October 22, 2020

The Next Normal: The Future of Higher Education with Dr. Stanton McNeely

1 hour 1 minute

In this episode of the Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP®, and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT interview Dr. Stanton F. McNeely III, Ed.D, President at the University of Holy Cross. Dr. Stanton talks about his thoughts on virtual teaching and the changes that have occurred at the University of Holy Cross due to Covid-19.

Episode Highlights:

Erik introduces Dr. Stanton McNeely. (1:08)

Stanton shares that they’re working through the dynamics of the pandemic which is a reduced occupancy on campus, continuing some things from a distance modality online, and they also have some focused instruction on-site as well. (2:31)

Stanton mentions that in today’s century, everyone can receive information in the palm of their hand, as much as on a desktop or a tablet. (4:20)

Stanton mentions that it’s significant that they’re present as much as they possibly can. (4:39)

Stanton shares his experiences from Hurricane Katrina, back in 2005. (5:38)

Stanton shares that the radical change of 2005 has been a good lesson of working with city officials, state and federal officials, as well as other education partners to lead a university through a dynamic change situation. (8:16)

How’s Stanton making decisions about suspending physical learning and moving to remote learning? (10:47)

Stanton mentions that his experience together with the other faculty and staff, on distance education allowed them to pivot as best as they could. (13:41)

Stanton thinks that having the ability to pivot and continue teaching and learning online, is the key. (14:13)

Stanton shares that the technology at the secondary level is more of a supplement to what's important for a developing mind in terms of in-person learning. (14:33)

Stanton thinks that the individualized intention, close relations between faculty and staff, and the ability of college students to flip to distance helped. (15:49)

Stanton shares that some universities have more in-person instruction right now than others and well-intentioned to optimizing the balance of health and safety responsibility, with educational responsibility, as well. (18:46)

How does Stanton balance the financial needs of the university, the faculty, and staff? (19:02)

Stanton explains conservative financial planning. (20:59)

Stanton shares one of the transformations that occurred during the disruption in March and April was the opportunity that came with their counseling and training center. (22:43)

Stanton mentions that he views telemental health as an opportunity for the continued growth of the counseling programs and it’s going to help them financially as well. (23:48)

Stanton shares that it’s essential that every student, faculty, and staff member in their community and their families feel that they’re doing the best to help them through this time. (39:45)

Stanton mentions that when he talks about health and safety, it includes financial safety for our students, knowing that they’re a family member, going through tough times. (41:37)

How would they do the next normal, or the next iteration of online education in a sustainable way? (49:01)

Stanton mentions that there’s no stopping point in learning, growth, development, and upward mobility. (52:09)

What would be Stanton’s message to people who may be listening about the overarching value of higher education in general, but Holy Cross in particular? (53:29)

Stanton shares that the biggest breaking cycle of poverty is higher education combined with work. (55:02)

Resources Mentioned:

Erik Garcia, CFP®

Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT

Garcia Financial Group

Matt Morris & Associates

Dr. Stanton F. McNeely III, Ed.D

University of Holy Cross

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By Dr. Matt Morris LPC & LMFT, Erik Garcia CFP®

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