80% of Champlain College graduates land jobs in their field of study—because the college designed its model to make students workforce ready. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Alex Hernandez, President of Champlain College, about how higher education institutions can build their innovation muscle to realign academic programs with workforce needs and improve graduate outcomes.

Building the Innovation Muscle

• Strategic planning is treated as an annual, living process—not a static document.
• Faculty co-design new academic models, driving institution-wide innovation.
• Innovation is embedded in culture, not dependent on top-down initiatives.

Aligning Curriculum with Workforce Demands

• Champlain’s Upside-Down Curriculum introduces major-specific coursework in year one.
• Students access internships early, building career experience before graduation.
• Programs are shaped by employer input to match real workforce needs.

Leveraging Employer and Community Partnerships

• Industry partnerships inform curriculum and create pathways to employment.
• Dual enrollment initiatives like Vermont Cybersports expand access and impact.
• Regional collaboration addresses talent shortages and economic development.

Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards

1. Clarify the North Star – Align planning and programs around a focused mission: preparing students for work, life, and impact.
2. Focus Resources Strategically – Prioritize high-value initiatives and say no to what doesn’t serve institutional goals.
3. Build Institutional Trust – Innovation happens at the speed of trust. Engage faculty and staff in designing the future.

Higher education leaders have an opportunity to evolve their institutions through intentional planning, faculty-driven innovation, and academic realignment that prepares graduates for today’s—and tomorrow’s—workforce.

Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/higher-education-innovation-builds-workforce-ready-graduates/

#HigherEdInnovation #StrategicPlanning #AcademicRealignment #WorkforceReadyGraduates

About Our Podcast Guest

Alex Hernandez is the tenth president of Champlain College, a private independent college in Burlington, VT renowned for its innovative approach to getting students Ready: Ready for Work, Ready for Life, and Ready to Make a Difference. Over eighty percent of Champlain graduates are employed in jobs related to their field of study. Champlain College is Building on Vermont’s Strengths through innovative pathways that prepare students for careers in leading industries and grow local economies. Prior to Champlain, Alex was the Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) and Vice Provost of Online Learning at the University of Virginia. Before that, Alex was a leader in K-12 education, working as a teacher, administrator, and partner of a national foundation. He is a fierce advocate for education opportunity, access, and innovation. He lives in Burlington with his wife Michelle and has twin sons in college.

Connect with Alex Hernandez on LinkedIn →

 

About the Podcast 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 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.

Connect with Drumm McNaughton on LinkedIn→