Using Faculty Satisfaction Data for Strategic Change in Higher Education
Changing Higher Ed
Most institutions survey their faculty, but few turn that data into meaningful action. This episode explores how higher education leaders can use faculty satisfaction data to inform , strengthen , retain talent, and lead . is joined by , Executive Director of , to examine how institutions are applying faculty data in more intentional ways. The conversation focuses on how leadership can move from reporting results to building trust, aligning leadership decisions with faculty needs, and implementing sustained improvements. Benson outlines COACHE’s three-year cycle, where survey data serves...
info_outline
Short-Term Credentials: What College Leaders Should Know
Changing Higher Ed
As short-term credentials gain traction, higher ed leaders face a critical question: Are these programs truly cost-effective and accessible—or just shorter? In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Jinann Bitar, Director of Higher Ed Research and Data Analytics at Education Trust, about the cost-efficiency, accessibility, and policy implications of short-term credential programs. They discuss new research on program affordability, disparities across states and industries, and the limited long-term earnings data available. Jinann shares what institutions need to consider before...
info_outline
Washington Update: Dismantling the Department of Education and Redefining Oversight for Higher Ed
Changing Higher Ed
Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and a trusted Washington insider, returns to provide a critical update on sweeping federal changes affecting higher education. In conversation with Drumm McNaughton, he breaks down the Trump administration’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, a move that’s already led to major staff reductions and the redistribution of responsibilities across other federal agencies. Key Discussion Points Structural Overhaul of the Department of Education: Nearly 50% of ED staff have been laid off, including in core offices such as...
info_outline
Enrollment Marketing Strategy: How to Attract Students and Align Programs
Changing Higher Ed
Enrollment marketing strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential for institutions looking to grow in a competitive, high-cost digital environment. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Max DesMarais, Director of Strategy at Vital, about how colleges and universities can use data, content strategy, and full-funnel marketing to improve student recruitment and ensure academic offerings align with demand. Building an Effective Enrollment Marketing Strategy Validate program demand before launch using research, polling, and student behavior data. Use student-friendly program names...
info_outline
Higher Education Innovation That Builds Workforce-Ready Graduates
Changing Higher Ed
80% of Champlain College graduates land jobs in their field of study—because the college designed its model to make students workforce ready. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Alex Hernandez, President of Champlain College, about how higher education institutions can build their innovation muscle to with workforce needs and improve graduate outcomes. Building the Innovation Muscle —not a static document. Faculty co-design new academic models, driving institution-wide innovation. Innovation is embedded in culture, not dependent on top-down initiatives. Aligning Curriculum...
info_outline
The Hidden Enrollment Market in Workforce Education
Changing Higher Ed
There are 41.5 million Americans who left college without earning a degree—but many would return if given the right opportunity. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Alana Rose, Vice President of Academic Networks at InStride, about how workforce education and corporate partnerships can unlock a hidden enrollment market. The Workforce Education Advantage Employer-funded education provides debt-free learning opportunities for employees. Workforce development programs help companies upskill employees and retain talent. Higher education institutions gain access to...
info_outline
Transforming College Advising: A New Approach to Student Success
Changing Higher Ed
Higher education institutions continue to struggle with student retention, career readiness, and underemployment among graduates. Traditional college advising models focus heavily on selecting a major, yet many students graduate with empty degrees that fail to translate into meaningful careers. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Scott Carlson and Dr. Ned Scott Laff, authors of , about how institutions can rethink academic advising, faculty engagement, and to better serve today’s learners. Carlson, a senior writer for the Chronicle of Higher...
info_outline
Top Risks in Higher Education and Why Leaders Must Have ERM Programs
Changing Higher Ed
Justin Kollinger, Senior Risk Management Consultant at United Educators (UE), brings valuable perspective in helping colleges and universities develop strategic risk initiatives. As co-author of "Risk Management: An Accountability Guide for University and College Boards" and creator of UE's annual Top 10 Risks report, Kollinger works with institution leaders to develop strategic risk initiatives, prioritize risk management goals, and launch enterprise risk management programs. Higher Ed's Current Risk & Liability Environment The higher education sector faces what United Educators calls...
info_outline
ADA Compliance in Higher Education: What Institutions Need to Know
Changing Higher Ed
New Federal ADA Regulation Deadlines Are Approaching – Is Your Institution Ready? Colleges and universities must now meet stricter ADA compliance requirements for websites and digital content or risk legal consequences, fines, and loss of federal funding. With the , institutions must ensure all web content, mobile apps, and digital resources meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards. For many schools, the deadline is approaching fast. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, host Dr. Drumm McNaughton has a conversation with Eugene Woo, CEO and founder of Venngage, to discuss what these...
info_outline
The Glass Cliff in Higher Education: Challenges Faced by Women University Presidents
Changing Higher Ed
According to recent ACE presidential survey data, women now constitute 33% of university presidencies, yet a troubling pattern has emerged: these leaders are often appointed during times of institutional crisis, creating what researchers call "the glass cliff" phenomenon. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, Dr. Lori Varlotta, former president of Hiram College and California Lutheran University and current Distinguished Professor of Higher Education Leadership at Cal Lutheran, shares insights from her research on the glass cliff phenomenon in higher education. Drawing from her first...
info_outlineThere are 41.5 million Americans who left college without earning a degree—but many would return if given the right opportunity. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Alana Rose, Vice President of Academic Networks at InStride, about how workforce education and corporate partnerships can unlock a hidden enrollment market.
The Workforce Education Advantage
-
Employer-funded education provides debt-free learning opportunities for employees.
-
Workforce development programs help companies upskill employees and retain talent.
-
Higher education institutions gain access to non-traditional learners and new revenue streams.
Meeting the Needs of Non-Traditional Students
-
Online and hybrid learning formats offer flexibility for working adults.
-
Stackable credentials and credit for prior learning support degree completion.
-
Institutions must provide tailored student support to improve retention.
Aligning Higher Ed with Workforce Needs
-
Corporate partnerships ensure programs match industry demands.
-
Employers seek a balance of technical, business, and durable skills.
-
Advisory boards help shape relevant curricula.
Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards
-
Leverage Corporate Partnerships – Workforce education is a growing enrollment strategy.
-
Lower Barriers to Access – Flexible pathways and support services drive student success.
-
Invest in Institutional Resources – Dedicated staff is essential for scaling employer-funded education.
Workforce education presents a major opportunity for higher education leaders. Tune in to learn how institutions can align with corporate needs, create sustainable enrollment pipelines, and provide meaningful educational pathways for non-traditional students.
Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/hidden-enrollment-market-in-workforce-education/
#HigherEdEnrollment #WorkforceEducation #EmployerSponsoredEducation
About Our Podcast Guest
Alana Rose is Vice President of Academic Network at InStride, where she leads partnerships with top-tier universities and educational institutions to deliver innovative workforce education programs. With over a decade of experience in higher education and university relations, Alana has a proven track record of fostering partnerships that drive institutional growth and expand access to education for working learners. Prior to InStride, Alana held leadership roles at Emeritus and 2U, overseeing operations for university partners and scaling global online education programs. Alana earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Southern California.
Connect with Alana Rose on LinkedIn →
About the Podcast Host
Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.