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By Dr. Drumm McNaughton
5
66 ratings
The podcast currently has 240 episodes available.
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is pioneering new approaches to higher education accreditation that emphasize student success, institutional innovation through collaboration, and continuous improvement. In a recent conversation, NWCCU President Sonny Ramaswamy and Executive Vice President Selena Grace shared insights into how the commission is transforming accreditation to help meet the challenges facing higher education.
What Higher Ed Leaders Will Gain from Listening:
Understanding Accreditation Changes: Gain insights into innovative accreditation approaches, such as NWCCU’s pilot for a three-year bachelor's degree, which could help your institution stay ahead of regulatory changes and trends.
Student Success Focus: Learn how accreditation bodies like NWCCU are prioritizing student success and equity, providing you with strategies to improve retention and graduation rates at your institution.
Institutional Innovation: Discover how the NWCCU is fostering innovation among member institutions, which could inspire you to implement new programs or policies that enhance both academic quality and operational efficiency.
Collaborative Accreditation Model: Hear about NWCCU’s portfolio model, which emphasizes building strong relationships with institutions, potentially offering your institution a more tailored and supportive accreditation experience.
Workforce Alignment: Explore how accreditation bodies are aligning educational outcomes with workforce needs, a crucial area for positioning your institution to attract students and meet future job market demands.
Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders
This podcast offers actionable insights into improving institutional practices, staying compliant with evolving accreditation standards, and ensuring long-term success in higher education.
Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/nwccu-advances-higher-ed-accreditation-with-3-year-bachelor-degree-and-collaboration/ #HigherEducation #HigherEdAccreditation #HigherEdPodcast About Our Guests Sonny Ramaswamy is president of Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, which accredits institutions in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and British Columbia. President Barack Obama appointed Sonny to direct the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which funded research and education in food, agriculture, and natural resources. He served as dean of Oregon State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, director of Purdue’s Agricultural Research Programs, university distinguished professor and head of entomology at Kansas State, and professor of entomology at Mississippi State. Sonny’s BSc (Agriculture) and MSc (Entomology) are from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore; his PhD (Entomology) is from Rutgers. He did postdoc research at Michigan State University. Selena M. Grace is currently the Executive Vice President of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). She has been at NWCCU since 2020. Previously, she served as Vice Provost for Academic Strategy & Institutional Effectiveness at Idaho State University. She was a member of the inaugural cohort of the WICHE Western Academic Leadership Academy, and her previous experience includes Chief Academic Officer at the Idaho State Board of Education where she was the primary author and manager of the Complete College Idaho Plan. She is a first-generation college graduate. She has a B.A. in English with a writing emphasis and a minor in Native American Studies from Boise State University, an M.F.A. in creative writing and non-fiction from George Mason University, and a Ph.D. in public policy and administration from Boise State University. About the HostDr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances.
Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.
Improving Student Retention: A Proactive Approach
Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Carey Dukes, Assistant Professor of Management at North Greenville University, about innovative strategies to improve student retention and readiness for college.
Key Discussion Points:
Retention Challenges in Higher Education:
The Readiness Course Model:
Benefits of Proactive Preparation:
Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders:
Final Thoughts:
The skills taught in the readiness course are transferable and benefit students throughout their academic careers and beyond. He calls for higher education institutions to take bold steps to ensure student success from the moment of acceptance.
Read the transcript or extended show summary on our website: https://changinghighered.com/
#StudentRetention #CollegeReadiness #HigherEducation
About Our GuestCarey Dukes is a dynamic leader with over 30 years of expertise in business management and higher education. Currently an Assistant Professor of Management at North Greenville University, Carey’s career spans from serving as a CEO in multiple companies to driving innovation and efficiency in large-scale transportation operations. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and is renowned for his strategic insights into organizational development and change management. Drawing from his experiences as a first-generation college student, Carey has become a thought leader in addressing student retention, one of higher education's most critical challenges. He authored a groundbreaking book and developed a model to improve student readiness and retention, offering institutions actionable strategies to reduce dropout rates. Carey’s unique blend of corporate acumen and academic research provides fresh perspectives on both business and education, making him an engaging podcast guest on topics of student success, leadership, and transformative growth.
About the HostDr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances.
Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.
The Real Cost of Chasing Numbers: Balancing Enrollment Pressures and Student Success
Teege Mettille, a veteran with over 20 years in higher education enrollment, discusses the growing challenges faced by admissions counselors and the potential impact on student engagement. Drawing from his book "The Admission Counselor Malaise," Mettille shares insights on the evolving landscape of college admissions and offers strategies for maintaining a balance between institutional needs and student success.
Key Discussion Points
Current Challenges in Higher Education Enrollment:
Impact on Admissions Counselors:
Effects on Student Engagement:
Strategies for Improvement:
Balancing Institutional Needs and Student Success:
Three Key Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards
Final Thoughts
Mettille emphasizes the need for a balanced approach in college admissions, one that meets institutional needs while preserving the core mission of guiding students to their best-fit educational experiences. He calls for creativity and adaptability in addressing these challenges, highlighting the potential for technology and strategic planning to enhance rather than replace the human element in admissions.
Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/impact-of-enrollment-pressure-on-admissions-teams-and-students/
#HigherEducation #HigherEdEnrollment #CollegeAdmissions
About Our GuestTeege Mettille is a thought leader in the field of college admissions with extensive experience on both the institutional and vendor sides of the industry. As a speaker, his primary focus is on addressing and solving pressing issues within the college admissions profession, ensuring ethical practices, and promoting the well-being of students over mere enrollment numbers. Teege is the author of the insightful book "The Admissions Counselor Malaise: Addressing the staff morale crisis in college admissions," which provides a critical yet constructive analysis of the current state of college admissions. The book has been praised for its candid approach to diagnosing systemic problems and offering actionable solutions for improvement. Teege's expertise and practical advice make it an invaluable resource for professionals in higher education.
About the HostDr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances.
Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.
Navigating the Future of University Governance: Lessons from 250 Years of Experience
Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Lauren Zalaznick, author of Letters from the Corporation of Brown University: Lives of Usefulness and Reputation, discuss the evolution and future of university governance. Drawing from over 250 years of trustee resignation letters at Brown University, they share invaluable insights on leadership, adaptability, and effective governance in higher education.
Key Discussion Points
Historical Context and Evolving Governance:
Strategic Planning in Higher Education:
Roles and Responsibilities of University Trustees:
Navigating Campus Crises and Controversial Issues:
Leadership Development in Higher Education:
Adapting Governance for the Digital Age:
Three Key Takeaways for University Leaders and Boards
Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with a call for university leaders to view governance as a foundation for effective leadership. By creating inclusive, adaptable, and purposeful governance models, institutions can navigate the complexities of modern higher education while staying true to their core missions.
Read the transcript or extended show summary on our website at https://changinghighered.com/university-governance-strategic-insights-from-brown/
#UniversityGovernance #HigherEducation #HigherEdPodcast
About Our Guest
Lauren Zalaznick has devoted her career in media to transforming the cultural landscape.
Zalaznick has received two Peabody Awards and numerous Emmy Awards. TIME magazine named her one of the “TIME 100: World’s Most Influential People,” and her interviews have been archived at the Television Academy Foundation. Her TED talk, “The Conscience of Television,” has been viewed and shared close to a million times. Zalaznick graduated with a degree in English from Brown University in 1984, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.
About the Host
Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances.
Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.
Navigating the Transfer Maze: Improving Community College Transfer Student Success
Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Joshua Bay, an education reporter with The 74, dive deep into the critical challenges facing community college transfer students and explore innovative solutions to boost their success rates at four-year institutions.
Key Discussion Points
The Transfer Student Crisis:
Institutional Blind Spots:
Guided Pathways: A Beacon of Hope:
Policy as a Catalyst for Change:
Fostering Belonging in a New World:
Adapting to the New Student Landscape:
Diversity in a Post-Affirmative Action World:
Three Key Takeaways for Higher Ed Leaders
Closing Thoughts
Bay and McNaughton emphasize that improving transfer student outcomes is not just an institutional imperative but a societal one. By breaking down barriers and providing targeted support, colleges can unlock the potential of millions of students, leading to a more educated workforce and a more equitable society.
Read the transcript and extended show summary on our website: https://changinghighered.com/improving-the-experience-for-community-college-transfer-students/
#HigherEducation #HigherEdEnrollment #CommunityCollegeTransfers
About Our Podcast Guest
Joshua Bay is an education reporter with expertise in policy analysis and data-driven journalism. He is currently a staff reporter for The 74, a nonprofit news organization covering America’s education system from early childhood through college and career.
Joshua’s coverage spans from artificial intelligence in the classroom to Gen Z’s growing apathy towards a college education. With support from his fellowship at the Poynter Institute, Joshua produced a three-part project taking a closer look into the struggles of earning a bachelor’s degree — particularly among community college transfers.
Prior to The 74, Joshua graduated with a master’s degree in education advocacy and policy at Georgetown University. There, he co-developed a policy research report on the educational, housing, and public health outcomes of Washington D.C. residents based on census redistricting.
About the HostDr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances.
Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.
In this Washington Update, Tom Netting, President of TEN Government Strategies, provides a comprehensive overview of recent regulatory changes and challenges facing higher education institutions. This update covers a wide range of topics, including FAFSA, Title IX, FSA, IDR, SAVE, NC-SARA, NACIQI, PPA, TRIO, Clery Act, Gainful Employment, Title IV, and Chevron Decision Impacts, and more.
Key Discussion Points Regulatory Environment and Negotiated Rulemaking:The current higher education policy landscape is marked by complexity and rapid change. Institutional leaders must stay proactive, informed, and adaptable to navigate these challenges successfully while maintaining focus on their core educational missions.
Read the transcript and extended show notes on our website at https://changinghighered.com/washington-update-neg-reg-clery-act-and-chevron-decision/
#HigherEducation #NegReg #HigherEdCompliance
About Our Podcast GuestTom Netting
Having spent all of his professional career devoted to higher education policy oversight and implementation, Tom Netting has an extensive knowledge of the laws and regulations governing all aspects of higher education. His considerable background and experience have afforded him the opportunity to view the development and implementation of federal higher education and workforce development policy in their entirety – including issues related to higher education and workforce development, health care, veteran affairs policies, and the procurement of federal appropriations.
About the HostDr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.
The rising trend in international student enrollment, currently at its fastest rate in over 40 years, underscores the critical need for fostering global understanding in higher education. International Houses (I-Houses) have emerged as a powerful model for creating inclusive and globally-minded campus communities, addressing the challenges of integrating international students and enriching the educational experience for all.
Dr. Shaun Carver, Executive Director of UC Berkeley's International House, joined to discuss the transformative impact of the I-House model on cross-cultural exchange and global education. With over a century of history, I-Houses continue to play a crucial role in breaking down cultural barriers and fostering understanding through daily interactions and shared experiences.
Key Points Overview: The Origins and Evolution of International Houses:The International House model offers valuable lessons for higher education institutions seeking to create truly global learning environments. By intentionally fostering cross-cultural interactions and maintaining a commitment to open dialogue, universities can prepare students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. The principles embodied by International Houses provide a roadmap for creating inclusive, intellectually stimulating environments that benefit both international and domestic students, ultimately contributing to a more connected and empathetic global society.
Read the transcript and extended show summary on our website at: https://changinghighered.com/enroll-and-retain-international-students-i-house-uc-berkeley/
#HigherEducation #InternationalStudents #IHouse
About Our GuestWith over 20 years of experience in international education and higher learning, Dr. Shaun Carver is the Executive Director and CEO of International House at UC Berkeley, a renowned institution that fosters intercultural respect and understanding among people from around the world. Dr. Carver holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California and an MBA from California State University San Marcos.
About the HostDr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.
Caitlin Andersen, founder and principal consultant at Auxilium Education, discusses with host Dr. Drumm McNaughton the challenges and strategies for U.S. universities in attracting and supporting international students. They explore the changing landscape of international student recruitment, the value these students bring to campuses, and effective methods for universities to differentiate themselves in a competitive global market.
Key Discussion PointsValue and Challenges of International Student Recruitment:
Understanding International Student Motivations:
Effective Recruitment Strategies:
Supporting International Students on Campus:
Comprehensive Support Systems:
Three Key Takeaways for University Leaders
Final Thoughts
The episode concludes by emphasizing the ongoing importance of international students to U.S. higher education. As global competition intensifies, universities must continually adapt their strategies to attract and support these valuable members of their campus communities. Success in this area not only benefits the institutions financially but also enriches the educational experience for all students, preparing them for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
Read the transcript and extended show summary at: https://changinghighered.com/supporting-and-attracting-international-students-strategies-for-u-s-universities/
#HigherEducation #InternationalStudentEnrollment #EnrollmentStrategies
About our Podcast Guest
Caitlin Andersen is the founder and Principal Consultant at Auxilium Education, an education consultancy that serves international graduate business school applicants. Trusted by Forbes 30 Under 30 and senior managers at Google, McKinsey, and Amazon, Ms. Andersen has helped international applicants from 30+ countries across 6 continents successfully apply to all the top business schools in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, China, and Singapore.
Ms. Andersen currently serves as the Business Roundtable Chair for the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) Graduate Committee. Recently, she was featured on GMAT Club’s Live YouTube Channel (114K+ subscribers).
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Ms. Andersen became an international student when she moved to England to get her MBA from the University of Oxford, Saïd Business School (SBS). She is on a mission to ensure applicants everywhere have the chance to competitively apply to the best business schools in the world.
About the Host
Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.
In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton talks with David Marchick, Dean of American University's Kogod School of Business, and Angela Virtu, Professorial Lecturer in IT & Analytics at American University’s Kogod School of Business, about their rapid integration of artificial intelligence across the entire business curriculum in just six months. They discuss the urgency of AI in higher education, Kogod's implementation strategy, and valuable lessons for other institutions.
Key Discussion Points
The Urgency of AI in Higher Education:
Kogod School of Business's Rapid AI Integration:
Strategic Steps for Rapid AI Implementation:
Overcoming Challenges in AI Adoption:
Student-Centric Outcomes:
Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders:
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Higher Education
About Our Podcast Guests
David Marchick is the Dean of the Kogod School of Business at American University, supporting over 2,000 students in over two dozen programs. He leads the committee for Kogod’s AI curriculum overhaul, an initiative focused on integrating AI into every major to prepare students for the global marketplace. Previously, Marchick was COO of the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, overseeing investments to produce 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses for developing countries. He spent 12 years at the Carlyle Group, where he served on the firm's Management Committee.
Angela Virtu is a Professorial Lecturer in IT & Analytics at American University’s Kogod School of Business. She teaches courses on technology, data analytics, machine learning, and coding. She’s also the AI Instruction Faculty Fellow, organizing training on AI developments for faculty and staff. Previously, she developed AI and ML solutions that combined theoretical advancements with practical, ethical applications for organizational integration and business impact.
About the Host
Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.
Phil Hill, publisher of the On EdTech newsletter at Phil Hill Associates and EdTech expert, joins Dr. Drumm McNaughton to discuss the current state of educational technology, focusing on the recent bankruptcy of 2U, a major Online Program Management (OPM) provider and its implications for higher education.
Hill shares insights on regulatory changes, the evolving OPM market, and strategies for university leaders to navigate these challenges.
Key Discussion Points
EdTech Landscape and Regulatory Changes:
2U Bankruptcy and OPM Market Implications:
Cybersecurity in Higher Education:
Future of Online Education:
Strategic Adaptation for Higher Education Institutions:
Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders and Boards
Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with a call for higher education leaders to stay informed about the evolving EdTech landscape and take proactive steps to manage risks and opportunities. Despite the challenges, online and hybrid education remain critical areas for institutional growth and student access in an increasingly digital and competitive environment.
Read the transcript on our website at: https://changinghighered.com/the-state-of-edtech-opms-2u-bankruptcy-implications/
#EdTech #HigherEducation #OPMs #2UBankruptcy
About Our Podcast GuestPhil Hill, publisher of Phil on EdTech Blog and partner at MindWires LLC. Phil has been a market analyst and consultant in EdTech for over two decades. He is most notably recognized for writing his blog, On EdTech.
Phill Hill on LinkedIn →
About the Host
Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.
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