Sarah Holtan, PhD, engages with strategic planning maestro Nicki Nabasny, EdD to unravel the complexities of creating impactful strategies within higher education institutions. Gear up for a deep-dive into the art of stakeholder mapping and the pivotal role of leadership sponsorship in ensuring a successful strategic transformation.Nicki, with years of expertise in guiding colleges through strategic foresight, reveals the nuances of drafting a plan that is not only coherent but also forward-looking and ambitious enough to tackle the dynamic challenges of today's educational landscape.Episode Highlights:08:22 - Mapping out stakeholder influence really changed the game for us. It's about understanding who holds sway over the decision-making process and how to engage them effectively. Tailoring our approach to each unique campus culture allows us to create plans that are not only embraced but championed by the whole community.17:05 - A common pitfall I've observed is plans becoming stagnant. Strategy should be a living beast, breathing and evolving with the institution. That's why I stress on a rolling 3-year strategic plan over the traditional 5-year models. It pushes colleges to stay relevant and responsive to rapid changes in the educational sphere.24:40 - Buy-in is not just a buzzword; it's the backbone of strategic adoption. The key lies in aligning the plan with your mission and the leaders' vision. If you don't have the buy-in from the top, your strategy might just collect dust on a shelf. We delve deep into the tactics of securing leadership sponsorship, so your plan actually materializes into results.Sarah Holtan, PhDLinkedInWebsite Nicki Nabasny, EdDLinkedInWebsite

Sarah Holtan, PhD talks to Sarah Lukas, Ed.D., who brings her flair for innovation to the table, discussing the crucial role of empathy and adaptability in higher education leadership. Dive into a candid conversation on how institutions can thrive amidst change and why the fear of the new should be left behind. Sarah, who is the Director of Academic Operations at NLU Florida, imparts her wisdom on community engagement and the essence of listening to feedback for academic growth. Plus, we tease an exploration into the actual costs of change in an upcoming podcast– a dialogue you won't want to miss. For insights that inspire and strategies that stick, tune in and join us on this leadership journey.Episode Highlights:04:08 - I'm an academic at heart, but I've also become an operator. As I moved on in my educational experience and I became an assistant principal, became a district administrator, you can't have one without the other. We have to make sure that we're serving students by being efficient and making sure that we are using our budget well, so that we spend it correctly for our students, with the students in mind, regardless of if you're in public ed or if you're in a higher ed institution.07:30 - Our counseling curriculum is the same for our Master's program in both Illinois and Florida. However, we offer it on ground in Illinois, but it's online in Florida. And so, the modality is different and the enrollment and outreach is different because you're bringing in for different programs, but that allows Chicago to bring in their on ground program and have a very robust on ground piece there. But then we're able to provide the same quality between online student audience, so that allows us to be streamlined.13:08 - As a satellite campus, every student, every faculty member, it's also critical to our budget responsibility , and how we are operating within those dollars. And if we have a program that's showing exponential growth, then we make sure we hire there. That's where you have to balance again, that flexibility and empathy.Sarah Holtan, PhDLinkedInWebsite Sarah Lukas, Ed.D.LinkedInBe the Manatee: Affirming Advice for Your Leadership Journey

In this episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD, the President and Founder of High-level Leadership, LLC, delves deeply into how to protect the product of higher education. She argues that professional development funds for faculty and staff are essential to the quality of education. Discover how investing in people can save you money long term, reducing turnover and increasing productivity.Sarah also discusses how professional development funding can lead to long-term savings through the continuous employment of top talent. Listen in as she draws an intriguing analogy between a non-profit college and an independent restaurant, exploring the roles and improvements necessary for success in both domains. Don’t miss out on these eye-opening insights on the essential nature of professional development funds. Listen in, learn, and let’s get down to college business. Tune in now!Episode Highlights:05:26 - Research is one of or the most significant element of an academic portfolio. Faculty cannot progress on an individual level without that research. Additionally, the in-class learning and the student outcomes are reduced as well if faculty are not active in their own research. Truly, the curriculum is just not as strong when faculty are not active in their discipline.12:54 - I'll argue that many faculty probably have a percentage of their load dedicated to research and development. But what about staff? I'm getting a guess that that's a rare scenario. So it's not just about the monetary funding, but also some time in their schedule to actually go out and learn. 18:48 - Another high cost, high return benefit is individual research and conference funding as we've been talking about from the beginning. Again, this is the product. We have to protect our product. That is part of our educational service and product. If faculty and staff are not producing new knowledge and sharing it with their students and community, they're not really in the learning business.Sarah Holtan, PhDLinkedInWebsiteRethinking Hybrid and Remote Work in Higher Education Book

Let's dive into an enlightening discussion with Sarah Holtan, PhD and Kate Colbert, the author of "Commencement: The Beginning of a New Era in Higher Education", on the evolving landscape of higher education in this episode. Uncover the advantages of online learning, reasons behind resistance to change, and the significance of transparency within academic institutions. We discuss student retention strategies, with an emphasis on innovative partnerships and dynamic leadership. Kate shares her predictions about a new wave in education costs, the power of technology, and the importance of having professionals in key roles. Listen in as we end on a high note, urging leaders to invest their efforts in external relationship management and workforce development. Tune in for stimulating insights, revelations, and a glimpse into the future of education.Episode Highlights:08:07 - Tell the truth about the problems they're having at their institution or tell the truth about the needs of their students, or to tell the truth about the innovations that would really crack things wide open for them, those are the institutions that are starting to do really, really well. Those are the institutions that five years from now, when you and I are chatting about this again, they will not have closed. And so, yes, there is massive resistance to change in higher education, but the institutions that are saying, "Okay, let's just, like, get down to business, let's really talk turkey here," those are the institutions that are really at the bleeding edge of higher ed.09:45 - The first lesson is that everyone is a learner and I think student is the wrong word. I think learner is the right word because it's not just about backpacks and briefcases anymore. It's so much more than that. This past year, I think, has shown us that it's time to redefine higher education's customer and understand that everything beyond high school is post secondary education.18:06 - Partnerships are the future of higher education. And so, of course, mergers and acquisitions. You've talked about that on the show, and even more creative opportunities than that, but it's also really unique, interesting partnerships that are at the program level.Sarah Holtan, PhDLinkedInWebsite Kate ColbertLinkedInWebsite 

In this thought-provoking episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD, sits down with Gill Hunter, PhD,  the Assistant Vice-President for Retention and Graduation at Eastern Kentucky University. They delve into the intricacies of student retention and graduation. Discover how using data and interventions reshapes the academic landscape at EKU. Listen as they discuss the initiatives EKU has put in place to support first-generation students, including the inception of the Gen 1 Conference and the creation of an ad hoc committee. Get a glimpse into the unique strategies employed to prevent student withdrawals and ensure informed decision-making. Learn the importance of early intervention and personalized student support. You'll also hear about EKU's "Campus Resource Access Flip Book," a strategic tool designed to provide the right resources to the right students at the right time. So, don't miss out on this conversation and gain insights that emphasize the need for colleges to be prepared to meet their students' needs. How is EKU leveraging technology to further aid their retention efforts? Tune in to find out and learn much more! Episode Highlights:03:47 - It's a really great example of it's not me, it's we. Because it does take an entire campus pulling in the same direction, a campus-wide commitment to student success and retention to make retention work happen. It can happen in pockets, but you don't get results when it happens in pockets. So, it really is a culture, a mindset, and a commitment to a mission. 14:46 - We make it very hard in higher education to get into classes because we want to make sure that the computer can handle your schedule and get everything right. And we want to make sure that you understand the financial commitment and you're on the hook for that. And so, we want to make it at least as hard to get out of classes as it is to get into classes. 38:46 - All of the change management, change leadership, even crisis management literature says that you have to over communicate, and I think that's the place to start. It just takes a person or a group of people on a campus who aren't going to accept silos that have traditionally defined campus life. We have to have a group that says, "I know I'm in this division or this area of the university, but if retention matters, then we're going to make sure that everyone across campus is informed about retention initiatives, retention progress, whether or not we're meeting goals."Sarah Holtan, PhDLinkedInWebsite Gill Hunter, PhDLinkedIn  

Join Sarah Holtan, PhD and Tammy Ferry, PhD, the Retired Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor, in an enlightening exploration of higher ed mergers. From the airport conversation that initiated the merger of two Concordia colleges to the five-year journey that followed, discover the key elements that shaped their success. Delve into the roles of the governing board, Board of Overseers, and the Michigan representation, navigating challenges in organizational structure and employee positions. Their candid discussion addresses difficulties in academic program alignment, creating a unified chart, and fostering institutional culture. Tune in to learn about innovative strategies for mission alignment and cultural shifts. Uncover valuable lessons, including the importance of early consultant involvement, articulating decision motives, and building a robust network. Explore insights into handling operational challenges and the surprising benefits of forced change. Listen now for a comprehensive understanding of higher ed mergers and gain insights into ensuring future success.Episode Highlights:10:21 - There was planning being done at both the executive leadership level, mid leadership level. Hard decisions were already being talked about positions being merged, oversight of areas, who would oversee what. The organizational chart, just on paper what that looked like, was kind of a nightmare. It was a force of nature. It was so dynamic. It was changing. And so, one little word of insight and wisdom as I look back is you've got to be willing to be flexible.16:52 - I think bringing two cultures together in a healthy way requires so much. There's so much we could talk about there, but I think two really high priorities in that regard would be trust and mission alignment and engagement.26:58 - There have been thousands of students, Concordians, who have grown in mind, body, and spirit for service in their chosen vocation. We know that for sure. Students have been brought to faith in Christ and baptized, a hundred baptisms at this point. And then that impact becomes even more exponential when you think about the lives of the many others who have been touched by these students. So, did the merger work? Was it worth it? I'd say yes.Sarah Holtan, PhDLinkedInWebsite Tamara Ferry, PhDEmail

Join Sarah Holtan, PhD, as she has a dynamic conversation on the future of academia with Patrick Jones, PhD, Chancellor at Penn State Schulykill. They discuss in depth the transformative Co-op Program, which is an elective series of core courses complemented by immersive work experiences. With insights from 76 employer partners, students gain access to invaluable resources, from dynamic career chats to polished mock interviews and refined etiquette dinners. This program seamlessly integrates academic and professional development, setting students on a path to success. Tune in to explore the exceptional outcomes this program yields, from heightened GPAs to increased job offers upon graduation. Listen as they delve into the revolutionizing force behind higher education and the Co-op Program's potential to redefine the student experience. Episode Highlights:17:06 - The employers love the program. They love the energy and the new ideas that the student interns bring, and they don't just give them busy work. It's exciting to learn about the projects that the students are doing with the employers. 23:01 - It's up to the institution to decide if the label "Co-op" works for them. But even those elite institutions have career offices. They're still helping students find their way. And so, I don't think that it's for any particular type of institution. I think this is a kind of experience. It is certainly what the American public is asking for. It's what our elected representatives are asking for. It's what parents are looking for. And so whatever you call it, this really is applied learning.28:09 - I believe as college leaders that's part of our job. Our faculty are doing amazing things. Our staff are taking care of our students. Our students are succeeding in wonderful ways. How do we make sure that the business community understands what we're doing and how we bring value to their needs? Sarah Holtan, PhDLinkedInWebsitePatrick Jones, PhDLinkedIn

John Duggan, Chief Operating Officer of The Concord Group, shares valuable considerations for educational institutions pondering between renovating older buildings and constructing new ones with Sarah Holtan, PhD in this episode. He stresses the importance of evaluating the building's present condition, comparing renovation costs to new construction expenses, and factoring in emotional attachments. John provides a rule of thumb: If modernizing an old building exceeds 50% of the cost of constructing a new, building a new facility becomes a viable option. He also highlights the Return on Investment (ROI) of new construction, citing benefits like increased revenue from faculty and student attractions, energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance costs. Tune in to discover the significance of strategic planning, particularly for renovation projects, where unforeseen expenses due to code upgrades can arise. Learn about the pivotal elements such as age, environmental considerations, and sustainability for renovation initiatives. Listen to John's crucial advice for college leaders in making informed decisions about their infrastructure, stressing the importance of thorough asset assessment and timely maintenance efforts. Episode Highlights:07:03 - Old buildings can be energy hogs. They can be difficult to operate. Some of their systems might be old, and it might not be cost-productive to update the systems. With being, mechanical, electrical systems and even their external envelope of maybe they've just got single pane windows. So, from that standpoint, that should be factored into the ROI as well. 21:55 - There's a lot more developers out there that really have this niche and passion about not building new, but taking historic buildings or old buildings and change them into something new. We just had the one downtown with the Journal Sentinel Building that just got an adaptive reuse into apartments.23:32 - You do that initial due diligence before you start tearing walls down, so you can put realistic budgets and schedules together so you can give the client a pretty good idea about what this cost is going to be before it's too late. Contact Sarah Holtan, PhDLinkedInWebsite John DugganLinkedInWebsite  

Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Mike Neiduski, a seasoned professional with a unique approach to higher education fundraising. With a background in both student affairs units and major gift fundraising, Mike brings a multifaceted approach to the table.They explore parallels between higher education and conservation development, both requiring substantial funding. Mike highlights external challenges like economic factors and internal hurdles such as resistance to change. He emphasizes the power of listening and relationship-building in effective fundraising. They also discuss insights into generational giving trends and practical tactics for successful fundraising. From campus reunions to strategic marketing, the strategies are diverse and effective. Tune in to this episode, which underscores the need for a long-term cultural shift towards philanthropy, especially for institutions lacking robust alumni bases. The role of technology in streamlining fundraising efforts is also explored. Listen to this conversation and gain valuable insights into the art of higher education fundraising, demystifying the process and understanding the crucial role of readiness in fostering a culture of philanthropy.Episode Highlights:07:29 - The fundraising, particularly major gift fundraising, is really rooted in relationships, and how does an individual like me, as a fundraiser, build a relationship between an institution and an individual to help grow that affinity and help them understand the problems and challenges that the institution faces and how do we help them help us solve them.15:10 - What you don't see is that fundraising is a numbers game. It's a volume game. And so what you don't see in that is the amount of time on the phone and email and whatnot doing outreach, because for every 10 phone calls I make, I get two visits, and that's a pretty good average.24:40 - Every member of a Board, because it is such a big role in my opinion, has a duty to be a prospector for their institution from a fundraising perspective within their networks, whether that's hosting parties or dinners, or even just through the course of their conversations.Contact Sarah Holtan, PhDLinkedInWebsiteMichael NeiduskiLinkedIn    

Join host Sarah Holtan, PhD, in a riveting discussion with Gary Stocker, the Founder of College Viability, LLC. As the looming specter of private college closures grows due to the winding down of COVID relief, Gary unpacks crucial insights. Leading indicators of an institution in jeopardy, including dwindling enrollment and tuition revenue, are demystified, along with lagging indicators like graduation rates and endowment size.Discover Gary's groundbreaking perspective on battling the economics of supply and demand within higher education. Throughout the conversation, his expertise underscores the critical importance of informed decision-making for trustees, faculty, and administration. His advice on harnessing data, navigating scholarships, and managing finances provides actionable takeaways.Whether you're a college leader or simply invested in the vitality of academia, Gary's insights could reshape your understanding of sustainability. Tune in now and learn how a consolidative approach could hold the key to unlocking the future of higher ed.Episode Highlights:04:43 - If we were to bring up the college viability app now, we would see an astounding number of private and public colleges whose graduation rates are significantly below 50% after 4 years and significantly below 70%. 10:01 - In higher education in 2023, we have way too many college seats and not enough college behinds to fill them. You cannot fight an economic law of supply and demand by adding a course, by adding a support, by cutting back on copy paper. You can't generate the materially significant net revenue needed from those kind of changes. It is more substantial business model changes that are needed.29:36 - I think the avenue is for colleges across the country, whether they have issues with closures sometimes sooner or not, is to start having conversations with legal counsel, start putting together conversations with the State Attorney General's Office and say, "Hey, if you don't want some significant percentage of private colleges to close in our state, let's start looking at how we can leverage the endowments to help save these colleges."Contact Sarah Holtan, PhDLinkedInWebsiteGary Stocker, DMGTLinkedInWebsiteEmail