It’s noisy out there. Headlines blare the latest changes at federal agencies. Funding cuts are on the table at all levels. And everyone – everyone – has an opinion they want to share. What’s a higher education leader to do?
In the midst of the chaos, it’s a good time to be still. Still doesn’t mean inaction. It means not having your time and energy pulled away from what’s important. Marcus Aurelius said it well in his Meditations – “Concentrate every minute… on doing what’s in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness, tenderly, willingly, with justice. And on freeing yourself from all other distractions”.
The truth is that the challenges facing higher education in this moment are largely the same challenges that have been with the industry for decades. Overcapacity in the face of enrollment declines. Too much time and money in places that are not responsive to student and employer demand. And a lack of focus on outcomes and connecting students to the world of work.
So what should leaders keep in front of them?
- Business Intelligence – If you don’t have the information you need now to inform decisions, start getting systems, reporting, and professional development in place.
- Move to Better ROI – Understand what the economic engines are within your institution, and begin the work of shifting resources toward programs and services that provide growth opportunities.
- Get Externally Focused – Align institutional strengths with demand from students and employers.
- Retention – Invest to keep the students you already have, and keep them on the path to completion.
- Strategic Partnerships – Look for good partners that can help your institution address existing gaps and move toward your future vision.
The work is still the work. Be still. Then get moving.
