Looking ahead, not behind

As we start this new academic year, I have developed a new theme to weave into my work – Look ahead, Not Behind. 

Often we hear about the way things “use to be” , I would strongly concur some past practices were excellent, student focused, and geared towards building a stronger collegiate experience.  However, the times are changing and we in higher education must change with the times.  A recent post and video clip from Bill Gates reminds me that it is time for us in higher education to look towards the future.  Each day campus leaders, faculty and staff should be asking the question how do we create a personalized, interactive, engaged experience with strong academic outcomes that focuses on students completing their degrees? 

Our theme this year should be to look ahead and prepare for a multi-faceted learner who 18 or 78 is looking to experts to help them prepare for their next experience.  Over the course of the upcoming months, I plan to add to this blog conversations around how we in higher education can have a conversation about looking ahead and strategies to serve our students.  I welcome your contributions, ideas, disagreements or affirmations as to how we do this.