IngenioUs

More than four decades ago, the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (MSPP) opened its doors to offer graduate education in psychology to students who wanted to make a real difference in their communities. Thanks to a postcard in the mail, MSPP was renamed William James College in 2015, after the father of modern, applied psychology and someone who embodied the roles of educator, innovator, advocate, and influencer—all roles that William James College students, faculty, and alumni embrace and embody today. Under the 20+ year leadership of Dr. Nicholas Covino, the College has grown from a single-department, financially troubled institution to one that now has multiple departments and offers specialty training and consultative services. During our conversation, Dr. Covino shares the school's turnaround story including his insights about leading during periods of change. An oft-quoted mental health advocate and spokesperson, Covino also offers valuable guidance for college and university leaders about how to respond to the burgeoning mental health crisis impacting scores of college students, faculty, and staff.

In a recent New York Times piece, the writer asks a critically important question: Colleges have been an important small-town lifeline--what happens when they shrink? In their hot-off-the-shelf new book, Knowledge Towns: Colleges and Universities as Talent Magnets, David J. Staley and Dominic D.J. Endicott suggest that this current scenario is an opportunity for such institutions to rethink and redefine their missions with their geographic place at the center. In Staley's most recent IngenioUs blog article, he describes what this might look like and offers that both the institution and the surrounding community have much to gain by partnering together to design a strategy for creative place-making.

We all make mistakes, every day, but do we take the time to reflect on what we might learn from those things that don't go as planned?  In this month's IngenioUs blog article, Kristine Barnett advises us to take a few moments to reflect on our most significant mistakes. How was it handled? What did you learn? What did you do as a result? What would you have done differently?  In many cases, what seems like a horrific mistake can serve as a bridge to a more positive outcome, if only we take the time to reflect and apply our learning going forward. Read more here.

We’ve heard about the Great Resignation, but have we focused enough attention and strategy on the Great Retention and Reorganization? For transformational leaders in the higher education landscape, the great resignation affords institutions with something that they have traditionally lacked, namely, churn. While too much churn, or turnover, may be a cause of concern, transformational leaders can position their organization to be prepared for churn by accepting resignations, reorganizing for a student-centered approach to business, and developing a retention strategy. In this mini episode, Leading Edge Thinking webinar keynote presenter, Dr. Laura De Veau previews some of the key insights she will share on this topic.  Use this link to register for the March 23rd free webinar.

Now in his fourth year as president of Western New England University in Western Massachusetts, Dr. Robert E. Johnson brings to the role unusually wide-ranging leadership experience and an infectious entrepreneurial spirit and mindset. During our conversation, President Johnson shares his vision for 'A New Traditional University,'  as well as his thoughts about what colleges need to do to remain relevant and financially viable in the years ahead.  He is particularly passionate about the value of an agile mindset.  According to Johnson, "While the traditional organizational structure starts with the 'how are we going to do this' and then backs into the 'what', the agile organization starts with the 'what;'  and when one starts with the 'what' the possibilities are only limited by our imaginations," says Johnson.  

In his latest IngenioUs blog article, David J. Staley offers that we are 'witnessing today a newly-emerging geopolitical reality that will doubtless define the future of the university in the United States.'  Citing William C. Kirby's latest book Empire of Ideas: Creating the Modern University from Germany to America to China (The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2022), Staley suggests that the recent trend of weakening, dismantling and disinvesting in American higher education, occurring precisely when other world powers are retooling and building their universities has potentially dire consequences for America's geostrategic power.

Christina Royal made headlines when she was appointed as the first female, queer person of color president of Holyoke Community College in 2017. Dedicated to improving the world around her, she’s widely known as an innovator, challenge seeker, and problem solver.  Under her leadership, the college has embarked on bold plans, new initiatives, and innovative policies to continue its legacy of affordable, quality education.  During our conversation, Christine talks about what her trailblazing role means for HCC students.  She also shares her insights about innovation and the importance of questioning everything including our deepest assumptions about who our institutions serve and why we exist.  

One of the most exciting and impactful opportunities available to colleges and universities now is the rapid rise of remote and online learning through Metaversities - higher education in the Metaverse.  Join us for our upcoming Leading Edge Thinking in Higher Ed webinar on February 23rd at 12:00 noon ET to learn more about exactly what the Metaverse is and how college leaders are taking advantage of this technology to improve the educational experience for their students and faculty.   VictoryXR CEO, Steve Grubbs will lead a panel discussion with higher ed professionals who are using the Metaverse to enhance their students' educational experiences.  

In this IngenioUs mini episode, Steve Grubbs shares a sneak peak into the upcoming webinar including what attendees can expect to learn.  Register here for the webinar. 

In her latest IngenioUs blog post, Kristine Barnett shares her favorite nuggets of advice that she has received from trusted mentors and seasoned leaders over the course of her career.  What are your favorite bits of advice? What is the advice that you find yourself sharing most often?  If you are listening on Spotify, you can weigh in via the question box.