Shows
Changing Higher EdStrategies to Help Adult Learners Re-Enroll and GraduateHow 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 dis...
2025-06-2437 minChanging Higher EdWhat’s Fueling the Collapse in Public Trust in Higher EducationPublic 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 h...
2025-04-1532 minChanging Higher EdShort-Term Credentials: What College Leaders Should KnowAs 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 su...
2025-04-0136 minChanging Higher EdThe Hidden Enrollment Market in Workforce EducationThere 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 an...
2025-03-0437 minChanging Higher EdHigher Education 2025 Predictions and 2024 Year in ReviewIn this 7th annual end-of-year episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton becomes the guest of our podcast as we welcome this year's guest host, Tom Netting, of TEN Government Strategies, to review McNaughton's higher ed predictions for 2024 and explore his higher education 2025 predictions. The discussion reveals how higher education fared over the polarizing election year and what to expect in the coming year. Review of 2024 Higher Ed Predictions and Outcomes Political Environment and Higher Education: Grade A The prediction about increased political involvement in higher education proved remarkably accurate in 2024, particularly given the el...
2024-12-311h 05Changing Higher EdNew Models for Consolidation in Higher EducationConsolidating Higher Education: The Community Solution Model This episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast features Dr. Michael Horowitz, Chancellor of The Community Solution Education System (formerly TCS Education System), who discusses using innovative models for higher education consolidation as an additional category in or alternative to traditional mergers or acquisitions. Horowitz highlights the system's unique approach, a collaborative model prioritizing resource optimization and expertise sharing among member institutions while maintaining individual identities. The conversation addresses challenges facing higher education, including increasing closure rates and the importance of proactive strategies like mergers, acquisitions, and consolidations. Both McNaughton a...
2024-12-2434 minChanging Higher EdEffective University Mergers & Lessons in Stability from PASSHEIn this episode of Changing Higher Ed, Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Daniel Greenstein, former Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), to explore strategic efforts in guiding one of the largest transformations in U.S. higher education. Over his six-year tenure, Greenstein led PASSHE’s integration of six universities into two larger institutions, tackling financial challenges, increasing program diversity, and improving student outcomes—all while maintaining each institution’s unique identity and local impact. The discussion covers the complexities involved in large-scale university mergers, including the need for legislative support, active stakeholder engagement, and pa...
2024-10-2941 minChanging Higher EdSTEM Enrollment Growth: Online Labs Drive Student RetentionThis episode features host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and guest Dr. Caitlin Runne-Janczy, Chief Academic Officer for Scientific Interactive, a company that provides hands-on and virtual science lab experiments to students. Drumm and Cait focus on the growing demand for online science lab courses, particularly in STEM fields. Cait discusses the results of a recent survey that found a significant increase in online lab enrollment and a corresponding decrease in on-campus enrollment. They also explore the challenges and opportunities of delivering quality online lab experiences, including safety considerations, lab setup, accreditation, and student learning outcomes. Cait highlights the...
2024-10-2228 minChanging Higher EdImprove Student Employability: Addressing the Great Misalignment in Higher EducationIn this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Drumm McNaughton welcomes back Dr. Zack Mabel, Research Professor and Director of Research, and Kathryn Campbell, Associate Director of Editorial Policy and Senior Editor/Writer, from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW). They discuss the findings of CEW's recent report, "The Great Misalignment: Addressing the Mismatch Between the Supply of Certificates and Associates Degrees and the Future Demand for Workers in the U.S. Labor Markets," which highlights the severe disconnect between the credentials higher education institutions are producing and the skills employers need in the...
2024-06-1841 minChanging Higher EdEmbrace AI as a Performance Tool to Benefit Higher EdIn this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Bruce Dahlgren, CEO of Anthology and trustee at Stetson University, explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. They discuss the parallels between human and AI development, address ethical concerns, and provide actionable recommendations for college and university leaders looking to integrate AI effectively. Podcast Overview Understanding AI's Learning Process and Addressing Concerns § AI systems, like humans, accumulate knowledge and experiences to grow smarter over time. § Natural language models like GPT now dr...
2024-06-1136 minChanging Higher EdTransformative Change Models in Higher Education - Part 2In Part 2 of this series, Drumm McNaughton, F. Joseph Merlino, and Deborah Pomeroy dive deeper into the strategies and approaches for driving transformative change in higher education, focusing on preparing teachers for the 21st century. They share valuable insights and real-world examples drawn from their extensive research and practical experiences. Key Discussion Points Change Theory and the Process of Change: · Understanding change theory and the process of change is crucial for driving transformative change in higher education. · Change must be driven by a meaningful purpose owned by all stakeholders. · Transformative change...
2024-06-0423 minChanging Higher EdFour Quandaries Facing Higher Ed Presidents - Part 1Transforming Teacher Preparation for the 21st Century In this two-part series, university presidents and higher education leaders gain valuable insights into the complex challenges of upgrading teacher preparation for the 21st century and strategies for driving transformative change. In Part 1, Drumm McNaughton is joined by F. Joseph Merlino and Deborah Pomeroy as they identify and analyze the dilemmas (the Four Quandaries) impacting higher education institutions today. Key Discussion Points The Four Quandaries Facing Higher Education Presidents: · Mission vs. Revenue: Balancing the historic mission of providing transformative education with the increasing emphasis on job...
2024-05-2832 minChanging Higher EdLiving on the Edge: Design Thinking for a New Era in Higher EdCesar Santalo, Dean of the College of Communications and Design at Lynn University, shares how he applies design thinking to drive innovation and change in higher education. The interview provides insights into how design thinking can transform universities to meet future demands through empathy, experimentation, and engaging all stakeholders in the process of innovation. Cesar's unique background as an artist/designer is leveraged to inject fresh thinking into academia. Overview The core principles of design thinking he discusses include: Empathy - dive deep to understand the problem from the perspective of all...
2024-05-2134 minChanging Higher EdCivil Discord - Bridging Ideological Divides in Higher EducationIn this episode, we welcome Dan Oppenheimer, Director of Public Affairs for the UT Austin College of Liberal Arts, to discuss Civil Discord, a recent conference at UT Austin that brought together scholars and writers from across the political spectrum for a series of moderated arguments on issues of great public significance. Key Points Overview: Civil Discord was a unique collaboration between three academic entities in Austin: UT Austin College of Liberal Arts, the School of Civic Leadership, and the University of Austin. The conference aimed to model civil discourse and connect across scholarly, political, partisan, a...
2024-05-1439 minChanging Higher EdGrow Veteran Enrollment and Retention in Higher Ed: Insights from WSPIn this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Cassie Sanchez, Director of Education at Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP). They discuss how WSP supports veterans in successfully transitioning to higher education. The conversation highlights the benefits these programs offer both to veterans and the institutions they attend, focusing on enhancing enrollment strategies, supporting veteran success, and leveraging the unique strengths veterans bring to academic environments. This episode provides valuable insights for university leaders aiming to improve veteran enrollment and retention rates, thereby enriching the diversity and dynamism of their campuses. Key D...
2024-04-2331 minChanging Higher EdStrategies to Attract and Enroll Nontraditional Modern StudentsIn this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, host Drumm McNaughton is joined by Chris Gilmore, VP of Education Dynamics Enrollment Management. With extensive experience in online higher education and various leadership roles, Chris shares valuable insights into the evolving landscape of student demographics and the strategic approaches institutions need to adopt to effectively engage nontraditional students. Key Discussion Points The Changing Definition of Nontraditional Students Evolving Definitions: Chris elaborates on how the term "nontraditional students" has expanded beyond age differences to include individuals integrating education into their already fu...
2024-04-1639 minChanging Higher EdBeyond Career and Job-Ready Graduates: Beating the Underemployment OddsEmpowering Students for Career Success: Villanova's Innovative Approach In this episode of Changing Higher Ed, Dr. Drumm McNaughton talks with Kevin Grubb, Associate Vice Provost for Career and Professional Development at Villanova University, about the innovative ways Villanova is preparing students for a successful start to their careers and setting them up to beat the odds of 43% under employment for many college graduates. Learn how Villanova embeds career readiness skills into the curriculum and prioritizes student well-being throughout the process. Key Discussion Points Preparing Students for Career Success from Orientation Onward:
2024-04-0936 minChanging Higher EdWashington Update: Neg Reg March 2024 ReviewProgram Integrity and Institutional Quality Committee: A Focus on Distance Education and the Return of Title IV Funds. In this episode, host Drumm McNaughton is joined by Tom Netting, president of 10 Government Strategies, to discuss the recent Neg Reg 2024 proceedings and their implications for higher education institutions. They explore the key issues addressed during the negotiations, including distance education, accreditation, cash management, and more. The discussion highlights the importance of staying informed and engaged in the regulatory process to ensure the best outcomes for students and institutions alike. Key Discussion Points Neg Reg 2024 M...
2024-04-0238 minChanging Higher EdLifelong Learning Business Models for a Changing Higher Ed MarketplaceIn this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, host Dr. Drumm McNaughton is joined by Amrit Ahluwalia, the incoming Executive Director for Continuing Studies at Western University. They discuss the evolving role and models of higher education institutions and the need for transformative change to remain relevant and sustainable in the evolving marketplace. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds and unique vantage points, they explore how continuing education divisions can play a broader role in shaping the university's impact. Key Discussion Points The Shifting Models of Higher Education: Changing expectations and perceptions of education among learners...
2024-03-2642 minChanging Higher EdNYU’s Alternate Pathways to A Top-Tier Degree – Part 2NYU is flipping the script on many traditional educational models and mindsets, embracing a strategic shift to offer alternative pathways to top-tier degrees. This strategic evolution reflects a profound commitment to access and flexibility, directly addressing the needs of an expanded demographic of students. Dr. Harrison shines a light on the practical implementations and thought processes behind such forward-thinking initiatives, aiming to demonstrate the successful delivery of education to a larger, non-traditional population. In Part 2 of this two-part podcast, Drumm McNaughton and Doug Harrison continue the conversation where they left off in Part 1, discussing New...
2024-03-1234 minChanging Higher EdNYU’s Alternate Pathways to A Top-Tier Degree - Part 1NYU is responding to the large U.S. population that needs and wants affordable and flexible higher education that meets them where they are by creating unconventional pathways to top-tier degrees. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton is joined by Dr. Doug Harrison, the head of New York University’s Applied Undergraduate Studies program at its School for Professional Studies, to discuss how NYU has built structures and processes that create alternative pathways for first-gen and low socioeconomic students that enable them to get an NYU degree. Podcast Highlights ...
2024-03-0526 minChanging Higher EdA Win-Win Partnership for Universities and Older Adults: Engage Seniors, Enrich Your CommunityThis episode of Changing Higher Ed explores the win-win partnership between universities and organizations like The Oasis Institute, which is dedicated to lifelong learning and community engagement for older adults. Host Drumm McNaughton interviews Paul Weiss, President of The Oasis Institute, about the benefits of engaging seniors in higher education, from enriching classrooms to fostering community connections. Key Points: The growing need for lifelong learning: As the population ages, universities face a crucial opportunity to cater to older adults seeking to continue learning and engage with their communities. The Oasis Institute: A nat...
2024-02-2736 minChanging Higher EdA More Efficient University Business Model For The Win - Part 2Faced with an overwhelming number of complex issues, the higher education sector must urgently develop and adopt innovative business models to transform itself into a more accessible, affordable, and future-proof system. Dr. Melik Khoury, whose visionary approach and adaptation of the university business model has navigated his institution through tumultuous times and set a new standard for academic excellence and operational efficiency. Dr. Drumm McNaughton welcomes Dr. Khoury back for part two of the series to share his insights on leading Unity Environmental University to unprecedented growth. With a background rich in guiding higher education...
2024-02-2032 minChanging Higher EdSJSU Public-Private Partnerships Boost Enrollment and Public OpinionNot all news in higher ed is doom and gloom. San Jose State University is shining bright at the heart of innovation, building public-private partnerships that boost enrollment, community relationships, and public opinion about higher education. In this inspiring discussion, Dr. Drumm McNaughton is joined by Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President of San José State University, who shares her insights on leveraging the power of public-private partnerships to elevate the institution's role in education, innovation, and community engagement. At the helm of SJSU, located in the dynamic ecosystem of Silicon Valley, she exemplifies leadership in navigating and enhancing t...
2024-02-0635 minChanging Higher EdStrategic Presidential Communication in Higher EducationWith today’s heightened political and social focus on higher education, the role of strategic communications for university presidents and boards is more important than ever. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed, Drumm McNaughton is joined in conversation by Erin Hennessy, Executive Vice President for TVP Communications, a firm specializing in higher education communications. Erin, with her extensive background in strategic and crisis communications, offers invaluable insights into the complexities of presidential communications. This episode is particularly timely, considering the recent hearings in Washington, increased demands for statements from higher ed presidents on seemingly eve...
2024-01-3042 minChanging Higher EdKey Regulatory Changes Impacting Higher Ed M&ARecent changes in the Education Department's regulations are reshaping mergers and acquisitions in higher education. These regulatory modifications, coupled with new negotiated rulemaking, are affecting not only the dynamics of institutional changes but also the roles of accreditors and state authorization bodies. Drumm McNaughton welcomes Mike Goldstein, Managing Director of the Center for Higher Education Transformation at Titan Partners, to discuss significant regulatory changes in the field of higher education. Key Discussion Points: New Regulatory Landscape: Exploration of the Department of Education's recent regulatory changes and their impact on higher education institutions' merg...
2024-01-1639 minChanging Higher EdThe State of EdTech: OPMs, Risk Planning, and Generative AIIn this episode of Changing Higher Ed podcast, listeners will gain an insightful overview of how technology is reshaping the EdTech arena and the potential risks of the current state of OPMs. Dr. Drumm McNaughton discusses contemporary EdTech trends and predictions with Phil Hill, publisher of Phil on EdTech Blog and partner at MindWires LLC. They explore topics ranging from the recent changes in the OPM market due to enrollment, regulations, and cost of money, the potential transformations brought about by generative AI in higher education, to how universities can navigate the existential changes impacting t...
2024-01-0944 minChanging Higher EdAGB Board of Directors’ Statement: A Conversation with the EVP Mary PapazianIn this episode, host Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Mary Papazian, Executive Vice President of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. They focus on higher education governance and discuss the significant "AGB Board of Directors’ Statement on Influences Impacting Governing Board Independence and Leadership." This document, a noteworthy publication in AGB's 110-year history and only the 13th such statement, addresses crucial issues in contemporary educational governance. Podcast Highlights "Without academic freedom and autonomy, higher education institutions cannot fulfill the vital role they play in our democracy and economy. The glob...
2024-01-0238 minChanging Higher Ed2023 Higher Education Year in Review and 2024 PredictionsWelcome to our 2023 Higher Education Year in Review and Predictions for 2024 podcast. In this episode, Deborah Maue, Aurora University Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, and Dr. Drumm McNaughton review last year's 2023 higher education predictions and provide insights into the unexpected developments and what to prepare for in 2024. Review of the 2023 Predictions Continuing Decline in College Enrollment: The prediction of a continued decline in college enrollment in 2023 was accurate. Factors like federal COVID assistance played a significant role in sustaining institutions, especially smaller colleges. This trend particularly impacted institutions with enrollments under 1500 students, leading to various strategic...
2023-12-2654 minChanging Higher EdInsights for Higher Ed Presidents: Fireside Chat with Brit KirwanIn this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton invites Dr. Brit Kirwan back to discuss the dynamic and challenging landscape of higher education. They discuss many of the high-stress challenges higher education presidents are facing today. With more capacity than students and issues like political interference, the decline in public trust, and the threats to academic freedom, the higher education president's role is more stressful than ever before. Overview: Dr. Kirwan shares his wisdom on the evolving landscape of higher education. His perspectives are a guiding light for current presidents and leaders in the field, offering strategies to...
2023-12-0530 minChanging Higher EdGratitude in University Leadership: Challenges and InsightsIn this episode of the podcast, Drumm, serving as both host and guest, explores the theme of thankfulness, particularly focusing on its importance in university leadership. He reflects on the challenges faced by university presidents and the significance of gratitude in overcoming these obstacles. Podcast Highlights Drumm discusses the history of Thanksgiving and its global relevance, underlining the benefits of gratitude, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. Emphasizing the role of thankfulness in difficult times, he relates this to the challenges in higher education, such as university closures and enrollment declines. The...
2023-11-2809 minChanging Higher EdTough Times Ahead for Higher Education EnrollmentFacing tough times ahead, higher education enrollment is at a critical juncture, as discussed by seasoned experts Drumm McNaughton, Bill Conley, and Bob Massa in this episode. They examine the current landscape, characterized by fluctuating student numbers, the next two demographic cliffs, and changing educational trends. Drawing from recent reports by the National Student Clearinghouse and the College Board, they explore changing demographics, public skepticism towards higher education, and the unintended results of trending financial strategies. Key Discussion Points Enrollment Trends and Challenges: Significant long-term changes in higher education enrollment patterns post-COVID-19. Decreased enrollment in...
2023-11-1442 minChanging Higher EdInclude All Stakeholders for Successful Higher Ed TransformationSuccessfully reinventing a college or university into a truly innovative school after cutting a major portion of programs sounds near impossible, but the experiences at National Louis University (NLU), a four-campus private institution in Chicago, proves that presidents and other decision-makers can achieve the same without having to rebuild trust in faculty and staff. NLU is also the poster child of a university that successfully shakes the status quo. It provides no-cost tuition and grant-covered programs, supports an unprecedented student-first culture that promotes continuous change and accessibility, and has adopted a data-informed mentality to facilitate equity.
2023-01-2440 minChanging Higher EdNavigating Higher Ed Economic Challenges - Insights for Presidents of Higher Learning Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Lucie Lapovsky of Lapovsky Consulting about higher education finances, including how low enrollment is forcing smaller, non-elite colleges and universities to shift cost functionality, drop majors, consolidate, reset their tuition, price-match the competition, embrace online learning and micro-credentials and retain students. Podcast Highlights Operating online provides campuses with great economies of scale, such as increased amounts of sharing between different institutions. The low-cost college coalition Rise helps schools increase the number of available majors. Although most mergers benefit larger institutions, some acquisitions complement both schools, including smaller...
2023-01-1733 minChanging Higher EdWashington Update: Student Debt, Omnibus, and Regulatory ChangesPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews CFO Tom Netting of TEN Government Strategies about the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness plan, the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, delays in upcoming regulations, and the effects that changes in Congress will have on higher education. Podcast Highlights Chief Justice Amy Coney Barrett reviewed and dismissed two of the six filed suits against Biden’s Student Debt Cancellation Plan Two other pieces of litigation will receive oral arguments from the Supreme Court by February 28, 2023 Presidents should encourage all current borrowers to ensure their student aid...
2023-01-1040 minChanging Higher EdDigital Credentialing Helps Higher Ed Add Layers of Value to Stakeholders Dr. Drumm McNaughton, in conversation with Danny King, co-founder and CEO of the global digital credentialing platform Accredible, about this new—and now mainstream—technology that is transforming the hiring industry and higher ed’s approach to credentialing. Podcast Highlights In the last decade or so, digital credentialing has become mainstream, with most organizations around the world—including many universities—using it. Institutions, as well as individual students, would benefit if higher ed leaders focus on making their students look their very best by promoting them through information shared with employers or other universities. As univers...
2022-12-2741 minChanging Higher EdContinuous Enrollment Growth – Success Strategies from a Small UniversityPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton, in conversation with Dr. Nathan Long, President at Saybrook University, about how Saybrook has managed to more than double enrollment over the course of eight years. Podcast Highlights To connect with prospective students, update the university’s mission every four to five years using data obtained from market research. Allocating a high percentage of the overall budget to marketing can not only increase but diversify enrollment. The benefits of and ways to include and support faculty in recruitment initiatives. Best practices for introducing ne...
2022-12-2038 minChanging Higher EdAn Assessment of Higher Ed Accreditation and SACSCOC - Part 2In the conclusion of this two-part series, Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Dr. Belle Wheelan, president of the Southern Association of Colleges Commission on Colleges, discuss the tsunami of issues facing higher ed and accreditation today, including several hot-button issues, how she responds to criticisms of accreditation, recent SACSCOC standards, and what’s ahead for accreditation. Podcast Highlights Student learning outcomes continue to be “a big deal.” The desire for micro-credentialing by sources outside accredited colleges and universities is stronger than ever, and how—and even if—to proceed is still up in the air.
2022-12-1325 minChanging Higher EdPresident of SACSCOC Talks Higher Ed Accreditation ChallengesIn the first of this two-part interview, Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Belle Wheelan, president of the Southern Association of Colleges Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), about the tsunami of issues facing higher ed and accreditation today, including three recent examples of undue political influence on governing boards. Podcast Highlights The current misunderstanding of accreditation likely stems from the larger issue of the overall decline of public support for higher ed in general. Governing boards—for both public and private institutions—have become increasingly politicized, but there are ways for presidents to address this...
2022-12-0633 minChanging Higher EdUnderstanding and Supporting the Changing Role of Faculty in Student Mental HealthHost, Dr. Drumm McNaughton is joined by Dr. Jana Mathews in discussion about the changing role of faculty in student mental health – how helicopter parents, social media, and the pandemic lockdowns shaped today’s undergraduate students, along with three tips for faculty as they navigate this unprecedented landscape, and how Higher Ed Administration can support Faculty in this transformational role. Podcast Highlights It’s important to remember that incoming college students are still maturing physically and intellectually, and they are not yet full-fledged adults. Faculty increasingly are put in the difficult position of being a...
2022-11-2935 minChanging Higher EdTop 6 Disruptions for Higher Ed Institutions Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Larry Large, long-time higher education administrator, president of LD Large Consulting, and president emeritus of Oglethorpe University about the most important disruptions facing higher ed today and how higher leaders can respond. Podcast Highlights The world of higher education has changed over the past thirty years in ways that affect virtually all areas of operation: demographics, student and institutional costs, governance, and more. Higher ed leaders must understand how these changes affect their institutions and educate all stakeholders—including the media—about the situation and how it’s being handled...
2022-11-2241 minChanging Higher EdIs Culture the Secret Sauce for Higher Ed Performance? Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Chris Kuberski, president of Highland Community College in Illinois, about her tremendous strides in the last three years to overhaul the organizational culture at her institution in order to provide an exceptional student experience through exceptional faculty and staff experiences. Podcast Highlights Want to offer an exceptional student experience? First, do the hard—but lasting—work of uprooting the negative aspects of the institution’s culture and reframing the positive aspects in ways that give faculty and staff a voice and a reason to shine. The CEO is in a uniq...
2022-11-1533 minChanging Higher EdAlignment Issues in Higher Ed Governance and Governing Boards Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews John A. White, a long-time leader in academia who most recently served as Chancellor of the University of Arkansas, about current trends in higher ed governance and governing boards that likely will erode operational efficiencies—and how a focus on alignment can help leaders succeed. Podcast Highlights The insertion of former politicians into higher ed executive roles has made an already highly politicized culture even more political and divisive. The responsibilities of governing boards have grown in recent years, even though many trustees are ill-prepared when they assume their roles. A c...
2022-11-0842 minChanging Higher EdHigher Ed Finance: Adopting a New Mindset to Stand Out and Succeed Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Jeff Spear, Principal at CFO Colleague, about the situation in higher education finance and how leaders can rethink finance in the face of current challenges. Podcast Highlights While the GI Bill and other government programs have achieved a great deal, the result has been discounts and tuition increases that render the price tag of a college education virtually meaningless—and unsustainable. The first step to addressing the many financial and other challenges facing higher education today is to acknowledge that “reality is your friend.” Declining enrollments have hit smaller...
2022-11-0141 minChanging Higher EdHow JEDI Can Improve Higher Education ROI Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Daniel Aguilar, a higher ed consultant in social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion issues, on reframing higher ed’s fragmented approach to diversity on campuses to better meet the needs of individual students while also boosting the university’s return on investment. Podcast Highlights Social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion – JEDI is not mere buzzwords that help institutions fulfill their missions—they are foundational processes that directly impact an institution’s bottom line if integrated through the campus culture. Furthermore, the integration of social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion into the cu...
2022-10-2532 minChanging Higher EdHigher Ed OPM Marketplace TransformationDr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Phil Hill, a top expert on educational technology and online project management, to discuss the current—disrupted—state of the industry and the answers college and university presidents must come up with to survive the existential questions facing institutions today. Podcast Highlights Unlike their predecessor MOOCs, OPMs are here to stay. Now mainstream throughout higher education, OPMs are disrupting business as usual in several areas, including accreditation and regulation, institutional governance and marketing, and risk management. Case studies like 2U and Zovia can provide higher ed leaders with valuable lessons for navigating the...
2022-10-1838 minChanging Higher EdHow to Transform Higher Ed to Create Workforce Readiness Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Ryan Craig, a Forbes journalist, author, Managing Director at Achieve Partners, and leader in the movement to establish an apprenticeship system for training and hiring employees. McNaughton and Craig discuss why traditional higher education will decline unless dramatic transformation is made to create workforce readiness. Podcast Highlights The gap between the traditional four-year degree and current workplace demands will continue to grow unless a drastic transformation is made. Alternative pathways to credentialing, such as apprenticeships, will increasingly supplement—and even surpass—higher ed’s role of providing social and economic mobility...
2022-10-1130 minChanging Higher EdCreating a Continuous Improvement Culture in Higher Education Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Ami Moyal, president of Israel’s Afeka College of Engineering, about how he used the skills and insights from his years as CEO of a high-tech company to transform Afeka’s curriculum and processes to better meet current and future industry demands with the implementation of a continuous improvement culture. Podcast Highlights Change must start from the inside, by convincing faculty and other stakeholders that “good enough” is not sustainable. Internal transformation must be guided by feedback from external partners and stakeholders, such as industry. Change does not happen in just a year or...
2022-10-0431 minChanging Higher EdOvercoming Governance Challenges in Higher Education Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Richard "Dick" Chait, a distinguished Fulbright Scholar and one of the top higher education management and governance experts, about the evolving roles, responsibilities, and key traits of effective board members and trustees. Podcast Highlights Governance in higher education has changed over time, and governance structures must continue to evolve for institutions to thrive. Significant differences exist between public and private governance structures, and each sector faces separate challenges. There has been a significant transfer of ideas from the corporate world into higher education, and trustees who migrate from large corporate entities...
2022-09-2739 minChanging Higher EdThe Changing Face of Collegiate Athletics – NCAA, Knight Commission, and Title IXDr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Amy Privette Perko, CEO of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, about the educational model of collegiate sports and the changing face of the NCAA. Podcast Highlights Two concurrent – but not directly connected – sets of major changes relating to the NCAA were made public in June and July of 2021, marking a period of transformational change in collegiate sports. The Supreme Court published its decision upholding a previous ruling against the NCAA, which bars the NCAA from placing any restrictions on educational benefits for student-athletes. Within a matter of days of the Supreme Cour...
2022-09-2032 minChanging Higher EdSuccess Strategies for Struggling Small to Medium Sized Colleges and UniversitiesDr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Rick Beyer, Executive Chairman at Core Education Services, PBC, about new and innovative ways that smaller colleges and universities can leverage shared services and affiliations to survive and prosper in the future. Podcast Highlights The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded previously existing and systemic problems in higher education, which will require transformational changes. While large universities’ economies of scale offer protections against declining enrollments and other issues – at least for now – smaller institutions that are already struggling to survive must act now. As the higher education industry enters what Beyer...
2022-09-1332 minChanging Higher EdNew Opportunities for Higher Ed Partnerships and MergersIn this episode, Drumm McNaughton and Mike Goldstein, Managing Partner at Tyton Partners, discuss the emerging trend among colleges and universities to engage in very different kinds of partnerships than what we have seen in the past. As many schools struggle to generate sufficient revenue, mergers and acquisitions are becoming more common, especially among smaller schools. Goldstein explains how taking a wider and more creative approach when considering potential partners may enable dissimilar institutions and organizations to complement and enhance one another. Institutions of higher education can benefit from looking beyond traditional models of what...
2022-08-2330 minChanging Higher EdWhy Mental Health Matters for Colleges and Universities - With Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Dr. June ParksIn this podcast, Dr. June Parks, a licensed psychologist specializing in childhood trauma, discusses how the youth mental health crisis, has been exacerbated and accelerated by the pandemic. Parks explains why mental health challenges on college campuses affect all members of the community, how generational differences impact individuals’ capacity to speak up about their own issues, and why mental health should be a primary concern for leaders in higher education. Podcast Highlights Student mental health issues directly impact persistence, and academic performance, and ripple throughout communities of higher education. Generational differences affect the willingness and ability of...
2022-08-0931 minChanging Higher EdAddressing the Hurdles to Landing a Good Job for America's YouthDr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Artem Gulish and Katherine Peltier Campbell, colleagues at Georgetown University, and co-authors of a recent report The Uncertain Pathway from Youth to a Good Job. In this podcast, they discuss the hurdles young adults face transitioning from school to a good job. Younger generations are taking longer to land good jobs than previous generations. In this conversation, Gulish and Campbell discuss the causal factors and hurdles for young people and consider the additional disparities created by race, class, and gender. Podcast Highlights Graduating students take longer than previous generations to get what G...
2022-08-0240 minChanging Higher EdWashington Update: Proposed Changes to Title IX and Protecting Vulnerable StudentsPodcast Summary In this episode, Drumm McNaughton and Tom Netting unpack the complex and sweeping proposed changes that have been released by the Department of Education over the course of June and July of this year. This important discussion covers the recently proposed changes to Title IX in addition to the Department’s notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) regarding borrower defense to repayment (BDR), public service loan forgiveness (PSLF), and other critical issues left over from Neg Reg 2022. Podcast Highlights As Title IX hits its 50th anniversary, the Biden administration is working hard to fo...
2022-07-2036 min
Changing Higher EdCompassion for Students Is the Key to Student PersistencePodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Marvin Krislov, president of Pace University. Marvin is one of the few presidents still teaching classes, and his recent article discusses why compassion, community, and kindness are perfectly aligned with the goal of student success. Podcast Highlights All students at Pace University take a course called UNV 101, which eases them into the college experience by teaching ways to manage stress and other fundamental skills. The university strongly aligns itself with its mission of student success by not only offering resources for overall wellness but continuously working...
2022-06-2830 minChanging Higher EdReinventing the Business Model for Small CollegesDr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Jayson Boyers, a first-generation student himself who is part of a new breed of higher education leaders hailing from the business community. As the president of Rosemont College, a very small liberal arts school in the greater Philadelphia area, Boyers is focused on innovative ways to meet student needs wherever they are. Podcast Highlights By looking at prospective students as whole people apart from their GPAs, Rosemont has been able to effectively target students who are likely to be most successful at their school. With increasing speculation about how small colleges will...
2022-06-2733 minChanging Higher EdWashington Update: Neg Reg 2022 Implications for Higher Education PolicyIn this podcast, Tom Netting and Drumm McNaughton discuss the issues debated in this year’s Negotiated Rulemaking Process (NegReg) in depth. Netting provides his take on the major successes, implications of non-consensus, and other outcomes. In addition, they discuss other current legislation affecting higher education and upcoming changes to Title IX. Podcast Highlights During the process of Neg Reg 2022, 16 total issue papers were discussed. A total of six issues achieved consensus among both committees. Each issue contained extensive detail and included implications for many types of institutions, which created friction and le...
2022-06-1036 minChanging Higher EdBecoming Great Universities: Insights from the AuthorsPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Allison Jegla and Richard Light, co-authors of a new book that offers no-cost to low-cost suggestions that just about anyone in higher education can use to improve their institutions. The book, Becoming Great Universities: Small Steps for Sustainable Excellence takes an optimistic approach to making big changes through small actions. Podcast Highlights While others dove into new skills or hobbies during the COVID-19 pandemic, Allison retreated to her childhood home in Michigan. Richard sat at home in Cambridge, and the two co-authored the new book, Becoming Great Universities...
2022-05-1745 minChanging Higher EdCarleton College Sustainability Model Reduced Operating CostsPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Martha Larson, Energy Manager at Minnesota’s Carleton College, about how colleges and universities can reduce their operating costs through the use of green technologies. Podcast Highlights Martha Larson explains that higher education institutions have a responsibility to act as role models by changing carbon-intense behaviors and modernizing energy technologies. Starting with a small study, Carleton College chose to fully transition from natural gas to renewable sources of energy including wind and geothermal. Their success has shown significant economic benefits to going green, both expected and unexpected. The steps...
2022-05-1631 minChanging Higher EdRethinking the Enrollment Decline in Higher Education – Changing Higher Ed Podcast 108 with Guest Mike PetrilliPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Michael Petrilli, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, about his new article discussing the downturn in college enrollment rates – and why that trend might be a good thing. Podcast Highlights Over the course of the global pandemic in the past two years, nearly one million students that might have enrolled in higher graduation under normal circumstances have failed to matriculate to post-secondary educational institutions. With nearly one million college students dropping out every year before the pandemic, many of those students who aren’t attending college due to the pand...
2022-05-0732 minChanging Higher EdEngineering a Higher Ed TurnaroundPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Paul Alexander, president of Trinity Bible College and Graduate School, about Trinity's turnaround, which is a roadmap for a higher education institution turnaround. Podcast Highlights Build coalitions. Make sure relationships are preeminent. Everything happens out of those bonds. Make sure you craft the narrative, know how to share it and ensure that others come along with you. Do they know the mission statement? Make sure board holds itself accountable, understands what it means to be a fiduciary and leads with integrity. Broaden the base, diversify. To...
2022-04-0544 minChanging Higher EdShaping College Curriculum for Student Workforce Success - AAC&U ReportPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Ashley Finley, Vice President of Research and Senior Advisor to the President for the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), where they talk about the study "On the Same Page? Administrator and Faculty Views on What Shapes College Learning and Student Success." Podcast Highlights There's a difference between what faculty are teaching and what employers feel are the most valuable skills they need. Despite broad consensus on the importance of mindsets, most campus administrations regard the intentional development of these outcomes to be within the purview of...
2022-03-3140 minChanging Higher EdBoard Evolution as a Catalyst for Transformational Change in Higher EdPodcast Summary. Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Gerry Czarnecki, the recently retired chairman and longtime board member of National University System, about the changing role of the boards of trustees in higher education. Podcast Highlights Boards can no longer be rubber stamps. They need to ask difficult questions and analyze institutional data to help the institution make appropriate changes so it can survive and thrive. In creating an integration or merger between institutions, view decisions based on the most important factors: the students, the employees, and the institutional mission. Leaders need to spend time creating a Plan...
2022-03-2034 minChanging Higher EdInnovation in Integration for Pine Manor College and Boston CollegePodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Tom O’Reilly, president of Pine Manor College, about the College’s efforts to change course financially and, once the pandemic emerged, to merge with Boston College in a way that honors their tradition of serving first-generation students. Podcast Highlights Leaders need to spend time creating a Plan A and a Plan B. Plan A goes into effect when things are running smoothly. However, Plan B offers a way to move forward if something unexpected emerges and upends Plan A. In creating an integration or merger between institutions, view...
2022-02-0836 min
Changing Higher EdP103 - Jim Bouse -Podcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Jim Bouse, Cirector for Enrollment Technology at the University of Oregon and former board chair of AACRAO, about using a holistic approach to enrollment management, especially in light of the enrollment cliff and the pandemic. Podcast Highlights Higher education is dealing with an accelerated rate of change because of the enrollment cliff and the pandemic. Therefore, it’s important for institutions to be clear about their purpose. Parents and students today are asking hard questions about the value of higher education. Is the cost worth it? How indebted wi...
2022-01-3136 minChanging Higher EdTCS Education System’s Secret Sauce for Growth and SustainabilityPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Michael Horowitz, founding president of TCS Education System, about the system’s expansion into healthcare and its use of technology to support student success. Podcast Highlights TCS has created its biggest project to date, the Kansas Health Science Center and its connected Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM). This effort is designed to prepare medical professionals to work in rural areas. The program will combine traditional medical training with technology, including telemedicine, in an innovative curriculum. TCS believes in radical cooperation. The system’s universities and colleges work...
2022-01-2134 minChanging Higher EdP101 - 2021 - End Of Year Wrap-upPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Deb Maue, Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Aurora University, discuss what has happened in 2021 and predict trends in higher education for 2022. Podcast Highlights Higher education’s challenges in relation to enrollment cliff and funding were put on hold because of the federal stimulus funding. However, these still remain looming issues for higher education in the future. Many higher education institutions returned to traditional classroom offerings in 2021, although they continued to find ways to incorporate online learning as part of their offerings. Moving into 2022, institutions will in...
2021-12-2449 minChanging Higher EdSuccessful Turnaround Strategies in Higher Ed Create a Path to Sustainability for Bradley UniversityPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Stephen Standifird, President at Bradley University, about how the university’s turnaround mentality is transforming its programs, financial reporting, governance, and leadership. Podcast Highlights By being customer-centric and asking prospective students what they want, higher education leaders can begin to redesign programs that attract enrollment. The university hired a CFO that doesn’t have any higher education experience. This has proven beneficial because she brings a different perspective that helps the institution eliminate outdated processes and decisions. Bradley is encouraging innovation by changing decision-making processes. For example, the...
2021-12-1039 minChanging Higher EdStakeholders Are Shaping a New M&A Model for Higher EducationPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Dan Greenstein, chancellor of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education, about the system’s change efforts to proactively deal with student enrollment declines and financial issues. Podcast Highlights Strategically integrating institutions can allow higher education systems to address declining enrollments and revenues through consolidating efforts. This approach also allows the institution to offer a wider set of programs, which otherwise would be cut due to budget declines. Transparency is important in any change effort so that various stakeholders can weigh in and offer their ideas. Data is cr...
2021-11-1638 minChanging Higher EdA Business Approach for Higher Ed Strategic Planning Success Using Data Analytics and Change ManagementPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Mark Lombardi, president at Maryville University, about the institution’s culture of innovation. Podcast Highlights Innovation in higher education involves starting with the end in mind, i.e., identifying the end point and ending date, and then allowing people to innovate with a focus on bringing the desired outcome into being. This approach requires changing the definition of failure so that it becomes a learning opportunity as opposed to a terrible outcome that people are penalized for. Creating this type of innovative culture requires letting go of 20th ce...
2021-11-1241 minChanging Higher EdImprove Persistence and Graduation Rates in Higher EdPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, president at Amarillo College, about how to successfully transform a higher education institution to meet the needs of today’s students in a way that that results in improved persistence and graduation rates. Podcast Highlights To successfully navigate the current environmental chaos, higher education institutions need to get a real handle on the students, who are often very different from the traditional students that attended college previously. Using this information can then inform the creation of structures and processes that truly meet students needs, instead of...
2021-11-0937 minChanging Higher EdWashington Update: New Guidance for Higher Ed on the Build Back Better InitiativePodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Tom Netting, CEO at TEN Government Strategies, about the current issues being discussed by federal policymakers in Washington. Podcast Highlights The U.S. Congress is considering several packages. However, the names and vehicle for passage continue to change to get buy-in politically. Two Neg Regs are on the horizon in relation to student loans and institutional accountability. Higher education leaders should keep these on their radar screen. Title IX changes are currently being discussed in the Office of Civil Rights. The office is currently reviewing comments that were...
2021-10-1041 minChanging Higher EdIs Institutional Spending and Affordability Putting U.S. Higher Ed in Danger? A New ACTA Report DiscussionPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Michael B. Poliakoff, president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), and Dr. Armand Alacbay, ACTA’s vice president of trustee and government affairs, about the organization’s new report, “The Cost of Excess,” which analyzes the reasons and impacts behind the continual rising cost of higher education. Podcast Highlights Higher education trustees need to ask probing questions and request meaningful data to help institutions make good decisions that are central to their mission of graduating students. For example, ACTA’s report found no statistical correlatio...
2021-10-0846 minChanging Higher EdHow to Build Great Leaders in Higher EducationPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Roger Hughes, President at Doane University, about the knowledge, qualities and skills that higher education leaders need to have. Podcast Highlights Higher education leaders can come from a variety of backgrounds, including coaching. Leadership knowledge and skills can be transferred between different types of jobs. It’s important to grow leaders. This can happen through creating an environment where the leadership team learns principle-based leadership that reflects the president’s values. Leaders can be driven by ego or principles. The former makes leaders feel like they are indi...
2021-09-1335 minChanging Higher EdInnovating the Higher Ed Business ModelPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Melik Khoury, president of Unity College, about the institution’s out-of-the-box thinking that is creating a new business model for higher education. Podcast Highlights Higher education is built on a traditional system that was developed by elite institutions. However, the model isn’t sustainable for educating a broader group of students. Colleges and universities should look at their missions and their policies to see if these are still valid—and whether they may be holding the institution back in some ways. Innovation doesn’t need to look the same...
2021-09-0436 minChanging Higher EdHope Forward: Enabling Free Tuition for CollegePodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Matt Scogin, president at Hope College, about the institution’s Hope Forward program. Podcast Highlights Higher education leaders can look at innovation through creating new financial models that are not based on tuition. The Hope Forward model is designed to increase access to higher education while also not saddling students with significant student debt after they graduate. This approach, which is based on student gratitude and generosity, will link students to the college through donations and interactions throughout their lifetime. To read the full show notes, visit ht...
2021-08-3133 minChanging Higher EdA New Higher Ed Business Model Targets Value PropositionPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Jaime Casap, a consultant and Google’s former education evangelist, about how higher education needs to create a new model that will help students embrace lifelong learning and succeed in the emerging economy. Podcast Highlights Students who come from low-socioeconomic circumstances, immigrant families or are the first in their family to attend college often don’t have a good understanding of the educational opportunities that are available to them. A new model of education should help students define who they are and what they’re passionate about, and then e...
2021-08-2541 minChanging Higher EdHigher Ed Innovation Brought on by the PandemicPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Kim Hadley, CFO at John Brown University, about lessons from the pandemic that can help transform higher ed institutions. Podcast Highlights Developing collaborations with other higher education institutions can help a university develop new programs without assuming significant fixed costs. Innovative technology, such as owl cameras, can solve immediate issues caused by the pandemic but also can have long-term benefits. The pandemic underscores the need for risk planning and education about the institution’s finances. While these scenarios may not come to pass, this process does help hi...
2021-08-1541 minChanging Higher EdThe Wisdom of a Tuition Reset at St. John's CollegePodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Mark Roosevelt, president of St. John’s College, about the college’s decision to do a tuition reset. Podcast Highlights In general, the higher education industry wants to communicate that it has something valuable to offer. However, setting the price tag to be beyond the means of almost every family that wants to enroll a student sends the wrong message. Consider starting a philanthropic campaign with alumni support. This approach taps into alumni’s understanding that college affordability is a problem for their families. They often want to con...
2021-08-0135 minChanging Higher EdPrepare for Changes in Higher Ed AccreditationPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, CEO of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, about accreditation’s role as higher education institutions continue to institute change in response to economic and societal turbulence. Podcast Highlights CHEA is a non-governmental organization that is focused on academic quality, quality assurance, transparency to the public, and ensuring that institutions and their programs are following their mission. Even with the rise in OPMs, colleges and universities are ultimately responsible for providing guidance in the curriculum design, which is part of the university’s role of self...
2021-08-0137 minChanging Higher EdGrow Your Institution with Online Student EnrollmentPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Tony Huffman, President and Founder of Perdia Education, about how technology is evolving to help higher education identify, recruit, enroll and serve adult students. Podcast Highlights With the enrollment cliff rapidly approaching, adult students need to increasingly become the focal point of higher education recruitment efforts. These students need a different approach to education than traditional students. Technology is important in not only providing online classes, but also in recruiting and enrolling adult students. These students want to be able to access information when and how they want...
2021-07-2730 minChanging Higher EdInnovation in Mergers and Acquisitions with 3 UniversitiesPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Danielle Wilken, the new president at the University of Bridgeport, about the changing plans that have allowed the university to survive through a partnership with Goodwin University. Podcast Highlights Change efforts are not set in stone, so expect things to evolve. This happened with University of Bridgeport, which was slated to be consumed by three area universities. However, when one university withdrew from the deal, the University of Bridgeport got a new lease on life through working with Goodwin University. These types of partnerships create the opportunity...
2021-07-2033 minChanging Higher EdHigher Education Leaders Face New Mindset ChallengesPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Philomena Mantella, President at Grand Valley University, about creating an REP4, an innovation effort using design thinking to improve education. Podcast Highlights REP4 is an alliance of six higher education institutions that are committed to innovation. This effort flips the innovation model through putting prospective and current students in the driver’s seat in identifying changes that are needed at the college or university. REP4 allows ideas to emerge and be prototyped at a variety of institutions, which share the information on the implementation and data to im...
2021-07-1036 minChanging Higher EdHigher Ed Must Transform to Stay RelevantPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Vickie Schray, EVP and chief external affairs officer at Zovio, about the role of innovation in helping higher education navigate the current turbulent environment. Podcast Highlights Innovation will be critical in helping colleges and universities survive. This innovation can be through creating partnerships that leverage and build capacity. Higher education’s work needs to focus on student needs and ensuring they are prepared for the workforce. Innovative approaches to this include creating credentials and considering students as long-term customers who will need to be re-skilled and upskilled. Higher ed...
2021-07-0834 minChanging Higher EdEvolutionary and Revolutionary Trends in Higher EducationPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Mike Goldstein, managing director and co-creator of the Center for Higher Education Transformation at Tyton Partners, about how the pandemic has accelerated change in higher education and some of the trends that are emerging. Podcast Highlights Higher education is experienced a burst of rapid acceleration that is in line with the evolutionary theory describing punctuated equilibrium. These types of acceleration are caused by a cataclysmic event, which in this case is the COVID-19 pandemic. Many institutions that were forced to adopt online learning because of the pandemic are...
2021-06-3040 minChanging Higher EdCurriculum Innovation through Higher Ed PartnershipsPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Anthony Wutoh, provost at Howard University, about how partnerships with industry and academic institutions can encourage innovation that benefits students, faculty, and the higher education institution. Podcast Highlights Partnerships with industry can offer many benefits, including industry expertise to assist with course and curriculum review, access to state-of-the-art technology, industry speakers and mentors, internships and other opportunities for students and faculty to grow. These types of partnerships also provide the industry partner with assurances that the higher education courses are preparing students to enter the workforce. These...
2021-06-2135 minChanging Higher EdWashington Update Focuses on Funding and Policy ChangesPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Tom Netting, CEO at TEN Government Strategies, about policy changes emerging from Washington, D.C. as the Biden Administration and Congress move forward to deal with the pandemic. Podcast Highlights Significant federal funding is expected to continue to come to higher education institutions and students. College and university presidents need to be very mindful about how they use this funding. It is important to use these funds to create a new institutional future instead of trying to return to the previous “normal.” The Department of Education’s top two of...
2021-06-0237 minChanging Higher EdWhat Grantmakers Want From Higher EdPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Ken Knueven, senior program director at the Charles Koch Foundation, about the various disruptors facing higher education and and what grantmakers are looking for in higher education transformation initiatives. Podcast Highlights Higher education is facing financial issues caused by a variety of disruptors. The pandemic accelerated these issues, forcing higher education leaders and institutions to consider radical and transformational change. Many employers are questioning the value of a college education. They are increasingly emphasizing—and in some cases, creating—certificate and other credentialing programs. Individualized education, access, affordability and...
2021-05-2034 minChanging Higher EdTransforming Curriculum and Higher Ed's Role in Workforce SuccessPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Ashley Finley, vice president of research and senior advisor to the president for the AAC&U, about how the workforce is changing and how higher education can play a part in this transformation. Podcast Highlights Employers consistently are looking for employees who have the competencies and skills created through a liberal education. Employers consistently rate individual skills such as drive and work ethic, ability to work independently, self-motivation, persistence and a sense of workplace belonging at the same level as teamwork, communications, critical thinking, and analysis. Generational...
2021-05-2037 minChanging Higher EdMarket Research Drives College’s TransformationPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Dave Haney, the interim president of Hiram College, about the ongoing transformation of the college to serve the needs of students and key stakeholders in its region. Podcast Highlights Targeted marketing allows institutions to share their story with prospective students who would be a good fit. This increasingly is important as students are focused on social media instead of network television or billboards. Focus on person-centered design and creating a holistic system. This enables institutions to create programs that students want and then develop an operational system...
2021-05-0333 minChanging Higher EdHow to Prevent Higher Education Cyber AttacksPodcast Overview Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Brian Kelly, Director of the Cybersecurity Program at Educause, about cyber risk management, and the increasing importance of including cybersecurity and cyber-hygiene in higher education’s enterprise risk management program. Podcast Highlights Disruptions in cybersecurity are becoming more common as higher education institutions increasingly see their technology systems being hacked. Ransomware attacks against colleges and universities doubled over the past year. As part of the enterprise risk management process, leaders need to consider potential cybersecurity issues. While ransomware is in the news, other worrisome issues such as research se...
2021-04-2133 minChanging Higher EdHBCU Leaders Embrace Strategic Change in Wake of PandemicPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Billy Hawkins, president of Talladega College, about how the pandemic has changed higher ed institutions and HBCUs in particular. Podcast Highlights When a crisis hits, prioritize students. Make strategic decisions and adaptions to keep students safe. By focusing on serving students during these difficult times through improving services and enhancing safety, higher education institutions can increase enrollments. The pandemic has taught higher education administrators and faculty to adapt. This ability to move with the flow and make changes needs to continue, even when the pandemic eases. ...
2021-04-0235 minChanging Higher EdStrategic Transformation for Colleges and Universities Post COVIDPodcast Summary Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Paul Friga, associate professor of strategy at the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and co-founder of ABC Insights, about how higher education leaders can strategically move their institutions forward as the pandemic eases. Podcast Highlights Higher education leaders have an opportunity to use the American Rescue Plan funding to move their institution forward in creating a new model. The pandemic has forced institutions to adopt efficiencies, many of which should continue to be used in the “new normal.” Leaders should use the...
2021-03-3036 minChanging Higher EdSweet Briar College’s Transformation through Change ManagementDr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Meredith Woo, president of Sweet Briar College, about the Sweet Briar Miracle, the college’s transformation using change management principles. Podcast Highlights Sweet Briar College faced a major uphill climb after alumnae successfully pushed back the board of trustees’ decision to close the institution. The college had to find ways to address and change perceived challenges, including declining interest in a liberal arts education, waning enrollment by women in women’s colleges, and the institution’s location in a rural Virginia setting. The college’s leaders started their change initiative with major over...
2021-03-1633 minChanging Higher EdHigher Ed Change Leadership: The "New Normal" After COVID-19Dr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Rob Hartman, CFO at Columbia International University, about how the pandemic has changed higher ed institutions and CIU, and in many ways, for the better. Podcast Highlights A crisis or change effort can have unexpected positive outcomes. In the case of CIU, these outcomes include increased enrollment, endowment, and employee productivity. During a change effort, create a committee with membership that spans the campus and can work through consensus. This effort can develop a powerful plan for change while also building engagement and support among institutional stakeholders. During times of change, leaders...
2021-03-1136 minChanging Higher EdHigher Ed Stimulus, Accountability, Affordability, and EnrollmentDr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, and former undersecretary of education for the Obama Administration, about what to expect from the Biden Administration and higher education policies. Sample Show Notes The Trump Administration and the Biden Administration both have tried to provide financial support to COVID relief to higher education. Funding is coming directly to higher education and is being allocated to states, who then provide support to state colleges and universities. The question becomes whether the amount of federal relief is enough to help institutions who have...
2021-03-0134 minChanging Higher EdIncrease Student Enrollment with Smartphone Delivered DegreesDr. Drumm McNaughton interviews Dr. Frank Rojas, COO at Los Angeles Pacific University, about myLAPU, an initiative that put their curriculum on students' smartphones. Sample Show Notes Three-fourths of students in online programs want to use their mobile devices to engage in coursework. However, only 13% have done so, which indicates a significant demand. MyLAPU was launched as a human-centered design project to remove the need for students to be connected to the internet via desktop or laptop to do their classwork. This new approach created a platform so the university can meet students both where...
2021-02-2328 minChanging Higher EdHigher education change management central to navigating 2020's turbulence and 2021's recovery with Drumm McNaughton and Deb MaueHigher education change management was critical in 2020 as college and university leaders dealt with crises brought on by COVID, and will remain so for 2021. This podcast features Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Deb Maue, and looks back at 2020 and predicts what 2021 has in store for higher ed. Overcoming 2020’s Challenges through Change Management The year 2020 was completely unpredictable with crises such as the pandemic emerging seemingly overnight. The nation and higher education have not recovered from what has happened—and it will be a long time before that recovery happens. However, significant good also came out of t...
2020-12-3142 minChanging Higher EdReflections on 2019 and Predictions for 2020 with Drumm McNaughton and Deb Maue | Changing Higher Ed 030Episode Summary The Change Leader CEO and President Drumm McNaughton and Aurora University Vice President for Marketing and Communications Deb Maue share their insights during the second annual wrap-up of happenings in higher education. This show notes offers a follow-up on the pair’s predictions for 2019 as well as insights on what to prepare for in 2020. Mergers, Consolidates and Closures 2018 Prediction for 2019: There would be an acceleration of mergers, consolidations and closures in higher education. What happened: This proved to be true. In November 2019, Education Dive reported that from 2014-2018, there we...
2019-12-2449 min