IngenioUs

In this latest epsiode, Dr. Morriss-Olson is joined by Van Ton-Quinlivan, Founder and CEO of Futuro Health, for a powerful conversation about purpose-driven leadership, systems change, and what it really takes to build opportunity at scale.

Van’s leadership journey began “behind the starting line” as a child refugee from Vietnam, and that lived experience continues to shape how she leads today. Over the course of her career, she has led across private industry, public higher education, and the nonprofit sector—most recently founding Futuro Health to address one of the most urgent challenges facing theU.S. healthcare system: the growing shortage of allied health workers.

In our conversation, Van shares how Futuro Health was launched at the start of the pandemic and quickly grew into a national workforce ecosystem operating across multiple states. She explains why workforce development must be treated as a team sport, bringing together employers, educators, and community-based organizations to create reliable, equitable talent pipelines.

We also explore Van’s leadership philosophy more deeply—how purpose unlocks courage and “fierceness,” why influence matters more than formal authority, and what she has learned about credibility, feedback, and navigating leadership spaces where women are often underrepresented. Van offers practical insights on building coalitions, listening to critics, and knowing when the window is right to push for meaningful change.

As we look ahead, Van reflects on the future of work, the impact of demographic shifts and caregiving demands, and how technologies like AI are opening new possibilities to redesign education and workforce systems for today’s learners—not yesterday’s assumptions.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders working at the intersection of education, workforce development, healthcare, and social impact—and for anyone seeking to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose.

Check out Van's podcast, WorkforceRx here: https://futurohealth.org/current-press/press-podcast/ 

This episode features a brief video reflection introducing a recent CHELIP blog essay by Melissa Morriss-Olson, Ph.D. that examines one of the quietest—and most consequential—forces shaping leadership culture: silence.

The video frames the essay within a broader exploration of why innovation and change so often stall in higher education. Rather than focusing on a lack of ideas or commitment, it points to familiar leadership habits that make uncertainty, risk, and discomfort difficult to sustain. The reflection then turns to an even subtler dynamic—the unspoken rules leaders learn about what feels safe to say and what does not.

The accompanying blog essay, The Cost of What We Don’t Talk About in Leadership, explores how silence becomes embedded in leadership culture over time. Leaders learn to read the room, soften language, and avoid naming persistent patterns in the name of professionalism or stability. While this restraint may feel responsible in the short term, the essay argues that it often comes at a cost—diminishing clarity, slowing learning, and quietly sustaining unresolved challenges .

Rather than assigning blame, the reflection emphasizes clarity: what becomes possible when leaders are able to speak honestly about the realities they are navigating. The video serves as an entry point into a larger conversation about leadership culture, candor, and the conditions required for meaningful change.

📖 Related blog essay: The Cost of What We Don’t Talk About in Leadership
🎥 This episode accompanies a short video introducing the themes behind the essay

In this episode of IngenioUs, host Melissa Morriss-Olson is joined by Dr. Lisa Vollendorf, President of SUNY Empire State University, New York’s first and only public online university.

Dr. Vollendorf shares a deeply thoughtful and values-driven conversation about leadership in higher education at a time when access, equity, and public purpose matter more than ever. Drawing on her own journey—from growing up in a small Colorado town to leading a national model for online public education—she reflects on what it means to lead with integrity, empathy, and urgency.

Together, Melissa and Lisa explore how leadership is shaped by crisis, why integrity is a leader’s non-negotiable anchor, and how institutions must rethink long-standing structures that unintentionally exclude learners. Lisa also offers powerful insights on women’s leadership, ambition framed throughimpact, and why student-centered design—not institutional tradition—must guide the future of higher education.

This episode will resonate with presidents, provosts, deans, faculty leaders, doctoral students, and anyone committed to reimagining higher education in service of all learners.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• Why integrity is the one thing leaders always control

• Lessons from leading through large-scale crisis and community trauma

• The importance of decisiveness and forward momentum in leadership

• Why ambition often looks different for women leaders

• Rethinking online education, access, and student success

• The future of public higher education as a democratizing force

About the Guest

Dr. Lisa Vollendorf is President of SUNY Empire State University, where she leads New York’s first and only public online university. Empire State University is designed to meet learners where they are, recognize prior learning, and expand access to affordable, high-quality education for studentsof all ages and life stages.

About the Host

Melissa Morriss-Olson is host of IngenioUs and author of IngenioUs Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education. A former provost and longtime higher education leader, Melissa focuses her work on leadership, innovation, and designing institutions that unlock humanpotential.

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In this episode of University Design, David J. Staley reflects on the ideas behind his new book, The AI Symposium (Innovation Press, 2026), using this month’s column—and its accompanying recording—as an opportunity to explore a provocative rethinking of AI, dialogue, and learning in higher education.

Rather than revisiting familiar debates about banning AI or defining its “ethical use” in the classroom, Staley invites listeners to step back and ask a deeper question: if large language models were explicitly designed to generate language, what does it really mean to treat that function as a problem? And what new possibilities emerge if we stop defending against AI and instead design with it?

Drawing on the work of David Graeber and Mikhail Bakhtin, this episode reframes thinking itself as dialogic—something that arises between voices rather than inside isolated minds. From this perspective, the traditional student essay begins to look less like a timeless measure of understanding and more like a historically contingent form of assessment.

Staley introduces The AI Symposium as both a conceptual experiment and a pedagogical provocation. In the project, multiple large language models are prompted to engage directly with one another in sustained dialogue, with the human designer acting as a “procedural author.” The result raises unsettling and generative questions: Can AI participate in dialogue in a meaningful way? Does dialogic exchange suggest a form of synthetic understanding? And what might this mean for how we assess student learning?

The episode ultimately looks forward, imagining a future in which students design and host their own AI symposia—selecting participants, framing questions, and interpreting dialogue—as a richer demonstration of understanding than the traditional essay.

In this episode, you’ll explore:

• Why debates about “ethical AI use” often miss the point

• Dialogue as the foundation of human thought

• The limitations of essay-based assessment in an AI-enabled world

• The concept of the human as “procedural author”

• What happens when AI systems engage one another in dialogue

• How the symposium could replace the essay as a primary form of assessment

This episode accompanies David J. Staley’s University Design column and is inspired by his new book, The AI Symposium, which expands on these ideas and their implications for education, technology, and the future of thinking itself.

In this short audio reflection, Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson shares the thinking behind her recent CHELIP essay, Why Innovation Fails: Reflections From Where I Sit.

Drawing on her lived experience in senior leadership roles and her ongoing work with higher education leaders through IngenioUs, Dr. Morriss-Olson reflects on why innovation so often stalls—not because of bad ideas, but because of how institutions respond to uncertainty, risk, and discomfort. She explores the pull toward consensus-building, risk avoidance, and waiting for perfect conditions, especially in a moment when leading change feels harder than ever.

This audio clip is intended as a brief companion to the full essay.

👉 Read the full blog article here:

We hope this reflection resonates and invites you to think differently about what leadership and innovation are asking of us right now.

What does it mean to lead with authentic mission alignment in today's complex higher education landscape? Dr. Christina Clark, the eighth president of La Roche University, knows the answer intimately—because she's living it.

In this conversation, Christina shares how growing up as an "army brat" in Alaska and the Philippines instilled in her the leadership fundamentals that guide her presidency today: service, accountability, and the courage to stand for what's right even when standing alone. Her father's daily reveille call—"it's another day in which to excel"—wasn't just a wake-up routine; it was the beginning of a leadership formation that would spandecades and continents.

As a classicist scholar, Christina brings a unique intellectual framework to presidential leadership, using contextual thinking to see beneath surface issues to underlying institutional challenges. She opens up about her intentional journey from faculty to the presidency, the importance of knowingwhere you can flourish as a leader, and why the exhausting presidential interview process at La Roche left her feeling energized rather than drained—a clear signal she'd found the right fit.

We explore La Roche's innovative approach to preparing students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including embedding AI literacy certificates across the curriculum and requiring AI competency in every capstone course. Christina also shares what sustains her personally—from nightly conversations with her mother to morning dance sessions that reconnect her with who she was before becoming an academic.

Whether you're an aspiring president, a sitting leader navigating unprecedented challenges, or simply curious about what authentic mission-driven leadership looks like in practice, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for your own journey.

Key Topics:

• Growing up in a military family and learning leadership through service and accountability
• Finding authentic institutional fit: Why mission and values alignment matters

• The Pacum in Terris program: Putting your money where your mission is
• Classical scholarship and contextual thinking in leadership
• Navigating the journey from faculty to presidency with intention
• Strategic advice for aspiring presidents: Know yourself, know your environment
• Personal sustainability practices: Music, dance, family, and daily gratitude
• Preparing students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: La Roche's AI literacy initiative
• Building institutional pride and raising your university's profile
• Creating a legacy of strong shared governance and mission strength

About Dr. Christina Clark:

Dr. Christina Clark is the eighth president of La Roche University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A classicist by training, she brings more than 20 years of experience in Catholic comprehensive institutions to her first presidency. Dr. Clark's leadership is shaped by her formative years as the daughter of a U.S. Army officer, living in Alaska and the Philippines, whereshe learned the values of service, ethics, and representing something larger than oneself. Her commitment to mission-driven, values-based education guides her vision for preparing students to be global citizens who work for justice,peace, and the common good in an increasingly complex world.

Connect with La Roche University: Website: www.laroche.edu

About IngenioUs:

IngenioUs explores the leadership journeys of transformative women in higher education. Hosted by Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson, each episode features candid conversations about the experiences, challenges, and insights that shapevisionary leadership in today's colleges and universities.

Host: Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson, Provost Emerita and Distinguished Professor, Bay Path University | Author of "Ingenious Leadership" | Founding Director, Center for Higher Education Leadership and Innovative Practice (CHELIP)

In this episode, David J. Staley reads his latest University Design essay, “Underemployment,” a timely and compelling examination of the rising underemployment of college graduates in the United States.

Drawing on Peter Turchin’s framework of “eliteoverproduction,” national labor market data, and comparative insights from global economies, Staley explores the widening disconnect between higher education and the jobs available in the current workforce. He highlights striking statistics—from the underemployment rates by major to the top U.S. occupations that do not require a college degree—and argues that the problem lies not with college-going students, but with an economy unable to generate enough high-skill jobs.

The episode challenges listeners to consider:

·      Is underemployment a temporary labor marketfluctuation or a chronic structural issue?

·      What happens to college enrollment and socialstability if the trend continues?

·      Should workforce development simply respond tothe current labor market—or design a better one?

·      And what new mission might colleges anduniversities embrace to combat underemployment?

Staley ultimately proposes a bold idea: Universities should not only educate future workers but actively catalyze the creation of high-skill economic opportunity, shaping a labor market aligned with the talent they cultivate.

What happens when a French literature professor becomes a university president for 15 years? Dr. Ann McElaney-Johnson shares why creative courage matters more than we think, the power of saying yes to the unplanned, and why leaders must trust the spark even when the data isn't complete.

In this powerful conversation, Ann McElaney-Johnson, President of Mount St. Mary's University in Los Angeles, reveals what 15 years of presidential leadership has taught her about authenticity, creative risk-taking, and the surprising importance of relaxing into your role.

From her beginnings as an 18th-century French literature professor to leading a university through unprecedented change, Ann shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey—and why none of it went according to plan. Shediscusses the real challenge of organizational change (hint: it's internal, not external), why loving what you do might be your greatest superpower, and her most distinctive leadership insight: the courage to kindle creative sparks even when everything says to wait for more proof.

This episode is essential listening for emerging and established leaders alike who want to lead with both analytical rigor and creative genius.

Key Topics Discussed:

The unplanned path from faculty to presidential leadership

Why saying yes to uncomfortable opportunities unlocks potential

The informal work of leadership: connection as strategic practice

How leadership style evolves from performing to authentic presence

Mission fit and why it matters for sustainable leadership

The real challenge of change: why personal transformation is hardest

Balancing analytical thinking with creative intuition

Finding joy and longevity in presidential leadership

Advice for emerging women leaders in higher education

About the Guest:

Ann McElaney-Johnson, Ph.D. is the President of Mount St. Mary's University in Los Angeles, California, where she has served for 15 years. A former professor of 18th-century French literature, she has dedicated her career to creatingeducational environments that respond to the evolving needs of students and society. Under her leadership, Mount St. Mary's has embraced innovation while staying true to its founding mission by the Sisters of St. Joseph: respondingto the needs of the time with flexibility, creativity, and purpose.

Key Quotes:

"I actually think my superpower is really that I love what I do...There's great joy in being part of this journey of students. It's such a privilege."

"You don't have to know it all. I think when I first started, I wasa newbie president... Over time, I've learned that's actually not realistic. None of us has all the answers."

"When you see that spark, you know, have the courage to ignite it... Don't forget your creativity, that creative genius that I think each of us has. If we unleash it, is probably as important and more important than all the data. Trust that."

"You have to be yourself. You can't fake your way into this job toget the job."

"Where else would I go? This is an incredible place. Every day I'mmoved."

About IngenioUs:

IngenioUs explores transformative leadership in higher education through conversations with visionary presidents and leaders. Hosted by Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson, author of Ingenious Leadership and founding director of Bay Path University's Doctor of Education program, each episode uncovers the authentic stories, unexpected journeys, and leadership wisdom that shape the future of higher education.

Season Information:

This episode is part of Season 6, featuring conversations exclusively with women university presidents.

From a small Mississippi community during the civil rights movement to the chancellor's office at the University of Washington Tacoma, Dr. Sheila Edwards Lange's leadership journey is a masterclass in authenticity, mentorship, andstaying true to your purpose.

In this conversation, Dr. Lange opens up about the teachers and"aunties" who saw potential in her when she couldn't see it herself, the work-study job that changed her career trajectory, and why she believes the greatest legacy a leader can leave is giving others the freedom to be themselves.

KEY TOPICS:

• Growing up during the civil rights movement and its impact on her commitment to educational access
• Finding voice and leadership skills in the church
• The transformative power of mentors like Mrs. Calhoun and Lisa Cornish
• Why she hires students in every office she leads
• The evolution from doing the work to embodying institutional values
• Building reputation in a surprisingly small professional world
• Living in the "fishbowl" of senior leadership
• The twelve-hour rule and why work-life balance isn't optional
• Advice for emerging women leaders and women of color
• Defining legacy: creating leaders who live on purpose

ABOUT DR. SHEILA EDWARDS LANGE: Dr. Sheila Lange serves as Chancellor of the University of WashingtonTacoma. Her career spans roles as diversity officer, community college president, and university chancellor. She is known for her authentic, values-driven leadership and deep commitment to mentorship and creating pathways for diverse leaders in higher education.

KEY QUOTE: "Stay true to what matters to you, what gets you out of bed every day. The jobs will follow, you know, the jobs come and go, but it is what gives you meaning, what gives you passion."

CONNECT WITH INGENIOUS U: Join our community of transformative women leaders in higher education.Subscribe for more conversations that inspire, challenge, and empower.

In this episode, David J. Staley reads his latest University Design blog article for the Center for Higher Education Leadership and Innovative Practice (CHELIP).

What does it really mean to attend a particular university? During the pandemic, one of Staley's students captured something essential: "I don't feel like I attend the Ohio State University." His frustration reveals a deeper truth about higher education that most metrics and rankings completely miss.

In this article, Staley explores a provocative thesis: universities are in the reputation business, operating on intangible capital rather than tangible assets. Drawing on economic theory from Haskel and Westlake's "Capitalism Without Capital," he argues that the real value of a university lies not in its buildings, publication counts, or job placement statistics, but in something far more elusive—its phenomenology, brand, and ineffable experience.

KEY TOPICS EXPLORED:

• The pandemic's revelation about what students truly value in university attendance
• Why traditional metrics fail to capture institutional value
• How intangible capital defines the modern economy—and universities
• The gap between reputation and current reality at many institutions
• Arizona State's transformation from punchline to innovation leader
• Vanderbilt's satellite campus strategy and the question of whether reputation can transcend place
• What university leaders must understand about phenomenology and brand

ABOUT UNIVERSITY DESIGN:University Design is a blog column by David J. Staley exploring innovative approaches to higher education strategy, structure, and future possibilities. Published through the Center for Higher Education Leadership and Innovative Practice (CHELIP). This podcast features audio readings of selected articles from the column.

AUTHOR/READER:David J. Staley is a historian, futurist, and author focused on the future of higher education and innovation in university design.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://ingeniousu.wpcomstaging.com/

RELATED READING: Haskel, J., & Westlake, S. (2018). Capitalism without capital: The rise of the intangible economy (Paperback ed.). Princeton University Press.