Changing Higher Ed

With 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 exte...

In this episode, Dr. Justin Grimes, founder and CEO of Stick With It and Apply to Graduate School, shares his expertise on enhancing graduate school enrollment through strategic enrollment management (SEM). Drawing on his extensive experience in higher education and diversity, equity, and inclusion in graduate education, Dr. Grimes offers practical strategies and insights for institutions looking...

Recent 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 High...

In 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 i...

In 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-ye...

Welcome 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 Declin...

In this episode of 'Changing Higher Ed' Podcast, host Dr. Drum McNaughton and guest Dr. Carrie Lovelace Petr discuss the topic of creating a healthy workplace culture in Higher Education institutions. Dr. Petr, a former senior education officer turned consultant, shares her expertise on leadership development and adapting to workplace culture. They discuss the impact of technology and the culture...

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) released its comprehensive report titled "Political Interference and Academic Freedom in Florida's Public Higher Education System." This report marks a critical juncture in the AAUP's history, being one of only eight special reports issued, and underscores a growing concern over political interference in the realm of academic governance. Han...

In 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 presiden...

In 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...

This episode of Washington Update examines significant changes and updates in higher education policy, with a focus on the Higher Education Act of 2019, the FAFSA Simplification Act, and various Title regulations. The discussion highlights the Biden-Harris administration's active role in Negotiated Rulemaking since late 2020, bringing about a comprehensive set of regulations affecting higher educa...

Facing 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 Co...

Navigating New Frontiers in Higher Education In the quest for sustainability and relevance, universities worldwide are confronting a pivotal moment that calls for a transformative rethinking of their traditional business models. The Ernst & Young white paper: How are you balancing the books for a digital future? discussed in the episode, created in partnership with Times Higher Education, delves i...

Innovating Higher Education for a New Era When it comes to higher education, innovation isn't just about generating ideas; it's about knowing how to implement them effectively. In a world that's rapidly changing, colleges and universities need to adapt to meet the needs of today's students. Dr. Philly Mantella, the President of Grand Valley State University, is at the forefront of this innovation,...

In this conversation between Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Dr. David R. Decker, the President of Franklin University, we explore three strategic moves aimed at driving higher education enrollment. Franklin University, which primarily serves non-traditional, part-time adult learners, offers a unique perspective on higher education.   Podcast Highlights   Applying the 4 Ps of Marketing to Higher Educatio...

This thought-provoking conversation dissects the structural disruptions in the higher education landscape. Drawing parallels with the entertainment industry, McNaughton and Smith explore the strategic turbulence ahead for higher education leaders.   Key Discussion Points: Introduction to structural disruption and its defining role in today's higher education. A glance back at the entertainment ind...

Strategies for Seamless K-12 to Higher Ed Transitions, Embracing Online Learning, and Building Strong Institutional Foundations The second half of this two-part series with Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU)'s Chancellor Terrence Cheng explores the strategy CSCU uses to better communicate to high schoolers how connected K-12 is to higher ed to ensure equity and accessibility for al...

Learn how CSCU's unification of its once-siloed community college is building a sustainable higher education model and helping improve retention and enrollment. The first half of this two-part series with Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU)'s Chancellor Terence Cheng explores how CSCU partners with local businesses to ensure equity and workforce preparation for its majority-minority...

This episode delves deep into the challenges of diversifying student bodies in higher education, especially in the wake of SCOTUS decisions on Affirmative Action. Dr. Thomas Parham and Dr. Dilcie Perez, stalwarts from the California State University system, bring their expertise and insights to the table.   Drowning in Diversity Debates   Higher education has always been a battleground of ideologi...

Although a for-profit institution, Post University employs a unique and effective two-fold approach to ensure graduates are career-ready with lifelong learning skills that "not-for-profit" universities can emulate on their campuses.   In this podcast episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Director Camille Dumont of the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) about how she aligned...

By 2032, college football playoff revenue and new lucrative conference media contracts are projected to reach $16 billion annually for 54 schools with the most lucrative football programs, according to a new report from Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics in partnership with CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen).   During this same time frame, the report also finds that 26 of these 54 schools will l...

Higher education must strive to increase the average tenure of university presidents, which currently stands at a dismal 3.7 years. This can be accomplished by addressing ineffective presidential onboarding processes and shared governance practices, among others.    In this second half of a two-part series, Dr. Drumm McNaughton discusses best practices and strategies with a nationally recognized a...

President university turnover is a major problem in higher education, with the average tenure of leaders serving in this capacity at one institution declining sharply from 10 years to a shocking 3.7 years.   In this first half of a two-part series, Dr. Drumm McNaughton discusses the challenges facing university presidents and why their tenures have become so short with a nationally recognized auth...

Although higher ed as a whole believes in the importance of freedom of speech, very few agree on what the free exchange of ideas looks like and how it should function on campus. But with the current hostile political and social climate, it's now more important than ever for higher ed to unite on what truly matters—protecting respectful and productive speech that leads to a better and kinder societ...

As higher ed faces enrollment challenges, fostering diverse pathways for first-gen students becomes crucial. Dr. Drumm McNaughton's podcast features Dr. Marielena DeSanctis, President of Community College of Denver, discussing innovative solutions based on her unique K-12 to community college leadership insights. She emphasizes essential K-12 partnerships for first-gen support and advocates for a...