Empowering higher education leaders: Insights from Harvard's MLE program

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest university in the U.S. and it consistently ranks as one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in the world.

It didn’t disappoint when I was there in June for seven immersive and highly enlightening days with 92 fellow deans and administrators. We were at Harvard’s Institute for Management and Leadership in Higher Education (MLE) for a fantastic program that I strongly recommend for any senior college or university administrator.

This program is designed to provide higher education leaders with tools for planning and leading change, new models for student success and the opportunity to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing higher ed. We also had the chance to dissect the latest trends and to network with leaders committed to upping their game to make a difference at their institutions.

The instructors included faculty in the Harvard Graduate School of Education as well as several current and former college presidents. They used case studies to prompt discussions that were insightful and engaging. We learned a great deal from each other, as well. Not only was the feedback from the attendees at a high level but our small group discussions were highly personalized. We plan to stay in touch for advice and counsel and to hold each other accountable for plans and goals.

Higher education certainly has its share of challenges. Pick up any issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education and it’s easy to get discouraged. For example, the May 24, 2024, edition describes student protests and no-confidence votes at Indiana University, professors wrongly accusing students of plagiarizing with AI, enrollment cliffs and a future filled with lawsuits. Add to that fiscal crises, mental health issues, declining public trust — and it is easy to get disheartened.

But Dr. Francisco Rodriquez, Chancellor at the Los Angeles Community College District, compellingly reminded us to remember that education changes lives for the better and provides crucial opportunities for everyone.

In addition to deans, participants included provosts and vice provosts who lead their institutions in research, finance, student affairs and technology. Colleges and universities across the country—including from overseas—were represented. There were big and small public universities, elite private schools and community colleges. We were all there for the same reason. We want to improve ourselves and our institutions.

I want to thank the faculty leads—Francesca Purcell and Hanna Rodriguez-Farrar—as well as my president and provost for supporting this investment in my professional development and the future of USC. Again, I highly encourage you to consider this institute if you are in higher education and want to sharpen your skills and gain the conceptual knowledge to make a positive difference.

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