Grow Grow Grow: Stories of Success in Higher Education
New Podcast on Growth Strategies for Higher Education
Higher Education is GROWING. Higher Education is succeeding. Students with degrees are being employed faster than ever. Here are the stories behind the success. Welcome to Grow Grow Grow a podcast that turns the spotlight on the success that is happening in higher education. Our guests are true leaders in higher education and have made a huge impact on their campuses and in the communities they serve.
Episode 1: Overcoming Barriers to Growth
Featuring Melissa Morriss-Olson, Ph.D., Provost Emerita, Distinguished Professor of Higher Ed Leadership and Host, the IngenioUs Podcast
In this engaging and informative first episode of Grow Grow Grow, Melissa Morriss-Olsen, Ph.D., Provost Emerita, Distinguished Professor of Higher Ed Leadership and Host, the IngenioUs Podcast, joins host Bob Atkins to discuss her success in developing new academic programs and generating significant tuition revenue. The conversation includes thoughts on:
- The barriers to growth in higher education, with a particular focus on the cultural factors that hinder change and innovation
- The resistance to change within accrediting bodies, alumni groups, and faculty, as well as the challenges associated with faculty governance and the tenure system
- The concept of “the keepers of tradition,” who cling to the past and might hinder growth, with emphasis on the importance of visionary leadership and resilience in the face of tough decision-making
- Examples of successful growth initiatives that rely on galvanizing faculty and creating conditions for creative thinking
- Changing your mindset and “not being afraid to rewrite the rule book.
Episode 2: How to Design a Growth-Focused Strategic Plan
Featuring Dr. Colin Irvine, President of Concordia College and former Provost and VPA at Augustana University, and Joni Krueger, Registrar & Assistant Vice Provost of Academic Affairs and Associate Dean of Interdisciplinary Programs.
In this captivating second episode of Grow Grow Grow, Bob Atkins, the host, is joined by Dr. Colin Irvine, President of Concordia College and recent Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Augustana University, and Joni Kruger, Registrar & Assistant Vice Provost of Academic Affairs and Associate Dean of Interdisciplinary Programs. Together, they discuss the remarkable success of Augustana University in designing and implementing a growth-focused strategic plan. The conversation encompasses the following points:
- Building excellent interdisciplinary programs that foster collaboration and innovation.
- Utilizing data analysis to identify growth trends and capitalize on opportunities.
- Developing strong community relationships to support and enhance academic programs.
- Leveraging untapped community resources identified through data analysis.
- Launching new programs without the need for faculty expansion, thereby optimizing resources and capacity.
Episode 3: Breaking Barriers: Creating an Inclusive Future in Higher Education
Featuring Matthew Crellin, Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
In the third episode of Grow Grow Grow, Bob Atkins welcomes Matthew Crellin, Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, for a thought-provoking conversation on the implications of underrepresented groups not attending college. Join them as they dive into effective strategies to address this challenge head-on and create a more inclusive environment in higher education. Discover how enrollment can be increased and underrepresented minorities can be attracted to reshape the landscape of higher education and foster equitable student success. This conversation includes thoughts on:
- Strategies for fostering a more inclusive environment and increasing enrollment of underrepresented students
- Examining the impact of student advising, adaptive learning, and digital education reform on equitable student success
- Reshaping the higher education landscape to meet the needs of underrepresented students
- Attracting more students through innovative approaches and targeted outreach efforts
Episode 4: Empowering Education: Bay Path University’s Journey of Diversification and Growth
Featuring Dr. Tom Loper, Associate Provost and Dean, School of Science and Management at Bay Path University
In the fourth episode of Grow Grow Grow, Bob Atkins sits down with Dr. Tom Loper, the Associate Provost and Dean, School of Science and Management at Bay Path University, to explore the transformative journey of the institution. Starting as a women’s only college, Bay Path University overcame initial challenges and embarked on a path of diversification, ultimately achieving remarkable growth.
- Discover how Bay Path navigated the challenges of being a women’s only college and successfully adapted to create a more inclusive environment
- Learn how market research became the foundation for their growth, enabling them to understand regional needs and align their programs with employer demands
- Uncover the process behind Bay Path’s development of new, relevant programs to meet emerging industry demands
- Understand the university’s significant investment in online teaching capabilities and content marketing, playing a crucial role in program-specific outreach and success
- Gain valuable insights into how data-informed decision-making became instrumental in Bay Path’s transformation, empowering them to make informed choices for sustainable growth
Episode 5: Navigating Growth and Innovation in Higher Education
Featuring Dr. Tom Loper, Associate Provost and Dean, School of Science and Management at Bay Path University
Join host Bob Atkins for an insightful episode of Grow Grow Grow as he converses with George Burnett, former President of Northcentral University. Together, they unveil the strategies and solutions essential for expanding enrollment within the evolving landscape of higher education. In their in-depth discussion, George and Bob illuminate key insights, including:
- How rising interest rates and shifting degree perceptions impact enrollment strategies
- The pivotal role of program diversification and varied modalities for growth and adaptability
- How certificates and non-traditional offerings can attract diverse students and enrich academic portfolios
- The importance of redefining marketing approaches to resonate with digital-savvy prospective students
- The significance of staying ahead in technology-driven education and ensuring optimal support for online learners
- How to embrace innovation while staying rooted in institutional values for sustained growth
Episode 6: Innovating Higher Education: A Conversation with Augustana University
Featuring Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, President of Augustana University, and Shannan Nelson, Executive Vice President and CFO at Augustana University
Tune in to the sixth episode of Grow Grow Grow, where host Bob Atkins engages in a compelling discussion with Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, President of Augustana University, and Shannan Nelson, Executive Vice President and CFO at Augustana University. Together, they unveil the dynamic strategies and initiatives that have fueled growth and innovation within the realm of higher education. In this episode, they explore:
- Augustana University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program’s success story, blending online coursework with hands-on clinical experience for an effective, high-quality education.
- The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the academic curriculum
- The importance of adaptability in higher education, staying ahead in an ever-evolving landscape
- The role of community engagement in fostering growth and support for academic programs
Episode 7: Unleashing Hidden Growth Avenues in Higher Education: A Deep Dive with Lamar University and Ad Astra
Featuring Sarah Collins from Ad Astra and David Short, Registrar at Lamar University
In the seventh episode of Grow Grow Grow, host Robert Atkins engages in an insightful conversation with industry experts Sarah Collins from Ad Astra and David Short, Registrar at Lamar University. Together, they dive deep into the transformative potential of strategic scheduling, informed by data insights, as a potent tool for enhancing student enrollment and boosting revenue.
Key Discussion Points:
- Leveraging strategic scheduling and data to drive student enrollment and revenue growth
- Real-world examples of Lamar University’s dynamic enrollment adjustments and their profound impact on student retention
- Navigating the complex interplay between course availability, enrollment dynamics, and financial aid
- Crafting a structured scheduling approach that enhances student success and ensures institutional financial stability
Episode 8: Revitalizing Liberal Arts Colleges: Innovative Strategies for Growth and Adaptation
Featuring Jeffrey Docking, Ph.D, President of Adrian College, and Kevin Harrington, CEO and Co-Founder of Rize Education
In the eighth episode of Grow, Grow, Grow, host Robert Atkins engages in a compelling conversation with Jeffrey Docking, Ph.D., President of Adrian College, and Kevin Harrington, CEO and Co-Founder of Rize Education. Together, they delve into the challenges faced by Adrian College in 2005, navigating declining enrollment and financial struggles, and the transformative strategies employed to reverse these trends.
Key Discussion Points:
- The success story of Adrian College, emphasizing the expansion of athletic programs and introduction of innovative academic majors
- Collaboration with Rize Education to develop a platform for sharing centralized curriculum and resources, enabling rapid and cost-effective launch of new majors
- Rize Education’s role in supporting small colleges, with a focus on creating majors aligned with student interests and job market demands
- Positive reception of innovative changes at Adrian University, leading to increased enrollment and improved financial stability