefulness, not positioning statements. Address belonging and wellbeing as institutional effectiveness variables, because belonging uncertainty reduces cognitive bandwidth and performance. Read the transcript and the accompanying post: https://changinghighered.com/moral-distress-belonging-presidential-leadership-in-higher-ed/ #HigherEducation #HigherEducationPodcast #AcademicFreedom #PublicTrust #LiberalEducation

Free speech on campus is not an abstract constitutional issue—it's a governance challenge for presidents and boards. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton is joined by Dr. Sean Stevens, Chief Research Advisor at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), to examine the current state of campus free speech and what institutional leaders must do to protect open inquiry under increasing political and social pressure. Drawing on FIRE's national research and campus speech databases, Stevens outlines the sharp rise in government-involved attempts to sanction speech, the growing prevalence of self-censorship among faculty and students, and the structural pressures reshaping intellectual life on U.S. campuses. The conversation moves beyond partisan framing and focuses on leadership responsibility: preserving disciplined pluralism, reinforcing institutional neutrality, and ensuring that students graduate prepared to engage competing ideas with rigor and intellectual humility. Some of the key topics covered in this episode include: The increase in campus speech sanction attempts involving government actors Faculty and student self-censorship trends and what the data reveals Why exposure to competing perspectives is an educational obligation Institutional neutrality as protection for viewpoint diversity The distinction between protected speech and prudent speech in the social media era Practical steps presidents and boards can take to strengthen expressive rights policies Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards: Defend expressive rights consistently—even when doing so is politically uncomfortable. Leadership credibility depends on principled application. Recognize that sustained political and social pressure can narrow intellectual culture—and counter that contraction intentionally. Preserve disciplined pluralism as a core academic value. Students must be able to hear, analyze, and argue competing perspectives without fear. This episode provides a strategic lens for higher education leaders navigating campus speech controversies while protecting the fundamental mission of scholarship and inquiry. Listen now or read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/free-speech-in-higher-education-fire-on-institutional-integrity-and-mission/   #HigherEducation #FreeSpeech #CampusLeadership #AcademicFreedom #BoardGovernance #ChangingHigherEdPodcast

Higher education is under mounting pressure to prove its value. But the data institutions need to respond already exists — most are just not using it strategically. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Melba Amissi, Chief Customer and Operations Officer at the National Student Clearinghouse, about how the Clearinghouse's cross-institutional data can help college presidents and boards navigate the accountability, affordability, and workforce alignment challenges reshaping higher education. Drawing on a career in financial services, fraud analytics, cybersecurity, and operational transformation, Amissi brings an outsider's perspective to higher ed — one grounded in measurable outcomes and data-driven decision-making. She and Dr. McNaughton explore why institutions must embrace non-linear student pathways, improve credit mobility, strengthen employer partnerships, and lead with transparency to maintain public trust and institutional viability. This conversation is especially relevant for institutional leaders grappling with how to demonstrate return on investment, serve the growing stop-out population, and align programs with workforce needs in a rapidly shifting political and economic landscape. Topics Covered: The National Student Clearinghouse's role beyond compliance reporting — as a strategic benchmarking and analytics resource Why 42 million adults with some college and no credential represent both a challenge and an opportunity How credit mobility and articulation agreements affect enrollment competitiveness The Workforce Pell negotiated rulemaking process and its implications for program design Why workforce alignment should be an "and," not an "or" alongside liberal education How the FAFSA will now warn students about institutions with poor earnings-to-cost outcomes The rising Higher Education Price Index and its compounding effect on institutional costs Real-World Examples Discussed: Franklin University's articulation agreements with over 1,400 institutions, enabling five-minute credit evaluations for transfer students Paul Quinn College's work-integrated model partnering students with Southwest Airlines and other employers Tennessee's statewide talent pipeline that maps graduate competencies directly to employer needs Microsoft's partnership with Miami-Dade College community colleges to build cybersecurity workforce programs Oregon's systemwide credit transfer framework as a model for state-level interoperability Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Transparency is a survival strategy — proactively share graduation rates, employment outcomes, and student debt data to build trust and stay ahead of regulatory mandates. Align programs with workforce needs through employer partnerships, stackable credentials, and continuous program assessment to demonstrate measurable ROI. Demonstrate real impact — show students, families, and stakeholders the tangible outcomes of your institutional strategies. Bonus Takeaway from Dr. McNaughton: Embrace diverse and non-linear student pathways. The traditional four-year linear journey is no longer the norm — institutions must design systems that serve students from all walks of life and keep the focus on student outcomes. This episode offers a data-grounded look at why higher education's most urgent challenges — cost, accountability, and public trust — require leaders who are willing to use the information already at their disposal to drive strategic change. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/racking-stop-outs-transfers-and-roi-across-the-full-student-journey/ #HigherEducation #HigherEdROI #HigherEducationPodcast #StudentSuccess #WorkforceAlignment 

Agile change management in higher education is no longer optional. Institutions are navigating continuous disruption from AI, shifting student expectations, workforce pressures, and internal cultural resistance. The challenge leaders face is not how to implement change once, but how to build the institutional ability to adapt continuously. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Christine Janssen Founder and CEO of Edstutia, an immersive learning company focused on adult learning, about why higher education must move from traditional change models to an agile, iterative approach to leadership, teaching, and institutional strategy. Drawing on her experience in both higher education and entrepreneurial environments, Janssen explains why institutions struggle when they treat change as a project rather than an operating condition. McNaughton and Janssen outline how agile thinking, faculty adaptation, and a willingness to experiment have become essential leadership capabilities for presidents, boards, and faculty alike. Some of the Topics Covered: ·      Why traditional change management models no longer match today's environment ·      How agile, iterative approaches help institutions adapt faster than governance cycles ·      Why AI is exposing weaknesses in traditional teaching and assessment methods ·      The role of faculty culture as both a barrier and a solution to meaningful change ·      Why preparing students for uncertainty requires faculty to be comfortable with it ·      How institutions risk becoming the "yellow cab" in a world expecting "Uber-level" responsiveness Real-World Examples Discussed: ·      How AI forces faculty to redesign assignments and assessment methods ·      Why student evaluations often measure the wrong outcomes ·      How other industries were disrupted by ignoring customer expectations ·      Examples of leaders who prioritize faculty development and innovation Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leadership 1.     Institutions must change how they think about change before they can change behaviors. 2.     Faculty partnership and professional development are essential to institutional adaptability. 3.     The greatest risk to higher education is waiting to see what others will do. This episode offers higher education leaders a practical framework for understanding why many institutional struggles stem not from isolated issues, but from an outdated approach to change itself. Read the transcript:  https://changinghighered.com/agile-change-management-for-higher-education-leaders/   #HigherEducation #ChangeManagement #HigherEducationPodcast    

In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Jeff Meade, Founding Director of the Every Quinnite is an Entrepreneur program at Paul Quinn College, about how the institution has embedded entrepreneurship into the operating model of the college itself. Rather than treating entrepreneurship as an elective or a business school track, Paul Quinn uses it as a structural solution to some of higher education's biggest challenges: workforce readiness, student engagement, institutional costs, and student debt. As one of only eight federally recognized work colleges in the United States, Paul Quinn requires all resident freshmen and sophomores to work on campus in meaningful operational roles. By junior and senior year, students transition into paid positions with corporate partners such as Southwest Airlines and Goldman Sachs. At the same time, every freshman completes a required entrepreneurship course during summer bridge, and students begin building and pitching real venture ideas that can receive seed funding from the college. Jeff explains how this model allows the college to lower tuition by redesigning its business structure, how corporate partnerships create a true workforce pipeline rather than traditional internships, and how entrepreneurship is used to teach students to become entrepreneurs of their own lives. This conversation is especially relevant for institutional leaders looking for practical ways to improve workforce readiness, reduce student debt, strengthen retention, and break down academic silos without adding new programs or increasing costs. Topics Covered: How the federal work college model changes both student engagement and institutional costs Why Paul Quinn lowered tuition by changing its operating model rather than increasing discounting How campus work transitions into paid corporate roles for juniors and seniors The required summer bridge entrepreneurship course for every freshman How student ventures are integrated into multiple academic disciplines The role of faculty leadership development through supervising student workers Why partnerships, both external and internal, are central to the model How a seed fund is designed to be self-sustaining through student venture revenue Real-World Examples Discussed: A student learning grant research and development by working directly in the entrepreneurship department Students working in enrollment management and representing the college at recruitment events Corporate partners sponsoring pitch competitions and hiring students into paid roles Students earning income that both offsets tuition and builds professional experience Freshmen pitching business ideas based on problems they see in their own communities Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Partner with other institutions, corporations, and entrepreneurs rather than trying to build everything internally Design entrepreneurship and experiential learning models to be self-sustaining, not cost centers Make entrepreneurship universal across the student body so it becomes part of the institutional DNA Dr. McNaughton's Bonus Takeaway: Partnerships must exist internally across departments as well as externally to prevent silos and fully integrate the model This episode provides a clear example of how entrepreneurship can function as an institutional design strategy, not just a curricular offering. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/entrepreneurship-to-redesign-college-operating-model/    #HigherEducation #StudentSuccess #WorkforceReadiness #Entrepreneurship

Workforce readiness, hands-on learning, and flexible credentialing are no longer peripheral conversations in higher education. They are central to how institutions are being judged on value, relevance, and outcomes. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Jarred McNeely, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Sonoran Desert Institute, about how applied, skills-based education can be delivered beyond traditional campuses without sacrificing rigor or quality. McNeely shares how SDI redesigned hands-on instruction for distributed learners by moving labs into students' homes, rethinking assessment around demonstrated competence, and investing heavily in faculty training and support. The conversation explores what these approaches mean not just for trade and technical programs, but for institutions across higher education facing increasing pressure around cost, completion, and workforce alignment. This episode is especially relevant for presidents, provosts, and academic leaders evaluating how applied learning, credential flexibility, and faculty systems can evolve to meet today's student realities. Topics Covered Why hands-on learning does not require centralized labs How lab kits, video-based assessment, and staged progression support skill development What it takes to train and support faculty in distributed, applied programs How simulation and practicum models expand access without lowering standards Why stackable credentials better align with real career movement The role of critical thinking and problem identification in applied education Three Key Takeaways for Presidents and Boards Learning should be assessed by demonstrated competence, not physical presence Faculty training and support systems are the primary drivers of instructional quality Flexible, stackable credentials reduce student risk while supporting long-term engagement Read the transcript or extended show summary: https://changinghighered.com/reduce-student-debt-risk-improve-employability/ #HigherEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #AppliedLearning #HigherEdLeadership #ChangingHigherEd  

Empathy is easy to talk about and harder to practice when the pressure is high. In higher education, leaders are often navigating conflict, fatigue, and urgency, which is exactly when empathy gets misread as weakness instead of treated as a leadership competency. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Laura Parson, Associate Professor at North Dakota State University and founder of The Empathy Classroom, about building empathy as a practical skill leaders can use without surrendering standards or authority. Parson breaks empathy down into usable behaviors, including perspective-taking, emotional self-management, and question framing that reduces defensiveness. The discussion also addresses "empathy light," when leaders perform empathy for external outcomes instead of practicing it authentically, and why that approach erodes trust. This conversation is especially relevant for institutional leaders who want stronger communication, better decision follow-through, and a healthier leadership culture in environments where people are stretched thin and reactions run hot. Some of the Topics Covered What empathy is as a competency and how it differs from sympathy Why empathy does not require agreement or abandoning standards How to reduce defensiveness through better questions and language choices Self-other distinction and why absorbing others' emotions accelerates burnout Mindfulness and emotional literacy as leadership tools "Empathy lite" and how performative empathy undermines trust How leaders can develop empathy through practice, role play, and scenario rehearsal Real-World Examples Discussed Reframing accusatory "why" questions into curiosity-based questions that invite explanation The "waves" metaphor for managing constant emotions as a senior leader without burning out An executive's post-meeting reset ritual to physically "shake off" emotional residue Using breath work or box breathing after emotionally charged interactions Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leadership Model empathy visibly so others understand what it looks like in your environment. Listen, demonstrate that you heard what was said, and reinforce it through action. Treat perspective-taking as a discipline by learning to see issues through multiple stakeholder lenses. Read the extended show summary or transcript:  https://changinghighered.com/empathy-in-higher-education-leadership/   #HigherEducation #HigherEducationLeadership #EmpathyInEducation

In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Dan Predoehl, assistant dean of Extended Learning and director of the Emeritus Institute at Saddleback College, one of the nation's highest-performing community colleges. The conversation focuses on why enrollment challenges persist even at strong institutions and how treating enrollment as a shared responsibility—rather than a system with clear executive ownership—creates fragmentation across admissions, student services, academics, and outcomes. Dr. Predoehl explains the Chief Enrollment Management Officer concept and why a cabinet-level role is increasingly necessary to align enrollment strategy with institutional mission, student success, and long-term viability. Drawing on experience across community colleges and four-year institutions, the discussion examines how enrollment, retention, completion, workforce alignment, and equity outcomes are shaped by leadership structure—not just tactics. Topics Covered: Why enrollment is a system, not a department How diffused responsibility undermines retention and completion The limits of presidential oversight without executive enrollment ownership How workforce alignment strengthens enrollment strategy Why open access increases the need for strategic focus The role faculty partnership plays in sustainable enrollment management Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders: Enrollment outcomes reflect system design, not individual office performance Retention, completion, and workforce alignment are core enrollment responsibilities Institutions risk long-term instability when enrollment lacks clear executive ownership This episode is especially relevant for presidents, provosts, enrollment leaders, and senior administrators looking beyond short-term fixes toward structural solutions to enrollment pressure. Read the transcript and extended show summary: https://changinghighered.com/chief-enrollment-management-officer-in-higher-education/ #HigherEducation #EnrollmentManagement #HigherEducationPodcast

Institutional transformation in higher education is often described in broad terms. At Stevens Institute of Technology, Dr. Nariman Farvardin describes transformation in operational terms: disciplined strategic planning, academic realignment, and year-after-year execution systems that produced what Dr. Drumm McNaughton calls the Stevens Miracle. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Nariman Farvardin, President of Stevens Institute of Technology, about how Stevens achieved sustained success since he became president in 2011. Under Dr. Farvardin's leadership, undergraduate applications increased 294%, enrollment grew approximately 75%, research funding increased 199%, and the university invested more than $500 million in campus improvements. Stevens also reports first-year retention approaching 96%, graduation rates near 90%, and approximately 97% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months. Dr. Farvardin explains the institutional "secret sauce" behind those results: an inclusive strategic planning process that builds ownership across faculty, staff, students, administrators, and trustees, paired with execution discipline that keeps the plan active through regular progress reporting, annual written results, and objectives letters that tie leadership goals directly to strategic priorities. He also walks through Stevens' academic realignment, including the SUCCESS curriculum, which ensures every student graduates with foundational exposure to five areas: artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, sustainability, and data science. The discussion also covers student support structures that reinforce student experience and outcomes, including the first-year experience model delivered in 45–47 sections annually, with faculty serving as coaches for small groups of students. Topics Covered How Stevens used inclusive strategic planning to build campus-wide ownership and momentum Why execution systems matter more than a polished strategic plan document How Stevens keeps the strategic plan active through regular updates, annual reports, and objectives letters What the SUCCESS curriculum is and why it represents academic realignment, not a one-off initiative The five technology areas every Stevens graduate is exposed to through SUCCESS How the first-year experience course operates at scale and why it supports retention How Stevens operationalized student-centered service so student issues are owned, not deflected Why transparency and shared responsibility improved faculty engagement with change How Stevens uses honesty about what did not work to keep planning credible What presidents and boards should focus on if they want transformation that holds over time Real-World Examples Discussed: A leadership execution model that breaks strategy into smaller goals, distributes them across divisions, and updates them annually through objectives letters A first-year experience structure delivered in 45–47 small sections (20–25 students each) with faculty serving as ongoing coaches A student support expectation that staff "own" the student's problem until it is solved, instead of sending students office-to-office Three Key Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards  A well-designed strategic plan paired with disciplined execution is essential, even when it requires difficult and unpopular decisions A strong, functional relationship between the president and the board is critical to sustaining momentum and leadership effectiveness Trust-based working relationships between leadership, faculty, and staff are required for long-term success and leadership sustainability Read the transcript or extended show summary: https://changinghighered.com/stevens-tech-strategic-planning-transformation/ #HigherEducation #StrategicPlanning #UniversityLeadership #BoardGovernance #StudentSuccess

Higher education enters 2026 under conditions that are no longer hypothetical. In this 8th annual end-of-year episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton is joined by Tom Netting of TEN Government Strategies to review how the predictions made at the end of 2024 played out during the 2025 operating year and what those outcomes mean for institutional planning in 2026. Rather than offering speculative forecasts, this episode uses 2025 as a calibration year. When predictions materialize, they remove ambiguity. They clarify which pressures are structural, which risks persist, and which leadership assumptions are no longer defensible. For presidents, boards, and senior leadership teams preparing for 2026, this conversation provides a grounded planning context based on conditions already in motion. Topics Covered What 2025 confirmed about federal policy instability, accountability, cost pressure, enrollment volatility, and governance risk Why the Department of Education is likely to remain in place through 2026 and why its continued existence should not be mistaken for stability How redistribution of authority across federal agencies increases compliance complexity for institutions Where student loans are likely to move within the federal system and why institutions face growing exposure to borrower outcomes Why broad student debt forgiveness remains unlikely and what limited relief options may realistically emerge How accountability is shifting toward program-level scrutiny and the implications for academic realignment Why accreditation reform remains unsettled and why leaders should treat accreditation as a strategic risk factor Workforce Pell expansion, quality oversight challenges, and the risk of fraud and abuse in short-term credentials The growing role of states in accountability as federal capacity contracts Research funding as political leverage and the planning risk created by funding uncertainty Polarization as an operational challenge affecting enrollment, safety, governance, and public trust Technology, AI, cybersecurity, and NIST compliance as board-level responsibilities Enrollment, demographic decline, cost escalation, and financial pressure entering the 2026 planning cycle Mergers, closures, and structural collaboration as necessary adaptation strategies Key Planning Judgments for 2026 The Department of Education will persist but continue to shrink and fragment Student loans will move further away from the Department, increasing institutional exposure Accountability pressure will intensify, particularly at the program level Accreditation reform will remain unresolved beyond 2026 Workforce Pell will expand, bringing both opportunity and heightened oversight risk Research funding will remain politically vulnerable Cost pressure will continue to drive consolidation and closures Technology and cybersecurity will demand sustained leadership attention This episode is especially relevant for presidents and trustees navigating compressed decision timelines, thinner margins for error, and declining tolerance for ambiguity. The focus is not prediction for its own sake, but clarity about the forces institutions must plan around as they enter 2026. #HigherEducation #HigherEd2026StrategicPlanning #HigherEducationPodcast

In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Ashley Finley, Vice President of Research and Senior Advisor to the President at the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), about the findings of the 2025 AAC&U Employer Survey and what they reveal about employer expectations for higher education. Based on nearly 20 years of longitudinal research, the 2025 survey challenges many of the dominant public narratives about the value of college. Employers continue to express strong confidence in higher education, place equal importance on workforce preparation and citizenship, and increasingly emphasize adaptability, judgment, and civic capacity as core professional requirements. Dr. Finley explains how employers view civic skills as workplace competencies, why mindsets and dispositions are now baseline expectations rather than "soft skills," and how AI is reshaping what it means to be prepared for an uncertain future. The conversation also addresses generational differences among employers, the growing role of microcredentials, and why institutions must model the agility they expect from graduates. This episode is especially relevant for presidents, trustees, provosts, and senior leaders navigating political pressure, workforce alignment, and questions about institutional value. Topics Covered: What the 2025 AAC&U Employer Survey reveals that public narratives often miss Why employers see preparing informed citizens and a skilled workforce as inseparable goals How civic skills, including constructive disagreement, translate directly to workplace success Why motivation, resilience, initiative, and self-awareness are now baseline hiring expectations How employers think about AI readiness beyond simple tool proficiency Which student experiences increase hiring likelihood beyond internships How employers evaluate the credibility and value of microcredentials and certificates Generational shifts in employer expectations and what they signal for the future Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards: Institutions must communicate learning outcomes more clearly, including mindsets and dispositions, so students can articulate who they are becoming, not just what they know. Career-relevant experiences extend far beyond internships; leadership roles, campus employment, and community engagement carry significant employer value and are often more scalable. Agility must be modeled institutionally. Employers value adaptability, and colleges and universities cannot promote it in students while resisting change themselves. Bonus Takeaway from Dr. McNaughton: Employers continue to value higher education and the four-year degree, despite political rhetoric and cost-driven narratives suggesting otherwise. This disconnect presents both a risk and an opportunity for institutional leaders. This conversation offers data-grounded insight into how employers actually view higher education—and what leaders can do to align strategy, communication, and culture with those expectations. Read the full transcript: https://changinghighered.com/strategic-insights-2025-aacu-employer-survey/ #HigherEducation #HigherEducationLeadership #AACU #EmployerSurvey #WorkforceReadiness #ChangingHigherEdPodcast

Higher education communication is no longer a marketing function. It is a strategic discipline shaped by political pressure, governance risk, and real-time public scrutiny. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with David Maffei, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Americas at Staffbase, about how university presidents and boards must rethink how communication functions inside their institutions under today's crisis-driven conditions. Drawing on more than two decades of enterprise and higher education communications leadership, Maffei explains why internal communication now determines external credibility, why preparedness is the defining variable in crisis response, and how fragmented communication structures quietly undermine institutional trust. The discussion also explores how technology and AI amplify leadership discipline rather than replace it, and why presidential communication can no longer be delegated. This conversation is especially relevant for presidents, boards, and senior leadership teams navigating political pressure, public scrutiny, and rising expectations for transparency, alignment, and trust. Topics Covered Why internal communication now drives external brand credibility How crisis preparedness exposes governance strength or weakness Why internal notification must come before public announcements How political pressure reshapes presidential communication risk Why communication is now a core presidential competency The role of ego management in institutional leadership How siloed communication tools fracture institutional alignment Why unified board and presidential signaling protects credibility How technology and AI magnify leadership discipline Why communication is now embedded inside strategy, not downstream from it Three Takeaways for Higher Ed Leadership Preparedness determines whether crisis strengthens or destabilizes trust. Internal communication discipline now shapes external credibility in real time. Unified signaling between presidents and boards is no longer optional. This episode offers practical, governance-level insight into why communication performance is now inseparable from institutional performance — and how higher education leaders can protect credibility under sustained pressure. Read the transcript or extended show summary: https://changinghighered.com/higher-education-communication-strategy-crisis/ #HigherEducation #HigherEducationPodcast #UniversityLeadership #HigherEdCommunication 

Higher education is facing a growing disconnect between public perception and the realities of campus life. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Peter Murphy Lewis, CNN political analyst, filmmaker, and director of People Worth Caring About, about how institutions can reclaim their narrative and rebuild trust through authentic human stories. This conversation is especially relevant for presidents, trustees, and senior leaders navigating public skepticism, political pressure, and communication environments where external voices often define higher education's story. Some of the Topics Covered The forces driving negative public narratives about higher education How political rhetoric and social media distort campus realities Why families respond more strongly to human stories than to data or institutional claims How student and faculty voices build credibility across audiences Ways to adapt a single story for parents, prospective students, legislators, and alumni The importance of short-form storytelling for modern communication channels The CARE framework (Confront, Amplify, Reshape, Evergreen) for building narrative strategy Real-World Examples Discussed How the documentary model helps institutions show their value through lived experience Using student and faculty stories to counter assumptions about campus culture Why a 45-second authentic clip can strengthen trust more than a polished statement How major industries changed public perception through narrative work (e.g., Formula One's "Drive to Survive") Three Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders Talk about the elephant in the room. Talk about it through a story — show, don't tell. Eat that elephant one bite at a time. You can start tomorrow with your cell phone or an intern. One day at a time. One bite at a time. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/reclaiming-the-higher-education-narrative/   #HigherEdLeadership #InstitutionalStrategy  #HigherEducationPodcast

Higher education leaders are being asked to innovate faster than their institutions are built to move. This episode of Changing Higher Ed explores how presidents and boards can change that. Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Erika Liodice, Executive Director of the Alliance for Innovation and Transformation (AFIT), about how institutions can strengthen their innovation capacity through futures thinking, cross-sector insight, and structured team-based planning. Topics Covered: How futures thinking helps leaders anticipate demographic, workforce, and technology shifts Why innovation efforts fail without planning discipline and shared vision How AFIT institutions use cross-sector learning to improve student experience and operations What VR, AI, and immersive environments reveal about modernizing curriculum and applied learning How team-based learning accelerates decision-making and supports strategy execution Why a long-horizon strategy must be paired with near-term planning cycles How leaders can strengthen coordination across academic, student services, and operational units Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leadership: Presidents and boards must anchor innovation in a future-oriented view of trends—environmental scanning, demographic forecasting, and technology signals should shape planning decisions. Innovation succeeds when the right teams plan together. Cross-functional alignment and shared ownership accelerate execution and prevent fragmented efforts. Institutions should treat innovation as an operational discipline tied to strategy, not a series of isolated pilots. Clear priorities, resource pathways, and coordinated leadership are essential. Recommended For: Presidents, trustees, senior leadership teams, and academic and operational administrators responsible for strengthening institutional resilience, planning capacity, and innovation strategy. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/innovation-in-higher-education-adapt-foresight-planning-afit/ #HigherEducation #InnovationInHigherEd #HigherEducationPodcast

Accreditation trends and expectations are shifting under rising accountability pressures, financial constraints, and increased scrutiny of student outcomes. This episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast features Maria Toyoda, President and CEO of the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), in a strategic conversation with Dr. Drumm McNaughton about how institutions can strengthen accreditation readiness and support stronger student success. This episode is essential for presidents, provosts, trustees, and senior leaders responsible for accreditation, mission alignment, evidence systems, governance oversight, and long-term institutional resilience. Topics Covered How WSCUC evaluates institutional effectiveness, learning outcomes, and mission alignment The post-pandemic readiness gaps shaping student progression and support needs Program-level earnings, debt, default rates, and transparency expectations How institutional evidence must reflect the students served Financial pressures affecting academic quality, resource planning, and program viability Expectations for continuous improvement and documented assessment cycles The role of governance in sustaining accreditation and institutional credibility Real-World Examples Discussed The Key Indicator Dashboard and how program-level data informs institutional planning Program earnings and debt trends affecting default risk after the repayment restart How military-connected learner documentation informs competency evaluation Institutions balancing support structures with financial pressures and staffing constraints Mission drift and its impact on planning, budgeting, and academic decision pathways Three Key Takeaways for Higher Ed Leaders Institutions must understand their students clearly and align academic design, support systems, and assessment with documented learning needs. Program-level debt, earnings, and completion patterns should drive decisions about program viability, financial planning, and long-term strategy. Continuous improvement requires evidence-based action; leaders must ensure that learning assessment results lead directly to curricular and support refinements. Read the transcript or the extended show summary: https://changinghighered.com/how-wasc-is-shaping-the-future-of-accreditation-and-student-success/   #HigherEdLeadership #Accreditation #WSCUC

Improving how teaching happens in the classroom is one of the most effective ways to increase student retention, stabilize tuition revenue, and strengthen institutional reputation—yet most universities don't manage it strategically. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with David Gooblar, Associate Professor at the University of Iowa and author of The Missing Course, about how teaching quality has fallen outside institutional oversight and what presidents and boards can do to make it a core part of strategic leadership. They explore how governance structures, incentive systems, and faculty preparation create a blind spot that limits progress on student success. Gooblar and McNaughton outline what leadership can do to realign teaching, strategy, and accountability to improve learning and institutional performance. Topics Covered: Why first-year GPA, driven by classroom experience, predicts retention and completion. How tenure and incentive systems discourage teaching innovation. The leadership role in integrating pedagogy into strategic and financial planning. Practical ways to invest in teaching infrastructure and faculty capacity. How governing boards can hold institutions accountable for the conditions that enable great teaching. Why It Matters: When institutions manage teaching with the same rigor as finance and enrollment, they see measurable gains in persistence, lower cost per graduate, and stronger mission credibility. Teaching quality is not just a faculty concern—it's a leadership lever for institutional performance. Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards: Make teaching measurable and managed. Track instructional quality alongside financial and enrollment metrics. Align incentives with institutional goals. Reward teaching innovation in evaluation and promotion. Invest in the conditions for learning. Fund the infrastructure and faculty capacity that make engagement and feedback possible. Read the full episode summary and transcript: https://changinghighered.com/real-cost-of-overlooking-teaching-quality-in-higher-ed/ #HigherEdLeadership #StudentSuccess #HigherEducationPodcast

Free speech on college campuses has become one of higher education's most volatile and defining challenges. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton talks with Dr. Sean Stevens, Chief Research Advisor at FIRE—the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression—about findings from FIRE's newly released College Free Speech Rankings and the state of academic freedom, the growing political pressures on universities, and how presidents and boards can protect open dialogue in today's divided climate. Topics Covered: Why FIRE expanded its mission beyond higher education and no longer stands for "Foundation for Individual Rights in Education." How FIRE's College Free Speech Rankings and Scholars Under FIRE survey measure tolerance and academic freedom nationwide. What the data shows about declining political tolerance among students and faculty. How government pressure is influencing faculty terminations and speech policies. The role of leadership in maintaining consistent, transparent free speech policies. Examples from Vanderbilt and Dartmouth showing how structured dialogue programs improve campus discourse. Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards: Establish and Communicate Bright Lines – Define clear speech policies and enforce them consistently across all viewpoints. Stand Firm in Times of Controversy – Uphold principles of free expression even when political or donor pressure mounts. Promote Civic Dialogue and Intellectual Diversity – Support programs that help students and faculty engage constructively across ideological divides. Read the transcript or extended show summary: https://changinghighered.com/free-speech-on-college-campuses-fire-report/ #HigherEducation #FreeSpeech #FIRE 

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

Higher education's approach to DEI is under fire—from political pressure, public skepticism, and internal fatigue. But abandoning DEI isn't the only option. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Columbia Law professor Susan Sturm about how higher ed institutions can continue to drive inclusive institutional change—without relying on traditional DEI frameworks that may no longer be viable. Sturm, author of What Might Be: Confronting Racism to Transform Our Institutions, reframes DEI as a long-term, systems-level strategy rooted in leadership, trust, and organizational learning. She introduces the concept of “full participation,” where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute to the institution's mission—and outlines the leadership mindsets and practices necessary to build that reality. Through examples from UMBC, Columbia, and court systems, Sturm shows how change begins with local experimentation, paradox navigation, and support for “organizational catalysts” who bridge across roles and perspectives. She also explores how discomfort, conflict, and even failure can become engines for cultural learning—if leaders are willing to embrace vulnerability and complexity. Topics Covered: Why current DEI models fall short in higher education The paradox of racial salience and its impact on reform How institutions can foster “full participation” Why local experimentation drives scalable change The role of discomfort and rupture in institutional learning How to resource and support internal change agents What boards and presidents must do to align DEI with strategy Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Train leaders to recognize and hold paradox—not resolve it Invest in internal catalysts who can bridge across silos and groups Reframe DEI as mission-aligned infrastructure, not add-on programming Recommended For: Presidents, provosts, board members, DEI officers, and change leaders looking to move beyond check-the-box diversity efforts and create meaningful, sustainable institutional change. Transcript: https://changinghighered.com/dei-is-off-the-table-how-higher-ed-can-still-drive-institutional-change/ #HigherEdLeadership #HigherEdChangeManagement #HigherEducationPodcast #DEI

Higher education is facing a growing disconnect between traditional academic pathways and the needs of today's learners and employers. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Kathleen deLaski, founder of Education Design Lab and author of Who Needs College Anymore?, about how institutions can realign academic programs to better serve nontraditional students and meet workforce demands. Drawing from her experience supporting over 1,200 colleges and regional systems, deLaski explores how modular credentials, skills-based learning, and short-term pathways can make higher education more accessible and valuable to adult learners. The conversation highlights how institutions can use design thinking, industry data, and step-ladder credentialing to connect academic outcomes to employment opportunities—without abandoning their core mission. This episode is especially relevant for presidents, trustees, and academic leaders tasked with redesigning programs and structures to improve learner outcomes, increase enrollment, and strengthen workforce relevance. Topics Covered: The rise of nontraditional students and the failures of a degree-first model How institutions can implement skills-based learning and credential transparency Examples of how colleges like Western Governors University are aligning learning with job market demands The importance of employer engagement in curriculum design Why internal silos and legacy structures hinder meaningful innovation How to use step-ladder pathways to improve access, confidence, and long-term outcomes Real-World Examples Discussed: Western Governors University's use of skills profiles tied to labor market data How community colleges are building modular micro-pathways in partnership with employers The impact of state policy and funding shifts (e.g., Virginia, Colorado, Texas) on institutional priorities Three Key Takeaways for Higher Ed Leadership: Aligning academic programs with workforce needs requires intentional curriculum design and employer input. Modular, stackable credentials offer nontraditional students realistic entry points and long-term pathways to degrees. Institutional structures must adapt to support new models—program redesign alone is not enough. This episode offers actionable insight for institutional leaders committed to expanding access, improving workforce outcomes, and strengthening institutional sustainability. Recommended For: Presidents, provosts, trustees, academic planners, workforce and career pathway leaders, and board members addressing enrollment challenges and labor market alignment. Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/align-academic-programs-with-workforce-needs-serve-nontraditional-students/   #HigherEdLeadership #AcademicRedesign #WorkforceAlignment #NontraditionalStudents #HigherEducationPodcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are 41.5 million Americans who left college without earning a degree—but many would return if given the right opportunity. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Alana Rose, Vice President of Academic Networks at InStride, about how workforce education and corporate partnerships can unlock a hidden enrollment market. The Workforce Education Advantage Employer-funded education provides debt-free learning opportunities for employees. Workforce development programs help companies upskill employees and retain talent. Higher education institutions gain access to non-traditional learners and new revenue streams. Meeting the Needs of Non-Traditional Students Online and hybrid learning formats offer flexibility for working adults. Stackable credentials and credit for prior learning support degree completion. Institutions must provide tailored student support to improve retention. Aligning Higher Ed with Workforce Needs Corporate partnerships ensure programs match industry demands. Employers seek a balance of technical, business, and durable skills. Advisory boards help shape relevant curricula. Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards Leverage Corporate Partnerships – Workforce education is a growing enrollment strategy. Lower Barriers to Access – Flexible pathways and support services drive student success. Invest in Institutional Resources – Dedicated staff is essential for scaling employer-funded education. Workforce education presents a major opportunity for higher education leaders. Tune in to learn how institutions can align with corporate needs, create sustainable enrollment pipelines, and provide meaningful educational pathways for non-traditional students. Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/hidden-enrollment-market-in-workforce-education/ #HigherEdEnrollment #WorkforceEducation #EmployerSponsoredEducation About Our Podcast Guest Alana Rose is Vice President of Academic Network at InStride, where she leads partnerships with top-tier universities and educational institutions to deliver innovative workforce education programs. With over a decade of experience in higher education and university relations, Alana has a proven track record of fostering partnerships that drive institutional growth and expand access to education for working learners. Prior to InStride, Alana held leadership roles at Emeritus and 2U, overseeing operations for university partners and scaling global online education programs. Alana earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Southern California. Connect with Alana Rose on LinkedIn →   About the Podcast Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton's approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission. Connect with Drumm McNaughton on LinkedIn→

Higher education institutions continue to struggle with student retention, career readiness, and underemployment among graduates. Traditional college advising models focus heavily on selecting a major, yet many students graduate with empty degrees that fail to translate into meaningful careers. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Scott Carlson and Dr. Ned Scott Laff, authors of Hacking College: Why the Major Really Doesn't Matter and What Really Does, about how institutions can rethink academic advising, faculty engagement, and student success strategies to better serve today's learners. Carlson, a senior writer for the Chronicle of Higher Education, and Laff, who has over 35 years of experience in college and university settings helping students design successful undergraduate experiences, discuss how universities can shift away from a rigid, major-centric model to a personalized student success framework. They explain how students who lack career clarity often end up in underemployment, taking jobs unrelated to their degrees. Their research shows that institutions must evolve their advising structures to help students identify vocational purpose, leverage experiential learning, and navigate the hidden job market. The Problem with Traditional Academic Advising The outdated focus on major selection leads students into rigid career paths, often misaligned with their strengths and interests. A one-size-fits-all advising model leaves first-generation and low-income students struggling to navigate the complexities of higher education. Limited faculty-student engagement prevents students from leveraging university resources and professional networks. Lack of career-aligned experiential learning results in students graduating without the necessary skills and industry connections. Revolutionizing College-to-Career Transition Carlson and Laff propose a new model where higher education leaders integrate career-focused advising and faculty mentorship into the student experience. This involves: Helping students explore hidden intellectualism—their deeper interests and skills that could shape their career trajectories. Connecting students with faculty and industry professionals to uncover career pathways beyond traditional job titles. Expanding experiential learning opportunities through internships, mentorships, and project-based learning. Teaching students to research the hidden job market to discover roles they might never encounter through a standard career fair. Institutional Strategies for Student Success For university presidents, boards, and executive leaders, improving student outcomes requires a fundamental shift in how advising and faculty engagement are structured. Institutions should: Encourage faculty to act as mentors, guiding students beyond coursework to explore real-world career applications. Train advisors to support students in creating flexible, goal-oriented academic plans that integrate experiential learning. Strengthen career services by building industry partnerships and embedding career readiness into academic programming. Utilize existing institutional resources—including government affairs, research opportunities, and alumni networks—to connect students with career pathways. The Hidden Job Market and Career Readiness Career exploration should begin early in a student's academic journey. Institutions must help students develop the ability to recognize opportunities beyond traditional job titles by: Encouraging proactive networking with faculty, professionals, and industry leaders. Teaching students to research and navigate the hidden job market, where many opportunities exist outside of standard recruitment channels. Expanding experiential learning options, such as internships and project-based coursework, to provide practical experience that aligns with evolving workforce demands. With AI-driven automation threatening traditional advising roles, institutions must act now to redefine how they support student career pathways. Colleges that fail to adapt will continue to see declining retention, underemployment, and dissatisfaction among graduates. Five Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards Be Open to Change – Institutions must actively remove barriers that prevent student success. The current advising model is failing many students, and colleges need to adopt a more flexible, student-centered approach that helps learners navigate their academic and career paths effectively. Preserve Academic Variety – Colleges are eliminating liberal arts programs due to financial pressures, but this limits students' ability to create multidisciplinary educational experiences. Institutions should strive to maintain a diverse academic landscape that allows students to explore various career pathways. Engage Directly with Students – University leaders should make an effort to understand student concerns firsthand. By informally engaging with students—whether in common areas or casual settings—presidents and board members can gain valuable insights into what students need to thrive. Empower Students to Take Ownership of Their Education – Instead of following rigid degree structures, students should be encouraged to design their own academic experiences by integrating coursework, experiential learning, and industry engagement in ways that align with their career goals. Advisors and faculty should support this by shifting from a prescriptive model to one that helps students think critically about their education. Rethink Institutional Priorities – Colleges can maintain their research and tenure agendas while also fostering a culture that encourages student success. Leaders should create systems that help students perceive higher education as an interconnected network of opportunities rather than a series of disconnected courses. Higher education institutions that fail to evolve will continue to see declining retention and job placement rates. Listen in as Dr. Drumm McNaughton, Scott Carlson, and Dr. Ned Laff explore how colleges can implement meaningful advising reforms to improve student success, institutional sustainability, and long-term career outcomes. Institutions looking for solutions to align their academic programs with evolving student needs should explore Academic Realignment and Redesign strategies. Read the podcast transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/transforming-college-advising-new-approach-to-student-success/ #AcademicAdvising #HigherEducation #StudentSuccess   About the Podcast Guests Dr. Ned Scott Laff has over 35 years of experience in college and university settings, helping students design successful undergraduate experiences. He has taught both English and Honors courses and has broad interests in liberal arts education, the quality of undergraduate education, and the role of academic advising in liberal learning. He was Founding Director of the Center for the Junior Year at Governors State University; Director for Advising at Augustana College; the Director for General Education, Director of Contractual Studies, Director for Service-Learning and Director of the Center for Engaged Learning at Columbia College; former Academic Program Coordinator for Core Curriculum and Director for First Year Seminar at Loyola University Chicago. He has served as Director for Academic Program Development at Barat College of DePaul University; and as Associate Dean for Curriculum at Mundelein College of Loyola University Chicago. Connect with Ned Scott Laff on LinkedIn → Scott Carlson is a senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education who explores where higher education is headed. Since 1999, he has covered a range of issues for the publication: college management and finance, facilities, campus planning, energy, sustainability, libraries, workforce development, the value of a college degree, and other subjects. He has written such in-depth reports as “Sustaining the College Business Model,” “The Future of Work,” “The Right Mix of Academic Programs,” “The Campus as City,” and “The Outsourced University.” Carlson has won awards from the Education Writers Association and is a frequent speaker at colleges and conferences around the country. His work has also appeared in The Baltimore Sun and Baltimore City Paper, among other publications. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Connect with Scott Carlson on LinkedIn → About the Podcast Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton's approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission. Connect with Drumm McNaughton on LinkedIn→