Building a Connected College by Aligning Strategy and Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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