Most colleges rely on more than 20 disconnected systems to support students, creating confusion, reducing engagement, and lowering graduation rates. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, <a href= "https://changinghighered.com/dr-drumm-mcnaughton-higher-education-consultant/"> Dr. Drumm McNaughton</a> speaks with <a href= "https://www.elliotfelix.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Elliot Felix</a> is the founder of brightspot Strategy (acquired by <a href="https://www.burohappold.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buro Happold</a> in 2020) and the author of <a href= "The%20Connected%20College:%20Leadership%20Strategies%20for%20Student%20Success" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Connected College: Leadership Strategies for Student Success</a> about how building integrated systems where strategy, services, and technology work together can improve student outcomes without increasing institutional complexity or cost. Felix, who has worked with more than 100 institutions including MIT, NYU, and the University of Virginia, draws on his background in architecture and design thinking to offer practical solutions for breaking down silos and creating seamless student experiences. This conversation provides actionable strategies for institutional leaders seeking to move from fragmentation to alignment while managing limited resources. This episode is particularly valuable for presidents, trustees, and senior administrators looking to redesign operations and improve student success through systemic coordination rather than adding more programs and services. Topics Covered: <ul class= "[&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7"> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Why the "additive culture" in higher education creates operational sprawl and student confusion</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">How design thinking can transform institutional strategy and student experience</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Practical approaches to breaking down silos without major reorganizations</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Using RACI models and governance structures to enable faster, smarter decisions</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">The critical importance of aligning strategic planning with budget decisions</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Reframing risk as a condition for progress through prototyping and piloting</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Strategic partnerships as tools for expanding capacity without internal complexity</li> </ul> Real-World Examples Discussed: <ul class= "[&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7"> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">NYU's transformation of computer labs into "connect and create" collaborative spaces</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">UVA's co-location of different advising functions for seamless student support</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Purdue University's Communicators Council as a model for decentralized coordination</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Colorado State's IT governance process for strategic technology investments</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">The pitfall of institutions with both writing centers and writing labs in the same building</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Quinnipiac's healthcare partnership providing both services and talent pipeline</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Amarillo College's community partnerships that increased graduation rates from 14% to 65-80%</li> </ul> Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: <ul class= "[&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7"> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Create a focused strategy that prioritizes where to invest, makes hard tradeoffs, and aligns budget with institutional goals</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Break the cycle of fragmentation by consolidating services and systems to improve access, reduce duplication, and enhance outcomes</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Reframe risk as progress by encouraging piloting and iteration to unlock innovation without waiting for consensus or perfection</li> </ul> This episode offers institutional leaders a clear, actionable framework for moving from fragmentation to alignment while improving student outcomes through strategic execution rather than adding complexity. Recommended For: Presidents, trustees, chief academic officers, student affairs leaders, and institutional planning teams focused on improving student success through systemic coordination. Read the transcript: <a href= "https://changinghighered.com/connected-college-strategy-to-improve-student-success/"> https://changinghighered.com/connected-college-strategy-to-improve-student-success/</a>   #HigherEdLeadership #StudentSuccess #InstitutionalStrategy #HigherEducationPodcast

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