Welcome to another episode of IngenioUs, where we explore transformative ideas and the people behind them in higher education. Today, we're thrilled to host two remarkable leaders, Sarita Brown , Co-Founder and President and Deborah Santiago, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Office of Excelencia in Education. Over the past 20 years, Excelencia has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Latino student success in American

 In today’s conversation, Sarita and Deborah will take us through the inspiring journey of Excelencia, from its inception to becoming a national leader in advancing Latino student college completion.

They'll share insights into their strategic approach to data-driven advocacy, the significant milestones they've achieved, and what lies ahead in their mission to accelerate Latino student success.

Join us as we delve into how their leadership

In this episode, we're joined by a truly inspirational figure in higher education, President Georgia Nugent of Illinois Wesleyan University. President Nugent has charted a unique and groundbreaking path through the academic world, not just breaking glass ceilings but also reshaping the institutions she’s led with her innovative vision and deep-rooted wisdom informed by her studies of the classics.   

 Join us as we explore President Nugent's unexpected journey into academic leadership, from her first days as a student enamored with the classics to her transformative roles at the helm of several universities. We'll delve into how her scholarly background has informed her approach to leadership and decision-making, particularly in navigating the complexities and challenges of modern higher education.

Hear Dr. Nugent's insights on the evolving role of women in leadership within academia, drawing on her own experiences as a pioneer who has often been the 'first woman' in the positions she has held. From personal anecdotes to strategic advice for upcoming leaders, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and reflections.

So, whether you're an aspiring leader, an academic, or simply someone interested in the crossroads of classical insight and contemporary challenges, you're in for a treat.  Get ready to learn, be inspired, and maybe even see the academic world a little differently by the end of our time together. Stay tuned!"

In this episode, we're joined by a trailblazer in the world of higher education, President Barbara Farley of Illinois College. President Farley's journey to the presidency is not just inspiring; it's a testament to the impact of mentorship, resilience, and the drive to innovate within the academic sphere. As the first female president of Illinois College, her leadership has steered the institution through times of change, emphasizing the importance of community, strategic foresight, and the courage to take bold steps into the unknown.

Illinois College, the oldest degree-granting institution in the state, stands as a testament of perseverance and innovation under President Farley's guidance. From launching significant initiatives like the Inspire Achievement Campaign to quickly adapting in the face of a global pandemic, the college's story is one of enduring relevance and adaptability. It's a narrative that intertwines the rich history of the institution with a relentless pursuit of excellence in education.

But what does it take to lead an institution through seismic shifts in the higher education landscape? How do strategic decisions, like bolstering athletic programs or

Join us as President Farley shares her insights on these questions and more, offering a glimpse into the mind of a leader who's not afraid to confront adversity head-on and forge a path forward for Illinois College. It's a conversation filled with wisdom, reflection, and a forward-looking perspective that will inspire anyone interested in the transformative power of education.

The process of course creation and delivery involves developing topics, a syllabus, lectures, class activities, discussion topics, assignments, group projects, assessments, and grading, among other tasks. This process is usually done solo. Now, artificial intelligence provides us with a very helpful assistant. The process of teaching cannot be effectively automated, but the many tasks needed to draft course creation and delivery can be automated.

In our upcoming Leading Edge Thinking in Higher Education webinar, Dr. James Wilson will share best practices including the process and tools that artificial intelligence provides to begin and refine course creation and delivery. This session will show you how to begin the conversation with artificial intelligence to improve your course creation and delivery. In this IngenioUs mini, Wilson shares a preview of the webinar. Register for the webinar here: https://www.baypath.edu/academics/centers-of-excellence/center-for-higher-education-leadership-and-innovative-practice/leading-edge-thinking-in-higher-education-webinar-series/

In his latest column for Ingenious, David Staley introduces a bold idea in "A Question-Centered Theory of Higher Education," inspired by Pia Lauritzen's book "Questions." Staley, who teaches history to mostly non-major students, notices a problem: his students struggle to ask good research questions. He wonders if this is because they're used to just memorizing answers for tests, rather than learning how to ask questions themselves. This issue goes beyond just his classroom; it touches on how we

Staley suggests that learning to ask good questions is key to truly understanding a subject. This is especially important now, as AI technology like ChatGPT becomes more common. These AI tools can easily generate

He believes that focusing on question-asking can help students become more creative and critical thinkers. This approach would also prepare them to better use AI, not just by feeding it prompts, but by engaging with it more deeply through smart questioning. Staley's proposal is not just about changing how we teach; it's about preparing students for a future where asking the right questions is more valuable than knowing the right answers.

In this episode, we speak with someone whose name has become synonymous with transformative leadership in academia—Dr. E. Gordon Gee, President of West Virginia University.

In his illustrious career spanning more than four decades, Dr. Gee has led some of the nation's most prestigious institutions, but what sets him apart is not just his longevity in leadership but his unwavering commitment to evolve and transform these institutions, often making challenging decisions that, while controversial, have proven pivotal for long-term institutional

Listen in as we learn where Dr. Gee feels his leadership has left an indelible mark and why he believes so passionately in the land grant mission that is all about community building and accessibility.

We also reflect on the lessons learned from regrets and the power of embracing mistakes as a driving force for change—something Dr. Gee articulates with candid vulnerability and wisdom.

We discuss the systemic changes Dr. Gee has spearheaded, why bold and sometimes unpopular actions are necessary, and how these may serve as a template for future institutional resilience and agility.

Finally, Dr. Gee shares his vision for the legacy he wishes to leave behind, his thoughts on the existential challenges facing higher education today, and his hopeful outlook on the future.

Join us as we delve into deep topics with a visionary

In recent years, we've witnessed a trend that's reshaping the educational landscape, yet it's a story not often explored from a personal angle. We're talking about the closure of small colleges across our country - an event that's becoming all too common. These aren't just institutions ceasing operations; they're communities losing their heartbeat, students redirected from their paths, and legacies coming to an abrupt end.

This episode dives deep into this topic with someone who's lived through such an experience and emerged with stories, insights, and a book that's sparking conversations everywhere. Our guest is Jonathan Nichols, an assistant professor of English at Waubonsee Community College in Illinois, and the author of 'Requiem for a College' - a title that immediately evokes the solemnity of today's discussion.

Jonathan's unique perspective as a faculty member affected by the closure of his alma mater, St. Joseph's College, combined with his familial ties to the institution, offers us an unparalleled look into the personal and community impact of such closures. His journey, from the initial shock and loss to the painstaking research into the why and how, reveals not just the challenges, but also the resilience and adaptability at the heart of the academic spirit.

So, why do small colleges close? What happens to the communities, the students, the faculty, and the towns that host them? And importantly, what can we learn from these stories to help navigate, and maybe even prevent future closures?

Join us as we explore these questions with Jonathan, unpacking the complexities of this issue and shedding light on the often-overlooked human side of higher education's changing landscape.

Whether you're directly involved in the world of education, a student navigating your academic journey, or simply someone who cares about the future of learning in our society, you'll find something in this conversation that resonates.

In this episode, we're speaking with a leader whose journey to the college presidency is as compelling as it is unconventional. Dr. Helene D. Gayle, the 11th president of Spelman College discusses her leadership journey from the front lines of medicine and public health to the presidency of one of the most prestigious historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States.

 Imagine starting as a pediatrician, diving into public health and epidemiology, and then working your way through leadership roles at the CDC, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, CARE, and the Chicago Community Trust. President Gayle is a powerhouse who’s dedicated her life to fighting for equity and social justice on a global scale. Now, she’s channeling all that passion into her role at Spelman, lighting the way for a new generation of fierce female leaders.

 Join us as we dive into a conversation about leadership, legacy, and the power of education with one of the most dynamic figures in today’s academic landscape. You won't want to miss a moment of this!

Ever wondered if there’s more to universities than lecture halls and textbooks? David J. Staley's latest blog post in his popular University Design column brings an exciting perspective that could change how we think about education forever. In "Alternative Universities: Speculative Design for Innovation in Higher Education," Staley invites us on a journey to explore the possibilities of what universities can be.

With his unique insight, Staley questions the one-size-fits-all approach of today's higher education. He shares his journey and discussions around the globe, showing us that it's time to break free from the traditional and embrace new, creative ways of learning and teaching.

Staley's blog post doesn't just highlight the issues with following the crowd ("Harvard envy," as he calls it). It's a guiding light for those who believe education can be different, more engaging, and truly innovative. He introduces us to universities around the world that have dared to be different, showing us that change isn't just possible—it's happening.

"Alternative Universities" is more than a book; it's an invitation to dream of educational spaces that are not just unique but transformative. Whether you're a teacher, a student, or simply someone who loves to learn, David's insights will open your mind to new possibilities.

Dive into David Staley's vision for the future and see how we can all help shape a world where education is not just about following a path but creating our own.

Start exploring now.

P.S. Want to dive deeper? Check out David J. Staley's "Alternative Universities," now available in paperback. It's a must-read for anyone ready to think differently about education. Get your copy here.