Mar18Written by:Nathan Greeno
3/18/2010 6:12 AM 
Today in the Omaha World-Herald the announcement was made that the
125-year old Lutheran Dana College has been sold to a group of
investors. When questioned about the financial troubles that led to
this, the answer was simple. The college couldn't keep doing things
the old way.
I once heard that the first sign of insanity is to
keep doing the same thing expecting different results. Unfortunately
higher education is no exception.
Balancing historical mission
with modern relevance is essential. That means change. Not change in
principle or values, but change in methodology, practice and
presentation. What will make higher education relevant in five years?
It begins with a listening ear. Listen to your prospects and what they
are telling you. It may not come in words, but it will come in votes
of the feet.
There is no real substitute for a caring and
responsive hand that helps a learner achieve his/her goals of degree
attainment. That expresses a value we should all have. But how do we
present that value to the market space? How do we express that value
in service? How do we change our teaching methodologies curricular
choices and modes of delivery to fit the current and relevant needs of
today's learner? The answers to those questions will determine
relevancy.
If your institution is not on its way to
significant changes in relevancy for five years from now... it may
suddenly find itself like Dana College.
If a change
initiative begins now with a great listening ear, strong leadership and
the willingness to break down old processes and methods and replacing
with new - in a way that doesn't compromise mission.... you will be
relevant in five years.
NathanCopyright ©2010 Nathan Greeno
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