The change in calendar years is always a time for colleagues and I to reflect on what we are seeing within higher education, and to collect ideas on what the future will bring in terms of leadership. As I review my own notes from conversations I have had with our search consultants, the following trends stand out as significant and influential in terms of how colleges and universities operate.
The role of strategic-level diversity leadership
With greater diversity among students, faculty and administration, the Chief Diversity Officer role will continue to grow in 2017, underscoring the increasing importance of locating — at the senior-most decision tables — expertise about the ways in which educating about diversity, access and inclusion must be woven through all aspects of the institution. In 2017 women will break through to more leadership roles in every area of higher education. And with new leadership of the United States and a greater habituation to speech and action that can be hurtful to those not of the majority, relations among students will see even greater challenge. As universities attract and sustain diverse communities, leaders must navigate the opportunities and challenges this presents with wisdom and finesse.
Technology: driving change, raising questions
Technology is transforming higher education: students access education almost anywhere, anytime; online and blended classes and degrees will become more common, and new tech-informed styles of learning will emerge to engage Millennials and Generation Z as well as non-traditional students who need flexibility in how they earn their degrees. Higher ed leaders need to be on the forefront of this change, with data and technology literacy a must-have leadership competency. But as digital technology pervades the campus, leaders will have to grapple with growing concerns over privacy and cybersecurity and how they are regulated.
Building and protecting Brand U
Today’s top schools are national and international brands and they leverage their names and reputations to attract students, recruit faculty, appeal to donors, expand regionally and internationally, forge strategic partnerships and foster successful growth. Higher ed leaders will need to grow their brands organically while protecting their brand image, because a higher profile may make an institution more vulnerable to negative publicity and public controversy.
