Engaged By Design

Calbright’s Dr. Shannon McCarty on Innovation, AI, and Authenticity (Part 2)

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Episode 16

In part two of our conversation with Dr. Shannon McCarty, Vice President of Learning and Instruction at Calbright College, we shift from Calbright’s mission to the challenges and lessons of leading innovation.

Shannon shares candidly about her leadership journey, the mentors who shaped her path, and the values she carries into her role. She reflects on how authenticity, feedback, and even humor create stronger teams, and why being open and vulnerable is key for leaders navigating change.

Highlights from this episode include:

  • How to stay authentic and resilient while leading disruptive innovation.
  • The cultural values that guide Calbright’s “small but mighty” team.
  • The role of AI in course design, assessment, and tutoring — and why it’s about the right tech at the right time.
  • Rethinking general education around “durable skills” such as communication, problem-solving, and digital literacy.
  • Shannon’s vision for the future includes three-year degree models and integrating AI literacy across programs.

    • Shannon leaves us with a challenge question: to know your purpose and let it guide your innovation and leadership.

     

    Affiliate Links: 

    Books referenced in this episode 

    • MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP   
      • The Let Them Theory by Mel Robins: https://amzn.to/42hgidJ 

        • The technology we used 

        • Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC  
          • Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 

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            Engaged By DesignBy Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Vernon Smith