Can AI Replace Your Higher Ed Consultant? A Post-Conference Reality Check
Higher ed has too much sameness already. The institutions leading the way in ten years are the ones that get specific now. The real work of figuring out who you are and what makes your institution worth choosing requires a human doing the thinking. It doesn't have to be us. It can be your provost, your faculty, your board, or another consultant entirely. But it should be someone who knows your institution well enough to make creative calls, ask uncomfortable questions, and push back.
When Your Favorite Airline Stops Feeling Like Itself: A Lesson in Mission Drift for Higher Ed
I still fly Southwest occasionally. Old habits. But I'd be lying if I said the experience feels the same. And that's the thing about trust; it's much easier to lose than to rebuild. Once a loyal stakeholder starts wondering whether an institution was really built for them, winning that confidence back costs far more than it would have taken to keep it in the first place.
Higher Ed New Program Planning: Why Intentionality Beats Impulse
It can be really tempting to try to capitalize on the many student niches and needs by offering as many programs as you possibly can. But, as Icarus, taser owners, and anyone who’s ever painted an accent wall in their home will tell you: just because you can do something doesn’t mean that you should.
The 7 Biggest Mistakes Institutions Make When Seeking Accreditation
We decided to stop gatekeeping and let you in on the top 7 mistakes new institutions make (it was originally 5, but we’re overachievers here). If you can avoid these, you’ll already be ahead of the curve and less likely to find yourself heading face-first into a compliance brick wall.
SWOT, PESTLE, or 4Ps? Which Framework Should You Use for Your Strategic Plan?
At the heart of any strong strategic plan is a clear, honest understanding of where your institution stands and what it might face in the future. That’s where tools like SWOT, PESTLE, and the 4Ps come in. In this blog, we’ll walk through how to choose the right tools (spoiler: use all three), and give you practical, not-boring tips on how to actually use them to make smart, mission-aligned decisions.
Higher Ed in 2025: Thriving Through Strategic Adaptation
The future may be uncertain, but that doesn’t mean your institution has to face it unprepared. By focusing on foundational priorities—accreditation, state licensure, strategic planning, and institutional effectiveness—you’ll be positioned to tackle whatever challenges come your way.