Institutional leaders talk about strategies to navigate new realities
Higher education leaders face a complex set of challenges in today's dynamic environment, including shifting demographics, financial pressures, and increasing demands for innovation. Ellucian recently hosted a conversation with three higher ed leaders to share their insights into how they are adapting to these challenges.
Join our conversation with: Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President Huston-Tillotson University (Texas), Anna Vakulick, Deputy CIO, The George Washington University and Jan Smith, Registrar, British Columbia Institute of Technology, in our recent webinar, "New Realities in Higher Education and How Leaders Are Facing Them." Here are the highlights in this Q&A.
1. How Can Institutions Demonstrate Their Value?
Effectively communicating value is essential for attracting and retaining students. Houston-Tillotson University provides an example by highlighting graduate success stories that illustrate how degrees translate into meaningful careers. As Dr. Melva Wallace, the university's president, noted, these stories inspire prospective students by offering concrete proof of what's possible.
Institutions can also meet workforce demands by offering programs that go beyond traditional degrees. Houston-Tillotson's certifications in soft skills, such as time management and conflict resolution, prepare graduates to excel in professional environments. These offerings demonstrate value to employers and students alike while generating new revenue streams for the institution.
2. How Can Institutions Adapt to Leadership Changes?
Leadership transitions can introduce uncertainty, but institutions that maintain a focus on core priorities—teaching and learning—can navigate these changes effectively. George Washington University (GW) offers an example of resilience during leadership shifts. Despite experiencing three changes in university presidents in four years, GW stayed grounded by prioritizing infrastructure improvements and reducing technical debt.
According to Anna Vakulick, Deputy CIO at GW, simplifying internal processes and creating a clear strategic plan allows institutions to remain agile and prepared for new leadership priorities. This approach ensures continuity while positioning the institution to respond to future challenges.
3. What Strategies Support Enrollment During Financial Challenges?
With financial constraints affecting many institutions, leaders must adopt creative approaches to sustaining enrollment. For example, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) partners with industry to align programs with workforce demands. This connection to industry not only ensures program relevance but also supports enrollment by attracting students seeking practical, career-focused education.
Registrar Jan Smith emphasized the importance of flexible learning pathways, such as stackable credentials, which allow students to progress through their education at their own pace. These pathways cater to a diverse student base, including those seeking to upskill or reenter the workforce, making education more accessible and appealing.
4. How Can Data Improve Institutional Decision-Making?
Data is the foundation for informed decisions, yet many institutions face challenges with data silos and inconsistent reporting. At GW, addressing these issues involved expanding data governance and implementing a data lake to centralize information from disparate systems.
These efforts, supported by Ellucian's SaaS solutions, ensure that decision-makers have access to reliable, integrated data. This approach enables institutions to assess program costs, allocate resources efficiently, and respond to changing priorities with confidence. As Vakulick noted, integrated systems are critical to reducing manual processes and improving operational efficiency.
5. How Can Institutions Prioritize Cybersecurity Amid Financial Constraints?
Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it's a necessity. With higher education ranking among the most targeted sectors for cyberattacks, institutions must invest in robust protections. Dr. Wallace likened cybersecurity to the "price of admission" for operating in today's digital environment, emphasizing the risks of not taking proactive measures.
Strategies include regular cybersecurity audits, staff training, and implementing strong IT governance. For smaller institutions with limited resources, partnerships with technology providers can be especially valuable. By prioritizing cybersecurity, institutions safeguard their data, protect their reputation, and ensure the integrity of their operations.
6. How Can Institutions Foster Innovation While Managing Change?
Innovation is critical to staying competitive, but its success depends on effective change management and collaboration. Strong relationships with campus stakeholders enable institutions to identify opportunities that enhance the student experience. At GW, Vakulick's team ensures that new technologies align with institutional goals and emphasizes the importance of updating business processes alongside technological upgrades.
Change management is at the heart of this effort. When implementing solutions like Banner SaaS, GW focuses on preparing staff and streamlining processes to maximize the value of their investment. This approach ensures that new tools are used effectively, driving meaningful innovation across the institution.
Building Resilience Through Strategic Action
Higher education leaders must remain adaptable and innovative to meet today's challenges. By focusing on their core mission, leveraging data effectively, and fostering collaboration, institutions can demonstrate their value and secure long-term success.
Key strategies include:
- Highlighting graduate success stories and building alumni networks.
- Simplifying processes to support organizational agility during leadership changes.
- Leveraging partnerships and flexible pathways to sustain enrollment.
- Expanding data governance and integrating systems for better decision-making.
- Investing in cybersecurity to mitigate risks and protect operations.
Collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement will ensure institutions thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
