Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook

Ep. 14: Innovating for Institutional Growth: Lessons from Franklin Pierce University

In this episode of Visionary Voices: The College President's Playbook, host Dr. Bryan Gross sits down with President Peter Eden and Vice President for Marketing and Communications Mark DiPietro of Franklin Pierce University. The conversation dives into the university’s bold, entrepreneurial approach to higher education, including its innovative Career Paths at Pierce program and multi-campus model. The episode unpacks how Franklin Pierce is tackling enrollment challenges, balancing liberal arts education with career readiness, and leveraging alternative revenue streams to ensure long-term institutional stability.  Key Takeaways * The Power of Career-Integrated Learning – Franklin Pierce’s Career Paths at Pierce program blends liberal arts education with career readiness, ensuring students graduate with real-world experience. * Multi-Campus Model for Institutional Stability – The university’s expansion into Texas, Arizona, and New Hampshire provides diversified revenue streams and meets the rising demand for healthcare professionals. * Marketing and Enrollment Must Align – A strong partnership between marketing and enrollment management ensures messaging resonates with students and their families. * Entrepreneurship in Higher Ed Leadership – Universities must adopt a business-minded approach to survive in today’s challenging market, balancing financial sustainability with academic excellence. * The Importance of Institutional Branding – Many schools face the challenge of brand visibility; Franklin Pierce is focused on amplifying its story to attract the right students. What is the Career Paths at Pierce Program, and How Does It Benefit Students?  Franklin Pierce University is taking a forward-thinking approach to student success with its Career Paths at Pierce initiative. This program builds upon the school’s existing Paths at Pierce model, adding a stronger emphasis on experiential learning, internships, and career readiness. President Eden and Mark DiPietro recognized that today’s students—and their families—are seeking a clear return on investment from higher education. Rather than simply offering internship opportunities as an option, Franklin Pierce has integrated them as a fundamental component of the curriculum. By blending liberal arts education with career-focused experiences, the university ensures that students graduate not just with a degree but with tangible work experience. This approach makes Franklin Pierce more competitive in attracting students who want to secure strong career outcomes immediately after graduation.  How is Franklin Pierce Utilizing a Multi-Campus Model for Growth? One of Franklin Pierce’s unique strategies is its multi-campus model, with centers in Round Rock, Texas; Goodyear, Arizona; and two locations in New Hampshire. These campuses primarily focus on graduate health professions programs, an area of significant societal need, especially in rural healthcare. The expansion was a strategic move to counteract the demographic decline affecting many traditional college campuses, particularly in the Northeast. By tapping into growing markets in the Southwest, Franklin Pierce has created a sustainable business model that generates revenue beyond undergraduate tuition. The university is also exploring opportunities for early college programs in these regions to expand its impact further.  How Does Franklin Pierce Approach Marketing for Its Various Campuses? With multiple campuses serving distinct student populations, Franklin Pierce has adopted a targeted marketing strategy. Mark DiPietro emphasized the importance of tailoring messaging for each campus while maintaining a unified institutional brand. Digital marketing plays a key role in reaching prospective students, particularly in regions where Franklin Pierce’s programs fulfill unmet educational needs. A critical component of their marketing strategy is shifting the narrative from simply earning a degree to ensuring a clear pathway to a career. The team is refining language across platforms—from the website to social media—to reinforce this message. This approach aligns with what modern students and families expect: a direct connection between education and employment.  Why Must Higher Education Leaders Think Like Entrepreneurs? Both President Eden and Mark DiPietro stress that universities must operate with an entrepreneurial mindset to stay competitive. Traditional financial models reliant on tuition revenue alone are becoming unsustainable, especially with rising tuition discounting rates and shifting demographics. By diversifying revenue streams, investing in high-demand programs, and making bold, strategic moves, Franklin Pierce is setting itself apart from struggling rural institutions. President Eden notes that while many universities are facing financial scarcity, Franklin Pierce is fostering a growth mentality—a mindset that requires taking calculated risks rather than just maintaining the status quo.  How is Franklin Pierce Preparing Faculty for a Rapidly Evolving Higher Ed Landscape? While some faculty may see career-focused initiatives as a threat to liberal arts education, President Eden argues that the two can (and should) coexist. Employers value skills like critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving just as much as technical expertise. The Career Paths at Pierce program doesn’t replace liberal arts—it enhances it by ensuring students can apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Faculty at Franklin Pierce are encouraged to maintain their academic freedom while incorporating career readiness components where appropriate. This balance allows the university to stay true to its mission while also addressing the practical needs of today’s students. What Advice Do Leaders Have for Aspiring Higher Ed Professionals? For those looking to advance in higher education leadership, both guests offer valuable insights: * Be a Lifelong Learner – Mark DiPietro stresses the importance of knowing a little about everything, from enrollment and marketing to student life and fundraising. Breaking out of traditional silos is key to career advancement. * Embrace Challenges with Positivity – President Eden highlights the power of maintaining a positive attitude, even during tough times. Leaders set the tone for their institutions, and optimism can be a catalyst for transformation. * Take Risks – President Eden’s philosophy is clear: If you're not a risk taker, you're a caretaker. In today’s volatile higher ed environment, bold leadership is necessary for survival and growth. Final Thoughts Franklin Pierce University is proving that traditional institutions can thrive by embracing change, diversifying revenue streams, and doubling down on career readiness. The university’s strategic multi-campus expansion and career-focused programming set a strong example for other institutions looking to navigate the challenges of modern higher education.

Ep. 13: Revolutionizing Higher Ed for Workforce Readiness

In this episode of Visionary Voices: The College President's Playbook, host Bryan Gross dives into an inspiring conversation with Arizona Western College’s President Daniel Corr and Provost Reetika Dhawan. The discussion highlights AWC’s innovative approach to education, including their transformative entrepreneurial college initiative, which redefines workforce readiness and academic accessibility. Learn how AWC is navigating rapid change, forging partnerships, and empowering students with stackable micro-credentials that align with regional and national employment demands. Key Takeaways * Embracing Change in Higher Education: AWC's entrepreneurial college focuses on agility and rapid adaptation to meet industry demands, such as launching a fiber optics program in just four weeks. * Stackable Micro-Credentials: Short-term certificates designed to meet specific workforce needs allow students to quickly gain employable skills while providing pathways for continued education. * Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with institutions like Northern Arizona University and University of Arizona enables seamless transfer pathways and co-located bachelor's and master's degree programs. * Community-Driven Initiatives: Programs in agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing reflect AWC’s commitment to aligning education with regional economic needs. * Innovative Leadership and Faculty Buy-In: Success stems from visionary leadership, a strong faculty, and industry-driven curriculum design. Episode Summary What makes Arizona Western College unique in serving the Yuma community? President Daniel Corr outlines how AWC serves a diverse and underserved student population, including a majority of Hispanic, first-generation students, many of whom speak English as a second language. With 12,000 students across multiple locations, AWC is redefining what it means to be a community college, focusing on transforming lives through innovative educational pathways. What is the Entrepreneurial College, and why was it created? Inspired by the book The Great Upheaval, the entrepreneurial college was designed as a “second pillar” to deliver flexible, workforce-ready education. With separate hiring qualifications, tuition models, and a focus on non-traditional formats, the entrepreneurial college bridges the gap between academia and real-world employment needs. How does AWC define and implement stackable micro-credentials? Stackable micro-credentials are short-term, skill-specific certificates that allow students to quickly enter the workforce while providing opportunities for further education. For example, an HVAC program was restructured into a nine-credit-hour certificate based on industry demand, enabling faster career entry while retaining pathways for advanced skills. How does AWC collaborate with universities to enhance student opportunities? AWC partners with Arizona’s three state universities, offering on-campus bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. This collaboration ensures students can progress seamlessly from associate to graduate degrees without leaving Yuma. This unique model exemplifies how partnerships can double baccalaureate attainment rates and provide comprehensive support for students. What innovative programs and initiatives fall under the entrepreneurial college?  Programs range from agriculture technology and renewable energy to advanced manufacturing and healthcare. Initiatives like the food incubator program and military-focused logistics training highlight AWC’s emphasis on regional workforce alignment. The entrepreneurial college also integrates cutting-edge technologies like AI and VR to enhance learning and engagement. How does AWC measure the success of its programs?  AWC evaluates success through rapid skill acquisition, workforce readiness, job placement rates, and collaborative industry relationships. Annual studies and data analysis guide resource allocation and identify gaps, ensuring continuous improvement and responsiveness to economic shifts.

Ep. 12: Transforming Higher Ed: Reach University's Game-Changing Apprenticeship Model with President Joe Ross and Dr. Eric Dunker

In this episode of Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook, Dr. Bryan Gross hosts Joe Ross, President of Reach University, and Dr. Eric Dunker, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of the National Center for the Apprenticeship Degree. They explore how Reach University is transforming higher education by offering a unique apprenticeship degree model that empowers students to earn degrees while working in their communities. Joe and Eric dive into the university’s mission to provide accessible, debt-free education through workplace-based learning. They discuss the benefits of apprenticeship degrees, how Reach University collaborates with employers to upskill workers, and why this model is particularly successful in rural and underserved areas. The episode highlights Reach University’s affordable approach, employer partnerships, and the importance of innovation in higher education. Ross and Dunker also provide advice for college leaders on how to implement similar models at other institutions. Guest Names: President Joe Edelheit Ross, Reach University Dr. Eric Dunker, Reach University's NCAD Guest Socials:   President Joe Edelheit Ross - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeross/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeross/] Dr. Eric Dunker - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-dunker-ph-d-1463758/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-dunker-ph-d-1463758/] Guest Bios: President Joe Edelheit Ross, Reach University - Joe Edelheit Ross is President and CEO of Reach University [http://www.reach.edu/], the nonprofit university advancing fully job-embedded Apprenticeship Degrees. Joe previously led a statewide education advocacy association, California County Boards of Education, and served for over ten years as an elected trustee of the San Mateo County Board of Education. Earlier in his career, he served on active duty in the U.S. Navy, and later as a deputy district attorney. The son of a U.S. Postal Service labor custodian, Joe received his B.A. from Yale College and his J.D. from Stanford Law School, where he was President of the Stanford Law Review. Ross has been published in Inside Higher Education [https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/views/2023/07/25/will-apprenticeship-degree-come-america-opinion], Work Shift [https://workshift.org/is-the-workplace-the-new-college-campus/], the San Jose Mercury News, the Los Angeles Times, Newsday, and Forbes [https://www.forbes.com/sites/stand-together/2023/11/27/what-if-you-could-turn-your-job-into-a-degree/?sh=79556b7a50be]. Dr. Eric Dunker is co-founder and Chief Executive of Reach University's National Center for the Apprenticeship Degree [http://www.ncad.org/](NCAD). Eric joined Reach from Arapahoe Community College in Colorado, where he served as the vice president for Workforce and Economic Development for over five years. There he led the launch of two new campuses, cultivated $30 million in philanthropy and grants, co-created innovative apprenticeships in health care, technology, and business, and co-created responsive career-ready programs for displaced workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior, Eric served as regional director for Oregon State University. Eric currently serves on the Colorado state apprenticeship board. At Reach, he co-founded and launched NCAD, the university’s center dedicated to technical assistance and collective impact advancing adoption of the apprenticeship degree across the United States.

Ep. 11: Teaching Faculty How to Teach: Inside SFBU's Bold New Initiative

In this episode of Visionary Voices: The College President's Playbook, host Dr. Bryan Gross dives into a provocative conversation with President Nick Ladany and Dr. Heather Herrera, Vice President for Strategy and Innovation at San Francisco Bay University (SFBU). The episode unveils SFBU’s audacious approach to transforming higher education, centered around the creation of the Center for Empowerment and Pedagogical Innovation (CEPI)—an initiative dedicated to addressing a long-standing issue in academia: the lack of formal teaching training for faculty. President Ladany openly challenges the traditional higher education model, where faculty often excel in their fields but lack the pedagogical skills necessary to truly engage and educate students. CEPI aims to disrupt this norm by equipping faculty with the tools and methodologies they need to be not just good, but great teachers. This bold move positions SFBU as a challenger in the higher education landscape, committed to redefining what it means to be an effective educator. Dr. Herrera further explains SFBU’s six-pillars framework—academics, life literacy, wellness, relationships, financial support, and career mobility—that underpins the university’s holistic approach to student success. Throughout the conversation, President Ladany challenges higher education leaders to be fearless in their pursuit of innovation, urging them to confront outdated practices and embrace change. This episode offers a candid and thought-provoking look at how SFBU is leading the charge in teaching faculty how to teach, setting a new standard for excellence in higher education. Guest Names: President Nick Ladany Dr. Heather Herrera Guest Socials:   President Nick Ladany - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-ladany/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-ladany/]    Dr. Heather Herrera - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-herrera-phd-7b1b9bb1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-herrera-phd-7b1b9bb1/] Guest Bios:  Nick Ladany, Ph.D., is the President of San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) where he is leading higher education change in meaningful and substantive ways following more than 30 years of experience as a tenured professor and administrator at public and private, large and small comprehensive universities. He is also a contributor to Forbes on topics related to reimagining higher education. Previously he was President of Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he led the university through the pandemic, facilitated record enrollments, enhanced fiscal stewardship, built a leadership team, strengthened a commitment to DEI, and enhanced student success and wellness. He also served as Dean of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences and Associate Provost for Academic Outreach at the University of San Diego; and Dean of the School of Education and Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA. At both USD and SCU, he turned annual deficits into surpluses, grew enrollment, and grew innovative academic programs. Prior to that he was Director of the Counseling Program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA; and Chair of the Department of Education and Human Services and Program Coordinator & Director of Doctoral Training of the Counseling Psychology Program at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He received his Ph.D. from the University at Albany, State University of New York, in 1992 and his B.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. He has more than 80 publications, including 6 books, and has conducted over 250 national and international presentations in more than 20 countries in higher education leadership; and supervision and training of mental health practitioners. Dr. Heather Herrera is a seasoned higher education leader with a strong background in academic affairs, accreditation, curriculum design, and student outcomes assessment. With expertise across diverse fields—ranging from teacher education to allied health and the arts—she has a proven track record in strategic planning and driving initiatives that enhance higher education access, diversity, and affordability. Before joining SFBU, Dr. Herrera held key roles at the University of San Diego as Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer and Assistant Dean of Assessment and Accreditation. She also served as Executive Director of Academic Affairs at NYU's Steinhardt School for nearly a decade. Starting her career as an educator with over 20 years of experience teaching English composition, Dr. Herrera is deeply committed to supporting under-served students. A proud first-generation college graduate and San Francisco native, she earned her PhD in English Education from New York University.

Ep. 10: Epicenter of Innovation: Community and Industry Engagement at San Jose State University

In this inspiring episode of Visionary Voices: The College President's Playbook, host Dr. Bryan Gross sits down with Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President of San Jose State University, and Dr. Vincent J. Del Casino Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. The discussion centers around the university's strategic vision and its dynamic role in community and industry engagement, leveraging its prime location in Silicon Valley. Discover how San Jose State University, known as the original Silicon Valley startup, integrates its strategic vision with the needs of the local community through innovative programs. President Teniente-Matson and Dr. Del Casino delve into the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting initiatives such as the interdisciplinary science building, urban and regional planning programs, and the Sparta Incubator that supports entrepreneurship and innovation. The conversation underscores the critical role of higher education in addressing contemporary challenges and preparing students for the future. The episode offers valuable insights into the significance of having a support network and the benefits of institutional collaboration. Listeners will be inspired by the commitment to fostering innovation, the integration of AI and emerging technologies, and the relentless pursuit of excellence at San Jose State University. Tune in to learn why SJSU is at the epicenter of the future and how its leaders are paving the way for transformative change in higher education. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring leaders and anyone interested in the cutting-edge advancements happening in the heart of Silicon Valley. Guest Names:  Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson Dr. Vincent J. Del Casino Jr. Guest Socials: Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson - linkedin.com/in/cynthiatenientematson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiatenientematson?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BFzXq%2Ft03R4Cj%2FZJiN67p3g%3D%3D] Dr. Vincent J. Del Casino Jr. - linkedin.com/in/vincent-j-del-casino-jr-0a060356 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-j-del-casino-jr-0a060356?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BbCWlQ%2BZlRiCNxAZzdak4BA%3D%3D] Guest Bios:  Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson - Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson serves as the 31st president of San José State University. An internationally recognized Latina leader, President Teniente-Matson is a champion of student success initiatives; diversity, equity and inclusion; civic engagement; and experiential learning. A renowned public speaker, she has delivered keynotes at national conferences regarding contemporary issues in higher education, risk management, women’s leadership, and Latinx leadership. Throughout a career that spans more than 30 years in higher education, President TenienteMatson has always put students first, engaging in strategic partnerships and serving on numerous national educational-governing and civic boards geared toward enhancing the student experience. She currently sits on the boards of the American Council on Education and Girl Scouts USA; is a member of the HSI-Educational Testing Service (ETS) Steering Committee and LiftFund; and is a past chair of the Board of Directors for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), a university presidents and chancellors membership association. Prior to her appointment at SJSU in January 2023, President Teniente-Matson led Texas A&M University-San Antonio from 2015 to 2023, and was Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer at Fresno State University from 2004 to 2015. She earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Fresno State University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and a Bachelor of Arts in Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She and her husband Mike have two sons, Phillip and Wyatt. She enjoys writing, traveling, and outdoor activities such as biking and boating.  Dr. Vincent J. Del Casino Jr. - As SJSU’s provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, Vincent J. Del Casino Jr. serves as a key member of the university president’s leadership team with primary responsibility for ensuring academic excellence in undergraduate and graduate studies as well as a continual commitment to research, scholarship, and creative activities that benefit all students and society at large. At the University of Arizona, Del Casino provided leadership and administrative oversight as the campus redeveloped central spaces for student support activities; re-organized its central administrative areas; increased online enrollment and program offerings; and enhanced student success and retention. With more than 18 years of academic and administrative experience in higher education, he also served as professor and chair of the Department of Geography at California State University, Long Beach. Del Casino is a prolific writer and researcher who authored the book Social Geography: A Critical Introduction. He has also edited, co-edited and co-authored multiple other books and published dozens of articles and book chapters on topics ranging from health, robots and robotic technologies, cartographic theory, and tourism, in the context of geography. His numerous commentaries on higher education have been published in The Evolllution and Inside Higher Education, including “Machine Learning, Big Data and the Future of Higher Education.” Prior to earning his doctorate in geography from the University of Kentucky, Del Casino received his master’s in geography from the University of Wisconsin and bachelor’s in international relations and East Asian studies from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania.