I've said these things a few times and decided to write them down today ... I'm really wound up about the opportunities we have in higher education! Today - at this moment ... we could DO so many things to create more value for students and contribute to American productivity ...
So ... Have you heard people say, "The first step is admitting you have a problem"? Well, we still have a conformity and/or lack of innovation problem in higher education. Here is real world evidence in the form of challenge questions:
1. Would University of Phoenix ever have come into existence if the traditional universities addressed those unmet market needs? Now, the traditionals are taking this business back with their prestige advantage.
2. Why did Grand Canyon University have to be saved by investors? The campus is bustling with excitement now!
3. As the Thunderbird School of Global Management shared its wisdom with students about how to lead international companies, why did they experience a slow public death in the global economy? ASU, the #1 Innovative college (US News & World Report), came to the rescue!
If we are aware, we can open our minds to new ways of being. We can change! We can be non-conformists and innovators! Let's look at just two recent examples from ASU and GCU to inspire us ...
ASU Innovation - for students
President Michael Crow, known as an innovator, has said, "...we can't keep doing things the same old way." (Arizona Repulic 12/13/13). One ASU innovation that represents a real growth opportunity for students is the Entrepreneurship Challenge (see links below). This is a series of competitions such as the Changemaker Challenge that is currently offering a $10,000 award.
ASU video on their Entrepreneurship Challenge Opportunity
ASU video on entrepreneurship
GCU Innovation - for students
For students considering GCU, one of the most noteworthy innovations is their new hotel through the Colangelo School of Business. If you want students to learn the hospitality business, why not open a hotel for them to run? So much better than a text book!
And, GCU must be good at developing relationships because Jerry Colangelo has shown a highly personal commitment to the college. He is present on campus speaking for small groups of students and offering expansion advice - much more than just a name on a college.
Welcome to GCU video
Conclusion
Regardless of the culture(s) we are part of, we always have a choice ... we can go beyond conformity and what most people around us would typically do. Thank you to ASU and GCU for examples of creativity, innovation and ... entrepreneurship in higher education!
Additional Reading
The following articles calls for specific innovations within higher education:
U.S. COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES MUST TAKE ENTREPRENEURIAL APPROACH TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES, ACCORDING TO KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION REPORT. (2012, June 7). States News Service. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA292238485&sid=summon&v=2.1&u=mcc_pv&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=d8381facb0f0b57f2e2c363bff3291d7
