Perpendicular Futures: A Footlights College

In this imaginative and thought-provoking episode, futurist and historian Dr. David Staley reads his latest blog article, “Perpendicular Futures: A Footlights College.” Known for his boundary-pushing scenarios for the future of higher education, Staley offers a bold and unexpected vision: What if colleges used performance arts—like theater and show choir—as a strategic enrollment tool, much like intercollegiate athletics?

Drawing inspiration from high school show choir fervor and the storied Cambridge Footlights comedy troupe, Staley explores the idea of colleges investing heavily in performance opportunities not as academic programs, but as extracurricular recruitment strategies. This “perpendicular future” veers sharply from the typical trend lines of higher education planning and invites us to rethink what attracts students to campus in the first place.

Whether you’re a campus leader, a strategist, or simply someone intrigued by the unconventional, this episode will stretch your imagination about what’s possible—and perhaps even probable—for the future of enrollment management.

• Perpendicular Change: What it means and why it matters for institutional planning.

• Theater and Show Choir as Enrollment Strategy: A new role for extracurriculars.

• The Passion Economy in Education: Students paying to perform—not for professional outcomes but for personal fulfillment.

• Footlights Reimagined: A nod to Cambridge's legendary troupe and a blueprint for creative placemaking.

• NIL Deals for Performers?: Imagining a future where artists, like athletes, earn incentives for their involvement.

• Disruption vs. Continuity: Why the future of college enrollment may not follow the path we expect.

• How embracing passion-driven participation could unlock new enrollment pathways.

Dr. David Staley is a historian, futurist, and professor at The Ohio State University. He is widely known for his visionary writings and talks that challenge higher education to think differently about its future. In addition to his university teaching and consulting work, Dr. Staley regularly publishes articles on university design and innovation.

In this special mini-episode, Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson takes listeners inside Chapter 6 of her book, IngenioUs Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education.
Through short, powerful audio clips from interviews with some of higher education’s most visionary leaders, Melissa illustrates seven leadership practices that unleash true innovation in today's dynamic and demanding environment.

These leaders are not only creative—they are disciplined, strategic, and deeply values-driven in how they innovate. Tune in for inspiring stories, practical insights, and bold reminders that innovation is a practice, a mindset, and a way of leading with purpose.

🛠️ Featured Themes & Voices:💬

🔹 Rethinking the Rules: Innovation as Reinvention
Richard Miller, Founding President, Olin College of Engineering

How radically reimagining assumptions can lead to transformational change.

🔹 Leveraging Assets: Turning What You Have into What You Need
Michael Sorrell, President, Paul Quinn College

Seeing overlooked resources as springboards for innovation.

🔹 Relentlessly Futuristic: Seeing Around Corners
Elizabeth Meade, President Emerita, Cedar Crest College

Designing strategic plans that anticipate the future rather than react to it.

🔹 Cutting Through Clutter to Find Your Focus
Annette Parker, President, South Central College

Leading with clarity and aligning decisions with mission and impact.

🔹 Being Inspiration-Ready: Staying Open to Spark
Nicholas Covino, President, William James College

Listening for opportunities and taking courageous action when inspiration strikes.

🔹 Reinvention as a Steady State
Barbara Mistick, President, NAICU

Building a culture where change is not episodic but continuous and proactive.

🔹 Innovation Rooted in Values
Tracy Hartzler, President, Central New Mexico Community College

Leading with ethics, connection, and care—and why mission-centered innovation endures.

Reflection Questions:📚

• Where might you be clinging to outdated rules?

• What hidden assets could you leverage for innovation?

• How can you lead more intentionally with vision and values today?

  Learn More:🎧 Listen, Reflect, and Lead Boldly.

• Dive deeper by reading the latest IngenioUs Leadership blog post

• Get your copy of IngenioUs Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education

Stay bold. Stay curious. Stay IngenioUs.

In this inspiring episode of IngenioUs, host Melissa Morriss-Olson sits down with Dr. Elizabeth MacLeod Walls, the 14th—and only the second woman—president of Washington & Jefferson College. With over twodecades of leadership experience and a powerful personal story shaped by trailblazing women mentors, Dr. MacLeod Walls offers a compelling vision for the future of liberal arts education.

 From her early aspirations as a faculty member to her discovery of a natural strength for administration, Elizabeth shares how resilience, optimism, and a sense of urgency have shaped her leadership. She opens up about navigating gendered expectations, making the case for liberalarts in a skeptical world, and cultivating adaptability as both an institutional ethos and a graduate superpower.

 We also get a glimpse of the personal side of herpresidency—including how her beloved dog, Buckeye, helps humanize her role and deepen connections with students on campus.

Whether you’re a current or aspiring leader, an educator, orsomeone who cares about the future of higher education, this conversation willleave you with both inspiration and actionable insights.

🎙️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

How Dr. MacLeod Walls defines and leads with adaptability

Why innovation must be central to the liberal arts

The leadership lessons she’s drawn from mentors—and from mistakes

How gender dynamics shape presidential leadership in higher ed

The critical skills every future leader should develop

Why partnerships, community engagement, and nimbleness matter more than ever

And yes… how a dog named Buckeye is helping build stronger campus relationships

💬 Quotable Moment:“When what you’re doing matters, nothing should scare you. Nothing should bean impediment.” – Dr. Elizabeth MacLeod Walls

🎧 Listen Now and discover how boldleadership, a clear sense of mission, and a joyful spirit are helping shape the future of Washington & Jefferson College—and the liberal arts more broadly.

What does it take to lead across sectors, clear hurdles, andcultivate possibility — not just for yourself, but for others? In this episode of IngenioUs, we sit down with Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, the first woman to serve as president of Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, andthe first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from her state.

President Herseth Sandlin shares her remarkable leadershipjourney, from growing up on a family farm in the Great Plains, to representing South Dakota on Capitol Hill, to now shaping the future of a thriving university. With honesty and wisdom, she reflects on the challenges and opportunities of being a trailblazer — and what it means to turn personalsuccess into collective empowerment.

Through stories of transformative change at Augustana,including bold moves like academic restructuring and launching Division I hockey, President Herseth Sandlin reveals the power of leading with courage, compassion, and curiosity. She also offers candid insights on navigating gender dynamics, generational differences, and the evolving landscape of higher education.

If you’re looking for inspiration on how to lead withauthenticity, build momentum from setbacks, and create lasting impact, this conversation is not to be missed.

🎧 Listen in to discover how StephanieHerseth Sandlin is helping others see and cultivate their own potential — and how you can too.

Takeaways

Augustana University integrates faith with learning.

Leadership is influenced by personal experiences and family.

Women leaders must navigate unique challenges in their careers.

Building relationships is crucial for effective leadership.

Good processes lead to successful outcomes in organizations.

Diversity and inclusion are essential for student success.

Vulnerability in leadership fosters connection and trust.

Emerging leaders should focus on understanding their context.

Innovative programs can address community needs and gaps.

Future growth at Augustana will focus on serving more students.

Sound Bites

"We provide an education of enduring worth."

"Good process leads to good plans."

"I lean into courage, creativity, and humility."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Augustana University

02:12Leadership Journey and Influences

04:09Trailblazing in Leadership

06:43Navigating Gender Dynamics in Leadership

07:11New Chapter

09:08Advice for Emerging Leaders

11:15Achievements and Strategic Initiatives at AugustanaUniversity

26:34Maturing the Division I Hockey Program

27:27Vision for Augustana by 2030

27:59Growth and Campus Development

29:47Innovative Programs and Opportunities

30:35Identifying Growth Opportunities

32:52Navigating Innovation in Education

35:35Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

39:31Leadership Challenges and Lessons Learned

43:35Core Values in Leadership

45:42Inspiring Future Women Leaders

48:27gaming-transition-high.wav

48:34IngenioUs Outro.mp4

In his newest University Design blog post, futurist and higher education thought leader David J. Staley invites us to rethink the very foundation of undergraduate education: the major.

Staley challenges the brittle, hyperspecialized approach that dominates college pathways today. Drawing from new research and emerging models like the Field of Study approach, he makes a compelling case for a more resilient and antifragile education—one rooted in cognitive diversification and purpose-driven learning.

🔍 Are we preparing students for the dynamic, uncertain world they’re entering—or for a version of the economy that no longer exists?

💡 Read the full article to explore:

• Why traditional majors may be failing today’s students

• The concept of “epistemological monoculture” and its risks

• How double majors and personalized Fields of Study can build career agility

• What it means to uncover students’ hidden intellectualism

👉 Read the full blog post here:https://ingeniousu.org/blog/

In this week’s IngenioUs U episode, we sit down with Tracy Hartzler, President of Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), to explore how values-based leadership, strategic foresight, and collaborative innovation are transforming the community college landscape.

With a rich background in law, public policy, and finance,Tracy brings a distinctive lens to her role—one that is both deeply pragmatic and profoundly human. From launching bold multi-college collaborations and workforce initiatives like CHESS and UnMuddle to championing entrepreneurialapproaches to economic development through CNM Ingenuity, Tracy’s leadership is rooted in community, responsiveness, and relationships.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Tracy reflects on lessonslearned through the pandemic, the power of servant leadership, and why community colleges are poised to play a central role in addressing our nation’s most urgent challenges.

Whether you're curious about what’s next for higher ed orsimply looking for a refreshing example of grounded, visionary leadership—you’ll find it here.

🎧 Listen now to discover a community college president’s blueprint for leading with purpose, courage, and care.

Takeaways

Leadership is influenced by personal values and experiences.

Central New Mexico Community College serves a diverse student population.

The importance of ethical decision-making in leadership roles.

Collaboration among institutions can lead to improved processes.

UnMuddle Marketplace connects learners with workforce training opportunities.

Ingenuity focuses on entrepreneurship and economic development.

Women leaders face unique challenges but can thrive in supportive environments.

Resilience is key to navigating leadership challenges.

Community colleges play a vital role in workforce training and education.

Personalized education is essential for meeting individual learner needs.

Sound Bites

"I believe in ethical decision-making."

"I’m comfortable in the gray area."

"I’m proud to be a transitory leader."

We are excited to share with you our latest episode—a powerful conversation with Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President of San José State University. In this episode, we explore President Matson's journeyfrom being a first-generation college student to becoming a transformational university president. Along the way, she shares the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership, the role of mentors and sponsors in her rise, and herunwavering commitment to equity, community, and purposeful change.

What makes her story so compelling is how deeply personaland authentic her leadership is. President Matson returned to lead in the very community her parents once left in search of opportunity—bringing everything full circle with a vision rooted in place, purpose, and what she so beautifully calls “the inheritance of courageous curiosity.”

We talk about:✅ Building a new public university from the ground up✅ Creating systems of support for first-generation and underserved students✅ Knowing when—and how—to say “yes” to the next leadership chapter✅ Staying resilient, grounded, and open in the face of change

This episode is for anyone seeking inspiration, clarity, or that gentle push to keep leading boldly—even when the path isn’t fully clear.

Sound Bites

"Honesty is always the best policy"

"Hope is not a strategy"

"Happiness is an inside job"

Higher education is at a crossroads. With college closures increasing, public confidence declining, and financial pressures mounting, institutions must rethink what leadership looks like in this moment of crisis. What if the answer has been in front of us all along?

 In her latest ⁠IngenioUs⁠ blog, Higher Education is in Crisis. Women Leaders May Hold the Key., ⁠Melissa Morriss-Olson⁠ explores the powerful yet often overlooked role women leaders play in shaping the future of higher education. Drawing from years of interviews with exceptional women leaders, she highlights the unique qualities they bring—authenticity, collaboration, resilience, and student-centered innovation—qualities that are not just valuable but essential for institutions striving to survive and thrive.

 As we celebrate International Women's History Month, this is the perfect time to reflect on why women’s leadership matters more than ever and what we can do to ensure their voices are heard at the highest levels.

Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and help us champion the leadership higher education needs now.

Leadership is a journey—one filled with unexpected twists,challenges, and, if you're lucky, a few game-changing 'aha' moments along the way. Our guest today, Dr. Barbara K. Mistick, knows this better than most. As the president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), she’s been at the forefront of higher education policy and innovation. But Barbara’s path to leadership is anything but traditional. From running herown transportation company with 600 vehicles on the road to leading an entrepreneurship center, a major library system, a college, and now a national advocacy organization—her career is a testament to curiosity, resilience, andthe power of saying 'yes' to new challenges.

 In our conversation, Barbara opens up about the realities ofleadership—how to navigate big, messy problems, why transparency is a non-negotiable, and what it truly takes to drive meaningful change. She shares her leadership superpower (hint: it has to do with Lego building), her insights on the future of independent higher education, and the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in leadership today.

 Whether you're leading an institution, buildingyour own career, or simply drawn to bold leaders who challenge the status quo, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Stay with us—you won’twant to miss what’s ahead.

Takeaways

Barbara's leadership journey ismarked by curiosity and diverse experiences.

Embracing transparency is crucialfor effective leadership.

Women often face unique challengesin leadership roles.

Change management is essential forinstitutional growth.

Innovative strategies can enhancestudent enrollment and success.

Financial literacy is vital forstudents to manage debt effectively.

Collaboration and teamwork are keyto successful leadership.

Higher education must adapt tochanging societal needs.

Accountability in education isincreasingly important for stakeholders.

Saying yes to new opportunitiescan lead to personal and professional growth.

Sound Bites

"I'm just curious."

"You have to know your ownstrengths."

"Say yes when you're asked todo something."

Chapters

00:00The Leadership Journey: A Diverse Path

05:20Leadership Style and Superpowers

09:17The Unique Edge of a DBA

12:24Transitioning to NICU: A New Challenge

16:15Women in Leadership: Unique Challenges

21:50Transformative Achievements at Wilson College

26:54Navigating Change: Lessons Learned

31:02Current Trends and Challenges in Higher Education

38:53Sustaining Resilience as a Leader

40:54Contributions to the Future of Higher Education

What does it take to go from working on the assembly line atGeneral Motors to leading a college that transforms thousands of lives eachyear?

Meet Dr. Annette Parker. As the longtime president of South Central College, Dr.Parker has dedicated her career to student success, workforce innovation, and breaking barriers. Her story is one of resilience, bold leadership, and a deep commitment to opening doors for others. In our latest episode of IngenioUs, Dr.Parker shares:

✅ How she transitioned from manufacturing to highered leadership
✅ The unique challenges (and advantages) of being the first woman and firstperson of color to lead her institution
✅ Why strong partnerships between industry and education are critical for the future of workforce development
✅ The innovations—like stackable credentials and competency-based education—thatare shaping the future of technical colleges
✅ Her vision for ensuring access, equity, and opportunity for all students

As she prepares for retirement, Dr.Parker reflects on thepower of mentorship, the legacy she hopes to leave, and—yes—her plans to finally return to a lifelong love: fishing. 🎣

This is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to South Central College and Its History

03:17Annette Parker's Inspiring Journey to Leadership

05:08Leadership Style and Superpowers

07:57Challenges Faced as a Woman Leader

10:02Building Effective Partnerships in Education

12:07Innovations in Technical Education

14:46The Future of Technical Education and CommunityColleges

16:52Championing Access and Inclusion for Students

Thank you for being part of the IngenioUs community! If this episode resonates with you, feel free to share itwith a colleague or friend who would be inspired by Dr.Parker's journey.