Podcast appearances and mentions of eric boynton

As the COVID-19 death toll in the U.S. ticked past one million, it was another milestone in a pandemic full of staggering milestones. Eric Boynton, philosopher and dean of Beloit College, discusses the limitations we all have in comprehending such loss and what it feels like to experience individual grief while others are grieving around you.

Columbia Daily Tribune Mizzou athletics beat reporter Eric Blum and Tribune sportswriter Langston Newsome talk about Missouri's upcoming matchup against South Carolina, COVID-19 pending. Gamecocks' beat writer Eric Boynton is this week's special guest to give further insight into SC after the firing of Will Muschamp.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Higher education institutions are still reeling from dealing with the coronavirus pandemic during the spring term. However, now they are faced with the challenge of making critical decisions that also offer flexibility moving into the fall semester. Beloit College already is far ahead on this path. This edition of the podcast will feature Dr. Eric Boynton, Beloit College’s provost and dean of the college. He was instrumental in helping lead the development of a unique plan for moving forward. Creating a Task Force In March as the pandemic emerged in the United States, Beloit started creating a COVID-19 task force that included individuals from across the institution that were going to be affected. The institution’s COVID task force, which was led by Dr. Boynton, included the chief technology officer, the chief operations officer, the chief health/wellness staff member, the dean of students, the assistant to the president, and the vice president of enrollment. The president purposefully was not a member of this task force because the efforts were going to be primarily focused on the curriculum; however the president’s assistant served as his representative and they met regularly to discuss the task force’s efforts.  This approach also gave the president time to focus on the broad picture. The task force met daily for a number of weeks. Dr. Boynton talked about the need to be fluid at this time since the situation was changing so quickly. Dr. Boynton said he initially didn’t deal well with these rapid and unplanned changes. He was in his first year serving as provost and was immersed in creating pedagogical innovations that would demonstrate the distinctiveness of the college’s education. This focus put him in a completely offensive posture until COVID hit, which immediately threw him into a defensive posture. He found that he was in a fog during the spring semester and could not see the horizon in relation to planning. Rapid Transition to Online Beloit’s first action was to extend spring break for a week and buy some time to see if they could bring students back to campus. However, it quickly became clear that this would not be possible so the institution moved to having classes fully online after the two-week spring break. Like most small liberal arts institutions, Beloit had very few online courses before. There were blended courses, which depended on the professor and his/her aptitude in relation to using the technology. There also were a few faculty members who offered online summer courses. Dr. Boynton described the spring semester as a glorious experiment in getting faculty who never thought about teaching online to embrace that instructional necessity. It was a way that Beloit and other small liberal arts institutions were able to shine, as faculty could think differently about these offerings. He believes these newly developed and innovative options will continue in the upcoming years and it will make education better. Innovating for Fall Term When Dr. Boynton and the university president decided to start thinking about the fall semester early in the pandemic, they kept their focus on what could be done to maximize possibilities while also minimizing disruptions. For example, Dr. Boynton found that students and faculty had trouble juggling four online courses simultaneously. He noted that many online institutions offer eight week sessions in which students take two courses at a time. Dr. Boynton and the president began to consider moving to a block plan in the fall. In this initially considered plan, the semester would be carved up into quarters so that there would be 3-1/2 week courses. This started feeling controllable, as opposed to the triage environment that the administration and faculty were working in during the spring semester. The provost met with several key staff members about the idea of the block plan. Some could easily see the potential offered by the proposal’s maximum flexibility while others needed more time to ponder it. This led to other discussions, which resulted in the idea to split the semester in half, thus allowing students to take two courses during a seven-and-half week period. Interestingly, this new plan echoed a proposal that Beloit leaders and faculty had developed five years before Dr. Boynton’s arrival at Beloit – a plan that wasn’t enacted because it was considered too radical at the time. Developing the Schedule Students were are the forefront of Beloit’s thinking – they didn’t want to register students for the full semester and then have to come back with a new schedule and redo registration. To rapidly create a new schedule that would be done in time for registration (which was scheduled to occur shortly thereafter), the task force—with full faculty support—focused on strategically putting together the fall semester’s schedule. Instead of turning the schedule over to the department chairs and faculty members, two well-respected faculty members massaged the newly configured schedule, keeping an eye on what courses needed to be delivered in-person (such as lab courses) as well as other considerations, such as when to offer appealing entry courses to first-year students. Once this was completed, department heads and faculty then had a chance to review the schedule; almost everyone ended up agreeing with what had been proposed. Positive Implications This new structure will have implications post-COVID. With this schedule, the institution now has the flexibility to teach face-to-face or to move online if the pandemic worsens. Dr. Boynton also believes the schedule will morph in upcoming years, but still will offer the flexibility to meet students’ and faculty’s needs through hybrid instruction in the future. One of the unintended (but good) consequences of this new structure is that only morning and afternoon classes are offered. This means that students will only be passing each other twice a day in the classes. These two blocks simplify and clarify how students move in and out of the classroom space. Beloit will evaluate how this plan works to determine how to move forward after the pandemic is over.  Noting that at Beloit this is ultimately a faculty decision, Dr. Boynton said the institution will pay attention to how students and faculty experience this set-up. He believes it could open up the possibility of outside-the-classroom participation during the semester while also simplifying the schedule. Dr. Boynton also believes that even if it does not become the way that future classes are structured, this approach will be adopted by more and more faculty. Growing Interest Many other institutions have become interested in Beloit’s new campus schedule. Twelve small liberal arts colleges have adopted Beloit’s revised schedule. In doing so, they’ve had to blow up their previously planned schedule and reregister students. Beloit plans to host a conference for institutions who are moving to this type of schedule. This will be an opportunity to learn from each other what is working and what is not. Three Recommendations for Higher Education Leaders Dr. Boynton suggested three takeaways for higher education leaders: Find ways to marry agility with ideas of weight and substance. Also identify ways to use your academic training in interesting ways in the world. Constant communication and transparency, as well as stories, laughter and anecdotes, are critical in working with faculty and building consensus. Go into conversations with a sense of the direction where you want to end up. Encourage meeting participants to offer their viewpoints so you can triangulate and figure out how to bring people together on a common direction. Bullet Points Identify a task force that includes key stakeholders from across campus. The participation of the president may not be mandatory, but make sure she/he sends a trusted representative to participate. In times of crisis, flexibility is key. However, realize that everything is fluctuating so that leaders may not be able to instantly get a good fix on the horizon to gauge next steps. Consider radical change the opportunity to have a glorious experiment. Use this as a way to get faculty and others to find ways to embrace the new normal and innovate. In times of crisis, consider focusing on maximizing possibilities while minimizing disruptions. This can create break-through thinking. Get feedback from across the campus as you develop these new ideas. Also look for different ways to get the work done, such as involving a few trusted faculty members in developing the schedule. Look for unintended possibilities, such as how Benoit’s new schedule will limit student interaction (and thus limit the opportunities for COVID to spread). Evaluate new efforts to see what modifications need to be made or if they should continue. However, even if the new options don’t continue, some faculty may choose to adopt some of the elements in their own work. Create networks with other institutions during crisis in order to learn from each other about what works and what doesn’t. Links to Articles, Apps, or websites mentioned during the interview: Beloit College Eric Boynton Guests Social Media Links: Twitter: @Beloit_College The Change Leader’s Social Media Links: Website: https://thechangeleader.com Website: https://changinghighered.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/ Twitter: @thechangeldr Email: podcast@changinghighered.com Keywords: #HigherEducation #Education #University #Coronavirus

Eric Boynton recaps Clemson's 42-25 loss to LSU in the National Championship in New Orleans. Soundbites from head coach Dabo Swinney, quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne.  Jan 13, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) avoids the tackle of LSU Tigers linebacker Patrick Queen (8) during the third quarter in the College Football Playoff national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Boynton previews the College Football Playoff National Championship game between a pair of 14-0 teams, Clemson and LSU. Tigers soundbites from running back Travis Etienne, quarterback Trevor Lawrence, safety Tanner Muse, linebacker Isaiah Simmons and safety K'Von Wallace. 

Eric Boynton breaks down Clemson's dramatic, 29-23 win over Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl and College Football Playoff semifinal. Soundbites from head coach Dabo Swinney, quarterback Trevor Lawrence and linebacker Chad Smith.  Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence runs in for a touchdown against Ohio State during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

The Herald-Journal and Columbus Dispatch join forces for a preview, recorded in Scottsdale, Arizona on the eve of the Fiesta Bowl. Eric Boynton, along with Rob Oller, Bill Rabinowitz and Joey Kaufman of the Columbus Dispatch and BuckeyeExtra.com, break down Saturday's clash between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Clemson.  Clemson coach Dabo Swinney and Ohio State coach Ryan Day with the Fiesta Bowl hardware Friday morning. (Eric Boynton/Spartanburg Herald-Journal)

Columbus Dispatch sports columnist Rob Oller speaks with Ohio Football beat reporters Bill Rabinowitz and Joey Kaufman on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra Football podcast. Today we are joined by guest Eric Boynton from the Spartanburg Herald-Journal to preview the upcoming Fiesta Bowl between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Clemson Tigers. During this we talk what has come out of interviews with players and coaches. Discuss if quarterback Justin Field’s knee will be fully healed before game time and talk about the how the talent matches up on each team. Finally, we talk about how turnovers will play a factor in this game.

Eric Boynton breaks down the College Football Playoff semifinal matchup vs. Ohio State. Soundbites from quarterback Trevor Lawrence, defensive end Xavier Thomas and defensive tackle Nyles Pinckney and Ohio native and left tackle Jackson Carman. 

Eric Boynton breaks down Clemson's banner, Early Signing Day haul. The Tigers are reloading, again, with their incoming class. Also, wide receiver Amari Rodgers on his improbable return and head coach Dabo Swinney on Ohio State coach Ryan Day as Clemson gears up to face the Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff semifinal Dec. 28. 

Eric Boynton breaks down No. 3 Clemson's 62-17 win over Virginia in the ACC championship in Charlotte. The Tigers now turn their attention to their Dec. 28 College Football Playoff matchup with No. 2 Ohio State in Glendale, Arizona. Soundbites from co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott, defensive coordinator Brent Venables, safety K'Von Wallace and WR Tee Higgins. 

Eric Boynton previews Saturday's ACC championship in Charlotte as Clemson takes on Virginia. Soundbites from Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney and Clemson safety K'Von Wallace. Clemson's Tyler Davis (13) celebrates a fumble recovery with teammates James Skalski (47) and K'Von Wallace (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

Eric Boynton breaks down the 38-3 win over rival South Carolina in Columbia. Soundbites from head coach Dabo Swinney, defensive coordinator Brent Venables, co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott and quarterback Trevor Lawrence.  Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross (8) comes down with a reception against South Carolina defensive back Israel Mukuamu (24) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)

Eric Boynton previews No. 3 Clemson's regular season finale vs. archrival South Carolina in Columbia. Sounbites from South Carolina RB Tavien Feaster and Clemson RB Travis Etienne and the bond that remains between the former teammates. Also quotes from HC Dabo Swinney, DC Brent Venables, S Tanner Muse and OL Gage Cervenka.  Clemson's Travis Etienne enters the field before the start of an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)

It's an off week for Clemson, but Eric Boynton provides insight on Trevor Lawrence's impressive play, especially focusing on the last several games. Also, Lawrence gives his take on the injury to star Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Head coach Dabo Swinney on current NFL rising stars, former Clemson QB Deshaun Watson and former Louisville signal-caller Lamar Jackson, and looks back on their legendary head-to-head matchup in 2016 in Death Valley.  Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, left, and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson pose for photographers after swapping jerseys after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 41-7. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Eric Boynton recaps Clemson's 52-3 win over Wake Forest. Soundbites from head coach Dabo Swinney, defensive coordinator Brent Venables, wide receiver Tee Higgins, safety Tanner Muse, defensive tackle Nyles Pinckney and defensive tackle Tyler Davis. Clemson's Tanner Muse (19), and Tyler Davis react after Muse sacked Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)

Eric Boynton previews Saturday's game as undefeated Clemson hosts Wake Forest on Senior Day. Soundbites from head coach Dabo Swinney, defensive coordinator Brent Venables, safety Tanner Muse, linebacker K'Von Wallace and offensive lineman Gage Cervenka.  Clemson's Trevor Lawrence (16) rushes on a quarterback keeper with blocking help from Gage Cervenka during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)  

Eric Boynton breaks down Clemson's 55-10 win at N.C. State. Head coach Dabo Swinney dismisses the notion of a "frosty" handshake with Dave Doeren after the game, along with some of Swinney's other Greatest Hits with the media. Also, OL John Simpson and Co-Offensive coordinator Tony Elliott on Simpson's "freezer package" touchdown run.  Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney congratulates Clemson's John Simpson (74) after his touchdown run during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

Eric Boynton previews Saturday's game at N.C. State as Clemson faces the Wolfpack in the long-running, Textile Bowl. Head coach Dabo Swinney talks Tigers' fans down from the ledge, many disappointed the team is No. 5 in the first FBS playoff rankings. Plus, an interview with freshman DL Ruke Orhorhoro. Clemson freshman defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro is shown on the sideline during a game earlier this season. [Maddie Williams/Clemson]  

Eric Boynton recaps Saturday's 59-14 win over Wofford with soundbites from RB Travis Etienne, HC Dabo Swinney, DC Brent Venables and Co-OC Jeff Scott.  Clemson's Travis Etienne (9) eludes the tackle attempt by Wofford's Mason Alstatt (13) to score a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)

Eric Boynton previews Saturday's game in Death Valley as No. 4 Clemson welcomes in-state and FCS-ranked Wofford. Also, Logan Rudolph's alter-ego, "Coach Stiff" and an interview with backup QB and Dorman product Ben Batson. 

Eric Boynton recaps No. 4 Clemson's 59-7 win over Boston College. Dabo Swinney on his pink jacket from Belk and a visit from legendary FSU coach Bobby Bowden. Plus soundbites from Co-OC Jeff Scott and WR Diondre Overton.   Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney greets fans during the "Tiger Walk" before an NCAA college football game against Boston College, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)

Eric Boynton previews No. 4 Clemson's game Saturday against Boston College. Dabo Swinney talks about the play of standout LB Isaiah Simmons, and discusses facing a player this week that was previously on the Tigers roster, Boston College DL Richard Yeargin. Also, hear from former Clemson and Pittsburgh Steelers standout, Levon Kirkland, who will be inducted into the Clemson Ring of Honor on Saturday.  Oklahoma running back, Mike Gaddis (32), tries to get past the tackle of Clemson linebacker, Levon Kirkland (44) during first quarter action of the Citrus Bowl in Orlando Florida, Jan. 2, 1988. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Eric Boynton previews No. 3 Clemson's game at 4-2 Louisville on Saturday. Head coach Dabo Swinney discusses the Cardinals' culture change following the hire of new coach Scott Satterfield. Swinney also talks about his own philosphy on tough love as a coach following the change at starting place-kicker. Linebacker James Skalski on preparing for Louisville.  Clemson's James Skalski, top, tackles Florida State quarterback James Blackman during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)

Eric Boynton recaps No. 2 Clemson's 45-14 win over Florida State as the Tigers improved to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in ACC play. Soundbites from head coach Dabo Swinney, Co-OC Tony Elliott, along with an interview with WR and Boiling Springs High School graduate Will Brown.  - Will Brown runs with the ball after a catch against Charlotte earlier this season. (Photo courtesy Bart Boatright)

Eric Boynton previews Saturday's game vs. Florida State and discusses Dabo Swinney's "no drama" comments to the media regarding QB Trevor Lawrence and a rumored MRI. Also, an interview with RB Darien Rencher, who talks about Clemson's P.A.W. Journey initiative and working out at former Tigers' standout Ben Boulware's gym. 

Eric Boynton dives deep into Clemson's recruiting strategy and philosophy with an extended soundbite from head coach Dabo Swinney. Also, a quick interview with DT Nyles Pinckney.  Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney directs the team during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)

Eric Boynton breaks down the nail-biting 21-20 win at North Carolina in Chapel Hill and what it could mean for now No. 2 Clemson as it progresses through the season. But first, an off week before returning to action Oct. 12 vs. Florida State. Soundbites: head coach Dabo Swinney, OL John Simpson, S Nolan Turner. 

Eric Boynton previews No. 1 Clemson's rare trip to face North Carolina (2-2, 1-0) in Chapel Hill. The Tigers (4-0, 2-0) haven't played in Chapel Hill, NC since 2010. Soundbites from head coach Dabo Swinney, OL Jackson Carman. 

Eric Boynton breaks down No. 1 Clemson's 52-10 win in Death Valley over Charlotte that saw the Tigers play a school-record 111 players. Soundbites from QB Trevor Lawrence, S K'Von Wallace, DC Brent Venables and Co-OC Tony Elliott.    Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the 1st quarter Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Clemson’s Memorial Stadium. [BART BOATWRIGHT/FOR THE SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL]

Eric Boynton previews No. 1 Clemson's Saturday home game against Charlotte with soundbites from OC Jeff Scott, QB Trevor Lawrence and LB Isaiah Simmons.  Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) is congratulated after sacking the Syracuse quarterback during an CAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Steve Jacobs)

Eric Boynton breaks down the 41-6 win over Syracuse, focusing on Brent Venables' defense, which hasn't missed a beat despite new names and faces across the front seven. Soundbites from Venables, LB James Skalski and S Tanner Muse.  Clemson defensive back Tanner Muse (19) makes a stop on the goal line against Syracuse during the 3rd quarter at the Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. Saturday, September 14, 2019. [BART BOATWRIGHT/for the Spartanburg Herald-Journal]

Eric Boynton previews Saturday night's matchup in the Carrier Dome.

Eric Boynton breaks down the 24-10 win over Texas A&M with a deeper look at how Lyn-J Dixon was utilized in the Clemson running game. Also, check out Eric's interview with Amari Rodgers, who had his first catch and game action on Saturday since tearing his ACL in a March 25 practice, only 165 days prior to his rapid return. 

Eric Boynton breaks down No. 1 Clemson's game in Death Valley against No. 12 Texas A&M. Soundbites from OC Jeff Scott, OL Sean Pollard and S K'Von Wallace.  Clemson's Tanner Muse, center, Isaiah Simmons, left, and K'Von Wallace celebrate Muse's interception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. Clemson won 52-14. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)

Listen in as Eric Boynton recaps Travis Etienne's performance in the season-opening win over Georgia Tech and touches on a surprising tackle made by quarterback Trevor Lawrence that inspired his teammates.

This week, Eric Boynton breaks down the Tigers season opener Thursday night vs. Georgia Tech. Eric also catches up with standout wide receiver Tee Higgins and talks expectations and more.  Clemson's Tee Higgins (5) catches a touchdown pass while defended by Jake Venables (15) during the Clemson Tigers annual Orange and White spring scrimmage game Saturday, April 6, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)

This week, Eric Boynton discusses Clemson's (not shocking) placement at the top of the preseason polls, along with battles for starting spots on defense and a wrap from the end of camp. The Tigers open the season Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. Georgia Tech in Death Valley. 

This week, Eric Boynton discusses some of the noise behind the scenes. By the way, did you hear former QB Kelly Bryant didn't get a ring for Clemson's championship last season? Also, a deeper look at the rebuilt defensive front and some of the key names looking to step up for DC Brent Venables.  Associated Press photo 

Eric Boynton breaks down the early Trevor Lawrence Heisman Trophy hype. And there being absolutely, positively no quarterback controversy this year. Plus, how Lyn-J Dixon could play into the Clemson running attack and Dabo Swinney on the key differences between last year's loaded roster and the 2019 edition.  - AP photo

Tigers Extra host Eric Boynton of the Spartanburg Herald-Journal breaks down the beginning of the Clemson football season, plus hear from head coach Dabo Swinney, QB coach Brandon Streeter chats about Trevor Lawrence and DC Brent Venables shares his thoughts on James Skalski.

Listen to the debut episode of Tigers Extra featuring Eric Boynton's interviews with Adam Humphries and Charone Peake, former Dorman High School and Clemson standouts and current NFL wide receivers.

After a blowout win over Alabama, are the Clemson Tigers the best team of all-time? Beat writer Eric Boynton of the Spartanburg Herald-Journal discusses Clemson's status as the premier program in America and how the future could be even brighter for the Tigers. And if eligible, would Trevor Lawrence be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft?

Scott and Brant start off the third, and final hour, of the day with a conversation about AP voting and how both of them fill out their polls in college football and basketball respectively. Scott runs through some terrible bowl game names in college football history. Eric Boynton of the Spartanburg Herald-Journal joins to talk about media day at the Cotton Bowl between Notre Dame and Clemson. What is the status of Dexter Lawrence who is in danger of suspension by Clemson for a failed drug test?

Sports reporter Eric Boynton joins digital editor Gabe Whisnant to discuss the offseason of major changes for the Carolina Panthers ahead of the 24th year of Training Camp at Wofford College. 

Sports reporter Eric Boynton and digital editor Gabe Whisnant discuss Clemson's run to the Sweet 16 and Friday night's matchup with Kansas. Also, the South Carolina women are in the Sweet 16 for the fifth-straight season and take on Buffalo Saturday morning. 

Sports reporter Eric Boynton joins digital editor Gabe Whisnant to breakdown Clemson's first round matchup against New Mexico State. He also discusses the South Carolina women's chances of another march to the Final Four, and we give our men's tournament predictions.